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Step back in time with a visit to Historic New Bern, NC! Explore Tryon Palace, charming downtown streets, and colonial landmarks. Plan your stay with Vacation Escapes for a perfect getaway.
New Bern NC is the perfect blend of colonial history, Southern charm, and modern fun. Famous as North Carolina's first capital and the birthplace of Pepsi, this storybook town is full of tales from the past, expertly preserved architecture, and an interesting cultural scene. A visit to this historic gem is best enjoyed at one of Vacation Escape’s places to stay in New Bern NC, offering both modern comforts and historic ambiance.
One of the oldest towns in North Carolina, New Bern was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers. Named after Bern, Switzerland, this small coastal city secured its place in the creation of North Carolina's early government and economy. Having endured battles, catastrophic fires, and economic shifts, New Bern still remains a living museum of historic sites alongside thoughtful modern additions.
529 South Front Street, New Bern NC
When New Bern was North Carolina's capital, Tryon Palace was the official residence of the state's royal governor. Tryon Palace is now open to the public as a living history site, allowing visitors to tour elegant rooms, stroll through incredible period gardens, and engage with exhibits that bring colonial times to life while paying due respects to native ancestral and African American influences and experiences during the era.
420 Broad Street, New Bern NC
One of America's oldest fire companies is located in historic New Bern NC. The New Bern Firemen's Museum features vintage firefighting equipment and gear, historical exhibits, and stories about the brave townsfolk who have protected New Bern from fires throughout its history.
Dedicated to preserving history, New Bern boasts beautifully preserved and restored homes, churches, and other architectural wonders that reflect the town's interesting past. These are just a few of the historic homes and churches in New Bern:
Charming Streets and Shops
A stroll through historic New Bern NC is like walking right back into the past. Home to local boutiques, skilled artisan shops, unique antique stores, and more offering everything from modern day souvenirs to colonial-era crafts. Whether you're on the hunt for handmade pottery, locally made goods to commemorate your trip, or vintage treasures, the charming streets of historic New Bern set the stage for a perfect shopping experience.
Pepsi Birthplace
New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi! Visitors can stop in and tour the Pepsi Store, where the drink was originally invented in 1898 by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham. Sip on a fountain Pepsi (the way it was intended), browse memorabilia and collectors' items, and learn about the origins of this world-famous soda.
Dining with Colonial Flair
New Bern is home to plenty of dining experiences that nod to the area's colonial roots. Housed in historic buildings that have been restored and repurposed to fit today's standards, downtown New Bern restaurants like Morgan's Tavern and The Chelsea feature traditional Southern fare in charming atmospheres that add to the experience.
Enjoy accommodations that blend modern comfort with old-world charm when you book a stay with Vacation Escapes. The perfect base for exploring New Bern's museums, shops, and waterfront views, these New Bern vacation rentals can't be beat.
Offering accommodations for families, couples, and large groups in the best locations within walking distance of New Bern's historical sites, a Vacation Escapes rental is the first step to planning an incredible trip to New Bern NC.
Tucked along the river just beyond the bustle of downtown, this quiet New Bern resort community is your base for an unforgettable coastal North Carolina escape. With spacious vacation rentals designed for comfort and convenience, it’s the perfect place for families and couples to reconnect. Enjoy on-site indoor and outdoor pools, a marina for boating and fishing, and the kind of easy-going charm you only find off the beaten path. Whether you're exploring historic downtown, picnicking by the water, or simply watching the sunset from your porch, this is real vacation living—laid-back, welcoming, and made for quality time.
New Bern, NC
Located on the Neuse River, The Harbour at New Bern offers a relaxing setting, perfect for long walks, early morning sunrises, and picturesque sunsets. The nearby area golf courses, marinas, antique shops, hiking, tours of historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.
New Bern, NC
Located on the Neuse River, Sandcastle Village II at New Bern, offers a relaxing setting, perfect for long walks, early morning sunrises, and picturesque sunsets.
New Bern, NC
Located on the Neuse River, Waterwood Townhouses at New Bern offers a relaxing setting, perfect for long walks, early morning sunrises, and picturesque sunsets.
New Bern, NC
Located on the Neuse River, The Harbour at New Bern offers a relaxing setting; perfect for long walks, early morning sunrises, and picturesque sunsets. The nearby area golf courses, marinas, antique shops, hiking, tours of historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Discover New Bern’s Iconic Bear Town Bears Wander through historic downtown New Bern and you’ll spot something delightfully unexpected—colorful, life-sized bear statues on nearly every corner. These hand-painted bears celebrate the city’s Swiss heritage and artistic spirit, turning a simple stroll into a fun and family-friendly scavenger hunt.
For fans of Nicholas Sparks, visiting New Bern is more than a sightseeing trip—it's a chance to step inside the emotional worlds of love, loss, and redemption. Whether you're retracing the steps of Noah and Allie, reflecting at Union Point Park, or soaking in the Southern charm of historic streets, you’re walking through pages of a novel that came to life here.
