Best hotels in New Bern
Courtyard by Marriott New Bern
218 East Front Street, NC, 28560
Located in the historic district, this is the perfect base in New Bern with Neuse River views. Business travelers will appreciate the lobby with its flexible workspaces, while rooms come with queen or king beds, and some with balconies.
The Jarvis at 220
220 Pollock St, NC, 28560
Inside a lovely 1903 Downtown building, four suites provide a wonderful welcome. There are large beds to sink into, lavish en-suite bathrooms and nice decorative touches – plus free artisan fudge. The romance packages are ideal for couples, with in-room spa treatments.
Benjamin Ellis House
215 Pollock St, NC, 28560
On the same stretch as The Jarvis, this is another gorgeous vintage building from 1853. This B&B is close to the Riverfront Convention Center and Tryon Palace, while some suites boast four-poster beds. Breakfasts are a joy, whether you choose cheese grits souffle or stuffed crepes.
Best restaurants in New Bern
Captain Ratty’s Seafood & Steakhouse
202 Middle Street, NC, 28560
Sizzling seafood with sensational views is always on the menu at Captain Ratty’s. Bag yourself a rooftop table in the sunshine and feast on sautéed mussels, fresh oysters, clam chowder, sirloin steak and bounteous burgers. For a taste of the south, go for the ‘Low Country Boil’, a mélange of sausage, shrimp, clams, potatoes and corn.
Morgan’s Tavern & Grill
235 Craven St, NC, 28560
This converted garage in Downtown charms with its rough-hewn brick walls and exposed wood, then tops it off with a menu that tempts from beginning to end. Salmon comes surrounded in a ginger teriyaki crust, while plump scallops are wrapped in bacon and served with tempura asparagus. The burgers are deliciously juicy– try the ‘Slap Florence’ with its Cajun seasoning and gochujang mayo.
The Chelsea
335 Middle St, NC, 28560
The Chelsea dishes up superior bistro food in its handsome Downtown base, with a vibe that makes it equally perfect for a quick lunch or leisurely, romantic dinner. Beef tenderloin filet arrives oozing its gorgonzola stuffing, while a Carolina mud pie is the pick of some glorious desserts.
What to do in New Bern
Tryon Palace
529 S Front St, NC, 28562
This 20th-century recreation of the former Governor’s Palace is a great spot for exploring the rich local history. The Palace was where the British Governors of North Carolina were based, and it was seized during the revolutionary war in 1775. Inside you’ll find a grand staircase, artifacts and art, and the stables building which is the only one that survived the fire that razed the palace in the late 18th century.
North Carolina History Center
529 S Front St, NC, 28562
Based at the Tryon Palace, this $65m complex does a brilliant job of illuminating North Carolina and New Bern’s long history. From boating to the environment, colonial wrangles to rotating exhibitions, it’s a great addition to the Palace. It’s also on the waterfront, with fine places to eat and relax.
Birthplace of Pepsi Cola
256 Middle St, NC, 28560
While there’s a Pepsi Family Center at Tryon Palace, this location on Middle Street is where Coke’s main rival was truly born. This former drug store was where ‘Brad’s Drink’ was created in the late 19th century, renamed as Pepsi Cola in 1898. Take a tour of the museum, pick up some souvenirs and, whatever you do, don’t ask for Coca Cola.