Continuing our post-Covid re-emergence Cheri and I recently took a drive down to New Bern, North Carolina for a weekend get away. New Bern is on the inner banks in a beautiful waterside location. It’s history is rich and colorful, having served as the original capital of the state before that seat moved later to Raleigh. You can visit the colonial governor’s mansion, Tryon Palace, which is actually a rebuilt version of the original that burned down in 1798. Prior to that, the building had served two colonial governors and even a visit from George Washington.
The building was recreated from original plans and is as close as you could expect to the way it would have been during the governor’s residence. The original furnishings are long gone, but period pieces are displayed throughout and give you the feel for how they would have lived. Guided tours are informative and fun. Also on the grounds are the
Tryon Palace
original stable building, the only structure that survived the fire, and a building housing the kitchens and servants quarters. You can tour those also. The Palace is part of a larger history museum complex, the North Carolina History Center. You can learn more on their website at www.tryonpalace.org.
Another way to see much of the history and historical buildings in New Bern’s past is to take a scenic trolley ride. We enjoyed a 90 minute tour offered by New Bern Tours. With an engaging, fun and informative guide, the trolley bus takes you through centuries of New Bern history displayed through historic homes, buildings, cemeteries and the stories that go with them. This is worth your time. You can read more, and book your tour, on their website at www.newberntours.com.
Pepsi Birthplace
When you’re not enjoying the history, you can enjoy the vibrant downtown area that the small city has to offer. Restaurants, shops, theater companies, coffee shops and lively bars are lined up along Middle and Craven Streets. We were there on a rainy weekend, and there were still plenty of people out and about. Its a fun place to spend a few evenings. While you’re walking around you can also see the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, sample a cold one and take home some Pepsi memorabilia if that interests you. You’ll need dinner reservations on the weekend during the
One of the Bears
warmer months, and in fact many were booked out when we went in March. We’ll review a couple of our favorites in subsequent article. Another fun thing about strolling around New Bern are the bears. You’ll find colorful, themed and decorated life size bear statues through the downtown area. Just finding all of them could be a fun way to spend a family afternoon, especially for your kids.
There are several hotel chains represented in and near the city, and some B&B properties as well. We stayed at the Benjamin Ellis House at 215 Pollock Street. This charming property is a block from the central downtown area and convenient to everything. This is a walking town, and from the Benjamin Ellis you can get anywhere in town within 15 minutes. We parked the car for the weekend behind the inn and never touched it until we left.
Originally two houses, the current B&B building is a little strange when you walk in the front door. There are two
central halls and two sets of stairs, which is a bit confusing at first. You do quickly get used to it however. The house is beautiful and cozy. Plenty of common areas are available for lounging. The large dining room hosts a full breakfast in the morning. Our room was number 7, a large, comfortable room with a king bed, sitting area and a modern bath with both tub and separate shower. Individual climate control in each room is appreciated, and we found the lodging to meet all expectations. This is a place you can hole up in when you’re not out and about the town. We highly recommend it. You can see more about the Benjamin Ellis house at www.benjaminellishouse.com.
If you’re in the general area and looking for a place to spend an enjoyable and relaxing few days, then New Bern is a good choice. We will visit both New Bern and the Benjamin Ellis House again. It could become a place we visit many times.
A votre santé!
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