Things to See in New Bern North Carolina
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The centerpiece of our restored historic district is Tryon Palace, restored home of British Governor William Tryon, who had his magnificent showplace built in 1770. The elegant Georgian style mansion served as both home of the governor and the capitol of the Colony of North Carolina. After the Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace became the capitol of the independent State of North Carolina. |
Restored to its 18th-century glory, Tryon Palace is furnished with an outstanding collection of antiques and art. The 14 acres of grounds are devoted to extensive gardens ranging from English formal gardens to a kitchen garden to wilderness garden areas. The complex also includes three other 18th- and 19-th century historic homes open to visitors: the John Wright Stanly House (c. 1783), a stately home built by the Revolutionary War patriot; the George W. Dixon House (c. 1830), a prominent Federal style home noted for its rare Neo-Classical antiques; and the Robert Hay House, where visitors can meet costumed characters portraying the home's residents in the year 1835.
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The Stanly House was built in the early 1780s for Revolutionary War patriot, John Wright Stanly. John Hawks, the architect who designed Tryon Palace, may have designed the Stanly House as well. John Wright Stanly was a leading ship owner, shipper, and molasses distiller in New Bern. He had trade connections with both Philadelphia and the West Indies. Active during the American Revolution, Stanly provided much needed supplies for the American forces and used his ships as privateers against the British. Stanly lost 14 ships during the Revolution. |
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After the Revolution, Stanly continued to serve as a prominent leader in New Bern. He was appointed by President George Washington as the first judge of the Maritime Court in North Carolina.
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The George W. Dixon House was probably built in the early 1830s for George W. Dixon, a merchant tailor and one-time mayor of the city. Dixon purchased the lot the house stands on in 1826; the lot was part of the original Tryon Palace grounds. The Palace had burned in 1798 and the grounds had been divided into building lots and sold by the state. George Street was continued through the former grounds and over the palace foundations. The lot Mr. Dixon bought was, therefore, a choice corner lot. After 1833, Dixon fell on hard times economically, as did much of the nation. He mortgaged his house and its contents four times between 1833 and 1836, finally losing the house in a foreclosure sale to settle his debts in 1839. The house passed through several owners before the Civil War. The Dixon-Stevenson House served as a hospital for the 9th Vermont Infantry during the Union Army occupation of New Bern. |
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In historic New Bern, NC renowned for its fine old buildings and their association with eminent events and individuals of the past, one of the foremost architectural gems and sites of interest is the Attmore Oliver House. As the home of the New Bern Historical Society, visitors to the Attmore-Oliver House will find a warm welcoming atmosphere, changing exhibits, along with an informative and fascinating history of its former occupants. Purchased in 1953, the restoration tastefully preserved many of the original 1790 architectural features along with the Greek Revival additions from 1834. The result is a fine blend of both 18th and 19th century architecture. The house is furnished with antiques lovingly collected over several decades. Several rooms have been set aside for special exhibits including Civil War memorabilia and a unique doll collection. |
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Having celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1991, Christ Episcopal Church is the oldest in New Bern and one of the oldest in North Carolina. This is actually the third church building to stand in this area. The first was completed in 1750 and was later destroyed by fire. The foundation of that first church is on the current church grounds. The second church was completed in 1824 and destroyed by fire in 1871. The church you see today was completed in 1875; it is a Gothic Revival building that incorporates surviving walls of that second church. The steeple, with its four-faced clock, is one of the identifying marks of the downtown skyline. Among the treasures on display are a 1752 Book of Common Prayer, a huge 1717 Bible and a five-piece silver communion service given to Christ Church by King George II. Each bears the royal coat-of-arms. To tour the church enter the side door weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM. |
Centenary United Methodist Church
309 New St. New Bern, NC. (252) 637-4181 First organized as a congregation in 1772, the current Centenary United Methodist Church was designed by Herbert Woodley Simpson and completed in 1904. Its rounded walls and turrets have an almost Moorish look. Visitors can tour the building between 9 AM and 4 PM weekdays |
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Temple B'Nai Sholem Synagogue
505 Middle St. New Bern, NC (252) 638-4228
The stucco, Neoclassical Revival synagogue is a beautiful, uncommon specimen of architecture in the area. A Herbert Woodley Simpson-designed structure, the synagogue was built in 1908 by the congregation that was organized about 1824.
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The New Bern Academy Museum Founded in 1764 and built in 1809, New Bern Academy is the oldest public school in North Carolina and one of the oldest in America. It was used as a school recently enough to have been attended by some of New Bern's current residents. After it closed, it sat vacant for several decades. In the 1980s, it was purchased and renovated by Tryon Palace and today houses exhibits illustrating the 300-year history of New Bern and eastern North Carolina. The Academy Museum is open daily for self-guided touring. Admission is charged as part of the Tryon Palace Complex admission. |
Bellair Plantation and Restoration
1100 Washington Post Rd. (252) 637-3913
The last and largest brick plantation country house of the 18th century in North Carolina, the Bellair Plantation (c. 1734) is a majestic three-story brick building approached from Highway 43 N. by two long driveways, one lined by lavish old cedars. Georgian handcrafted woodwork greets visitors at the imposing eight-panelled door and continues through the main rooms. Original family furnishings are still in the house, probably because Bellair was specifically guarded from harm during the occupation of Federal Forces during the Civil War by order of Gen. Ambrose Burnside. The written order, dated March 20, 1862, still hangs on the wall at Bellair. The basement holds the cooking fireplaces with crane, tools and ironworks of the period. Forty-five minute tours of the historic site are offered on weekdays by appointment; Saturdays, 11 AM until 3 PM; Sundays at 2 and 3 PM. Tour prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years old and younger. Group tour discounts are offered.
Bank of the Arts
317 Middle St. (252) 638-2577
A former bank built in 1912, the interesting granite structure now serves as headquarters for the Craven Arts Council and Gallery. The classical facade of the building features Ionic columns leading into the open, two-story gallery. Detailed pilasters and Corinthian columns have been highlighted by colors in the beaux-arts motif. Changing exhibits of various media -- painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, fiber art and other art forms -- showcase the work of local and Southeastern artists. Many special events, such as concerts, lectures and receptions, are offered here throughout the year. The Bank of the Arts does not charge an admission fee and visitors are welcome to browse. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The arts building is handicapped accessible.
Farmer's Market
421 South Front St. (252) 633-1477
Bringing fresh local produce to downtown New Bern throughout the year, the Farmer's Market is a town treasure operated by the Craven County Cooperative Extension Service. From fruits to flowers and through the range of baked, canned and prepared goods, the Farmer's Market is a favorite stop, but you have to keep the days and hours in mind. From June 15 through September 15, days of operation are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6 AM to 1 PM. After September 15 and before June 15, the Farmer's Market is open Saturdays only, 6 AM to 1 PM.
Fireman's Museum
408 Hancock St.
(252) 636-4087
The New Bern fire company is one of the oldest in the country operating under its original 1845 charter as the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company. The restored museum is just behind the fire department's Broad Street headquarters and houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of other early fire-fighting equipment. Also on exhibit are rare photos, Civil War relics and even the mounted head of the faithful old fire horse, Fred, who, according to stories told by firefighters, died in his tracks while answering an alarm. Retired New Bern firemen are regularly at the museum to tell fire-fighting stories. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. The museum is open year round, except for a week around the Fourth of July and a week around Christmas. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. The museum is handicapped accessible.
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Cedar Grove Cemetery If you're one of those people who loves wandering through old graveyards, you'll not want to miss this one. Statuary and monuments beneath Spanish moss-draped trees mark burial traditions from the earliest days of our nation. One smallish obelisk lists the names of nine children in one family who all died within a two-year time span. The city's monument to its Confederate dead and the graves of 70 soldiers are also here. The cemetery's main gate features a shell motif, with an accompanying legend that says if water drips on you as you enter, you will be the next to arrive by hearse |
New Bern Trolley Tours Touring the town by trolley is a comfortable and interesting alternative to a walking tour if you've arrived without your sneakers. Narrated 1½-hour tours depart Tryon Palace between March 1 and October 31 at 11 AM and 2 PM daily except Tuesday and Wednesday and at 2 PM on Sunday. An additional 4 PM tour is available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Tours or charters for special groups or occasions may also be arranged. Professional guides narrate the tours with attention to historical and architectural interests and spice the narrative with folklore and local knowledge. Trolley tours are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are sold on the trolley car and are available at Cherishables Gift Shop, 712 Pollock Street, near Tryon Palace. |
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Union Point Park
South Front and E. Front St's (252) 636-4660
This lovely waterfront park is often the site of outdoor activities and offers a welcome respite for weary visitors who want to take a load off their feet. Music is sometimes featured here. It is an excellent place to simply sit and watch the world float by. There are lovely river views, and the site is particularly pleasant for evening sunset viewing. On-site facilities accommodate picnicking, boat launching and other outdoor activities.
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Croatan National Forest Croatan National Forest is an expansive nature preserve bordered by New Bern, Morehead City and Cape Carteret. It is headquartered on Fisher Avenue, which is approximately 9 miles south of New Bern just off U.S. 70 E. Well-placed road signs make the office easy to find. Within the forest's boundaries are endangered animals and rare plants. Black bears, otters, deer, raptors and other forest creatures live in this coastal woodland. Insectivorous plants such as the Venus's flytrap, butterworts, pitcher plants, sundews and bladderworts find the forest an ideal habitat and are protected by law. The forest is also well-known for its beautiful wildflowers. Pamphlets on the wildflowers and insectivorous plants are available at forest headquarters, 638-5628, 141 E. Fisher Avenue, 9 miles south of New Bern off U.S. 70 E. Because of the forest's coastal location, many unique features can be found here. Some of the ecosystems present include pocosins, longleaf and loblolly pine and bottomland and upland hardwoods. Sprinkled throughout the Croatan are 40 miles of streams and 4,300 acres of wild lakes. |