ESCAPE TO NEW BERN, NC TO ENJOY THE ARTS, HISTORY, AND GREAT OUTDOORS

Visit the great city of New Bern, North Carolina. You’ll find a community rich in arts, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

New Bern’s population is close to 30,000 residents with diverse social backgrounds. Residents range from home grown New Bernians, military members and their families, “transplants” seeking a slower pace of life, and “snowbirds" escaping from the cold weather. Military personnel “homestead” in New Bern because of its close proximity to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point and Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejuene.

A city abounding in history, visit over 150 historical landmarks by taking a guided tour (New Bern Trolley, Carriage Rides, or Segway Tours) or a self-guided walking tour. The Swiss Baron Christopher de Graffenried founded New Bern in 1710 and the city was named after his home city of Bern, Switzerland. New Bern became the State’s first Capitol in 1770 until it was relocated to Raleigh in 1778. Next year marks our 300^th year anniversary and there are several exciting events planned throughout 2010.

Prefer the Arts? Join the many art enthusiasts that are drawn to the abundance and variety of cultural experiences in New Bern. Home to many artists, arts shops, and galleries, visitors enjoy frequent art exhibits, concerts, and live theatre performances.

Get back to nature! New Bern is nestled between the Neuse and Trent Rivers in Eastern NC and offers plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. The enormous Croatan National Forest is in our backyard and provides a haven for nature lovers. Its home to the black bear, coyote, wild turkey, bobcat, wild boar, alligator, and bald eagle to name a few wildlife species.  The Croatan’s habitat supplies excellent conditions for exotic plants like the Venus flytrap, making it the only National Forest with largest carnivorous plant population. For those who prefer fun at the beach, the Atlantic Ocean is only a 45 minute drive.

Experience the arts, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities this great city has to offer by taking your next vacation to New Bern, NC. Take a “virtual tour” at http://www.newbernnow.com and see that there is something for everyone to enjoy!