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The Ultimate Guide to New Bern - From a Local
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items New Bern has my heart 💕 It’s a cute coastal town full of friendly people and tons of charm! It’s extremely walkable and there’s things to do in every season. I’ve listed my favorite places to eat, drink, and shop and included the best places to stay...
Map
Sections
6
Coffee
Food
Drinks
Shopping
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Coffee
This is one of my favorite spots for coffee! The coffee is great and you can pick up something light for breakfast or lunch!
Bella's Cafe & Catering
A great spot for coffee or baked goods!
Crema Brew - Your Neighborhood Coffeehouse in New Bern ...
Food
A NB staple for breakfast. They have butter syrup 😋😋 enough said
Baker's Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
A cute spot located in Downtown New Bern. GREAT shrimp and grits!
The Chelsea
The food here is always amazing. They have something for everyone (pups included) and the honey croissants are so good!
Morgan's Tavern & Grill
On the pricier end but the ambiance is the best. The food is great and they have tons of drinks to choose from. Try the strawberry cake (it was in our state magazine), you won’t regret it!
Cypress Hall
I go here every Friday! A smaller restaurant with great Thai food. The staff is friendly and service is always top notch.
Thai Angel: Downtown New Bern | Thai Restaurant
A great spot for seafood! They have a wide variety of different seafood items with some choices for those that don’t like seafood too! I love their pig and grits 😋
Mj's Raw Bar and Grille
A sandwich stop with an amazing view! They use all boars head meats and have amazing panini tots! Enjoy lunch with a view of the Trent River.
Lawsons On The Creek - New Bern NC
I am obsessed with this place!! The best sweet treats and ice cream! They have candy as well and just about any chocolate you can think of. Try the chocolate covered smore.
Bear City Fudge Company: Shop
Drinks
Love coming here for drinks and sitting outside on the patio!
Harry's BBQ: Home
A cute spot for drinks and Tapas - The vibe here is 10/10 and they have a ton of drinks to choose from.
Baxters 1892 Restaurant Home
The best restaurant views in town!! Waterfront dining. The drinks are really good. My favorite spot to go sit and have a drink on a summer night.
Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant | Fine Dining on the Neuse River
Shopping
If you love cooking then this is definitely a place for you to stop by! We only use their olive oil, there is a clear difference in quality. They have a lot of blends as well. You can also pick up some vinaigrette, spices, and even chocolate while yo...
Midtown Olive Oil
An outdoorsy store with a variety of items! They carry high end brands like Patagonia and Barbour. They also carry life is good items as well as little knick knacks.
Surf, Wind and Fire
This is a great spot if you have littles. I go here to get gifts for all of my friends kids. They have a wide variety of learning toys, books, and even costumes for kids of all ages.
SnapDragon - Toy Store - Facebook
This place has a little bit of everything! It has Olukai Shoes, Men and Women’s clothing, jewelry, wine, baby toys, and other items.
Nautical Wheelers in Oriental & New Bern, NC
An old hardware store with a little bit of everything! You can still get hardware here but can also get kitchen items, old time candy, really great caramel, outdoor items, and more!
Mitchell Hardware
An art store that features local artists! I love to stop in here and look at the paintings/prints. Beautiful artwork!
Carolina Creations Gallery of Fine Art, Design and Contemporary Craft
New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi so you really can’t visit without stopping at the Pepsi store. Stop here and get a Pepsi or Mt. Dew and popcorn!
Pepsi-Cola Store
I LOVE stopping at this store. I don’t think I ever leave empty handed! This place has multiple vendor booths with items that range from vintage mason jars, furniture, clothing, and other goodies! They also have a selection of local products as well.
Franklin's - Antique | Vintage | Home - New Bern, NC
A little bit more of an upscale place but they do have items that are in a good price range. So many cute clothes!
Lula Balou Homepage
Where to Stay
This hotel opened in 2024. It’s an e-hotel meaning you can check in and do everything through your phone. It’s in a renovated building and the rooms are beautiful! Located downtown near all the restaurants and shopping.
The Harvey | Historic Luxury Hotel in New Bern, NC
A great spot if you like staying at a bed and breakfast! Located in historic downtown. The rooms are gorgeous. Perfect spot for a romantic weekend!
Home - The Aerie
Another bed and breakfast option! This is located in the historic Benjamin Ellis house. The rooms are beautiful and it’s located near restaurants and shops!
3 Diamond Harmony House Inn Benjamin Ellis House Bed & Breakfast, New Bern North Carolina, Romantic B&B
A more traditional option! This is a waterfront hotel with a pool onsite. You’ll have an amazing view!
Courtyard New Bern - Riverfront Hotel With Onsite Dining & Pool
A tapestry collection Hilton hotel! Tryon Riverfront Inn is a newly renovated hotel located on the River. It has gorgeous views and is centrally located to everything downtown.
Tryon Riverfront Inn New Bern, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Things to Do
Did you know that New Bern was the first capital of NC?? Visit Tryon Palace to get the history of our first capital! Make sure to explore the gardens and take a palace tour while you’re there. I LOVE going here in the spring to see all the gardens in...
NC History Center | Tryon Palace
I am one of those people that like to explore cemeteries - if you’re like me this is definitely one to check out. So much history here and the grounds themselves are peaceful. Also home to weeping arch.
Cedar Grove Cemetery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)
If you’re in New Bern you most definitely need to see the town by water! I haven’t personally been on this tour (I have a boat) but it has great reviews!
Welcome to Cruise The Neuse Boat Tours
The cutest trolley that takes you all around town and provides the history of New Bern! A must do while you’re here.
New BernTours | 800-849-7316, historic trolley tours
New Bern is OLD and being that it’s a coastal town it’s seen its fair share of history.. meaning there could be ghosts! Take the ghosts of New Bern tour to learn all about our local haunts.
Ghost Tour of New Bern
Another historical site BUT it’s worth it! Explore over 30 acres of the battlefield used during the battle of New Bern!
New Bern Battlefield Park | Visit New Bern
Union Point Park is on the river and is a gorgeous spot to take a stroll! Concerts and movies are held here during the summer months.
Union Point Park | Visit New Bern
A must do during the warmer months! Tons of water sports that you can try out on the Neuse or Trent river.
Water Sports New Bern NC
A paint your own pottery store! This is a unique experience that would allow you to bring a piece of artwork home to remember your time in NB!
The Accidental Artist
An axe throwing place located in Downtown New Bern. They also have games and a bar inside!
Home - Beary The Hatchet