If you love history, outdoor activities, and a mild coastal climate, New Bern, NC is the place for you! This riverfront city of nearly 30,000 was the site of the state’s first capital and is the birthplace of Pepsi. It’s also got miles of waterfront for endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the wonderful spring weather. Here are the top 5 things to do outdoors in New Bern, NC this spring!
5 Best Things to Do in New Bern This Spring
Tryon Palace Gardens
While the palace itself is worth a tour to learn about the 300-year history of the region, those wanting to spend more time outdoors will love the 16 acres of Tryon Palace Gardens. Designed in the 1950s when the palace was restored, the 18th-century English-inspired landscaping features three centuries of horticultural inspiration. There’s a formal “parterre” garden with clipped hedges, flowers and paths, a spring display with colorful seasonal blooms, and a native plant garden that reveals the importance of these plants in the local ecosystem. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon surrounded by serene natural beauty.
New Bern Battlefield Park
As one of the country’s original colonial establishments, New Bern is teeming with historical significance. Large portions of the Civil War were fought here, and the New Bern Battlefield Park commemorates the Civil War Battle of New Bern of March 14, 1862. Visitors can tour the site where fighting took place, including the original fighting positions of the soldiers. The park encompasses over 30 acres of the original battlefield and includes a visitor center, history walk, and guided tours.
Croatan National Forest
For the outdoor enthusiast, Croatan National Forest offers camping, fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, and nature viewing. The Island Creek Forest Walk is a 3.7-mile trail for all skill levels and is used primarily for hiking and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome, too! For the more adventurous, the Neusiok Trail takes hikers 21 miles through hardwood forests and a cypress-lined sandy beach with opportunities for primitive camping.
Rivers and Waterways
With Trent and Neuse Rivers flowing alongside it and numerous creeks, lakes and sounds surrounding the area, there’s no shortage of water activities for New Bern residents to enjoy. Whether you enjoy boating, paddling, or just sightseeing, there’s something for water lovers of all ages. Rent a paddleboard or kayak, or launch your own boat at one of the many boat ramps, and enjoy miles of peaceful, scenic waterways. There are also river cruises and fishing guides to take you to the best parts of the water.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
With so much history in a small geographic footprint, New Bern offers a series of Historic Heritage Walking Tours – self-guided tours you can do on your own time, at your own pace. Spend a morning or afternoon taking in prominent architecture, churches and cemeteries, historic homes, Civil War landmarks, gardens and more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat al fresco at one of the town’s numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
New Bern is a gem of North Carolina, and if you’re lucky enough to be here in the spring, the sights, activities, and recreation are second to none. But don’t let luck dictate your enjoyment of the area – you can live here, too! For more information about new homes in New Bern from JC Jackson Homes, please contact us at (252) 242-0102 or request more information today.
