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New Bern
North Carolina
and
Surrounding Area Attractions
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 Tryon
Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
Pollock and George St's.
(252) 514-4900
(800) 767-1560
Tryon Palace, built
in 1770 by Colonial Gov. William Tryon, was known at the time
as one of the most beautiful buildings in America. The elegant,
Georgian-style mansion is mostly a reconstruction of the original
building that stood at the same site. After its use both as
a colonial and state capitol, the palace fell into disrepair.
When reconstruction was undertaken in the 1950s, only one wing
-- the stables -- remained standing. The palace now houses an
outstanding collection of antiques and art, and the grounds
are devoted to extensive landscaping, ranging from English formal
gardens and a kitchen garden to wilderness garden areas. |
 John
Wright Stanley
House
307 George St
(252) 514-4900
(800) 767-1560
On his Southern tour in 1791, President George Washington dined
and danced at Tryon Palace, but his two nights in New Bern were
spent at the nearby home of John Wright Stanley. Washington described
his overnight accommodation as "exceeding good lodgings."
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 Dixon-Stevenson
House
609 Pollock St.
(252) 514-4900
(800) 767-1560
Erected in 1830 on a lot that was
originally a part of Tryon Palace's
garden, the Dixon-Stevenson House
epitomizes New Bern's lifestyle in
the first half of the 19th century,
when the town was a prosperous port
and one of the state's largest cities
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 Attmore-Oliver
House
511 Broad St.
New Bern, NC.
(252) 638-8558
Built in 1790 by prominent New Bernian Samuel Chapman, the Attmore-Oliver
House today is the home of the New Bern Historical Society and
the New Bern Preservation Foundation. It was enlarged to its
present size in 1834 and houses 18th- and 19th-century antiques,
a doll collection and Civil War memorabilia. Of particular interest
is the fine Greek Revival portico and two-story porches at the
rear of the house. It is open seasonally Tuesday through Friday
from 1 to 4:30 PM and closes from mid-December until the Spring
Homes and Gardens Tour weekend in early spring. Otherwise, it
is shown by appointment. The house may be reserved for private
functions and is not handicapped accessible.
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Walking Tour Attractions
Walking will give you a real sense of the many Old World customs
that characterize this Colonial town. Self-guiding brochures
are available at the Craven County Convention and Visitors Bureau,
314 Tryon Palace Drive. Guided walking tours, organized by New
Bern Tours, (252) 637-7316, for six or more people, depart from
the Commission House across from the Tryon Palace gate. A few
of the more notable residences and buildings are listed here.
- The John Horner
Hill House, 713 Pollock Street, is a Georgian period dwelling
built between 1770 and 1780. It is noted for its rare nine-over-nine
sash at the first-floor windows.
- The Henry
H. Harris House, 718 Pollock Street, was built in 1800 and
is a well-preserved example of vernacular Federal period
architecture.
- The Anne Green
Lane House, 804 Pollock Street, is a transitional late-Georgian-early
Federal house built between 1790 and 1800. It was remodeled
during the Victorian period.
- The All Saints
Chapel, 809 Pollock Street, is a good example of Gothic-style
architecture. It was built c. 1895 as a mission chapel by
Christ Episcopal Church.
- The John H.
Jones House, 819 Pollock Street, is a small Federal house
with an unusual central chimney. Its original separate kitchen
remains at the rear.
- The White
House at 422 Johnson Street is a simple side hall Federal
house built c. 1820-30. It is noted for its two end chimneys
with a small closet in between. top
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- The Cutting-Allen
House, 518 New Street, is a transitional late-Georgian-early
Federal side hall house built in 1793. It is considered unusual
because of its flanking wings and large rear ballroom. It
was saved from demolition in 1980 and moved to its present
location.
- The Hawks
House at New and Metcalf streets offers a side-by-side comparison
of styles. Dating from the 1760s, the western part of the
house is Georgian, and the eastern section is Federal, added
by Francis Hawks, son of John Hawks, architect of Tryon
Palace.
- The Clark-Taylor
House, 419 Metcalf Street, was built between 1795 and 1804.
It is one of several gambrel-roofed houses in the historic
district.
- The Attmore-Wadsworth
House, 515 Broad Street, is an unusual one-story Italianate-style
house built c. 1855. Several Italianate-style homes are
part of the city's historic architecture.
- The McLin-Hancock
House, 507 Middle Street, is unique for its strict symmetry
and diminutive scale.
- The W.B. Blades
House, 602 Middle Street, was built in 1903 and is noted
for its elaborate Queen Anne design.
- The Jerkins-Duffy
House, 301 Johnson Street, was built c. 1830 and is unusual
because of its exterior Federal design and interior Greek
Revival elements. It is also noted for its captain's walk
and exposed-face chimneys.
- The George
Slover House, 209 Johnson Street, was built c. 1890 and
is an eclectic combination of Queen Anne and shingle-style
architecture. top
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- The Charles
Slover House, 201 Johnson Street, is a stately brick townhouse
built in 1847 that was selected as headquarters by Gen.
Ambrose Burnside during the Civil War. C. D. Bradham, inventor
of Brad's Drink (now known as Pepsi-Cola) purchased the
house in 1908.
- The Eli Smallwood
House, 524 E. Front Street, is one of the finest of New
Bern's Federal brick side hall houses, built c. 1810. It
is noted for its handsome portico and elegant interior woodwork.
- The Dawson-Clarke
House, 519 E. Front Street, was built c. 1808 and is one
of several historic homes exhibiting the use of double porches,
a popular style in the coastal region.
- The Coor-Gaston
House, 421 Craven Street, is a Georgian home (c. 1770) built
by architect, builder and patriot-statesman James Coor.
It was purchased in 1818 by Judge William Gaston and was
the scene of the founding of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church.
Gaston was a brilliant orator, lawyer, member of Congress,
State Justice and author of the state song.
- The David
F. Jarvis House, 220 Pollock Street, is a good example of
neoclassical revival architecture.
- The Edward
R. Stanley House and Dependency, 502 Pollock Street, was
built c. 1849 in Renaissance Revival style. The cast-iron
grills over its windows are unique in New Bern.
- The Wade House,
214 Tryon Palace Drive, was built in 1843 and remodeled
before 1885 in the Second Empire style. The cast-iron crest
on the mansard roof and the iron fence are notable surviving
features. top
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 Christ
Episcopal Church
320 Pollock St.
New Bern, NC.
(252) 633-2109
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. top
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 First
Presbyterian Church
418 New St
New Bern, NC
(252) 637-3270
The oldest continually used church
building in New Bern, First Presbyterian
was built in 1819-22 by local architect
and builder Uriah Sandy. The congregation
was established in 1817. The Federal-style
church is similar to many built around
the same time in New England but is
unusual in North Carolina. Like that
of Christ Church, the steeple on First
Presbyterian is a point of reference
on the skyline. The church was used
as a Union hospital and lookout post
during the Civil War, and the initials
of soldiers on duty in the belfry
can still be seen carved in the walls.
Visitors are welcome to tour the church
between 9 AM and 2 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. top
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The
New Bern Academy Museum
New and Hancock St's.
New Bern, NC.
(252) 514-4900
(800) 767-1560
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.
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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-paneled 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.
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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. top
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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.
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 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. |
Cedar
Grove Cemetery
Queen and George St's.
New Bern, NC.
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.
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 New
Bern Trolley Tours
Tryon Palace, Pollock St.
(252) 637-7316
(800) 849-7316
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. top
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 Croatan
National Forest
141 E. Fisher Ave.
(252) 638-5628
Croatan National Forest is an expansive
nature preserve bordered by New Bern North Carolina,
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, North Carolina 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.
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