New Bern & Craven County

• Local Attractions

• Attractions in the surrounding area

• Pamlico-Neuse Attractions By Interest or Sub-Region

For a change of pace, sail lazily on our endless rivers - docking your boat in one of our many marinas - or golf on one of the excellent championship courses in the area.

There are 36 individual listings and more than 150 sites included in the National Register of Historic Places.

New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century. Peruse the specialty shops in our downtown area.

TRYON PALACE HISTORIC SITES& GARDENS: The restored palace was known in colonial times as one of the most beautiful public buildings in America. Tours are offered of the palace and out buildings. For ticket information call 1-800-767-1560.

THE NEW BERN ACADEMY: Situated in New Bern's oldest residential district, this historic Academy Museum invites exploration of New Bern's history from the settlement period of 1710 through the Civil War. Special focus is given to topics of early education, New Bern architecture and builders, and the story of New Bern as a Union city in the midst of the Confederacy. Corner of Hancock Street and New Street, New Bern, NC 28560

ATTMORE-OLIVER HOUSE: This c. 1790 home, headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, exhibits 18th- and 19th-century furniture, a unique doll collection, and New Bern historical objects - including Civil War artifacts. Closed mid-December through the end of March. 511 Broad Street (parking 510 Pollock Street), New Bern, NC 28560.

BELLAIR PLANTATION: This beautiful 18th century house is an excellent example of Georgian style architecture of the pre-Revolutionary period. Call (252) 637-3913 for tour hours and ticket information.

CHRIST CHURCH PARISH: Established in 1715, and the first church building was constructed in 1750. Stones in the graveyard date back before 1800.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Established in 1817, was used as a hospital and lookout during the Civil War. The belfry still shows carved names and initials of Union soldiers.

CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY: Has the graves of Confederates who died in the Battle of New Bern. Legend will tell you to beware of the "tears" that drip from its arched entrance.

THE NATIONAL CEMETERY: Holds the remains of Union soldiers and veterans of later wars.

FIREMEN'S MUSEUM: This building, beside the modern Broad Street fire station in New Bern, houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of other early firefighting equipment along with rare photographs, Civil War relics, and even the mounted head of a faithful old fire horse named Fred, who died in his traces while answering an alarm. Nominal admission fee. 410 Hancock Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

BANK OF THE ARTS: This former bank building (c. 1913), headquarters of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery, is both a cultural and an architectural treat. The classical facade of Ioniccolumns provides a grand entrance for the two-story gallery. Detailed pilasters and Corinthian columns have been highlighted by colors in the Beaux Arts motif. Changing exhibitions of variousmedia - painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, and fiber art - by artists of the southeastern United States, are provided free of charge in the gallery area. Many special events - concerts,lectures, and receptions - are offered throughout the year. 317 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560. Mailing address: P.O. Box 596, New Bern, NC 28563.

NEW BERN TROLLEY: Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a comprehensive one-and-a-half hour trolley tour of New Bern's historic district, Professional guides will recount the fascinating details of this former royal capital city and will leave you enchanted by New Bern's unique Old World charm.

NEUSE RIVER CAMPGROUNDS: located 3 miles North of New Bern on US Highway 17:

CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST: located 6 miles East of New Bern on US 70. Don't forget to take your camera as you camp or hike in the 157,000-acre Croatan National Forest bordering the Neuse River. And while there, don't be surprised to see deer, black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers, eagles, osprey, and a multitude of other wildlife sharing the day with you. Look down and you are likely to find exotic species of plant life-including the rare Venus Flytrap, the squawroot, and the lavender wild aster-around every tree.

Traveling farther down Highway 70 E, you'll find the city of Havelock. Cherry Point - home of the world's largest Marine Corps Air Station - dominates the city and employs 5,000 civilian workers, helping to make Havelock one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Don't miss the Annual Cherry Point Air Show!

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