Forget Everything You Know:
This NC Secret is the
Ultimate Spring Escape
Destination Creative Team
Global Field Correspondent
Historical Landmark
Tryon Palace
The “Versailles of North Carolina.”
Culinary Anchor
Baxter’s 1892
Elevated cocktails and high-end jazz vibe.
Global First
Pepsi-Cola
Invented on Pollock Street in 1893.
As the morning mist lifts off the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern sheds its winter coat to reveal a technicolor dreamscape.
For those seeking a blend of colonial elegance and modern refinement, spring is the definitive time to visit this historic gem. Known as the “Athens of the South,” New Bern serves as a portal into a time when it was the first capital of North Carolina, balanced perfectly by a burgeoning, sophisticated social scene.
Tulips: The Palace Transformation
No springtime visit is complete without a stroll through the 16 acres of lush gardens at Tryon Palace. In late March and April, the Maude Moore Latham Garden showcases thousands of vibrant tulips. It is a visual assault of pinks, whites, and yellows that transforms the historic grounds into what locals call the “Versailles of North Carolina.”
Time Travel: From Pepsi to Palace
The town invites you to slow down. You can wander the African American Heritage Trail or admire the “Bear Town” statues that dot the brick-paved streets. This is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, and that 1893 spirit of invention still lingers in the intricately preserved architecture of the historic district.
Taps: Sophisticated Rebirth
As golden hour settles, New Bern’s modern refinement takes center stage. Baxter’s 1892 on Pollock Street captures the essence of this rebirth. With polished wood, ambient lighting, and a curated high-end cocktail program, it strikes the balance between historic grandeur and contemporary luxury. It is the definitive spot for a signature craft cocktail and live music as the riverside breeze cools the night.
