New Bern, NC
August, 2026

There is a rare, magical moment on a weekend getaway when you realize your car keys have been sitting at the bottom of your bag, completely forgotten, since Thursday afternoon. That was precisely our experience in New Bern, North Carolina — a coastal river town so charmingly compact, historic, and strollable that our four-wheeled vehicle spent three days taking a very comfortable vacation of its own.

Founded in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants (and named after Bern, Switzerland!), this riverfront hamlet served as North Carolina’s original colonial capital. It’s also famous as the 1898 birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, where pharmacist Caleb Bradham first whipped up “Brad’s Drink” at his downtown soda fountain.

Our adventure began the second we pulled up to The Jarvis at 220. Right away, we were greeted by Ian, the innkeeper, whose magnetic, larger-than-life warmth immediately sets the tone. Ian doesn’t just run a bed & breakfast; he curates an atmosphere where strangers turn into old friends over a matter of minutes. Within moments of stepping inside this beautifully preserved 1903 historic mansion, we felt less like commercial travel writers and more like long-lost houseguests arriving for a grand family reunion.

After settling in, we walked over to Baxter’s 1892 for dinner. Set in a gorgeously restored historic building, it effortlessly blends modern sophistication with classic sultry lounge energy. The venue is the brainchild of Von Lewis and Tyler Griffin — two talented performers who met while studying musical theatre and spent years touring the world on stage and cruise lines before deciding to build their ultimate passion project. Their showbiz roots shine through every detail, especially the elevated stage. During our meal, we were treated to a performance by a vocalist who was such a dead ringer for Jessica Rabbit — in both mesmerizing stage presence and knockout vocals — that we half-expected Roger himself to pop out with a cocktail.

Keeping the theatrical high going, we wrapped up our first evening at the New Bern Civic Theatre. We caught a high-energy sing-along performance of Jagged Little Pill. The intimate space and passionate local cast turned Alanis Morissette’s iconic anthems into a surprisingly moving, collective power-ballad therapy session for the entire room.

On Friday morning, we gathered  In the Victorian dining room for incredible conversation and an exceptional farm-to-fork breakfast crafted from scratch by Ian. The inn’s kitchen is an absolute dream, especially for anyone navigating tricky dietary needs or sensitive stomachs. Sourcing ultra-fresh ingredients from local markets, Ian bakes his own breads and crafts his own signature jams, jellies, and preserves—delivering plate after plate of vibrant, deeply satisfying food to fuel the day ahead.

We spent the rest of the morning wandering through downtown’s tree-lined avenues, popping into eclectic local boutiques, admiring the 18th-century architecture, and taking in the rich history around every corner.

For lunch, we stepped inside The Chelsea. Housed in a handsome 1912 brick building (which actually served as one of Caleb Bradham’s early Pepsi manufacturing sites!), the restaurant offers stylish, multi-level dining with a menu that bridges upscale comfort and casual flair. The hospitality here is hands-on: the restaurant manager makes a point to personally check in on every single table, ensuring the service is as flawless as the food.

Refueled, we hopped aboard the New Bern Historic Trolley Tour. Rolling past landmark stops like the grand Tryon Palace (the rebuilt 1770 governor’s mansion), the historic Cedar Grove Cemetery, and beautiful historic churches, our guide wove centuries of Civil War history, colonial politics, and local folklore into a captivating narrative.

By dinnertime, we were ready for Cypress Hall Kitchen & Bar. Housed in a stunningly designed space that balances warm wood tones, sleek modern lines, and polished brick, Chef Ashley Moser’s eatery brings a sophisticated farm-to-table spirit right to downtown. What makes their hyper-seasonal cuisine extra special? They actually grow fresh herbs and microgreens right on their own rooftop garden, bringing a literal meaning to “locally sourced.” Paired with a warm, attentive waitstaff who guided us through the menu with genuine passion, it was easily one of the culinary highlights of our trip.

To cap off our Friday, we walked over to the waterfront for the Footloose on the Neuse summer concert series at Union Point Park. The setup is a masterclass in community events: beautifully organized along the breezy Neuse River, packed with local food trucks and craft beverage vendors, and filled with locals and visitors dancing as the sun dipped below the horizon.

We ended the night with a peaceful, starlit walk back to The Jarvis at 220 — reflecting on the fact that from our arrival on Thursday to our departure on Saturday, our feet did all the traveling, and New Bern did all the charming.

This whirlwind introduction to New Bern—from our theatrical Thursday night arrival through Friday’s rich history, incredible farm-to-table meals, and riverfront dancing—formed the first two acts of our getaway, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale as our last day in this charming coastal town approached. Act Two is to come in a future Destination Food & Travel!

Get in Touch
316 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28563 – 800.437.5767
visitnewbern.com