One of my favorite little towns in Eastern, NC

New Bern, NC is small but mighty. Situated right where the Neuse River widens enough to allow for larger boats, this little historical town offers so much. A well-rounded day would start you off in the morning touring Tryon palace and the palace gardens. For tickets, visit here. The Tyron Palace Foundation offers a guided tour of the historical landmark where you are taught so much about what it took to rebuild this site back to its former glory. You are also educated in the day-to-day activities of the time and some of the events that took place on those very grounds. Once you are done touring the palace, you can roam the gardens on each side of the grounds. Taking in a beautiful floral display on each side as well as a time specific garden. Once done there, you can walk downtown and start to have some shopping and drinking fun.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Tryon Palace.

Another wonderful side of New Bern is the wide array of restaurants they offer downtown. I have only been to a few, but I am constantly being updated on new ones that I know I will be visiting very soon. One of my favorite places to pop into is The Cypress Hall. They feature a beautiful bar and dining area that will open right onto the street when the weather is nice. You can sit taking in all the people walking up and down this busy street while enjoying their signature cocktails and delicious appetizers. Another well-known eatery is Morgan’s Tavern and Grill, it is just one street over and you must leave room for desserts because they will make sure to tempt you with them if you don’t!

Pictures from Cypress Hall

After I get a nice little buzz going, I find it is then the most fun to explore the downtown area. I make sure to weave in and out of all the unique antique and art stores. I am constantly on the hunt for new art pieces by local artists and I have found great pieces throughout the years that I will have to share later. Two of my favorite Art Gallery's in the area are the Craven Arts Council & Gallery Bank of the Arts (hint; its in a real renovated bank, so cool walking through the vault doors to the back!) and the Community Artists Gallery & Studios, Inc where I have come to love one particular local artists that paints lovely foxes, I will post about her later.

Downtown New Bern

After I have taken in all the local art, I think move onto another passion on mine… clothing! There are several cute boutiques that offer brands that you can find at Nordstrom and for less, so I am always on the hunt for unique dresses when I am in the area. One of my recent finds was at the local Lula Balou Boutique and I found the dress below by Ciebon, it was actually $40 less than what it sells for at Nordstrom so you know I snagged it up!

Navy Dress by Ciebon link to buy here

This is just a highlight reel of some of my favorite littles places in New Bern, stay tuned for updates on more excursions to the area!