Holiday Getaway in New Bern, NC
Exploring the Winter Magic of New Bern: A Festive & RelaxingWeekend
Our goal for this trip was to have a little getaway to a small town that wasn’t too far from Raleigh. And truly, New Bern exceeded all expectations. Only a 2-hour drive from Raleigh, we felt like we stepped into a Hallmark movie!
Here’s a recount of our trip…
Friday Evening
We arrived to New Bern and walked to Union Park to enjoy the holiday lights! The downtown was lit up with lights, music, people, laughter, and (we found out later) amazing food.
We headed to Baxters 1892 for some holiday mocktails. The place had a charming, vintage vibe, and the mocktails were incredible. As some of you know, I don’t drink often and I’m always looking for places that have an actual mocktail menu.
We strolled down Canterbury Drive with our dogs, mesmerized by the Canterbury Lights. The colorful display was a visual treat, and sipping our coffee from Nautical Coffee while soaking in this community tradition was incredibly heartwarming.
Our dinner at Captain Ratty's was the perfect end to the day. This welcoming tavern offered an array of seafood and steak, and their rooftop dining experience was exceptional.
Saturday
Our Saturday began with a Southern comfort breakfast at The Country Biscuit. The biscuit donut holes were out of this world - now we know what the hype is all about! The nostalgic vibe of the place added to the homely experience.
The day was spent exploring Downtown New Bern and it’s history. We found perfect gifts for our loved ones while supporting local businesses and we decided to cater to our inner-children by painting pottery at The Accidental Artist. Highlights included The Birthplace of Pepsi and the Joy & Light Candle and Soap Factory.
The New Bern Christmas Parade was a spectacular event, I highly recommend going next year! The festive cheer spread through the streets as we watched the colorful floats and performances along the parade route.
For lunch, we chose Lawson's on the Creek. It was really affordable and their house-made salads and sandwiches, crafted from fresh farm products, were delightful. In the afternoon, we toured the historic Tryon Palace. Decked in holiday adornments, the mansion was a sight to behold. The twinkling lights and festive decor in this historic setting were truly magical.
The day concluded with the 39th Annual Coastal Christmas Flotilla at Union Point Park. It was quite foggy but you could still see the boats decked out in holiday lights! Honestly, the best part of this event was the people. So many families, dogs, and locals who were so incredibly nice. Made me want to stay forever.
Lights at Union Park
Hands down the best meal we had was dinner at Morgan's Tavern and Grill. The food was amazing and the atmospere was perfect. With its exposed brick and wood beams, added to the charm. The menu featured delicious steak, pasta, and seafood, focusing on tradition and flavor.
Sunday
Our final morning in New Bern started with breakfast at Bella's Cafe & Catering (get the French Press for 2!). The fresh roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches were the perfect fuel before our journey back to Raleigh.
This weekend in New Bern was a blend of festive joy, culinary delights, and memorable experiences. The charm of this town during the Christmas season is something we'll cherish forever. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
