New Bern, NC
WHERE HISTORY MEETS THE WATERFRONT
When you stay at Dixon Landing, you’re just 20 minutes from New Bern — one of North Carolina’s oldest and most charming cities, sitting where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet.
New Bern was North Carolina’s first state capital and you can feel that history the moment you walk downtown. Tryon Palace, the restored colonial governor’s mansion, anchors the historic district and offers tours, gardens, and living history programs worth a few hours of your time.
The downtown waterfront is compact and walkable, lined with independent restaurants, galleries, and shops. Union Point Park sits right where the two rivers meet and is one of the better spots in Eastern NC to watch the sunset with nothing but water in front of you.
History buffs will want to stop at the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola on Middle Street. The drink was invented here in 1898 and the original drugstore site is a free stop worth the five minutes. The New Bern Firemen’s Museum and the Civil War battlefield park round out a surprisingly deep roster of historic attractions for a town this size.
For dining, New Bern’s Middle Street corridor has something for every appetite. Fresh local seafood, casual waterfront spots, and a handful of restaurants that would hold their own in any city.
New Bern is close enough from Dixon Landing to visit on a whim and worth every minute of the drive.
Popular Places
Mumfest
Downtown New Bern’s biggest street festival, with live music, an arts and crafts market, food vendors, and a car show filling Middle Street. Held every September and free to attend.
Tryon Palace
The reconstructed colonial governor’s mansion and gardens, once the seat of North Carolina’s royal government. Tour the historic rooms, stroll the formal gardens along the Trent River, and catch costumed interpreters bringing the 1700s to life.
New Bern Farmers Market
A Saturday morning staple downtown, with local produce, seafood, baked goods, and handmade crafts from area farmers and makers. A relaxed way to start the day before heading back to the water.
Bear-B-Q Festival
Professional and amateur BBQ competition, People’s Choice judging, live bands, and a Kids Q competition. Held annually in early May.
Birthplace of
Pepsi-Cola
In 1898 local pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented one of the most iconic beverages in the country at his drugstore on the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets. He mixed a special blend of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, kola nuts, nutmeg, and other natural flavors, called it “Brad’s Drink,” and Pepsi was born.
New Bern Civil War Battlefield
The park includes more than 30 acres of the original battlefield from the Battle of New Bern which took place between Union and Confederate forces on March 14, 1862. A 24 foot diameter color ground map and 36 interpretive panels walk you through the full story of the battle.
New Bern Restaurants
Baker's Kitchen
A downtown New Bern staple for breakfast and lunch, serving Southern comfort classics like chicken and waffles, meatloaf, and fried catfish. Everything, including the bread and famous butter syrup, is made fresh in-house daily.
Cypress Hall
Downtown New Bern’s upscale Southern kitchen and bar, led by Chef Ashley Moser and built around the freshest ingredients from Eastern North Carolina. A go-to spot for an elevated dinner or date night in a beautifully restored historic building.
Persimmons
Waterfront dining on the Neuse River in downtown New Bern, with a modern American menu built around local and sustainable ingredients. Great spot for a nicer dinner out, with outdoor seating right on the water.
Morgan's Tavern & Grille
A cozy, historic downtown favorite known for its crab dip, honey-drizzled croissants, and seafood specials like tuna tacos. Casual, dog-friendly, and a solid pick for both a laid-back meal and drinks at the bar.
Baxter's 1892
Housed in a century-old former jewelry store, Baxter’s blends artisanal New American cuisine with handcrafted cocktails and live jazz for a supper-club feel. A memorable pick for dinner with entertainment built in.
MJ's Raw Bar & Grille
The park includes more than 30 acres of the original battlefield from the Battle of New Bern which took place between Union and Confederate forces on March 14, 1862. A 24 foot diameter color ground map and 36 interpretive panels walk you through the full story of the battle.
