I really enjoyed my visit to Tryon Palace! I learned a lot about the history of New Bern, which was…read morevery cool. This house is a very nice reconstruction, as the original one burned down. The guide was very knowledgeable, and they even had fake food set out in the dining room! The gardens were lovely, and you could wander in them for a while (we didn't, just because it was so hot). Definitely a reasonable price to pay for a 45-minute history lesson.

I enjoyed the history of this Palace and thought that the docent giving the tour was quite…read moreknowledgeable. The history was so interesting and I asked a lot questions as well - she didn't seem to kind! And I actually stumped bet on one of the equations. Make sure you walk around the grounds and the gardens as well. They have a pretend military camp based in 1774, so that was very interesting. Well worth it! If you are a senior make sure you ask for the discount - not advertised!

Downtown New Bern is home to The Pepsi Store, otherwise known as the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola. The…read morestore is located where, back in 1893, Caleb Bradham developed "Brad's Drink." Brad's Drink was created as a digestive aid containing pepsin and kola nuts. It was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898. Today, the Pepsi Store is a soda fountain, a museum and a gift shop. Caleb Bradham's original pharmacy was a wooden building that burned down before he died in the 1930s. A new brick building was constructed after the fire. The museum is in both the soda fountain side of the store and the gift shop section, too. You can read about the history and see the original fountain tools, Pepsi bottles, advertising, and antique collectibles. The walls and pillars have a lot of detailed signage. I didn't try anything at the Soda Fountain as I don't like Pepsi, but I kind of regret not getting a float. I think it would have been fun to sit at the fountain. But I was too busy reading about the history. Apparel was a big item in the gift shop; they had had socks, t-shirts, sweatshirts and even baby bibs. Tumblers, books, puzzles, stuffed toys, key chains, magnets, decals, signs and stationery (greeting cards and postcards). Restrooms were also available inside, which is a great convenience for those walking around downtown. I got to see Bradham's house on the New Bern Trolley tour, the Slover-Bradham House. It was built in 1848 and is a beautiful Greek Revival mansion. Whether you are a fan of the drink or just a fan of North Carolina history, this is a must-stop in New Bern. You can go back in time and see where Pepsi began.

This is such a fun and unique spot, especially if you enjoy history, souvenirs, or anything…read morenostalgic. The store has a great selection of Pepsi merchandise, collectibles, apparel, and gifts, and it's neat knowing you're visiting the birthplace of such an iconic brand in New Bern, North Carolina. It's a cool little stop for both locals and visitors, and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

We live about an hour from New Bern. My wife and I like to get away for nearby weekend coastal…read moredestinations every couple of months to loosen up the grind of work. New Bern has become a regular favorite out of our visits to Beaufort, Edenton, Oriental and Wilmington (used to live there). All of those places are worth a visit. Don't get me wrong. We have stayed at neighboring B&Bs near The Jarvis. So far, there is no comparison. We have also stayed at the chain hotels there. If you go to New Bern, The Jarvis is a place you should consider first. You'll get extremely personalized service from Ian, the innkeeper. He slightly reprimanded me for fetching my own coffee on our last morning there. The Jarvis is a destination venue for wedding parties. We expected the sleeping hours might get a little loud and we were prepared for it. However, it was remarkably quiet in the wee hours and the bed may be the most comfortable I have ever slept on. We both came home well rested. I won't go into the cool amenities, but you need to check out 'The Cellar Door' in the basement. We spent a couple of fun hours there during the rain storm that hit while we were there. Highly recommended! We will definitely return.

Lovely quiet place very accessible to all the shopping and dining nearby…read more The downside was that there was no one on duty to ask question about the area! No breakfast either!

On a residential street that is about a block from the side of the Trent River, this marker points…read moreout that yes, the first POTUS really did sleep here. The marker reads, "President Washington visited in the Stanly home two nights, April 20-21, 1791." George Washington toured the United States to observe political climate and to thank his supporters. His tour and stops along the way became important landmarks in the areas he touched. Washington saw more of his country while in office than any other American president before the twentieth century. He also kept a detailed diary. Online, there is more information. "In early 1791, after establishing a site for the new "Federal District" along the Potomac River, Washington embarked on a tour of the Southern states--a product of his desire to visit every state during his term of office. Proceeding from Mount Vernon via Fredericksburg and Richmond (Virginia) into North Carolina, Washington crossed the Roanoke River into Halifax in mid-April 1791. From there, the President's carriage tour took him through Tarboro, Greenville, New Bern, Trenton, and Wilmington before entering South Carolina. Washington re-entered North Carolina near Charlotte and traveled northward, visiting Salisbury, Salem, and Guilford Court House. Washington arrived on the outskirts of New Bern on the morning of April 20 and was greeted by a group of leading citizens who escorted the President into town. He recorded in his diary that the town had about 2,000 residents and that the 'buildings are sparce and altogether of wood." He noted that some of those buildings were "large and look well."" It is marker number C-19. [Review 20320 overall - 3495 in North Carolina - 1298 of 2023.]

I cannot believe no one has written a review of this delightful museum. I'm shocked. Anyhow, we…read morewere visiting from Virginia--staying at Onslow Beach. We arrived at the AOH Museum right as they opened. We were greeted by the museum curator who was a simply delightful man who gave us the warmest of welcomes. He told us it was a self-guided tour and handed us the written information for the tour. He added that he was available for answers to any questions we had. We started in the dining room. Before I go on, I should share that I'm a psychic medium and any historical spots usually are interesting for me. Anyhow, two or three steps in I sensed someone standing to my left. I thought it was interested in my boyfriend so I walked from the spot. No, this spirit was walking with me. I walked into the hallway where we started and was greeted by another staff member who was super friendly and accommodating. The three of us chatted about the area and the building. I finally asked if there was anything "unusual " about the building. She felt I meant structural. So my boyfriend simply said, "spirits". She immediately referenced a woman named Miss Mary. I pointed to my left and whispered, "she is standing right here" as I pointed to my left. The guide seemed delighted. We continued walking throughout the building and we were joined by the curator once again while he was told what I was and what I was getting. He too was thrilled and pointed out amazing and interesting facts about the building and the people associated with it throughout its history. The curator did not have to stop and spend such wonderful time with us. I was honored as he spoke with such passion and love for his work. I could go on about the things that I "picked up" but I'll save that for future visitors. We were overwhelmed with the hospitality and kindness of the curator and staff as they made us feel welcome. I won't forget this visit...ever.

Cedar Grove was established in 1800. The main entrance is a stunning triple-arched structure that…read morestands in front of a 12.5 acre property. The cemetery was added to the the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. I was here to visit the final resting place of Pepsi inventor Caleb Bradham but there are others interred here including William Joseph Williams who painted the "Masonic Portrait" of George Washington. Bradham's stone is quite far back and unremarkable. There were a couple of Pepsi bottles on it that make it easier to find. The center fountain is impressive. Many of the headstones are in good condition but many are illegible and the carvings are lost to time. [Review 18902 overall - 3386 in North Carolina - 2425 of 2022.]

This cemetery was recommended to us by the host at our bed & breakfast, but I had also learned…read moreabout it from my research on Yelp. This cemetery, among other people, contains the burial site of the man who invented Pepsi-Cola. That's reason enough to visit, but take time to review the map and accompanying chart at the entrance on the Weeping Arch side of the cemetery and get an idea of who else is buried here. Some of the locations were hard to find because the portable maps were all out, but if you reference an app on your phone (Find-A-Grave) you can get pretty good coordinates for any of the locations that you're looking for. Overall, a worthwhile trip to pay respects to various people who have made their impact in the New Bern area.

The marker is located in front of the famous Pepsi Store where Caleb Bradham invented the…read moreworld-famous drink. Yes, it all happened here. "Is Pepsi okay?" The marker reads, "Caleb Bradham, 1867-1934. 'Brad's Drink' which he created in pharmacy here, was marketed as Pepsi-Cola after 1898." Online, there is more information. "Around the world, from Prague to Bangkok, the name Pepsi-Cola is known to the masses. The carbonated soft drink's popularity stems in part from shrewd marketing, driven for decades by the company's rivalry with its competitor, Coca-Cola. Both products originated in the American South, Coca-Cola in Atlanta, where the corporation is headquartered and visitors are welcomed to a Coke museum, and New Bern, the small eastern North Carolina town where Pepsi originated." "In the mid 1890s he produced a popular item which he called "Brad's Drink" and later "Pep-Kola." The key ingredients were coca leaf and kola nut. In 1898 Bradham changed the name to "Pepsi-Cola" and, in 1902, left the pharmacy to devote full time to the soft drink business. "Pepsi-Cola" was filed as a trademark in September 1902 and registered in 1903. The Pepsi-Cola Company was incorporated in December 1902. Bradham's friend and New Bern neighbor, pioneering female photographer Bayard Wootten, created the distinctive first logo." "The name of Caleb Bradham and the name of Pepsi are well-remembered in New Bern and in North Carolina. Bradham endowed an annual prize at the pharmacy school at the University of North Carolina. At the height of his acclaim and influence, he had his name mentioned as a potential candidate for governor. He was an active Shriner, bank officer, and a rear admiral in the North Carolina Naval Reserve." Me, I avoid cola drinks. Too much sugar, too many chemicals. I haven't had a Coke in at least five years and a Pepsi in even longer. But they've both diversified and acquired. Minute Maid is owned by one. Aquafina and Dasani water are owned by them too. [Review 18896 overall - 3380 in North Carolina - 2419 of 2022.]

A beautiful, well preserved, historic building is the perfect location for the New Bern Historical…read moreSociety. Rumored to be haunted, so tread lightly. We were greeted upon entry by a volunteer in the front office and advised on what the building held and how to properly tour it on our own. We were given a handout that explained the particulars of the building and its history. There are so many artifacts and stories on the walls and in displays. I really enjoyed our time here, and would love to do a tour after dark some night if that was an option. The backyard is accessible as well, which has manicured gardens and a couple of headstones resting under some bushes. I'm sure there's a story behind them, but I'm not familiar with it to share with you. The Ghosts of New Bern tour took us to this location and shared several stories about old ladies, children, and cats.

One of less than a dozen drawbridges in North Carolina, the Alfred A Cunningham Bridge replaced an…read moreolder swing bridge that dated back to the 1950's. This new bridge opened in 2010 and is a double-leaf bascule bridge that carries Front Street in New Bern. Alfred Austell Cunningham was an American aviator and Marine Corps officer who became the first Marine Corps aviator and the first director of Marine Corps Aviation. His military career included service in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and U.S. operations in the Caribbean during the 1920s. The bridge opens on the hour and the half-hour from 6 am to 10 pm., except from 7:30 am to 8:30 am and from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, when it will remain closed.to help facilitate the exit of traffic in and out of downtown during commuting hours. Confused? Good luck. Bridge operators are employees of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, who own and operate the bridge. There is no toll to cross the bridge. [Review 18892 overall - 3377 in North Carolina - 2415 of 2022.]

This marker is located across the street from the Craven County Courthouse and points out that an…read moreimportant court case was decided here. The marker reads, "Bayard v. Singleton. American precedent for judicial review of legislation set nearby, 1787, by Samuel Ashe, Samuel Spencer, John Williams." Online, there is more information. In 1787, Elizabeth Cornell Bayard filed suit to reclaim lands and property of her father, Samuel Cornell, which had been confiscated at the close of the American Revolution because of Cornell's loyalist sympathies. "Bayard's attorneys argued that the 1785 confiscation acts passed by the state violated a provision set forth in the state's 1776 constitution that guaranteed anyone a trial by jury in a case involving the potential of loss of landholdings or property. The court was faced with a troubling situation. Although it appeared clear that the confiscation acts did indeed violate the state constitution, there was no real precedent in the 1780s for a court to refuse to enforce a legislative act." It was the first American decision to recognize the principle of judicial review. The precedent led to the famous Marbury v. Madison case where the Supreme Court asserted its authority to strike down a law as unconstitutional. [Review 18898 overall - 3382 in North Carolina - 2421 of 2022.]