Getting There

From Beaufort, take U.S. 70 West to Morehead City, and continue along the same western route straight into New Bern. From Wilmington, head north on U.S. 17 through Jacksonville and directly into New Bern. From Raleigh, go east along U.S. 70 to New Bern.

The recently expanded Craven Regional Airport, 1501 Airport Rd., 2 miles outside New Bern (tel. 252/638-8591), is served by US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322), with connections from major cities in North Carolina. A taxi from the Cherry Cab Co. (tel. 252/447-3101) will take passengers into the city. A taxi to the center of New Bern from the airport costs approximately $9.

Visitor Information

The Craven County Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 203 S. Front St. (tel. 800/437-5767 or 252/637-9400), is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, on Saturday from 10am to 4pm (8am-5pm in winter), and on Sunday and holidays from 10am to 2pm (10am-4pm in winter). The New Bern Historical Society, at 510 Pollack St. (tel. 252/638-8558), is located in the historic 1790 Attmore-Oliver House, which exhibits 18th- and 19th-century furniture and artifacts. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday 1 to 4:30pm, year-round.

Special Events

In the last week of March or first week of April, when the azaleas and dogwoods burst into bloom, New Bern sponsors a Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour. About 10 historic homes in town are open to the public, and tours also feature churches. Tickets cost $15 to $18 per person. For information, call the New Bern Historical Society (tel. 252/638-8558).