It’s easy to see why author Nicholas Sparks is inspired by New Bern, North Carolina. The coastal city it calls home dates back to 1710, offering visitors historic attractions like the Trianon Palace, a reconstruction of the state’s first permanent capital, and a thriving downtown with an eclectic culinary scene. The city, which was founded by Swiss German settlers (and named after Bern, Switzerland), is also the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, which was created by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898 and first sold its drug. Sold in stores as “Brad Drink”.
One of the best times to visit New Bern Is during the holiday season. Christmas wagon and carriage rides start at the corner of South Front and Craven Streets, and the New Bern Trolley offers a tour of holiday lights on Canterbury Road. Bear Plaza – the city’s iconic bear statues are everywhere – has also been transformed into a winter wonderland for kids.
It was my good fortune to visit New Bern at the same time of year that Nicholas Sparks first laid eyes on the city that became his home.
Kyle Little/Getty Images
“In my opinion, visiting New Bern during the holiday season is wonderful, and I distinctly remember the first time I experienced it,” Sparks said. travel+vacation“In 1992, four years before I published ‘The Notebook,’ I was selling pharmaceuticals in Sacramento, California. I was married with a young child – Miles was 16 months old at the time – and (my wife), Kathy and I had decided to move to a less expensive area of the country. As fate would have it, there was an opening at my company in the New Bern area, and Kathy and I flew to go there. It was the first week of December, and I still feel like I’ve fallen into a Norman Rockwell painting. Every street in the city area was decorated with garlands, Christmas trees were decorated and business fronts were decorated with garlands.”
Like Sparks, I was charmed by my first visit to New Bern. The Christmas trains and holiday lights made me feel like I had stepped onto a movie set, no doubt a happy accident.
“The night we arrived, there was also a Christmas flotilla, and decorated boats – big and small – were floating slowly through the crowd of people clapping,” Sparks said. “Free hot chocolate was being served, and I remember looking over at Kathy, thinking how different it seemed from the town where I had spent much of my youth and where I still worked. That first night, New Bern struck me not only as a place I wanted to be, but as a place that felt like home.
where to stay
If you’re looking to stay in a historic downtown, it’s hard to beat harvey For luxury and convenience. The hotel opened in May 2024, but the building dates back to 1790. Other options include on jarvis 220A historic town mansion that now serves as a bed and breakfast with views of the Neuse River and skyline and an 1882 Italianate Victorian hawaii bed and breakfastIdeal for those seeking a romantic getaway.
What to do
“I have several favorite places to visit during the holidays in New Bern and I’m likely to visit all of them in December,” Sparks said. “There’s the Christmas Flotilla I mentioned, but there’s also the Trianon Palace, which is decorated for the holidays. There’s Santa’s Village at Bear Plaza, Union Point Park has Christmas tree lighting and ice skating, and I often drive down Canterbury Road, where almost every house and tree seems to be decorated with lights.
Visit Trianon Palace.
Trudy Saunders/Travel + Leisure
Trianon Palace It’s regal all year long, but during the holiday season, it’s downright magical. A few weekends before Christmas, Candlelight Tour Led by costumed interpreters, the former Governor’s Mansion offers a glimpse of colonial times. Outside the castle doors, holiday treats like apple cider and ginger snaps are available, as well as a fireworks display when weather permits. I wasn’t able to make it to the candlelight tour, but I did see the display with mistletoe, greenery, and red bows.
Watch the New Bern Christmas Parade.
Trudy Saunders/Travel + Leisure
Annual Christmas Parade It’s filled with marching bands, floats decorated by local businesses, and of course, Santa. The route starts at the corner of George and Cypress Streets, before turning left onto Pollock Street and ending at the corner of Pollock and East Front Street, so pick a prime viewing spot early and don’t forget to bring your folding chairs.
Visit Union Point Park.
Trudy Saunders/Travel + Leisure
situated on the coast, Union Point Park Offers light displays and food trucks with hot chocolate, coffee and sweets. North Carolina and outdoor ice skating don’t usually go together, but somehow New Bern makes it work. Those dreaming of snow and ice can rent skates for just $5 for a 30-minute session at the outdoor rink, which can be set up regardless of the temperature. Like other families, we found the giant Christmas tree to be a great photo op.
Watch the Coastal Christmas Flotilla at Union Point Park.
For those who are lucky enough to visit on the first weekend of December, New Bern Christmas Flotilla Don’t miss. Sparks fans will recognize the annual event held at Union Point Park from his book “The Wish.” For 40 years, decorated boats have been entertaining spectators as they sail down the Trent and Neuse rivers and hold a second holiday parade of sorts. Despite the cold, bundle up and grab a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat from one of the vendors and enjoy the lights.
See Canterbury Road Lights.
On the recommendation of several locals, we drove up Canterbury Road in Trent Woods. The colorful lighting system gave us even more Christmas charm. Like parades and flotillas, driving past Christmas lights and yard displays has become an annual tradition for families and visitors.
Join the Nicholas Sparks walking tour.
As a fan of Nicholas Sparks, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a walking tour of the locations of some of his most famous books. Download the map for a self-guided tour here Visit the New Bern Visitor Center websiteStops include special places “The Notebook,” “A Bend in the Road,” “The Wedding,” and “The Return.”
where to shop
Kyle Little/Getty Images
New Bern Farmers Market Open on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. The open-air market has a covered terrace, so we did some shopping for the holidays before the Christmas parade.
Downtown New Bern also has plenty of locally owned shops. Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola Sells collectibles starring the city’s favorite drink. surf, wind and fire, Black Cat Shop, blue magnoliaAnd snap dragon Also worth checking out. Local artists are included in this final details And Carolina CreationsAnd Mitchell Hardware There is a general store where you can find custom downtown New Bern jewelry and a lot of things you didn’t know you needed.
where to eat
Trudy Saunders/Travel + Leisure
Bakers Kitchen Restaurant and Bakery
everything is delicious here Baker’s KitchenA spot known for its breakfast favorites and baked goods including cinnamon rolls and homemade bread. We especially loved the signature chicken and waffles, and even bought a jar of butter syrup to take home. Note that, due to the popularity of the restaurant, there is a wait, so plan accordingly.
Morgan’s Tavern and Grill
Located in a former garage building in the historic downtown, Morgan’s Tavern and Grill It is known for its salmon, shrimp and Carolina fried seafood and craft beers. (Try the Ribeye “35” and Molasses Chops.) The cozy, dog-friendly establishment with exposed beams and brick walls is a fun place to kick back after a day of holiday festivities.
Captain Ratty’s
Since opening in 1999, Captain Ratty’s Featuring po’boys, seafood baskets and an extensive wine list, it has been a staple in town. On weekends, the restaurant also offers a breakfast buffet, including a build-your-own omelet station. In January, the location will close for a week for remodeling and a revised menu, and it will reopen Buzzy’s Chophouse,
how to move around
New Bern’s historic downtown is easily walkable, so taking a walking tour is a great way to experience local attractions up close. New Bern Tours Offers historical tours year-round, as well as a Berry Merry Christmas Lights Express program with caroling and Santa’s elves during the holiday season.
We may not all be characters in one of Sparks’ romance novels, but on a December night in New Bern, surrounded by twinkling lights, at least for a while, I certainly felt like one.
