New Bern, North Carolina
Everything Comes Together Here
Rich with community spirit that ripples through the city along the banks of its beautiful riverfront
For over 300 years, along the scenic banks of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, New Bern, North Carolina, has thrived as a historic gem. Founded in 1710, it is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and strong community spirit. As New Bern continues to grow and evolve, it beautifully balances preserving its charm with embracing modern development.
Jeffrey Odham, Mayor of New Bern; Dr. Ray Staats, President of Craven Community College; Kevin Roberts, President of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce; Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of the Craven County Tourism Development Authority (TDA); Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer for the City of New Bern; and Foster Hughes, City Manager provide valuable perspectives on what makes New Bern unique and how the city is composed for future growth.
Unique allure
Riggle underscores New Bern’s unique appeal: “Our city boasts a distinct landscape with natural infrastructure, a stunning riverfront, and a scenic downtown.” New Bern’s beauty and historical significance make it an exceptional tourist destination, featuring landmarks such as Tryon Palace, the original seat of the colonial government, and the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
Chamber President Kevin Roberts highlights the city’s diverse amenities: “Despite being a relatively small town, New Bern offers more than most. We have an airport, a symphony, a major military installation, a community college, and an industrial park,” enabling New Bern to “punch above its weight.”
As you stroll through the downtown streets of New Bern, the city has witnessed centuries of change, yet it remains dedicated to preserving its heritage while embracing modern growth. Visitors can admire the architecture of the New Bern Academy, the state’s first public school, and the historic district’s charming homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Infrastructure and community projects
In recent years, New Bern has made strides in improving its infrastructure, particularly in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence. Hughes explains, “We have been working to clean out over 60 miles of drainage ditches to help with stormwater. We have also started new projects, like the Duffyfield stormwater project, a multi-million-dollar effort to improve water flow in many areas.”
Additionally, New Bern is focused on enhancing its recreational facilities. “We have a $14 million recreation center, 35,000 square feet, opening at the beginning of 2025,” Hughes mentions. This new center will provide more programming and events and serve as an American Red Cross shelter during evacuations.
The future I-42 and transportation enhancements
New Bern’s strategic location and infrastructure projects are set to boost its connectivity and economic prospects. A notable project is the construction of the I-42, a future interstate connecting Raleigh to the port city of Morehead City.
Odham emphasizes the importance of this development: “From a business economic development standpoint, that’s going to be tremendous.” The I-42 will enhance transportation efficiency, making New Bern an even more attractive location for businesses and residents.
New Bern’s regional airport is undergoing a $29 million renovation project. Hughes highlights the significance of these upgrades: “Our regional airport is finishing a renovation project, which includes a terminal expansion and interior transformations. This has made us more attractive to other airlines, and we’ve recently signed a new airline partner, Breeze Airways, in addition to our long-standing partner, American Airlines.”
Growing demand for housing
New Bern has experienced a surge in housing demand in recent years. Odham highlights this trend: “Local and national builders have constructed hundreds of homes and hundreds more are under contract and construction. The demand is a clear indicator of New Bern’s growing appeal as a desirable place to live.” The influx of new residents has spurred a wave of development that is reshaping the residential landscape of the city.
Colleen Roberts elaborates, “We have plans for a thousand new homes in our area, both now and in the future. This is significant and spans a wide range of pricing, which is very beneficial. Our aim is to accommodate various demographics, from young families looking for starter homes to retirees seeking comfortable living spaces.” The comprehensive development plan includes a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes, ensuring a diverse housing market.
Economic development and strategic partnerships
Strategic partnerships and initiatives have bolstered New Bern’s economic development. The Craven 100 Alliance (C1A), a regional economic development group, has played an important role in attracting major employers like White River Marine Group and facilitating expansions for companies like Bosch and Moen.
Starting next year, New Bern will work with Retail Strategies to focus on commercial and retail business recruitment. Hughes explains, “They’ll work with local developers and landowners to bring new businesses to the city.”
Swiss Bear, New Bern’s main street organization, has been a key partner in downtown development for nearly 40 years. “They focus on our downtown area, driving sizable economic growth and revitalization,” Hughes adds.
Local job opportunities
Education plays a large role in New Bern’s community and economic development. Craven Community College, led by Staats, provides essential workforce development through its Volt Center. This center, a partnership between the college and the city, offers entry-level skills training in trades, hospitality, and more.
Staats shared the impact of this initiative: “We’ve generated 846 new job opportunities for folks, and 20 percent of our students are walking into that center and getting their very first jobs.” This partnership has transformed a derelict building into a thriving educational facility, demonstrating the power of local collaboration.
Attracting visitors
New Bern hosts numerous events that draw visitors and foster community spirit. One of the most notable is the annual MumFest, a street festival that spans nearly ten blocks and brings thousands of visitors to the city. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, a short 15-minute drive south of the city, also hosts an air show, adding to the vibrant local events calendar.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, New Bern’s holiday events, such as Beary Merry Christmas, ice skating in the park, the Coastal Christmas Flotilla, live window displays, holiday lights, the annual Christmas Parade and the New Year’s Eve Block Party, also attract high traffic and visitor numbers. Colleen Roberts shares “The flotilla, which will be forty years old this year, brings generations of families and visitors to the waterfront. This parade of lighted boats along the Trent and Neuse rivers is a cherished event that, over the years, has helped grow New Bern’s appeal during the holidays.”
The community’s active engagement is evident in events like “Merci on Middle” where a long dining table stretches down Middle Street for a communal meal. “These organic, community-driven events contribute to New Bern’s unique charm,” says Roberts.
Culinary destination
New Bern has steadily risen as a culinary destination, drawing food enthusiasts from far and wide. “Everything comes together here,” reflects the essence of the city’s culinary scene. When a branding consultant visited in 2014, they were astounded by the variety and quality of the local cuisine, exclaiming, “Gosh, you didn’t tell us that New Bern was a culinary destination.”
At the time, locals were surprised by this recognition, having always enjoyed dining at their local restaurants without realizing how unique they were. Since then, the city’s culinary reputation has only grown, with both traditional and non-traditional cuisines thriving here.
New Bern’s food scene is distinguished by its independently owned, locally operated restaurants that add a unique flavor to the city. Long-standing establishments like The Chelsea, known for its shrimp and grits, and MJ’s famous for its signature crab cakes have been staples for decades.
These eateries, among many others, offer a diverse array of dining options—from Greek and Italian to seafood and surf and turf. “If you can’t find something to eat, you’re not trying,” jokes Colleen Roberts. Newer establishments have also contributed to the city’s culinary landscape, creating an experience that feels like dining in Charlottesville or Charleston while retaining New Bern’s quaint charm.
The city’s commitment to high-quality food and drink extends beyond restaurants to include a thriving craft beer, cocktail and wine culture. Places like Cypress Hall offer impressive wine and bourbon selections as well as specialty cocktails while local breweries like Brewery 99 and Freshwater Beer Company produce their own beers, adding to the city’s diverse beverage offerings. Despite its growth, New Bern remains family-friendly and inclusive, ensuring that everyone, from children to adults, can enjoy its culinary delights.
The birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
One of New Bern’s claims to fame is being the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Invented by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898, the drink started as “Brad’s Drink” and evolved into the world-renowned Pepsi-Cola. This connection is a source of pride for residents and a point of interest for visitors. “You can go to the pharmacy counter and order an ice-cold Pepsi-Cola where it started,” Riggle shares.
“We have plans and a vision to grow the Pepsi experience here in New Bern,” Riggle adds, highlighting the city’s commitment to celebrating its unique heritage.
Community and growth
New Bern also focuses on expanding its cultural and recreational amenities to attract more visitors. Colleen Roberts mentioned the New Year’s Eve Block Party as a growing tradition: “We had almost 8,000 people downtown for live entertainment, food trucks, and a bear drop to bring in the New Year.”
New Bern’s leaders are working towards managing growth while preserving the city’s unique character. Looking ahead, they are committed to ensuring that development is both sustainable and beneficial for all residents. Odham emphasizes, “We want to continue to have managed growth. We’ve grown in a very temperate manner, ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to support that growth.”
AT A GLANCE
Who: Jeffrey Odham, Mayor of New Bern; Dr. Ray Staats, President of Craven Community College; Kevin Roberts, President of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce; Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of the Craven County Tourism Development Authority (TDA); Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer for the City of New Bern; and Foster Hughes, City Manager.
What: A historic city known for its picturesque waterfront, rich colonial heritage, and as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.
Where: Located in Craven County, North Carolina, situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers.
Website: https://www.newbernnc.gov/
