It is my privilege to welcome you to New Bern, North Carolina's Gateway.  New Bern is a picturesque and progressive community situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. New Bern is North Carolina’s premiere historic city offering a great quality of life to our citizens while our guests step back in time exploring and experiencing a culture steeped in 300 years of history and tradition.

Thank you for taking time to discover all the wonderful opportunities New Bern has to offer. I would like to invite you to explore our charming city, or adventure down our estuarian coast to fish for the afternoon, or wonder at the pods of dolphin playing on the river, or simply loll away the afternoon marveling at the Spanish moss hanging from Cypress trees on the banks of our rivers.

Founded in 1710 by Baron Christopher de Graffenried of Bern, Switzerland, New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and the first state capital. In a city rich in history, Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens offers a taste of life in Colonial America. You might enjoy the architectural beauty and charm of our four National Register Historic Districts, stroll through our historic revitalized downtown, or rediscover our state’s history through technology and innovation at the NC History Center.

New Bern is an up and coming venue for the arts and artists. Our downtown has many galleries and art studios, live music, active local theatres, festivals, and special events year round. We are very excited about a new emphasis on public art.  The Craven County Arts Council and Gallery sponsors an annual juried sculpture contest that has drawn entries from around the globe and is set in what has been called the “Art Park.” Public art is popping up everywhere, including a fun project of painted themed and character BEARS.  Enjoy an afternoon of bear hunting throughout the city!

On warm summer nights after a long day, I load the family on our skiff and head up the river for a night of fishing, shrimping, or just watching the painted sunset give way to a million stars, while the kids splash in the water with their dogs.

New Bern has historically been a capital of international commerce, and today pine tar and cotton have given way to tourism. The Neuse River is our highway to the world and on any given night you can probably find a sailor or two just in from some exotic port across the Atlantic. New Bern has a policy of access to water for citizens and visitors. 

Come visit New Bern, North Carolina's Gateway. It's the perfect vacation destination.  In a week, you and your family will learn about North Carolina's rich history.  Perhaps you will spend a day on the river, fishing, tubing, or just relaxing in the warm summer sun.  The next day head out to one of our nearby beaches and return that night for street music or a concert in the park.  After the beach, go exploring the quaint fishing villages of Oriental, Harker's Island, Beaufort, or drive a few extra miles to Bath, NC and walk in the footsteps of the infamous Black Beard, Edward Teach.  Whatever it is you and your family want in a vacation, make New Bern your Gateway to adventure.

Yours truly,
Mayor Lee Bettis