Interior of a vintage-style soda shop or ice cream parlor with a glass display counter, retro decor, and black-and-white mural on the wall.

Birthplace of Pepsi

The Pepsi store is located at 256 Middle Street, downtown. Caleb Bradham was an American pharmacist who created “Brads Drink” in 1893. He sold this drink at his drugstore right here in New Bern, NC. He later renamed it Pepsi-Cola in 1898. “Pepsi" because it was advertised to relieve dyspepsia (indigestion) and "Cola" referring to the cola flavor.

Downtown New Bern

Downtown is rich with history and beautiful architecture. New Bern was founded by Swiss immigrants which named the city after Bern, the capital of Switzerland. You will find pubs, quant restaurants, museums, and much more as you enjoy the riverfront.

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Street scene showing people walking on a sidewalk lined with shops and colorful signs, including paw print decorations, with trees and parked cars nearby.
A waterfront promenade with benches, green railings, and a paved path along a river, under a blue sky with some clouds.

Historic Tryon Palace

Located at 529 South Front St, Tryon Palace takes you back to the Colonial days. The Palace was home to Governor William Tryon who cemented New Bern as the capitol of the NC in 1770. This was the site for the first general assembly of North Carolina. The Mansion once hosted a ball in which George Washington attended. Click here to learn more about Tryon Palace.

A formal garden with neatly trimmed hedges forming geometric patterns, colorful tulips, and pathways, with trees and statues in the background.
A historic brick mansion with a symmetrical facade, decorative crest above the entrance, white fencing, and two towers flanking the gate, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.

Atlantic Beach

Only 40 minutes away is a fun filled day full of beautiful beach views on the Crystal Coast. Make your way over to the Fort Macon State Park, a pre-Civil War fort that offers guided tours and cannon demonstrations.

Beach scene with a blue and white umbrella on the sand, surrounded by dune grass, and the ocean in the background.