New Bern Tourist Attractions
|
|
To be transported back to colonial times, visit Tryon Palace in the coastal town of New Bern, which also has some beautiful pre-war buildings.The town has a Swiss and German heritage and is the second oldest town in North Carolina, settled in 1710 . New Bern was named after Berne, Switzerland and is also known for being the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.Some of the highlights include the New Bern Civil War Museum, the Fireman's Museum, and the Attmore Oliver House.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens in New Bern is the site of North Carolina's first permanent capitol and the Tyron Palace was the home of Governor William Tryon. The original structure burned in 1798 and the area was eventually redeveloped with housing.However, in the 1940s and 50s the site was resurrected and the original architectural plans for Tyron Palace were located for the project. The existing homes were removed, the area was excavated, and the location of the original foundations for the Tyron Palace were found. The restoration project went ahead and in 1959 the Tyron Palace Historic Site and Gardens was opened.
Attmore Oliver House (New Bern Civil War Museum)
The Attmore Oliver House in New Bern is considered one of the town's "treasured homes". The home was built in 1790 and has been carefully restored to appear now much as it did then. The home is chock full of Attmore family furnishings, items in silver, and Civil War artifacts. The New Bern Historical Society who purchased it in 1954 from the Attmores operates the home. Also on site is the New Bern Civil War Museum featuring artifacts and history of this troubled time in American History.
Croatan National Forest
The Croatian National Forest located near New Bern is a great place to pursue outdoor activities. Here visitors will find hiking trails, streams, and countless animals in the thousands of acres of trees. A visit to the Croatian National Forest makes for a great escape from the trials and tribulations of urban dwelling.
Firemen's Museum
The Firemen's Museum features horse drawn steam engines and presents the stories of the first Chartered Fire Department in the state of North Carolina . Here visitors will find a beautiful collection of antique firefighting equipment. All the items have been painstakingly restored and many date back to the 1800's.
