New Bern, located twenty miles west of Havelock and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is the second oldest town in North Carolina. Settled in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants led by Baron Christophe von Graffenried, who named the settlement after the Swiss capital, Bern. New Bern is located on the triangle of land where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet and is adjacent to Croatan National Forest.
"Bern" is a German word meaning "bear"; and in both the Swiss capital and in New Bern, the black bear symbol is found all over town. Like many Swiss cities and towns, New Bern has a brick clock tower above City Hall. At the heart of the town and the history of New Bern is Tryon Palace, the Georgian brick mansion built for the British Colonial governor William Tryon in 1770. It is a showplace and living museum of Colonial history surrounded by lavish gardens.
The Neuse and Trent Rivers serve as a focal point for the area's recreational activities such as fishing and sailing. For the avid outdoors person, Croatan National Forest offers 157,000 acres of woodlands preserve deer, bear, alligators, and a variety of migratory birds, and plants.
Rapid development, the reclamation of the waterfront, and renovation of businesses during the 1980's have revitalized New Bern's downtown historic assets and expanded tourism opportunities. Residential communities, riverfront condominiums, assisted living facilities, and golf communities are conveniently located to shopping centers and malls.
The mild climate and friendliness keep visitors coming back to New Bern where a myriad of arts, cultural, historical and festive town events that are on-going throughout the year including one of North Carolina's most colorful October events, the "Mumfest".
New Bern offers something for everyone, whether enjoying retirement or seeking a place to live and work. This, coupled with the natural beauty of the surrounding area and its mild climate, convinces visitors to stay and make New Bern their home.
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