October is the perfect time to head to Eastern North Carolina, which is why this month’s Getaway Guide features New Bern. Raleigh might be our current state capital, but as our state’s first capital, New Bern paved the way. It also has the perfect quaint and laid back environment you’d expect from a small NC town.
Every October, the town buzzes with excitement, music and chrysanthemums during MumFest. This annual festival provides an opportunity to make lasting, core memories with your family.
Since this destination is a little further from Forsyth County, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Even though it’s not as close, it’s still an easy drive utilizing I-40 East and US-70 East.
New Bern is Rooted in the Past, Yet Still Thriving in the Present
Founded in 1710, New Bern is not just historic, it is the second oldest town in North Carolina. It became the first state capital until 1792, when Raleigh officially became the capital due to its central location in NC.
“New Bern’s charm comes from a mix of history, waterfront beauty and a small town energy that’s known for its friendliness,” says Karen Sullivan, executive director of Swiss Bear, Inc. Swiss Bear leads the economic development efforts of Downtown New Bern. “The downtown area is packed with local shops, galleries and restaurants which blend our historic architecture with modern, everyday life.”
Top 5 Things To Do In New Bern
While MumFest is the highlight if you visit New Bern in October, there are several other stops and locations that are must visits on your weekend getaway!
- Visit Tryon Palace – Built in 1770, this historic building originally served as the lavish home of Royal Governor William Tryon. Like Old Salem here in Winston-Salem, in addition to a museum, Tryon Palace is filled with costumed interpreters, period furnishings and lush gardens that transport you back in time.
- See the Birthplace of Pepsi – Did you know Pepsi was created in NC? Located at the original site of Bradham’s Pharmacy, you’ll find a small storefront where Caleb Bradham first mixed and served his new soda fountain drink, first called Brad’s Drink before becoming Pepsi.
- Stroll Historic Downtown – Don’t let the small size of New Bern fool you. It’s filled to the brim with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. You’ll want to also look out for all the colorful “Bear Town Bears.”
- Enjoy the Waterfront – New Bern provides beautiful waterfront views of both the Neuse River and Trent River. Union Point Park is a great spot to catch the view as it is conveniently located at the intersection of the two rivers. You can also enjoy scenic river cruises.
- Dive Into Local History at Museums – Two museums you won’t want to miss on your visit are the New Bern Firemen’s Museum which showcases NC’s oldest chartered fire company and the Civil War era Cedar Grove Cemetery which shares stories of the city’s past.
Why Visit in October?
New Bern is gorgeous no matter when you visit, but the crisp fall breeze, fragrant chrysanthemums and music-filled streets of Mumfest completely transform the town to the next level.
MumFest started in 1980 as the Swiss Bear Festival as a way to draw people downtown when it was being revitalized. What started as a small street festival has grown to a two-day, award-winning festival that attracts more than 75,000 attendees.
This festival has something for the entire family including:
- Live music from a variety of musicians.
- Dog shows and demonstrations with New Bern Police Department and Craven County Sheriff’s Office K-9s.
- Street performers like Stilt Walker and Juggler Mark Lippard and “The Silver Girl.”
- Amusement park-style rides.
- Kids’ Zone for younger children, featuring a “dig pile” by Aurora Fossil Museum and soft, interactive play spaces by Coastal Soft Play.
- Local artisans and vendors.
- Delicious food and a beer garden.
- MumFest Mumosa 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run.
This year, it brings more than 40 food trucks and more than 200 vendors. It is sure to be an amazing time for anyone who makes the journey to New Bern this October!
Details to Visit New Bern & Attend MumFest
Distance from Winston-Salem: Around 3 ½ hours
Learn more about New Bern: visitnewbern.com
Learn more about MumFest: mumfest.com
Dates: MumFest takes place Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, October 12
Instagram: @visitnewbern, @mumfestnewbern and @greater_downtown_new_bern
