If you follow me on instagram you may have seen that Andrew surprised me with a weekend getaway to New Bern last weekend! We’ve been to New Bern on day trips but we’ve never stayed overnight so this was quite the treat. It was amazingly relaxing since it was a technology-free weekend (except for cameras) and I am a little sad to not be going back right this second, but we’ll be returning again in the future! The weekend was filled with great food, good shopping, and pretty amazing views, so let’s get on to it!

Andrew sprang the trip on me and I had all of 1 hour to get packed – it was very stressful for a pre-planner like me, but I was up to the challenge! I don’t think I’ve ever packed so fast and within about 2 hours we had snacks, clothing, and instructions for my mom to care for Mani while we were gone. Then we were out the door and driving to New Bern!

Boy oh boy, do I ever love the views on the way to this city 🙂

New Bern, I see you!

We stayed at the Courtyard New Bern which is right on the water with some awesome views. It’s also super close to downtown so the entire weekend we just walked anytime we went somewhere – we didn’t use the car until we checked out! It seems like Courtyard rooms are pretty standard from city to city, the only thing that differs are the photos on the walls around the room. The images are always from the city you’re in – I’m assuming it’s so you don’t forget where you are 😉 You can see some photos above the couch of Tryon Palace!

I have to say that while I would have loved to stay in a B&B in New Bern, I am never disappointed by a Courtyard property. If you’ve seen my Fredericksburg trip review you know that Courtyard Marriott has some of the most amazing beds and pillows ever. This one did not disappoint. And honestly, all I really need in a hotel is a clean room and amazing pillows.

Though we got in somewhat late that evening, the next morning we were up quite early to get to what is now my favorite place in the world: The Baker’s Kitchen. The only thing I needed to do was cook up a cute outfit. I’d say I’d succeeded (although that chambray was killing me when the sun was high)! We recorded half of our walking that day and (although amusing) it made me very happy that I chose a skirt and comfy flats!

However since I let Andrew start using my old point & shoot on this trip he was determined to get a photo of every. single. bear. in New Bern. We were stopping quite a bit for him to get his shot (and it took slightly less time once I taught him how to zoom).

Bears! And the dude!

When we got to Baker’s Kitchen we were greeted by a very sweet bird in her nest! Our already short wait for a table felt even shorter with this cutie keeping us company (because I obnoxiously couldn’t stop taking photos of her).

Welcome to the place with the BEST PANCAKES IN THE WORLD. Those things were HUGE. And FLUFFY. And deserving of ALL THE CAPS. We returned the next morning for breakfast and I got the exact same thing…and then we also took some pancakes home. Pro-tip: get a sweet potato pancake for dessert. You’ll thank me.

Also, they have an amazing baked goods case and we came home with way too many not enough pecan rolls.

I have to say, my favorite thing about old towns is the downtown area and New Bern does not disappoint on the pretty.

For lunch we ended up at 247 Craven and I couldn’t be happier that we did. I ordered the Shroom Panini and oh. my. goodness. A vegetarian delight! Andrew got the Fried Green Tomato BLT and it was satisfactory, but mine totally won the flavor contest.

Their specials boards were adorably nautical!

I had been wanting to pick up an anchor or ship’s wheel necklace to wear and I figured what better place to find one than downtown? We found Mike’s Downtown Jewelers when searching for jewelry stores and I’m pumped that we did. The sales clerk was so sweet and helpful and didn’t try to really upsell us on anything – something that doesn’t happen often at jewelry stores! Plus, look at their gate. How can you not love a shop with flowers on their wrought-iron gates?!

All of the houses near downtown and the riverfront were so gorgeous. And old. Which is really the only thing I care about because I like houses so old that they could be falling apart.

Persimmons for dinner! I have to say, on our previous trips I felt that the food and service was much better but maybe we were there on an off night. Previously we wouldn’t have missed a chance to dine there!

Then we went back to the room and passed out because we’d walked something around 6 or so miles that day in the heat and I am not a flower that blooms in the sun. I tend to wilt and whine. I’m a very whiny flower in the sun.

The next morning was checkout day (worst) but we got out bright and early to explore (and eat) more. On the way to breakfast we found a british soldier and/or fireman fire hydrant! And more bears!

Back at Baker’s Kitchen for delicious pancakes with strawberries on top. And we totally bought one of those mugs to take home with us.

After breakfast and before checking out of the hotel we stopped at a church that was celebrating its 300th birthday. The church itself was gorgeous but this old chapel floor was enchanting. Even though it was right in the middle of downtown the outdoor chapel was incredibly serene. Except for the awkward moment when someone brought their corgis to use the facilities outside the bricks but ya know. Life goes on. 🙂

Checking out of the hotel was a sad affair (goodbye, my beloved pillows) but we weren’t heading back to Raleigh yet! We headed down to Tryon Palace for lunch and more exploring.

We had thought about exploring the Palace again this trip but we were quite tired at that point! All that walking had really worn us out. So what did we do instead?

We walked more! 

Since it was nearby to the Palace, we went to Lawson’s Landing for lunch. It’s “just” the museum’s cafe but it’s also delicious. I might have stolen half of Andrew’s burger and let him have my Caprese Benedict though.

One of my favorite things about Lawson’s is that it overlooks the river. Once you’re finished eating you can head right over to the riverwalk and walk off all those delish burger calories (or just enjoy the pretty).

Ahhh, beautiful riverwalk. I love you.

And before departing that gorgeous place we had to take weird selfies. For reasons. 🙂

It was such a fun weekend and I can’t wait to go back for more pancakes. Because let’s be real. That’s the only reason to go places!

Have you ever visited New Bern?

Wishing you old houses and fake bears,

Shantelle