New Bern

New Bern, North Carolina, just an hour's drive from Cutter Creek, is rich in history and heritage of the state. With the motto " North Carolina begins here," New Bern is a great place to visit to learn about the beginnings of North Carolina, as well as brush up on your golf game.

Start your day in New Bern with a trolley tour through the city. See many of the historic houses and buildings while learning about the rich history of the area. If you're looking for something really romantic for the history buff in your life, book a horse and carriage ride instead.

By far, the most popular destination in New Bern is Tryon Palace, an 18th century mansion then occupied by Royal Governor William Tryon. The mansion, fully restored with period furniture, antiques, and art, is full of the history of the former capital of the colony of North Carolina. Tour the mansion and its surrounding buildings, which are decorated year-round and are especially beautiful during the Christmas holiday. Explore the beautiful gardens or try your hand at some crafts in the kitchen, such as basket weaving and blacksmithing.

With four courses in New Bern, you can always find a place to play. Carolina Pines Golf and Country Club, Emerald Golf Club, and the Shoreline and Harbour Pointe courses at Fairfield Harbor are all championship courses that allow you to slip away and enjoy a game near the coast.

When the grandkids come to visit, they will love to spend the day at the Maola factory and the Cow Café. You can take a tour of the plant, but the fun really starts with a scoop of fresh-made ice cream and playtime in the barnyard. Finish up with a lighthearted lunch at the café, which offers some of New Bern's best burgers and fries.

If you're feeling a little artsy, visit the Accidental Artist where you can create and paint your own pottery. Let the kids put their own special touch to your hand painted clock, or create your own unique ceramic serving platter. The Accidental Artist is also available for birthday celebrations as well as other special occasions.

No visit to New Bern is complete without a visit to the pharmacy on Middle Street known as the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. In 1898, Caleb Bradham invented what is now known as one of America's favorite soft drinks at his soda fountain. One hundred years later, the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Bern restored the pharmacy and once again opened its doors to the public. Enjoy a cola at its site of creation, and be sure to bring home some Pepsi memorabilia to remember your trip.