Coastal
VisitNewBern.com; @VisitNewBern
According to Melissa Riggle, executive director of Visit New Bern, the historic city of New Bern stands out as a destination in its own right and consistently attracts meeting and event planners. “New Bern offers a unique and memorable setting for meetings and events, blending historic charm with modern amenities in a beautiful waterfront location,” she says. “Our downtown historic district places attendees steps from Riverfront Convention Center, boutique hotels, a vibrant mix of indie shops, art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene.”
In the heart of New Bern’s historic downtown, Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County has flexible event space for up to 1,000 people and 100 exhibit booths. The 99-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront has 10,776 square feet of event space to host up to 375 theater style in its largest space.
Harvey Hotel opened last year as New Bern’s first e-boutique property, allowing guests to check in and receive exterior and room access codes using their smartphones. The hotel occupies a beautifully restored 1790s’ landmark equipped with modern amenities and is ideal for executive retreats and VIP experiences. The new 73-room Tryon Riverfront Inn New Bern, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has waterfront event space and a restaurant, Compass Rose, which features a seasonal menu of New American cuisine.
Downtown New Bern offers an eclectic mix of boutique shopping, handcrafted goods, and a thriving art and culinary scene. Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar, which occupies a restored 19th-century retail space, promises a “culinary adventure of Southern cuisine” and seasonal specialty cocktails for lunch and dinner. Chelsea Restaurant & Catering and Baxter’s 1892 feature upscale New American and artisanal cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music.
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) recently increased its air service with daily American Airlines and Breeze Airways flights.
