Discover Craven County: Rivers, History and Nature
Accommodation in Craven County
Craven County combines a diverse waterways landscape with significant history and a variety of experiences. New Bern, the county seat, is located at the confluence of the Trent River and the Neuse River. This location alone makes it clear why water plays an important role in the character of the region. The streams and creeks in Craven County range from freshwater to brackish water and saltwater. For planning your trip, this creates an interesting choice between nature experiences, culture and regional history.
Water, Forest and Activities
A large portion of Craven County’s waterways is located in and around the densely forested Croatan National Forest. The protected area covers 160,000 acres; within it alone, there are 40 miles of streams. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can consider golf, boating and hiking. These activities are possible in Craven County almost all year round. This allows you to shape your stay in different ways: with an active day on the water or on the trails, with nature experiences in the forest or with a more leisurely program centered around the historic sites.
New Bern: Colonial History and the Civil War
New Bern and Craven County were founded by Swiss immigrants at the beginning of the 18th century. New Bern was the first capital of North Carolina and the meeting place of the first Provincial Congress in the colonies in 1774. The city is also connected to the history of the Civil War: New Bern was attacked by Union troops in March 1862 and subsequently remained a Union enclave.
One of the most important historical points of interest is Tryon Palace. The government palace was built in 1767 and offers guided tours. As part of the Tryon Palace experience, visitors can also explore historic homes. The Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Center complex comprises seven buildings in total. A replica of the original Tryon Palace building, which burned down in 1798, now houses the North Carolina History Center. There, you can also discover a special exhibition.
The New Bern Battlefield Park and several museums provide further insights. Almost one-third of the 1862 Battle of New Bern took place in the park; defensive positions known as redans have been preserved there. The New Bern Firemen’s Museum was founded in 1955 and is connected to the first chartered fire company in the state of North Carolina. The New Bern Academy Museum is located in a building from 1809 in New Bern’s historic residential district. The original classrooms house four permanent exhibitions on the Civil War, New Bern’s architecture and the history of the building.
Homes, Aviation and Regional Flavors
The Attmore-Oliver House features three room installations—the dining room, parlor and living room—that provide an impression of life in mid-19th-century New Bern. The original construction dates to around 1790, while the addition dates to around 1834–1835. In Havelock, aviation exhibitions explore the history of naval aviation over a period of more than 100 years.
The New Bern Farmers Market is another opportunity to get to know the regional character. It offers local produce, plants, farm-raised meat, baked goods and handicrafts. When choosing your vacation rental, you can therefore first decide whether history and museums, water and forest, aviation or regional products should be the focus of your trip. You can then search more specifically for accommodation based on your preferred travel theme and location.
For further regional orientation, you can also include New Bern and Havelock in your search.
For the overarching travel overview: North Carolina.
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