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Let’s Get Atlantic in the Carolinas

New Bern, North Carolina

New Bern, North Carolina, is a charming riverfront city at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers near the North Carolina coast. Its most notable attraction is Tryon Palace, which once served as North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol. Though the original building burned down, a faithful replica was constructed during the 1950s and opened to the public for guided tours. The city is also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, and groups can still visit the historic Pepsi Store, where a local pharmacist first invented the product.

“Our hospitality and sense of community around here is just unparalleled,” Shannon Erdley, tourism and sales executive at the New Bern-Craven County Convention and Visitors Center. “You leave here feeling warm and welcome and wanting to come back.”

In the heart of town, groups can explore quaint downtown boutiques, waterfront dining and a scenic one-mile riverwalk. Persimmon’s Waterfront Restaurant frequently hosts live entertainment and offers a sweeping view of the Neuse River from a spacious outdoor deck. Based on the other side of town in the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Christoph’s on the Water is a prestigious dining venue that overlooks the marina and passing sailboats.

Another engaging way to soak in the sights and scenery of the waterfront is through some of the city’s guided tour experiences, which range from tugboat tours to ghost tours and historical trolley tours.

www.visitnewbern.com

 

Wilmington, North Carolina

In Wilmington, North Carolina, most of the city lines border the waterfront, with the Cape Fear River to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway dividing the two.

Along the river, groups can board and tour the Battleship North Carolina, a nine-level World War II battleship that now serves as a memorial to the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.

Wilmington’s three beaches can be reached within minutes from downtown. Wrightsville Beach spans five miles of uninterrupted shoreline and attracts many swimmers and sunbathers during the summer months. Just south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach form what is locally known as Pleasure Island. A few of the major highlights of this area are the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, the North Carolina Aquarium and the Fort Fisher Historic Site, where the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle took place.

With so many colorful shops, restaurants and landmarks to explore, many groups enjoy learning about the region through a culinary tour with Tasting History Tours.

“It’s great way to learn about the history of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, as well as walk around and experience the food,” said Connie Nelson, communications and public relations director at the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com