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New Bern 4th of July Fireworks
July 2nd, 2009Big events happening in New Bern for the 4th! Lawson Creek Park will be the location for the celebration, with bounce rides, slides and an obstacle course for the kids from 3 pm to 8 pm, and because of the heat, a misting tent for everyone to keep cool. From 7pm to 9pm, there will be a reading Declaration of Independence, accompanied by patriotic music.
Right after that, the traditional way to celebrate the 4th with a patriotic fireworks show, including meteors, crackling comets, stars, butterflies, peonies, and lots of sparkle to light up the sky. So pack up the picnic basket and spend this 4th of July in historic New Bern!
And the best thing for the bargain hunters at East Carolina Yard Sales, it’s all FREE!
(No pets except service animals, and no alcohol, please. For more info, call 252-639-2902.)
New Bern Farmer’s Market
July 2nd, 2009Don’t forget to start your 4th of July the good old fashioned American way with a visit to your local farmer’s market. The New Bern Farmer’s market has a great selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, plus many other items from local artisans and craftsmen, and wonderful, unusual items, such as “poop” (organic manure-great for dressing that mid season garden).
There is nothing like fresh vegetables from our wonderful local farms or a fresh baked apple pie to bring America right to your table on this great holiday.
This weekend they will have American Flags and poles on sale, in case you left that to the last minute.
July 4th Driving Under the Influence Crackdown
July 1st, 2009Well, July 4 weekend is really here and even though most of us are just looking forward to having a good time this weekend, state and local law enforcement officers have other concerns: safety on the roads during this holiday weekend. This is why “Booze It & Loose It: Operation Firecracker” is being set up in Craven and Pamlico counties.
Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will go on until July 5, with random checkpoints set up in Craven and Pamlico counties. According to a State Police spokesman, there will be extra troopers on duty during the period and on Saturday a speed enforcement detail will be on the major highways in the area.
The reasons for these controls are clear: there were 377 alcohol-related crashes statewide, 322 with injuries and 12 that resulted in fatalities over the Fourth of July week last year, according to the State Highway Patrol.
In these accidents, more than 1,900 motorists were charged with driving while impaired during the holiday week last year. So have fun, but don’t drink and drive!
Events at Tryon Palace
June 28th, 2009If you are the kind of parent who likes his children to learn in a fun way, there is a great series of events you should know about. On Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, August 6, 13 and 20, Tryon Palace will host the “Tryon’s Tales for Tots” where stories and craft demonstrations will teach the little ones about how our ancestors lived. The sessions are for pre-schoolers (ages 3-5), so of course Mom or Dad has to go too. The fee is $4 per child, but the adults are free.
Bring your kids to learn about life in the past, and maybe learn a little yourself! The sessions are Thursdays from 10:00am-11:00am. Register at the Tryon Palace Visitors’s Center, 610 Pollack St., New Bern.
River Dunes’ Art by the Harbor
June 21st, 2009For a fun day near the water, visit the “Art by the Harbor” sidewalk art show at RiverDunes on June 27. It will feature the works of over 20 artists from Craven and Pamlico Counties, working in various media such as painting, sculpture, wood-carving, jewelry-making and more. The show has my absolutely favorite price tag, FREE!
River Dunes, near Oriental, is just a lovely place to visit anyway, even if they weren’t offering a great art show. Visit the Idea House if you like to look at great decorating concepts, or just wander around and enjoy the beautiful homes built in North Carolina Low Country style, from adorable cottages all the way to stately Charleston style mansions.
The art show is from 10:00 to 3:00, and you can get more info at 252-249-0253.
Beautiful Downtown New Bern
June 21st, 2009Sometimes we get caught up in all the fun and interesting things to do in and around New Bern that we forget how nice it is even when nothing is going on. Took a nice stroll along Front Street from the Farmer’s Market to Union Point Park and it was just such a pleasant, sunny summer day in a small town that it really struck me. I picked up some fresh vegetables at the Farmer’s Market (and checked out the doings for Refugee Day) but left the veggies in the car right in the FM parking lot so I wouldn’t have to drag them around. I wanted to see what was up with Bernaroo, and thought I might have a problem parking close to Union Point Park.
It was early, so it wasn’t too hot yet, but lots of people were out, just strolling like me, or pushing baby carriages, and that’s when it struck me. Even without all the celebrations and festivities New Bern is known for, what a nice place to just “meander”. All the great restaurants on Middle Street, some, like Cow Café and Port Java, perfect for grabbing a coffee and muffin and people watching. Find a spot on a bench in Bear Plaza; it always stays cool there. Then just stroll some more.
As the shops open, you can browse to your heart’s content. There are so many unique shops like Mitchell’s Hardware (a real experience), Late Bloomers for one of a kind house and garden items, the Boat House for nautical paraphernalia, two fascinating shops, Treasures on the Trent and Bear Essentials and so many, many more. For a taste of the old world, where all of this started, stop in Bern Bear Gifts for items from Switzerland, Germany and of course, souvenirs of New Bern.
For an area only a few square blocks in size, the art world is well represented in downtown New Bern. Stop at the Accidental Artist, Carolina Creations, and Framing Fox, among others. Don’t even get me started on antiques!
If all this browsing and shopping has made you hungry, you are in the right place. The only problem will be deciding on which great restaurant for lunch!
African-American History Shared at The Flame in New Bern on June 20th
June 16th, 2009An interesting bit of American history is being compiled by the African-American Voices Between Two Rivers. Twenty-five members of the New Bern area African-American community have shared their views and the public is invited to share this experience at a luncheon at the Flame on June 20.
Dr. David Cecelski, a Duke University scholar and historian, will be the keynote speaker, and attendees will be entertained by the New Diamond Jubilee Gospel Singers. Tickets are only $10. For more information about this interesting event, call 639-7582.
Bored? Go pick some Blueberries and Strawberries!
June 12th, 2009There aren’t a lot of events going on in the New Bern area this weekend, probably because of all the school graduations. Or maybe everybody knew it was going to be 99 ° today and just wanted to stay inside? If you don’t mind the heat, this is the time of year to do your own pickin’. Strawberries and blueberries are in season and it is great fun to pick your own. Kids love running around trying to spot the perfect berry.
Blueberries can be picked at Morris Bros on Highway 17, New Bern or Nelson Blueberry Farm in Bridgeton. White farms on Rt 17 in Vanceboro (the strawberry capital) is a great place to pick a bucket or two. The kids can make their own strawberry shortcake with their own strawberries!
Speaking of kids, don’t forget there are a lot more little ones out an about now that school is out, so drive carefully.
Family Fun in Havelock NC and New Bern NC
June 11th, 2009I’m always talking about upcoming events in eastern North Carolina, but it is really good to know that there are some really good standing events that are fun for the family, interesting and (you know me) usually a bargain.
That’s why I wanted to mention a few things that are really great for the kids now that the summer months are beginning.
The Children’s Summer Workshop, presented by the New Bern Civic Theater is a theater workshop for children aged 9 to 15. It takes place from June 15 to June 26, and the children will receive training in dance, voice and acting. They will also audition, but that is just for the experience, since every participant will become a member of the cast of one of the plays put on by the Theater. What a great way to have fun and build confidence! (252-633-0567)
World Refugee day is being presented by the Farmer’s Market in downtown New Bern on June 20. Information, music, crafts and the food from various regions will be the highlight of the day. The Farmers Market always has free admission! (252-633-9009)
The Haunted Evening Tour, is once again being presented by the New Bern Historical Society. This event features ghosts, paranormal events and funeral customs but in a FUN way???? (252-638-8558)
Just for the kids:
Check out A Day at the Farm in Cove City. This historic farm features hayrides and talks on how things were done on a farm in the old days. We loved making our own cheese.
Don’t forget about the wonderful Kidsville, a really special park on Pine Tree Drive in New Bern. The climbing frames and monkey bars are incredible. I’ve never seen kids have this much fun without electricity! Totally free, and bring your lunch to share on the picnic tables. (252-636-4060)
The Havelock Tourist Center has an exciting aviation exhibit that focuses on the history of aviation in this area. (That’s a lot of history!) Kids will love the full sized aircraft as well as the scale models on display. (252-444-4348)
The New Bern/Craven County Library presents storytime at the library on Johnson Street. Different dates and times for different age groups, so call 252-638-7805 for details.
Now you’re well armed when the kids say they’re bored.