New Bern earns a high accolade and bragging rights for being the only North Carolina city named as the best by a national lifestyle magazine.
New Bern is called a waterfront getaway being situated where the Neuse and Trent Rivers converge and for having at least two highlights for tourists, Tryon Palace and the Pepsi store.
Southern Living says the heart of the South can be found in small towns like New Bern "if only you’re paying close enough attention to what the storied streets, friendly locals, and lovable quirks are telling you."
The magazine also gives respect to New Bern for resiliency in overcoming destruction and heartbreak that came in the form of Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Dorian a year later.