Downtown
New Bern
Your New Favorite Downtown
Downtown New Bern
Where everything comes together—and has for over 300 years.
Tucked between the Neuse and Trent Rivers, Downtown New Bern is where history meets modern charm, and small-town warmth blends effortlessly with bold flavor. Every block invites you to slow down, explore, and stay a little longer.
This is the birthplace of Pepsi, the home of Tryon Palace, and North Carolina’s first capital.
300 Years in the Making
Founded in 1710 by Swiss immigrants, New Bern is considered the daughter city of Bern, Switzerland.
By the late 20th century, downtown New Bern was struggling. In 1980, everything began to change. Selected as one of North Carolina’s original 30 Main Street communities, New Bern became a model for downtown revitalization.
Today, Downtown New Bern is a thriving, walkable destination and a shining example of what’s possible when history, heart, and vision come together.
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, SwissBear, Inc. is recognized as a leader among more than 1,200 communities nationwide committed to creating vibrant places and strengthening local economies through preservation-based development. This accreditation reflects SwissBear’s adherence to the National Standards of Performance set by Main Street America.
New Bern is a designated North Carolina Main Street community, recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center. Locally, the program is administered by Swiss Bear, Inc., which fosters public-private partnerships to drive economic development through measurable outcomes like investment, business growth, and job creation.
Donate to Swiss Bear
An investment with Swiss Bear, Inc. helps make Downtown vibrant and supports our revitalization efforts. Your donation is an investment in our community and will help fund economic development and vitality in Downtown New Bern.