New Bern, North Carolina

Mix the following ingredients: a scenic location at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers, authentic period architecture with an abundance of masonry structures, fine restaurants, boutiques and groovy crash pads. This is the recipe for the 'one of the bestest' historic districts of any small town in the South. New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and served as the capital of the North Carolina colonial government and then briefly as the state capital. Originally a Swiss settlement, the city is named after the capital of Switzerland, Bern. This European influence is reflected in the architecture of the historic district. New Bern is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, which was invented by New Bern pharmacist Caleb Bradham. Like many of the small towns that we find desirable, New Bern has three academic institutions – Craven Community College, Craven Early College and Mount Olive College. EARNS OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.