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In places like New Bern, it seems hard to contemplate that there are days not conducive to taking on the outdoors. However, just because you have to come in does not mean you have to stop having fun. Come along with us as we explore a list of fulfilling things to do on a rainy day.
Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Gallery
Our first on the list of indoor activities involves a shop that will keep you busy for hours. This gallery shows off originals by over 300 artists. This means if you need to do some gift shopping, the recipient can rest assured there is no other piece exactly like theirs. The types of items available include, but are not limited to:
New Bern Academy Museum
Part of the enormous grounds at Tryon Palace, the former New Bern Academy. Has gone through quite a transformation since being constructed in 1809. As the name implies, the purpose of the building was to be a school for both boys and girls. Decades later, the academy became a hospital for soldiers in need during the Civil War. It also doubled as a recruitment station. It wasn't until almost 1900 before the academy went back to school and continued to educate through the 1970s.
Today, the building has evolved into a museum with four permanent collections. The rooms to browse through fall under the topics of the Civil War. The historical estate and building, and the unique architecture around New Bern. Admission is free.
New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
All year, there is a wide assortment of events going on in the heart of New Bern inside the convention center. Many conventions, or even balls, are open to the public. It's possible that a hobby or association you're interested in could be doing something here. Check their calendar so you can stay in the know.
Bear Towne Escape Room
If you're looking for something that is next level, this is the place. Bring the family or a group of friends to solve puzzles that will put the pieces of a mystery into focus. You have an hour and the choice of three escape games; Witches Brew Aftermath, The Elf Who Stole Christmas, and Spy Hunter. The prices per person range from $24.50 to $30.
The Birthplace of Pepsi
Picture it. New Bern. The year was 1898. Caleb Bradham was tooling around and came up with a drink that would spread far beyond the pharmacy where it was created. The new soda was actually first put together a few years prior, but August 28, 1898, is when the drink was officially called Pepsi-Cola. Visiting this corner spot downtown is a tour back in time. The inside is adorned with trivia and memorabilia. There are also plenty of Pepsi items you can buy in-store or online.
Craven Arts Council & Gallery Bank of the Arts
This gallery is sure to keep your attention throughout the year. The exhibitions are often changed to give you a new feeling each visit. Also, part of the happenings here are lectures and performances by various musicians. If you really want a different way to take in the gallery, you can take a yoga class on-site for $11.
New Bern Civic Theater
The Athens Theater was built over a century ago. To showcase vaudeville and traveling acting troupes. Also, local productions and the biggest entertainment of the day called silent pictures. Renamed to New Bern Civic Theater in 1980, the theater has a new production going on every month. Ticket prices start at $15.
The Next Chapter Books & Art
Perhaps one of the most comforting ways to get through a rainy day is to sit back with a good book. What better place to find that perfect reading material than a local bookstore? Not only do they focus on nearby authors, they literally have it on their sign out front. Books aren't the only entertainment here, there are also signings, book launches, and even art classes.
Bear City Fudge Company
After a long day of walking around galleries or participating in an activity or two, you deserve a treat. Indulge your sweet tooth in the historic downtown with an array of delicacies, such as:
Oh, don't let us forget to mention, there are 16 flavors of ice cream. Sit down, take a load off, and enjoy.
With a list like this, you have plenty of reasons to look forward to rainy days. Rain or shine, there's something to get into and new experiences to be had. So, these are some great excuses to come in from the outside and see a distinct part of New Bern.
