Tryon Palace, the reconstruction of the Colonial governors residence is a major attraction. New Bern has a wonderful historical district with many restored residences and an active down town business area with shops and restaurants to serve most tastes. All these attractions are easily reached from marinas or the anchorage on the Trent River. Down the river and across the sound is the Outer Banks village of Ocracoke. Anchoring on Silver Lake or tying up at the government dock lets you look in on a world where the ocean still controls the life style.
Beaches are a short walk.
A lighthouse warns shipping of the shoals and houses are nestled in among the live oaks along sandy lanes. From Ocracoke, there are several choices. You can head up the Pamlico River to Bath, once the home of Blackbeard, and Washington, another thriving small city with easy access from the waterfront. A jog up the Pungo River will take you to Bellhaven then to the Alligator river and into the Albemarle Sound. Heading North up the back side of the Outer Banks will bring you into Manteo, NC, site of the original settlement in the Untied States.