New Bern Travel Guide

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We saw this little trolley when we were in New Bern, but in the winter when we were there, there was only one tour a day at 2 pm on the weekends and we couldn't make it. Plus a minimum of 6 adults are required for the tour, and there were only two of us.

Tickets are available on the Trolley Cars...or at New Bern Tours Office
ADULTS $15 - CHILDREN (12 and under) $7

Their brochure says:

Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a comprehensive 90-minute trolley tour of historic downtown New Bern.

Our professional guides will recount the fascinating details of this former royal capital of North Carolina and will leave you enchanted by the city's unique charm.

They also have horse drawn carriage tours (call for the price), a Civil War Tour, and African American Tour (both of these are $285 for 22 Passengers), and a day trip package for $50 which includes the admission to the Governor's Palace and lunch.

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I did not shop at either of the Tryon Palace shops. There appeared to be a middle school group of kids at this shop

MUSEUM SHOP

Located in the historic Jones House at the corner of Eden and Pollock streets, the Museum Shop offers a myriad of choices. Some of the things you will find on its well-stocked shelves are:

* An excellent selection of books on history, decorative arts,
architecture, and cooking;
* Decorative pieces for the home;
* Personal care products and jewelry;
* Toys, games and books for young people.

Shop Hours:
Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m-5:30 p.m.

The signs outside (photos 3 and 4) say the John Jones, who owned a turpentine distillery built the house around 1809 and added a wing in 1820. During the Civil War, the notorious Confederate spy Emeline Piggett, who smuggled military information, clothing and food underneath her hoop skirts was imprisoned in the house for awhile.

What to buy: CRAFTS AND GARDEN SHOP (photo 2)

I didn't buy anything this shop - since we were at the end of a fairly long trip, and it was March, I didn't want to buy any plants. I had already bought gifts for my mom who was the gardener in the family..

The poultry house of the Palace Complex houses the Crafts and Garden Shop, chockfull of items of special interest to gardeners and crafters. Gardening offerings include books, pots, tools, and, in season, a selection of plants from the Palace greenhouse. Here, too, you will find the handiwork of our craftspeople. These lovingly produced handmade items are instant heirlooms, providing a tangible connection with earlier lifestyles.

Shop Hours:
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 1- 5 p.m. While the shop is inside the Palace gates, tickets are not required for shopping. Pick up a Shop Pass at the Museum Shop on the corner of Eden and Pollock Streets.

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When we went to the visitor's center they told us that no photographs were allowed in the Governor's Palace or the historic houses that we toured. I was relatively OK because they did tell us up front. And they did have postcards etc for sale.

After we went through the palace where they had told us we could take no photos, we toured the outbuildings. The old kitchen was a reconstruction, so I thought photos would be OK. When we got around to where they were doing a weaving demonstration, the weaver told me that by law photos were forbidden in all NC historic buildings. I do not believe that she was telling me the truth. I have searched all over and can find no place that such a law is written. And this wasn't a historic building in any case.

When I access their website I found the following rules:

..we ask that you observe these guidelines:

All tours begin with an informative 20-minute audio-visual orientation program. Tours are guided by costumed interpreters. Large groups are always split into smaller groups of no more than twelve.

The furnishings of Tryon Palace and the other historic sites are several hundred years old and must be treated with great care. We ask that they not be touched by students or adults.

Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed in the exhibition buildings. Gum should be removed before entering the Visitor Center area.

Visitors may take photos of the gardens and building exteriors; however photography is not allowed in the exhibition buildings.

It is recommended that visitors wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothes appropriate for weather conditions.

They did not make it clear to me that ALL the exhibition buildings were off limits to photography. They stated specifically the Governor's Palace and any of the single houses.