Recently I had the opportunity to visit Tryon Palace in New Bern. This is a very easy day trip from Raleigh or can be a stop off going to and from the beautiful beaches of the Crystal Coast. I left around 7:30 am and after a stop at Starbucks, I was in New Bern at 10:15.
First stop you have to make is the North Carolina History Center to purchase your admission. The North Carolina History Center has several exhibits and displays to view before heading over to the actual Palace. There is also a quick eight minute film that runs in a continuous loop about the history of Tryon Palace. At the North Carolina History Center the staff called the shuttle to transport me the palace, but this was totally unnecessary as the Palace is only about two blocks away. Tryon Palace was late opening due to a Television crew filming all the beautiful Christmas decorations. Since I had about an hour to kill I started at the Stanley House that is located off the grounds of the Tryon Palace. This is where I had the pleasure to meet two of the best tour guides ever! When Alma realized I was from Raleigh, she made it a point to advise me Raleigh was NOT the real capitol of North Carolina. She and her partner Sherry, were so sweet to give me a private tour of the Stanley House. Well, it was private because I was the only one there, but I’m sure these two wonderful ladies make everyone feel as warm and welcome as they did me. Alma also pointed me in the direction of the New Bern Historical Society and a brief walking tour within a few blocks of the palace.
When the gate of Tryon Palace opened, I was a little early for the first tour, so I decided walk around the gardens . I was enjoying the gardens so much, I missed the next two tours. The gardens are divided into different sections but flow very nicely together. Whichever garden I was in at the moment, that was my favorite. Although I was there in the very late fall, there was so much beauty in the gardens. I can only imagine this must be a preview of the magnificent display that comes in the spring.
I made my way back to the palace and waited about 10 minutes for the next tour. Tours can only be done with a guide and are on the hour and half hour. You have an opportunity to tour most rooms of the Palace and a brief history of the use, furnishings and artwork. A few of the furnishings are originals and most of the artwork is original. My favorite room in the house was the Ball Room that overlooks the back lawn with views to the Trent River. Here you will find the restored portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
After the tour, it was kind of “don’t let the door hit you on the way out”. Just a “enjoy the rest of your day,bah bah”. There is much more to see including the kitchen, stables, a retail shop off to the side of the formal gardens. Several people were just going to leave because they really didn’t realize there was so much more to see and do. I was really disappointed about the attitude of the staff at the actual Palace and grounds after the warm hospitality of the staff at the Welcome Center and the Stanley House.
After meandering around for about an hour and one more visit to the formal gardens, I made the quick walk back to the Visitor’s Center. Due to poor planning on my part, I didn’t make it back for a late lunch before Lawson’s Landing Cafe closed. I should have a grabbed a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the historical district. There is a boardwalk along the Trent River directly behind the Visitor’s Center that I was able to enjoy an afternoon walk in the sun. This boardwalk is public and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Just be sure to have some type of jacket with you because the breeze coming off the river is chilly.
This was a lovely way to spend a day and I am already planning a return trip to see the gardens in the spring. I think for my return trip, I may stay overnight to do a walking tour of the historic downtown and try a few of the local cafes and restaurants.
Fun Fact: Charlotte is named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Hence, the name The Queen City. Mecklenburg County is named for her birth home of Mecklenburg, a region/state in Germany.
When I plan a trip, I like to read novels and nonfiction about that destination. Try these before your trip to Tryon Palace:
New Bern NC: Tryon Palace North Carolina
Also, if you would like Nicholas Sparks,
Logistics and Recap:
Total miles: 265 round trip
Weather: sunny skies with a comfortable temperature of 55F
What I Wore: It is late fall and we are in North Carolina. Chances are real good I will experience all seasons in one day!
Black Jeggings: easy peasy, great for car trips, easy and comfortable for siteseeing.
Black Merino Wool Turtleneck: Merino wool is the best thing ever!
Black, Cabernet, and Navy Merino Wool Cardigan: I repeat, Merino wool is the best thing EVER.
Black Chelsea Boots with thin merino wool socks. I like wearing my Chelsea boots during my travels in the fall through early spring because they are extreme comfortable and look more polished than tennis shoes. Also, they are waterproof.
Lavender Puffer Jacket: I started out the door with just my red Columbia Pardon My Trench coat, but at the last second, through my lavender puffer jacket in the back seat. So glad I did. My puffer proved to be the winner for this day. The breezes off the river would have been too much for the thin Pardon My Trench. During the middle of the day I just stuffed the puffer in my backpack and was fine in my turtleneck and cardigan. Got to love merino wool! The perfect layering material with NO bulk.
Black Convertible Nylon Backpack/Purse: Okay, I’m trying really hard to get on the backpack bandwagon. I’ve had this a few months, but while I love the look and style of this backpack, I’m just not in love with this whole backpack as a purse idea. Every time I need to get anything out of it, I have to take it off and set it down. But, I do like the fact I can stuff a jacket, water bottle and a plethora of other items in it.
Have you been to New Bern and Tryon Palace? Please leave a comment and we can compare notes!