Weekend in ... New Bern, N.C.

Stay

The Broad Creek Guest Quarters, a charming bed-and-breakfast/condo resort features unique guest accommodations set along the Neuse River and Fairfield Harbour (about 15 minutes to downtown New Bern). On site are heated indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, Jacuzzi and a flurry of activities, including fitness walks, volleyball tournaments, crafts, family and teen nights, and s'mores by the campfire. Stays through summer range from $119 to $149 per night; www.broadcreekguestquarters.com, 6229 Harbourside Drive, 252-474-5329.

Eat

Find a casual yet authentic tavern atmosphere at Morgan's. Over a dozen luncheon entrees are priced at $6.49. Evening entrees range from $10.99 to $19.99; www.morganstavernnewbern.com; 235 Craven St., 252-636-2430.

Experience

Several galleries host an evening out with special exhibits and meet-the-artist openings from 5 to 8 p.m. on the second Friday each month; free; www.cravenarts.org. Another free family-friendly summer event, Music in the Park, is held at Union Point Park. Live musical performances will be offered at 7 p.m. May 22 and July 9; www.newbern-nc.org. The stunning dune-protected white sand beaches along the Crystal Coast are a 45-minute drive from New Bern; www.crystalcoastnc.org.

Moderate

Getting there

Round-trip rates to New Bern start at $280 with a 21-day advance-purchase notice; Saturday night minimum stay. Valid on USAirways.

Stay

The highly rated SpringHill Suites by Marriott (www.TripAdvisor.com) invites guests with a two-night "Escape! Attraction" package that includes overnight accommodations, a Suite Seasons hot breakfast and a pair of two-day adult passes to the beautiful Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. The gardens take visitors back in time, as costumed guides, working craftspeople and character interpreters bring American history to life. Rates start at $144 per night, double (promotional code ARN). Valid on stays through July 27; www.marriott.com/, 300 Hotel Drive, 252-637-0017.

Eat

Enjoy upscale dining at the Harvey Mansion Restaurant. Six distinct dining rooms are situated on the first and second floors of this historic inn. Each features local art, ornate woodwork and a fireplace. The home, built from 1797 to 1804, represents the town's prominence as an important seaport and Colonial city. Entrees range from $13.95 to $29.95; www.harveymansion.attractionsbook.com, 221 S. Front St., 252-635-3232.

Experience

New Bern, where the Trent and Neuse rivers meet, has more than 150 historic landmarks. The town is celebrating its 300th birthday this year with many special events (www.visitnewbern.com). Take a comprehensive 90-minute guided trolley tour of the area, including a visit to the New Bern Academy Museum, Cedar Grove Cemetery and Christ Episcopal Church. A separate 90-minute narrated Civil War trolley tour recounts the Battle of New Bern, subsequent years of Union troop occupation and downtown Civil War sites. Each tour is $15 adults; $8 children ages 12 and under; www.newberntours.com, 333 Middle St., 252-637-7316.

Splurge

Getting there

Walk-up, Economy class rates are $472 round-trip on USAirways. A one-night minimum stay is required.

Stay

The Hilton New Bern Riverfront, located in the historic downtown district, is convenient to shops, attractions and restaurants. Guests enjoy beautiful views of downtown and the Trent River waterfront and newly renovated rooms with signature bedding and complimentary WiFi. Head to the Deck for live entertainment on Friday evenings and for Jazz on the Trent each Sunday while overlooking the New Bern Grand Marina. A king room with river views, balcony, one round of golf and breakfast is priced starting at $244 per night; www.hilton.com, 100 Middle St., 252-638-3585.

Eat

The Chelsea occupies a historic downtown structure first used by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham, inventor of Pepsi-Cola (a soft drink that delivered "pep"). This restaurant, popular with locals, features traditional Southern and international specialties. Entrees range from $9.50 to $32; www.thechelsea.com, 335 Middle St., 252-637-5469.

Experience

Tryon Palace is a reconstruction of a historic Colonial governor's mansion. This site includes seven structures and more than 14 acres of beautifully maintained gardens (12 themed gardens) from formal 18th-century gardens to an herb and vegetable kitchen garden. A Governor's Pass to visit the entire site (allow a half day minimum) is $15 adults; $6 students in grades 1-12; www.tryonpalace.org, 610 Pollock St., 252-514-4937.