Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

A Shot In The Arm

According to Hilton.com, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront will reopen on December 15th.

The Doubletree, located on Middle Street between the Riverfront Convention Center and Sky Sail, has been closed due to severe damage from Hurricane Florence since September 2018.

Along with 171 guest rooms, the Doubletree features six meeting rooms, a dining room, and an outdoor bar and pool on a deck overlooking the scenic Trent and Neuse Rivers.

While downtown New Bern offers other excellent lodging choices, like the Courtyard by Marriott or six bed and breaksfasts (my friend Jim recommends the Hanna House), the Doubletree’s closure (and Covid-19’s impact) has limited the booking of conventions, banquets, weddings or other large events.

So the Doubletree’s reopening (and Covid-19 vaccines) will be a shot in the arm for New Bern!

Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

Ways to Go!

New Bern is blessed to have convenient air and rail service.

Our Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) offers a nearby location in James City, affordable parking and hassle-free TSA screening compared to larger airports. Plus it is well-served by frequent American Airlines CR7 jet service to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Amtrak offers Thruway bus service (currently three days per week) from the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center to and from its station at Wilson. Then Amtrak’s Palmetto trains run from Wilson northbound to New York City or southbound to Savannah and its Carolinian train runs westbound to Charlotte.

Which way should you go? Flying is quicker. Trains are more relaxing. I like both ways to go!

Posted on by Robert N. Nielsen, Jr.

Happy Holidays!

Kudos to the City of New Bern’s Departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Works for their year-round efforts to make us look great!

With support from taxpayers in the Municipal Services District, our Downtown always looks festive with light-pole banners and other decorations.

The above photo of Christmas lighting at Union Point Park is an excellent example of the Departments’ artistic prowess.