We’ve been in New Bern, NC since Monday, 7/30. As I mentioned previously, you just never know what to expect before arriving at a new anchorage. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes worse and sometimes just different.

As we approached New Bern Grand Marina and Yacht Club (it’s not really a yacht club) we were surprised to see remnants of a marina to our port side that was destroyed by hurricane Florence. Once secure in our slip we hopped off the boat and went for a walk-about and noticed that the Double Tree by Hilton, a five-story hotel on the waterfront overlooking the marina, was completely empty. The light was on — but – no one was home! The adjoining property is home to New Bern Convention Center which was also totally vacant. Whoa – ghostly eerie! 

The charming little 2X4 block downtown area is a short stroll from the boat.  It has several nice up-scale shops, numerous restaurants, a great hardware store, dozens of bear statues (the town mascot) dressed in every imaginable costume and the store where Pepsi was created in 1893.  Pepsi was originally called “Brads drink” after the pharmacist and Caleb Bradham who created beverages for patrons of the soda fountain in his pharmacy. There were a few vacant shops, but most were open or under restoration. The town was founded in the year 1710 and the old downtown is surrounded by a neighborhood of beautiful historic homes and lots and lots of churches. Another extremely charming community.

We walked to town or on the path that runs between the marina/water and the hotel/convention center/condos two or three times a day, every day. On one of our evening walks along the waterfront path we encountered a gaggle of runners of all ages. A runner’s club maybe? That was a bit unusual as the path had been fairly devoid of people except for the occasional fisherman/crabber. We could just imagine that this waterfront area pre-hurricane was energetic, bustling and an economic boon for the city. It appears to be coming back, but slowly.

Anyway, we’ve been here for almost a week. We originally came here because we needed an electrician for a boat project and thought this larger town (population about 30k) would give a better opportunity to find someone qualified and it was. Our harbor host, Joe Pica, recommended Jim Bonnett, owner of Wavetop Technology for the job. Jim was able to upgrade the wiring for our new battery charger in less than four hours, even with Michael “helping” by looking over his shoulder. Michael said he was quite impressed with Jim’s knowledge and speed of the install.  We’re now all charged up and ready to go.

The week has flown by! We’ve enjoyed our walks and exploring the neighborhoods, having lunch at a few of the restaurants, browsing the farmers market and shops and generally relaxing. While walking in town one morning we met a couple who we noticed because both were dressed in white shorts, matching blue shirts and captain’s hats. We stopped to chat with them, and they mentioned New Bern is nicknamed “Velcro Harbor”. We also learned they were Loopers and had completed the Loop twice. After visiting here, they decided to stay (like Velcro). They sold their Looper boat, bought a downtown condo and purchased a Duffy 22’ electric boat to give river tours on. Adorable and Charming.

We plan to leave Monday morning weather permitting. Where we are going has yet to be decided. Will keep you posted.