presents . . .
Historic New Bern & Wilmington, NC
September 12, 13,14 – 2014
Overview
New Bern, NC was settled in 1710 by Swiss and Palatine German immigrants. The new colonists named the settlement after Bern, the capital of Switzerland and hometown of their leader Christoph von Graffenried.
New Bern is the second-oldest European-American colonial town in North Carolina (afterBath). It served as the capital of the North Carolina colonial government, then briefly as the state capital. After the American Revolution, New Bern became wealthy and quickly developed a rich cultural life. At one time New Bern was called "the Athens of the South," renowned for its Masonic Temple and Athens Theater. These are both still very active today.OVER 300 YEARS of HISTORY REVEALED!
Wilmington was settled by European Americans along theCape Fear River. Its historic downtown has a one-mile-long Riverwalk, developed as a tourist attraction. It is minutes away from nearby beaches.The National Trust for Historic Preservationnamed Wilmington, North Carolina, one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Depart Raleigh to New Bern - 8:00 am by motorcoach. Parking in a central and secure location will be arranged where you can leave your car. Light breakfast provided on the way.
Arrive in New Bern to enjoy a professionally guided tour on the bus.
Lunch: Bay LeafRestaurant
This is like having an Indian Grandmothers cooking. Impeccable atmosphere, food prepared with care! Authentic Indian Cuisine: Buffett, something for everyone!
After lunch, a leisurely walk downtown for quaint shops, architecture & historic homes, breathe taking gardens, and the birthplace of Pepsi and the stories that built New Bern. Free time to return back to places you learned about earlier that day or enjoy several options for self-guided walking tours or shopping.
Dinner: Moore’s Olde Tyme Barbeque
“We still like to roast and smoke our pigs in a real pit over live oak coals. Over fifty years ago that is the way John Moore, the founder, started. “
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Breakfast in the hotel
9:00 AMTryon Palace. North Carolina’s history is more than a story — it’s an experience. It was here where governors ruled, legislators debated, patriots gathered, and George Washington danced. Guided tour, gardens and fabulous history center await us! Plenty of time to explore, learn and experience it all.
Lunch: Morgan’s Tavern (New Bern)
After lunch, travel to Wilmington and receive an orientation from guide Bob Jenkins & tour the original 65 blocks of NC’s third established city by mini-bus. Explore the River walk complete with antiques, shopping, ice cream, the Cotton Exchange all along the Cape Fear River!
Hotel check in late PM.
Dinner:
TRT has set up a “classic dine around” experience. Groups of five will enjoy a spectacular evening at a quality restaurant. This “dutch” outing will be the talk of the following day for sure. We escort each group to your selected dinning establishment and ensure that your transportation back to the hotel or you may enjoy a leisure stroll around the Historic Waterfront District or go to a favorite pub/bar afterwards. (* We did this on our Charleston trip in 2012 and it was a big success!)
Sunday,September 14, 2014
Let’s jump right into our day with breakfast at leisure at our hotel.
Head out to beautiful Airlie Gardens: Airlie continues to amaze visitors with its breathtaking combination of formal gardens, wildlife, historic structures, walking trails, sculptures, views of Bradley Creek, 10-acres of freshwater lakes, more than 100,000 azaleas and the grandeur of the 467-year-old Airlie Oak.
Cruise out to Wrightsville Beach to get your feet wet, an ocean walk or swim!
Brunch: Jester’s Cafe
Yummy brunch at this upscale café with great outdoor seating options!
Finally, a Wilmington tradition: the Bellamy Mansion Museum tour! Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-year-
old magnolia trees. Climb the stairs to the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear the stories of the Bellamy family,
as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Know that you are walking through history.
We will head back to Raleigh after several days of FUN!
Inclusive Tour Cost: $457.00 per person (double occupancy).
Non-refundable deposit of $175 is due August 1, 2014 and balance of $282 is due September 1, 2014.
Single supplement is $129.
Tour cost includes three days, twonights. Tobacco Road Tours owner Brad Kennedy accompanying group on trip. All transportation andaccommodations. Three (3) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, one (1) brunch andone (1) dinner. Tickets to Tryon Palace, Airlie Gardens, Bellamy Mansion, step-on guides.