The Jarvis at 220 |
New Bern, NC
The sweetest hidden gem in the Carolinas
This past weekend our friends at Select Registry sent us back on the road to feature another amazing boutique B&B from their collection. This time we were headed south to one of the best hidden gems in the Carolinas – the historic city of New Bern. Tucked away near North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, New Bern is seemingly just off the radar to most tourists passing by traveling to the Outer Banks. Unlikely to stay a secret for long, New Bern’s buzzy downtown district is known for its atmospheric and down to earth vibe. A rare surviving piece of small-town America where small business thrives, and southern hospitality is alive and well.
Situated in the heart of downtown you’ll find The Jarvis at 220. This historic mansion, has been transformed into an elegant bed and breakfast and event venue. Just a quick stroll from both the waterfront and downtown, The Jarvis is walkable to just about anything you could wish to do or see during a getaway to New Bern making it a perfect stay for an exciting weekend getaway.
Upon arriving at The Jarvis, we were greeted by Denise and Michael, a husband & wife innkeeper duo who are truly the hallmark of southern hospitality. Leave it to them to make you feel more at home than you do at you’re actual home, if that’s actually even possible. Inside, The Jarvis mingles coastal design elements with European styled decadence. Seaside inspired paintings from local artists are showcased throughout each room (currently on display is art from Carolina Creations), a tribute to the beautiful region The Jarvis calls home. It is opulent, bright, spacious and meticulously clean. With lounging spaces inside and outside, guests can truly make themselves at home with plenty of space to unwind.
Perfectly intimate with only 4 guest suites, each is designed with the upmost in comfort and privacy in mind. During our visit we stayed in the Jarvis Suite, the inn’s largest and most luxurious room. The space is outfitted with elegant furnishings and lavish amenities such as a private balcony and a glorious master bath. Locally made fudge & regional bath products await guests in the rooms at check in, just another thoughtful touch that makes this stay feel all so welcoming.
There are so many things that set apart a stay at The Jarvis 220 from a regular hotel experience. From the incredible fresh breakfast every morning (the pancakes were heavenly) to the complimentary beverage and snack bar available for guests at all hours to take from as they please. Venture down to the Wine Cellar below the Jarvis & you’ll even find an additional hang out space for guests to take advantage of with its own bar, pool table, and billiard games. Spend your evenings on the front porch taking in the balmy breeze with a glass of wine before heading to dinner. So many perfect and unique moments, none of which you would find staying anywhere but here at The Jarvis.
There truly is no better way to get to know a place than to experience it through a locally owned Inn or B&B. Denise and Michael know everything there is to know about New Bern & were more than happy to help us organize our plans to explore & sightsee the city. The Jarvis even provides complimentary bikes for guests to take out on the town and explore – a perk that we absolutely LOVED. All in all, there is nothing not to love about this boutique stay. The Jarvis embodies everything one could wish to find in a modern bed and breakfast experience, and we cannot wait to return again for another visit. Book your stay at The Jarvis at 220 here on their website!
Exploring New Bern
One of the best perks of exploring New Bern is how incredibly walkable the small city is. Just steps from your stay at The Jarvis you’ll find streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, restaurants and even a few speakeasy bars. Downtown New Bern feels timeless and is romantically picturesque with its historic architecture & Spanish moss draped chapels. Think Nicholas Sparks small southern town romanticism, so much so that Nicholas Sparks now lives in New Bern himself (true story!)
Bonus tip: Don’t leave town without stopping in to Small Batch Goods and grabbing one of their ‘New Bern Candles‘ – trust me, it’s heaven.
With a thriving foodie scene, there are a ton of fantastic dining options to choose from in town. Whether you’re looking to dine waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood or you’re craving some classic southern cuisine, New Bern has you covered. Our personal favorite restaurant was hands down Cypress Hall, a new addition to the downtown restaurant scene that specializes in traditional southern dishes with a twist. We highly recommend you make dining reservations in advance here as it seemed to be a busy spot in town. After dinner be sure to top off your evening with the best ice cream in town over at Bear City Fudge, it’s BEYOND good- so save some room for dessert!
Lastly, be sure to also keep an eye out for the colorfully painted bear statues that can be found all throughout the city in dedication to New Bern’s mascot, which is of course, a bear. They are so very adorable.
Spend a day uncovering New Bern's fascinating history
Start your day with a trolley tour & discover 3 centuries of New Bern’s historical roots during a 90-minute tour packed with the many sights and stories of the city’s past. Next head over to Tryon Palace, which is conveniently located just steps from the trolley drop off. This massive historical site features an exact replica of the British governor’s prior home, which was the first permanent capital of North Carolina. Experience the regal palace with a tour inside or opt for a shorter visit & explore the beautiful palace gardens and outdoor exhibits instead. Most tickets to Tryon Palace also include access to the North Carolina history center which is located just down the street.
Step into more recent New Bern history by enjoying a cold glass of Pepsi Cola at the very place it was first invented. The Birthplace of Pepsi shop & mini museum offers visitors a chance to learn about how Pepsi came to be when it was first created by New Bern resident, Caleb Bradham back in 1898.
End your day with one final journey into old New Bern with an evening ghost tour. Follow your guide to some of most notoriously haunted parts of the city where you’ll be told chilling tales of past paranormal encounters. The 90 minute guided tours are yet another way to explore & get to know this historically rich Carolina city.
For more ideas on what to do during a getaway to The Jarvis at 220 be sure to check out the official New Bern Tourism website.
A big thank you to Select Registry and The Jarvis at 220 for generously hosting us during our visit. All recommendations and reviews remain genuine, these opinions are my own.
