New Bern

Today I visited the eastern North Carolina city of New Bern, located on the west bank of the Neuse River.  Like the Swiss city after which it is named, New Bern proudly symbolizes itself with the bear.  Strewn around the city are many bear statues such as this one.  People are warned against sitting on or climbing the bear, but apparently putting stickers on it is OK.  Of course, if you encounter a real bear, you should never try to do any of that.

The city's sign includes a bear symbol.

At the southeast corner of New Bern is Union Point Park.  I think it might be OK to sit on any of these bears.

Union Point Park includes this gazebo.  In the background to the right is a boat on the Neuse River.

New Bern celebrates Christmas.

The park also includes this large tree.

This bear statue is Bearon de Graffenried, named after New Bern's founder, who was born in the Swiss canton of Bern.  (For some reason, the statue's name includes the French word de instead of the German word von.)

On the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets is the birthplace of Pepsi.  I naturally had to stop in and drink a bottle of it.

New Bern's City Hall includes an impressive clock tower.

Toward the west side of the downtown area is Hancock Street, which has its own railroad track.

Besides the links above, to learn more about New Bern, go to Visit New Bern and Downtown New Bern.