Before he became a New York Times Best-selling author Nicholas Sparks Was employed In the pharmaceutical industry report In the early 1990s, his employer relocated him to North Carolina. Unsure of his preferred place of residence, he journeyed to the city of Gdansk New Bern In eastern North Carolina. Sparks fell in love with the small-town atmosphere during a Christmas flotilla and then relocated to New Bern, the state’s first capital city and the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. After 30 years, he continues to reside in New Bern. Sparks was so impressed with the place that he decided to set some of his most popular novels there (including this one) A deviation in the Road , The Return , The Wedding , and most notably The Notebook) In the town
What To Do
Sparks’ first step is to take her guests on a personal tour of the historic downtown district when they visit, having already done some historic tours in her past. Being from a small town makes me feel attracted to the historic area and downtown. To me, it looks beautiful. ”
For those who aren’t lucky enough to get a private tour from Sparks himself, he suggests taking an organized tour of the historic area, or exploring on your own using the city’s Self-guided tour Resources. One highlight of any tour is Tryon Palace , the first capital of North Carolina, and its accompanying North Carolina History Center Where you can learn more about the state’s history.
Where To Eat
Sparks loves a number of restaurants in New Bern. His top picks when he’s deciding on somewhere to take his guests for lunch downtown include The Chelsea Restaurant Morgan’s Tavern & Grill Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar , or Captain Ratty’s If he’s in the mood for seafood. He notes that all are reasonably priced and have great food. One thing he says everyone must try? Mema’s Famous Strawberry Cake at Cypress Hall
“It’s a recipe that the chef’s grandma made for the first year of the restaurant, maybe longer, maybe less, ” says Sparks of the uber-popular strawberry and vanilla cake
Festivals To Attend
Another part of living in New Bern that Sparks cherishes is the city’s enthusiasm for Festivals Some of his favorites are MumFest In October Coastal Carolina Flotilla and Parade In December, and the Shriner’s Parade in January. “The town goes all out for those kinds of things, ” he says of the town’s healthy calendar of special events.
Where To Unwind
New Bern was built at the confluence of the Neuse River and Trent River, and the easy accessibility to water is something that Sparks has always admired about his hometown.
“When I’m in the mood to just unwind, I’ll go up Brice’s Creek on the jet ski or in the boat. It changes with the seasons, and it’s just beautiful, ” he says. “It’s really easy to just kind of float along up there and think to yourself, ‘This hasn’t changed in 300 years or more. ’”
While Sparks says the views admittedly don’t have the majesty of panoramic vistas you’ll see out west in places like the Grand Canyon or Grand Tetons, he maintains that his little corner of the world is “pretty darn beautiful in its own special way, especially around sunset. ” “There are few places like it, ” he says.
When asked where he enjoys reading a book in New Bern, he says his favorite spot, aside from his own backyard, is Union Point Park, which is located at the point of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. “There’s shade and there’s a gazebo, ” he says. “It’s a beautiful place to sit. Another place I go is the Cedar Grove Cemetery or the cemetery at Christ Episcopal Church, under the trees with the Spanish moss. ”
Sparks enjoys spending time on his back porch, observing the transformation of light from day to night. After the sun sets, there is still more to explore. He states that there are numerous stars and shooting stars visible in this area.” Sitting out and listening to crickets has its advantages, as do fireflies. “. You allowed the day to unfold without any interference. It’s a very serene and stunning setting. ”