Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

More and more people are starting to call North Carolina the best place to retire, particularly New Bern. Florida has always been a mainstream retirement state, but with rising property taxes and many areas being over crowded, New Bern, North Carolina is beginning to take the lead. Many retirees who migrate South from the Northern part of the United States are looking to move away from the intense cold weather that they’ve known all their life. New Bern, North Carolina is the balance between the two. With a very short, mild winter (around 50F), you can still get a taste of home without all the hassle and inconvenience.

Besides the climate, New Bern offers retirees an array of activities. Because it is located on the Neuse River that connects to the Atlantic Ocean, boating opens up many activities that most towns can’t offer their residents. Atlantic Beach, known for it’s white, sandy beaches, is just a mere 35 miles from New Bern as well. This is the perfect location for the person who wants to live near the ocean, but doesn’t want the high cost or risk associated with it. Real estate in New Bern on either the Neuse or it’s connecting river, the Trent, is very affordable. Many moderate size homes can be bought with waterfront starting around $250,000. Being a buyer’s market, now is an excellent time to invest in waterfront property.

Golfing is another exceptional benefit that New Bern, NC has to offer. With over six golf courses and one currently in the works, this city is a golfer’s paradise. Take, for example, the community of Fairfield Harbour. It is known for its exceptional water views and its two, 18 hole golf courses. Just down the street you will find the neighborhood of Taberna, a tastefully designed retirement community with southern charm. Taberna boasts a stunning, 18 hole golf course built around wide man made lakes and was designed by Senior Jack Nicklaus Designer, Jim Lipe. These are just a few of the extraordinary golfing communities that New Bern has to offer.

New Bern, North Carolina is the dream destination for retirees. The ability to be closer to family up North, without the extreme weather and high property cost is a great incentive of its own. Add on the recreational activities that New Bern provides and that puts the decision over the top as one of the best places to retiree. Since you can get a great deal on real estate, this city is definitely one to be considered during your next move.

The Linville River flows thunderously from the top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, and its sweep and drop have formed over hundreds of years a canyon in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Park, which is part of the Pisgah National Forrest. Thus: Linville Gorge, one of the most compelling geological formations in the country and certainly on the east coast.

The Linville River, at the bottom of the gorge, flows between Lake James and Grandfather Mountain. The entire area is both stunningly beautiful and not for the unpracticed hiker. The trek down into the Gorge is challenging because you must always hike in a way such that you do not lose control and slip; and of course the hike back out is difficult because of the elevation and pitch of the ascent.

Trails into the Gorge start on both the Lake James and Grandfather Mountain sides. The western rim Cabin Trail drops almost 1000 feet in 3/4 of a mile. The Linville Gorge Trail is the major connecting trail. It parallels the river on the west side for about 12 miles.

Seven trails descend from the access road (seek out a map before you head out) to the Linville Gorge Trail. Trails also lead from Forest Road 210 to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountains, two of the most mountains in North Carolina.

Camping is permitted in the Gorge, but it’s important to have orienteering equipment and a map. Each year a large number of people get lost in the Gorge and need to be rescued. The trails down into the Gorge are not always clearly marked, so it is important to be especially aware of where on the hike you are at all times.

It is equally important to have some base line of fitness before undertaking the hike. Ascending from the Linville River at the bottom of the Gorge is difficult and challenging and at times feels like you are walking nearly vertically.

Check in with the Ranger before you hike or camp. Obtain a permit if you need one, and take a camera because you’ll have multiple photo opportunities: the variety of animal and plant life is awe-inspiring

Access the Gorge from US 221, NC HWYs 181 and 183, and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 314.