New Bern

This city of 23,500 was founded in 1710 by a Swiss nobleman who named it after his home: Bern, Switzerland. Since "bern" means "bear" in German, black bears are the mascot of New Bern, peering from carvings, the city's seal, and town souvenirs. New Bern boasted the state's first printing press in 1749, the first newspaper in 1751, and the first publicly funded school in 1764. For nearly 30 years it was also the state capital until it moved to Raleigh in 1792. George Washington even slept in New Bern..twice. In 1898 New Bern cemented its place in pop-culture history when pharmacist Caleb Bradham mixed up a digestive aid that would become known as Pepsi-Cola.

Today New Bern has a 20-block historic district that includes more than 150 significant buildings, some 50 of which are on the National Register. The diverse architecture covers colonial, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Since 1979 more than $70 million has been spent preserving and revitalizing the downtown area, now a pleasant mix of shops, restaurants, and museums. Sailors and sun seekers enjoy the area, too, as the Neuse and Trent rivers are perfect for such activities as waterskiing and crabbing. The town has eight marinas, and, if water sports aren't your thing, five public or semipublic golf courses.