Real Estate News, North Carolina

35th Annual Candlelight Celebration at Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace Candlelight Celebration
Published on November 17, 2015

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA

Returning this December to the city of New Bern, is Tryon Palace's magical annual Candlelight Celebration. Regarded as one of the most beautiful North Carolina coastal communities, New Bern is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. For the 35th year, North Carolina's historical governor's palace will come alive with holiday fun, costumes and decorations, enchanting events and more. On Saturday December 12th (4:30 - 9:30 PM) and Saturday December 19th (4:30 - 9:30 PM), visitors to the Candlelight Celebration will be treated to:

  • A historical ball at the Governor's Palace, held for Princess Sophia Carolina Matilda, Marchioness of Waldegrave
  • A hunt for the eloped Elizabeth Stanly in 1814 at the Stanly House
  • A reading of the classic story, “A Visit from St. Nicholas" at the Dixon House
  • A portrayal of Christmas Eve from 1950 at the Commission House, as Mr. and Mrs. Mohn spend the evening busily preparing for their children and grandchildren
  • Circus acts including fire eating, sword swallowing, and acrobatics
  • And an illuminating display of black powder fireworks
  • The celebration promises to be an unforgettable day of festivities. Tickets for the 35th Annual Candlelight Celebration range from $6.00 - $18.00 based on age, and time of arrival. 

If you are not familiar with New Bern, it is a beautiful riverfront town on North Carolina's Atlantic coast. Not only is it among the best North Carolina coastal communities, New Bern is also filled with rich history. The second oldest town in North Carolina, its streets are lined with quaint and charming Georgian style buildings. An important battleground during the civil war, the city now boasts one of the country's strategic air force bases. New Bern also served as the birthplace of our beloved Pepsi-Cola. 

Today, New Bern is a hotspot for those who enjoy boating on peaceful Pamlico Sound, the largest natural lagoon on the east coast of North America. Fed by the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, the sound is full of wildlife, and natural wooded islands. The waters' rare species include fin whales, orcas, leatherback turtles, great white sharks and more. 

Beyond boating, New Bern offers fantastic options for dining and entertainment. Top restaurants include Captain Ratty's, Crabby Patty's, and Christoph's on the Water. For family fun, there are kayak rentals and outdoor sports at Bear Town Adventure Co., and several cruise companies offer day trips on the sound. If you are interested in living in one of the best North Carolina coastal communities, New Bern has great neighborhoods for families and retirees.

One of the top places to live in North Carolina is a boating community named River Dunes. Designed in the style of a coastal maritime village, River Dunes features three separate neighborhoods, with scenic waterfront living. With homes along the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, this is an ideal place for fishermen and boating aficionados. The community's Grace Harbor Marina offers easy access to Pamlico Sound via the Intracoastal Waterway, for transient vessels up to 150 ft. Further amenities at River Dunes include:

  • 11,500 Square Foot Clubhouse overlooking the marina with dining 
  • Private 1,100 Foot Boating Access Channel 
  • 124 Deepwater Boat Slips with utilities 
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool overlooking the marina 
  • Fireside Hot Tub and Cozy Cabanas 
  • Fitness Center with Steam Showers 
  • Two Lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts 
  • The Lake House for social events 
  • 238 Acre Nature Preserve Guest Cottages 
  • And a Riverside Chapel

Available properties in River Dunes begin in the $400,000 range, while others list for well over $1,000,000. Lots for sale are available for just over $100,000. If you are interested in Pamlico Sound real estate, and would like to check out one of the top places to live in North Carolina, call River Dunes to schedule a tour at 800-975-9565.

The winter months are the perfect time to explore Pamlico Sound real estate. And there is no better way to enjoy the season than at the Candlelight Celebration. If this winter you want to avoid the freeze, and enjoy some coastal breezes, then come to New Bern, one of the top places to live in North Carolina.