According to AAA of the Carolinas, New Bern — the state’s colonial capital — is one of the most visited places in our state on the Fourth of July.
Craven County Tourism officials say the history of New Bern is what draws people from around the state to the colonial capital to celebrate Independence Day. New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and it was the state’s first capital city. It’s the birthplace of Pepsi and the town also survived the Revolutionary and Civil wars. In addition, it’s close to the Atlantic Ocean and the town is rich with American history and stories.
“We have so much history here and I think the Fourth is a holiday that people connect with American history and so why would you not go to North Carolina’s first permanent capital and experience that,” Craig Ramey, Tryon Palace Historic Site Marketing Director said.
According to AAA spokeswoman Tiffany Wright, officials look at the bookings of all their travel branches in North Carolina from June 24-July 5. They track the destinations that appear most frequently. This year New Bern was second on the list behind Orlando, Fla. Rounding out the top five destination for North Carolinians are Williamsburg, Va., Branson, Mo., and Fort Bragg.
Gary Curry, chair of the Craven County Tourism Development Authority says New Bern gets the most visitors from the Raleigh-Durham area, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Rocky Mount, and Wilson.
“This weekend we expect about 15,000 people to come and fill every hotel room every bed and breakfast, timeshare, campgrounds and also staying with friends and family,” Curry said.
AAA officials said around 1.2 million North Carolinians will travel more than 50 miles to reach their Fourth of July destinations. The agency says that’s the highest number of drivers on the roads in North Carolina for the holiday since 2001.
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AAA Carolinas says a strong economy and relatively low gas prices are spurring travel during the busiest summer travel holiday.
Just over 1 million residents are expected to drive to their destinations. They will find gas prices are an average of 91 cents lower per gallon than last Independence Day.
The average price statewide is $2.65 a gallon. The highest gasoline is found in Asheville where it averages $2.71. The lowest price can be found in High Point at an average of $2.53 a gallon.
The motor club says the top driving destinations for North Carolinians are Orlando, Florida; New Bern; Williamsburg, Virginia; Branson, Missouri; and Fort Bragg.
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