Parade of Homes Success!

The 2008 Spring Parade of Homes was a huge success with 58 homes on tour and 34 local builders participating. Some of New Bern's newest communities were open for the first time and the latest trends in construction were on display.
Residential Builders Billy & Donna Russel, owners of Kit Corp, displayed the latest in bath fixtures, flooring, trim and home media in their new construction at 128 East Ag Drive. Kit Corp, well known for their quality construction and exceptional design, ushered hundreds of visitors through their newest model during the 2 weekends of the parade. To see a virtual tour of the home, click the following link http://www.TopAMS.com/?t=440

"Death, Taxes...and Chocolate" World Premier

New Bern has so much to offer and now our fair city will host the world premier of the movie, "Death, Taxes...and Chocolate"! Written by local resident Andrea Levinson, presented by A Levinson Film and Sheffield Films in Association with Sheffield Entertainment Television, the premier will be held at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on April 20. A Red Carpet Extravaganza featuring the movie, chocolate & wine reception and opportunities to meet the writer director and actors begin at 1:30 for $50 per person, $75 for 2. At 6:30 pm, there is a general admission presentation featuring movie, popcorn & soda for $10.

Don't miss the opportunity to see this "dark chocolate comedy". It has a surprise ending that Levinson won't give away. You can see more about the movie and purchase products on their website at http://www.deathtaxesandchocolate.com/home.html , email alevinsonfilm@yahoo.com or call 252-638-3311

Tryon Palace Gardens

As a correction to my last post, the Tryon Palace Gardens will offer free admission to ALL April 11th, 12th and 13th. Dubbed Garden Lovers Weekend, the palace will be in full bloom with thousands of tulips as well as other spring blooms. The gardens open from 9am to 6pm Friday and Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

Complimenting this event is the Heritage Plant Sale, the 11th and 12th from 9am to 5pm on the Palace Grounds. This sale offers the public a chance to purchase unique, rare and historic plants featuring perennials, annuals, herbs, trees and shrubs, all grown in the Tryon Palace Greenhouse!

Don't miss an opportunity to stop at the Palace Garden Shop with Open House from 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. Besides the spring planting ideas and new products, there will be craft demonstrations and plenty of food.

There will be something for everyone at the Tryon Palace! For more information, go to http://www.tryonpalace.org/gardenloverweekend.html

Spring in New Bern

Spring is here and New Bern begins it's Spring Events. The most popular, year after year, is the Spring Historic Homes & Gardens Tour. April 11th & 12th from 10am to 5pm, you will have the opportunity to tour 17 homes and gardens in 2 different historic districts. The homes change from year to year so it never gets "old". Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the days of the tours. A ticket is good for both days and will entitle you to free admission to Tryon Palace Gardens. It is a wonderful time to view the Garden's tulips and other beautiful spring blooms. For more information, you may contact the New Bern Historical Foundation at 252-638-8558.

This same weekend will host the 4th annual New Bern Jazz & Blues Fest at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center! This festival offers world class jazz and blues musicians and includes the talents of Melvin Taylor and Nnenna Freelon. Tickets are $30 each evening. For information and online tickets visit www.jazzpreservationsociety.com or www.newbernjazzandbluesfest.com

If you need more to fill your weekend, on Friday evening, the 11th, you can stroll the streets of downtown New Bern and experience the art work of local talents at the Downtown New Bern Art Walk! From 5-9, downtown shops and galleries will open and exhibit the work of local talents. This is a free event you won't want to miss.