Enter the jewel of colonial North Carolina — the magnificently restored Tryon Palace in New Bern — in near-total privacy with a dedicated period-costumed interpreter. The opulent Georgian mansion was called 'the most beautiful building in colonial America.'
What to expect
A costumed interpreter greets you at the wrought-iron gates and leads you through the council chamber, the grand dining room set for a royal banquet, and the governor's private quarters, recounting the story of Royal Governor William Tryon's ambitions and the palace's dramatic destruction during the Revolution. The formal parterre gardens — with their clipped boxwood hedges and period plantings — are as refined as any English country estate. The adjacent History Center deepens the story with outstanding colonial artefacts and interactive displays.
Good to know
Tryon Palace is in New Bern, NC — confirm your cruise port of call; New Bern is accessible by private car/transfer. Standard hours run Mon–Sat 9 am–5 pm, Sun 1–5 pm; book a private group tour for the most exclusive experience. Purchase tickets in advance online to secure your preferred time slot. Comfortable shoes recommended for the garden grounds.