Situated in eastern North Carolina, Havelock is where Southern hospitality meets diversity. The city lies between the history-rich city of New Bern and the protected beaches of the Crystal Coast, so it is a blend of history, natural sights, and outdoor activities. Havelock is full of activities and things to do for both locals and visitors, so you’ll never get bored during your stay here, no matter how long or short it might be. Scenic sights, delicious bites, and historical gems await your viewing pleasure here.
Read on to find out about the top things to do in Havelock, North Carolina.
1. Pine Cliffs Recreation Area - Neusiok Trail
When it comes to Havelock’s outdoors, one of its most impressive and treasured jewels is the Pine Cliffs Recreation Area and its Neusiok Trail, an off the beaten path gem. Reconnect with nature on a day’s hike in this pristine area. The views from the Neusiok Trail are truly impressive so don’t forget to take the camera with you. During your walk, you’ll pass by sandy beaches, a salt marsh, swamps, and impressive tall trees, that line up so elegantly.
The trails are suitable for all skill levels so you can make it a solo trip, come with friends, children, or even your dog. However, don’t forget the bug repellant, chances are you’re going to need it.
Pine Cliffs Recreation Area - Neusiok Trail
Address: 1300 Ferry Rd, Havelock, NC 28532-9344
2. MCAS Cherry Point
One of the places locals in Havelock are most proud of is the Marine Corps Air Station Headquarters, in Cherry Point. This military base is home to a number of military aircraft, but also over 29,000 acres (11,735.9 hectares) of land, for emergency landings and used particularly for Cape Canaveral space shuttles.
A visit here is impressive for both locals and visitors, especially if you catch one of the events organized by the Marine Corps.
MCAS Cherry Point
Address: MCAS Cherry Point, NC 28533
Website: MCAS Cherry Point
3. Carmike Cinema 6
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
As much as we love the outdoors, we’re not always lucky enough to have the best weather for exploring. Whether it’s too hot and humid or it’s too cold and rainy, we have to be prepared, with an alternative to outside activities. That’s why we decided to include the Carmike Cinema 6 on the list. It’s indoors and definitely a great way to spend some fun, relaxing time on your vacation, watching some of the latest movies available. No need to stand in line, you can order your tickets online.
Carmike Cinema 6
Address: Hwy 70 Havelock, NC 28532
Website: Carmike Cinema 6
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4. Neuse River Recreation Area
New Bern is a city only 25 minutes away from Havelock and full of great places to visit. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or outdoor activities, try the New Bern Recreation Area, a rustic camping vacation destination, close to the Neuse River. Just a few miles away, you can find the Crystal Coast protected beaches.
This is a great idea for nature lovers, hikers, fishers, swimmers and pretty much everyone looking to disconnect from busy life and just sync with nature. Situated in a remote and quiet area, the Neuse River Recreation Area is a half-beach and half-wooded sanctuary. There are 42 campsites available here, for both tents and RVs and even if they are close together, the trees in between will offer plenty of privacy. You will also have easy access to a picnic and a bathroom area, so all necessities are covered.
This is also a great place for bird watching - if you’re lucky, you will be able to spot hawks and eagles. Before you visit, make sure you check all the rules because you might be surprised to find out, for example, that pets are allowed under certain conditions, but alcohol isn’t.
Neuse River Recreation Area
Address: New Bern, NC 28560
Website: Neuse River Recreation Area
5. New Bern Battlefield Park
Situated just outside of New Bern’s city center and 20 minutes away from Havelock, the New Bern Battlefield Park is another historical gem you shouldn’t miss. This is exactly where the Civil War battle, on 14 March 1862, took place. The park also features an impressive tribute to the 26th North Carolina Regiment, an 11.5-ton (10,432.6-kg) granite and bronze monument.
You can opt for a guided tour if you book it in advance, or take a self-guided tour, with the help of the brochures available online.
New Bern Battlefield Park
Address: 300, Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28562
Contact: +1 (252) 638-8558
Website: New Bern Battlefield Park
6. Try Mexican food at El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After so much exploring of both the outdoors and indoors of Havelock and its surroundings, you will eventually feel hungry and want to enjoy a good meal. Try El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill, one of Havelock’s best restaurants, where you can have some authentic Mexican food, served by friendly staff.
Previous customers recommend the chicken quesadilla, chips and salsa or enchiladas, all at a reasonable price and in a great Mexican atmosphere.
El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill
Address: 1331 E Main St, Havelock, NC 28532-1805
Contact: +1 (252) 444-5777
Facebook: El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill
7. Take a drive to a Newport Winery
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
If you enjoy a glass or two of wine every evening, take a. drive across to Newport. There, you’ll find a pleasant little winery where you may indulge in some tasting. You can choose whether to sit out on the porch or inside at the bar. Their Ashe County cheese is very tasty as well. Plus, they stock a selection of jellies, jams, preserves, pickles, and salsa. They also have some delicious Mamasita tortilla chips.
If you take along the kids, they will be entertained as there is WiFi available. Plus, non-alcoholic drinks are available. Lake Road Winery North Carolina take a lot of care in creating their wines. Try something new, relax, and possibly pick up a bottle or two to take home as a gift. The shop is open in the afternoons, Wednesday through Saturday.
Lake Road Winery North Carolina
Address: 1120 Lake Rd, Newport, NC 28570-6968
Website: Lake Road Winery North Carolina
8. Take a free ferry ride from Minnesott Beach to Cherry Branch
Get the kids out, prepare a picnic spread, and head for the free ferry ride between Minnesott Beach and Cherry Branch. It’s provided as a shortcut for those driving but who doesn’t enjoy a ferry ride? Watch the seagulls fly past, and enjoy the sound of the water crashing aginst the hull of the ferry. If you do the late trip, it’s almost like a sunset cruise, so remember to get your camera ready.
Cherry Point has some snack machines to stock up with some nibbles for the 20-minute ride. As you travel across the Neuse River, the gulls will entertain you as they try and snatch up crumbs from fellow travelers. It departs approximately every half hour.
Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Free Ferry
Address: 2300 Ferry Rd, Havelock, NC 28532-9364
Telephone: +1 252-447-1055
In Havelock, Southern hospitality is just around the corner
Havelock, in North Carolina, is one of the best places to explore both Southern hospitality and the great outdoors. Wherever you go, you will find friendly faces, ready to help you, but you will also have plenty of places to enjoy a moment of tranquility and relaxation in the heart of nature. Havelock and its surroundings are full of historical gems, such as the New Bern Battlefield Park or the MCAS Cherry Point, but also untouched or well-preserved natural wonders, such as the Neusiok Trail or the New Bern camping area, right in the heart of nature.
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