The Timeless Romance of New Bern: A Town That Inspired Nicholas Sparks
Deep in eastern North Carolina, nestled between the gentle flows of the Neuse and Trent rivers, lies the charming town of New Bern. With its quaint, old-fashioned charm and a rich history that whispers through its red-bricked streets, New Bern has become a destination for romance seekers and fans of the world-renowned author Nicholas Sparks. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, where the past and present intertwine, and where love stories—both fictional and real—unfold in the most picturesque of settings. For Brittnee Provencher, a Nicholas Sparks fan from Connecticut, the town was more than just a backdrop for a good story. It was the setting for her own real-life romance. Brittnee and her fiancé, Ian, made the bold decision to leave their old lives behind and move to New Bern in 2021, inspired by the very same streets and waterways that had captured Sparks’ imagination. They weren’t alone in their decision. Hundreds of couples and Sparks enthusiasts flock to New Bern every year, drawn by its Southern romanticism, historic beauty, and the promise of a love story waiting to happen.
A Town Steeped in History and Southern Charm
New Bern, the second-oldest city in North Carolina, is a treasure trove of history and charm. Once the state’s first capital, it boasts carefully preserved architecture and landmarks like Tryon Palace, a re-creation of the British governors’ residence before the American Revolution. The palace’s Georgian architecture and sprawling 16-acre gardens are a testament to the town’s storied past. Visitors can also step into a soda shop where Pepsi was born and still purchase a glass of the iconic drink for just a dollar. At night, the streets come alive with the warm glow of lanterns, casting a golden light over the cobblestone paths and antebellum homes. For Joe Klotz, owner of the Hanna House Bed & Breakfast, New Bern’s timeless beauty is part of its allure. “You stroll the streets, you’re strolling back in time,” he says. “There’s something lovely about that.” This sense of stepping into another era is exactly what drew Sparks to New Bern in 1992, captivated by its Christmas decorations and the serene atmosphere of its riverside setting.
The Nicholas Sparks Connection: A Literary Love Affair
Nicholas Sparks, the beloved author of romantic blockbusters like The Notebook, A Bend in the Road, and The Wedding, has deep roots in New Bern. Many of his novels are set in or inspired by the town, and his presence is still felt throughout the community. Sparks’ nonprofit foundation, dedicated to global education, has an office downtown, and he co-founded the Epiphany School of Global Studies, a private high school in the area. For fans, visiting New Bern is like stepping into the pages of their favorite Sparks novels. They can visit the Masonic Theatre, where Noah from The Notebook pined for Allie, or envision the “draping veils of Spanish moss” that Sparks described in A Bend in the Road. Mike Woika, who runs Sparks-themed trolley tours, says fans often keep an eye out for the author himself, hoping to catch a glimpse of him in downtown New Bern. For some, the connection to Sparks runs even deeper, inspiring life-changing moves. Kelly Sorenson Elliott, a mother from upstate New York, fell in love with Sparks’ novels as a way to escape the chaos of daily life. She jokingly told her husband she wanted to move to New Bern, and in 2021, they made the leap, settling just outside the town in nearby Beaufort.
A Haven for Couples and a Thriving Arts Scene
New Bern’s romantic ambiance makes it a hotspot for couples seeking a picturesque getaway, wedding destination, or dreamy honeymoon spot. The town’s riverfront, with its sparkling waters and sailboats drifting lazily by, is the perfect backdrop for a stroll hand in hand. Union Point Park, with its boardwalk and serene duck-filled waters, is a favorite spot for couples to soak in the beauty of the converging rivers. At night, the moonlight casts a pale glow over the water, adding to the town’s enchantment. For Melissa Riggle, executive director of Visit New Bern, the town’s natural beauty does most of the marketing. “It’s no wonder why Nicholas Sparks based his novels here,” she says. But New Bern isn’t just for couples—it’s also a thriving arts scene. Painters, writers, and poets find inspiration in the town’s historic homes, scenic rivers, and rich cultural heritage. Sam Love, a local poet and yoga instructor, captures the essence of New Bern in his poem New Bern Nexus, writing about the mystical attraction of the merging rivers and the way they seem to bring souls together. For Michelle Garren-Flye, owner of the Next Chapter bookstore, the town’s history is a constant muse. “The world has gone on even as lives have ended, and that’s what makes New Bern romantic,” she says.
Love Stories Born in New Bern: Real-Life Romances
New Bern’s romantic charm has inspired more than just fictional love stories—it has also played a role in real-life romances. Take Larry and Jane Warren, a couple who found love later in life after being widowed for years. Their story sounds like it could have been plucked straight from a Sparks novel. After meeting on Match.com, they fell deeply in love and decided to start a new chapter in the Southeast. When they visited New Bern in 2012, they were immediately captivated by its beauty. That same week, Jane turned to Larry and said, “Let’s just get married here.” And so they did, exchanging vows on the courthouse steps and celebrating with a toast of scotch and wine as the rivers flowed gently in the background. For Steve Tyson, a Republican state representative and real estate agent, their story is just one example of how Sparks’ writing has sparked curiosity and romance in readers. “Nicholas Sparks’ books have a way of bringing people to this town,” Tyson says. “His stories are woven into the fabric of New Bern, and people can’t help but want to be a part of that.”
Conclusion: Why New Bern Captures Hearts
New Bern’s enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and old-fashioned charm. For fans of Nicholas Sparks, it’s a chance to step into the real-life settings of their favorite love stories. For couples, it’s a romantic escape where time stands still. And for everyone who visits, it’s a reminder that love—in all its forms—is very much alive. As the sun sets over the rivers, casting a golden glow over the town, it’s easy to see why New Bern has captured so many hearts. It’s a place where the past and present converge, where rivers meet, and where love stories—both fictional and real—are waiting to unfold.
