Havelock Guide
Less than 30 minutes away from New Bern is the city of Havelock. Home to Eastern North Carolina’s only National Forest and the renowned Marine Corps Air Station – Cherry Point, Havelock makes the perfect day trip for nature lovers, aviation fanatics, and anyone wanting to experience the Inner Banks of North Carolina.
Day 1
Stop #1:
Are you craving a home-cooked meal? Ziggy’s is a quaint café that feels like home to many Havelock natives. The local gem is adored for its friendly service, reasonable prices, and good ole’ food made from scratch. Located right off of Highway 70, this is the perfect pitstop to fuel up for your day of exploring Havelock!
Stop #2:
Calling all Topgun fans, military enthusiasts, and history buffs! Located within the Havelock Tourist and Event Center is an exhibit highlighting over 100 years of aviation history in Eastern North Carolina. From Indian settlement artifacts and Civil War photographs to retired military aircrafts and scaled models from Cherry Point, the exhibit celebrates the rich history of Havelock to make you appreciate the “sound”.
of freedom” all the more.
Stop #3:
Make sure to pack your fishing rod or kayak! Conveniently located beside the Tourist and Event Center is Havelock’s newest outdoor asset, Slocum Creek Waterfront Park. The new floating dock, fit with an ADA accessible launch, is surrounded by a canopy of native trees and buzzing wildlife — the ideal nature escape right off the beaten path.
Stop #4:
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Stop by La Casa Del Patron for a lunch that locals and visitors love. The family-owned restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine, drinks, and even a salsa bar. Translated in English, the restaurant’s name means “the house of the boss.” However, the Quezada family believes their customers are the boss, a mantra that is obvious in their dedicated customer service.
Stop #5:
The Pine Cliff Recreational area is a peaceful spot nestled within the Croatan National Forest at the northern end of the famed Neusiok Trail. Take a short walk to the scenic shores of Neuse River Beach, bordered by towering pine and cypress trees looking across the river to Minnesott Beach.
Stop #6:
We hope you saved room for dessert! Make your day a little sweeter at the family-run bakery, Carolina’s Cupcakes. Whether you prefer Hershey’s Ice Cream, shaved ice, or cupcakes made from scratch, they will have the perfect treat for the road to commemorate your day trip to Havelock!