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DISCOVER
NC Main to Main
Southeast Communities
Where Coastal Beauty
Meets Rich Heritage
The Southeast region of North Carolina is a 12-county paradise that offers direct access to some of the state’s most stunning beaches. This area is steeped in history and pride, home to three major U.S. military bases; Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, making it the largest employer east of Interstate 95.
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For more than 30 years, communities here have been revitalizing their downtowns, creating vibrant districts filled with beautifully restored buildings, walkable streets, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Food lovers will savor Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue, Calabash-style seafood, fresh oysters, and the catch of the day prepared by some of the state’s finest chefs. And don’t forget to raise a glass of Pepsi-Cola, invented right here in this region.
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The Southeast is a playground for nature and water lovers. Explore the Cape Lookout National Seashore, experience boating culture along scenic waterways, and relax on pristine beaches. Dive into history at Tryon Palace, the first capital of the Colony of North Carolina, and follow the NC Oyster Trail for a taste of coastal tradition. Music fans can immerse themselves in the sounds of beach music, jazz, blues, and gospel along the African American Music Trail.
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With its rich railroad and shipping heritage, agricultural roots, and role as a backdrop for countless films and TV shows, the Southeast region offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Plan your visit today—the Southeast is calling!
NC Main Street Communities
1. Goldsboro
NC Main Street Designation Year: 1984
Wayne County
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Downtown Goldsboro
Goldsboro, NC 27533
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3. New Bern
NC Main Street Designation Year: 1980
Craven County
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Downtown New Bern
New Bern, NC 28560
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2. Kinston
NC Main Street Designation Year: 1986
Lenoir County
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Downtown Kinston
Kinston, NC 28501
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4. Morehead City
NC Main Street Designation Year: 2000
Carteret County
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Downtown Morehead City
Morehead City, NC 28557
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Southeast Trails and Outdoor Recreation
African American Music Trails
African American Music Trails takes you through the rural landscape of Eastern North Carolina where green tobacco fields and historic tobacco warehouses dot the landscape. As you travel through the region, experience the passion of the region’s gospel, blues, R&B, jazz, funk and hip hop that enrich North Carolina and help define American music for the world.
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Croatan National Forest
The Croatan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest, it was established on July 29, 1936, and is located on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina. It is administered by the United States Forest Service, a part of the United States Department of Agriculture. The forest is managed together with the other three North Carolina National Forests from common headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina. However, Croatan has a local ranger district office in New Bern.
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Morehead City Fish Walk
The Fish Walk is comprised of a dozen bas relief sculptures which have a decidedly fish theme and subject matter, and which were created by Willie Baucom and Keith Lambert – two artists who specialize in sculpture and who have a hometown gallery in neighboring Beaufort. Both artists are well known in the region and around the world for their unique works in marble, stoneware, pottery, and paint, and they have been featured in a number of private and public collections both close to home and internationally. Keith is the only artist in the states to win the International Painting Competition in Beaufort-en-Valle, France.
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Mountains to Sea Trail
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a simple footpath stretching almost 1,200 miles across North Carolina from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. More than just a walk in the woods, the trail traces the diversity that is North Carolina. Experience ancient mountains and small Piedmont farms, coastal swamps and colonial towns, changing textile villages and barrier islands. Almost 700 miles of footpath are now completed. With temporary routes on back roads and bicycle paths, hikers can now follow the trail on an adventure across North Carolina.
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NC Birding Trail
The North Carolina Birding Trail serves as a driving trail to link birders and nature-based tourists with great birding sites across the state and the local communities in which they are found.
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Each of our locations are their own entities. From state parks, to greenways, to arboretums, to game lands, our sites are each their own prime spots for engaging with nature.
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NC Scenic Byway
North Carolina's 61 scenic byways allow motorists to experience a bit of the state's history, geography and breathtaking scenery while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. Travelers can get to know North Carolina's people and communities and see the diverse beauty the Tar Heel state has to offer – from the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile hills of the Piedmont to the marshes, sounds and beaches of the coast.
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New Bern Self Guided Tour
The rich history of New Bern comes to life with our Historic Heritage Walking Tours – a series of self-guided tours you can take at your own pace. Experience our war-ridden past, explore the architectural beauty of our homes and immerse yourself in our Southern hospitality.
Current Tours:
African American Tour, Architectural Walking Tour, Bear Town Bears, Churches & Cemeteries Tour, Civil War Tour, Historic Homes Tour. Revolutionary War Tour, Spring Homes & Garden Tour, A Walk To Remember Tour
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