Question 1

Lunch Options

Accepted Answer

Preorder a boxed lunch:
We will have boxed lunches available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, for those who want to stay in the conference center. There will be space in the Emporium or in our tent to sit and eat. The selections will vary each day and will be announced shortly.

Eat near our conference venue:
Front Street Fish https://www.frontstreetfish.com/
Blackbeard’s https://blackbeardstripleplay.com/
Lawson’s https://www.lawsonsonthecreek.com/

Venture further afield:
https://visitnewbern.com/eat-drink/downtown/

Question 2

Dinner Options

Accepted Answer

There are many good options for dining in downtown New Bern.

There are a few restaurants very close to our meeting venue:
Front Street Fish https://www.frontstreetfish.com/
Blackbeard’s https://blackbeardstripleplay.com/
Lawson’s https://www.lawsonsonthecreek.com/

For a comprehensive guide, consult this site:
https://visitnewbern.com/eat-drink/downtown/

Question 3

Tryon Palace Tours

Accepted Answer

A walking tour of the Tryon Palace building is included in your registration.
We will divide up into 15-to-20-person groups for these 45-60-minute tours. Admission is included in your registration; however, you will need to select your tour time by May 20th in order to reserve a spot. If you do not, we cannot guarantee your spot. You can sign up on the JASP 2025 Add-Ons page.

Please allow time to get to the entrance of Tryon Palace in time for your tour. Please check to see what might conflict with the tour time. The day of your Tryon tour, you also have a ticket to enjoy their gardens, so make sure to allow extra time for that or go twice on your tour day!

Thursday Tours
10:30 (conflicts with embroidery workshop 1; conflicts with teacher workshop); request to register first at check in!
11:00 (conflicts with embroidery workshop 1; conflicts with teacher workshop)
11:30 (Conflicts with teacher workshop)
12:00 (Conflicts with teacher workshop)

Friday Tours  (all teachers should register for one of first three session on Friday)
11:00 
11:30
12:00
12:30 (conflicts with teacher-scholar lunch; conflicts with embroidery workshop 2)

Question 4

Optional Tours and Sights

Accepted Answer

TROLLEY TOURS
We have tentatively scheduled a Trolley tour that will depart right from our conference center front door at 10:45 am on Friday, and return just after 12:45 pm. We need at least 20 registrants for this tour to occur.  Register by May 20 for this tour on the JASP 2025 Add-Ons page (janeaustensummer.org/shop). Price is $20. Note this is the only tour option that does not require walking.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS 
You will find info for self-guided tours online at https://visitnewbern.com/things-to-do/tours/self-guided-tours/, or we will have printed copies at registration and the concierge desk. We have guides for:
	Architectural Walking tour
	War History Walking Tour
	African American History Walking Tour
	Churches and Cemeteries Tour

NEARBY SIGHTS
In addition, here are some sights within close walking distance:
Fireman's Museum is open Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 10am-3pm.  The tickets are $7.47 each.

Original Pepsi Store in NC https://pepsistore.com/

First NC school house, New Bern Academy, built in 1809. Admission is free on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd from 12:30-4:30pm. https://www.tryonpalace.org/education/civil-war/new-bern-academy

SPECIAL TOUR
The Outlander-themed Tryon Palace tour is Saturday, June 21st at 3:45pm.  It will last until approximately 5pm. You can buy tickets at the JASP Add-On page (janeaustensummer.org/shop), with or without garden access for the day.

Question 5

Further Coastal Excursions

Accepted Answer

INFO FOR SUNDAY's OPTIONAL TOURS

Morehead City is a 30-minute ride away from New Bern. Here are four promising options, as described on the tour websites. Please double check times and prices when booking.

Option 1. Search for Beaufort’s Wildlife on a Horse & Dolphin Cruise
Join us for a fully narrated 15-mile scenic cruise that explores the wildlife of Beaufort. On calm, sun-kissed waters, our experienced local captain travels down Taylor’s Creek looking for horses on the Rachel Carson Reserve, where they roam freely in their natural environment.
Then, you cruise through scenic waterways on past Radio Island, Fort Macon, Morehead City State Port and bustling waterfront, Phillips Island, Michael J. Smith Airport, and then back to Beaufort, all while enjoying the panoramic views. See more on this cruise than any other cruises in the area!
Be on the lookout for the playful, intelligent bottlenose dolphins as they swim through the scenic waterways! This unforgettable cruise is the best way to discover the natural beauty of Beaufort and surrounding area.
Soft drinks, water, beer, liquor, and wine are available for purchase. There is a restroom on board for your convenience. Reservations are recommended for this cruise. Trip routes vary depending on tidal and wind conditions.

Please note that only service animals are permitted on board this vessel.

Sunday June 22, 2025 , 1 ½ hour cruise – Choices at 12:30pm or 3:00pm
Capacity: 120 People
Adults: $30 | Seniors 65+: $28

Website to order tickets: https://crystalcoastlady.com/dinner-cruises/wild-horse-dolphin-scenic-tour/

Option 2. AM Dolphin-Horse Watch Cruise
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting marine world and the untamed beauty of wild horses on our AM Dolphin-Horse Watch Cruise. This aquatic safari offers a unique and thrilling experience perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
​            As you step aboard our catamaran, you'll be welcomed by our expert crew, led by Captain Robert. They are your knowledgeable guides on this journey, sharing their insights about the local marine life, the Crystal Coast's history, and the captivating wild horses that roam the area.
Set sail under the morning sun and feel the excitement as you encounter playful dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. Witnessing these graceful creatures up close is an unforgettable experience connecting you with the ocean's wonders.
Your adventure continues as we journey to the secluded islands where the majestic wild horses of the Crystal Coast roam free. As you gaze upon these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of our local wildlife.
	Our attentive crew ensures your comfort and enjoyment throughout the cruise, providing complimentary water and lemonade to keep you refreshed. As the voyage unfolds, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
	Our AM Dolphin-Horse Watch Cruise is the perfect choice for those seeking an adventure that combines wildlife encounters and coastal exploration. Join us on this remarkable journey and discover the magic of the Crystal Coast's marine and terrestrial worlds.

9:15am - 11:15am
Capacity: 37 people; 12 to depart
Adults: $49 | Kids 12 and under: $39 
​​
Website to order tickets: https://www.lookoutcruises.com/dolphinhorsecruise

Option 3. Cape Lookout Cruise
The beauty of the Cape Lookout lighthouse and its pristine surroundings is unparalleled. You’ll appreciate the stability and comfort of this 45-foot catamaran as we briskly make the six-mile ocean voyage to one of the premier anchorages in America.
​            Our 6-hour cruise departs for the 1-1/2 hour sail to Cape Lookout, where you’ll enjoy 3 hours at two locations. For our first stop at the tip of Cape Lookout, we beach the boat and serve a delicious catered lunch from the Beaufort Grocery Co. Restaurant. When you taste their signature sandwiches, salads, and desserts, you’ll see why locals and visitors have made Beaufort Grocery Co. a favorite. Onboard stairs offer easy access on and off the boat for unbelievable swimming, snorkeling (bring your equipment), and some of the best shelling on the East Coast. Large clean restrooms and a freshwater deck shower are provided. We then tie up at the government dock for our second stop allowing time to visit the Keeper’s Quarters museum, the National Park store, and the east beach of South Core Banks. While here, you can get spectacular photos of the Lighthouse.
​            Your bathing suit, camera, and beach towel are all you will need to enjoy a memorable day on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. We also offer complimentary beverages, fresh fruit, and snacks.
​            Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID; some activities and enjoying alcoholic beverages require that we verify your age.
	Please note: The Cape Lookout Cruise may be too long in duration for children under the age of 5.

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Capacity: 37 people; 12 to depart
Adults: $139 | Kids 12 and under: $119
​
Website to order tickets: https://www.lookoutcruises.com/capelookoutcruise

Option 4. A Unique Safari of Wild Horses & Shelling
Take a 25-minute ferry ride over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. This free-roaming herd is believed to have descended from horses that were brought here roughly 400 years ago, and still survives as one of the last isolated groups of wild horses in the United States.
You help your guide track the horses and see first-hand the fascinating behavior of horses in the wild, a rare experience with nature that you’ll never forget. Bring your camera for pictures that will forever remind you of this amazing place and its fascinating inhabitants.
After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast. Among other things, you can find conchs, whelks, queen’s helmets, scotch bonnets, olive shells, sand dollars, and more.
Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari has been licensed by the U.S. Park Service for nearly a decade and a half to conduct tours on the island, and our experience shows!
This is a private tour with Shackleford Banks Shelling Safari.

Please note: The island  tour is of a strenuous nature. If you have any trouble walking, or have any pre-existing conditions that affect your health in a way that would make it difficult for you to handle the physical demands, or if it would be dangerous for you to be far away from the possibility of emergency medical attention, then this tour is not recommended for you.

Daily at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Capacity: 30 people
Adults (12+) $39.95 | Child (3-11) $24.95 
Infants (2 & under) Free | Senior/Active Military $38.95.

Website to schedule: https://shacklefordwildhorseandshellingsafari.com/

Our Other Programs

JASP 2025 ~ Tours & Dining

Lunch Options

Dinner Options

Tryon Palace Tours

Optional Tours and Sights

Further Coastal Excursions