Aerie Bed and Breakfast sits in New Bern, North Carolina's historic district in a circa 1882 home. The romantic bed and breakfast has seven guest rooms, all with private bathrooms, and is within walking distance from shops and attractions such as The Tryon Palace. The area also offers sailing, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Innkeepers Michael & Marty Gunhus were kind enough to answer several questions for us about their Diamond Collection B&B and city of New Bern.
1. Why did you choose this inn and this city?
In October 2002, we drove into New Bern just as dusk was approaching. We saw the bridge, the water, the marina, and the picturesque skyline of the town, and it made such a wonderful impression on us. The Aerie was perfect, we immediately loved the town, and that evening and the next morning we walked and talked and just knew that it was meant to be.
2. What sets your B&B apart from others?
We are always striving to provide the best service possible. We pay attention to detail and we take notice when guests comment on what they love about The Aerie. There are a few things that I think set us apart from the other bed & breakfasts.
Our hospitality is one of those. We always hear people say how they felt like they are right at home when they stay at The Aerie. We enjoy getting to know our guests and we look forward to repeat guests. When guests come back a second or third time, it almost feels like family is coming to visit!
Breakfasts at The Aerie are definitely an ‘event’ that set us apart from other bed and breakfasts. The stage is set with the use of the best china, silver, and crystal that is placed into our lovely Victorian dining room. Our guests are presented a different menu daily, and are given the option of three hot entrées. Everyone enjoys the breakfasts – fantastic, awesome, and the best breakfast ever are just some of the reviews that are commonly written.
We also offer luxuries that most B&Bs don’t provide. One of our favorite detailed luxuries is our bedding. Not only do we use five-star quality sheets, but we also use a technique called triple sheeting. Triple sheeting is most commonly done in upscale hotels.
It’s these types of details that make our guests feel special and keep them coming back.
3. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
There is no comparison between bed & breakfasts and hotels.
We see it time and time again – we have first time B&B-goers and after their stay with us, they wonder why they ever chose a hotel over a B&B. The experience of luxury, fabulous breakfasts, and attention to detail is usually what turns a hotel person into a B&B person.
4. What makes your town worth visiting – are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
Our city has so much to offer. With over 150 historical sites, many people come here for a glimpse of the New Bern of yesterday. Historic New Bern offers a variety of cultural, educational, recreational and historical attractions.
The Tryon Palace, a lavish Georgian brick mansion that served as the royal governor’s residences and later became the home for the state governor, is without question the centerpiece of our historical downtown.
The Aerie is within walking distance of specialty shops and restaurants. While staying with us, many of our guests spend their time visiting our museums, galleries, historic attractions, marinas, parks, historic homes and churches.
5. Do you have any food specialties (for breakfast or otherwise)?
Breakfasts at The Aerie are the main event, where we prepare and serve breakfast ourselves.
The menu itself is fun since each of the entrées are given couples names, i.e. Hepburn & Tracey Peach/Raspberry Bake – Guess Who’s Coming to Breakfast… both sweet and tart, this is a great combination, just like Kate & Spense. Or how about the Adam & Eve Apple Cinnamon Pancakes...it's "sinfully deli¬cious!" A third choice might be the Romeo & Juliet—caramel sauce with walnuts and bananas over French toast "to die for!"
6. Do you have any special offers coming up?
The Aerie offers special promotional deals and packages.
Some of our ongoing packages include the Romantic Getaway Package and the Spa Package.
With the Romantic Getaway Package you receive: a two-night stay with that special someone in your choice of room, a personalized welcome card, two tickets to Tryon Palace and The North Carolina History Center, ensuite champagne, fresh flower arrangement to take home, and the Aerie's keepsake etched-glass ornament. A beautiful horse-drawn carriage will pick you up from The Aerie, and after a tour of Historic downtown New Bern, it will deliver to your paid dinner at The Chelsea Restaurant.
Our promotional deal for the months of May and June is “Celebrate your loved ones with an Aerie Gift Certificate.” For everyone $100 gift certificate that is purchased, you get $20 off. This promotion is perfect for a Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or both!