CRAVEN COUNTY

Craven County is a rural county in the coastal plain of North Carolina made up of cities including New Bern, the birthplace of Pepsi, and Havelock, home of MCAS Cherry Point. Tiny towns such as Bridgeton, Cove City and Vanceboro add to its rural charm. Its economy is influenced by three of the top economic engines in the state: agriculture, the military, and tourism. 

Agriculture is the number-one industry in North Carolina, and Craven County’s agriculture and forestry contribute a significant amount to the state total. Major field crops include corn, cotton, and soybeans. Craven County is also an important producer of strawberries, cucumbers, cabbage and tomatoes. 

MCAS Cherry Point, the world’s largest Marine Corps air station, is located in Havelock and is one of the top employers in Craven County. It was authorized in 1941 and commissioned in 1942. MCAS Cherry Point holds an air show every year where visitors from all over are permitted to come onto base and see just what Cherry Point does while also viewing spectacular aeronautical feats.

Craven County has plenty to offer its visitors with regards to tourism as well. Historical sites like Tryon Palace, the Birthplace of Pepsi, and civil war battlefields can all be found in Craven County. You can also take a hike in the Croatan National Forest and then go paddling down the Neuse or Trent rivers.