Long before it became Meadows Inn, the house on Pollock Street was known as the King’s Arms — one of New Bern’s early lodging spots, welcoming travelers as far back as the 1800s. This building has seen centuries of stories, from colonial beginnings to modern-day charm.
Transformation into a Bed & Breakfast
In 1980, a circa 1847 antebellum home built by John Alexander Meadows was converted into New Bern’s first bed and breakfast inn. The Inn was originally named the King’s Arms and operated under that name for 20 years; however, it wasn’t located on the original site of the historic King’s Arms tavern — the name was simply a nod to the town’s colonial past.
Three visionary couples — the Walter Paramores, John Petersons, and John Thomases — saw the potential in the aging structure. Determined to preserve its spirit, they bought the old house and lovingly restored it, creating what we now know as Meadows Inn. They designed eight individually styled suites, each with its own private bathroom, making it a warm and personal home-away-from-home.
Present-Day Meadows Inn
Today, the Meadows Inn continues to welcome guests in the heart of historic downtown New Bern. Our inn offers various suites, each named to reflect aspects of local history and culture, such as the Croatan Suite, Spaight Suite, Stanly Suite, and the Palace Suite. Enjoy our proximity to the Neuse and Trent Rivers, as well as shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in New Bern.
As the current Innkeeper of Meadows Inn, I’m honored to continue the legacy. This place has always been more than just a building — it’s a part of New Bern’s history, revived by those who believed in its magic. Because of them, guests from around the world have a cozy place to stay while making their own memories in our beautiful town.
Linda Cooper, Innkeeper