By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Anchored in New Bern, NC™ is a delightful store with a wide variety of goods, located at 250 Middle Street in downtown. Locally owned and operated by Lisa Szymanski, the business was first established in 2020, and debuted at the New Bern Farmer’s Market in June. In 2022, they celebrated its new location at Bear Town Exchange, where it occupied retail space adjacent to the Farmer’s Market on the first Sunday of every month, and it was there that they remained until October 2024.
It was at that point that an exciting opportunity arose: Mary Davidson, owner of The Four C’s was retiring, and Anchored in New Bern, NC™ quickly made plans to move to its new location at 250 Middle Street.
“I had always wanted to open a storefront in a quaint little town, and the opportunity to move my business to downtown New Bern last Fall truly made my dream become a reality,” says Lisa. “It closely aligns with my future retirement plans, as I am both a resident, and community business owner, and New Bern is where I want to live and work.”
This large, two-level store has something for everyone, including Anchored in New Bern, NC™ brand apparel and products, “New Bern” T Shirts, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants, and flannel sleep pants, along with various branded household items including, mugs, tumblers, trivets, sun catchers, wind chimes, Timeless “New Bern” ornaments, and other mystical items.
Locals and tourists alike love the high-quality footwear that is sold at Anchored in New Bern, NC™ including Dansko, Keen, Rainbow and some awesome slippers called Snoozes. There is a wide variety of home décor items including wall signs, decorative art, and fabulous clocks. The beautiful line of Wild Pearle & Jade Jewelry make excellent gifts.
On the upper level, local artists and vendors include Avon, with a wide array of fabulous products, Jane’s Jean Jackets who, along with jackets, sells beautiful lightweight earrings, and R&K Clay Earrings, which are beautiful and lightweight.
Additional vendors include various woodworkers, NC Live Edge, offering stunning charcuterie boards with resin work, Setting Sun Crafts offering beautiful wood wall art made from various wood for the colors where no dyes are used, Rising River offering local hand-crafted wooden maps and Black Bear Market with a variety of antiques.
“My passion for Anchored in New Bern, NC happened when I moved here with my husband in 2019,” says Lisa. “I came up with the name while driving around the area one day, when it occurred to me that we were now anchored here in New Bern. I put pen to paper and designed and trademarked my company logo. I grew up boating and have always loved the Nautical Star, so it made sense to combine both designs, hence the anchor over the nautical star.”