Owner: Kim Glenn
The Boathouse, a unique gift and collectibles store located at 220 Middle Street in downtown New Bern, is a favorite for locals and visitors. The store features old-style nautical reproductions and high-quality collectables, practical nautical items, an extensive selection of sun-protective hats for women, men and children, as well as scarves, wraps, and cover-ups.
If visitors are gearing up for a fun day at the beach or on the boat, this is a must-visit destination!
On a quest for the perfect shirt as a souvenir? The Boathouse carries Comfort Colors brand t-shirts, complete with New Bern silk-screened logos. The selection of vintage-inspired high-fashion jewelry, featuring the work of Anne Koplik, brings together a nautical flair with gorgeous styling that has graced many a red-carpet awards ceremony. In addition to Koplik’s designs are casual, everyday jewelry and a lovely assortment of earrings and bracelets.
For art-lovers, The Boathouse provides a nice representation of local artists, including water-themed images in mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, and painted glass.
Several local authors have also chosen to sell their work in this charming location, and owner Kim Glenn enjoys sharing her insights on their work with incoming shoppers. “I personally know the authors and have read all of their work, so I’m happy to share stories with my patrons.”
Kim, who has owned The Boathouse since 2009, enjoys the social aspect of being a small business-owner in New Bern, “I like to engage with people who come into the store and take the time to learn about their stories.”
After 25 years of working in human resources in Atlanta, Kim took a risk and decided that the next chapter in her semi-retirement was to find someplace new to live and work in Eastern North Carolina. “I wanted to find a place that I could enjoy and I found New Bern by accident while driving and exploring this region of the state. The town, the water and the vibe were exactly what I was looking for. It’s nice that I can run my shop on my own and be independent. I’ve been able to choose items for my business that is a reflection of my own personal style and taste. Although we’ve had some challenging times in the last few years, recently I’ve seen a large uptick in foot traffic. We have a lot of local support, day-tripper support and people who are finding us as a destination now. People are traveling again and it is so wonderful to see.”