In this guide, you’ll know all you need to know to have a wonderful time in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, one of the friendliest communities along the Intracoastal Waterway. Elizabeth City is a great place to stop along America’s Great Loop or any other local boating trip, thanks to its gorgeous downtown area, full of local businesses and southern charm.
Elizabeth City, also called the “Harbor of Hospitality,” is a city in North Carolina located on the Pasquotank River and adjacent to the Albemarle Sound. A free 48 hours of dockage and a rose, wine, and cheese are just the beginning of the city’s famous hospitality to guests. Its reputation as a welcoming port of call for passing mariners from all over the world endures. Check out hotels Elizabeth City North Carolina. Blackbeard, the notorious pirate, once traveled the seas linking Elizabeth City to the Pasquotank River and the enormous Pamlico Sound. The Wright brothers stopped here frequently on their route to the Outer Banks. Three places of higher education call Elizabeth City home; two colleges and a university. Elizabeth City was recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States.
One of the best things to do in Elizabeth City, NC, is to check out the Albemarle.
The museum has extensive, well-organized exhibits that explain Elizabeth City and the surrounding Albemarle area, and admission is zero dollars. Admission is free, but donations are welcome, and the museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday.
Kayaking
If the Pasquotank River is too rough for your kayaking comfort, try Charles Creek instead. You can drive to other rivers outside the city and explore them at leisure. For more suggestions, please consult the Tourist Information pamphlet.
Market on the Downtown Waterfront
On Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, visitors to Elizabeth City can shop at the fantastic Downtown Waterfront Market, held on the city’s Mariners’ Wharf. The season is in full swing from May to the end of September. Visit their Facebook page for the most recent details.
Shopping and Sightseeing in the Old Town’s Historic District on Your Own Time
Try some self-guided exploring of the downtown area. This way, you can learn more about the evolution of the retail and banking sectors on Main and Road Streets, in addition to the neighborhood’s maritime, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors. Remember to check out hotels in Elizabeth City North Carolina.
You can get to Muddy Waters Coffeehouse in downtown Elizabeth City through Mariners’ Wharf. Visit the Albemarle Museum to learn about the area’s history and environment after refueling with a cup of the local Blackbeard Revenge and a slice of banana bread. Once you’ve spent a few hours exploring the museum, it’s time for a bite to eat. The Mills Downtown Bistro has the perfect tapas. In the afternoon, paddle around in kayaks you brought or rented. Relax at the end of the day with a meal at Paradiso Roma Ristorante.
