Thedailymiaminews– North Carolina is the fifth most popular state in the United States for domestic tourism, with 43 million visitors per year. The only states that attract more domestic tourists are California, Florida, Texas, and New York. Although many tourists visit popular destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or cities like Charlotte, the state’s unique features are what truly set it apart. One of these hidden gems is Edenton, a town located on the coast of the Albemarle Sound. Edenton is a place that travelers should go to in 2025 because it has river walks, 18th-century colonial buildings, and summer music shows by the water.
Water Activities
As a beachfront town in North Carolina’s Inner Banks region, Edenton has a lot of aquatic recreational things to offer. The Hendrix Park & Cannon’s Ferry River Walk, a boardwalk that pays tribute to the town’s herring fishing industry, is the ideal place to begin. While walking along the river, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the river and have the chance to fish, paddle, and have a picnic. The Albemarle Regional Paddle Trails offer a network of water routes that wind through the area’s rivers, streams, and creeks, making it possible to spend the entire day paddling. Bennett’s Millpond is a lesser-known spot that features a beautiful pavilion where guests can relax and primitive campsites for those who want to entirely detach. There is also a birdwatching path in North Carolina and other places to go canoeing and kayaking in the vicinity.
Before leaving town, travelers should take the time to explore Edenton Bay in addition to the river walks and ponds. One of the town’s guided boats allows travelers to experience the bay. For example, Edenton Bay Cruises offers a close-up experience on a six-passenger electric boat. Captain Mark Thesier, who is in charge of the boat, imparts interesting information and insights about the bay. Visitors have the option to choose special-themed trips, such as sunset cruises or personalized cruises, based on their interests. Because many of these trips only take place during the summer months, it is important to check the cruise companies’ schedules when you are making your plans.
The History of Edenton
Many of the buildings in town date back to the 18th century because it was the first colonial capital of North Carolina. The Edenton Trolley Tour is one of the greatest ways to see the colonial-style town. A bright vintage trolley will take passengers on a tour of the downtown historic district and Edenton Cotton Mill Village. Some of the notable places include Victorian houses along the bay, Underground Railroad sites, and locations associated with important leaders of the revolution.
Make sure to check out the town’s 18th-century buildings, a number of which are considered to be some of the most important structures in Colonial America. The Chowan County Courthouse, which was built in 1767, is a well-preserved edifice that is worth visiting. It is still in use as a national landmark, with the North Carolina Supreme Court holding two cases here every year. This makes it the oldest courtroom in the country that is still in operation. The Cupola House is another amazing example of 18th-century architecture that has been preserved. The Heritage Gardens, which are exquisite, are also part of this house, which was erected in 1758 by Frances Corbin for royal government business. This house is the second oldest building in the town.
Visitors can spend a day at the Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District for an immersive experience that takes them back in time. This region, which has been around since the early 20th century, is one of the best-preserved mill towns in the state. It includes 57 mill cottages, an industrial structure, a brick office building, a church, and an office building that is home to the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History.
Block Party on Sunday
Every first Sunday of the month, Edenton’s downtown area comes to life with the Sunday Block Party, a family-friendly event for the community. King Street is filled with food trucks, live music, games, crafts, and face painting from noon to 4:00 p.m., providing entertainment for people of all ages. At the same time, adults can participate in the sip and walk event in the adjoining social district, where they can buy beer or wine from shops that are registered. They can stroll around the streets of the neighborhood with a drink in hand and go into places that have green and yellow stickers on display, which show that alcohol is allowed inside.
Culture and Art in the Community
The citizens of Edenton take pride in their town, and the numerous events and local art shows they host are proof of this. The Chowan Arts Council, located next to Edenton’s waterfront park, features a remarkable assortment of local and regional artwork, with new exhibits changing every month. Edenton Bay Trading Company is a well-known place to meet up with friends. It has a beautiful patio where you can drink craft beers and wines, and it hosts a trivia event every Wednesday. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series, which brings free music to the waterfront on certain summer evenings, is another example of the town’s commitment to the arts. The concerts feature a variety of genres, including reggae, bluegrass, and rock.
Reasons to Add Edenton to Your Travel Itinerary
It can be difficult to decide where to go in North Carolina because of its immense beauty, particularly if you have already been to the most well-known places. On the other hand, if you think that spending a weekend on the lake, enjoying a sunset cruise, taking a historic trolley ride, or joining the community at a Sunday Block Party sounds like a fun way to spend your time, then Edenton, a colonial town, will definitely provide you with an experience you won’t forget.