The late afternoon sun slips through the windows of the Newbold-White House in Hertford, draping the pine floors in bands of soft gold. Along the parlor wall, a well-worn brick fireplace stretches wide — plain, yet resolute, where firelight pooled and suppers were tended with care. You can picture it: Judith Sanders, settled by the spinning wheel near the hearth, the soft hiss of fibers being twisted into thread; her children exploring the surrounding woodlands; and her husband, Abraham, standing nearby, looking towards the calm sweep of the Perquimans River.
A planter by trade and a Quaker by faith, Abraham built this home in 1730 for his wife and their children. In the previous century, Joseph Scott became the earliest known English settler on the property, owning a home there by 1672 and granted 640 acres in 1684. The land, rich with early colonial history, provided the foundation upon which Sanders and his family would build their home. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Perquimans County Restoration Association, this historic home still stands nearly three centuries later, inviting visitors to experience life as the Sanders family once did.
On the grounds are a colonial Quaker graveyard, a kitchen garden, and a nature trail to the river. photograph by Chris Rogers
“Three key documents from Abraham Sanders’ final years — his will, the inventory made shortly after his death, and the estate settlement dividing his belongings — have guided each detail of how we furnish and interpret the house today,” says Lynwood Winslow, Perquimans County Restoration Association board member and furnishings chairperson and a descendent of Abraham and Judith Sanders.
Step inside North Carolina’s oldest brick home and feel history come alive as you explore its well-preserved and restored rooms and hear stories that span centuries. Beyond the house, whether you’re wandering downtown Hertford or taking in the peaceful river views nearby, Perquimans County invites you to slow down, explore, and, when the calendar flips to November, savor the simple joys of fall along 100 miles of shoreline.
Period furnishings match the possessions left by the Sanders family. photograph by Chris Rogers
Hertford preserves its history through many enduring landmarks, including a variety of historic homes that still stand today. The Newbold-White House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, welcomes visitors to explore the home where the Sanders family lived and worked for generations. Pick up a self-guided tour pamphlet at the visitor’s center to begin exploring the grounds. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved colonial architecture, a charming kitchen garden, vineyard, and trail that winds from the house to the river.
While the home is typically open for guided tours on Saturdays from the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October. Interior visits can still be arranged by calling at least two weeks in advance. Once inside this striking Flemish bond brick home, you’ll find rooms adorned with authentic period furnishings, exposed hand-hewn beams, and large fireplaces that brings colonial life to the present.
The Perquimans County Courthouse was built in 1825. photograph by Missy Loves Jerry Photography
The Perquimans County Courthouse stands proudly as one of North Carolina’s two oldest courthouses still in use. Constructed between 1819 and 1824 and first used for court in 1825, this two-and-a-half-story building showcases classic Federal style paired with a distinctive T-shaped design. Inside, original woodwork and architectural details have endured for two centuries. Among its treasures is one of North Carolina’s oldest recorded land deed — a 1661 document detailing the sale of land along the Perquimans River to early settler George Durant.
Discover Yeopim tribe artifacts at the Perquimans County History Museum. Photography courtesy of Visit Perquimans
A short stroll to Dobbs Street leads to the Perquimans County History Museum, where four centuries of local stories come alive. Baseball gloves and signed balls pay tribute to James “Catfish” Hunter’s journey from hometown fields to Major League fame, while a meticulously crafted model of the S-shaped swing bridge stands as a testament to the river’s historic crossing. Nearby, sherds of pottery and arrowheads whisper tales of the Yeopim tribe — the first stewards of this land. “November is Native American History Month,” says Stacey Layden, tourism director for the Perquimans County Tourism Development Authority, “so we’ll often have visitors come just for that — to trace back what tribes lived in the area and had the most influence on this county.”
Just a few blocks away, Hertford’s history spills into the streets, where vibrant murals splash brick walls and alleys with stories of courage and heritage. On Church Street, Betsy Dowdy bursts forth against a bold blue backdrop, racing to warn the town of a British advance — a local heroine memorialized by artist Max Dowdle. “That one’s my favorite,” Layden says. “Max is an amazing artist, with a goal to paint 100 murals in all 100 counties in the state.”
See the Perquimans River from its cypress-lined shore. Photography courtesy of Visit Perquimans
Perquimans County offers more than 100 miles of shoreline, making it a favorite for kayakers eager to explore peaceful waters and spot local wildlife. Rent a kayak from the self-serve kiosk at the Hertford Bay Marina, then paddle along the river while soaking in stunning views — including the iconic Perquimans River Bridge.
Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Choose from multiple walking trails that offer perfect spots to pause and savor the crisp beauty of fall.
Satisfy your shopping itch by browsing the gifts, home décor, and timeless treasures at Church St. Antiques & Other Cool Stuff. Photography courtesy of Church St. Antiques & Other Cool Stuff
In the mood to browse? Start your early holiday shopping at Church St. Antiques & Other Cool Stuff, where owner Beverly Brickhouse Lane has filled the shop with vintage home décor, kitchenware, paintings, and books since opening in November 2020. This time of year, you’ll find plenty of holiday-ready pieces — from vintage Christmas ornaments to signed wood duck decoys — that make perfect gifts of seasonal accents.
Down the road, Hertfordshire Antiques & More offers an eclectic mix, from antiques to jewelry to collectibles. And if you’re up for a little adventure, venture just 10 minutes outside of downtown Hertford to Antique Lily, a charming shop known for its warm and inviting antiques, repurposed finds, and vintage décor.
Pick up seasonal goodies from The Farmer’s Daughters Bakery & Market. Photography courtesy of The Farmer’s Daughter Bakery & Market
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to tumble along the sidewalks of Hertford, warmth rises from the scent of something sweet baking nearby.
At Woodard’s Pharmacy, the prescriptions are only part of the story: Tucked inside this century-old Hertford staple is a vintage soda fountain that’s been serving up sweet treats and simple pleasures for generations. Alongside hand-dipped ice cream and milkshakes, the counter also offers made-to-order sandwiches, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and homemade pimento cheese — a local favorite, including in the fall, that keeps folks coming back.
No trip to downtown Hertford is complete without a sweet stop at Woodard’s Pharmacy. photograph by Caitlin VanHorn Photography
While Woodard’s serves tradition by the scoop, another spot downtown is building a new one from scratch. Sisters Emma Boyce and Sarah Hare never planned to open a bakery in downtown Hertford — at least not right away. But after years of baking out of their homes, dreaming, praying, and collecting recipes, they finally made it happen. In November 2023, just before Thanksgiving, they opened The Farmer’s Daughters Bakery & Market, a cozy storefront filled with family history. Their homemade barbecue sandwiches, hotdogs with chili, and spaghetti plates sell out regularly. Come fall, expect classics like pecan pie, sweet potato pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, and sweet potato country ham biscuits — a favorite year-round. “Pecan Pie is one of our personal favorites and probably the most requested item in November, particularly around Thanksgiving,” says Sarah. “It is a simple but rich flavorful pie that is a favorite for many.”
About a minute away, Henry and Gail House opened Carolina Moon Bakery in January 2022. The couple set up shop in a cozy, 800-square-foot storefront built in the early 1900s, bringing fresh, artisan baked goods to the town’s historic downtown. Their menu includes breads like jalapeño cheddar sourdough and rosemary Parmesan alongside fall-favorites like pumpkin, pecan, and sweet potato pies. Carolina Moon also offers an inviting selection of treats including cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and more, made fresh daily. One treat that keeps folks coming back? The poppy doodle coffee cakes, a year-round favorite.
Step into the country stores of a bygone era at Layden’s, where you can pick up everything from hoop cheese to thick slabs of bacon. Photography courtesy of Visit Perquimans
If you’re craving something savory, head a few minutes from Hertford to Belvidere. At Layden’s Country Store, what started as a small family-run shop has grown into a beloved destination where friendly faces and quality cuts make every visit memorable. From their renowned homemade sausages and smoked meats to rich hoop cheese, this family-owned spot serves up authentic flavor with genuine hospitality. “Definitely in the fall, the smoked meat products are a big hit, especially going into the holidays, like Thanksgiving,” says Charlie Layden, owner. “Our hams are probably one of the biggest sellers around this time and we usually go through about 800 between Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
What’s first on your Hertford fall itinerary? Whether it’s strolling the historic district or grabbing a homemade treat, this Perquimans County town offers a little something for every kind of autumn explorer — and plenty of reasons to come back.
After a visit to the Newbold-White House, extend your journey into Perquimans County by exploring local history and downtown shops and finding tasty treats.
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