Once North Carolina’s original colonial capital, downtown Edenton is a place where “what was” flows seamlessly into “what is.” Centuries-old structures anchor an emerging culinary scene, while a former tobacco barn and its neighboring buildings extend a warm welcome as a converted bed and breakfast.
Along brick sidewalks and beneath the eaves of historic porches throughout the waterfront town, neighbors greet each other by name, shopkeepers and restaurateurs chat with their regulars, and community members welcome visitors — all exuding the kind of hospitality that turns a greeting into an open invitation. Read on for where to explore, dine, and unwind in this picturesque Inner Banks community.
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Historic Edenton Trolley Tour: This 50-minute tour starts at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center and winds its way through the centuries. Drivers act as docents, sharing the history of the restored Victorian mansions lining Edenton Bay, the house where once-enslaved author Harriet Jacobs hid for seven years, and the Edenton Cotton Mill Village.
Sightsee around downtown on the Historic Edenton Trolley Tour. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Museum Trail Tour: In a town this rich with history, no single museum will do. That’s why the museum trail exists. Take a self-guided stroll around the colonial homes, churches, a lighthouse, and attractions along the waterfront. It’s a leisurely way to absorb layers of local lore, from America’s oldest active courthouse to the Edenton Teapot.
Climb aboard The Liber-Tea and explore town by way of Little Creek. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Edenton Bay Cruises aboard The Liber-Tea: Set sail for a water tour of Edenton Bay. With Captain Mark pointing out historic landmarks and sharing stories of maritime trade on the Albemarle Sound, you’ll get a nautical perspective on the town’s heritage and landscape. It’s especially magical at sunset when the water reflects the golden hour glow.
Cupola House and Gardens Tour: Step inside one of Edenton’s architectural gems: the 1758 Cupola House. With its unique overhanging upper story and period woodwork, the National Historic Landmark reveals colonial craftsmanship and the refined lives of early American elites. Don’t miss the heritage gardens, which offer an inviting pause amid blooms and refreshing breezes off the water.
Book a tour of the Cupola House or enjoy a self-guided amble through the gardens on your own. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Harriet Jacobs Tour: Walk in the footsteps of Harriet Jacobs, the author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. With a guide or on your own, see the two houses where Jacobs hid after fleeing from a nearby plantation. End up at Snaky Swamp; here, Jacobs spent two days before boarding a northbound boat to freedom. This major stop on the Maritime Underground Railroad is also a part of the nine-county African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina tour.
The Herringbone on the Waterfront: The wooden trusses overhead and reclaimed cork mats on the wall reflect this elevated eatery’s history as an icehouse for the 19th-century herring industry. Don’t miss the smoked Duroc pork chop. Paired with seasonal beans and greens, the signature dish is Chowan County on a plate. And the views overlooking Edenton Bay are the perfect complement for a spring or summer evening.
Enjoy dinner and drinks with a view at The Herringbone on the Waterfront. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Old Colony Smokehouse: Bertie County native Adam Hughes is a world-renowned pitmaster, and his smoked-meat revival takes diners on a journey through the best of all barbecue traditions. There’s eastern North Carolina pulled pork, of course, but the menu features Texas-style beef brisket and mayo-based Alabama sauce. Locals know to come early. The meat, smoked fresh each morning, may run out by early afternoon.
Downtown Roots: Scratch-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods make this a lunchtime favorite. With ambience as welcoming and cozy as the she-crab soup, it’s an inviting respite to pause and refuel between historic stops, shopping, and gallery-browsing in the heart of Edenton.
Edenton locals flock to Carrozza to enjoy favorites like crispy chicken parmesan. Photography courtesy of Carrozza
Carrozza: Approachable Italian is the bill of fare at this laid-back trattoria and market. Grab a table and dine on fresh fish and traditional Italian favorites like eggplant parmesan or pick up a frozen lasagna and house-baked baguette to take home.
The Kraken Coffeehouse: Pirates get their due on this local café’s latte menu. Try the Calico Jack (toffee and caramel), Anne Bonny (white mocha), or Captain Morgan (vanilla chai). Not in the mood for coffee? Check out another barista-crafted drink, from bubble tea to fruit smoothies. Just around the corner, the coffeehouse’s new Huckleberry’s Ice Cream Parlor offers hand-dipped Blue Bell scoops — the perfect first mate to your Kraken brew.
America250: The year-long celebration marks America’s semiquincentennial and Edenton’s role in the revolution that launched a nation. Events include talks by historians and genealogists and an 18th-century-themed pub crawl. It all culminates with the town’s award-winning Independence Day Celebration, which features a golf cart parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and, of course, fireworks.
North Carolina’s first colonial capital embraces its patriotism during the nation’s 250th birthday. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Easels in the Garden: In Edenton, spring is for the arts. The centerpiece is a mid-April stroll through leafy garden paths, complete with artists painting plein air interpretations of the vernal surroundings. This relaxed celebration highlights creative voices against a backdrop of historic homes and flowering heritage gardens.
See artists painting spring scenes in private gardens. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Peanut Festival: Northeastern North Carolina was a peanut hub in the late-18th and early-19th centuries, and the legume’s legacy lives on in this annual event. A battle of North Carolina and Virginia high school marching bands, downtown colonial market, parade, and 5K run make the early October festival something to go nuts for.
Visit historic homes decked in holiday finery during the Christmas Candlelight Tour. Photography courtesy of Visit Edenton
Christmas Candlelight Tour: During the holiday season, historic homes transform into cozy, candle-lit wonderlands. This self-guided evening stroll blends holiday warmth with architectural beauty, drawing visitors from across the state.
Granville Queen Inn: Complete with eight inviting guest rooms, this historic charmer is elegant, yet cozy. The porch and garden make morning coffee and evening catch-ups equally delightful before or after a day of exploring nearby attractions, shops, and waterside walks.
Inner Banks Inn: This collection of historic buildings was resurrected as a boutique inn on a lush, peaceful acre just a short walk from downtown. Each lodging option has its own unique character, from the Pack House (a converted tobacco barn) to the Lords Proprietor’s (a seven-room Victorian mansion). Guests relish quiet strolls along the grounds.
Captain’s Quarters Inn: Anchored in classic Southern hospitality, this serene retreat is steps from the Edenton waterfront. Bedrooms blend historic character with modern comforts, and a welcoming innkeeper makes guests feel more like old friends rather than first-time visitors.
Stay at a charming inn, eat incredible seafood, explore maritime history, take a beautiful boat ride on Edenton Bay, and more in this historic former port town on the Albemarle Sound.
The arrival of warmer afternoons makes it a wonderful time to stroll through a historic waterfront locale. From centuries-old landmarks and historical tours to local restaurants and shops, here’s how to spend a spring day in this Chowan County town.
Experience colonial history, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and more, and dine on delicious Southern staples in this small, waterfront town with a big following.
This story was published on Mar 18, 1933
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