24 Hours in: Top Things to Do in Edenton NC

After a trip to Edenton NC, you will know why Forbes.com calls it One of America’s Prettiest Towns.  My 24 and 48 hour NC travel adventures typically focus on the food and drink of the cities and towns I visit.  However, every now and then there is an exception.  Edenton is that exception.  Although the culinary scene boasts gems like The Table at Inner Banks and Supper Club at The Cotton Gin Inn, I was simply consumed by the charm, beauty and rich history of this Northeastern North Carolina town.

The Best Things to Do in Edenton NC

Edenton is surrounded by the picturesque waters of Edenton Bay and Albemarle Sound, which once played a pivotal role as North Carolina’s second largest shipping port.  Not only are the waters stunning, but the bay is home to many charming historic homes that date back to the 17th, 18th and 19th century.

In addition to Edenton’s serene beauty, you can’t help but notice the strong sense of community in the town.  I witnessed the community come together to honor and celebrate two historic occasions as well as congregate in coffee shops to converse, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.  In the midst of my exploration, I did visit local eateries and shops as well stay at a bed and breakfast fit for royalty.

10:00 AM – Penelope Barker House Welcome Center

If you are not familiar with Penelope Barker and her role in American and North Carolina history, you will after a trip to Edenton.  Penelope Barker rallied 50 women and organized the Edenton Tea Party, which came to be the first recorded women’s political demonstration in America.  The 51 women signed a resolution on October 25, 1774, boycotting British goods on which they had to pay taxes.  A teapot, the symbol of the historic event, can be seen throughout the town.

The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is a great starting point for new visitors.  It is open to the public seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is home to exhibits, a gift shop and information on guided and self-guided tours.  Do not miss the spectacular view of Edenton Bay from the wrap around porch.  If time allows, grab a cup of coffee and sit on one of the rocking chairs to admire the view.

10:30 AM – Edenton Trolley Tour

In addition to the Penelope Barker House, the Edenton Trolley Tour is another excellent introduction to the town’s history.  One adult ticket is $12.50 and can purchased at the welcome center.  The one hour tour provides a comprehensive overview of the towns architecture and history with trolley stops at the Historic District, Edenton Cotton Mill and Mill village.

One couple on the tour was considering moving to Edenton NC and rode the trolley as part of their research.  Edenton is an attractive home for individuals that are in the process of retiring or desire to be part of a close-knit community.  The pristine waters, beautiful homes and strong sense of community are some of the major attributes that make Edenton attractive.

11:45 AM – 244th Anniversary of the Edenton Tea Party

After the trolley tour, I headed to the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse for a luncheon honoring the 244th Anniversary of the Edenton Tea Party.  Remember Penelope Barker?  The luncheon celebrated the anniversary of the earliest organized women’s political action in American history.

While your trip to Edenton NC may not fall on the anniversary of the Tea Party, a visit to the Chowan County Courthouse is essential.  The courthouse is a National Historic Landmark and is used for special events during the year and is also available for guided tours.  Tickets and tour times are available at the Historic Edenton Visitor Center.

If you have not finalized your 2018 holidays plans, Edenton NC will host its 37th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Friday and Saturday December 14th and 15th.  The self guided walking tours will feature Edenton’s 300 year old historic district decorated using only natural, historically accurate decorations.  The Historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse is one of the homes that will be included in the Christmas Candlelight Tour.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://ehcnc.org/events/christmas/.

12:45 PM – Sugar Bears Candy & Gift Shop

Following the luncheon, I stopped by Sugar Bears Candy & Gift Shop.  The charming home is transformed into a modern-day candy land that is whimsically adorned with bears of various sizes and colors.  Most noteworthy are the variety of decadent fudge and handmade candies sold at the shop.  Do try the handmade chocolates and pecan fudge.  They are both intoxicating-ly delicious.  After one visit, I had to return for more pecan fudge, white chocolate and milk chocolate candies.  If you find yourself craving some of these delicious bites after your Edenton NC visit, Sugar Bears Candy & Gift Shop does ship upon request.

1:00 PM –  Inner Banks Inn

Concluding my sweet adventure, I drove over to the Inner Banks Inn to check in early.  The Inn sits on 2.75 expansive acres and offers four different kinds of lodging.  I stayed at The Lords Proprietor’s property which is walking distance from Edenton’s downtown and waterfront.  The property also sits a couple of feet away from the Inn’s restaurant, The Table.  The Lords Proprietor is an elegant 19th Century Victorian mansion with seven romantic rooms that includes a living area, a dining room and a full kitchen.

I stayed in Room 2, The Penelope Barker Suite, which is nothing less than gorgeous.  The suite is generously spacious and full of comfort and old world charm.  It features modern amenities that include a thirty-two inch flat screen television and USB charging station.  As a blogger, the USB Charging Station is essential for my work.  Whether you are single exploring the town, like me, or coupled on a romantic trip, the Penelope Barker Suite will not disappoint.  It is quite possible you will not want to leave your room.  As much as I wanted to enjoy the comforts of my suite, I had to continue my exploration.

2:30 PM – Edenton Bay Cruises

Once fully charging my iPhone, I walked over to the waterfront to meet Captain Mark Theiser for my cruise on the bay.  Captain Mark, of Edenton Bay Cruises, offers a narrative of Edenton’s critical role in history as the second largest port.  Captain Mark and his tours have been known to convince many to move to Edenton NC.  Edenton Bay Cruises also offers themed and private charters, upon request.  The environmentally conscious will be glad to know that the Liber-Tea is a 22′ electric eco-friendly launch.  Cruises are available Thursday through Monday every hour starting at 10:30 AM through 3:30 PM, weather permitting.  One adult ticket is $18.

4:15 PM – 300th Birthday of the Oldest House in NC

In addition to the 244th Anniversary of the Edenton Tea Party, I also joined the community in celebration of the 300th birthday of the oldest house in North Carolina.  The Lane House, owned by Steve and Linda Lane, was donated to the Edenton Historical Commission and it will serve as a future education site.  It was not only awesome to see the exterior of the home, but it was also impressive to tour each room of 17th century structure.  After visiting the oldest NC home, I walked to the Chowan County Courthouse to celebrate the Lane House’s 300th Birthday.

5:00 PM – Reception at 1767 Chowan County Courthouse

I mentioned earlier how the Chowan County Courthouse is used for special events.  This event would mark the second celebration of the day held at the National Historic Landmark.  The reception, honoring the 300th anniversary of the Lane House, was catered by The Cotton Gin Inn.  Light bites included grilled shrimp, a butternut squash salad, sweet potato rolls, assorted cheeses and shortbread cookies.  I nibbled lightly on the delights catered by The Cotton Gin Inn to ensure that I had plenty of appetite for my 7:00 PM dinner reservation at The Table.  This was a hard feat considering the impressive flavors of the butternut squash salad and sweet potato rolls.  As a matter of fact, these wonderful hors d’oeuvres convinced me to return to Edenton in the near future to dine at the Supper Club at The Cotton Gin Inn.

Edenton NC has no shortage of historic and elegant bed & breakfast, each offering their own charm and amenities.  Aside from lodging, The Cotton Gin Inn offers cooking classes.  It also sits on six acres of trees and lush gardens, perfect for the traveler in need of a modern, yet, country-side experience.

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Table at Inner Banks

If you plan to dine at The Table, make reservations.  The restaurant provides a comfortable and romantic setting, but it is also suitable for dining alone or in groups.  The Inner Banks Inn restaurant features classic cocktails, wine and local NC craft beers.  Their menu, which changes daily, focuses on local and sustainable farm to table cuisine.  They often partner with the Edenton Farmers Market to integrate the freshest ingredients in their cuisine.  They are also known to feature ingredients from other farms and seafood from the Albemarle Sound.

My first and last drink or bite are always indicative of how well I will enjoy my dining experience.  The Negroni and Pumpkin Silk Pie with a chocolate crust and chocolate drizzle were delicious and concluded what was an exceptional day in Edenton.

8:00 AM – Breakfast at The Table at Inner Banks Inn

The Table at Inner Banks Inn provides a hearty three course meal for breakfast.  I started my morning with a hot cup of black coffee with a cranberry-orange bread.  After the delicious starter, I fueled up with a strawberry-banana smoothie.  The main breakfast course included a bacon-cheddar Quiche, sausage and grits.

The Table’s breakfast menu changes daily and they do offer guests a couple of different breakfast options.  In contrast to a quiet and romantic dinner time setting, breakfast was quite lively.  The Inn was host to a wedding that weekend, so there was a full house of excited guests anticipating the upcoming nuptials.

10:30 AM – Downtown Edenton NC

While many cities gear their downtown commerce towards tourists or university students, Edenton’s S. Broad Street is built to serve the community.  Whether you live in or are visiting the town, clothing, appliances, entertainment and more are readily available in downtown Edenton NC.  Anchor stores like Sears and Peebles Department Store sit next to boutiques like Downtown Diva and Summerhouse.  A large part of Edenton small businesses are woman-owned.  There is also a driving force in the community to shop local.  Even more impressive is Edenton’s lack of parking meters, a conscientious decision made by the city to benefit its citizens and tourists.

One of my favorite Edenton shops that I explored is The Garden of Readin’.  The used book shop and tea room has wi-fi and hosts events on occasion that are published in advance on their Facebook page.  I perused the cookbook section in the shop and came across charming book titles including The Cake Mix Bible and Waste Not Want Not, just to name a few.

11:30 AM – The Downtown Cafe and Soda Shoppe

To conclude my tour of downtown, I visited The Downtown Cafe and Soda Shoppe.  Locals rave about the freshly squeezed and delicious orangeade.  My only regret is not dining at the Downtown Cafe.  In addition to lunch, their menu features a variety of desserts including milkshakes, floats and hot fudge sundaes.  If you have a hankering for ice cream, this is the spot to be in Edenton NC.

12:00 PM – 309 Bistro & Spirits

After exploring downtown, I had lunch at 309 Bistro & Spirits.  The restaurant features an array of dishes including steaks, chicken, pastas, and seafood.  The restaurant integrates local and sustainable products when possible.  I kept it simple for lunch and ordered the house ground Angus Burger with a side of house made chips.  I typically do not indulge in fries or chips, but I am glad I did in this instance.  The house made chips were outstanding.  The bistro has a low-key ambiance perfect for lunch or dinner.  Parents traveling with children will be happy to know that the Bistro offers a children’s menu.  The price point is reasonable for lunch.  The majority of lunch entrées are under ten dollars, including my Angus Burger and house made chips.

1:00 PM  Tour of Cupola House, 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse and Chowan Arts Council

Two landmarks that visitors should not miss include the Cupola House and the Roanoke River Lighthouse.  The Cupola House, built in 1758, is a National Historic Landmark that is available for guided tours.  Art history lovers will be in awe of Penelope Barker’s original portrait which sits in this home.  Design lovers will fall in love with the Prussian blue walls and antique furnishings that adorn the main living area.  Visiting guests should not miss the view of Edenton Bay from the cupola.

1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse

The Roanoke River Lighthouse is the last standing screw-pile style of lighthouse in its original form
in North Carolina.  The lighthouse has been moved for the third time it its history since it was originally built in 1887.  Despite its age and relocation, the lighthouse is striking and has an impeccable interior and exterior due to its restoration.  Guided tours detail the history of the lighthouse as well as the merchant trade history of Edenton and Chowan County.  The view from the cupola is not to be missed.

Chowan Arts Council

The Chowan Arts Council sits adjacent to Edenton’s waterfront park and houses beautiful wall art and functional art for sale.  Whether you are a pottery aficionado or collect art from North Carolina artists, it is likely something will catch your eye.  The Chowan Arts Council is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.

3:00 PM – Edenton Coffee House

Before traveling back to Raleigh-Durham, I stopped by the Edenton Coffee House Bakery and Café for a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin.  The coffee-house selects organic fair trade beans and roasts them daily to provide the freshest brewed coffee.  The bakery and café features grilled breakfast bagel sandwiches and a variety of pastries for breakfast.  Lunch specialties include sandwiches, grilled paninis, wraps and salads.

I couldn’t help to notice that the coffee-house attracts a large crowd in the mornings and afternoons.   It is quite a popular spot for the community.  The bakery and café’s price point is relatively inexpensive.  I spent less than five dollars on a coffee and muffin.  Guests can also enjoy a full breakfast or lunch for less than ten dollars.

In my 24 hour experience, I only touched the surface of Edenton’s role in the development of the colonies, the state and the nation.  Equally important are Edenton’s notable figures like James Iredell, Harriett Jacobs and Charles Eden, just to name a few.  Visitors not fascinated with history will be hypnotized by Edenton’s tranquil setting and gorgeous views.  Outdoor aficionados will enjoy the many canoe and paddling trails available.  You will need a car to drive to Edenton NC, if you are traveling from Raleigh-Durham, like me.  However, once you arrive, you can explore the town’s history and cuisine by foot and explore the waters by boat, canoe or paddle board.

If you enjoyed learning about Edenton, another charming Eastern NC coastal town is New Bern. To learn about what to do and where to eat in New Bern read 24 Hours in New Bern, North Carolina.