If your idea of a relaxing day is visiting a small town on the waterfront consider a One Day Trip to the town of Edenton, NC. This adorable stop in northeastern North Carolina is full of historic homes and has fun water activities and special events that involve the whole community. They have concerts, ghost walks, candlelight tours, street fairs, and much more.
Only about an hour and fifteen minutes from Norfolk, VA it’s an easy drive from many popular east coast cities. As far as history destinations go it’s a great stop for a day. There are quite a few things in town I still have not done yet but here are some of the great things I have discovered so far.
What is Edenton’s History?
Edenton was the state’s first colonial capital for a brief period beginning in 1722. Located on the Albemarle Sound it’s coastline made it a prime stop for ships going up and down the east coast. Governor Charles Eden lived there but shortly thereafter the capital moved to New Bern.
In 1774 the Edenton Tea Party was one of the earliest organized women’s political actions in United States history. The women gathered together and decided that “taxation without representation” was unacceptable. Led by Penelope Barker (see her house below) they signed a defiant letter and sent it to England.
The town also has a rich heritage of judges, politicians, groundbreaking women, and brave enslaved persons who helped make Edenton what it is today. Do NOT miss the trolley tour where they cover all this information.
Historic Sites
Cupola House– Walking down Broad Street you can see this beautiful house and its stunning gardens. The gardens are free to enter and open during the day. To tour the house you can visit the Visitors Center and see if it’s included in the current day. We had an exclusive tour almost by accident on one of my visits and I can tell you it is AMAZING inside.
Penelope Barker House– The story behind this house is fascinating and the staff is great. Almost every time we have gone in someone is sitting in the living room area that just wants to talk about the house. This is located right by the park so don’t miss it.
Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark– This is the most intact colonial courthouse in the United States of America and it is still used occasionally! The picture above is the actual key you use to open the door. The two floors of the building are full of interesting history, paintings, and all the good smells of a colonial building. You can even go sit in the big chair up front and pretend to be a judge.
The James Iredell House– The home of James Iredell, Sr. (1751-1799) was built in 1773 and was most recently enlarged in 1810, over 200 years ago. Iredell was the youngest (38) appointee in 1790 when President George Washington named him as a Justice on the first United States Supreme Court. The house has been preserved in some areas and has ongoing preservation!
The Cotton Mill Museum, the Cotton Mill, and the houses around it– Completed in 1900, it was a genuine working Cotton Mill, making an important contribution to the local economy and employing many workers. Tons of cute houses that belonged to the workers and their local church.
What To Do in Edenton, NC
Historic Edenton Visitors Center– This is always our first stop in town. They have a great golf cart and zoom you around town to check out everything. Which buildings are open and where they take you seem to vary but the courthouse alone is worth the cost of the tour. We always bring cash and last time I believe the tour was either $5 or $8. You can’t book online so just call ahead to check their schedule for the day you want to go.
Trolley Tour– Your top priority in Edenton on your first visit is the trolley tour! It’s available at a wide variety of times and will provide you with an excellent overview of the area. There is no better way to see the historic district. You can grab those tickets inside the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center.
Visit the Roanoke River Lighthouse– This is one of the last surviving screw-pile lighthouses of its kind in the United States. Originally it was out in the middle of the water but it’s journey since 1886 has finally landed it on the waterfront in Edenton, NC. You can tour it by just walking up to the door if someone is there. It is included in the Visitor’s Center tour depending on the tour. You can go upstairs and see what it’s like by the big light at the top!
Shop on Broad Street– Broad Street is the main “drag” in the historic district. The shops and restaurants are so much fun. Pictured above is Surf, Wind, and Fire which has a very reasonably priced bar on the inside. A personal favorite is the Edenton Bay Trading Company with it’s collection of vinyl records and different cheeses.
Catch a Game with the Edenton Steamers– If you happen to be in town during the summer check out their local baseball team. We went on a cool summer night and I swear the whole town was there. They changed the scoreboard by hand and the yummy concessions were very reasonable in price! They also won the PCL championship this year- it’s some pretty good baseball!
Where To Eat on a One-Day Trip to Edenton, NC
The Herringbone on the Waterfront– This one was a splurge for us. It’s a little higher end but the food was good. It’s an old ice house so the inside is really beautiful. I didn’t partake but my friends said the bartender was talented!
Edenton Coffee House– located on Broad Street we always go here for lunch. They have soup, sandwiches, all kinds of coffee and a large selection of peanuts!
309 Bistro– I have eaten here twice and it’s a very nice dinner at a good price. I have had the grilled portobello and the vegan pasta and both were delicious!
Waterman’s Grill– This is the restaurant everyone in town talks about for dinner. It’s a nicer meal so we haven’t taken advantage yet. If you have been leave a comment below and let us know how it is.
Inner Banks BBQ– I have not personally sampled this restaurant but I wanted to mention it because everyone else does. They make BBQ in the morning and when they run out, it closes. If you are a BBQ fan you should check it out!
Have you ever been before? What did yo think of Edenton?
