Edenton, North Carolina, is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state. It has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century when English settlers founded it. The settlers named it after a town in England. It was the capital of the Province of North Carolina from 1722 to 1743. During the 18th century, Edenton was a thriving port town known for its shipbuilding, trade, and commerce; moreover, it was home to several wealthy planters, merchants, and politicians. Many of the town's historic buildings from this period still stand today, including the 1758 Chowan County Courthouse, the oldest working courthouse in the state. Other notable historic sites include the 1767 St. Paul's Church and the 1758 James Iredell House, the home of a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Today, Edenton has a population of around 5,000 people. The town is popular for its charming historic architecture, picturesque waterfront, and various cultural and recreational activities. It is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the 17-acre Penelope Barker Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. One of Edenton's most popular places of interest is the Cupola House Museum. It is one of the oldest standing brick houses in North Carolina. The house was built in 1758 and features original 18th-century furnishings, a beautiful garden, and a small museum shop.
Another exciting attraction is the Edenton Bay waterfront, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the boardwalk, take a boat tour of the harbor, or go fishing. The waterfront features a playground, a large gazebo, and a boat ramp. It is also home to several hiking trails, including the Cypress Swamp Trail and the Edenton Bay Trail. Edenton has several lakes and rivers, including the Yeopim River, a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the Pembroke Creek Reservoir, known for bass fishing. The town hosts the Christmas Candlelight Tour and the Edenton Music and Water Festival, which features live music, food, and boat races.
Dining options include The Table, which offers a farm-to-table dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients. The 1767 Grille is located in the historic Penelope Barker House and serves American cuisine. The 18th Century Tavern offers a unique dining experience in a restored 18th-century building. For a casual dining option, visitors can check out The Roost, which serves delicious sandwiches and salads, or The Bean, a cozy coffee shop serving a variety of coffee, tea, and pastries.
Campgrounds Near Edenton, North Carolina
Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground is a 50-acre oasis between the sparkling Pamlico Sound and the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, and take advantage of the 400 RV sites, full hookups, clean bathhouses and pet-friendly options. Stay connected with cell reception and Wi-Fi.
At Raleigh Oaks RV Resort and Cottages, a short drive from the city of Raleigh, you can take a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, play miniature golf, or unwind in the arts and crafts room. The campground offers 102 RV sites, full hookups, showers, and pet-friendly options. Stay connected with cell reception and Wi-Fi for a daily rate of $35.
Head to the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina and camp at Foxfire of Murphy Mountain RV campsites. Surrounded by stunning lakes, mountain peaks, and lush forest, it's the ideal spot. You will access full hookups, sewer, wireless cell reception, pet-friendly policies, free Wi-Fi, and pull-through and back-in sites.
State Parks Near Edenton, North Carolina
Embark on an outdoor adventure with the whole family at Pettigrew State Park in Creswell, North Carolina. It offers various activities, from swimming and fishing in the streams and swimming holes to kayaking and canoeing. Learn about the rich Native American culture and take in the cultural displays at the park office. Visit Somerset Place and the cemetery where a Confederate States Army soldier is buried. Nature enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to hike, bird watch, and spot wildlife like bobcats, owls, hawks, and eagles.
Experience the beauty of nature at Merchant Millpond State Park in Gates County, North Carolina. Home to otters, mink, alligators, and other wild animals, the park offers 3,296 acres of lush forest and a coastal swamp perfect for fishing. Hike along Lassiter, Bennet Creek, and Coleman Trails and launch your kayak or canoe in the shallow waters. Explore the Lassiter Swamp, where cypress trees grow out of the water. Campers can take advantage of the park's campground facilities, including water, sewer hookups, Wi-Fi, pool tables, laundry facilities, and hot showers.
Step back in time at First Landing State Park, Virginia's oldest and most visited state park. This Virginia Beach park tells the story of the colonists who lived in the area in the 16th century. Herons, squirrels, wolves, dolphins, and various endangered plant species call this place home. Hike along the park's sandy beaches or forested trails while enjoying scenic views of densely populated forests. Another alternative is taking a dip in the cool waters of Chesapeake Bay while swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.
National Sites Near Edenton, North Carolina
The Wright Brothers National Memorial Site in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, tells the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright. These are the brothers who made the first successful airplane flight. Visitors can access monuments marking the start and finish of the flights or a visitor center displaying machines and tools. Other observing monuments and machines, you can explore hiking trails, including Flight Line and Wright Brothers Monument trails.
Fort Monroe National Monument in Fort Monroe, Virginia, is the largest stone fort in the United States and tells the story of colonial settlers who built a fort for protection. Visitors can explore the fortified walls, moat, Old Point Comfort Area, hike Moat Walk, Casemate Museum, and old stone walls. The waterfront Trail leads to a beach.
Jamestown Island in Jamestown, Virginia offers a chance to learn about the first colonists. The island is home to various bird species and is a popular spot for archaeologists and history enthusiasts. It is ideal for hiking and biking with trails such as the Jamestown Island and Yorktown Battlefield Historic Encampment trails.
National Forests Near Edenton, North Carolina
Embark on a journey through time as you explore the Croatan National Forest in Asheville, North Carolina. This forest is steeped in history, as it was once home to the Croatans, indigenous Native American groups. Explore the swamps, bogs, pocosins, and salt estuaries, where you may spot black bears, alligators, mink, and river otters. Marvel at the bald cypress trees and various species, including the infamous pitcher and flytrap plants. You can fish for crabs, oysters, or shrimp in the nearby swamps and rivers. Hike along the well-kept hiking trails, and you'll be rewarded with views of wild animals and exotic birds.
Get ready for an adventure in Marion, Virginia's George Washington, and Jefferson National Forests. This forest boasts over 100 fish and over 200 bird species, making it a nature lover's paradise. With over 40 tree species, including hardwoods and pines, this forest is a feast for the eyes. Hike or bike along the Rushing Water Circuit Trail and take in the beautiful views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. Take a hike along the Dickey Knob Trail and make your way to Dickey Creek, where you can fish for trout.
Nantahala National Forest, located in Nantahala, North Carolina, offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature. With over 530,000 acres, the forest is great for camping, white-water rafting, and geocaching. It features several ponds, rivers, lakes, and streams where visitors can fish trout. Observe the wildlife, including ravens, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and the peregrine falcon. Take in the beauty of the blueberry and wild strawberry plants, fern, and wildflowers. Once done, hike the Cable Cove Nature and enjoy the beautiful views of a waterfall at the end of the trail. You may also bike the Cheoah Trail and get a glimpse of Santeetlah Lake.
