Elizabeth City

Maratime Jewell

Elizabeth City is a historic riverfront town, situated along the Pasquotank River, with many turn of the century commercial buildings and homes within a few blocks of the river. The downtown is easily walkable with a variety of independently owned shops, restaurants, breweries and coffee shops. A dominant building visitors see when crossing the river into town is the Museum of the Albemarle. The museum is free, open to the public and will give history lovers a great overview of the region through the centuries. At the museum, there are free bicycles available to tour the town.

https://www.encoretheatre.org/ There are multiple walking tours that guide visitors by notable historic places. At nearby Arts of the Albemarle, visitors can view and purchase various types of art by local artists. Recently renovated Khan Planetarium at Elizabeth City State University has free shows available by registration. For fans of the performing arts, Elizabeth City boasts the College of The Albemarle Performing Arts Center as well as the Encore Theatre Company. 

One of the best ways to experience Elizabeth City is from the water. The city has 5 paddling trails and if you do not have your own kayak, there are a number of outfitters with rentals  available. For more information on trails and rentals go to visitelizabethcity.com or call Visit Elizabeth City at 252-335-5330. For those with their own boat, Mariners’ Wharf near downtown Elizabeth City offers free 48 hour dockage at your choice of one of 14 boat slips. These slips offer restrooms, hot showers, free Wi-Fi and easy walking to downtown shops and restaurants.

On Saturdays May through October, Elizabeth City’s Downtown Waterfront hosts a farmers’ market with locally grown produce and products. On Tuesday nights June through September, there are free outdoor concerts, events, festivals and movies.