The South’s Prettiest Small Town

Visiting Edenton, North Carolina for The Day

Edenton, North Carolina is often referred to as the South’s Prettiest Small Town.  This small town is loaded with history and makes a wonderful place for a weekend getaway.  We decided to take a quick day trip to see what the area has to offer.  

Before heading to the waterfront area, we stopped for a bite to eat at the Edenton Bay Oyster Bar.  We sat at the bar and I started my meal with a fabulous margarita.  The food was delicious.  I got the fried shrimp and flounder combination that was served with coleslaw, french fries, and hush puppies.  Randy got the veggie frittata.  It was loaded with spinach, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and topped with hollandaise sauce.  His frittata came with a side of fresh fruit.  It was so yummy and the view was wonderful.  When we got there, it was busy and they were short-staffed.  They seem to struggle with getting people that want to work.  They have reduced their hours in an effort to reduce the stress on those that are coming in.  So, if you plan to stop in, reservations are recommended, and make sure you check the hours because they change as the staffing changes.    Our server was great and the service did not suffer at all.    

Penelope Barker House

The first stop on our waterfront tour was the Penelope Barker House, which serves as the Welcome Center.   The house is named after Penelope Barker, who led the Edenton Tea Party, which was the first political activity by women in America.  She was an extraordinary woman ahead of her time.  The tour guides here are a wealth of information and the home is filled with beautiful antiques and a small gift shop.

This is also where you can book trolley tours.  The trollies leave the welcome center on Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturday at 10:30 am, noon, and 2:30 pm.  On Sundays, the tours leave at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm.  The Welcome Center is closed on Tuesdays.  The Penelope Barker house also has maps, a gift shop, and a restroom.  You can also purchase a copy of Edenton’s Woman’s Club, A Walking tour of Historic Edenton.  The book features over 120 homes, churches, and buildings all walkable from the downtown area.  

Harriet Jacobs Home

There are self-guided tours through the historical district and the tours are mobile-friendly.  There are pedestal signs along the way that highlights the history of each location.  This tour depicts the Maritime Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and the home of Harriet Jacobs.  Jacobs was a fugitive slave, writer, and abolitionist.  Her book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl tells of her life as a slave and her determination to win freedom for herself and her children.  It has been hailed as one of the most significant testimonials of American history.  She was assisted by the Underground Railroad and escaped on a schooner bound for Philadelphia.  

Roanoke River Lighthouse

Also on the tour is the Lane House, built between 1718-19.  The Lane House is the oldest house in North Carolina.  You can also tour the Roanoke River Lighthouse on the tour.  It was built in 1886 and is the last remaining screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina.  Screw-pile lighthouses were secured to the bottom of the sound by screwing wooden piles into the bottom.  

When purchased in 2007, the lighthouse was on a doomsday list and in danger of being demolished.  It was purchased for $225,000 and it cost $75,000 to move it to Colonial Park in Edenton.  The restoration cost the historical commission $1.2 million dollars.  Funds are being raised to furnish the lighthouse as it would have been when a keeper lived there.  

Where to Stay When Visiting Edenton

The Cotton Gin Inn

This boutique bed and breakfast is a historic, yet modern place to stay in Edenton.  The home and grounds are beautifully restored.  Each room is spacious and offers a private bath.  A full breakfast is served along with afternoon refreshments.  The Inn offers Supper Club Dinners, Private Chef Dinners, and Cooking Classes.

Captain’s Quarters Inn

At the Captain’s Quarters Inn, all rooms have private baths.  Cable TV, Wi-fi , and off street parking are available.  The inn is located close to shops and restaurants.  Breakfast is served however, it is the chef’s choice and options are not available.  Make sure that you discuss any dietary restriction  you may have at check in to make sure the breakfast option is suitable for you.  

Inner Banks Inn

The Inner Banks Inn serves a 3-course breakfast.  Amenities include member access to Links at Mulberry Hill and Soundside Pool and Gym.  The property covers 2.75 acres in the historic district and is located one block from the Visitor’s Center.  Accommodations vary between 4 historic houses.  The Inn is a popular wedding destination.  The onsite restaurant,  The Table at Inner Banks, features farm-to-table dining and has been voted the best restaurant in the Edenton area.  

We enjoyed our day trip to Edenton, North Carolina.  We saw some beautiful, historic properties, took a walk along the waterfront and had a delicious lunch.  I look forward to going back again soon and sampling some of the other things that Edenton has to offer.