The beautifully preserved Colonial village of Edenton is often referred to as the Prettiest Small Town in the South. All it takes is one visit to see why.
Seemingly around every corner is an Instagram-worthy view. For many, Edenton offers the ideal combination of historic charm and scenic beauty.
Established in 1712, Edenton was North Carolina’s first Colonial capital, a place where signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution lived and worked alongside one of the first justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse is still in operation today and considered the most preserved Colonial courthouse in America.
It was in Edenton, in 1774, that the first organized female political activity in the Colonies took place – Penelope Barker and 50 other women held the Edenton Tea Party to protest taxes on British goods.
A stroll through this bayside town showcases immaculately maintained homes, including Penelope Barker’s house, which sits on the bay and serves as a welcome center. A few steps away is the departure point for the Edenton Trolley Tour, a popular attraction for visitors.
Another attraction is the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. One of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in America, it has been moved from its original river post to a prominent place in Edenton Bay, adjacent to the town’s waterfront park.
From spring to fall, Edenton Bay Cruises provide daily maritime tours of the town’s coastline.
Another appealing aspect of Edenton is small-scale lodging. A half-dozen inns, several in grand houses, offer opportunities to relax in comfortable surroundings.
Travelers arriving by boat can take advantage of boat slips that are free of charge for two nights.
For info about the Prettiest Small Town in the South, go to VisitEdenton.com or call 800-775-0111.
