About Edenton and Chowan County

(Click/tap on any photo to view it larger and click/swipe through all the images on this page.)

The beautiful and historic Southern town of Edenton has garnered regional and national attention. Accolades include Forbes Magazine naming it one of America’s Prettiest Towns. Edenton also made Smithsonian magazine’s list of America’s 20 Best Towns. The charming waterfront town may just be one of the friendliest, too!

Located on the Inner Banks of North Carolina, Edenton is the capital of Chowan County. Blending indigenous and Colonial influences, the county is named for the Chowanoac Indians, while Edenton was named for Royal Governor Charles Eden. Edenton, which served as a major Colonial port, was the first Colonial capital of North Carolina from 1722 to 1743. Largely untouched by the Civil War, its architecture dates to pre-Colonial times, with its 1767 Colonial Courthouse considered by many to be the finest example of Georgian architecture in the South.

Much to See and Enjoy

Today’s visitors can relive the past and enjoy the present in a number of exciting ways. From taking the Trolley Tour of Historic Edenton to “reading” the greens at the Links at Mulberry Hill, visitors to our historic town will be continually surprised at the range of activities we have to offer.

For some, the discovery begins as soon as they check in at one of the our charming Bed & Breakfasts in Edenton within walking distance of our beautiful waterfront. Others may want to begin their journey at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center to learn more about the 18th Century life in Edenton and at the same time plan your itinerary for the day. Admission is free, and be sure to step outside and enjoy the Edenton Bay views — and gentle breeze! — from the back porch.

Just Stroll and Relax!

Some guests are surprised how pedestrian-friendly our village is. So park your car and stroll through the many downtown shops and restaurants or grab a take-out lunch and picnic in the park along Colonial Waterfront Park. Plan a cruise on Captain Mark’s Liber-Tea for a scenic narrated tour of Edenton Bay. Landlubbers may choose to tour the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse and view the bay from its elevated screw-pile base.

Enjoy our Hospitality

Edenton has a lot to offer whether you’re roughing it on one of our paddle trail camping platforms or lodging in comfort. Regardless how you travel, we hope you enjoy our sweet little town, which a recent visitor described as a Colonial town floating on Edenton Bay.

Here’s a video about what it’s like to spend a weekend in Edenton (click to play, then double-click to view full screen):

 

 

We hope you’ll come visit us soon!