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How Sweet it is!
Sixteen Reasons to Visit Elizabeth City in 2016
(Elizabeth City, N.C., Feb. 23, 2016) – Now that Punxsutawney Phil has forecast an early spring, thoughts turn to rejuvenating outings, artsy fun, thoughtful exhibits and any reason at all to hit the highway and leave winter far behind. Between now and the year’s end, Elizabeth City, N.C., has (count ‘em!) 16 reasons for visitors to make a bee-line to the “Harbor of Hospitality.”
“We have just the balm for winter’s chill: a laid-back vibe, river-front views and an amazing lineup of things to do,” said Christina Rehklau, director of the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Plus, we’re easy to reach, located halfway between Norfolk, Va., and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.”
Roll down your car windows and point your GPS to Elizabeth City to experience an event or two from our “Sweet 16” listing. How sweet it is!
Step Out with First Friday ArtWalks | Monthly
The arts bloom year-round in Elizabeth City, and visitors may plan an art-inspired getaway during the First Friday ArtWalk events, presented by The Center at Arts of the Albemarle and Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. Held the first Friday of each month, the fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with a featured artist’s exhibition at The Center, followed by receptions at neighboring galleries, retail shops, restaurants and more. Visit www.artsaoa.com.
Enter the Warm World of Louis Comfort Tiffany | Through August 2016
Now through August, see the beautiful Louis C. Tiffany: Art and Innovation exhibit at the Museum of the Albemarle. On display are rare items such as a circa 1910 lamp with an oriental poppy shade and a Cypriot glass base; Favrile glass works including lamp sprays from the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla; and an urn-shaped vase that was displayed at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific World's Fair. Admission is free. Check for details at museumofthealbemarle.com.
Third Thursday Jazz Series | Through June
Head to Elizabeth City the third Thursday of the month to enjoy jazz music played live, including smooth, classic and steel drum. The performances are free and take place in the Arts of the Albemarle’s gallery, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., the third Thursday of every month, January through June. Come on out and feel the joy of jazz in river city. www.artsaoa.com.
Take a Traveling Spin Class | April 16
Bicyclists can choose from 33-, 62- and 100-mile rides along rural roads when they register for the Tarwheel Century Ride, now in its 23rd year. Organized by the River City Cycling Club, this year’s ride will cover new scenic routes through Camden County – with some of the best “support and gear” stops ever (deviled eggs, smoothies!). Pre-register online, or sign up on site the day of the event. www.rivercitycyclingclub.com.
Go Local | May through October
From May to October, Saturday is market day in Elizabeth City, so head to the Downtown Waterfront Market where you’ll discover a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and eggs, originating from local farms. You’ll also find organic foods, herbs, plants, pet foods and handcrafted ware, plus arts and crafts. Check the weekly vendor schedule at www.downtownwaterfrontmarket.com.
Dig Into the North Carolina Potato Festival! | May 20-22
In addition to hitting the midway rides and nibbling on home-cooked fries, festival-goers can watch the National Potato Peeling Contest competitors peel through bushels of spuds, cheer on the “Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant” contestants and shop and dine among arts/crafts and food vendors lining the Main Street thoroughfare. Bring your appetite! Visit www.ncpotatofestival.com.
See Dirt-grinding Action! | June 3-4
Competitive truck and tractor drivers from all over arrive in Elizabeth City to see which of their massive vehicles can pull the most weight. That’s the premise behind the Elizabeth City 300, a national truck and tractor pulling event during which drivers reach tire speeds of over 150 mph. At Morgan’s Corner Pulling Park. www.mcttp.com.
Say Yes to “I DO”! | Through December 2017
Expect to find something old, new, borrowed and blue, when viewing I DO! Weddings in the Albemarle, 1831-2015, at the Museum of the Albemarle. Inspired by the museum’s impressive collection of wedding attire and accessories, the exhibit features beautifully displayed ensembles, along with the stories of the local couples who wore the garments. Say “yes” to I DO! museumofthealbemarle.com.
Commemorate Juneteenth | June 18
Commemorating the emancipation from slavery in Texas, held on June 19, 1865, Elizabeth City’s Juneteenth Festival features the reading of the “Emancipation Proclamation,” followed by speeches, songs and fellowship, along with delicious ethnic foods and more. Held at Waterfront Park. www.rivercitycdc.org.
Catch an Outdoor Flick | Tuesday nights, June-July
With the Pasquotank River as a backdrop, enjoy classic American films on a large outdoor screen. The Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival presents movies Tuesday nights at 8:30 p.m. in June and July. Bring a blanket or low beach chair and enjoy the show. www.marinerswharffilmfestival.com.
Tap Your Foot to Homegrown Music | Summer nights
Elizabeth City has a wealth of excellent local bands, along with a great music series for showcasing their talent, The Music on the Green at Mariners’ Wharf series. Check for dates on the Elizabeth City event calendar at www.discoverelizabethcity.com.
Cruise the Carolina Loop | Anytime
Launch yourself, and your boat, and travel the loop from Norfolk, Va., to Elizabeth City, N.C. and back via routes along the Intracoastal Waterway. This scenic, self-guided excursion is a great way to enjoy the region, whether it’s by sailboat, pleasure boat or yacht. Download it at www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com.
See Ghosts in Elizabeth City | Oct. 14-15
This must-see fall event transports visitors back to a point in time in Elizabeth City’s history by featuring actors portraying real-life characters with riveting stories to tell. Previous “walks” have focused on the mysterious 1901 disappearance of local ingénue Nell Cropsey and the days when the traveling James Adams Floating Theatre and its famous “showboat” performances. To mark its 20th anniversary, event planners will bring back apparitions from Ghost Walks-past for a reunion that’s not to be missed! www.HistoricGhostWalk.org.
Appreciate the Beauty of Heritage Crafts | Oct. 28-30
Don't let the name mislead; you won't find pom-pom pets or Popsicle houses at the Albemarle Craftsman's Fair. The long-running show, Oct. 28-30 at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center in Elizabeth City, is a showcase of traditional heritage crafts expertly designed and lovingly made by first-class artisans. Check for updates at www.facebook.com/AlbemarleCraftsmansFair.
SPLASH into EC’s Art Scene | Oct. 31-Nov. 5
Artists and arts enthusiasts will dive headfirst into Elizabeth City's art scene to take part in Arts of the Albemarle's (AOA) third fall SPLASH event, a week-long series of classes, workshops and art demos with an emphasis on collaboration and experimentation. Artists say they love the synergistic spirit of SPLASH – and the inspiring locale. www.artsaoa.com.
Enjoy a Hometown Holiday | Nov. 26
The holidays officially begin in Elizabeth City, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the downtown holiday lights in front of the Pasquotank County Courthouse (Main St.). Caroling, hot cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa follows. This annual celebration is presented by Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. Visit www.ecdowntown.com.
Elizabeth City is the “Harbor of Hospitality®”
Elizabeth City is located in northeastern North Carolina on the Intracoastal Waterway, halfway between Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. Known as the “Harbor of Hospitality,” the city has six National Register Historic Districts and is home to the Museum of the Albemarle, The Center at Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, Port Discover Hands-on Science Center and one of the largest U.S. Coast Guard air stations in the Continental United States. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to the Dismal Swamp and the abundance of outdoor recreational offerings. For additional information, call Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or visit DiscoverElizabethCity.com.
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