Colonial Edenton gracefully drifts through time

At over 300-years-old Edenton is still one of the prettiest towns in America. The views across Edenton Bay and the Albemarle Sound, tree-lined streets, lovely waterfront parks and the many fine examples of Jacobean, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian homes define Southern elegance. It’s a town that drifts through time with grace.

In the Inner Banks region in northeastern North Carolina, Edenton is a popular destination for heritage tourism. The town has stories to tell – about being the first permanent settlement in North Carolina; surviving the Revolution and Civil War and its role in women’s political activism.

History lovers will be fully engaged. The Cupola House, a National Historic Landmark that sits on the waterfront, was built by Francis Corbin in 1758. The Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, is included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Nicknamed Edenton’s living room, the Penelope Barker House is a landmark site in women’s history. Barker organized the Edenton Tea Party, one of first political actions by women in the British American colonies, which , to the shock of the crown, boycotted English tea.

The Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District consists of 57 mill houses built between 1899 and 1923, a brick office building, an impressive industrial building built in 1900, and First Christian Church constructed in 1916. The former mill office building is now the site of the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History, open Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2p.m.

See these and many other places of historic interest on a historic trolley tour. You’ll also want to walk along the Cannon’s Ferry Heritage River Walk at J. Robert Hendrix Park.

Moved from the mouth of the Roanoke River, the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse was in use from 1887 to 1941 and is open for tours.

There is no shortage of outdoor recreation in and around Edenton, the Albemarle Sound and nearby rivers. Sailing and motorboating, fishing and camping are popular there and, with numerous paddling trails, it’s easy to find the right spot to ease a kayak or canoe into the water and relax. The Edenton Town Harbor caters to boating visitors with a newly constructed breakwater, boat slips with electric hookups and a restroom and shower facility. Take time to enjoy a relaxing bay cruise with Edenton Bay Cruises (www.edentonbaycruises.com).

Learn about the fishing industry with a visit to the Nixon Fishery (www.nixonfishery.com) and take home some of the freshest seafood around.

Throughout the town there is an array of unique and specialty shops to entice and excite the tastebuds. There is a good mix of casual fine dining, family restaurants and cafes. Come hungry to Waterman’s Grill (www.watermansgrill.com); it’s in one of Edenton’s historic buildings. Try classic American cuisine at 309 Bistro (www.visitedenton.com/309-bistro).

Unpack your bags at one of the two Southern Victorian mansions, the charming Inner Banks Inn (www.thepackhouse.com). Complete a romantic getaway with dinner or Sunday brunch at the inn’s on-site restaurant, The Table Restaurant (www.thetablenc.com).

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 9:42 AM with the headline "Colonial Edenton gracefully drifts through time."