116 choose your ideal place
Hertford
Dating back to the late 1600s, Hertford is the quintessential sleepy river
town steeped in history. Beautiful
Victorian and Georgian homes line a
winding narrow road that follows the
winding narrow road that follows the
riverbank, with some homes dating
back to the 1820s. Life has a decidedly
relaxed pace. The impressive and massive Leigh’s Plantation draws exclamations of surprise when visitors round
the bend and catch a glimpse of its huge
brick facade. Constructed by slaves, it
houses a third-story ballroom, dozens
of rooms and parlors and a double-framed porch with six columns. Nearby
Newbold White House is thought to be
the oldest existing structure in the state.
Relax at beautiful Missing Mill
Park, go fishing or simply enjoy a drive
through the Albemarle region.
Edenton
Edenton, the first permanent settle-
ment in North Carolina, features nearly
three centuries of outstanding architec-
ture behind tree-lined sidewalks and
waterfront vistas. Jacobean, Georgian,
Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian
examples make this town a natural for
its two National Historic Landmarks
and numerous listings on the National
Register of Historic Places. The Chowan
County Courthouse of 1767 has been
characterized as the finest example of
Georgian architecture in the South.
Today, Edenton’s colonial past can be
relived with tours through the historic
district, which some say surpasses Wil-
liamsburg, VA. The homes and build-
ings here are not reconstructed, but are
the restored originals. The waterfront is
a favorite spot for pleasure boaters, and
travelers will find quiet bed and break-
fasts to lure them off the beaten path.
The city is known for its lively downtown lined with unique shops, eateries
and other businesses. Cultural events
are art exhibits, plays and a rare history
treat—the Bill of Rights Tour. Seasonal
festivals are even more picturesque set
against the remarkable backdrop of this
first Colonial capital.
Elizabeth City
Named as one of the 100 best small
towns in America, Elizabeth City is a waterfront community that is centrally located 45 minutes from the Hampton Roads
area of Virginia and North Carolina’s
Outer Banks. A well-known location on
Hertford, Edenton & Elizabeth City
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