Now that Christmas in Elizabeth City has ended and winter is in full swing, you might be wondering what there is to do until the warmer months return. Keep your spirits up and mid-winter blues at bay with a fun weekend out and about in Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County.

1. Sample Local Fare

Foodies rejoice! One thing our small town is proud to offer is a fairly wide variety of eateries. We're a small town with big bites and options including sushi, fresh seafood, authentic Caribbean cuisine, Mexican food, and southern cuisine served with some surprising twists; you’re sure to be able to find something to please your palate. In winter, sweet treats are always a crowd pleaser and local bakeries, like Flour Girls, Kathy’s Kreations, Homestyle, and Southern Maid Donuts, are happy to oblige!

2. Get Outside 

If you’re up for a breath of fresh winter air, there’s no better way to embrace nature than a scenic walk. A few nearby beautiful places to explore are Dismal Swamp State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, and College of The Albemarle’s newly renovated Fenwick-Hollowell Trail. If you’re an early riser, you must catch a sunrise over the Pasquotank River from Coast Guard Park, Waterfront Park, or Mariners' Wharf! The landscape is a gorgeous photo opportunity any time of day, but nothing beats watching a beautiful, waterfront sunrise with your loved one.

3. Head Downtown

If you’re not quite up for bracing the cold with a hike, you can still get your steps in and get some fresh air by exploring our historic Downtown district. From books and antiques to food and boutiques, Downtown Elizabeth City has plenty to offer. It’s extremely pedestrian friendly so you can pop into local shops and spots along the way to escape the cold and shop around. While you're downtown, be sure to swing by the beautifully restored Pailin's Alley, snap a selfie with the mural, grab a bite to eat from Hoppin' Johnz, and enjoy your meal with beers from Ghost Harbor under the outdoor heaters.

4. Embrace The Arts

Housed in the historic 1897 Lowry-Chesson building, The Center at Arts of the Albemarle is just what the name implies – the hub of all things art in Elizabeth City. Explore the gallery for beautiful works by over 250 artists, craftsman, and photographers. Find unique hand-made crafts like feather bow ties, hand-woven purses, and handmade pottery as a gift for someone special or a keepsake of your own. If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, be sure to come downtown from 4pm-7pm for First Friday Art Walk to meet authors, artists, craftsmen, and musicians all throughout downtown! For a hands-on experience check out Studio 511 Art & Soul and Brackwater Brush Studio. They offer classes and opportunities for everyone to create their own beautiful works of art!

5. Learn Something New

Whether you’re in Elizabeth City for the first time or you were born and raised here, there’s always something new to learn at the Museum of the Albemarle. MOA is a free, self-guided, regional museum packed with hundreds artifacts, beautifully interpreted and displayed. Learn about the roots of our past and delve into the different exhibits highlighting key points in our region’s history including Women Breaking Barriers, The Day the Lights Came On which explores how the power of electricity changes people’s lives and businesses in the Albemarle region, River Bridge: Sunken Secrets delving into underwater excavations that have yielded over 10,000 artifacts, and more. Before you leave, stop by the Gift Shop for a trinket to remember your visit to Elizabeth City!

Don’t let the cold weather get you down. Get up, get out in Elizabeth City and join us for a winter weekend with these fun experiences! Remember to share your adventures and pictures of your favorite things about Elizabeth City with #VisitECity and #OurECity to win a free cup!

For more information about things to do, places to see, and more,
check out our new Visitors Guide and Insider's Guide Blog!