5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time of the Year to Visit the North Carolina Coast

Fabulous fall foliage, fishing, football, entertainment and food. Learn what locals know, fall is one of the best times of the year to experience the North Carolina coast's natural beauty. Enjoy indoor and outdoor fun in Elizabeth City with beautiful state parks, college football and homecoming, arts and entertainment followed by delicious local cuisine!

 

Breathtaking Views

Carolina skies are a sight to see!  Couple that with beautiful fall foliage and you'll want to be sure to have a camera handy.  Ride a bike or walk the paths that wind through Dismal Swamp State Park.  Rent a canoe or kayak and travel the Historic Dismal Swamp Canal.  The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center offers an interesting history of this important man-made canal which was instrumental in the transportation of goods and the swamp, which was a refuge during the time of slavery. 

Within 30 minutes you can also visit Merchants Millpond State Park and observe the wildlife by land or by water.  Canoe and kayak rental are available or you can bring your own.  

 

Drop A Line

Reel in your own lunker in the Albemarle region. Football isn’t the only fall sport! October is the beginning of striped bass season in northeastern North Carolina. You can put your boat in at Waterfront Park or Dog Corner Park  in downtown Elizabeth City. If you need to purchase your North Carolina fishing license, you can do so at The Pelican Marina. North Carolina Wildlife provides all the details you need to know about the different warm-water fishing seasons and limits. Local fishing charters include Albemarle Guided Fishing Charters and Fishing with Mike. 

 

 

Arts and Entertainment

Elizabeth City is loaded with talented folks!  From theater to art to music acts, we know how to entertain our visitors.  For our art lovers, enjoy wonderfully crafted works by creative artisans at First Friday ArtWalk and Albemarle Craftsman's Fair.  Want to tap your toes and sing along?  Check out our calendar of events to see the talented musical acts.  Theater buffs, we have local theater groups hitting the stage with productions such as "A Good Year for Tomatoes" and "Anne of Green Gables."  We also are proud to be a part of the Manhattan Short Film Festival.

 

Discover a Bounty of Fun Fall Festivals

Fall is a bustling festival time in the Elizabeth City area with celebrations featuring history, the home football team, music and drink, and arts. Elizabeth City’s Historic Ghost Walk is a history lesson, home tour, and live theater combined. Don't miss out on Elizabeth City State University's Homecoming parade and football game. Sample a wide variety of craft beers and local music at River City’s Rhythm and Brews event. Artisans and craftsmen will be demonstrating their work at SPLASH Art Festival. Regardless of your taste or interest, there’s a festival or special event for you this fall. Start your next adventure here.

 

Delicious Local Cuisine

Fall is the perfect time to try incredible dishes made by our local chefs. Many of our downtown restaurants share the ambiance of a local favorite, Pailin's Alley, with outdoor seating.  It is the perfect place to have a bit to eat from one of the downtown restaurants or sip a cold craft beer from Ghost Harbor Brewing Company.  Treat yourself to a waterfront view at Paradiso Roma Ristorante and dine along the river.  Enjoy the charm of Downtown Elizabeth City and the skillfully prepared dishes. Depending on the night, there may be a band playing too.

Don't miss out on our fall fun, click here to learn about our affordable lodging options.  While visiting the area, share your photos using #VisitECity so we can see how much fun you are having!

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