Thanksgiving is a day for turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffing, and football (if that is your sort of thing). It’s a day to take a breath before the holiday season rush begins. And it’s a day to reflect on all the things we’re thankful for.

And, as I live and work in Edenton. And as I connect with people visiting this great area almost every day, there’s no shortage of things to be thankful for. So, today, in anticipation of the holiday, I would like to reflect a little on why I’m so thankful for Edenton. Because, frankly, there’s a lot to be thankful for.

Great weather

Here in Edenton, the winters are temperate, the fall is filled with perfect sweater weather, and spring greets us with an astonishing array of vibrant colors. Sure, the summer can get a little hot, but the Albemarle Sound keeps things surprisingly temperate, even in the hotter months. Throughout the year, people are visiting Edenton, and virtually no matter when they come, it’s good walking weather. Not every place in this country of ours has this. As the tourism director, I have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people from all around the country, who don’t have things nearly as nice as we do around here.

A thriving downtown community

One of the things that makes Edenton such an easy and wonderful place to visit is the thriving downtown community. In decades past, as commerce fled traditional downtowns for malls and mega-commercial complexes, residents and business owners in Edenton remained committed to Downtown Edenton.

Today, as many other communities struggle to recalibrate amid mall closures and changing commercial real estate trends, our downtown is vibrant, bustling, and driving the local economy. And, it’s growing, too. There is not only a vibrant food scene in downtown Edenton, but also a plethora of unique and interesting stores. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, sit-down dinner, some after drinks, a great cigar, or antique shopping, there’s something for everyone.

One-of-a-kind history

History is our calling card, no doubt. As the home of governors, Supreme Court justices, and important Revolutionary War figures, and as one of the most important narratives of enslaved people that came out of the antebellum South, Edenton has some very important history. What is even more unusual is how well it has been preserved. Whether you are touring the 1886 Roanoke River Lightouse, the Penelope Barker House, Cupola House, the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, or any of the other dozens of historically important locations, you’ll see that they stand in such great condition because generations of Edentonians have recognized their value and have kept them standing strong.

Stewards and caretakers

This generation of Edentonians, including myself, stands on the shoulders of generations of residents who worked tirelessly to preserve and care for the history here so it won’t be forgotten. My job is easy because so many people have come before me who have worked tirelessly to put Edenton on the map, create organizations dedicated to historical awareness and preservation, and make Edenton a well-regarded travel destination.

An abundance of interesting events

Whether you come in spring, summer, or fall, there is an abundance of events throughout Edenton and beyond. Many events, such as the Summer Concert Series or the Kickoff to Christmas, involve important partnerships among organizations. Others, like the Sunday street parties in Downtown Edenton, are newer and take place because new businesses have come to the area and want to engage with the community. These events and so many others bring many people to town, creating an engaging and exciting community.

An engaged local government

The year-over-year success and constant growth of our tourism industry doesn’t happen by accident. The fact that more and more people are visiting Edenton every year is a testament to the long-term investment of our local governments. Both Chowan County and the City of Edenton continue to invest in the experience and infrastructure of this community so it can remain an exciting and engaging place to visit.

Generations of residents have invested in this community.

I’ve mentioned this earlier, but the reason so many people visit Edenton is that many people in this town have been investing in this community for decades. Residents open up businesses to create opportunities for visitors to explore this area in interesting and unique ways. Government officials spend time and resources making Edenton the best version of itself it can be. And every organization in this town —from ours to the Chamber of Commerce to Destination Downtown Edenton, and so many others —has spent generations putting this town on the cutting edge of North Carolina tourism.

There is so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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