[EXPIRED] Winter in Elizabeth City, NC, AICW Dismal Swamp Route
Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR located at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route and the friendliest-to-boaters community on the Waterway, begins a brand new year!
It’s Winter! Discover Elizabeth City’s Inside Outings, Historic Stays and Oysters
From the Director
January-February 2016
Owning a Siberian Husky, named Cosmo, gives me plenty of opportunities to explore Elizabeth City during the winter months, and it seems he’s the happiest Elizabeth City resident from November through February. Muddy Waters Coffeehouse is a Saturday stop for us during the winter months. I warm up by sipping a sweet, creamy chia latte, and Cosmo makes new friends as he happily munches on a doggie treat. However, if you are not as fond of being outside during the winter as Cosmo, we have compiled a list of indoor adventures that allow you to explore the city while staying warm.
With over 300 years of history, Elizabeth City has many stories of yesteryear. What better way to experience Elizabeth City’s bygone times than by staying at a historic B&B? All five have their own unique charm and exemplify why Elizabeth City is called the Harbor of Hospitality. You can see what other visitors have had to say about them on TripAdvisor, and we encourage you to visit one and share your own experience. Having access to fresh seafood is one of the best parts of living on the coast. In this issue, we’re highlighting C&H Oyster Bar, an Elizabeth City icon. It’s not uncommon for oyster aficionados to travel far and wide to this seafood dive. Please come and discover Elizabeth City in the winter. While you’re out and about in our city be sure to post photos of your adventures with #DiscoverECity. We’ll be watching and reposting our favorites to our social media channels.
Happy travels,
Christina Rehklau
Director, Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
When Winter Comes, Consider Elizabeth City’s “Inside Outings”
The weather never gets unbearably cold in northeastern North Carolina. That’s what we like about life in this cozy coastal corner, enveloped by the temperate Albemarle Sound and Intracoastal Waterway. When temps do begin to drop, you’ll find plenty of great ways to heat things up with a variety of “inside outings” – fun places to explore on a chilly day! Take your pick from our suggestions below, and while away a winter weekend in Elizabeth City.
Enter the warm world of American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany by seeing the Louis C. Tiffany: Art and Innovation exhibit at the Museum of the Albemarle. On display are rare items such as a circa 1910 lamp with an oriental poppy shade and a Cypriot glass base; Favrile glass works including lamp sprays from the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla; and an urn-shaped vase that was displayed at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific World’s Fair. On Thursdays, Jan. 7- Feb. 25, artist Marcia Phillips will host an eight-week stained glass workshop so you can create your own Tiffany-inspired piece! Check for details at museumofthealbemarle.com.
There’s nothing like a little gallery hopping to revive your soul, and Elizabeth City has delightful downtown studios and eclectic shops to consider. At Tina Clancy’s Art and Antique Connection (116 N. Poindexter Street) there are over 100 artists on display, along with vintage, antique and repurposed home décor finds. Serenity Studio Arts (601 Main Street) is a great place to go for kids’ and adults’ art classes, plus a whimsical selection of paintings, photography, pottery and jewelry for sale by local artists. At The Center at Arts of the Albemarle, see who’s exhibiting in the changing Jaquelin Jenkins gallery, featuring work by well-known regional artists, and browse the retail galleries where you can purchase your own original piece of art.
Gaze at the winter sky by reserving seats for one of the star and laser presentations at the Khan Planetarium at Elizabeth City State University. Housed in a 30-foot hemispherical dome with comfortable seating, the planetarium’s star theater features a Spitz 512 star projector that can depict the sky as seen from anywhere on earth. All of the scheduled programs are free and open to the public by reservation. Groups of 20 or more may schedule their own show, and those with less than 20 may join a group that is already scheduled. Call for details at (252) 335-3SKY.
See a heart-warming Broadway musical when the College of the Albemarle Performing Arts Center opens “Oliver!” Feb. 25. This musical adaptation of the novel “Oliver Twist,” by Charles Dickens, the play continues with dates through March 6. Check for dates at www.albemarle.edu/pac. Make it “dinner and a show” by dining beforehand at one of our terrific independently-owned restaurants. You’ll find everything from American, Continental and ethnic cuisines to steaks, seafood platters and Sushi! Check our restaurant guide at www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com.
Experience History with a Stay in a Historic Home
History abounds in Elizabeth City, from the excellent exhibits at the Museum of the Albemarle, to self-guided Historic Downtown Walking tours and Civil War Trails. History lovers can take their interests one step further by booking a stay in one of the city’s beautifully restored B&Bs. Within close proximity of Elizabeth City’s waterfront, restaurants, shops, performing arts center and galleries, a quintet of quality accommodations awaits!
Culpepper Inn (609 W. Main Street)
This three-story Georgian Revival-style mansion was built in 1935 and is located in the center of Elizabeth City’s historic district. Both rooms and suites are available. Featuring a spacious yard and pool, the inn hosts live outdoor music on occasion. www.culpepperinn.com
Elizabeth City B&B (108 E. Fearing Street)
Dating to 1896, the Elizabeth City B&B is cozy, comfy and a great place to reconvene in between Elizabeth City outings. Ask about the history of the adjoining lodge that was once the meeting site for the Grand Order of Odd Fellows. Note: This B&B allows pets. www.elizabethcitybb.com
Foreman House B&B (311 W. Church Street)
Elizabeth City’s newest B&B is surrounded by grand magnolia and boxwood trees. The circa 1899 home features casual elegance, beautifully appointed rooms and an English boxwood garden. www.foremanhousebb.com
The Grice-Fearing House B&B (200 S. Road Street)
The Grice-Fearing House is the oldest house in Elizabeth City, dated circa 1798, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautifully-restored home features elegant suites and a library stocked with books, CDs and good reads for their guests’ enjoyment. www.gricefearinghouse.com
The Pond House Inn (915 Rivershore Road)
Surrounded by the Pasquotank River and Waters Pond, the inn is an example of European Manor House architecture, with a winding staircase, elegant rooms and opportunities for taking in waterfront views from the spacious grounds. www.thepondhouseinn.com
For a complete listing of Elizabeth City accommodations, visit www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com
EC Spotlight: C&H Oyster Bar OysterBar
You’ve probably heard the old saying that months with an R are prime months for eating oysters. That means four more mouth-watering months ahead for filling up on this seafood lover’s delicacy! And the best place to do it? The C&H Oyster Bar in Elizabeth City. This landmark restaurant has been around since 1967 when Tom Cox Jr. opened the unassuming eatery at 1524 North Road Street. Diners sit at tables or at the U-shaped bar, where the expert shucking staff split and serve fresh oysters as fast as customers can eat ’em. For the non-bivalve crowd, the Oyster Bar also offers a wide array of fresh seafood, served steamed or fried, as well as sandwiches and other light fare. Check it out next time you’re in town, but don’t wait too long; the Oyster Bar closes in May, and then it’s wait, wait, wait until October rolls around with a capital R!
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