Edenton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the tranquil region of North Carolina, the historic town of Edenton offers a delightful escape for travelers seeking a taste of Southern charm and rich history. Steeped in colonial heritage, this picturesque destination boasts a remarkable collection of beautifully preserved architecture, stunning waterfront views, and a warm community spirit.

Begin your exploration of Edenton by strolling through its enchanting streets lined with grand antebellum homes. Marvel at the elegant Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival style houses that stand as testaments to the town's prosperous past. The Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, is a true architectural gem and one of the oldest courthouses in continuous use in America. Step inside to witness the echoes of history that resonate within its walls.

For an immersive experience into Edenton's history, a visit to the Edenton Bell Battery cannon is a must. This significant relic from the American Revolution serves as a reminder of the town's involvement in the fight for independence. Learn about the role Edenton played in shaping the nation's history as you listen to captivating stories of the past.

Edenton's waterfront location adds an extra layer of charm to this already captivating town. Take a leisurely stroll along the Edenton Bay and soak in the breathtaking views of the Albemarle Sound. Watch as sailboats glide gracefully across the water or embark on a scenic boat tour to fully appreciate the town's natural splendor.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the vibrant art scene in Edenton. Visit the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center to discover the works of talented local artists, showcasing a diverse range of mediums. From paintings to pottery, their creations capture the essence of the town and its surroundings.

As the day winds down, indulge in the flavors of Edenton's culinary offerings. Sample mouthwatering Southern delicacies in cozy restaurants and cafes, where traditional recipes and farm-to-table ingredients take center stage. Savor the taste of freshly caught seafood, paired with locally brewed craft beer or a refreshing glass of sweet tea.

Alternative names: Population: 4.8 thous. (2020)Area: 5.57 mi²Elevation: 10 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°3'40"N, 76°36'31"W

Location

North CarolinaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Edenton Top Attractions

Edenton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Edenton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Historic Hicks Field, Barker House, Cupola House, Roanoke River Light. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Sport venue • Sport
Historic Hicks Field
Historic Hicks Field is a historic baseball stadium and national historic district located in Edenton, North Carolina. The stadium is home to the John A. Holmes High School Aces as well as the Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League.
Visitor center • History museum • Museum
Barker House
Barker House is a historic home located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. The original house was built about 1782, and expanded during the 19th century. It is a 2+1⁄2-story frame dwelling with Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival style design elements.
Historical place • History museum • Museum
Cupola House
The Cupola House is a historic house museum in Edenton, North Carolina. Built in 1756–1758, it is the second oldest building in Edenton, and the only known surviving example in the American South of a "jutt," or overhanging second floor. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Lighthouse
Roanoke River Light
The Roanoke River Lighthouse is a historic, decommissioned lighthouse, located on the waterfront of Edenton, North Carolina. The lighthouse once stood in Albemarle Sound at the mouth of the Roanoke River, across the Sound from its current location.
Georgian architecture • Tower
Chowan County Courthouse
The Chowan County Courthouse is a historic courthouse in Edenton, the county seat of Chowan County, North Carolina. Built in 1767, it is one of the finest examples of public Georgian architecture in the American South.
History museum • Museum • Georgian architecture
James Iredell House
The James Iredell House is a historic home located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. The original section was built 1800, and expanded to its present configuration about 1827.
Church • Greek Revival architecture • Romanesque architecture
Edenton Baptist Church
Edenton Historic District is a national historic district located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. The district encompasses 342 contributing buildings, 4 contributing sites, and 3 contributing structures.
Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Churchyard
St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Churchyard is a historic Episcopal church located at W. Church and Broad Streets in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina, United States. It was built between 1736 and 1766, and is a five-bay, brick church building with a gable roof. It features a slightly engaged square tower.
36°3'32"N • 76°36'40"W
Wessington House
Wessington House is a historic home located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. It was built about 1851, and is a 3-story house with a full English basement, brick dwelling with a center hall plan.
36°3'41"N • 76°36'26"W
Historic Edenton State Historic Site
Park
Greek Revival architecture
Pembroke Hall
Pembroke Hall is a historic home located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. It was built about 1849, and is a two-story, Greek Revival style frame dwelling with a low hip roof. It has a two-story, three bay, frame wing.
Tower
Lane House
Lane House is an historic house in Edenton, North Carolina that is the oldest house in North Carolina identified by dendrochronology. The 1 ¹⁄₂-story house is located within the Edenton National Register Historic District. The earliest part was built 1718–19 and possibly moved to the site from nearby.
Vernacular architecture
Hayes Plantation
Hayes Plantation, also known as Hayes Farm, is a historic plantation near Edenton, North Carolina that belonged to Samuel Johnston, who served as Governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789.
Interesting neighbourhood
Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District
Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District is a national historic district located at Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. The district encompasses 70 contributing buildings, 1 contributing site, 2 contributing structures, and 1 contributing object in a small mill village.
Greek Revival architecture
Albania
Albania is a historic house located on U.S. 17 in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. It is locally significant as an imposing Greek Revival house, built by Edward Warren.
Georgian architecture
Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill is a historic plantation house located in Edenton, North Carolina, and owned by William and Laurie Raucci. The original section was built about 1788, in a Georgian/Federal style then enlarged to its present size in the early- to mid-19th century.

Day trips

Edenton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Edenton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla), College of The Albemarle (Elizabeth City), St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Bath).

49 milesNE
Lighthouse, Historical place, Vernacular architecture
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla
The Currituck Beach Light is a lighthouse located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. The Currituck Beach Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1973.
28 milesNE
Universities and schools
College of The Albemarle, Elizabeth City
College of The Albemarle is a public community college in the Albemarle region of northeastern North Carolina. The main campus is in Elizabeth City with satellite campuses in Barco, Manteo and Edenton.
42 milesS
Church
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Bath
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is a historic church on Craven Street in Bath, North Carolina. The church building was constructed in 1734 and is the oldest surviving church building in North Carolina.
48 milesE
36°11'14"N • 75°45'35"W
Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports, Duck
Sailing, Parasailing and paragliding, Rafting
45 milesSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Mattamuskeet, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina. It is a shallow coastal lake, averaging 2–3 ft feet in depth, and stretches 18 miles long and 7 miles wide. Lake Mattamuskeet lies on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula. Lake Mattamuskeet is the location of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.