Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Located in Pasquotank and Camden counties in North Carolina, Elizabeth City was founded in 1793 and was initially known as the town of Redding. The land was acquired by Adam and Elizabeth Tooley, with the town’s name, changed to Elizabeth in 1794 and then to Elizabeth City in 1801, a name either derived from Queen Elizabeth or Elizabeth Tooley. Elizabeth is the largest city in northeastern North Carolina and is a beautiful stopover for boaters on the Albemarle Sound, where “One of America’s Best Small Towns” can be found. The city has six National Registered Historic Districts that transports visitors back in time, letting them experience an almost untouched history.
Two of the most visited National Historic Districts of Elizabeth City are the Main Street Commercial District, a bustling center that was divided into two districts: one for shipping and manufacturing and the other for whole retail and banking activities place with boutiques and restaurants foregrounding as its greatest assets and the Main Street Residential District fosters a beautiful historic residential architecture that reflects fine living, inspired by Colonial Revival Designs. The other Historic Districts of Elizabeth City are Northside Historic District, Shepard Street – South Road Street Historic District, Riverside Historic District and the Elizabeth City State Teacher’s College, which is the site of the Elizabeth City State University, the premier institution of higher learning in the city.
The Elizabeth City State University is under the University of North Carolina System. It was a historically black university and has been offering baccalaureate (Art, History, Political Science, Language, Literature, Music, Social Sciences, Accounting, Economics, Management, and more) and masters programs (Elementary Education, School Administration, Biology and Mathematics). Elizabeth City has some of the most interesting attractions which are deservingly referred to as visually unique and non-comparable. The Arts of the Albemarle Gallery in East Main Street displays works of North Carolina artists and craftspersons. The Carolina Carriages in Camden is a showcase of elegant horse and carriage service which offers tours in downtown Elizabeth City. The Dixieland Speedway in Northside Road puts visitors in an exciting place for go-cart and stock car racing in a 3/8 mile dirt oval.
Aside from visiting historic attractions, tourists would also enjoy a number of possible outdoor activities in Elizabeth City. Enjoy biking in Charles Creek Park, a three-acre park in Riverside Avenue which is also a perfect place for fishing, boating, volleyball, and picnics. Have fun birding and hiking in Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in South Mills, Fun Junkton in Simpsons Ditch Road and North River Game Land in Indian Island Road.
Finally, Elizabeth City has events for all seasons which are all worth visiting: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16) hosted by Elizabeth City State University, Valentine Faire (February 2) hosted by The Museum of the Albemarle, African American History Month in Elizabeth City (February), Harbor Arts Festival (June 28-29) and a lot more.