A Weekend in Edenton

A Guide to Visiting Edenton, NC 

Host of NC Weekend Deborah Holt Noel heads to the Inner Banks for a visit to Edenton, NC, where colonial-era homes line brick sidewalks and the Albemarle Sound laps right up to Main Street. Hop on a trolley tour through Edenton's historic district, glide across the water on an electric boat tour, stop for a taste of authentic Southern cooking and more.  

Get inspiration for your own trip to NC's charming, historic town in "A Weekend in Edenton" from NC Weekend and explore more places to eat, play and stay below. 

Check out all of the locations featured in Deborah's trip to Edenton below.

Tours & Historic Sites

Edenton Trolley Tour  
A guided ride through downtown covering Edenton's architecture and history, including stops tied to the story of Harriet Jacobs, such as Providence Burial Ground, the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse and the Chowan County Jail.
Website: ehcnc.org  

Edenton Bay Cruises 
A quiet, all-electric touring boat that carries visitors past the harbor and the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. 
Website: edentonbaycruises.com  

Mulberry Hill House
A Federal-style home on the Albemarle Sound built in the early 1800s, still owned by descendants of the original family. 
Website: edenton.com

Shops

Edenton Tea Company
An art, tea and gift shop built around original artwork and handcrafted teapots inspired by the Edenton Tea Party.
Facebook: Edenton Tea Company

Edenton Bay Trading Company
A downtown boutique wine bar featuring craft beers, gourmet snacks and specialty wines.
Website: edentonbaytradingcompany.com

Artemis and Io
A shop offering curated incense and plants.
Instagram: @artemisandio

Blount's Mutual Drugs Inc.
A pharmacy run by a longtime local known for sharing his collection of memorabilia.
Facebook: Blount's Mutual Drug 

Edenton Farmer's Market 
A downtown market where visitors can grab coffee, browse local art and buy fresh produce. 
Website: edentonfarmersmarket.org

Inns & Hotels

The Granville Queen 
A recently renovated inn with a spacious parlor and luxurious suites. 
Website: thecarolinaexperience.com

Captain's Quarters 
A sister property to the Granville Queen, with eight rooms and a relaxing front porch. 
Website: thecarolinaexperience.com

Inner Banks Inn 
A four-building lodging campus spanning roughly 250 years of architecture, complete with an onsite restaurant. 
Website: innerbanksinn.com

Restaurants

Waterman's Grill 
A local landmark known for fried flounder and other seafood favorites. 
Website: watermansgrill.com

Downtown Roots 
A sandwich and salad shop known for generous portions and its signature Chowan Club sandwich. 
Facebook: Downtown Roots

The Herringbone on the Waterfront 
A fine-dining restaurant inside a restored 19th-century herring icehouse, with sunset views over the water. 
Website: the-herringbone.com

Old Colony Smokehouse 
A barbecue restaurant started by a "Chopped" champion, known for smokehouse beans and slow-smoked meats. 
Website: oldcolonysmokehouse.com