Why Elizabeth City? Why not?!?!?!!!

As we topped off our tanks in Coinjock we were asked, “Where are you headed?”  “Elizabeth City,” I replied.  The dockhand responded, “Why would you want to go there?”  Well folks, let me tell you!

Truth be told, the Captain grew up just outside of EC, but that’s not the only reason to go this way!  Yes, I realize it is not right along the magical “magenta line” of the ICW, but the Harbor of Hospitality deserves a look.  EC offers boaters 48 hours of free dockage with multiple options in slips or along bulkheads.  Frills are minimal, but there is free WiFi and clean showers are only $5 per person for the length of your stay.  Any of the slips are walking distance to a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants.  We tied up right at Mariner’s Wharf.  We prefer bow-in as it’s such a downtown location for added privacy and security, but note that the finger piers are really small so if you go bow-in, you will be getting on/off the boat from the bow.  Slip widths are clearly marked on the bulkhead wall (11-18’) and there is plenty of depth (20’ in our slip!).

We tied up on Halloween and swung by the Museum of the Albemarle to pay our shower fees.  I hate to admit that in all the years we have been visiting to see family, we never explored this gem!  After showers and school (and a fantastic $20 cut and style for me from Hannah at Rock Paper Scissors Salon on the wharf), we came back to the museum.  It’s very nicely done, free, and in about an hour or so you can get a good taste of the area’s history.  And one of Blackbeard’s cannons!  They were hosting tons of Halloween activities while we were there and I can see that it’s a great asset to the community.

After a little “older kid” debate, the crew decided to dress up and head out for the local Halloween festivities.  Friends had told us that trick-or-treating down Main Street was the big thing in town and since that was about a 2-minute walk away we went for it!  I have to say, this town knows how to do a fun, safe Halloween night!  Fire trucks and barricades closed off the street.  In the commercial district, businesses had set up “trunk-or-treat” for several blocks.  In the neighborhood, if folks were “open” they had to be out on their porch to greet you, and many houses were really decorated well!  Kids had a blast and came home with loads of candy!

Like I said before, lots of shops are accessible from the free slips.  Drugstore, laundromat, book store, fabric store, bakery, pizzeria, and even a Bojangles are within walking distance.  My favorite food stops from this trip are Muddy Waters (coffee shop), Island Breeze Grill (Caribbean delights and a great weekday lunch buffet), Flour Girls Bakery, Hoppin’ Johnz (new South cuisine), Cypress Creek Grill (modern American cuisine), and my absolute #1–Ghost Harbor Brewing Company.  The kids enjoyed all of these, but we all really love the places in Pailin’s Alley.  The brewery has great beer, games, and free popcorn—we love it!

So why not give Elizabeth City a look on your next time through?