Edenton

I had an opportunity to spend some time in Edenton, NC a few weeks ago. What I discovered left me pleasantly surprised.

I am used to the easy pace of eastern NC since that is where I was born and have lived all my life. I am also aware of the rich and colorful history that surrounds the area. As one travels the eastern portion of this great state there are literally signs on the roadside that announce an important place or date. Growing up in New Bern and Harkers Island I am more familiar with Craven, Carteret and Pamlico counties and what they offered to our rich history but what I have learned about Edenton and Chowan county is worth remembering.

The first permanent settlement in North Carolina, Edenton is the ''mothertown'' of the State.

Edenton was the Colonial Capital before New Bern.

There were lighthouses on the Roanoke river while I can find no mention of lighthouses on the Neuse river.

I was fortunate enough to photograph the "new" lighthouse on the waterfront and some of the other things that caught my eye. Check out the links I have provided at the end of this post for more information on the lighthouse and the history of the area.

































































Here is a great ride from New Bern to Edenton and returning on an alternate route:

Take highway 17 North to Washington cross over the Pamlico River and visit the Washington waterfront then continue on 17 North to Williamston. As you leave Williamston again on 17 North you will cross the Roanoke River and enter into the Roanoke Wildlife Refuge. This particular stretch of four lane road is an interesting and relaxing ride to the outskirts of Windsor. As you approach main light and intersection in the town of Windsor take a short break at the convenience store on the right. There you will discover a nice riverfront park almost tucked away from sight on the Cashie River (Locally pronounced as Ku-shy.) I did a previous blog entry on Windsor at http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2007/08/windsor-nc.html




Continue on 17 North, that would be a right at the light in Windsor, and you will soon cross the Chowan River and be within just three miles of Edenton, NC.










On the return trip take 17 South back across the Chowan river and about two miles off the bridge there is highway 45 to the left, some call it the Merry Hill exit. This road points you toward Plymouth but carries you through some very attractive countryside on a low traffic road. One of the highlights is the are where you cross the Cashie River, Middle River and the Roanoke River where they all connect to the Albemarle Sound. Nearing Plymouth you will briefly take a right on 64/32, all of 100 yards, and then left back on Highway 45. At the next intersection take a left and you will be on Highway 32 and routed through Acre Station and Five Points. Soon you will arrive at Highway 264 and if you exit to the right you will be about four miles east of Washington and from there it's a little less than an hour back to New Bern via Highway 17 South. The trip covers about 225 miles.

Or you could take a left on 264 and head to Bath, NC (8.5 miles) where Edward Teach, the infamous Blackbeard once plied the waters. You really should visit Bath if you have the time. That route will put you on your way to the Bayview Ferry, across the Pamlico River to Aurora and then back to New Bern. Of course you could always run to Bath and then back to Washington to have a Bill's hot dog before going back to New Bern.






No matter what path you travel to Edenton you should make it a point to go there. We are planning a trip there soon and I will let you know how the food is at one of the many downtown restaurants. Hey maybe we can ride together!

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=359


http://www.edenton.com/history


http://www.edenton.org/webcam.php