One Of North Carolina's Oldest Towns Is A Beautiful, Coastal Gem With Riverside Charm

North Carolina is a state that has as much nature as it has history. This is especially true for the eastern portion of the state, where the Atlantic Ocean creates multiple unique landscapes like the Albemarle Sound and the Chowan River. North Carolina's Outer Banks barrier islands do make for a great beach retreat with idyllic lighthouse views, but for something a little more under the radar, head to the state's Inner Banks region. A gem in this region is Edenton, an underrated coastal town that is big on charm and sometimes called "the South's prettiest town."

While you won't find beaches in Edenton, you will find waterfront relaxation and historic landmarks that would feel at home in Norman Rockwell paintings. Get your quaint getaway started by taking a guided tour of Edenton's historic district to learn about Edenton's colonial and Underground Railroad significance. Points of interest include the still-utilized 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark and the James Iredell House, named for one of the very first Supreme Court justices. These tours are just $2 per person and begin at the Historic Edenton State Historic Site.

See more of Edenton's history at the Penelope Baker House right on the water's edge. As the name suggests, this is the former home of Penelope Baker. When Baker organized a group of women to formally vow to boycott British imports, she became the first woman to create a political demonstration in the American colonies. Names of those involved with Baker's movement made it all the way to London's newspapers. 

Stick around in this part of town for the peaceful waterside views that so perfectly complement the historic buildings. Next to the Penelope Baker House is the Colonial Waterfront Park and Roanoke River Lighthouse. Get up close to this 19th-century lighthouse with the Edenton Bay Boardwalk that juts out over the water. You might even see some boats driving around the bay, too. For extra waterfront relaxation, take a cruise with Edenton Bay Cruises. The six-passenger "Liber-Tea" boat in particular is slow and quiet, save for occasional stories about Edenton's history as told by your boat's captain. Go to the Edenton Bay Cruises website to book your spots.

Edenton works diligently to honor those who were enslaved in this part of North Carolina. At Hayes Farm, just one mile from the Penelope Barker House, you can learn more about what their lives were like on southern plantations. The property features a huge mansion, cultivated gardens, and other buildings on the estate, like the carriage house and the home of a former enslaved worker. There is also a small cemetery featuring the graves of James Iredell and Penelope Barker.

Edenton is just slightly over one hour from Norfolk, and around one and a half hours from Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks. This makes Edenton an easy addition to a beautiful East Coast road trip route. There are plenty of places to stay in Edenton as well, including campgrounds. John's Island, less than two miles from central Edenton, has wooden platforms to help keep your camping supplies dry, but the surrounding forest still creates an untouched nature escape. Try to spot local wildlife around these woods too. If camping isn't your thing, popular hotels among Edenton's 18th and 19th-century buildings include Captain's Quarters Inn and Inner Banks Inn Restaurant and Event Venue.