Edenton

It’s easy to see why Forbes rated Edenton one of America’s “prettiest towns.” Settled on beautiful Edenton Bay, our community recently celebrated its 300th anniversary, with plenty of history to show for it. Explore structures with incredible stories behind them—like the Barker House, home of the brave lady who boycotted British tea, or Eden House, home of the governor who allegedly befriended Blackbeard the pirate. We really know how to embrace life on the bay here—from sailboat races at the Music & Water Festival to trolley rides featuring the country’s oldest courthouse, the Bell Battery and more.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks seems to bring out the sense of adventure in everyone. Maybe it’s our history. This 200-mile stretch of gorgeous barrier islands is where The Lost Colony disappeared, pirates plundered and the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight. It’s a lot to take in—and a lot of fun. Catch a giant marlin, go to “surf school,” explore 300+ shipwrecks on the ocean floor, then climb the East Coast’s highest sand dune. All that—plus the millions of vacationers we see every year—and still there’s a relaxed atmosphere here that makes for good living.

Washington

Nicknamed “Little Washington,” this delightful, eclectic community was founded in 1776 and was the first town named after General George Washington. Our historic downtown sits right on the Pamlico River, which means breathtaking views from any venue. The downtown waterfront also features a boardwalk and children’s park. Only Washington offers 300 miles of paddle trails—from oak-lined creeks to open water—and there’s a trail for every skill level. When you’re ready for dry land again, you’ll find world-class restaurants, antique shops, galleries and more—plus all kinds of concerts and events sponsored by a very active arts council.