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Set Your Sights on Elizabeth City, N.C. This Spring for Museums, Music and More

(Elizabeth City, N.C., March 23, 2010) – There’s nothing like a sunny weekend and the open road to bring out your inner traveler. This spring, when wanderlust calls, set your sights on Elizabeth City, N.C. for a fun, coastal getaway. Wayfarers will discover this river-front town has just the tonic—a laid-back vibe and an eclectic mix of museums, music and much more!

Day One/Stop One: Do the Downtown Museum Mix!
Begin your visit in Downtown Elizabeth City. With the Pasquotank River as backdrop, you’ll be within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, an old-fashioned movie theatre and a trio of excellent sites:

Museum of the Albemarle—A must-stop if you’re a history-buff, or to learn more about the region’s rich heritage. The thoughtful Our Story exhibit takes visitors through more than 400 years of Albemarle-area history, showcasing some 750 artifacts that tell the story of the region’s watermen, farm life, the Civil War, the Wright brothers, African-American history and Native American history. Don’t leave without seeing Out of the Blue: Coast Guard Aviation, a new exhibition that relays the history of the U.S. Coast Guard in Elizabeth City through historic photographs, artifacts, interactive exhibits and a unique display of timelines.

Port Discover Hands-on Science Center—Kids in tow? Head here. This cool, colorful center offers hands-on science experiments relating to the world around you. Port Discover moved into its new, expanded location March 20—the first day of spring—with a special line up of programs on the vernal equinox, water analysis, spring gardening and a visit from Smokey the Bear.

The Center—All of the arts are celebrated at The Center, headquarters for programs offered through Arts of the Albemarle. Stop at the front desk and ask about special visual art exhibitions, craft workshops or performances in the second-floor Maguire Theatre. You’ll also want to browse through the retail gallery, representing more than 200 artists, craftsmen and photographers.

Day One/Stop Two: River City’s Music Scene
Ready for a bite? Elizabeth City restaurants serve up everything from Tex-Mex to Sushi, as well as ample portions of fresh-caught seafood. Some eateries are also earning a reputation for showcasing live, local music. City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar presents area singers, musicians and bands every Friday night. Drop by for a glass of wine or tea and listen to such local groups as Deacon Blues, Connected and pianist Chris Palestrant. Every other Wednesday night, the Marina Restaurant hosts Elizabeth City favorite Out ‘n the Cold, a progressive bluegrass band. And check the schedules at Coasters, Thumpers and Levels as well. These restaurants serve up live entertainment along with great local fare.

When you wish to call it a night, you don’t have to go very far. There are B&Bs, small inns, recognized hotel chains and locally-owned and operated motels throughout the city. To book online, visit www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com

Day Two/Stop One: Tours and Tea
No doubt, you’ve noticed Elizabeth City’s stately buildings and lovely homes, so how about a tour? Stop by the Elizabeth City Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau and pick up a copy of the new “Elizabeth City Historic Walking Tour” guide. The self-guided tour outlines historic structures in the Main Street commercial district. Pick and choose from among dozens of sites, including the charming Colonial Oil Filling Station, the Lowry-Chesson Building (home to The Center) and the beautiful Charles O. Robinson house. For an escorted walking tour of Elizabeth City’s Downtown Historic District, consider signing on with De’Tours in Elizabeth City. A costumed guide will explain the history of the beautiful antebellum homes and buildings, followed by a traditional afternoon tea in the private parlor of the Hattie Harvey house.

After lunch—and before you depart—be sure to explore Elizabeth City’s wonderful shops. You’ll find everything from original artwork, jewelry, books, home décor and handmade soaps to specialty products made in the Elizabeth City area. Of note are The Chocolate House, a gourmet confectionary specializing in hand-crafted chocolates and the Weeksville Cellars Wine Shop, where you may taste and select a wine made with grapes grown at nearby Weeksville Vineyards.

Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City is located in Northeastern North Carolina on the Intrascoastal Waterway, halfway between Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. Known as the “Harbor of Hospitality®,” the city has six National Register Historic Districts and is home to the Museum of the Albemarle, The Center at Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, Port Discover Hands-on Science Center and the nation’s largest U.S. Coast Guard base. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to the Dismal Swamp and the abundance of outdoor recreational offerings. For additional information, call Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330 or visit www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com