It’s hard to choose just ONE charming place in a state full of so many…but if we had to vote, we’d definitely choose Edenton. It’s a small town with over 300 years of history, tons of historical sites, and some drop-dead gorgeous scenery.

Welcome to Edenton!

J. Stephen Conn/flickr Edenton was established in 1712. It’s a charming, little town of just about 5,000 residents. You’ll fall in love with its gorgeous scenery, historical sites and charm.

Roanoke River Lighthouse

Ron Reiring/flickr The Roanoke River Lighthouse was built in 1887 and was originally placed in the Albemarle Sound to mark the the entrance to the Roanoke River. It was in commission until 1941, and is the last lighthouse left that was built in a square-style, sitting on a screw piling. It was moved to Edenton Bay, where you can tour it daily.

The residents of Edenton are surrounded by beauty 24/7.

Todd Martin/flickr

Edenton Bay

-ted/flickr This picturesque bay hosts tons of community events, and is beautiful to boot.

Patrick Cumby/flickr It’s gorgeous at dusk, too.

Edenton’s downtown is quaint.

Jimmy Emerson DVM/flickr The tree=lined streets and historical buildings in Edenton’s downtown fit right in with the charm of the rest of the town. It’s bustling with restaurants and shops and offers plenty of hospitality.

Penelope Barker House

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr In 1774, Penelope Barker led a party of women in protest to boycott English tea. Dubbed the Edenton Tea Party, it was the first case of political action by women in the colonies. Today, Penelope Barker’s home is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Known as Edenton’s “living room,” you’re welcome to sit here, chat with the locals and enjoy the view of Edenton Bay.

Confederate Bell Battery

J. Stephen Conn/flickr Edenton’s rich history includes many Civil War displays, including these two howitzers located at the waterfront park.

Hayes Plantation

Patrick Cumby/flickr Edenton’s many historical homes are charming and have been well-maintained. Hayes Plantation was established in 1733.

Cupola House

Jon Gamble/flickr Cupola House was built in 1758 and is one of the best examples of a home built in the Jacobean style.

Much of Edenton’s charm comes from its beautifully-maintained, historical homes and buildings.

Patrick Cumby/flickr

Chowan County Courthouse

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr The Chowan County Courthouse was built in 1767, and is the oldest courthouse still in use today.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Churchyard

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr

Jon Gamble/flickr Located at the corner of W. Church and Broad streets, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Churchyard is one of the oldest buildings in North Carolina. The church was constructed in 1736, and folks still attend services here. The churchyard is the burial place of three of North Carolina’s past governors.

Bennett’s Millpond

Patrick Cumby/flickr Bennett’s Millpond is just one of many places in the town to take a stroll and birdwatch. It also offers canoeing, kayaking and primitive camping.

Have you fallen in love with Edenton yet?

Patrick Cumby/flickr We certainly have!

Did this article put you in the mood for more waterfront beauty? Check out these 10 boardwalks in North Carolina!

J. Stephen Conn/flickr

Edenton was established in 1712. It’s a charming, little town of just about 5,000 residents. You’ll fall in love with its gorgeous scenery, historical sites and charm.

Ron Reiring/flickr

The Roanoke River Lighthouse was built in 1887 and was originally placed in the Albemarle Sound to mark the the entrance to the Roanoke River. It was in commission until 1941, and is the last lighthouse left that was built in a square-style, sitting on a screw piling. It was moved to Edenton Bay, where you can tour it daily.

Todd Martin/flickr

-ted/flickr

This picturesque bay hosts tons of community events, and is beautiful to boot.

Patrick Cumby/flickr

It’s gorgeous at dusk, too.

Jimmy Emerson DVM/flickr

The tree=lined streets and historical buildings in Edenton’s downtown fit right in with the charm of the rest of the town. It’s bustling with restaurants and shops and offers plenty of hospitality.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr

In 1774, Penelope Barker led a party of women in protest to boycott English tea. Dubbed the Edenton Tea Party, it was the first case of political action by women in the colonies. Today, Penelope Barker’s home is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Known as Edenton’s “living room,” you’re welcome to sit here, chat with the locals and enjoy the view of Edenton Bay.

Edenton’s rich history includes many Civil War displays, including these two howitzers located at the waterfront park.

Edenton’s many historical homes are charming and have been well-maintained. Hayes Plantation was established in 1733.

Jon Gamble/flickr

Cupola House was built in 1758 and is one of the best examples of a home built in the Jacobean style.

The Chowan County Courthouse was built in 1767, and is the oldest courthouse still in use today.

Located at the corner of W. Church and Broad streets, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Churchyard is one of the oldest buildings in North Carolina. The church was constructed in 1736, and folks still attend services here. The churchyard is the burial place of three of North Carolina’s past governors.

Bennett’s Millpond is just one of many places in the town to take a stroll and birdwatch. It also offers canoeing, kayaking and primitive camping.

We certainly have!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.