Fun on the coast: Elizabeth City preps for summer activities

PRESS RELEASE (Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitor Bureau)
Can you feel it? It’s almost here — summer! With long days and breezy nights, it’s the ideal season for families and friends to break away from the work-a-day schedule for a little old-fashioned fun. For a close-in getaway with a relaxed vibe and lots to offer, count on Elizabeth City, N.C. Halfway between Norfolk, Va., and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, it’s location on the Pasquotank River is easy to reach. From catching a classic American film on an outdoor screen to grooving to Elizabeth City’s great homegrown music scene, you’ll find an abundance of ways to sink into summer with these easy outings!

* Catch an outdoor flick (June 5 through July 31)
Is there a better way to spend a summer night than watching a classic American film on an outdoor screen? Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival presents movies on Tuesday nights at 8:30 p.m. in June and July along the Elizabeth City Waterfront at Mariners’ Wharf. The 2012 series begins June 5 with “You Can’t Take It with You,” a madcap comedy starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. Check MarinersWharfFilmFestival.com for the schedule because we know you won’t want to miss “Rio Bravo,” “Casablanca,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Roman Holiday” and more!

• Walk the walk (First Friday of each month):
Showcasing local visual artists and venues the first Friday of each month, Elizabeth City’s First Friday ArtWALK makes for a pedestrian-friendly good time! The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with a featured artist’s exhibition at The Center on Main Street, then stroll to neighboring galleries, studios, retail shops and restaurants as the celebration progresses a few blocks here, a few blocks there. Summer dates are June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. Visit artsaoa.com for details.

• See Under Both Flags (Ongoing):
Learn the stories of Tar Heel residents who lived, fought and endured the Civil War by seeing Under Both Flags: Civil War in the Albemarle, an ongoing exhibit at the Museum of the Albemarle. To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the Union occupation of North Carolina, the exhibit provides a meaningful—and often untold—history lesson through personal experiences of Albemarle-area residents. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call (252) 335-1453 or visit museumofthealbemarle.com.

• Go Local Saturdays:
Saturday is market day in Elizabeth City, so head to the Downtown Waterfront Market where you’ll discover a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and eggs, originating from local farms. You’ll also find herbs, plants, and handcrafted ware, plus live music and entertainment. New this year: The Kids Club, in which children earn rewards for eating their veggies (and fruits!), participating in growing workshops and learning from local farmers. Open Saturdays through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the green at Mariners’ Wharf. Check the weekly vendor schedule at downtownwaterfrontmarket.com.

• Paddle your own canoe Whenever you like:
Elizabeth City visitors now can paddle their own canoe, thanks to retired U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Steve Magaro. Owner of River City Outfitters, Magaro is operating kayak and canoe rentals along the Pasquotank River, across from the Museum of the Albemarle at Charles Creek Park. Single and tandem canoes are available for $10 for one hour; $25 for a half-day; $45 for a full day; and $75 for overnight. Group rates are priced at $125 per day for up to 12 craft. For information call (252) 340-0900 or visit perquimansriveroutfitters.com.

• Dig in to the Homegrown Music Scene — pick a night and enjoy! Elizabeth City has a wealth of excellent local bands—along with a variety of great venues for showcasing their talent:
• Harbor Nights (free), hosted by the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce, plays Friday nights, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7 from 6-9 p.m. on the waterfront at Mariners’ Wharf.
• Music on the Green at Mariners’ Wharf (also free; same location) begins July 31 and continues Tuesday evenings through Sept. 18 from 6-8 p.m.
• The Culpepper Inn hosts live, local music by the pool on Saturdays June 16, July 14, and Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. for a $5 donation.
• The Pines at Elizabeth City offers live music every other Friday night featuring local musicians and bands.

For a complete event schedule, visit DiscoverElizabethCity.com.

Elizabeth City is the “Harbor of Hospitality®”
Elizabeth City is located in Northeastern North Carolina on the Intracoastal 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 largest U.S. Coast Guard base in the Continental United States. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to 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 visit DiscoverElizabethCity.com. For up-to-the-minute info on happenings and events visit ElizabethCityHASIt.com.