Founded as the town of Redding in 1793 on land acquired from Adam and Elizabeth Tooley. In 1794 the town was renamed Elizabeth, and in 1801 Elizabeth City. The name change has been variously attributed to honor either Queen Elizabeth I of England, who 200 years earlier spearheaded the colonization of the Carolina and Virginia coasts, or Elizabeth "Betsy" Tooley. Elizabeth City is located in North Carolina's Inner Banks region, and is nicknamed the "Harbor of HospitalityR".
Elizabeth City is at the junction of NC-158 and NC-17; driving is the only realistic option for arriving there (aside from flying a small plane or navigating a boat up the river).
'''Directions''': From I-64 (VA): take 17 South to Elizabeth City (25MI), exit 264 to Elizabeth City // From I-95 North: take 64 East (Rocky Mount) follow 64 East to Williamston take 17 North to exit 255 to Elizabeth City // I-95 South: take NC 158 East to 17 South, to Elizabeth City
Public transit is also available. Call the Inter-County Public Transportation Authority (ICPTA) at 252-338-4480. $3 Same-day Roundtrip.
The '''City Wine Sellar''' hosts live music every Friday night.
The annual '''Potato Festival''' is held in May.
Summer '''Speed Boat Races''' and '''Moth Boat Regatta''' on the Pasquotank River.
'''Carriage rides''' through the city's historic district.
'''Step shows''' and '''concerts''' at Elizabeth City State University.
'''Live theatre performances''' at the College of the Albemarle, as well as Encore Theatre.
'''Football games''' at Northeastern High School and Pasquotank High School are a town-wide affair.
Three Mexican restaurants are available. '''Mamasita's''' has the most authentic Mexican atmosphere; '''El Parian''' mixes by far the best cocktails, while at '''3 Amigos''' service is fastest and most proficient in English.
We have two Japanese restaurants; '''Toyama''' is a downtown storefront with amazingly authentic sushi and kitchen entrees. Drinks imported from Japan. '''Volcano''' is located in the Southgate Mall.
'''Dragon Buffet''' is next to Volcano in the mall. '''Hong Kong Restaurant''', owned and operated by the Wong family, has a wonderful buffet and friendly service. '''New Star''' is also family-owned and has generous portions of tasty food!
'''Cypress Creek Grill''' offers a classy atmosphere and delicious food. Owned and operated by Elizabeth City's own Bobby Plough. Located on Water St.
'''The City Wine Sellar''' offers deli sandwiches as well as spirits. '''The Sandwich Market''', a shop run out of a renovated barn on Selden Street, also offers great sandwiches and wraps--careful though, they close early! '''Pineapple Cafe''' on Halstead Boulevard offers a wide variety of breakfast choices, as well as a lunch menu.
'''Montero's''' is a high-end restaurant run by Elizabeth City's Andy Montero. Lovely gourmet food! Classic southern atmosphere.
'''Roma's''' and '''Tony's''' are the city's two Italian restaurants, both run by true Italian families. Both serve delicious authentic food. Roma's is on the north end of town, Tony's on the south.
'''Van's''' and '''The Circle''' offer both Greek and Italian Cuisine. '''Van's Place II''' serves breakfast all day, as well as authentic Greek cuisine. The '''Vicky Villa''' also serves breakfast all day.
Buffets include '''Prime Sirloin''' and '''Golden Corral''' if that's your style.
Good chains include '''Applebee's''' and '''Ruby Tuesday's.''' '''Hogan's''' in the Holiday Inn is great if you're looking for a sports bar/pub.
'''Diana's Road Street Cafe''', located on Road Street, offers tasty, inexpensive brown-bag lunches. Eat in or to go.
All the usual '''fast food chains''' are available. Most are located on Ehringhaus Street.
Finally, if you're looking for something sweet, '''The Chocolate Shoppe''' on Water St. has an amazing selection of delectable desserts such as truffles, fudge, and chocolate-covered fruit. Many treats are handmade in-shop by proprietress Kathy Dowdy.
For a complete list of restaurants, contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 252-335-5330.
'''Coffee Break''' on Griffin Street has a great friendly atmosphere. '''River City Coffee House''' on Halstead Blvd. is the place to go if you're looking to unwind with a good book.
'''Level's''' is the town's favorite bar. Karaoke is a frequent (if somewhat painful) occurrence. "Level's Idol" singing competition is held each summer for six weeks.
'''Hotels & Motels:'''
'''Inns and Bed & Breakfasts:'''
'''Norfolk, VA''', about 45 minutes north of Elizabeth City, offers many malls and artistic centers such as concert venues and museums.
'''The Outer Banks''', 45 minutes east, are home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Makes a great day trip.
See '''Historic Edenton''', 45 minutes west. Beautiful southern architecture and atmosphere. Movies have been filmed there!