Pasquotank County: Culture, History and Experiences on the Water

Pasquotank County brings together cultural discoveries, historical connections and experiences on the water. Options range from a museum and stage and studio offerings to historic walking tours, kayak rentals and guided fishing. When planning your visit, first decide what you want to focus on: culture and history, getting active or activities on the water.

Museum, Stage and Studio

The Museum of the Albemarle is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It presents regional culture through artifacts, illustrations and hands-on activities. Objects, images and interactive offerings give visitors different ways to engage with the museum and make it a tangible place to start for anyone who wants to get to know the region through its culture.

The Maguire Theatre, originally the Elizabeth City Opera House, hosts concerts, lectures, recitals and theater performances. The Madrin Studio offers classes, rehearsals, workshops and other events. Together, these provide stage programs and studio offerings in a variety of formats.

Historic Routes and Places

In Elizabeth City, the Elizabeth City Aviation Trail is a self-guided tour through downtown and along the river. It includes places where the Wright brothers shopped, stayed overnight and made friends. The Elizabeth City Civil War Trails Tour is part of the national Civil War Trails program.

The Pasquotank River at Waterfront Park also has a historical connection: a site there is part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The Jackson House is a farmhouse dating to 1755. The area’s historical themes thus range from the Wright brothers to Civil War Trails and the Underground Railroad, as well as a building with a specific construction date.

On the Water and On the Move

Waterfront Park has a boardwalk and pier on the Pasquotank River, as well as two boat ramps. College Park, on the Pasquotank River, is home to Elizabeth City’s self-service kayak rental program.

Albemarle Fishing Charters offers guided fishing trips on the Albemarle Sound and its tributaries; the service is for both experienced anglers and beginners. The options differ clearly for planning purposes: kayaking centers on self-service rentals, while fishing involves a guided trip.

The Albemarle Queen offers live music and special dinner events. It also provides views of the scenic waterfront and a unique perspective on the Harbor of Hospitality. Another sporting option is South Park Driving Range: it is more than 275 yards long and offers targets at varying distances.

The Right Base for Your Stay

When choosing a vacation rental in Pasquotank County, consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay. For culture and history, the museum, theater and self-guided tours may be the deciding factors; if you’re focused on water activities, the offerings on the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound become more important.

Explore more destinations: Orange, Wilkes, Watauga, Granville County, Rutherford County, Beaufort County, Hyde.

See the main travel overview: North Carolina.