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For Our Visiting Boaters

Map of Civil War Markers Elizabeth City’s location on the Pasquotank River and Intracoastal Waterway makes it a popular stop for recreational boaters from around the world. There’s even a famous welcoming crew, the “Rose Buddies,” who for 25 years have greeted wayfaring travelers with a little wine, cheese and a helpful hand.

Now the “Harbor of Hospitality”® has a new offering so boaters can make the most of their excursion through northeastern North Carolina – a handy, new guide that connects popular boating stops in Coinjock, Elizabeth City and along the Dismal Swamp Canal.

The “Cruise the Carolina Loop” brochure and map provides recreational boaters with a scenic, self-guided tour along the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as details of navigable miles, lock and bridge ning schedules, restaurants and visitor sites located en route.

Get set to change your attitude with a change in latitude!

Download a copy of the brochure or pick one up at the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center or Currituck County Welcome Center.

Just for Boaters

“Cruise the Carolina Loop” Map and Guide : Boat Ramps, Marinas and Lock Schedules
Events Calendar : Harbor Cam : Visitor Info Center : Weather : Boater Notes

Downtown Restaurants
Elizabeth City offers a variety of taste-tempting restaurants serving up everything from seafood and sushi to Continental and Key West-inspired cuisine. The following eateries are within walking distance from Mariners’ Wharf.

City Wine Sellar 102 Water Street (252) 335-1163	Grouper’s 400 South Water Street (252) 331-2431	Muddy Waters Coffeehouse 100 West Main Street (252) 338-2739
Coasters Downtown Draught House 216 North Poindexter Street (252) 335-9463	Jackie's Diner 507 East Main Street (252) 331-1944	Quality Seafood 309 East Ehringhaus Street (252) 337-7648
Colonial Restaurant 418 East Colonial Avenue (252) 335-0212	Levels Bar & Restaurant 400 East Colonial Avenue (252) 338-5288	Thumper’s Bar & Grill 200 North Poindexter Street (252) 333-1243
Cypress Creek Grill 113 South Water Street (252) 334-9915	Logan Raye’s Key West Grill 606 East Colonial Avenue (252) 335-0369	Toyama Japanese Restaurant 218 North Poindexter Street (252) 338-2437
	Marina Restaurant 35 Camden Causeway (252) 335-7307

What to Do

Free 48-hour dockage at Mariners’ Wharf.	Have some fun at our outdoor concerts, festivals and events!
Keep a sharp eye out for “Rose Buddies,” a famous welcoming crew that greets boaters with roses and wine-and-cheese parties.	On Saturday mornings (May through October), shop for locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods and arts and crafts at the Downtown Waterfront Market, just a few feet from your gangway.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or a walking tour of one of the city’s six National Register Historic Districts.	Stroll to shops, a local playhouse, art galleries and attractions. Or grab a bite to eat at one of the many walk-to restaurants (see list on back cover).
Tour the Museum of the Albemarle's “Our Story” Gallery that tells the story of 13 counties surrounding the Albemarle Sound.	For walking directions to nearby historic points of interest, stop by the Elizabeth City Visitor's Center.

Where to Stay

Culpepper Inn
609 West Main Street
(252) 335-9235
culpepperinn.com

Elizabeth City B&B
108 East Fearing Street
(252) 338-2177
elizabethcitybb.com

Grice-Fearing
House B&B
200 South Road Street
(252) 333-1792
gricefearinghouse.com

The Pond House Inn
915 Rivershore Road
(252) 335-9834
thepondhouseinn.com

Boater Notes

Arlington(Sonny) and Nancy Lambert, S/V Sonrae - "My wife and I recently cruised up to Virginia from Florida. Our route north included taking the Virginia cut in lieu of the Dismal Swamp Canal route. On our return, however, some fellow cruisers told us it would behoove us to take the Dismal Swamp and make a stop in Elizabeth City, NC. They said the city is boater friendly and we should have an enjoyable visit. We followed their advice and took the Dismal Swamp route, arriving in Elizabeth City on Monday night, September 14th. We met two other cruisers at the Visitors Center on the Dismal Swamp canal and arrived with them at Elizabeth City simultaneously. We checked in with the tourism center and were given a rousing welcome. They catered to our every need, including offers for rides to grocery stores. Laundromats, to purchase ice and pretty much anything else we needed. The dockage was COMPLIMENTARY and they also provided Wi Fi computer service. Later in the day, a representative came by each boat and advised that they were hosting a wine and cheese reception for the visiting boaters. We decided to attend and were greeted by a member of the “Rosebuddies”. This is a group that was started many years ago for the purpose of making cruising boaters feel welcome in Elizabeth City. [read more]"