Chilly temps shouldn't keep you from experiencing new travels. The winter months are a good time to visit Elizabeth City. Rejuvenate body and soul with a stay in one of our cozy lodgings, coupled with any-or all-of these fun excursions: 

• Step back in time at the Museum of the Albemarle. A branch of the N.C. Museum of History, the museum is packed with more than 750 artifacts, beautifully interpreted and displayed in the Our Story exhibit. Look for:  the canon recovered from the ship purported to be Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge; a miniature replica of the James Adams Floating Theatre, the inspiration for author Edna Ferber's popular novel, "Show Boat"; a horse-drawn "steam pumper" fire engine; and a 1954 Moth Boat that originated in Elizabeth City. 
• Take a winter walk at the Dismal Swamp State Park. There are nearly 17 miles of trails in this park that fronts the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. The season's bare branches make it an excellent site for spotting both birds and views. When you're ready to warm up, head to the park visitor's center, where you can tour exhibits that interpret the history and biological make up of the famous swamp.
• Hit the shops! Elizabeth City boasts charming clothing boutiques, home décor shops, art galleries and a fabulous locally-owned bookstore, among other finds. The friendly person behind the counter is probably the owner, so say hello-and tell 'em The Wayfarer sent you!
• Get in touch with your inner artist at The Center at Arts of the Albemarle. Housed in the historic 1897 Lowry-Chesson building, The Center is just what the name implies-the hub of all things art in Elizabeth City. See who's exhibiting in the changing Jaquelin Jenkins gallery, featuring work by well-known regional artists. Then check the schedule to see what's on tap in the second-floor Maguire Theatre, home to EC's resident Encore Theatre Company and The Center Players. Be sure to check the lobby display cases where you can purchase an original piece of art.
• Linger over lunch or dinner at one of our independently-owned restaurants. From fresh-shucked oysters to an expertly-prepared steak, there's an entrée for every taste. Ask about local music too. Many eateries host local musicians for a fun night out!

Plan now to join us for a winter weekend. Chart your course and make your reservations online at www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com. 

As you will see, there's no hibernating in the winter here in Elizabeth City. From our monthly First Friday ArtWalk celebrations to events dedicated to special recognition months, we have plenty of ways to make this season bright!

• Jan 8 | Port Discover's Science Café  
  Join Bob Brungard of Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation as he teaches about nano-theatre, what it is and how it's applied. Science Café is an informal and interactive science discussion for grown-ups. Come early for dinner or drinks and bring your questions or ideas! Starts at 7 p.m. at Island Breeze restaurant, 220 N Poindexter St. in Downtown Elizabeth City. www.portdiscover.org
•  Feb. 6 | First Friday ArtWalk  
  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 at Arts of the Albemarle 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. www.artsaoa.com
•  Feb. 14 | Civil War Living History Day 
  Learn about life during the turbulent 1860s with re-enactors and historians and see demonstrations of life on the home front and in the military. Carriage rides ($5 per person, with Carolina Carriages) and pony rides ($3 per child, with Circle S Stables) will be available. Visit the Museum Gift Shop for Civil War-related books, souvenirs, and memorabilia. From 10 a.m - 4 p.m. at the Museum of the Albemarle. www.museumofthealbemarle.com
•  Feb. 28 | A Century of Black Life, History and Culture  
  In honor of Black History Month, the Albemarle Voices for Diverse Culture will co-host, with the Museum of the Albemarle, an evening celebrating the history and significance of Negro spirituals. Elizabeth City State University staff and students, along with several community artists, will perform an assortment of those spirituals, with the assistance of works by writer and illustrator Ashley Bryan. A sing-a-long will close the evening. From 7-9 p.m. at the Museum of the Albemarle. www.museumofthealbemarle.com

Make it dinner and show x 2 in Elizabeth City, when Pump Boys and Dinettes, presented by Encore Theatre, and West Side Story, part of the COA Performing Arts Center series, share a nearly identical theatrical run. No need to choose; plan to attend both of these classic shows:

• Pump Boys and Dinettes, Feb. 27-28; March 1, 5-7  
  The Pump Boys sell high octane on Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country, and the Dinettes run the Double Cupp diner next door. Together they fashion an evening of country western songs that received unanimous raves on and off-Broadway. With heartbreak and hilarity, they perform on guitars, piano, bass and, yes, kitchen utensils. www.encoretheatre.org

• West Side Story, Feb. 26-28; March 1, 5-8   
  Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. This landmark Broadway musical is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. www.albemarle.edu/pac

During the 1800s, African American freedom seekers used the Pasquotank River to escape slavery. Some stowed away on the ships, steamers and boats that traveled through, while others were hired by boat owners and gained transportation to points north, where they sought independence as workmen. On reaching Elizabeth City, a number of slaves sought refuge in the Dismal Swamp before continuing on the journey. Some even made a home in the wilderness, living off the land and bartering with local farmers for food and supplies. The waterways and natural land features acted like maps; if freedom seekers knew how the waterways progressed, they could follow them to freedom. The National Park Service has designated three markers in the Elizabeth City area that are part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. These are located at Waterfront Park, on the grounds of Elizabeth City State University and at the Dismal Swamp State Park. A self-guided itinerary for these, and neighboring Network sites, is located at www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com.