From the Director 
March 2015
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring! Warm temperatures, a lunch-time stroll along the waterfront and just being able to get out and about after a long, chilly winter; that's what I look forward to. Springtime in Elizabeth City is just beautiful, and I hope you'll have a chance to come and see us. If you visit in March, you can join us for ARTiGras as we celebrate the sixth anniversary of The Center, headquarters for all things art in Elizabeth City. If you come in April, don't miss Encore Theatre's production of "Born Yesterday," presented over two weekends. And seguing into May, there's Paddle for the Border, a relaxed and scenic kayak and canoe event along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. Read all about it in this issue and then stay in touch by visiting our website and reading our View from the Harbor blog, written by the folks who live and work here in Elizabeth City. Our doors are always open, and we hope to see you this spring.
Happy Travels!
Charlotte Underwood
Director, Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Celebrate ARTiGras at AOA!
New Orleans has Mardi Gras, but Elizabeth City can now claim ARTiGras! To mark the sixth anniversary of The Center, Arts of the Albemarle (AoA) has planned a Mardi Gras-inspired celebration, March 14 at 7 p.m. A champagne reception in the gallery kicks off the night, with live jazz by Wayne James and Friends. Then guests will dine on N'awlins'-style heavy hors d'oeuvres by Montero's, enjoy a special guest performance by The Center Players and dance to the sounds of Society's Best. A silent auction will also be offered, including beach weekends and a mountain getaway. The hub of all things art in Elizabeth City, AoA renovated and relocated to the historic Lowry-Chesson building in 2011. Naming it The Center was an excellent idea. Since it re-opened, the Main Street venue has been the hub for countless exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, classes, workshops and First Friday ArtWalk receptions. Time flies when you're having fun! For ARTiGras details, check out www.artsaoa.com.
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Teens Talk Tech at Port Discover's Tech Cafe
Teenagers love coffee-and all things tech. Bring the two components together, and you've got a great formula for a good time! With a goal of making today's specialized technology accessible to Elizabeth City area youth, Port Discover has launched Tech Cafe, a weekly onsite gathering spot featuring themed programs that explore science in a relaxed and social environment. Tech Cafe topics cover everything from game theory and stop motion animation to electronics and more. On Fridays, Middle School students can attend for $5 if they're a Port Discover member or $8 for non-members. On Saturdays, the fee is $5 for High School students and young adults to age 20. Sessions run from 7-10 p.m. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation!
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Spring Event Round Up
Spring events are ripe for the picking in Elizabeth City! Take a look at what's on the horizon, then mark your calendar and come for a visit. For complete, up-to-the-minute listings, see our online calendar at www.harborofhospitality.com.
- History for Lunch: The Story of Chocolate | March 4
Celebrate chocolate's important role in the lives of Americans during the 18th century. See demos using historic methods of processing chocolate and enjoy tastings. This is part of the Museum of the Albemarle's History for Lunch series, so bring your lunch; drinks and chocolate provided. 12:15-1 p.m., free!
- Empty Bowls of the Albemarle | March 18
To raise funds for the Food Bank of the Albemarle, guests are treated to soup, bread, dessert and a selected handcrafted bowl to take home as a reminder of those in need in the Albemarle area. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
- National Women's History Month Planetarium Show | March 25
Join the Khan Planetarium at Elizabeth City State University for video presentations, laser light show and live night sky demonstration, celebrating Women's History Month. Free, by reservation only. Check the schedule for times.
- The Center's 6th Anniversary Concert | March 28
Don't miss this special birthday concert at The Center, featuring Elizabeth City's favorite hometown band, Out 'N the Cold! The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Maguire Theatre.
- Encore Theatre Presents "Born Yesterday" | Opens April 17
When a nouveau riche garbage king arrives in Washington DC to make crooked deals, he decides his ex-chorus line girlfriend needs an education to become more sophisticated. See "Born Yesterday," April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m., matinee April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Maguire Theatre at The Center, Arts of the Albemarle.
- Tarwheel Century Ride | April 25
Bicyclists can choose from 33-, 62- and 100-mile rides along rural roads when they register for the Tarwheel Century Ride, organized by the River City Cycling Club. Enjoy scenic routes with some of the best "support and gear" stops ever (deviled eggs, smoothies!). Pre-register online, or sign up on site the day of the event.
- Paddle for the Border | May 2
The leisurely paddling event takes kayak and canoe enthusiasts 7.5 miles along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, from the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in South Mills, N.C. to the Dismal Swamp Canal Boat Ramp in Chesapeake, Va. Registration closes April 4.
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EC Spotlight: Charlotte Underwood
This issue of The Wayfarer is Charlotte Underwood's last as director of the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECACVB). On April 30, she is turning in her badge as "Harbor of Hospitality's" hostess extraordinaire to start a new chapter in her life-retirement. She will be greatly missed.
Under Charlotte's leadership, the Visitors Bureau has seen exciting growth over the past six years, including the expansion of its "Discover Elizabeth City" advertising and marketing co-op program; backing of the "Elizabeth City H.A.S. It!" popular marketing program; and sponsorship, with Elizabeth City Parks & Recreation, of Hemmings Motor News Great Race; among many other accomplishments. During her tenure, tourism has grown to have an economic impact of $55 million in Elizabeth City. In addition, Charlotte has been the "face" of tourism in the area, from her role as the past chairwoman of Northeastern Tourism, to hosting travel writers, familiarization tours, as well as appearances on WRAL-TV's "Tarheel Traveler" and WVEC-TV's "Dialogue."
For this next phase of her life, Charlotte says she's looking forward to traveling, fishing and riding Harleys with her husband, Eldon, as well as volunteering and spending time with her children and grandchildren. After six years of inviting visitors to discover Elizabeth City's many charms, Charlotte is ready to hit the road for a few adventures of her own.
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Elizabeth City is the "Harbor of HospitalityŽ," located in Northeastern North Carolina on the Intracoastal Waterway, halfway between Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. Situated on the Pasquotank River, 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 one of the largest U.S. Coast Guard air stations 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.
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Contact Information:
400 S. Water Street, Suite 10, Elizabeth City, N. C. 27909 * (252) 335-5330; www.discoverelizabethcity.com
Discover the Good Life Daily in the Harbor of Hospitality!
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