North Carolina Lodging

Historic Cities and Towns

Bath
		European settlement near the Pamlico River in the 1690s led to the founding of Bath, North Carolina's first town, in 1705. By 1708, Bath had 50 people and 12 houses. It soon became North Carolina's first port. Political rivalries, Indian wars, and piracy marked its early years but in 1746 Bath was considered for the colony's capital. However, when county government moved away in the late 1700s, Bath lost most of its importance and trade. Its original town limits encompass a historic district today.
Beaufort
		On the coast of North Carolina, facing the Beaufort Inlet and protected from the sea by the arms of the Southern Outer Banks, is the Historic port town of Beaufort, NC. A town unharmed by progress, retaining the charm of its early days with 18th century homes of pirates the likes of Blackbeard, sea captains, shippers and merchants still standing, gleaming white, on the Waterfront and along the live oak shaded streets. A town rich in history and folklore that invites all to come for a peaceful day in the past.
Edenton
		Featuring 18th and early 19th century history, North Carolina's second oldest town Edenton was one of the fledgling nation's chief political, cultural, and commercial centers. The state's first colonial capital, it was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722. Once its second largest port, Edenton provided slaves with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad before Emancipation. Today it features an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 250 years, such as the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark.
New Bern
		Welcome to Craven County, North Carolina, the ideal vacation spot for sunseekers and history buffs alike. Our two major cities, New Bern and Havelock, blend the past with the present, beckoning visitors from around the world to sample our rich history. Historical New Bern Visitors Guide.New Bern, the second oldest town in North Carolina, is situated where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet. New Bern is abound with history around every corner with over 150 historic landmarks, the magnificent Tryon Palace, Birth Place of Pepsi and a 157,000-acre national forest.
Raleigh
		Whether you’re a native North Carolinian with an appetite for its famous barbecue and Atlantic Coast Conference hoops, or one of the many transplants who prefer a warm bagel and the rink action of an NHL Carolina Hurricanes game, Raleigh is a place everyone is content to call home. Educational and career opportunities, access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the world and an environment perfectly suited for raising a family make Raleigh and Wake County a premier community in which to live, work and play.
Washington
		The first city in America to be named for General George Washington. In its infancy, Washington was a regional shipping center because of its strategic location at the junction of inland and coastal rivers. The shipping heritage is evident in some waterfront commercial buildings from that era. The architecture in the large residential and commercial Historic District captures later phases of Washington's history and development. Main Street in Washington's Historic Downtown is flanked by 19th & early 20th century commercial buildings punctuated with ornate brickwork.
Waynesville
		Waynesville is Haywood County's oldest town with over a century of experience as a quaint mountain retreat. Even before the railroad made it easy to get here, visitors flocked to Waynesville for the cool, clean air, clean water, outstanding scenery and an opportunity to escape sweltering cities. Today, as Waynesville looks forward to its bicentennial in 2009, vacationers continue to gravitate to this delightful mountain town for its cool summers, dramatic autumns, mild winters, lush springtime, as well as Southern hospitality and small town charm.
Wilmington
		In the past decade, a renaissance has occurred in the Greater Wilmington area, reaffirming the storied history of the region when Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina. People of all ages and backgrounds have been—and continue to be—drawn to the mild climate, beautiful shoreline, historic attractions, inviting business atmosphere and hometown feel of the Cape Fear Coast.