Come and stay a while in Elizabeth City, where there is something for everyone ... a distinctive Main Street community with six historic districts and a pleasant downtown area to walk and shop in quaint boutiques. Experience the unique cuisine of the city's restaurants and comfortable places to stay. It is also home of the world famous Rose Buddies, the North Carolina Potato Festival-Northeastern North Carolina's largest festival, and was once home to Roots author Alex Haley.

Our town boasts two universities and one college; Elizabeth City State University which is part of the 16 member University of North Carolina System, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and College of The Albemarle, a State community college.

Hugh Cole, a North Carolina Legislator, who moved to Elizabeth City in 1867 is considered to be the founder of Elizabeth City State University. He submitted a bill to the legislature in 1891, which passed, and established the State Normal School in Elizabeth City - later to be renamed Elizabeth City State University.

We are also home to ...

   - the largest Coast Guard Aviation Base in the continental United States

   - the Museum of the Albemarle, a State regional museum

   - Port Discover - a hands on science museum for children

   - Arts of the Albemarle - a regional visual and performing art center.

Aviation began with the Wright Brothers in 1903 when they stayed here and traveled to Kitty Hawk by boat. Today, we boast to an ever expanding Aviation Park, along with course studies in aviation at Elizabeth State University and College of The Albemarle.

Visit us at www.discoverelizabethcity.com