Elizabeth City, NC - January 24, 2008 - Halfway between Norfolk, Va., and North Carolina's Outer Banks is a charmer of a town. Drive through Elizabeth City, N.C., and it's not unusual to see boaters gathered for an impromptu dock party, a costumed tour guide with guests in tow or a gallery opening in full swing along the city's authentic Mayberry-esque Main Street.

Instead of passing through, why not stay awhile?

Like the poet Robert Frost, who followed the road less traveled to Elizabeth City in 1894, today's visitors will find an accommodating harbor with a pleasing charm.

Plus, Elizabeth City has an event for all seasons, whether it's the fun of the North Carolina Potato Festival to the apparitions that appear each year for the Historic Ghost Walk. To make the most of a visit to northeastern North Carolina this year, plan your trip around any of these 2008 festivals and special events:

Feb. 27
African American History Month in Elizabeth City

To commemorate African American history month, Elizabeth City will present two special programs, including a theatrical presentation of the landmark "Brown vs. Board of Education" U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.

• Martin Luther King Planetarium Presentation
  Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, 4 - 6 p.m.
  Admission is free (reservations required). Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
• "Brown vs. Board of Education"
  College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium, 9:30 a.m.
  Admission: $5. Call 1-800-335-9050.

March 6 - 31
11th Annual Middle Eastern Show

A variety of Middle Eastern, Oriental and Persian rugs will be displayed and for sale at Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com). Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays) and 1 - 5 p.m. Sundays during this special show. Admission is free. Call (252) 338-6455.

March 7
US Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble will take the stage when College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) presents this special free performance at 6 p.m. Call 1-800-335-9050.

April 26
15th Annual Tarwheel Century Bicycle Race

More than 250 cyclists will convene in Elizabeth City for this 100-mile bicycle ride through the scenic countryside of Pasquotank and neighboring counties. For race information call the Cycle Gallery at (252) 338-1559 or download a race from at www.rivercitycyclingclub.com

May 17
The North Carolina Potato Festival Weekend

Did you know that the areas surrounding the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are among the major potato-producing counties in North Carolina? That's a great reason for a party! The North Carolina Potato Festival is fun for the whole family, featuring a street dance, potato-peeling contest, live entertainment, concessions and the famous Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant. For information call Elizabeth City Downtown at (252) 338-4104 or the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitor Bureau (www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com) at 1-888-936-7387.

June 13
The Independent: Freedom of the Press Symposium

The Museum of the Albemarle will present a symposium and exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Independent, a former Elizabeth City newspaper, and its legendary editor, W. O. Saunders. In addition to biting editorials and outspoken views, Saunders was famous for helping lay the groundwork for many North Carolina landmarks, including the Wright Brothers Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and The Lost Colony outdoor drama. Contact The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) for information at (252) 335-1453.

June 28 - 29
Harbor Arts Festival

The Elizabeth City Waterfront is the backdrop for this annual celebration of fine arts and crafts. A Saturday night street party will feature specialties from more than 20 area restaurants and the music of The Rhondels. Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com) is the sponsor. For information call (252) 338-6455.

July 4
Harbor Nights Goes "Fourth"

Elizabeth City sparkles with music, children's activities and a gigantic July Fourth fireworks display. From 6- 9 p.m. Admission is free. Call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitor Bureau (www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com) at 1-888-936-7387.

Sept. 20
"A Day on the River, featuring the 19th Annual Moth Boat Regatta"

In addition to celebrating the classic Moth Boat, created in Elizabeth City in 1929, the Moth Boat Regatta brings together other classes of small boats such as Sunfish, Hamptons, Buccaneers, Flying Scotts, Cats and Sharks - all visible from the Elizabeth City downtown waterfront. Races begin at 11 a.m. "A Day on the River" continues throughout the afternoon with family and children's activities on the green in front of the museum. The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) sponsors; call (252) 335-1453.

October
Albemarle Autumn Fest Weekend, Oct. 24-25

The early fall is a great time to explore Elizabeth City, thanks in part to these two highly-anticipated events:

• Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk, Oct. 24 - 25
  Ghosts of the Albemarle area's real-life characters haunt a host of historic homes when the Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association (www.historicghostwalk.org) presents this combination history lesson, historic homes tour and lively theatre. 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Admission: $12. Call 1-888-936-7387.
• Albemarle Craftsman's Fair, Oct. 24 - 26
  Bringing together craftsmen from throughout the Albemarle region, this fair features authentic reproductions of early crafts for sale. Takes place at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $3.50, $2.50 seniors and students under 18. Call (252) 335-4680 or visit www.albemarlecraftsmanfair.com

For travel information and suggested itineraries, call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330 or go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com

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