The waters that connect Elizabeth City to the Pasquotank River were some of the waterways that the infamous pirate, Blackbeard once sailed. The town was frequented by the Wright brothers on their way to the Outer Banks. Elizabeth City is the home of three institutions of higher learning – two colleges and one university. Elizabeth City was named one of the Best 100 Towns in America and has a lot to offer its visitors.

We left the Dismal Swamp Canal visitors center at 10AM for the 11AM South Mills Lock opening. The lockmaster took our bow and stern lines and wrapped them around the dock pilings then opened the flood-gate. The rushing water sounded like a churning washing machine. We released the tensions on the lines when our boat slowly dropped 15 feet along with the water level. Our boat felt like a toy boat splashing inside a giant’s bathtub. We exited the lock once the water level reached equilibrium with the canal.

We exited the Dismal Swamp Canal and entered the Pasquotank River towards Elizabeth City. The river opened up but with more twists and turns. We continue to see miles of river banks lined with maples, junipers, cypress and gum trees. Occasionally flocks of birds move in and out of beautiful and scenic surroundings. What opportunities to see nature and wildlife off the beaten path.

We arrived at the free dock of Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City early afternoon. There are some very smart people running the city’s commerce. It’s very obvious that Elizabeth City wants you to visit. If there’s any doubt, consider that they offer four free docking locations. Each evening during peak season, the town hosts a dockside informational presentation and reception, with light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine—plus roses for the ladies, a legacy from the Rose Buddies who once greeted the arriving boats. The harbor here beckons to sailors enjoying life in the slow lane. 

We quickly went into town for some light provisioning at the local CVS, checked out several artisan shops, bakery, gourmet market and funky breweries and came back to the boat from complete happy exhaustion.

Tomorrow we cross the famous Albemarle Sound into the Alligator River.