Just 20 minutes from Occano, you’ll find one of North Carolina’s most charming and historic towns — Edenton. Known as the “South’s Prettiest Small Town,” Edenton sits along the Albemarle Sound and offers a perfect blend of history, waterfront views, boutique shopping, and small-town hospitality. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or a relaxed afternoon getaway from Occano, here are some top things to do in Edenton.
Edenton’s beautifully preserved downtown feels like a walk through history. Visit the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses still in use in the U.S., or tour the Cupola House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1758. Don’t miss a stop at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, where you can learn about the 1774 Edenton Tea Party — one of the first organized political actions by women in the American colonies.
The Edenton Bay waterfront is the town’s heart — perfect for a stroll, picnic, or sunset view. Take a guided boat tour from the Barker House docks to learn about Edenton’s maritime past, or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on the peaceful Albemarle Sound.
Downtown Edenton is filled with locally owned shops, galleries, and cafés. Browse antiques, pick up coastal-inspired art, and grab a coffee or homemade treat from one of the town’s bakeries - we love Edenton Coffee House. For lunch or dinner, favorites like Waterman’s Grill and The Herringbone serve up fresh local seafood and Southern classics.
From the Sounds of Summer Concert Series to the Christmas Candlelight Tour, Edenton hosts events year-round that showcase its vibrant local culture. Check the town’s event calendar before your visit — there’s always something happening on the water or downtown.
For full event listings, dining options, maps, and more, check out VisitEdenton.com yourself and start building the itinerary that suits your style.
The first day of fall has arrived, bringing crisp air, vibrant colors, and a refreshing change of season. At Occano, our Arnold Palmer Signature golf course transforms into a breathtaking autumn landscape – the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable round of golf.
As the summer heat fades, fall offers ideal playing conditions. Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and lower humidity create the perfect environment to focus on your game and enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina’s Albemarle Sound. Our fairways are lined with trees that come alive in rich reds, oranges, and golds, adding a touch of seasonal magic to every swing.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just beginning, fall is the season to get out on the course. With fewer crowds, pristine conditions, and scenic views around every hole, Occano is the ultimate destination for autumn golf. After your round, relax at our clubhouse, take in the sunset over the Sound, and experience the warmth of our coastal community.
This fall, don’t just watch the leaves change—experience it. Grab your clubs, invite a friend, and make the most of this beautiful season at Occano.
📅 Book Your Stay Today: Call (252) 482-4006 ext. 409 or visit http://www.occano.com/rentals
📅 Enjoy a round at Occano: Call (252) 482-5300 or visit http://www.occano.com/golf
If you love the outdoors, Bertie County is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled along the scenic Albemarle Sound, this area offers an incredible variety of experiences including: exploring the Inner Banks, paddling quiet rivers, enjoying world-class golf, and renowned hunting preserves. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Bertie County delivers it all.
Paddle the Cashie River
The Cashie River winds gently through the heart of Bertie County, offering miles of unspoiled beauty. Kayakers and canoeists can explore cypress-lined waters teeming with wildlife, from great blue herons to river otters. Launch from the Windsor waterfront or one of the county’s access points, and enjoy a peaceful day on the water surrounded by nature.
Experience Occano
Home to an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, Occano offers more than just championship golf. With sweeping views of the Albemarle Sound and a welcoming community feel, it’s the perfect place to spend a day outdoors. Tee off in the morning, then relax by the water or take in the vibrant fall foliage from our scenic grounds.
Relax at Bertie Beach
Bertie Beach – North Carolina’s first public beach on the Albemarle Sound – is a true treasure. Its wide, sandy shoreline is ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. It’s a must-visit for families and anyone wanting a tranquil escape along the Sound.
Hunt at Bub Jackson Hunting Preserve
For hunters, Bertie County offers some of the finest preserves in the state, including the Bub Jackson Hunting Preserve. With guided hunts, abundant game, and beautiful landscapes, this preserve provides an unforgettable experience for sportsmen and women of all levels.
Your Outdoor Playground Awaits
From paddling to golfing, beachcombing to hunting, Bertie County is an outdoor playground unlike any other in Eastern North Carolina. It’s the perfect destination to unplug, explore, and create memories in the great outdoors.
📅 Plan Your Visit Today: Whether you’re here for a day or a season, Bertie County offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Life on the Inner Banks is defined by the water. From quiet creeks to the vast Albemarle Sound, every bend in the shoreline brings new opportunities to explore, relax, and reconnect with nature. At Occano, residents and guests enjoy direct access to Salmon Creek and the Albemarle Sound, where our community boat launch and day dock make it easy to step into adventure—whether you’re paddling, fishing, or setting out for a day on the Sound.
Discover Salmon Creek
Right at Occano’s edge, Salmon Creek flows gently into the Albemarle Sound. This peaceful waterway is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, with calm currents and winding routes shaded by towering cypress trees. Along the way, keep an eye out for osprey, herons, and even the occasional river otter. It’s a serene escape just steps from home.
Explore the Albemarle Sound & Edenton Bay
Just across the water, Edenton sits at the edge of the Albemarle Sound—one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the United States. Fed by the Chowan and Roanoke Rivers, the Sound stretches across northeastern North Carolina and offers endless opportunities for paddling.
Protected Edenton Bay is a favorite starting point, bordered by scenic boardwalks, shady cypress groves, and the town’s historic waterfront. Launch from Queen Anne Creek to glide past downtown or explore nearby creeks like Pembroke, Rocky Hock, and Dillard. Each winding route promises quiet beauty and abundant birdlife, yet they’re close enough to enjoy on a half-day outing.
Easy Rentals & Outfitters
Don’t have your own gear? No problem. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in Edenton, making it simple to get out on the water for an afternoon or a full day. Outfitters provide everything you need, whether you’re looking for a self-guided experience or a group paddle with friends.
A Day at Bertie Beach
For another waterfront adventure, head to Bertie Beach on the Albemarle Sound. Just minutes from Occano, it’s a great spot to launch your kayak, spend the day paddleboarding, or simply swim and relax along the sandy shoreline. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Life on the Water
Whether you’re starting your morning with a paddle on Salmon Creek, spending the afternoon exploring creeks around Edenton, or soaking in the sunset at Bertie Beach, the Inner Banks lifestyle is all about easy access to the water. At Occano, our boat launch and day dock make it effortless to enjoy it all—bringing the best of coastal Carolina right to your doorstep.
Warm breezes, glassy waters, and golden sunsets—late summer on North Carolina’s Inner Banks is too good to let slip away. Nestled along the shores of the Albemarle Sound, Occano is the perfect home base for soaking up the last, best days of the season. From golf to boating to exploring historic towns, there’s still time to create unforgettable coastal memories.
Here are 10 things to do before summer fades into fall:
Challenge yourself on Occano’s nationally ranked course, where every fairway opens to sweeping coastal views. It’s golf at its most inspiring.
Book a villa and enjoy resort-style comfort—steps away from golf, the Sound, and miles of unspoiled natural beauty.
Launch from Occano’s day dock or nearby marinas and cruise across one of the largest freshwater sounds in the country. Hidden coves and wide horizons await.
The Sound offers both freshwater and saltwater species—perfect for anglers chasing that end-of-season trophy fish.
Grab a kayak or paddleboard and glide through calm waters alive with herons, ospreys, and secret coves.
Pack a picnic, stretch out on the shore, and take in the kaleidoscope of colors as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Just 20 minutes away, Edenton charms with historic homes, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. It’s a perfect blend of history and coastal small-town charm.
From shrimp fresh off the boat to oysters harvested nearby, enjoy the catch of the day at local restaurants—or grill it back at your villa for the full coastal experience.
Explore trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline, perfect for birdwatching, biking, or simply soaking in the Inner Banks’ natural beauty.
After a weekend of golf, water adventures, and sunset views, you might find yourself wondering—why not make this lifestyle yours year-round? Take a tour of Occano’s homesites and discover the possibilities.
There’s still time to enjoy the very best of summer at Occano. Whether you’re teeing off, paddling Salmon Creek, or savoring seafood at sunset, our coastal community is ready to welcome you.
📞 Call (252) 482-4006 ext. 409 or book your stay online: www.occano.com/rentals
We’re proud to announce that Occano has been recognized as one of Ideal-LIVING magazine’s Top 100 Planned Amenity Communities in their 2025 “Best Places to Live” issue!
Published annually, Ideal-LIVING’s list highlights communities that go above and beyond in offering the amenities, lifestyle, and sense of place that today’s homebuyers seek. The selections are based on extensive reader surveys and reflect the most desired features—from active lifestyle offerings to scenic surroundings and community connection.
As Ideal-LIVING editor Kelly Godbey explains, “Each year, we leverage valuable insights from our readers to identify the most desirable locations and the amenities that truly elevate their quality of life.” This year’s honorees include communities with features such as golf courses, marinas, pickleball courts, walkable neighborhoods, wellness centers, and maintenance-free living—making Occano’s inclusion all the more meaningful.
Our recognition as a Top 100 Amenity Community is a reflection of the quality of life our residents experience every day. Whether you're seeking a full-time residence, second home, or a place to retire, Occano offers a lifestyle worth exploring.
See the full list of 2025’s Best Places to Live here: https://ideal-living.com/best-places/carolinas/
Top 10 Things to Do in Coastal North Carolina This Summer
From quiet waterfront getaways to seafood festivals, coastal North Carolina is a summer destination full of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the Inner Banks or cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, here are our favorite ways to soak up the season:
1. Boat the Intracoastal Waterway
Pack a cooler, chart your course, and experience one of the most scenic stretches of water on the East Coast. Whether you're paddling, sailing, or motoring, the ICW offers endless day-trip possibilities.
2. Explore Historic Edenton
Just a short drive from Occano, Edenton is known as one of America’s prettiest small towns. Browse charming shops, take a trolley tour, or grab a bite on the waterfront.
3. Hit the Beaches of the Outer Banks
From Nags Head to Ocracoke, the OBX offers wide beaches, rolling dunes, and relaxed beach towns perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
4. Cast a Line in the Albemarle Sound
Summer means prime fishing in the Sound — from striped bass to flounder. Bring your own boat or hop on a local charter.
5. Visit Roanoke Island Festival Park
Dive into NC’s coastal history with hands-on exhibits, a replica 16th-century ship, and outdoor performances in a stunning waterfront setting.
6. Eat Your Way Through a Seafood Shack Crawl
From soft-shell crab to hush puppies, nothing says summer like an open-air table, cold drink, and fresh catch of the day. Favorites include local spots in Columbia, Edenton, and Manteo.
7. Tour a Lighthouse (or Three)
Make a day of it and explore some of the state’s iconic lighthouses, like Bodie Island, Currituck Beach, or Cape Hatteras.
8. Paddle the Cashie River or Scuppernong River
Both rivers are calm, scenic, and filled with cypress trees, birdlife, and peaceful coves — ideal for kayaking or canoeing.
9. Catch a Summer Festival
Celebrate like a local with seasonal events like the Shrimp Festival in Sneads Ferry, the Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro, or small-town Fourth of July parades.
10. Watch the Sunset at Occano
Of course, our favorite way to end a coastal Carolina day is right here at Occano — cocktail in hand, feet in the grass, and the sky lit in hues you won’t find anywhere else.
Want help planning a stay near the Albemarle Sound? Reach out to the Occano team — we’re happy to share insider tips or help book your discovery visit.
Boardwalk at Moores Creek National Battlefield, NPS Site
North Carolina's military history is both rich and deeply connected to key moments in American history. From the colonial era through modern times, the state has played a central role in the defense of the nation. One of the earliest military contributions was during the American Revolution when North Carolina militia fought in several important battles, including the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776. This victory effectively stopped British efforts to gain control of the southern colonies early in the war. North Carolina also played a role in the Civil War, as it provided a large number of troops to the Confederacy and was the site of several important battles, such as the Battle of Bentonville in 1865. This battle, which was the largest fought in North Carolina, marked one of the last major engagements of the Civil War.
In the 20th century, North Carolina became home to several key military installations that contributed to the country’s war efforts, particularly during World War I and II. Fort Liberty (previously Fort Bragg), established in 1918, is one of the most important military bases in the country and is home to the U.S. Army’s airborne and special operations forces. The state's coastal locations also made it a prime spot for naval activities, and during World War II, the German U-boats were actively patrolling off the coast of North Carolina, sinking many Allied ships. Today, military bases like Camp Lejeune and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base continue to serve as vital training and operational centers.
The town of Edenton is located on the Albemarle Sound, making it the perfect place for individuals who love fishing and boating to reside. Fishing in the Albemarle Sound is a must-try experience for both novice and seasoned anglers. This large estuary in North Carolina is full of a variety of fish species, including striped bass, flounder, speckled trout, and red drum. The sound's calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for fishing from a boat, pier, or even the shore. Whether you're casting your line in the early morning or enjoying a peaceful afternoon on the water, the Albemarle Sound offers abundant opportunities for a successful catch. Additionally, the region hosts various fishing tournaments and events throughout the year, drawing fishing enthusiasts from all over. Just a few hours' drive from Edenton is the renowned Big Rock Tournament. Held annually in Morehead City, this prestigious tournament draws anglers from all over the world, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about fishing.
The Albemarle Sound provides calm waters perfect for boating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Boaters can explore the sound's numerous hidden coves, such as Pierce Cove, and picturesque shorelines around the Chowan and Pasquotank Rivers, making it an ideal spot for leisurely cruises or adventurous expeditions. Where the sound meets the ocean, you'll find the stunning Outer Banks beaches such as Kitty Hawk, Corolla, Duck, and Nags Head. Additionally, the sound's gentle waves and beautiful landscapes create a wonderful backdrop for water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding. Whether you're looking to relax on the water or seek thrilling aquatic activities, the Albemarle Sound is the perfect destination.
To enhance your fishing adventure, consider enlisting a local charter like Albemarle Fishing Charters or CWW Inshore Charters, whose experienced guides know the best spots and techniques to help you land the biggest catches.
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