Washington, North Carolina
Step back in time in the Original Washington, North Carolina as we celebrate America’s 250th. Discover a collection of historic stops that highlight the town’s rich heritage, waterfront history, and enduring role in our nation’s story.
Medium Activity
2 days | 14 stops
Day 1
STOP 1: Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn
For nearly 200 years, Elmwood has stood as the historic and architectural crown jewel of the “Original” Washington. Built in 1820 by Colonel Joshua Taylor, the estate later served as a Union Army headquarters and hospital during the Civil War. Over the centuries, Elmwood changed hands many times before being reimagined as a luxury bed and breakfast in 2015. Today, it offers one-of-a-kind accommodations for those born to wander, seek adventure, and find respite in the most unique and curious of places.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 2: Bath Historic Site & Museum
Just 20 miles down the road lies Historic Bath. Founded in 1705, Bath—North Carolina’s first town—emerged following European settlement in the 1690s. By the early 1700s, it became the state’s first port, despite having only about 50 residents and 12 houses. Bath endured years of political rivalries, conflicts with Native tribes, and piracy. Today, visitors can explore historic homes and artifacts, discover how early settlers lived, and learn how Bath nearly became the colony’s capital.
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 3: Blackbeard's Tavern
Time to grub! Head over to Blackbeard’s Tavern, one of Bath’s longest-running restaurants and a local favorite since 1980. Under new ownership as of April 2025, the tavern features two full bars and an updated menu serving pizza, salads, and fresh seafood.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 4: Pamlico Books
Heading back to Washington, stop by Pamlico Books, a beloved independent bookstore along Market Street. Browse novels and local history titles, and discover the stories and folklore that have shaped Beaufort County.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 5: Underground Railroad Museum
The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum is a National Park Service Underground Railroad-Network To Freedom Facility completely dedicated to telling the story of freedom seeking from the Greater Washington NC region. Using research through documents, narratives of the formerly enslaved and other information housed in university libraries across North Carolina and the Country, we are able to share how many of those freedom seeking attempts gained them freedom in Northern states, Canada, Florida, the Caribbean Islands and many other places.
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 6: The Bank Bistro Burbon & Bar
Dine in and take in history! Built around 1854, the Bank of Washington originally served as the town’s first bank. The building survived two major fires—one in 1864 when Union forces abandoned the town, and another in 1902 that destroyed much of downtown. Today, the Bank Bistro is housed inside, offering a relaxed dining experience and a chance to enjoy one of Washington’s standout restaurants.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 7: Historic Turnage Theatre
End the night at the Historic Turnage Theatre and be transported back to the 1920s. Art Deco chandeliers illuminate the 432-seat theater, where Roy Rogers once performed on the second-floor stage. Today, visitors can tour the beautifully restored property by appointment, while the Arts Council has transformed the front of the theater into an art gallery showcasing the work of local craftsmen.
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
Day 2
STOP 8: Washington Cafe'
Kick-start your morning at Washington Café, where fresh-baked, scratch-made pastries and breads are crafted with local, seasonal ingredients. Pair breakfast with a cup of organic Counter Culture coffee for the perfect start to the day. Housed in an 1885 building that once served as Washington’s Town Hall and Fire Station, the café blends great food with local history.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 9: P.S Jones African American Museum
Step inside the P. S. Jones Museum of African American Education to explore the powerful story of African American education in Beaufort County and across North Carolina. This state-of-the-art museum traces more than a century of history, from the time segregation was made law after the Civil War through the era of school integration in the 1950s.
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 10: Cottage Junkies
Located at the corner of Market and Main Streets, Cottage Junkies specializes in transforming found objects into one-of-a-kind creations. From restoring furniture discovered at yard sales and forgotten closets to crafting handmade accessories you won’t find anywhere else, the shop celebrates creative reuse. The building once housed Brown’s Opera House, where Dr. Booker T. Washington spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 1,000 people on November 2, 1910.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 11: 1906 Bistro
After the Martin House was sold and demolished, construction of the Savings & Trust Bank began in 1903, with the building opening in 1906. Over the years, it housed a watch store, a pharmacy, and other businesses. In 2023, 1906 Bistro & Bourbon opened its doors, serving pub fare and expertly crafted cocktails—making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal or drink with friends.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 12: Flash From the Past
You can’t take a historic journey without antique shopping! Flash From The Past is filled with antiques and vintage treasures, from small collectibles to unique finds spanning decades—each ready to start a second life back home with you.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 13: Pitt Street Brewing OTP
Grab a slice at Havens Mill Pizza and a fresh brew from Pitt Street Brewing OTP while taking in the waterfront views. Both are located within the historic John Havens Moss Mill, a building built to handle various goods, including lumber and coal, and has retained its structural integrity since 1904.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 14: Washington History Museum
Coming soon! This summer, the grand opening of the Washington History Museum will celebrate both America’s and Washington’s 250 years of history. The museum will feature artifacts from the early colonial period through the Civil War and will be housed in the Atlantic Coast Line Terminal, built in 1904, when railroads began to rival local waterways as efficient trade routes.
2 HOURS
VIEW LISTING