“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Mui
During a time where we are obsessed with cleaning absolutely everything around us, it’s also a good time to wash our spirits clean from all of the stress and worry that currently surrounds us. There is no better place to do that than out in nature, breathing in that fresh air and getting some exercise! Luckily for us, the Inner Banks are surrounded by sounds, rivers, waterways, and swamps with many parks and opportunities for adventure! Many of our favorite parks are great places for boating, kayaking, fishing, and any other water activity. So let’s get outside and cleanse our spirits today!
One of our very favorite parks in the area is Queen Anne Park in our beloved Edenton. Queen Anne Park is the ideal setting for a relaxing picnic in the great outdoors of North Carolina. With comfortable, shaded picnic tables and peaceful surroundings, this pretty park is perfect for enjoying your lunch in Edenton, NC. Go for a stroll after you finish your meal to admire the stunning sights of the tranquil Albemarle Sound that flows by the Queen Anne Park. There’s also a pier here that visitors can use for walking and fishing as well as a well-maintained playground for children. Queen Anne Park’s scenic environment creates the perfect setting for a variety of fun community events! The Annual Edenton Music and Water Festival, a beloved part of this area’s culture, is hosted at the Queen Anne Park every year. This festival features activities like a sunset paddle tour, free boat rides, live music, dancing, numerous food and crafts vendors, and much more.
Just down the road in Elizabeth City, we love to visit Charles Creek Park. Charles Creek Park is easy to access, and has something for everyone. The park is located just southeast of Elizabeth City’s main downtown region. This 3-acre park is perfect for fishing, outdoor games, boating, volleyball, picnics and just enjoying the waterfront. The park has a wonderful playground designed especially for the kids and a new boardwalk over the water. The Museum of the Albemarle is located just across the bridge within walking distance for a full day of fun.
Our list of favorite Inner Banks Parks wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the Dismal Swamp State Park. Dismal Swamp State Park provides a unique wilderness experience that is packed full of North Carolina history. The park features 20 miles of trails as well as a 2,000 foot boardwalk that puts visitors in the midst of the Great Dismal Swamp. Birding and viewing abundant wildlife are popular activities. Mountain biking on the trails and kayaking and even fishing the Dismal Swamp Canal are all encouraged. There are no shortages of activities or opportunities to get back in touch with nature and ourselves when you live in paradise!