There are so many great reasons to make eastern North Carolina a destination during the holidays with plenty of diversity — Wilmington and New Bern in the southern tip, the Outer Banks in the middle and the Inner Banks, including Little Washington, Edenton, Windsor and Williamston.
Holiday Light Show in Windsor Is A Must-See
One of our favorite annual events is free and family-friendly — and is also off the beaten path and you might miss it. That is, unless you know local innkeepers who are always in the know.
As day turns to evening, head to Windsor for the holiday light display at the Hoggard triplets’ cul-de-sac. Herman, Sherman and Thurman are responsible for this Christmas light extravaganza. We’ve been told their free display is one of the largest private Christmas light displays in the country with over 450,000 lights!
Chloe Tuttle, innkeeper at Big Mill Bed and Breakfast tells all of her December guests it is a “must see” destination during their visit. She’s even written a delightful blog post all about the holiday light show in Windsor with lots of photos and details. Be sure to check it out!
Unusual Shops and Waterfront Holiday Lights in Little Washington
In downtown Washington, Festive Fridays always draw a steady crowd during the holiday season, through December 18th. And, if you’re in town on December 11th, plan on attending the Annual HeART of the City Christmas Concert at the famous Turnage Theater. This special evening features the Beaufort County Choral Society and the River City Ringers. Tickets aren’t required and the event is free.
Windsor is Full of Small Town Charm, Historic Mansions and Twinkling Lights
Lynette Mallery is the innkeeper at Inn at Gray’s Landing in Windsor. She encourages her guests to plan on a visit the Historic Hope Plantation. It is truly “a feast for the eyes” during the holiday season, filled with period decorations from the 1700s – 1800s.
And if you love unusual shops, be sure to ask her for directions to one of the best consignments shops in all of North Carolina.
Edenton Is Decked Out for the Holidays
In Edenton, there are plenty of wonderful little restaurants and shops, fascinating historic sights to visit and a waterfront that is breathtaking. We love the Edenton Christmas Candlelight Tour, held this year on December 11th and 12th from 4-8 pm. You’ll find details about this self-guided walking tour of some of Edenton’s most beautiful homes in the historic district on the website link above.
Holiday Recipes from NC Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers in Eastern NC
Cranberry Christmas Pears — These delicious poached pears are perfect for breakfast, lunch or as dessert for dinner. For a festive touch, Lynette suggests adding a sprig of rosemary at the stem and a few raspberries in the saucer.
Big Mill’s Homemade Eggnog with Real Eggs — Innkeeper Chloe Tuttle remembers when homemade eggnog used to be part of every holiday party. Then we heard all the bad stories about raw eggs, so people stopped using raw eggs — and eggnog just wasn’t the same.
Well, worry no more! Her recipe comes with a scientific seal of approval from a microbiologist who worked at Rockefeller University. This recipe uses fresh eggs, is great tasting and safe to drink. But you’ll need to start 2 weeks before you want to serve it. It is definitely worth the wait!
To find a North Carolina Bed and Breakfast member inn in eastern NC, use our searchable directory.
And if you’re stumped about what to give someone very special, a lodging gift certificate for any NCBBI member B&B is sure to please. Purchase between now and the end of the year and you’ll save 10%.
Details here — GIFT CERTIFICATE.
Cheers!