11 best things to do in Wild Washington county
Let’s get wild with the top 11 things to do in Washington County.
Visit the Bears
The best way to see a black bear is with a guided bear tour. Offered through various guides, stop into the Bearolina Welcome Center on Water street to request and sign-up for a tour. The area guides are passionate about these marvelous creatures and know all the “secret” spots to see one in the wild.
At the Bearology Discovery Center, you’ll see and learn about the black bears of the region. Why do they stand on their back legs? Are they friendly? Why are there so many here? And most importantly, do they like honey? All these questions are answered at Bearology Discovery Center in Downtown Plymouth. Plus, see the largest black bear ever recorded on display at the discovery center.
The National Black Bear Festival celebrates this wild creature every year in June. The extravaganza is a spectacle for sure, growing bigger each year!
Stroll around a Riverside Town
Downtown Plymouth is charming to say the least. It has four museums in four blocks and is located on the picturesque Roanoke River Delta. Local shops like “Bear Necessities”, an antiquities shop, play into the fun jovial nature of the area and their love for bears! Restaurants offer Bearolina specials, and everything comes alive for the National Black Bear Festival, every year in June.
Taste French Cuisine (yes, french!)
Bistro 116, This french owned eatery is only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so plan accordingly to not miss this exclusive experience.
Sleep Under the Stars
Get your night vision camera ready, this is the place to see stars. Camping is available at the serene Pettigrew State Park with the view of space reflecting back at you from the mirrored-surface of Lake Phelps.
Roanoke River Camping Platforms is another must. These platforms allow you to put in with your canoe and drift downriver to one of many camping platforms. Sounds like the most epic adventure yet!
Sleeping on a houseboat sounds pretty charming, right? Located in downtown Plymouth at the back of Riverview Cafe, you’ll have a view of the Roanoke River from bed. Added bonus, to a bed on a boat? The soft rocking and white noise of the river will lull you right to sleep. And in the morning you are steps from the local coffee haunt. (NOTE: Owner Louis Manring is putting the finishing touches on this boat! Check back in with the Riverside Cafe in early spring for your chance to stay riverside in Plymouth).
Explore a Pre-Civil War Plantation
Somerset Place was once the largest plantation in eastern North Carolina. Now a historic site in Creswell, NC. Somerset Place offers a comprehensive and realistic view of 19th-century life on a large North Carolina plantation and the people that made it all happen.
Experience Iconic Maritime History
This replica Roanoke River Lighthouse is one of three important light stations on the Roanoke River from 1810 to the 1950s. Climb the spiral staircase and look out toward the end of this mighty river, where a lonely keeper was isolated for days or weeks with only his chickens and goats on the lower deck.
The Roanoke River Maritime Museum, across the street from the light station, displays old photographs that tell stories of the fishermen, farmers, foresters, merchants, soldiers, and paper makers who relied on the river’s delta.
Down the street, the Port O’Plymouth Museum is home to the replica CCS Albemarle - the most famous Civil War ironclad - built by 17-year old Gilbert Elliott. Inside the museum find fascinating civil war history, including the 1864 Battle of Plymouth.
Take a Peaceful Paddle on the Roanoke River Delta
Bear Track Landing, 3 mile paddle in Plymouth, With ample parking space and a central location in Plymouth, Bear Track Landing serves as a gateway to the town's water-based recreational opportunities, providing locals and visitors alike with easy access to the natural beauty and tranquility of northeastern North Carolina's waterways.
Explore the Cypress of the Shallows
Paddle from Mackey’s Marina in Roper to the mouth of the Roanoke River for a living art museum without walls. The bald cypress trees along the shoreline are sculpture like in form, shaped by years of water, wind, rain and storms. More than just trees, this open-air museum is also an aviary where eagles and osprey soar through the treetops, nest, and raise their young. Feasting on the abundant fish found in the Albemarle. Smaller kingfishers chitter as they swoop from perch to perch looking for their next meal. Sunrise and sunset cast golden light on the surreal living sculptures and the mirrored surface of the water. Most mornings and evenings the vast expanse of the Albemarle Sound becomes a placid reflecting pool, delighting paddlers and photographers alike.
One infamous cypress tree was so lovingly named “Carmen Miranda Tree” by locals due to it’s uncanny ressembalance to Carmen Miranda herself. Make your way to this spectacle by launching a boat near Mackey’s Landing Marina.
Tour the Roanoke River Delta
Local cafe owner, Lou Manring will take you on a personal Pontoon boat ride. Simply stop in to Riverview Cafe and ask for a ride. Donations are accepted on behalf of the Downtown Plymouth Development Association.
Coming in spring 2024, Inner Banks Harbor Town Cruise will offer ferry rides through the delta from Plymouth, NC to Edenton and Manteo.
Fish in Anglers Paradise
It is angler paradise on the Roanoke River and adjacent waters. Anglers find a variety of fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white perch, bream, sunfish and catfish here. Cow Creek and Three Sisters tend to be locals favorites.
Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park offers fly casting for lunker bass and tons of panfish. Anglers consider the clear natural waters of this 16,600-acre lake one of the best in North Carolina. Warm-crystal clear in the summer and into late fall and still pleasant in the winter with migratory bird making stops along the way south.
On the Albemarle Sound, the estuary offers a unique blend of fresh and brackish water great for fish. The Albemarle Sound Bridge structure can provide excellent bottom fishing and striped bass fishing year round.
Cuddle 60+ Animals at Windy Acres Petting Zoo
Local animal lover, Joe Brickhouse has a passion for animals and is devoted to their care at Windy Acres Petty Zoo. He only accepts animals that are kid-friendly. Bringing his dream to life with 60+ animals you can hold, pet, cuddle, feed and help with that itch in the hard to reach places. Joe loves sharing his passion and joy of animals with the public. Windy Acres Petting Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment only, sign up before you visit.
