POST THIS TOUR No vacation is complete without the pictorial posts of all the fun things you saw and did. Washington has no shortage of selfie-ready sites and shopping spots just waiting for you to frame up and click. See below for a three-day tour of this historic river town guaranteed to fill your social pages with envy-worth pics. STOP 5: ROVING RIVERBOAT CRUISE 1 HOURS
Climb aboard a shaded pontoon boat for the popular River Roving Boat Tour at the North Carolina Estuarium. Check the Estuarium’s schedule and pre-register for these free, 60-minute guided tours take sightseers upriver to explore Castle Island, Martin’s Bay, the Tar River and Bear Creek. Bring your camera, you’re sure to see some osprey nests, lovely landscapes, and river otters along the way.
STOP 1: BREAKFAST AT RACHEL K’S BAKERY 1 HOURS
Rachel K’s Bakery smells like your grandmother’s kitchen and tastes like it, too. Owner Rachel Midgette’s mouthwatering menu of fresh baked, scratch made pastries, breads, sweets are as comforting as they are filling. The Bakery works closely with local farmers to use local, in season ingredients and boy, can you tell. Take one bite of a ham and cheese croissant and you’re sure to have a smile on your face for the day. Oh and don’t forget a cup of organic Counter Culture coffee; it smells and tastes amazing.
STOP 2: WATERFRONT 1 HOURS
Want to go on a crab hunt? Not for the kind you can eat, but for giant, vibrantly painted crab statues that make a great selfie partner. In 2006, 32 local artists each painted one of these large, fiberglass crabs as part of an outdoor community art project. The project raised a substantial sum for local charities. Though many have been “adopted” and moved out of town, you can still find six along the waterfront area, each decorated in a unique way.
STOP 6: DOWN ON MAIN STREET 1 HOURS
STOP 7: BIKE TOUR FROM RIVER VIBES 2 HOURS
To bike or not to bike: That is not a question. One of the best ways to experience Washington is on a comfy cruiser bike from River Vibes. Single and tandem, these rentable bikes have wide seats and a rack where you can strap down any purchases. It’s a great way to see the town, shop, and let your body relax as you soak up the sun and cruise by the Pamlico. When you’re done exploring, pop back in River Vibes for a refreshing, 100% crushed fruit smoothie. Try the “Castle Island,” named after the island you can see from the riverfront boardwalk.
There must be something in the water in Washington. Walk the boardwalk by the Estuarium and look left and right in the shallow waters to see a turtle convention of epic proportions. Green, mossy and bossy, they will flock to where you stand overtop of them, eager and willing to take any handout you’d like to throw their way. Look to the rocks and logs just out of the water and see how they’ve perfected sunbathing. Now that’s how you elongate your neck for the perfect photo.
Ever wonder why a nice cool drink of brackish water appeals to the turtles and other creatures you see on the Pamlico River? There’s an entire museum dedicated to the subject. Welcome to the world's first Estuarium, an interactive center that explores estuaries, where saltwater and freshwater mix. Washington has more estuarine waters than anywhere on the East Coast. These waters form unique habitats for a lot of fish species. Come in to explore more than 200 exhibits and drink in some knowledge. The gorgeous driftwood sculpture in the lobby makes for a unique backdrop for a snapshot.
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Small-batch craft brews are a refreshing treat at Washington’s newest brewery, Two Rivers Alehouse. The name is a nod to the Pamlico and Tar Rivers that meet just under the Highway 17 bridge in Washington. This dog-friendly pub is owned and operated by a group of friends who created a spot where people can come together to enjoy a drink and quick bites like charcuterie and other finger foods. Sit outside and bring your dog. Listen to live music while you sample a beer flight from their 8 taps. Ah, now that’s vacation.
This is the locals favorite lunch spot for a reason. Friendly, casual, and bustling with people, Down on Main Street runs a tight ship during its lunch service. Shrimp, fried green tomatoes, sandwiches stacked high and crushed ice in your tea make for a satisfying tasty, mid-day break. Don’t worry if there’s a line, it moves pretty quick.
STOP 3: SNAP A “SHELLFIE” WITH THE TURTLES .5 HOURS
STOP 4: THE ESTUARIUM 1.5 HOURS
STOP 9: DINNER AT TWO RIVERS ALEHOUSE 2 HOURS
STOP 10: ELMWOOD 1820S BED AND BREAKFAST INN 8 HOURS
Sit a spell on a sweeping wrap-around porch made for iced tea and summer breezes. For nearly 200 years Elmwood has been the historic and architectural crown jewel of the "original" Washington. Its lawn and expansive rooms have been home to prominent families over many generations. Today, Elmwood remains an icon of style and sophistication while charming guests as a luxury bed and breakfast. Privately owned, it offers one of a kind nightly accommodations, as well as a spectacular stage for the most memorable of events to those who were born to wander, find adventure, and seek respite in the most unique and curious of places.
Day 2
STOP 11: PAM’S DINER 1 HOURS STOP 8: TASTING AND TOUR AT THE HACKNEY GIN DISTILLERY 192 WEST MAIN STREET | WASHINGTON, NC 1 HOURS
It’s time to see double and feel single. Awaken your taste buds with a gin tasting at The Hackney Distillery. The distillers here spent years honing and perfecting their award-winning 1000 Piers Gin. Let it roll around your tongue for a few seconds and awaken the full effect of the fresh botanicals, including orange and grapefruit peel, lemongrass, root ginger, galangal, kaffir lime and blueberries.
Buttery, cheddar cheese biscuits. Not that you need another reason to go to this warm, friendly breakfast joint, but you can expect a bottomless cup of fresh, hot coffee and some fluffy, fresh blueberry pancakes. Savory more your breakfast style? Try the corn beef hash with eggs how you like ‘em. If it’s all too much, don’t take your food for granted, take it to go!
STOP 12: GOOSE CREEK STATE PARK 2 HOURS
Located about 10 miles east of Highway 264, Goose Creek State Park offers over eight miles of hiking trails. As you meander through its boardwalks, you'll experience nature at its best. Listen carefully and you can hear woodpeckers that sound a lot like a laughing monkey. Head over to Mallard
