Day 1:  Edenton, our rendezvous site,  offers an idyllic waterfront village complete with beautifully restored historic homes.  As the first colonial capital of North Carolina, Edenton is the site of much of the early history of the state and the nation.  In 2003, National Trust for Historic Preservation, named Edenton to its list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States.  We start the trip rolling with a 30 mile bike ride into the countryside north of town.  Country roads take us past cotton farms, swamps, and another historic town.  You'll work up an appetite, which will be satisfied by an outstanding gourmet meal later.   
Bicycling Distance:  17 or 35 miles, flat terrain.

Day 2: After filling up with a delicious hot breakfast, our leisurely morning ride takes you past rolling pastures and country farms.  We enjoy our picnic lunch on the banks of the Scuppernong River, where we learn more about the area ecology on the self-guided boardwalk trail that leads into a cypress swamp.  A brief shuttle takes us the rest of the way to the charming waterfront village of Manteo, our home base for the next 2 nights.   Manteo, named for a native American who assisted the first English explorers is located on Roanoke Island, where the ill-fated "Lost Colony" was attempted.  We will never know what became of those 116 colonists, who disappeared in 1587, but their legend is respectfully remembered all over Manteo and Roanoke Island.  The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo commemorates this history, and is home to the longest running outdoor play in America, "The Lost Colony," which is reenacted every summer.  Nearby Festival Park is home to the Elizabeth II, a modern replica of the 16th century ships that would have brought the English colonists to the New World.  You can see that and more by joining in our group kayak tour starting at the Manteo waterfront.  We paddle past the Elizabeth II and into the salt marsh nearby.  
Bicycling Distance:  27 or 41 miles, flat terrain.

Day 3:  Breakfast at The White Doe Inn is an elegant, multi-course affair that will get us fueled for another day of bicycling.  We then work off the wonderful calories consumed at breakfast by cycling north through island communities, upscale shopping areas and hidden soundside streets.  An optional visit to the Currituck Wildlife Refuge or an optional hike to the fabulous views from the top of the Currituck Lighthouse is slated for the afternoon, or you may pedal back to Kitty Hawk.  We will visit the historic site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.  Enjoy the fascinating ranger talk and walk the hallowed ground where aviation history was made.  We regroup for hors d'eourves on the Manteo waterfront at sunset and dinner as a group at the renowned 1587 restaurant.  Click here to see some of 1587's outstanding cuisine.  
Bicycling Distance:  30 or 60 miles, flat terrain.

Day 4:  After another distinctive White Doe Inn breakfast, we shuttle briefly back to the mainland where we bike back to Edenton.  Rural farmland and swampy areas provide the quiet backdrop for our final miles together.  At the Granville Queen Inn, showers and a final catered lunch will be ready.  
Bicycling Distance:  20, 35, or 45 miles, flat terrain.

Meals:
All meals are included, with the exception of one "on-your-own" night in Manteo.  This includes substantial breakfasts, picnic lunches, gourmet dinners and abundant snacks and beverages.

Lodging:   Night 1:  Granville Queen Inn, Edenton, NC.  This inn is located in the heart of Edenton's historic district, on the banks of the Chowan River.  A generous breakfast from special recipes and rooms decorated with elegant antiques will get your vacation off to a great start.
Nights 2-3:  The White Doe Inn, Manteo, NC.   A carefully restored bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Manteo, Bob and Bebe Woody provide all the extra special touches indicative of innkeepers who love their profession.  The afternoon refreshments and gourmet 3 course breakfasts will keep us on our toes in an effort to earn all the wonderful calories!

Cycling:  Average mileage of 45 per day varies at the options of individual guests.  Distance flexibility is available by taking advantage of short-cuts and designated "leap-frog" shuttles.  Because of the flexibility, this is a great tour for couples of mixed biking ability.  Terrain is flat, but windy days are common.  Routes are on back roads with intermittent, light traffic, and on a beach road with a wide, paved shoulder.  The tour is suitable for road bikes or hybrid style bikes.

Extend your visit:  There is much to see and do in eastern North Carolina.  Before or after your activity-packed four days on this tour, consider some time in the area on your own.  Those interested in history will want to add time in Edenton.  Many of the historic homes in Edenton, including Cupola House (pictured to the left) are included on the guided walking tours led by the downtown visitors center.  For a preview, you can take a very elaborate online tour.  

Birders and kayakers will revel in the options available in eastern North Carolina:  Merchants Millpond State Park, Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, and many other spots offer quiet, tranquil water.  Several self-guided canoe trails are located in and around Edenton itself.

Call 888.251.3206 (or 336-794-1054) or click here to request your reservation today

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Carolina Tailwinds   P.O. Box 24716   Winston-Salem, NC 27114-4716   888.251.3206 or 336.794.1054
 email:  info@CarolinaTailwinds.com