In Wake of Rising Gas Prices, Elizabeth City, N.C., Offers “One-Tank Trip” Getaway Packages for Motorists and Boaters

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In Wake of Rising Gas Prices, Elizabeth City, N.C., Offers “One-Tank Trip” Getaway Packages for Motorists and Boaters
(Elizabeth City, N.C., June 13, 2008) – If prices at the pump are putting the brakes on your summer travel plans, the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECACVB) has an affordable, scenic solution. Now through Aug. 31, 2008, the “Harbor of Hospitality” is offering a special “One-Tank Trip” getaway package geared toward motorists and recreational boaters who live nearby.

“Rising gas prices have travelers thinking about shorter, close-in trips,” said Russ Haddad, director of the ECACVB. “Just 50 miles south of Norfolk, Va., and located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Elizabeth City is a wonderful option, whether you drive or boat.”

The “One-Tank Trip” package includes accommodations at participating Elizabeth City hotels, inns and B&Bs. Rates start at $180 plus tax, based on a two-night stay for two guests. Guests can add on a personalized historic walking tour and British tea, offered by De’Tours of Elizabeth City, and a Carolina Carriages’ horse-draw carriage tour of the Elizabeth City waterfront. For booking details, go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com or call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330.

Fairfield Inn & Suites, which is participating in the package, is including a $25 gas card at check out, for guests who book the two-night minimum stay.

The summer promotion should be especially appealing to boaters, according to Haddad, who said that boating visitors may dock at Elizabeth City’s Mariner’s Wharf for free now through mid-September. There’s even a famous welcoming crew – the “Rose Buddies” – who greet wayfaring travelers with a rose and an impromptu wine-and-cheese party. Restaurants, shopping and attractions are located within walking distance from the docks.

To enhance a visit to Elizabeth City, the ECACVB also suggests:

Dismal Swamp State Park Visitor Center – Located in neighboring Camden County, the visitor center is an ideal launching point for hiking and biking on the park’s 16 miles of trails, or a paddling excursion along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. A popular stop for recreational boaters, the adjacent Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is the only facility in the country to welcome visitors by car and by boat.

Museum of the Albemarle – The northeastern regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, the museum recently opened “Our Story,” a permanent 6,200 square-foot exhibit that depicts the Albemarle region’s maritime, canal, railroad, automobile and tourism eras. Admission is free.

Downtown Waterfront Market – On Saturday mornings, shop for fresh produce grown by local farmers at the new Downtown Waterfront Market at Mariners’ Wharf Park in Elizabeth City. Fruits, vegetables, free-range eggs and baked goods are available, as well as arts and crafts created by local artisans.

About Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City is located in northeastern North Carolina on the Pasquotank River, halfway between Norfolk, Va., and the Outer Banks. Elizabeth City has six National Register Historic Districts and is home to the Museum of the Albemarle, Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University Planetarium and Port Discover Hands-on Science Center. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to the Dismal Swamp and the abundance of outdoor recreational offerings. For travel information and suggested itineraries, call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330 or go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com
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