March 25, 2024. Last summer we cast off from Mount Pleasant with the intentions of cruising the Albemarle Loop, in North Carolina. By the time we arrived in Belhaven, NC, one of our favorite Atlantic ICW destinations, the weather forecasts for the Albemarle Sound were rather “iffy.” We love cruising the waters of our home state of North Carolina, but we’ve crossed the sound enough times to know we didn’t want to be spending a couple of weeks cruising it in less than desirable weather.

As we debated our next move, Captain Greg, the Belhaven Marina dockmaster asked if we had ever cruised to Washington, NC, located on the Pamlico River. He said that for us cruising Slow Dance, it would be about a half day cruise from Belhaven. He told us that over the past couple of years the small, Eastern North Carolina city had been transformed into wonderful destination by water or land. That settled it, since it was in the direction of home, we would cruise to Washington for a day or two, before heading back home. Once we arrived, it was hard to leave. A couple of days turned into five nights!

Cruising to Washington, also known as Little Washington, took us up the Pamlico River and past another small town we look forward to visiting in the future, Bath, NC. Chartered on March 8, 1705, Historic Bath is known as the first town and first port in North Carolina. The population of Bath has never exceeded 400. This coming summer, we hope to visit Bath and Washington. Cruisers wishing to overnight in Bath should contact the Quarterdeck Marina.

Little Washington, NC. Why the name, Little Washington? Because in 1776 it became the first town in America to be named in honor of General George Washington, making it the Original Washington. I have no doubt that General – or President – George Washington would be much prouder of the warm, friendly, and beautiful Original Washington than he would be of our nation’s capitol today. I’ll leave it at that.

Until our cruise to Washington, our fondest memory of the town was buying our daughter’s first car there. When encouraging us to visit, Captain Greg told us that he had stayed at the Town Waterfront Docks. On the eastern end of the town docks, free dockage is available without power or water hookup for up to 48-hours. On the western end of the waterfront docks you can rent a slip with power and water hookup. In addition to the town docks, Moss Landing Marina also offers transient dockage with power and water hookup. It is also conveniently located just beyond eastern end of the town docks. And for the record, yes, there is a West Marine store located few blocks from the waterfront.

Once in Little Washington, get to know the city first by walking downtown and through the Harbor District. There you will find some wonderful restaurants and shopping. If you enjoy some meals onboard your boat, visit Val’s Gourmet Cakes and Pantry for takeout meals, and yes, incredible cakes and desserts. After walking through downtown, stop by Pitt Street Brewery for a “cold one” and to enjoy a patio sunset.

If you’re planning a visit to Little Washington, check out the VisitWashingtonNC website where you will find a wealth of trip planning information, as well as signup for their newsletter and download their visitors guide. When you get to town, be sure and stop by the visitors center located on the waterfront at 102 West Stewart Parkway. And just steps away from the visitor center and also on the waterfront is the North Carolina Estuarium, which is well worth a visit.

If you plan to visit Little Washington next summer, our wakes may cross.

There are many reasons to visit Little Washington – also known as Original Washington, these are but a few.

“Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows.”
― Henry David Thoreau

Oh Captain My Captain