Nestled at the edge of the Perquimans River lies a captivating estuary that offers something special for those with a penchant for sweets or a fascination with yesteryear. Hertford, North Carolina, encompasses just 2.8 square miles of picturesque riverside landscape and has a population of about 2,000 residents. However, numerous visitors flock here each year to savor delectable ice cream, explore treasures in quaint antique shops, and soak up the serene atmosphere along the riverbanks.
If you have a penchant for sweets, reaching Hertford is straightforward. Those close to the nearest big city of Raleigh can make the trip in roughly two and a half hours via Highways 64 and then 17. Alternatively, it’s just over an hour away from Norfolk International Airport, which offers regular flights from various key American metropolitan areas, serving as an excellent option for your journey.
avoid Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay crowds
and choose instead a quieter, small-town atmosphere.
Springfield Bed & Breakfast is one of the only places to stay close to Hertford, but that’s fine since its quaint yet spacious rooms, large front porch to relax on, and abundant southern charm can’t be beaten. In short, it’s slow living at its best. If you want to be close to the water and do some paddling, book a spot at nearby Strick’s Family Campground. It has its own pier and is just a 7-minute drive from the main street in Hertford, South Church Street.
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Strolling by the Waterfront with Delectable Sweets
You can tell from strolling through Hertford that an old-timey atmosphere is prevalent, and as you look, you’ll see plenty of areas where this history has been preserved. Woodard’s Pharmacy is one such place. More of a general store, it’s known in town for its huge ice cream cones, and many visitors mention its nostalgic feel. One
TripAdvisor
commenter called it “a great place to tell your kids about how it used to be.” Order a cone, saunter through the charming downtown streets full of historic buildings, and pop into the Perquimans County History Museum to learn about the town’s past.
If your sugar craving isn’t contented with ice cream alone, the mobile Harbor Treatz food van offers funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and even deep-fried Uncrustables. Their food is served with waterfront wandering in mind, but if you want to do more than just walk by the water, head to the area across the street from Hertford Bay Taphouse on West Grubb Street, where you’ll find self-service kayak rental.
Walking and kayaking can work up an appetite for some savory food; luckily, there’s a small handful of locally loved places close by with tasty options to satisfy your hunger. For breakfast or lunch, Brew2Rescue is a non-profit cafe with a mission to help end human trafficking, and Captain Bob’s BBQ & Seafood is a casual spot to dive into some
delectable North Carolina barbecue
. Later, the Hertford Bay Taphouse is the place to grab a beer, watch live music, or sing karaoke. If you’d rather dine by the water to marvel at the beauty of this area, take the 15-minute drive from town to the Clubhouse at the Albemarle Plantation. Ask for a terrace table if you can, and enjoy stunning views across the water.
Hertford Is A Dream Come True For Antiques Enthusiasts
The cuisine is excellent, yet antique hunting stands out as one of the main draws for visitors to downtown Hertford. Established back in 1758, this town holds the distinction of being among the first settlements in North Carolina. Prior to spending money on antiques, consider visiting the Newbold-White House, located just five minutes’ drive south from South Church Street. Built way back in 1730 by members of the Quaker faith, despite not being a retail spot itself, it offers an enriching historical experience that could spark excitement for your upcoming treasure hunt through old items.
When you’re ready to dive into purchasing some trinkets and heirlooms of a bygone era, you have to pay a visit to some of Hertford’s finest antique stores. Church Street Antiques & Other Cool Stuff has every corner filled with vintage curiosities waiting to be discovered, and nearby Something Old Something New Antiques has its own impressive selection of gems from years past. It’s even part of the Perquimans Treasure Hunter’s Trail, which takes you through 9 miles of like-minded stores in the county, a journey that may lead you to stumble upon some
underrated antique finds
Don’t stroll by Hertford Mercantile without stopping for some delicious cheese, crackers, and dips. If you still crave more antique shopping after that, make your way to Hertfordshire Antiques & More located on Harvey Point Road.
Maintaining history is a top priority for Hertford, and the town has excelled at this task.
Our State
, director of the Downtown Hertford Main Street Program, Trish Rand, said, “If you want an authentic, old-school North Carolina experience, you’ll find it in Hertford.”
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