Washington, North Carolina — affectionately known as "Little Washington" to distinguish it from its famous namesake — holds the distinction of being the first city in America named after George Washington. Sitting on the banks of the Pamlico River, this gem of a town punches far above its weight in charm and culture.

The downtown waterfront is anchored by a beautiful boardwalk along the Pamlico, lined with galleries, antique shops, and some surprisingly excellent restaurants. The Turnage Theatre hosts live performances and is a centerpiece of the town's cultural revival.

We're huge fans of Little Washington. There's something about its scale — small enough to feel intimate, but with enough going on to fill a wonderful day. The drive down through rural Bertie and Martin counties is beautiful in its own right, winding past farmland and through small crossroads communities.