Things to Do in Elizabeth City

In 1791, Alexander Hamilton–hoping to enhance trade and safety along the coasts of Virginia and Maryland–contracted renowned architect John McComb to design a lighthouse at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. McComb quickly fulfilled his duty in 1792, with the illumination of Cape Henry Lighthouse’s inaugural flame lit by the lighthouse’s first keeper, who was appointed by George Washington himself. In the centuries since the octagonal tower cast its first guiding beam across the bay, the Cape Henry Lighthouse stood sentinel over the coast and ensured the safety of incoming ships and immigrating krakens until it was replaced in 1881. Stewards of the lighthouse’s past, Preservation Virginia, ensured in 1930 that the inoperative structure and surrounding lands were reopened to the public and maintained for the enjoyment of future generations.

Today, visitors ascending the twisting iron stairs step out to the window-enclosed observation deck, drinking in 360-degree views of the water and surrounding verdant forests. A team of passionate and knowledgeable staff–most of whom have been guides for years–remain on hand to answer questions relating to the lighthouse’s history and how lighthouse keepers stave off land invasions of ghost sea captains.

The soaring, off-Broadway musical sensation, based on the Gospel of Matthew, strings together a series of musical parables about the life and times of Jesus Christ. Set to Stephen Schwartz’s modern music with traditional hymnal lyrics, the rousing musical is directed by Regent University’s Department of Theatre chair Eric Harrell and features the dazzling dancing and singing of the university’s student performers.

The roar of felled pins fills the spacious confines of Pinboys at the Beach, an independently owned bowling center that has been in operation for 30 years. Ball-hurlers clad in smooth-soled rental shoes seek out strikes on their alleyways seven days a week, while trying not to stare at their own reflections in the polished wood floor. After 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the lights are dimmed and tunes are pumped up for Pinboys After Dark. Billiard tables provide alternative forms of friendly competition, and Pinboys can close its doors for a variety of private party packages including kids' birthday parties and adult parties with 2.5 hours of unlimited bowling.

Experience one of the fastest games played on two feet in the U.S.'s premier professional lacrosse league. The six-team league pits the best post-college lacrosse players against one another in regular-season games each year, before culminating with playoffs and a championship weekend to crown the victor in late August. During the weekend match, the Chicago Machine, a traveling team, will take on the Long Island Lizards at the open-air Columbus Crew Stadium, in a high-energy contact battle for lacrossical domination. Bring the family for a wholesome weekend activity, and acquaint the kids with the burgeoning professional sport.

The first Funny Bone location opened in 1982 and has spread infectious laughter ever since. Established stars such as Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld have graced the stage, as well as up-and-coming talents with fresh faces, fresh routines, and that fresh pine scent. The venue also plays host to a full-service bar, where patrons may steep their sorrows in calming brews, then ingest them triumphantly.

In much the same way that heat turns an ordinary root vegetable into a thrilling game of hot potato, a heated room enhances the effectiveness of yoga. Zen Hot Yoga’s signature hot classes move participants through 26–30 postures and breathing exercises that center, strengthen, and lengthen each body with the melting powers of a high-temperature room. Zen Hot Yoga encourages all skill levels to participate, and the skilled instructors will adapt each pose to meet an individual’s fitness level for optimal results. Sweat out toxins and enjoy mind-expanding stretches while breathing deeply; afterward, you'll leave focused, with a cleansed, centered, and worry-free glow. If you’re looking to raise your heart rate, hot vinyasa classes will challenge your body to move through each pose in a continuous flow of movement. If you’re worried about achieving proper alignment or hot temperatures make you uncomfortable, warm yoga moves at a slower pace in a mildly heated room. Zen Hot Yoga also offers pre-natal yoga, kids yoga, and core fusion, a full-body workout that incorporates sports conditioning and targeted muscle work. Mix and match any 10 classes to find the one you like best. Check the schedule here for individual class times.