A WEEKEND OF PAINTED GARDENS
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IT'S EASELS IN THE GARDENS WEEKEND,
ARTIST KAREN CRENSHAW
Karen Lee Crenshaw has been drawing since she used to scribble on the walls as a child. The urge to create has remained with her for life and spurred her to pursue a degree in Art Education (Concord University) and Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing (The George Washington University). As the wife of Lt-Col Bill Crenshaw, she has been a part of the military life since 1988. The family has lived in Jacksonville for the last twenty years where Karen maintains Crenshaw Art Studio in their home and at ArtExposure in Hampstead, NC. She has taught art to every age, from kindergarten to senior citizens.
Several of Karen’s coastal landscapes were selected for reproduction in “Painting North Carolina, A Visual Journey,” by Kimberly Maselli. Her work joined those of 32 regionally and nationally known landscape painters who depicted the beauty of North Carolina from the mountains to the coast.
Karen Lee Crenshaw
karenleecrenshaw.com
ARTIST JUDSON NEWBERN
“Growing up in northeastern NC and spending summers around the coastal scenes at Nags Head, saw me taking watercolor lessons by age ten. My acceptance into the fine art curriculum for summer study with the Governor’s School program in high school was my first real immersion into painting. College tracked from fine arts at Chapel Hill, to a degree in Landscape Architecture at NC State’s School of Design, and a graduate degree in urban planning from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design.
I’ve twice served as president of a 150-member Plein Air nonprofit, The Chestnut Group, in its 25th year of painting the parks and open spaces of Nashville. Studying with nationally recognized artists, staging several solo exhibits, and participating in numerous outdoor and juried art events, have broadened my style and skill-sets in the ongoing quest of capturing the subject matter that still emotionally speaks to all of us. I also display work at the CAC.”
Judson Newbern
Art Narrative
ARTIST ROBIN SAMS
Well known Edenton Artist, Robin Sams will also be part of the 2026 Easels in the Garden. Robin has many paintings throughout town including a five foot by eighteen foot mural which hangs in the cotton mill. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and owner of the Edenton Art Gallery and the Robin Sams Gallery at 315 South Broad Street. She paints daily in her home studio and enjoys painting beautiful spots throughout Edenton.
CAC IN FULL BLOOM
Art will soon be blossoming in gardens through Edenton and also at the Chowan Art Councils ‘Art in Bloom’ event, held during the third biannual Easels in the Garden weekend April 17-18. Sponsored by the Cupola House Association, the event is one of town’s most anticipated. The CA event includes floral designers who select a painting and interpret it through a floral design.
“The idea is not to simply mirror or recreate the artwork with flowers, but to creatively express its lines, shapes, colors and emotions in an arrangement,” said Susan Willhauck, who is coordinating the event with CAC Manager Kim Asack.
Pieces of art may vary from landscapes, still life, abstract and even some portraits.
“Floral Designers visit the gallery and select a piece of art that interests them, which they will interpret in flowers,” said Kim. “This is a fabulous attraction and contribution to the Easels in the Garden weekend.”
At the March meeting of Edenton’s garden club, the Garden of Eden Club, Gina Rascoe and Stephanie Bergeron demonstrated the art of creating arrangements paired with a Jaquelin Perry painting of a Bertie County marsh which the floral designer used for inspiration for their floral creations.
They explained how they looked at the art and how they used the lines, and the colors, not necessarily creating a reproduction of the painting itself.
On Friday, April 17, a private cocktail reception will be held at the Chowan Arts Council for the easel artists to mingle with the floral designers and the Cupola House and Art Council Boards.
Easels in the Garden ticket holders and the public will also have an opportunity to view the floral arrangements along with the chosen art on Saturday, April 18 as well as Sunday, April 19 and Monday, April 20th.
EDENTON NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS
DON'T MISS DINNER OR BRUNCH ON THE ALBEMARLE QUEEN
A pair of springtime events aboard the Albemarle Queen is offering residents and visitors a chance to experience the Albemarle Sound with a blend of Southern cuisine and scenic charm.
Set for Saturday, April 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., a dinner cruise will feature a thoughtfully prepared menu by Chef Amanda of the Inner Banks Inn. The evening, themed “Eels in the Garden,” pairs waterfront views with a multi-course meal designed to highlight fresh, seasonal flavors. Guests will begin with spring vegetable egg rolls served alongside a sweet chili dipping sauce, followed by a classic garden salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, cheddar cheese, and house-made ranch dressing.
Entrée selections include lemon herb roasted bone-in chicken thigh and lemon garlic baked tilapia, offering both hearty and lighter options. The meal is rounded out with creamy parmesan potatoes, a spring vegetable medley, and lemon squares for dessert. The cruise promises a relaxed yet refined atmosphere as the historic vessel glides along the water at sunset.
The following day, the experience shifts to a more leisurely pace with a Sunday brunch cruise, also catered by Chef Amanda. Marketed as a “Southern Brunch Buffet on the Water,” the outing invites guests to ease into their Sunday with a menu rooted in comfort and tradition.
Highlights include shrimp and creamy cheese grits—featuring cheddar grits, sautéed shrimp, Cajun butter, and crispy bacon—and a chicken and waffle bake finished with maple syrup and honey butter. Lighter fare is also available, with a classic house salad and a seasonal fruit salad offering a refreshing balance. To close out the meal, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet treats including chocolate brownies, assorted cookies, and a gluten-free chocolate torte.
Together, the two cruises showcase not only the culinary talents of a local chef but also the enduring appeal of Edenton’s waterfront. With spring in full bloom, the Albemarle Queen once again becomes a floating gathering place—where food, scenery, and community come together on the water.
FARMERS MARKET SPRING FESTIVAL, APRIL 25
Spring is arriving in full color across Edenton, and the Edenton Farmers Market Spring Festival is set to bring that energy straight to the town’s waterfront.
On Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., more than 30 local food vendors and artisans will gather to celebrate the season with a vibrant mix of fresh flavors, handmade goods, and community spirit. The annual spring festival, hosted by the Edenton Farmers Market, has become a staple of the Inner Banks, offering a lively setting where residents and visitors alike can connect with the region’s growers and makers.
This year’s event highlights the best of early spring harvests, with fresh produce taking center stage—especially strawberries, which are now in season. Organizers encourage visitors to stock up while they can, as local crops are at their peak and full of flavor. Beyond produce, shoppers will find homemade jams, pies, local honey, eggs, and a wide variety of handcrafted items.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, food trucks will be on site serving up crowd favorites, making it easy for guests to linger, sample, and enjoy the day. From sweet treats to savory bites, the market promises something for every taste.
More than just a shopping experience, the Spring Festival reflects the heartbeat of Edenton itself—small-town charm, strong local ties, and a shared appreciation for fresh food and craftsmanship. With flowers blooming and the waterfront coming alive, the event offers a perfect way to welcome the season and spend a Saturday morning immersed in the best of what the community has to offer.
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RUMOR HUMOR @ DRY CLEANER?
MULTI CULTURAL MENU TO HIGHLIGHT PIZZA
According to sidewalk chatter the new restaurant opening soon in the former dry cleaner location will be serving a very multi cultural menu, with a twist. While it is apparent, catering to all of those flavor profiles in the window would be a task for any skilled chef, but the new menu will feature each of those cultural favorites, they will all be on you guest it, Pizza,
The First Pizza will embrace the flavors of India, with a Lamb Vindaloo, that spicy Indian dish. The spicy ground lamb will resemble a sausage pizza in many ways, only better. Naturally, the Mexican pizza will be a standard taco on pizza dough. Mama Mia, right? The Jerk chicken pizza is an all time favorite in Trenchtown. The owner picked up the recipe while on a stop over on a Carnivcal cruise. The Pad Thai Pizza, is an all around favorite. According to reports, when the owner was asked about leaving out a Chinese option, he claimed it was going to be a special, sweet and sour pork pizza, OMG.
The lease was reportedly signed on APRIL FIRST...
PLOW DAYS ARE ALMOST HERE
Plow Days Event & Homesteading Conference – April 18
There’s something special about springtime in Edenton, and on April 18, that spirit comes to life with a unique blend of tradition, community, and hands-on learning at the Plow Days Event & Homesteading Conference. Running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 131 Morristown Road, this event brings together farmers, homesteaders, families, and curious visitors for a morning rooted in both heritage and practical skills. The highlight of the day is exactly what it promises—plowing, plowing, and more plowing. Attendees will have the chance to see a variety of traditional and modern methods in action, from horse-drawn plows to tractors, mules, and more. But the experience goes far beyond the fields. The Homesteading Conference portion of the day features a full agenda of exhibitors and vendors offering insights into sustainable living, agriculture, and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just beginning to explore homesteading, there will be plenty to learn, see, and discuss. Guests are encouraged to come hungry and stay awhile. Happy Home Youth will be on-site serving breakfast and lunch, making it easy to spend the entire morning enjoying the event. This gathering is as much about community as it is about agriculture—a chance to connect with neighbors, share knowledge, and celebrate the enduring traditions that continue to shape life in our region. Mark your calendar for April 18 and come experience a day where the past meets the present, one row at a time.
THE STORY BEHIND THE HERRINGBONE... OUT FRONT
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Edenton’s waterfront will once again come alive with one of its most enduring and meaningful traditions as the Edenton Yacht Club hosts its annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 10 a.m. at the downtown marina and pier in Colonial Waterfront Park.
Rooted in both faith and maritime heritage, the event brings together commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, and the broader community for a shared moment of gratitude and hope for the season ahead. The focus on Saturday shifts to the water—where vessels of all kinds, from working boats to kayaks, will take part in a ceremonial procession just off the Edenton harbor.
Boaters will assemble near Pembroke Creek, lining up behind the Sheriff’s boat before proceeding past the west end of the downtown pier. In a nod to both practicality and tradition, smaller vessels will lead the procession, followed by larger boats, all encouraged to be freshly cleaned and decorated with colorful flags and banners. Those navigating the lineup will monitor VHF Channel 68 as the flotilla takes shape.
At the heart of the morning is the blessing itself. Local clergy will offer prayers and sprinkle holy water over each passing vessel, asking for safe passage, steady waters, and a prosperous season. It is a quiet but powerful moment—one that connects modern-day mariners with centuries of tradition.
The Blessing of the Fleet traces its origins to coastal communities in countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where fishing families gathered to seek protection and abundance before heading out to sea. Long before that, ancient civilizations performed their own rituals to honor the unpredictable nature of the water. Carried to America by early immigrants, the tradition has endured for generations, evolving to include all who make their way across the water—whether by trawler, sailboat, or paddle.
In Edenton, the event has become as much about community as it is about ceremony. Residents and visitors alike are invited to bring a chair, settle into the park, and enjoy the view as the decorated boats glide through the harbor. Following the blessing, the flotilla will linger in the bay, offering a picturesque close to a morning that blends history, faith, and the simple beauty of life on the water.
Weather permitting, it is a scene that feels timeless—one where Edenton’s past and present meet along the shoreline.
Childrens Festival, April 18
On Saturday, April 18, the Chowan/Perquimans Smart Start Partnership (CPSSP) will be hosting the 18 annual week of the young child event.
The yearly Children's Festival brings families, service providers and a massive amount of volunteers together to promote a safe and smart start to a child’s future. A variety of games and active, fun events are scheduled for the kids and a vast selection of information on services and programs to assist children and families facing the joy and challenges of raising youngsters.
In years past, the petting zoo was one of the major attractions of the event.
CPSSP program coordinator Sarah Williams, highlighted services the Smart Start program offers. “Parents who need support improving parenting skills, addressing a specific child behavior, or simply want to ensure that they are doing their best as a parent can enroll in the Triple P program. The partnership schedules both one-on-one and group sessions to help parents address child behaviors or other issues causing them stress or concern.
In the past more than 500 adults and children lined up early and enjoyed the event at Perquimans Recreation Center.
“‘We’re celebrating the lives of young children, providing them with educational experiences, while at the same time because we are a rural community, we are trying to get parents information on what services are available,” Williams said. “Many services are available, but people don’t necessarily know about them or want to ask for help. Working with other agencies and organizations in the community to come together to tackle the big issues facing early child care and education is another way of supporting families.”
This year’s Week of the Young Child Children’s Festival and Safe Kids Day begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m at the Perquimans Recreation Center.
Kids and Cops Glow Run
T-shirt enthusiasts need to register before April 9, to receive a Kids and Cops Glow Run t-shirt. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to host the upcoming Kids and Cops: Glow Run. This exciting event is focused on giving back to the children in our community and strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our youth.
The Kids and Cops program, established in 2012, was created to build lasting, positive relationships through mentorship, summer camps, and community events. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for connecting officers and kids in meaningful ways.
The 5K run will light up the night with a fun glow run experience, according to the sheriff's office.
Each race packet will include glow gear to help you shine as you run. Participants who register by the early sign-up date will also receive a commemorative event t-shirt.
Join the department and the sheriff for a night of fun, fitness, and community spirit to support our youth. To register go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun
UPCOMING EVENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
COA CULINARY SERIES INCLUDES QUICK PICKLES
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
A SUNNY APRIL 11 SATURDAY DOWNTOWN
A Sunny Walk along the water
SCONES, CANNOLI, JELLY DOUGHNUTS, THE LUCAS BELTON BAKERY BOX?
PAUL PERFORMS MUSIC IN THE PARK
A GREAT DAY TO SWING A SUNNY SATURDAY AWAY
LIKE THE RESIDENTS. EDENTON DOGS ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY
LIKE THE RESIDENTS. EDENTON DOGS ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY
TAKE A RIDE IN THE PARK WHILE ADULTS WISH THEY COULD
LIKE THE RESIDENTS. EDENTON DOGS ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY
Weather Update-APRIL 10 - 16
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, April 10 — Thursday, April 16, 2026
Friday
🌤️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: ~73°F • Low: ~53°F
A beautiful early spring day.
Saturday
🌤️ Partly sunny and warm
High: ~77°F • Low: ~51°F
Mild and comfortable conditions.
Sunday
☀️ Mostly sunny
High: ~75°F • Low: ~59°F
Quiet and pleasant.
Monday
🌤️ Very warm with sun & clouds
High: ~83°F • Low: ~60°F
A noticeable warm-up begins.
Tuesday
☀️ Mostly sunny and very warm
High: ~87°F • Low: ~63°F
Summer-like warmth arrives.
Wednesday
☀️ Sunny and hot for April
High: ~88–89°F • Low: ~66°F
One of the warmest days so far this year.
Thursday
🌤️ Partly sunny and very warm
High: ~87–88°F • Low: ~64°F
Continued early-season heat.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A remarkable early-season warm-up takes hold across Edenton this week. After a pleasant and seasonable weekend, temperatures surge into the mid to upper 80s by early next week, running well above normal for mid-April.
Sunshine dominates much of the period, with little in the way of rain, allowing the warm air to firmly settle in. By mid to late week, conditions feel more like early summer than spring, with several days approaching 90 degrees.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• 🌤️ Pleasant spring start
• 📈 Rapid warming early week
• ☀️ Summer-like heat mid-week
• 🔥 Near 90° by Wednesday
• 🌤️ Dry and warm stretch continues