LIFESTYLE

Malcolm and Debbie King are area icons. Here’s why.

Walking down Broad St. on certain Tuesday’s evening’s it’s not uncommon to see a group of men sitting in the front room of Edenton Bay Trading Company. What may seem uncommon to those not used to Edenton’s traditions and stylish eccentricities – it was a men’s bible study group. Trivial as that may seem, the wine store also hosts Trivia nights every Wednesday.  Edenton Bay Trading Company, known to many town folk, simply as ‘Malcolm’s’, is the creation of Debbie and Malcolm King and serves the community in  number of ways.  Edenton Bay’s current 407 South Broad St. location has evolved over time into the area’s premier wine and beer retailer.  “Our main purpose in life is beer and wine retail,” said Malcolm. “We are a comfortable place to gather with friends or to meet visitors”.Wine aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts are immediately impressed by the knowledgeable selections. Wines, both international and domestic include varietals from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Hungary.   Beer enthusiasts have choices from an impressive domestic offering including  North Carolina breweries along with international brewers. Edenton BayTrading sells individual bottles of wine but also has the capabilities to assist with large groups and parties.“We pride ourselves on our stellar collection of fine wine”. Malcolm continues, “From champagnes to a variety of port, sparkling wines and wines made in North Carolina, to selections from around the world.  If there is a favorite we don’t yet have, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get it”.“People ask me all the time to do personal events in the store,”  Malcolm said. “This coming weekend, there is a wedding in town. At the end of the wedding they will have a small reception here.”EBTC hosts birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, club meetings and has held a number of local weddings. The year-round patio stays cozy in the cooler months with heat lamps and small fire-pits. Inside, large round tables with seating for six is the perfect spot to meet new friends.If cheese is your choice, Edenton Bay Trading Company offers a nice selection of fine cheeses, a line of chocolates and even cigars.  Guests are invited to bring lunch or a snack to enjoy with their beverage or bring a book, to enjoy with a glass of wine in a warm spot inside, on the patio or watch passers-by with seating in front of the store.  If you have’t had the experience, the holidays are the perfect time to stop in for a glass of wine or a holiday wine gift purchase from their large selection. You may even make a new friend or two.

Edenton Bay Trading Company 407 S Broad St. Edenton, NC

Who would have thought the historic whitewashed Conger building, originally constructed in the 1800’s as an ice house catering to the needs of the herring netted from the river and sound would be revitalized into one of Edenton’s top restaurant locations? Joe and Stephanie Wach thought it was a good idea.  

After relocating to Edenton from Colorado the couple visioned the waterfront location as a terrific restaurant and proceeded to renovate the historic building.Perched on the banks of Edenton Bay in the shadows of the historic Roanoke River Lighthouse, the Herringbone still deals in ice, however it’s usually in a glass or shaker.

The Herringbone boasts a lengthy  bar highlighting the history of the area. Designed with overlapping tobacco leaves atop the bar, its front covered in aged tobacco drying sticks, the bar attracts a lively crowd.  

The restaurant has a full dining room and also offers seating in the bar sporting two large T.V. screens. The bartenders pride themselves in contemporary drinks that would stand tall in any area bartending competition.  

The renovation offered its challenges. Wach teamed up with Dawson Tyler’s Down East Preservation to preserve the integrity of the building’s history while creating a comfortable atmosphere. The feel of an ice house has been replaced with a number of warming artifacts offered to the establishment’s historic archives.  As work progressed on the building, town’s folk offered interesting pieces and historic artifacts, now gracing spaces throughout the eatery.   

“We want to preserve the historic values for Edenton and North Eastern North Carolina,” said Wach. “Ed Goodwin brought in an old tractor wheel that is mounted between the bar and the dining area.”

Finding the right talent to manage the restaurant and run the kitchen was a challenge, however the couple sought the help of the culinary director of the College of the Albemarle. They arranged to use the kitchen at the institute and had their choice for chef, Chef Kyle Murphy prepare a five course meal during his interview. Joe, an engineer, had the chef explain why he used each ingredient in the dishes he prepared.  Today, Murphy leads the Herringbone’s kitchen where his ingredients speak for themselves on the Herringbone’s tasty menu.

Murphy’s culinary experience comes from working under respected chef’s throughout the south.   

General Manager, Mike Bonander has an extensive hospitality background with over 20 years managing restaurants throughout the country. Most recently he managed a family owned Italian restaurant in Chicago. Bonander’s wife Liz, works the front of the house.

Pastry Chef Rebecca Pensyl also has an impressive culinary resume and her dessert reflect that. Stop in for one of Edenton’s most popular culinary adventures.  

Herringbone Restaurant

119 W Water St.

Reservations: (252) 368-1068

Surf, Wind and Fire’s mission is far wider than selling product, it's all about the community. Their goal of building community and promoting a positive vibe in downtown Edenton has impacted the community by being involved in organizing, aiding and participation in downtown events. With three locations in active downtown communities, it is evident that they have carved out a ‘community centric’ spot for Edenton locals.   

“Having a craft beer bar at the shop uniquely positions us to be a social hub in the community. And we have plenty of non-alcoholic soda and coffee options for people who are not looking to drink alcohol”. Turner stated, “On Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, our tiny bar fills up with locals and tourists who are looking to run into neighbors and meet new friends”.  

The interior of the store is warm and inviting.  Owner, Danny Batten is a surfer and designed the interior to be rustic with a tastefully- distressed feel emulating surf shops and old tiki huts.  

“It’s important to us that people feel good when they’re here”, Turner continues, “That means the layout, the lighting, the warm, bright colors, and the opportunities for sitting and visiting with friends and family are all intentional. This helps us build community and promote the positive vibes we share with brands like “Life is Good”. 

Surf, Wind and Fire is devoted to the Edenton community.  May through December, the store host nine Sunday Street Parties on King Street which is the adjacent street and host live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and several local vendors of handmade goods.  

“We initiated these free block parties in 2022 after almost two years of hearing our weekend customers lament that everything in Edenton is closed on Sundays”.Turner explains, “These family-friendly parties are our concentrated effort to increase foot traffic and make Sunday a viable day for commerce and tourism in downtown Edenton”.  

Neighboring businesses who are usually closed on Sundays have joined the ranks and opened their doors during these events which are usually attended by 300 to 500 attendees.When the shop opened it’s doors three years ago, as surf-inspired outdoor gear and lifestyle shop with a craft beer bar nestled in the corner of the store it changed the retail landscape of Edenton by offering much more than retail products. The shop is filled with well known quality brands.   

“ We sell apparel and outerwear from Life is Good, Patagonia, The North Face, Aventura, Cotopaxi, Free Fly, and more.” Stated Timmy Turner, Store Manger, “We also carry outdoor gear for camping and beach-going; from Kelty chairs and backpacks, Eureka tents, and Sea-to-summit gear repair kits, to Shibumi Shades, boogie boards, and stand-up paddle boards”.  

The shop hosts jam sessions once a month for musicians of all skill levels to come and play music together. Upcoming events include Friendsgiving, Sunday November 3, 2024 and Christmas Market Street Party: Sunday, December 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. All of Surf,Wind and Fire block parties are free and have live music, food trucks, face painting, and treats for both adults and children. TheDecember party goal is to have as many vendors lining king street as possible selling local, handmade wares.  

“This is our way of helping support our small business neighbors in the area, and gives Christmas shoppers another chance to find unique gifts for their loved ones in downtown Edenton”stated Turner.

Surf, Wind and Fire is located at 325 South Broad St., Edenton and are open Monday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. t o 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..  The store offers online shopping at surfwindandfire.com and you can follow them on Facebook and @surfwindandfireedenton on Instagram.