Jace Lamonica
This town is all about old-school charm, river breezes, and that feeling like you’ve found something real in the faded corners and stories of an old place. If you’d like your history lessons with a side of peace and quiet, head to Bath, NC’s oldest town. Here are some of the most memorable things you’ll see there.
Palmer-Marsh House
Built in 1744, this is the state’s oldest surviving home, and it wears its age with pride. Original pine floors, exposed beams, and creaking stairs offer a window into colonial life. Through guided tours, you’ll hear stories of the prominent families who lived here, their role in early state politics, and how this house stood through everything.
Bonner’s Point
Bath meets the water at Bonner’s Point. This is where locals go to breathe. Once a landing for trade boats and fishing skiffs, it’s now a peaceful stretch of grass and shoreline with wonderful views of the Pamlico River. Bonner’s Point is one of the town’s most cherished spots, where you can watch sailboats drift by and catch the sunset.
Bonner House
If you want to explore more of heritage, don’t miss the Bonner House. Constructed around 1835, this charming two-story home is a well-preserved example of 19th-century coastal living. As you walk through its rooms, you’ll get a feel for the daily rhythms of a well-off family, complete with period furnishings and views of the nearby river.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is NC’s oldest standing church, founded in 1734. Its red-brick Gothic Revival architecture is stunning, and the serene environment makes it a great site for spending some peaceful moments. Attend a service or simply enjoy the calmness. St. Thomas is a stop that’ll let you relax and reflect a bit as you explore further.
Mount Prospect
The house has been beautifully restored to show what plantation life looked like in the 18th century. The guided tour sheds light on the people who lived here and the land they worked. Mount Prospect was home to a prominent local family back then. Today, it displays the architectural details of its time, from detailed woodwork to antique furnishings.
Bath Historic District
Bath’s Historic District is more than just old buildings. It’s the heartbeat of North Carolina’s first town. As you walk along its shaded streets, you’ll pass colonial homes, markers of early government, and quiet corners that feel stuck in time. Every structure here plays a role in the story of a town that helped shape the state’s beginnings.
Bath School
This restored one-room schoolhouse gives visitors a firsthand look at early education in North Carolina. Opened in the 1800s, it served local children during a time when chalkboards and coal stoves were the norm. Now, it is a museum that displays the daily life of students and teachers through preserved textbooks and teaching tools from over a century ago.
Creek Waterfront
After visiting a few historic sites, head to Creek Waterfront. It’s one of those places that feel like a secret spot. Lined with trees and kissed by golden light, this is where you go when you want to click pretty pictures, watch the water, or do nothing at all. The soothing stretch of the creek has a way of settling your soul.
Bath Community Library
Housed in a cozy, historic building, the library serves as a cultural hub for the town. It preserves a range of resources, including local history archives, genealogy materials, and programs for kids and adults. More than a place to borrow books, the library is where residents gather for storytime, workshops, and community events, all with a personal, small-town touch.
Goose Creek State Park
Just a short drive from Bath, this state park offers over 1,600 acres of unspoiled coastal lands. With miles of hiking trails, boardwalks over salt marshes, and scenic spots for kayaking, it’s a dream spot for nature lovers. There’s a rich variety of wildlife, including herons, deer, and even the occasional black bear. Pack a picnic and dedicate a day to this park.
