A city stuck in time, and rightly so. It's named after Elizabeth Carteret, the wife of George Carteret, a soldier in the Civil War who took a keen interest in the area.
Situated southeast of the state capital, the city covers just a small portion of land and isn't large enough to dole out distinct neighborhood names; from one block to the next, the scenery's the same
A city stuck in time, and rightly so. It's named after Elizabeth Carteret, the wife of George Carteret, a soldier in the Civil War who took a keen interest in the area.
Situated southeast of the state capital, the city covers just a small portion of land and isn't large enough to dole out distinct neighborhood names; from one block to the next, the scenery's the same. There are many affordable places to live and thrive. While it's certainly come a long way, the town still exudes that quaint, small-town allure that folks soak in like sweet tea on a sun porch. It's charming, with streets still chock-full of mom-and-pop florists, hardware shops and eateries. There is minimal chain store invasion, which makes this town a prime location for those seeking to source their goods from local businesses.
Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore. You're also not in a town rich with apartment homes or studio apartments. For the coin you paid in the nearest big city, you'll be able to rent a whole single-unit home and likely even have a patio and a yard. Make sure your credit is intact or your cosigner on hand and save up for first month's rent and deposit. Before you know it, you'll be unpacking your belongings while spinning around in circles, contemplating how you ever lived in such cramped quarters. Expect an affordable rental apartment that often includes utilities. 64 percent of the properties in the town are three- or four-bedroom homes. Before making a final decision, contact apartment locators in Elizabethtown to compare the available options. If you hate space and need a shared pool and fitness center, you will be able to find a few units for rent ranging from one to two-bedrooms apartments.
While some enjoy the bustling sound of a wide-awake city, residents here adore their laid-back, serene lifestyle. Public transportation is unheard of, and most folks take their cars for a spin when they need to get from point A to point B. If you plan on a casual stroll, expect some sideways glances, as the area isn't exactly walkable and sidewalks are only placed in the more traversed areas. In such a small town, folks tend to know one another, people wave hello to strangers, and neighbors will likely introduce themselves and try to find out a bit more about you. Don't be frightened; this is exactly how it worked before the iPhone and the Internet.
After the dust has settled, and you're an official part of the day-to-day in town, you'll take comfort in the staples that have served the community well.
If you're craving an all-American meal, go see the friendly staff at Melvin's Burgers, who'll set you up with a Carolina burger done proper with all the fixings. Not only do residents here crave this place, but also people all over the state make this their destination if their car is scheduled to drive even remotely close to the joint.
San Jose Mexican Restaurant is also a lauded eatery nearby, where the guacamole is made table-side, and the dishes are as authentic as one can imagine for the Carolinas.
Biscuits and gravy, grits and stick-to-your-ribs fare comes easy for those serving it up at The Corner Cafe, a cozy, family-run diner where feeling right at home happens the first time you visit.
To wet the whistle and taste the regional grape, take a day trip to Lu Mill Vineyard. This local wine producer supplies the area with sticky sweet muscadine wine and toys with other varietals to suit your palate. If you're still in the mood for something else fruity, the next stop should be White Lake Blueberry Farm, where you can sample jams and pick your own product in season.
Locally sourced produce can be purchased at the Cape Fear Farmers Market; plenty of vendors set up shop and give you the chance to get to know where your food comes from. The market sits just off of MLK Drive, and hosts inspected farm goods and farmers eager to answer your burning questions.
A bit of fresh air never killed anyone, unless you think back to those vampire-like types who suffer a very extreme aversion to the stuff and are forced to live inside a dank and dusky compound. But, let's digress and talk about what keeps locals and tourists alike falling for the city. What it lacks in culture, it makes up for in natural beauty. The White Lake Waterfront boasts crystal-clear water with a white sand bottom. Recreation and adventure seekers can traverse the waters with canoes and the like, and those who don't mind a wrinkle or two can take in all the UV rays their hearts desire. Jones Lake State Park also affords trails and scenery to take in; much preferable to standing indoors next to a sweaty roadie, waiting for a musical act to take the stage at some hip bar.
For the history buff, take pride in knowing that life in Elizabethtown has a sordid, and well-documented, past. Get to know a bit about the land you stand on by visiting the Tory Hole Battleground, which includes a park, playground and trails as well as plaques commemorating the Battle of Elizabethtown and the sacrifice made to place it on the map. If there's one thing people love more than sweet tea here, it's a good battle tale.
The climate is fairly mild too, and while all four seasons make a slight appearance, winter is quite tame, and you'll still be able to get around town with a large coat and some sweatpants if push comes to shove. Summers are wet and sticky with sudden bouts of rain that tend to sweep the area for mere minutes at a time, allowing the sky to clear for the remainder of the day and plans to go on as usual.
The town is right, smack-dab in the center of it all. An hour's drive, and you'll be in Wilmington near the beach, sipping hurricanes and chowing down on fresh local sea food. An hour and a half in that fancy ride of yours and you'll be in Raleigh, the state capital where riches and culture await you. Living in Elizabethtown affords you comfort and proximity to other destinations statewide.
Towns in closer range that house a few more option for eating, drinking and being just as merry as you've ever been include Lumberton and Fayetteville. Lumberton is a 20-minute drive due west, and will allow you a bit more to choose from by way of chain coffee shops, fast food joints and varied cuisine like Thai, sushi and Chinese to go along with all of the Southern comfort buffet-style establishments en route. Fayetteville, the home of Fort Bragg Army Base, is 40 miles away, and is another go-to if you crave schooling in all things American history, wartime antics or parachute protocol.
