The Welcome Sign says it all.  Elizabeth City is truly one of the warmest cities you'll
ever visit along the I.C.W.  When there are five or more newly arrived boats,  the crews are invited to a wine and cheese party; and the women are given roses.  Having arrived in early November, no roses were available; so Deb received instead a freshly picked cotton bol (flour still intact). 

Hosted by the famous Rose Buddies, this tradition has been ongoing since 1983..