Taylor Theater: Keeping it Reel

Every so often during the spring and summer months, I will be kicked back on the bench of my sailboat, and a knock will happen on the roof of my cabin. “Hey, we are going to Taylor's for a movie, you wanna come?” Of course, I want to go with them. A road trip to Taylor's Theater in Edenton, North Carolina, with my marina friends is always a good time. “Let me grab my coat and wallet, be right there,” I respond. The crew is already loading up as I walk off the dock to the waiting vehicles. Bob and Cindy load up in Bob's truck, Dan, Rebecca, Brian, and I all pile into Dan's truck, Jeff and Patti ride in their car and we all head off to Edenton. I always look forward to this adventure. It is a time when the family of live-aboard boaters at Mackey's Marina set off across the Albemarle Sound in a caravan of vehicles to gather together, grab some snacks at the snack bar, and take in a good movie.

Taylor Theater in Edenton, NC, is a charming, historic two-screen cinema right on S. Broad Street in downtown Edenton that offers a classic movie-going experience with modern amenities, showing first-run films in a beautifully restored setting, complete with digital projection, surround sound, and a variety of snacks, serving as a community hub for entertainment.

The theater is a beautifully preserved building. It was originally an opera house, that now provides a nostalgic feel. The Taylor Theater opened in 1925 as a dedicated opera house and movie theater on S. Broad Street. It is an 850-seat venue with a balcony, and is a significant downtown fixture with a colonial-style facade. Elements of the theater's historic past still exist. The balcony was originally designated for black patrons due to segregation laws. Still operating as a movie theater today, the theater celebrated its centennial in 2025 and is a beloved local icon. The theater features two screens with digital projection and surround sound for a high-quality viewing experience.

Taylor's Theater shows popular blockbuster movies, along with independent films, and hosts private events. Our gang was going to see “Where the Crawdads Sing” on this particular adventure. I had never heard anything about that film, but after seeing it, I recommend you take it in; it turned out to be a great film. The theater offers classic movie snacks like popcorn, a large assortment of candy, soda and lemonade, but our favorite thing to order there is the White Castle burgers and beer. Yes, you heard that right. Taylor's Theater is one of the very few movie theaters you can find where you can sit back with a cool brew, munch on a half-dozen White Castle burgers, and enjoy the show.

Taylor's Theater is a beloved spot known locally as the "Showplace of the Albemarle." The theater also provides features for hearing-impaired patrons, including assisted listening devices. This small-town theater perfectly blends the historic past with modern contemporary comfort, making it a significant cultural spot and a “must see” destination on the Albemarle Sound.