Just south of the world famous Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands known as the Crystal Coast which stretches 85 miles (137 km) from Fort Macon State Park down to The Point on Emerald Isle. The upper portion of the Crystal Coast, specifically Morehead City, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle and Beaufort offers a wonderful weekend getaway opportunity for the entire family. Whether you enjoy the sandy beaches, local comfort food, golf, historic sites or museums there is something for everyone.
Off-season always has the advantage of lower costs, fewer crowds and the fact that North Carolina weather is generally inclement all year long, particularly along the coast. There are a few places that really should be visited in the warmer months like the Tryon Palace and the Arlie Gardens or any one of the perfect beaches but much of North Carolina’s coast can be enjoyed year around. We recently took a weekend trip to the Crystal Coast and discovered some wonderful gems we’d like to share with you.
Cox Family Restaurant
Coming from the Raleigh area, about a 3-hour drive, we decided to stop for lunch in Morehead City. The reviews for the Cox Family Restaurant were excellent and we weren’t disappointed. The atmosphere is very quaint and cozy with no frills and a full menu. The best sign of a great restaurant is the number of locals that are there. Based on the greetings between staff and customers it was clear Cox Family Restaurant is a local favorite. I couldn’t remember the last time I had chipped beef on toast so I was super excited to see this southern dish on the menu (it was excellent)! Ramie had the Hamburger Deluxe and Tiana the Turkey Club and both were very pleased.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
North Carolina has (4) aquariums sprinkled along the east coast; Roanoke Island, Jennette’s Pier, Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores on the barrier island side of the Crystal Coast. The latter is located on the Bogue Sound side of Salter Path Rd. (Rte. 58) in Pine Knoll Shores. It has seen over 11 million visitors since its opening in 1976. The aquarium is laid out wonderfully starting with a beautiful waterfall that greets you just beyond the front entrance. The first exhibits focus on local indigenous fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, owls and otters of the Mountain and Piedmont regions.
At this point you can go outside and experience a few different overlooks of the Bogue Sound. You’ll see White Ibis, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and Black-Crowned Night Heron all flying and feeding in their natural habitat. You’ll also get a close-up view of a fully-grown male and female bald eagle. Further along is a snake station featuring local species including Eastern Diamondback and timber Rattlesnakes. Next is a wonderful outdoor playscape for the kids with a swinging bridge, a treehouse, slides and a swinging tire.
Back inside you continue with animals found in the Coastal Plain and Tidal Waters regions. These include Alligators, Longnose Gars, Snapping Turtles, Stingrays (you can touch), Southern Kingfish and Striped Hermit Crabs. There are a number of themed exhibits like Queen Anne’s Revenge, Caretta’s Cove and a Little Minnows play area for the little ones. The most spectacular exhibit is the Living Shipwreck featuring a 306,000-gallon tank with a replica sunken U-352 German submarine surrounded by sand tiger sharks, Sandbar sharks, nurse sharks, tarpon, Atlantic spadefish, sheepshead, crevalle jack and a green sea turtle. As you continue around you’ll notice (3) different viewing points for this spectacular exhibit.
Our favorite section was just beyond the Living Shipwreck in the Lobster, Octopus, Lionfish and Jellies section. The spiny lobsters lack the huge claws of their Maine cousins but move in a uniquely languid manner that is absolutely mesmerizing. The Octopus are quite adept at camouflage and can present a challenge to find at first. The Lionfish are new inhabitants to the Atlantic ocean and have no natural predators due to their venomous and distinctive spines. The Beautiful Drifters include Man-o-War, Leidy’s Comb Jelly and Cannonball Jelly. At the end of the aquarium is an excellent Gift Shop and a perfectly placed Dairy Queen just outside the exit.
While visiting the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier make sure you enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Surf’s Up Grill & Bar located at the base of the pier. Unlike the pier, the restaurant is open year round and features an excellent, and affordable, menu featuring the usual southern comfort food with always fresh fish (ask about the Daily catch) and homemade soups. There is also a bar, hi-def TV screens and indoor and outdoor ocean front views. The atmosphere, as one would expect, is very casual and relaxing with excellent service. Make sure to check out their t-shirts on the way out.
NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina
HOURS: 9am-5pm everyday
COST: $12.95 Adults, $11.95 Seniors (62+) & Military, $10.95 Children 3-12, & Children 2 & under FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and gift shop
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is only open seasonally (open mid-March) but is still a beautiful sight stretching 1,000 feet (305 m) into the surf. Built in the 1950’s, the pier has withstood numerous hurricane damage over the years but has always been rebuilt stronger than ever. It is the most popular fishing spot in Emerald Isle where an angler can expect to catch a variety of local fish including sea mullets, cobia, sheepshead, speckled trout, pompano, and king mackerels. All year the Pier is lit up at night so even if you aren’t into fishing be sure to drop by once the sun sets. The pier has been owned and operated by the Stanly family for the last 50 years and includes a fully stocked bait and tackle store and the fantastic Surf’s Up Grill & Bar . . .
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Surf’s Up Grill & Bar
While visiting the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier make sure you enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Surf’s Up Grill & Bar located at the base of the pier. Unlike the pier, the restaurant is open year round and features an excellent, and affordable, menu featuring the usual southern comfort food with always fresh fish (ask about the Daily catch) and homemade soups. There is also a bar, hi-def TV screens and indoor and outdoor ocean front views. The atmosphere, as one would expect, is very casual and relaxing with excellent service. Make sure to check out their t-shirts on the way out.
The Point on Emerald Isle
A little over 4 miles south of the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is the southwest end of the Crystal Coast called simply “The Point”. It is an expansive beach that forms the meeting point of the Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The best way to access The Point is to park at the Station Street Parking (11001 Station St, Emerald Isle, NC 28594) and walk about a quarter-mile till you see signs for beach access. The sands are almost white and seem to go on forever reminiscent of the Utah Salt Flats but with much better views. There is an elevated watchtower towards the tip which affords a better view of the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlantic Beach
We have a preference for the Hampton Inns. They are always affordable, clean, have free coffee and full breakfast and typically have excellent locations. The Hampton Inn & Suites Atlantic Beach is no exception. It is located on the Sound side so you do have to cross over Rte. 58 to get to the beach but there is a dedicated signal crosswalk and the walk is less than 5 minutes. The hotel itself features a full (and free) hot and cold breakfast, free wi-fi, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
Fort Macon
One of the highlights of the weekend was our visit to Fort Macon. It is located on the exact opposite end of the Crystal Coast barrier island from The Point. Built between 1826-1834, Fort Macon saw very little actual battle during its commissioned time. Almost completely destroyed during the Civil War, it has been faithfully restored over time and can be seen today as it was centuries ago. Strategically positioned to be almost invisible from the water, Fort Macon was nonetheless vulnerable from siege making it one of the last forts to be built for military use.
Ironically the fort did serve a purpose as an outpost on the lookout for German U-boats during WWII. The Fort Macon State Park features hiking and running trails as well as an expansive beach that surrounds the fort and more. There is also a fantastic small museum that highlights not just the fort’s history but also the natural habitat and wildlife to be found in the park. To top it off there is gift shop with everything from books, postcards and patches to posters, souvenir replicas and memorabilia. Best of all . . . the entire visit is free!
FORT MACON FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
HOURS: 9am-5:30pm everyday
COST: FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1-2 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and gift shop
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Another fantastic free North Carolina museum is located inland in Beaufort (pronounced bow-fort). From the second you walk in to the Beaufort North Carolina Maritime Museum you are surrounded by reminders of how important all things nautical are to coastal living. To your left are mountings of the most prevalent fish found in the mid-Atlantic including Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Barracuda, Red Snapper and even a Great White Shark. The exhibits vary but the highlights are definitely pirate related with the centerpiece being from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge. There are countless relics, historical perspectives, life size models, skeletons and even a vintage library.
NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Beaufort, North Carolina
HOURS: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday
COST: FREE (Donations encouraged)
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Parking on street around town, restrooms and gift shop on site
Old Burying Ground
In the historic district of Beaufort is the Old Burying Ground. There are plots dated as far back as 1756 with others unmarked that might have been as early as 1711. In the spring and summer the cemetery is known for its weeping willows which add an element of mystique to the grounds, especially at twilight. Among the tales in the Old Burying Ground are a British naval officer buried standing up in full dress facing England while saluting the King and the pirate Captain Burns buried with one of his ships cannons and the grave of Nathan Fuller whose ancestors are believed to have come over on the Mayflower. Perhaps the most notable is the girl who died at sea forever preserved in a barrel of rum. Her grave is constantly adorned with artifacts and trinkets to this day.
Beaufort Historic Site
Beaufort is home to some wonderful historic sections featuring many homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also the Beaufort Historic Site gardens and grounds. Situated on a 2-acre plot in the middle of town the site includes the Carteret County Courthouse, built in 1796, and is today the oldest wood-framed courthouse remaining in North Carolina. The 2-story John C. Mason house, built in 1825, in the Bahamian style still stands on its original site alongside the Old Jail, built in 1829, which is free for viewing between 10a-4p every day. Be sure to see the Leffers Garden, which is re-planted annually. There are tours available as well as a small quaint shop filled with books, gifts, souvenirs and handmade items from local artists.
There are plenty of other things to do along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. You could certainly spend an entire week just lounging on the beach. But it’s good to know if you want some variety it is all their for you to enjoy!
What is your favorite part of the North Carolina coast? We’d love to hear from you . . .
