Where Imagination Runs Free
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imagination runs free. Where VISITOR’S GUIDE Table of Contents Welcome to the Crystal Coast. History & Heritage .................. 3 No matter where you go on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Beaches, Nature & Horses ...... 5 you’ll find there’s a story waiting to be discovered. This pristine setting, Fishing, Diving & Boating ......... 7 so rich in history and so blessed with natural beauty, has many tales to tell; Land To-Do List ....................... 9 each one more fascinating than the next. Special Events ........................ 13 Accommodations ................... 15 Get to know the sands of Emerald Isle, immerse yourself in the history Restaurants ............................ 21 and colonial charm of Beaufort or climb to the top of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Recreation ............................. 23 for gorgeous views of the Crystal Coast. From the history to the beaches, to the incredible attractions on land or on the water, it’s all here for you to experience. So dive into this remarkable place full of exciting tales. Chances are, you’ll leave with a few incredible stories of your own. 1 History & Heritage The Crystal Coast has seen many visitors throughout the centuries; from Spanish explorers who arrived in the 1500s, to Blackbeard the Pirate himself, to Union and Confederate troops who battled here during the Civil War. While they may be a distant memory, their captivating accounts have been well-preserved in such must-see places as The Maritime Museum in Beaufort, Fort Macon State Park and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Discover the voices of the past on the Crystal Coast and lose yourself in their unforgettable tales. The infamous Blackbeard the Pirate left behind quite a collection of artifacts that you can learn all about at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. His life and times on the Crystal Coast are chronicled here on full display to give a better understanding of one of history’s most-intriguing figures. Spend a few hours at Fort Macon and you’ll get more than a glimpse into what life was like for the soldiers of the Civil War. You’ll experience history coming to life with reenactments and daily tours of the grounds. Head over to The History Place in Morehead City and discover a wide range of artifacts from the coastal region and the Research/Genealogy Library. Then learn about the rich heritage of waterfowling at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island. The deep holds many secrets and several of them can be uncovered by visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. From exotic fish to a 300,000 gallon tank with a replica of a sunken WWII German U-boat, you’ll have a clearer picture of what lives under the waves. 3 Beaches, Nature & Horses Whether you seek something secluded, active or just plain unspoiled, there are a number of beaches waiting for you and your family. Due to its ideal positioning, the Crystal Coast has south facing beaches, allowing you to witness beautiful sunrises and glorious sunsets right over the water. However, you’ll discover more than pristine sand as this is the only destination in the state with a national forest, national seashore and state park all in the same county. Descended from Spanish horses that swam to these shores from shipwrecks over 400 years ago, the wild horses on Shackleford Banks are a sight to see. With the elegant 150-year old Cape Lookout Lighthouse as a backdrop, the protected horses run free. To watch them in this natural state is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Mother nature has been very good to the Crystal Coast with some of the state’s finest bird watching and acres of protected, untouched natural environment. It all gives you even more ways to completely lose yourself in the timeless beauty of North Carolina’s most-enchanted location. 5 5 Fishing, Diving & Boating There’s more than one way to heed the call of the water. From the tip of Emerald Isle to the vast stretch of Cape Lookout, live some of the best fishing, unbelievable diving and incredible boating anywhere. So spend your day on the rolling waves or a hundred feet underneath them. Either way, a Crystal Coast adventure awaits. The deep blue waters surrounding North Carolina’s Crystal Coast are teeming with some incredible game fish. Giant bluefin tuna, king mackerel and marlin dominate the sea and give anglers a suitable challenge, especially in June, as top sportsmen compete in the renowned Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. But you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy reeling in the big one. Simply charter a boat or cast a line from the beach into the surf. For scuba divers, the Crystal Coast is known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” thanks to hundreds of freighters, tankers and other craft that rest on the bottom of the ocean waiting to be explored, including the U-352, a World War II German U-boat sunk by the Coast Guard in 1942. If you need assistance, local dive shops can take care of everything from lessons to certification, to all-day trips to the most exciting and haunting wrecks. For kayakers, windsurfers, boaters and surfers, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound are your perfect playground. So whether it’s above or below the waves, excitement thrives on the Crystal Coast. 7 7 Land To-Do List Dry land is also home to a whole world of activities. First time visitors will soon discover that keeping busy on the Crystal Coast is never an issue. Channel your inner equestrian with a magnificent horseback ride on the beach. Get back to nature with an invigorating hike through the many trails situated throughout the area. Or hop on your bike for a relaxing ride. If you’re a fan of the links, the Crystal Coast offers up a number of championship golf courses for you to play. With maritime forests, natural estuaries and inland creeks as “hazards” the playing conditions are just as scenic as they are challenging. Ready to call it a night? Why not camp under the stars? There are several campsites in the area or simply rough it on the sands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. No trip to the Crystal Coast is complete without a visit to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Nicknamed the Diamond Lady, she watches over the entire coast and from mid-May to mid-September, you can climb to her very top for breathtaking views you’ll never forget. 9 9 Eats & Entertainment Seafood is a mainstay on the Crystal Coast menu, which isn’t surprising considering the world-famous fishing right off the shore. However, diversity abounds on the Crystal Coast with a variety of restaurants serving cuisine that ranges from traditional fare to creative flair. Family-friendly, elegant gourmet or romantic bistros can be found here. For some night-time fun, head to Historic Beaufort for a spooky, eerie and unforgettable “ghost walk” tour of historic haunts sure to send a chill up your spine. Gatherings & Meetings Weddings, meetings, trade shows or any sort of gathering will find an inviting atmosphere amongst the natural beauty and pristine shores of the Crystal Coast. Planners will have all the space and technological tools at their disposal to host the perfect affair that will leave attendees with memories they’ll cherish forever. Special Events Every year, the Crystal Coast is home to a seemingly endless menu of unique events, giving visitors even more stories to discover and more memories to make. For specific dates and times, please visit our website at crystalcoastnc.org. 11 Accommodations From historic bed and breakfast inns to luxurious cottages, the Crystal Coast has the perfect accommodations. You can rent a cottage or condominium on Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle for a week, or pitch your tent for a few nights on Cape Lookout. Best of all, the ocean provides the setting and soundtrack to almost every hotel, motel, cottage or condo. Here you can choose from over 10,000 rooms, of all kinds and all varieties, that serve as home base while you take in the sights, sounds, history and stories of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Restaurants There will come a time when exploring and discovering will give way to eating and relaxing. Fortunately, the Crystal Coast offers a long list of establishments that are prepared to satisfy any appetite. Recreation On the Crystal Coast, there are as many ways to spend your day as there are miles of beach to explore. So plan out your trip by choosing some exciting activities that will provide the moments which will stay with you for a lifetime. 11 12 Winter: Spring: Summer: Fall: American Music Festival Series Beaufort By The Sea Music Festival Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Carolina Kite Fest The History Place Beaufort Waterfront Morehead City Atlantic Beach (252) 247-7533 Beaufort Business Association Crystal Hesmer (252) 247-3575 Jeri Dixon (252) 247-7011 (252) 728-6894 Art From The Heart Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour Community Thanksgiving Feast Morehead City Arts Council of Carteret Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend Beaufort Historic Site Beaufort Historic Site County (252) 726-9156 (252) 728-5225 Patricia Suggs (800) 575-SITE (7483) Patricia Suggs (800) 575-7483 (252) 728-5225 (252) 728-5225 Christmas Candlelight Tours Coastal Home & Garden Show Beaufort Historic Site Crystal Coast Civic Center Historic Beaufort Road Race Crystal Coast Super Boat Grand Prix Patricia Suggs (800) 575-SITE (7483) Morehead City (252) 247-3883 (252) 222-6359 Morehead City (252) 728-5225 Keri MaCann (252) 422-8853 Emerald Isle Homes Tour NC Ducks Unlimited Band Carolina Chocolate Festival & Art Show the Billfish Tournament Atlantic Beach Salt