Like me, you may find yourself dreaming about summer this time of year. Warm weather, sandy beaches and seafood buffets dance in your head as you crank up the heat to stay warm. The summer will be here soon enough. If you haven’t booked your vacation yet, I’ve got somewhere you may want to consider.
The Outer Banks is arguably the most famous beach destination in North Carolina. There’s another place that’s worthy of a visit and closer for us in the Charlotte metro area. I’m referring to the 85 mile stretch of North Carolina coastline known as “The Crystal Coast.”
I first visited the Crystal Coast when my wife and I attended a wedding in Beaufort (pronounced bo-fert), NC when we were dating (I’ve been back several times since now that my in-laws live in the area). Beaufort provides all the pleasures of a quaint town on the waterfront. There are plenty of restaurants, places to sit and have a drink and shops filled with new or old objects on which to spend your money.
The boutique hotel where we were staying was located across the street from the marina. Our balcony room not only looked directly at the water, we could see wild horses moving about on Shackleford Banks. This is just one of the many unique aspects you get to experience while you’re in the area. Be sure to check out the Maritime Museum while you’re there. It’s free and full of historical artifacts, including many from the days when pirates would plunder the NC shores.
A town you’ll pass on the way in is Swansboro, which is a bit more rustic. Beaufort has the feeling of a town with grace and splendor ready to appeal to your higher taste in fashion and food. Swansboro is more blue collar, an old fishing town with a style all its own.
Unpretentious without being run down, Swansboro gives you the feeling that you’re hanging out with your fun uncle on a fishing excursion. Since this is the first town you hit on the way to Morehead City and the surrounding beaches, it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or perhaps watch the boats go by with an afternoon cocktail.
Maybe you’re one of those people who’d rather spend their day at the beach. There are plenty of options to choose from. On our visits, we’ve limited our beach days to either Atlantic Beach or Pine Knoll Shores (the beautiful tree lined beach walkway pictured above is in Pine Knoll Shores), both of which get pretty crowded during the summer. Parking can also be an issue on very busy days. Some of the spaces require you to pay by the hour or the day. Don’t let this turn you off.
There’s a reason this place is called “The Crystal Coast.” Unlike other beaches along the Atlantic coastline, the water here has more of a blue/green tint to it. Let’s be clear, I’m not comparing it to the Caribbean, but it’s a natural beauty you get to enjoy as you dip your toes in the sand.
If you’d rather head out to go fishing during the day and stay inland at night, Morehead City has you covered. There are restaurants and shops by the water that are worth checking out. Because this is a year-round town for many of the residents, many don’t close in the off season.
Amidst the box stores and chain eateries there are plenty of local establishments to visit as well. I’d recommend heading down by the water and walking around. That appears to be the theme of this whole area, go to the water and you’ll find what you’re looking for.
A short(ish) 5 hour drive from Fort Mill/Tega Cay, the Crystal Coast is accessible and different from your standard Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach getaway. The area offers beautiful natural areas, plenty of options for shopping, eating, family activities and several beaches to choose from. If you’re a fisherman, you won’t find a better place to cast your line.
Just remember, it’s Bo-fert, not Bu-fort.
Have no fear. If you forget, the locals will be sure to correct you.
