I’m so excited! We’re leaving this weekend for a beach vacation at the Crystal Coast in North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks. If you’re from the South, you’re probably familiar with the Outer Banks, a narrow string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks are a favorite vacation area for people throughout the South and beyond. We’re thrilled to be heading to the Crystal Coast this time, a particularly beautiful area at the Southern end of those islands.
We’ll be staying in a wonderful little area of the Crystal Coast called Pine Knoll Shores at the Atlantis Lodge and can’t wait to get there! We’re planning to spend lots of time soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches and by the Atlantis pool and then we’d love to see some of these great local sights:
The Crystal Coast of the Outer Banks has lots of amazing boating, swimming, and even the chance to see wild horses!
The Atlantis Lodge is a charming hotel right on the beach in beautiful Pine Knoll Shores.
The North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores contains 430,000 gallons of water containing 3,191 specimens in 255 different species.
The Beaufort Grocery Company, located in Beaufort’s Historic District, offers everything from lunches of homemade soups, salads and deli sandwiches on fresh baked bread to private parties and catered events in its historic house and in its beautifully landscaped garden.
Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar, affectionately known as “Skeeter’s”, offers family-friendly meals of fresh seafood, sushi, soups, salads, chicken and steak hot off the grill, served while you enjoy beautiful views of the water.
The Beaufort Historical Association, made up of Carteret County citizens and volunteers, depicts 18th and 19th century life in Beaufort, including six authentically restored historic buildings. Tours are available year-round at the Beaufort Historic Site.
We’re packing our bags and getting ready to go. 🙂
I’ll be sharing lots of great photos and stories of our experience soon, so be sure to stay tuned!
My parents live in Swansboro and we love visiting them! We grew up going to Emerald Isle for vacation, before it was very popular, and before my parents retired down there. I love Beaufort, and the Beaufort grocery! We also love the fudge/ice cream shop right on the water. My kids love looking at the yachts & boats anchored. Be sure to visit Ft. Macon – it’s free, and very cool now that they’ve built a huge new visitors center.
We just got in and brought everything in from the car so tomorrow will be our first day of exploring. I’ll look for the ice cream shop by the water (my kids will LOVE it too) and will definitely have to check out Ft. Macon too. Thanks for the tips! 🙂