Memorial Day Weekend on the Crystal Coast
The summer season is finally here, or at least it feels like
it is with the way the heat is hitting the South! For a lot of North
Carolinians, it is tradition to head toward the coast for Memorial Day Weekend.
North Carolina offers more
than 300 miles of crystal coastline to choose from. The following is a collection
of some of the best beaches in North Carolina along with a few local recommendations
for each destination.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach offers a wide range of eateries that should
satisfy every traveler. You can find everything from ice cream parlors and quick
bites to local restaurants with 5-course menus. Island Grille consistently has an indulgent list of specials that
are sure to please your taste buds. While at Island Grille, you’re only a 30-second
walk from having your toes in the sand. Not too much further down the road, Amos Mosquitos Restaurant & Bar is
situated right on the Bogue Sound and has delicious appetizers & a fresh
catch entrée.
When it comes to shopping, there are several surf shops and
beach boutiques where you can find your beach treasures. Atlantic Beach is also
known for the North Carolina Aquarium that is located in the center of the
island. When you’re not enjoying the beautiful beaches, the aquarium is a must
see!
Photo by Todd Jordan
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is one of the best beaches in North
Carolina and attracts many travelers from all over the United States. It is
well-known for its wide and sandy beaches. There are 44 public beach access
points that stretch along its shoreline. The deep blue waters attract
kite-boarders and surfers, who are entertaining to watch while in the water or
sitting on the beach.
Tower 7 Baja Mexican
Grill is located right on the main drag. Fish tacos plus flavored margaritas
are what this buzzy space by the beach is known for. The surf shops line the
streets where people enjoy walking and riding bikes. The sunset is unbeatable
in this little beach town. Sunset chases need to be No. 1 on your summer bucket
list while visiting.
Photo by Todd Jordan
Harkers Island
If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway, Harkers
Island is the place for you! This small, quaint town is known for boat building,
duck hunting, fishing and waterfowl decoy carving. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is in view from the island, and the
National Seashore is only a boat ride away. Boat tours allow for travelers
without a boat to go to the lighthouse and enjoy the crystal clear waters of
the seashore.
Across from Harkers Island is Shackleford Banks, a barrier
island system. Herds of wild horses live on the island along with crabs and
various sea animals. “Shack” is also a popular destination for boaters to drop
their anchors, pull up a beach chair, and enjoy the salty air.
Photo by Betsy Knapp
Topsail Beach
Formerly only accessible by boat, this island now has two
bridges to allow travelers on and off. Topsail Island features three amazing
communities: Surf City, North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. The island
stretches 26 miles long with views of the most beautiful un-commercialized
coastline.
The calm waters of the Intercoastal Waterway offer the
enjoyment of water sports such as paddle boarding, boating and kayaking. A wide
variety of seashells wash ashore from the Atlantic Ocean – perfect for adding
to your collection. In the evening, the Beach
Shop & Grill is a comfortable spot that serves lowcountry-inspired
seafood that will make you want to come back to Topsail just for dinner!
Photo - Library of Congress
Outer Banks
Known as America’s First Beach, the Outer Banks stretch for approximately
200 miles. These barrier islands are a historic and popular destination for
many worldly travelers. Camping and fishing are a couple well-known activities to
do while visiting the OBX. The Wright Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil
Hills, NC commemorates the historic flights taken by the Wright Brothers in
1903 – a popular attraction for travelers who visit.
TriO – Wine Beer and
Cheese in Kitty Hawk, NC is a
neighborhood bistro featuring New American fare & live music. It is a
great, local spot for a night out with friends. The Sanderling Resort has a
world-class spa that offers signature treatments which draw from the unique
natural resources of the OBX coastline. A trip to the Sanderling will send you
back home refreshed and rejuvenated.
Thank you to all of the men and women who died serving and protecting our country. We appreciate your service every day, especially this weekend.
Contact Todd Jordan Photo for prints and photo use (toddjordanphoto@gmail.com).
Thank you to all of the men and women who died serving and protecting our country. We appreciate your service every day, especially this weekend.
Contact Todd Jordan Photo for prints and photo use (toddjordanphoto@gmail.com).
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