News Summary
The Crystal Coast, known for its stunning beaches and diverse activities, is becoming a popular travel destination as the beach season nears. A newly released guide offers insights on accommodations, dining, and local experiences, showcasing the rich culinary scene, including notable seafood restaurants and engaging activities for families and adventurers alike. The area has also seen recent economic growth with new job opportunities, attracting more visitors and families seeking a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
Morehead City, North Carolina – With beach season approaching, the Crystal Coast, an 85-mile stretch of coastline also known as the Southern Outer Banks, is gaining attention from travelers. Located under three hours from Raleigh and five from Charlotte, this coastal gem offers a variety of activities, dining options, and accommodations for visitors seeking a refreshing getaway.
A recently released guide provides detailed recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and activities to engage in while visiting the Crystal Coast. The author, who visited the area on a press trip, emphasizes personal opinions throughout the guide.
The dining scene along the Crystal Coast is notably diverse, featuring a strong emphasis on seafood. Highlights include:
- The Banks Grill: A breakfast haven in Morehead City, known for its delectable cinnamon rolls and a menu favored by locals.
- Noontide Coffee + Kitchen: Offers a modern and chic ambiance, perfect for enjoying smoothies, iced coffees, and breakfast sandwiches.
- The Trading Post: A Southern eatery situated in Emerald Isle, serving comfort food favorites such as shrimp and grits.
- Sugarloaf Island Deli and Yellowfin Pub: Provides indoor and outdoor dining with a waterfront view, presenting a casual menu alongside a selection of local beers.
- Amos Mosquito’s: This family-friendly restaurant in Atlantic Beach is renowned for its seafood offerings, including popular dishes like lobster-crab dip.
- Bahia Beach House & Surf Bar: Features Baja-inspired small plates and cocktails, creating a laid-back dining atmosphere.
- City Kitchen: A steakhouse located above Town Creek Marina in Beaufort, famous for its sticky toffee pudding.
The guide also suggests several lodging options, catering to various travel preferences. Potential stays include:
- Rental home with Emerald Isle Realty: The Pointe of View property in Atlantic Beach boasts eight bedrooms, a pool, and a theater room, ideal for families or large groups.
- The Inn on Turner: A boutique hotel in Beaufort offering Southern hospitality and meals prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
In addition to dining and accommodations, the guide outlines six recommended experiences organized by local businesses, tailored to enhance visitor engagement. Suggestions cover a range of interests, from wellness retreats to family-friendly activities.
Recent economic developments in the area include a $455,000 investment by 21st Century Software Technologies, which is projected to create around 25 jobs in Morehead City. These positions will focus on software engineering and support, with average salaries of $87,920. The decision to establish the business in the Crystal Coast is attributed to its affordability, available talent pool, and appealing quality of life, making it an attractive location for families due to its good educational environment and access to fresh seafood.
Wildlife encounters have also been notable in the region, with a recent sighting of a humpback whale near Bald Head Island during a routine dolphin survey. The pristine water clarity at Emerald Isle beaches remains exceptional, characterized by a distinct blue-green hue that visitors find astonishing. This enhanced water color can be credited to the unusually low storm activity experienced last summer.
Visitors to the Crystal Coast can choose from an array of activities catering to all interests. Popular options include surfing lessons, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, as well as diving excursions to explore local marine life and shipwrecks. The area’s welcoming community and family-focused atmosphere continue to draw in repeat visitors, further solidifying the Crystal Coast as a favorite destination for vacationers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Discovering the Crystal Coast: A Gem of North Carolina
Discovering the Crystal Coast: A Coastal Paradise
MrBeast Purchases Tiny Island for Just One Dollar
Set Sail for Adventure: Discover Outer Banks-Inspired Destinations Across the Coast
Additional Resources
- Axios: Crystal Coast Itinerary Guide
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- Business North Carolina: Software Company Relocation
- Google Search: Crystal Coast North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer: North Carolina News
- Google Scholar: Crystal Coast
- Southern Living: Clearest Water in North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crystal Coast
- Charlotte Observer: Travel Guide
- Google News: Crystal Coast News
