Crystal Coast Fishing Tournament Calendar
| Offshore and inshore tournaments. Surf fishing. |
Pamlico-Neuse Fishing Tournament Calendar
| Inshore tournaments. Bass & Rock fishing. |
Topsail Fishing Tournament Calendar
| Offshore and inshore tournaments. Surf fishing. |
Aurora Fossil Museum
Aurora
The Aurora Fossil Museum collects and displays fossils from the coastal regions of North Carolina and also from other places throughout the world. Their emphasis is on the preservation and display of numerous exhibits of fossil remains that come from the PCS Phosphate mining operation. Using these fossils, the museum tells the story of the formation of the Coastal Plain from the birth of the Atlantic Ocean to the present. The museum has an outdoor fossil bed where children can search for fossils, and the museum sponsors an annual Fossil Festival. Discover prehistoric man, ocean life fifteen million or more years ago and geological formations. The museum boasts a large collection of fossils from the nearby PCS Phosphate mine and allows visitors to see fossilized bones, teeth, shells and coral. aurorafossilmuseum.com
30 Acres and a Mule Farm
Jacksonville
Horses, ponies, family trailrides, hayrides pulled by "lucy the mule", picnic area/grills, play area, petting zoo, stable tour, bubbles the clown, company/church picnics, field trips and setting for outdoor weddings. 30acremule.com
Angola Creek Flatwoods Preserve
Pender County
nature.org
Bogue & Core Sounds
Morehead City, Beaufort, Harkers Island, Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Emerald Isle, Swansboro
Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge Artifacts
Beaufort
Those artifacts from Queen Anne's Revenge that have undergone conservation are on exhibit at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort. NCDCR
Beaufort Historic Site
Beaufort
Preservation efforts have kept Old Beaufort much as it was when the town incorporated in 1722. Tour beautifully restored historic homes interpreted in period style, the old jail, the oldest wood-framed courthouse in the state, an apothecary shop, and the Old Burying Ground. Take a tour aboard a vintage English double-decker bus and hear costumed guides tell tales of Beaufort’s rich past of pirates, star-crossed lovers and Confederate spies. Stroll through the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery and view the works of local and regional artists. Browse through the Old Beaufort Gift Shop’s extensive collection of books on local history, hand-woven rugs, locally carved decoys, fresh herbs, pottery, and much more. ## Located in the 400 block of Ann Street in Beaufort's Historic District, the oldest of the town's cemeteries was established in the early 1700s and was closed by the General Assembly in 1825, fully occupied. The town disagreed, however, and continued burying its loved ones there until the early 1900s. Old Burying Ground inhabitants include a child who died at sea and was buried in a keg of rum, the great NC privateer Capt. Otway Burns and the crew of the Crissie Wright who died when their great schooner went aground at Shackleford Banks during a January storm in 1886. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Burying Ground tells many stories of Colonial life in Beaufort, NC's third oldest town. Tours of the Old Burying Ground are offered by the Beaufort Historic Site from June through September on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Beaufort Historic Site
Josiah Bell House
Beaufort
Civil War: Union signalmen stood near here directing the fire against Fort Macon in 1862. Soon after, the port became an important Union coaling station for the blockade. Tour of the historic area includes the Bell house, home to a Confederate secret agent and the Old Burying Ground, where soldiers from both sides, free blacks and slaves are buried. beaufort-nc.com/bha/
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Crystal Coast
Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Emerald Isle, and the Cape Lookout National Seashore
Historic Bath State Historic Site
Bath
Historic Bath State Historic Site interprets 300 years of history of North Carolina's first town. Emphasis is given to the colonial period of Bath's history. The facility includes a visitors center and three historic houses that visitors can tour. NCDCR
Bath State Historic Site
Bath
Meander the streets of this historic waterfront community, which was the first incorporated town in NC. Home to Blackbeard the Pirate and the oldest church in North Carolina. Bath features guided tours of the Palmer-Marsh House (c. 1751), furnished Colonial home of wealthy official, and Bonner House (c. 1830), furnished home of a Bath planter. Van Der Veer House (c. 1790) is a self guided tour. Visit our on-site gift shop. The Bath State Historic Site is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. ## Ormond Amphitheater: This new amphitheater is being built for the Bath Tri-cenntenial celebration, and this summer will be the home of Blackbeard the Pirate, as well as other wonderful performances! historicbathnc.com
Belhaven Memorial Museum
Belhaven
The Belhaven Memorial Museum seeks to collect, display, and preserve historical and cultural artifacts and objects and to stimulate and encourage interest and support of the history, art, science, and culture of the Belhaven area, Beaufort County, and eastern North Carolina. The museum builds upon the unique and eclectic original collection of Mrs. Eva Blount Way and is housed on the second floor of the Belhaven Town Hall. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Museum began as the private collection by Eva Blount Way (1869-1962). Includes 30,000 buttons, dressed-flea wedding couple, antique dolls and toys, Civil War and World War artifacts, old money, furniture, farm tools, period fashions, an antique x-ray machine from a dentists office, and technological antiquities from around the world during the last two centuries. The Belhaven Memorial Museum is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. Belhaven Memorial Museum
Bath A.M.E. Zion Church
Bath
Archaeological site along the Bath Bay waterfront in Bath. Bath State Historic Site. Excavated in 1997, the site contains the foundation of the Bath A.M.E. Zion Church, built between 1895 and 1900. The church continued to be used into the 1930s but by 1940, it fell into such disrepair that it was abandoned and had disappeared by the 1950s. A plan to develop the property in the 1960s led to the discovery of an abandoned cemetery that contained some 42 unmarked graves. originalwashington.com
Bennett Vineyards
Edward
Bennett Vineyards is the largest muscadine and scuppernong vineyard in the Carolinas and lies on a 138-acre parcel of colonial grant land in North Carolina east of U.S. Highway 17 between the neuse and the Pamlico rivers. The wine is made in barrels in a converted tobacco barn using recipes and techniques that emulate those of the earliest colonisits. The winery offers tours and tastings. ncwines.com
Bannerman Vineyard
Burgaw
Grows six different varieties of native North Carolina muscadine grapes, including Carlos, Triumph, Nesbitt, Noble, Doreen and Magnolia. U-Pick business runs from the first of September until mid-October. Pender County Tourism
Botticelli Vineyards
Jacksonville
Visit this pick-your-own and pre-picked Muscadine grape vineyard and make your own wine! It’s a delightful place and there are a variety of grapes for your enjoyment. The owners are retired art teachers. So, come, sample the grapes and ask about sketches and classes! In fact, bring your camera, pastels, or sketch pad and create your own masterpiece. NCAGR
Black River Preserve
Pender County
nature.org
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Topsail Island Area
North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Topsail Beach
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Harkers Island
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center documents and preserves the cultural heritage of Core Sound through temporary exhibits, demonstrations and events. Its collection is the region's largest of waterfowl art and local decoys. Its gift shop has both antique and contemporary carvings. The Museum's exhibits and activities are located in its new building on Harkers Island, designed after traditional coastal North Carolina hunting clubs. Its community history archive is on line at www.downeasttour.com. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum brings together the historical, cultural, artistic, environmental, and educational elements of eastern North Carolina to preserve the rich waterfowl heritage associated with the Core Sound area. The museum, when completed, will display the history, culture, crafts and lifestyles of the individual communities of the area. coresound.com
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
In 1804, Congress authorized construction of a lighthouse on Cape Lookout, the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks barrier islands. Completed in 1812, the Cape Lookout light was reconstructed in 1859 to its height of 163 feet and, today, is still an acting aid to navigation. It was painted with its distinctive black and white diamond pattern in 1873. A new keeper's quarters was constructed at the same time. The keeper's quarters is accessible to visitors on a seasonal basis. There is no access by road to the undeveloped islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Ferry services are available from Davis, Atlantic, Harkers Island, Beaufort, and Morehead City. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Island
The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 to help protect wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. Fall and winter months bring thousands of waterfowl to the Refuge. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge nature.org recreation.gov
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of three undeveloped barrier islands covering 55 miles. Activities include: fishing, swimming, birding, boating, windsurfing, kayaking and shelling. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on south Core Banks and is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Primitive camping allowed. Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. Pets are allowed on leash, but they are not allowed on public ferries or in concession lodgings. Cape Lookout National Seashore, which includes the Cape Lookout Historic District, conserves and preserves for the future the outstanding natural resources of a dynamic coastal barrier island system; protects and interprets the significant cultural resources of the past and contemporary maritime history; provides for public education and enrichment through proactive interpretation and scientific study; and provides for sustainable use of recreation resources and opportunities. Cape Lookout National Seashore"> nature.org recreation.gov
Crystal Coast Jamboree
Morehead City
The Crystal Coast Jamboree is a LIVE musical revue in the tradition of Nashville, Branson and Myrtle Beach. The two-hour show combines country traditions with comedy, gospel, bluegrass, dance, tributes and music of the season. The large cast of talented vocalists and musicians delivers a show that all agree is the Best On The Coast! Include the Crystal Coast Jamboree in your plans. crystalcoastjamboree.com
Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Beaufort
Islands of the Rachel Carson Reserve parallel the Beaufort waterfront. These islands provide nesting for a great variety of shorebirds and an ecosystem that is home to clams, whelks, fish, fiddler crabs and other creatures that are critical to the food web. It is also home to feral horses that live wild. Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Carteret County Curb Market
Morehead City
Carteret County Curb Market, the oldest continuously operating curb market in North Carolina, opens each Saturday through Labor Day, 7:30–11:30 am at the corner of 13th and Evans streets in downtown Morehead City. Choose from fresh vegetables, local seafood, cut flowers, and a multitude of baked goods. A demonstration garden is available to view throughout the summer.
Croatan National Forest
Havelock
This coastal national forest contains 159,000 acres of estuary, hardwood forest, longleaf pine and pocosin. Recreation areas for camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, hiking and wildlife observation. Fishing and hunting. Free. Fee for developed campgrounds. recreation.gov unca.edu unca.edu (2) ncnatural.com
Fort Macon State Park
Atlantic Beach
Fort Macon interprets and preserves the history of this structure. Displayed throughout the fort is the history of the site and its military role from the pre-Civil War era through World War II. Exhibits include the hot shot furnace in the fort yard, bread oven, kitchen and supply areas, and exhibits on the Fort Macon soldier's life. ## Built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, this five-sided fort constructed of brick and stone was intermittently garrisoned before being seized by Confederate troops in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. Twenty-six casements are enclosed by outer walls 4.5 feet thick. In April, 1862 the fort was recaptured by Union forces. During the Reconstruction Era, it was used as a prison. Fort Macon was re garrisoned in 1898 for the Spanish-American War and from 1941-1945 during World War II. Today, Fort Macon is one of the finest surviving examples of 19th century military architecture and fortification. Areas of the fort have been restored to depict periods of soldier occupation. Civil War reenactments occur during summer months. You may tour the restored fort daily except Christmas day. Swimming, fishing, a nature trail and picnicking are available daily. Free ## Civil War: Built 1826-1834 to protect the deep-water port at Beaufort, this fort was taken by North Carolina militia in April 1861. Confederate occupation lasted a little more than a year. Fort Macon fell April 25, 1862 to a Union land-sea operation. The site remains in good shape and is maintained with its Civil War history in mind. Good exhibits located in the casemates. Frequent programs during the summer. Guided and self-guided tours available. Fort Macon State Park
Foscue Plantation House
Pollocksville
The Foscue Plantation House built in 1803-04 is open for tours. The house stands at the heart of a sprawling plantation, reputed to have covered up to 10,000 acres on the Trent River between New Bern and Pollocksville. Today, this tastefully restored Old South plantation house stands tall as a majestic reminder of the era. During the War Between the States, it reportedly served as a hospital for the Northern troops, and was the only house left standing along what is now US Highway 17. The home is available for viewing on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and by appointment. Contact Rozelle Wicks (910) 743-5531 or Karen Adams (252) 637-7232. co.jones.nc.us
Goose Creek Gameland
Aurora
Opened and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Goose Creek Gameland is a series of waterfowl impoundments, each about 200 acres in size on a peninsula on the south side of the Pamlico River between Aurora and Hobucken in Beaufort and Pamlico counties. The best time to observe waterfowl is from January 20 through February. The best time to see wading birds is from May to August. Impoundments are north and east of NC 33 and are best reached from several public launch sites nearby. The swamp forest is south and west of NC 33. Hunting occurs during fall, winter and April through May, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and holidays. The best time to visit the gameland is non-hunting days. Visitors will need a boat to see much of the area. The water can often be rough so boats 16 feet or longer are advised. originalwashington.com
Goose Creek State Park
Bath
Nature beckons you to experience the mysterious wonders of marsh and swamp along the borders of the Pamlico River and Goose Creek. Canoe the unhurried creeks, fish on the shores of the Pamlico River or learn more about wetlands. Birders and hikers are welcome. ## Goose Creek State Park seeks to preserve and to educate the public about the plantlife, wildlife, and ecosystems of the Goose Creek, Mallard Creek, Flatty Creek, and Pamlico River area through educational programs, permanent and traveling exhibits in the Environmental Education Center, and ongoing conservation projects in partnership with regional and local organizations. Permanent collections include mounted specimens of many of the animal species found in and around Goose Creek State Park. A five minute film is available to introduce visitors to sights in the park. The park's newletter, The Waterline, can accessed on the NC State Parks website, www.ncparks.net. Goose Creek State Park
The History Place
Morehead City
The Crystal Coast's newest attraction site is The History Place in downtown Morehead City. The History Place exhibits a widely varied collection that reflects the cultural history of North Carolina's coast from its indigenous Indians through World War II. The research library offers a broad Civil War collection and genealogy research materials. Tea room is on site. Admission is free. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. ## The History Place fosters and promotes public knowledge of and interest in the history and culture of the people of Carteret County. They accomplish this through the collection, preservation, interpretation, documentation, and exhibition of written and tangible materials. A spacious exhibit hall features displays on the culture and history of Carteret County. The museum maintains a library with over 4,000 volumes of American and North Carolina History. The library also collects and maintains a large collection of local history and genealogy material. Civil War items. thehistoryplace.org
Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail
Atlantic Beach
This 31-acre maritime forest serves as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plant communities in an enormous diversity of coastal habitats. The property is permanently protected by the NC Coastal Federation. It was purchased in 1996 with a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund. A low-impact 1/2-mile trail is open to the public during daylight hours and is located off Highway 58 in Atlantic Beach next to the Atlantic Station Shopping Center. Free trail guides are offered at the trail entrance. ## Civil War: Union position here became the base of operations against Confederate-held Fort Macon, five miles away, March-April 1862. From here, Federal artillery was dragged with difficulty up the beach to within range of the fort. nccoast.org
Hammocks Beach State Park
Swansboro
Venture to Bear Island and be rewarded with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. An 892-acre barren island with 3.5 miles of pristine beach. Backpack and primitive camping, swimming, wildlife viewing and shelling. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime year round but is best in the fall. Passenger ferry service is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children 6-12. Fee for camping is $9. Hammocks Beach State Park
Holland's Shelter Creek Outdoor Adventure
Burgaw
Stay in one of the ten cabins or at one of the full hook-up RV sites at Holland's Creek while enjoying several outdoor activities - boat and canoe rentals, hunting and fishing supplies, seafood restaurant on premises. hollandssheltercreek.com
Intracoastal Waterway
Camden County, Elizabeth City, Currituck County, Hyde County, Belhaven, Oriental, Morehead City, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach
Intracoastal Waterway
Camden County, Elizabeth City, Currituck County, Hyde County, Belhaven, Oriental, Morehead City, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
Topsail Beach
For more than ten years volunteers with the Topsail Turtle Project have monitored the beaches of Topsail Island, staking off and protecting the nests of endangered sea turtles. As the tiny hatchings emerge from their nests after about 60 days of incubation in the warm sand, the volunteers are there to make sure that the little turtles make it safely to the water. Visitors are welcome to tour the facility and learn about its current residents 5 days a week from June through August. Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Mill Creek Farms
Pollocksville
From mid-September to December 24th enjoy a range of events from hayrides to choosing your own Christmas tree. Farm tours by appointment; pumpkins, Indian corn, and gourds begin the season which concludes with Christmas events. millcreekfarms.net
Moores Creek National Battlefield
Currie
Site of one of the first battles in the South of the Revolutionary War and the first patriot victory of the war. Museum, audiovisual program, self-guided history and nature trails, and picnic area. ## Moores Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first southern battle and patriot victory in the American Revolution. The battle of Moores Creek Bridge reflected the internal conflict that marked the American Revolution, and the site serves to educate the public and the military community about 18th century politics and warfare. The 86-acre park encompasses the site of the original bridge, earthworks, battle ground and original roadways, and includes two walking trails interpreting the battle, a visitor center featuring an audiovisual presentation and exhibits, outdoor monuments commemorating specific individuals and events relevant to the site, and both indoor and outdoor picnic and classroom areas. Moores Creek National Battlefield "> recreation.gov
Montford Point Marines Museum
Jacksonville
The Montford Point Marines Museum exists to preserve the legacy of the Montford Point Marines and to collect, record, preserve, and display for public education and viewing, the largest collection of photographs, documents, papers and artifacts pertaining to these Marines in order to capture the unique history of African American Marines from 1942 to 1949. ## Museum that depicts the history of the Camp Johnson (formerly known as Montford Point) as the training facility for Black Marines from 1942 -1949. montfordpointmarines.com
Missiles and More Museum
Topsail Beach
Many permanent displays concerning Operation Bumblebee, the U.S. missile project that operated on Topsail Island during the 1940's. Displays and artifacts dating from World War II, artifacts and exhibits from prehistory to the present, displays chronicling the development of the three communities which co-exist on the island: Surf City, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach, and an exhibit on the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) who served at Camp Davis during WWII. Arrangements for visits may be made by calling 910-328-1950 or the Chamber of Commerce at (910)329-4446 or 1-800-626-2780. Tours during the off-season can be arranged by calling 910-328-1950. ## The Topsail Island Museum, Missiles and More, preserves and interprets artifacts, photos, and documents concerning the fascinating history of Topsail Island for the education and enjoyment of the public. Exhibits focus primarily on Operation Bumblebee, the secret US missiles testing project that operated on the island during the 1940's and on nearby Camp Davis where soldiers practiced antiaircraft firing. The museum is housed in the Assembly Building where many of the tested missiles were actually developed and built. Other exhibits interpret early Native American life on the island, the growth of the area as a vacation spot after government occupation, and the natural history of the island. topsailmissilesmuseum.org
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Beaufort
The North Carolina Maritime Museum documents, collects, preserves, and researches the maritime history, and its corollary natural history, of coastal North Carolina for the purpose of interpreting this history through educational services and exhibits for our contemporary society, and passing intact its material culture to future generations. The museum complex includes the main exhibit hall and the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center for the construction and restoration of wooden boats. The museum also maintains the Charles R. McNeill Library and archives with books, journals, photographs and manuscripts on or relating to maritime history. ## The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort preserves and interprets all aspects of the rich maritime heritage of the state through educational exhibits, programs and field trips. Exhibits take visitors from the dugout canoes of native Americans through the variety of sail rigs and hull designs of explorers, traders and privateers. They recall the brave traditions of the US Lifesaving Service and the African American heritage in that service and the menhaden fishery, tools of wooden boat builders and navigators, and repair shops of the earliest outboard engines. Artifacts from the shipwreck that is proving to be Blackbeard the pirate's flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge add the excitement of one of the most significant archeological finds of this century. In the museum's Watercraft Center, visitors watch the construction and restoration of wooden boats. Educational programming includes the Cape Lookout Studies Program, Boatbuilding Skills Classes, Summer Science School for Children and the Junior Sailing Program as well as field trips to coastal habitats, kayaking, adult, family, and private sailing instruction, sliding seat rowing, fossil hunting trips, birding trips, marine life collecting cruises, wildflower and mushroom walks. Quarterly calendars of year around museum activities are available on request. NC Maritime Museum
NCDOT Ferry System: Cedar Island / Ocracoke
Cedar Island - Ocracoke Island
Cedar Island is a small fishing village on NC Hwy 12 in eastern North Carolina. It is known for its seafood, wild horses and unique way of life. This beautiful little village is also the home of the Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry; this route is a 22-mile run and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Ocracoke is a tiny island community with huge things to offer its visitors: outstanding surfing and fishing, including several charter fishing services, beautiful beaches, one of the state's oldest lighthouses, and unique shopping opportunities. There are over a dozen motels, numerous rental properties, and many outstanding restaurants for travelers to vist during their stay. Whether you travel by bicycle, car or even walk on your visit to this picturesque section of our coast, you will not soon forget Cedar Island and Ocracoke.Reservations for this route are strongly recommended. ## Ocracoke is a tiny island community with huge things to offer its visitors: outstanding surfing and fishing, including several charter fishing services, beautiful beaches, one of the state's oldest lighthouses, and unique shopping opportunities. This beautiful little village is also the home of the Ocracoke to Cedar Island; this route is a 22-mile run and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Cedar Island is a small fishing village on NC Hwy 12 in eastern North Carolina. It is known for its seafood, wild horses and unique way of life and is a quaint, memborable part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you travel by bicycle, car or even walk on your visit to this picturesque section of our coast, you will not soon forget Ocracoke or Cedar Island. Reservations for this route are strongly recommended. North Carolina Ferry System
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Salter Path
Located in the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores includes nature trails open to birders and sightseers. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores was established to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. ncaquariums.com
NCDOT Ferry System: Bayview / Aurora
Bath - Aurora
Feel the wind on your cheeks as you breeze across the Pamlico River on this short ferry route. The ferry makes travel on the Pamlico River from the northern shore to the southern shore an adventure. North Carolina Ferry System
NCDOT Ferry System: Cherry Branch / Minnesott Beach
Oriental - Havelock
North Carolina Ferry System
Neuse River
New Bern, Havelock, Oriental
New River
North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville
The Neck Savanna Preserve
Pender County
nature.org
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Ocracoke Island
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is one of 44 Scenic Byways that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. From Whalebone Junction on the Outer Banks of NC, this 111 miles byway travels south along North Carolina Highway 12, on bridges and ferries across several inlets, and ending in Beaufort, NC. The Hyde County portion of this byway begins as you board the free ferry on Hatteras Island and ends on Ocracoke Island as you board a toll ferry to Cedar Island. The crossing time for the Hatteras Inlet to Ocracoke Island is about 35 minutes. The present Hatteras Inlet opened in 1846. Notice the wild horses while following North Carolina Highway 12 for 13 miles along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore across Ocracoke Island to the village of Ocracoke. The animals are Banker Ponies, descendants of horses brought by early explorers on ships wrecked in the Atlantic. A herd also is maintained on the islands south of Beaufort. Ocracoke was first called Wococon in the 1500s (when it was an Indian village) and has since gone through a series of names derived from the Algonquian for ''enclosed place.'' One of the oldest operating lighthouses on the Atlantic is located on Silver Lake, a tidal basin and harbor in the village of Ocracoke. The 75-foot tall Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built in 1823 and is the only operational lighthouse within a town. The Ocracoke Inlet, once North Carolina's primary trade inlet, was the site of the death of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard, who was killed on November 22, 1718. From Ocracoke Inlet, the Cedar Island ferry to Carteret County is a 2.5 hour ride to continue the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, or travel the Alligator River or Pamlico Scenic Byways by taking the toll ferry to Swan Quarter. Hyde County
Onslow County Museum
Richlands
The Onslow County Museum is a public, non-profit, educational institution whose purpose is to stimulate an interest in and teach about the cultural and natural history of Onslow County and its agricultural, marine, and industrial resources and development so that residents of and visitors to the county will be able to gain an understanding and appreciation of its past, present, and future. Towards this end, the museum collects, preserves, and interprets a wide variety of Onslow County documents, photographs, and artifacts. ## Presents the rich heritage of Onslow County and the surrounding area. Includes two exhibit galleries and a research room. The museum features continuously changing historic and contemporary exhibits. ## Civil War co.onslow.nc.us/museum
Onslow Council for the Arts
Jacksonville
The Onslow Council for the Arts has "years of experience, quality programs, [and a] strong arts in the schools program." This organization operates a gallery displaying changing exhibits of local, community, and regional art. The council also owns and periodically exhibits parts of its large permanent collection of two- and three-dimensional works. Their Sales Gallery features a wide variety of original gift items by area and regional artists, and their Calendar of Events provides a compilation of arts related programs in the community. The Council for the Arts also keeps a continually updated Art Directory listing visual, literary and performing artists, as well as arts related organizations in Onslow County. jaxarts.com
Penderlea Homestead Museum
20 minute drive west of Burgaw
Housed in a modest two-bedroom retired and restored farm home, the museum offers a peak at the implements and small luxuries of daily life in 1930s, photos of early Penderlea farmers, and era curiosities.
Penderlea Homestead Museum
Patsy Pond Nature Trail
Newport, north of Morehead City
The Patsy Pond area is located in the Croatan National Forest and is one of the most diverse natural areas in North Carolina. It is a place where plant species of a long leaf pine forest coexist with plant species of the state's coastine and barrier islands. Two well-marked trails exist - a 3/4-mile and a 1 3/4-mile trail. Free trail guides are available at the trail entrance located on Highway 24 directly across from the NC Coastal Federation offices in Ocean, about halfway between Morehead City and Swansboro. Trail use is open to the public during daylight hours. nccoast.org
Pamlico Sound
Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Hyde County, Cedar Island, Oriental
Pantego Academy Historical Museum
Pantego, near Belhaven
The museum located in the oldest school house in Beaufort County. Academy building was established in 1874, it became Pantego High School in 1907. Academy is on National register of Historic places. Preservation of the building and creating a museum for the Beaufort county ares is being done by the Pantego Academy Historical Museum Inc. , a non-profit association. Displays of early way of life, farming, lumbering, home and hearth are exhibits ready for veiwing. Other exhibits include 2 restored class room and Pantego High School artifacts. And Eva Blount Way of the Belhaven Museum DID attend school in our building! Located in the heart of Pantego on Academy street. Check website for hours. yeoldeacademy.com
Pamlico River
Washington, Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Hyde County
Pender County Tourism Office
Burgaw
We promote the scenic and beautiful Pender County, with a variety of historical and ecological attractions from Moore's Creek Battlefield, the first patriot victory of the Revolutionary War, now a national park, to the scenic Topsail Island, and everywhere in between. Come and experience the natural scenic beauty of Pender County, North Carolina's best kept secret! Pender County Tourism
Permuda Island Coastal Reserve
North Topsail Beach
ncnerr.org
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
Atlantic Beach
One of the few remaining maritime forests on the NC coast, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area offers an interpreted trail adjacent to and leading from the parking area of the NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores. Donated to the state by the family of the 26th President, this nature preserve attracts naturalists and photographers. Trail use is free. ncnatural.com
Shackleford Banks Wild Horses
Beaufort
The Shackleford Banks wild horses are a unique historic and cultural legacy of the Crystal Coast region. They are descended from a core group of Spanish mustangs of the earliest explorers of Colonial America. The herd numbers 100-125 horses that are the only inhabitants of this southernmost of the Outer Banks barrier island chain. Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. shacklefordhorses.org
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Bath
North Carolina's oldest church and in our oldest town! Still in use today. NCDCR
Wooden Boat Show
Beaufort
The first weekend of May brings classic wooden boats to the Beaufort waterfront to show off and to race. Events are scheduled at the NC Maritime Museum, the Museum's Watercraft Center and on the downtown waterfront in Beaufort. Exhibits are in place 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sail and rowing races are scheduled. Lectures and activities are scheduled throughout the week before the weekend exhibition. NC Maritime Museum
White Oak River
Swansboro, Emerald Isle
Watha State Fish Hatchery
Watha
Warm water hatchery in North Carolina. Feeding fish. Catfish and Striped Bass being raised. Please call to determine the activity of the day. ncwildlife.org
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