For the ultimate experience of the North Carolina coastline, the ideal living situation is to rent a vacation home for one, two, or even four weeks. Homes come with as many as 12 bedrooms, guaranteeing complete privacy and isolation for a family or group of friends who want to get away together. A particular favorite is a six-bedroom home with panoramic Intracoastal Waterway and ocean views considered “one in a million.” The pool, hot tub, and bedroom decks all have breathtaking views of the water, making it impossible to leave. The homes are categorized according to size: there are Sand Castles, Island Sand Castles, Oceanfront Cottages, Oceanfront Duplexes, Second Row Cottages, Middle Row Cottages, Sound Front Cottages, and condominiums.
After a few days of relaxing by the pool and sleeping in with your bedroom’s deck doors open to listen to the sound of the ocean, it’s time to go out and explore all the activities on the coast. The town of Beaufort is known for being one of Blackbeard’s old hangouts. Recently, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, his ship was discovered a few miles offshore. For an experience given only to a privileged few each year, dive down and visit the famed pirate ship. After visiting the ship, stop and take a breath while walking through the shops and restaurants in the town. Beaufort Estate Jewelry & Bead does custom-designed jewelry and sells antiques. One hour is not enough time to look at all the impressive jewelry in the small, indiscreet store.
And when it gets too hot to walk, the Cru Wine Bar and Store is the ideal place to sit down, have a cheese plate and toast. They even make their own chocolate using Costa Rican techniques. After your tasting dock outside the Front Street Grill for a view of the ocean and a spectacular seafood dinner. The Sautéed Backfin Crab Cakes are soft and blend perfectly with the Key Lime Mustard Aioli. And even when you think you are full, it won’t be a surprise when you finish a plate of decadent chocolate cake layered with cheesecake.
But activities on the coast range beyond just eating and sitting around the pool. To get a view of an uninhabited island, take a kayaking trip around Hammocks Beach Island. The two-hour tour takes you around the island, through marshes, and can stop at certain spots for kayakers to walk around and experience the natural surroundings.
Another necessary stop is Shark Tooth Island, where hundreds of sharks’ teeth lie hidden in the sand. Going home with at least two or three teeth as souvenirs is a normal occurrence. The tours can go as long or as short as visitors want, and they can be guided or alone. To satisfy your appetite after your trip, a quick stop at Flipperz Family Bar & Grill will do the trick. The flounder served on their fresh sourdough bread is so generous, you have to eat most of it with a fork. They definitely know the sun’s ability to build up a large appetite.
For more of the Focused + Clear, order your copy of the August/September issue here.
Mia Guerra
Latest posts by Mia Guerra (see all)
- Five Wedding Details You Shouldn’t Forget While Planning - July 17, 2023
- Essential Considerations When Planning an Extension - July 17, 2023
- Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Contribute to a Greener World - July 17, 2023
