Sites to See

There’s more to living at the beach than dips in the oceans and offshore fishing. OK, so those things are really great. But there are loads of options in Eastern North Carolina when you get tired of feeling the warmth of the sand between your toes. Surrounded by museums, aquariums, historic sites and landmarks, there is so much to do beyond the beach that we could keep you busy every weekend for a year.

BEAUFORT HISTORIC SITE The trials and

tribulations of North Carolina’s third oldest town are preserved and remembered through the nearly 60-year-old Beaufort Historical Association and its accompanying site. With restored buildings and a variety of annual programs, the BHA transports visitors back to the first days of “Fish Towne.” Learn more at www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE

The 56-miles of Cape Lookout National Seashore is home to some of the most natural undeveloped stretches of beach to be found in the United States today. The three barrier islands that make up the park are only accessible by private boat or water ferry, so getting there may require a little planning as well as reservations during the busy summer months. But it’s well worth the journey. Find info at www.nps.gov/calo.

CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM &

must stop for anyone curious about this culturally-rich rural region. Once dependent on the water that surrounds it, Down East families entwined with boat building, decoy carving, hunting and fishing – a story that is told through community exhibits, artifacts and special programs. Details: 252728-1500, www.coresound.com.

CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST Ready for a

hike? Get back to nature with the Croatan National Forest, with its collection of hiking trails, boat launches, campgrounds and day-use areas. The Croatan is home to a large number of carnivorous plants native to the area, including the Venus flytrap. Headquarters is located at 141 East Fisher Ave., just outside of New Bern. Visit www.fs.usda. gov.

FORT MACON STATE PARK With a new visi-

tor’s center and a schedule of daily programs, the state’s second most visited park continues to draw visitors to the northern peak of Bogue Banks with its 385 acres of beach, dunes and maritime forest.

The well-preserved pentagonal brick fortress garrisoned for the Spanish-American War is always a favorite. Visit www.ncparks.gov.

HISTORY MUSEUM OF CARTERET COUNTY

Morehead City’s only museum focuses on the rich, abundant history of this waterfront area. Visit an early school room, peek in to Carteret County’s fishing industry and touch the wheels of spy Emeline Pigott’s carriage. The Jack Spencer Goodwin Library, lauded for its genealogy materials, is available for public research. Details: 252-247-7533, www.carterethistory. org.

NC AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES

From the Mountains to the Sea, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores explores the wildlife of North Carolina’s waterways with a focus on preservation of the state’s delicate ecosystems. One of the highlights, the 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck, features sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and hundreds of fish gliding around a three-quarter-scale replica of a German U-boat found off the coast. Details: 252-247-4003, www.ncaquariums.com.

NC MARITIME MUSEUM One of three mar-

itime museums in the state system, the flagship in Beaufort tells the tale of Eastern North Carolina’s long-standing relationship with the ocean. Museum staff members have been involved with the preservation of artifacts excavated from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard the Pirate’s vessel that was lost just outside Beaufort inlet. For more info, visit www. ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

NEW BERN FIREMEN’S MUSEUM Trace the

steps of the first chartered fire brigade, the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company, and its competitors, the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1. Established in 1955, the museum is currently raising funds to restore the Central Fire Station on Broad Street to its 1928 appearance, with hopes of relocating into the space. Details: 252-636-4087, www.newbernfiremuseum.com.

TRYON PALACE This regal centerpiece to New Bern’s historic districts is a reproduction of the mansion constructed in 1770 for Colonial Governor William Tryon, who, after spending just a year in the home, fled North Carolina to become governor of New York. The original home was destroyed by fire in 1798. Site includes the NC History Center, a state-of-the-art museum, theater and meeting space. Learn more at www.tryonpalace.org.

Tee time

Featured here are some of the best local courses when it comes to North Carolina’s “golf coast.”

Bear Trail Golf Club

444 Harris Creek Road, Jacksonville 910-346-8160

Brandywine Bay Golf Club

177 Brandywine Blvd., Morehead City 252-247-2541

Crystal Coast Country Club

152 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores 252-726-1034

Beaufort Club

300 Links Drive, Beaufort 252-728-5525

Star Hill Golf Club

202 Club House Drive, Cape Carteret 252-393-8111

Golf enthusiasts rave about how Eastern North Carolina suits them to a tee as soon as they discover the terrific and unique courses of the Crystal Coast. Most courses take full advantage of the area’s natural beauty and are built around maritime forests or near the water. When your eye’s not on the ball or focused on the hole, the Crystal Coast’s courses and their natural surroundings are sights to be seen. Spring and fall are considered two of the favorite times for golfing in the area with sunny days and cooler temps, but golfing is truly a year-round attraction in Eastern North Carolina as our terrific climate allows for play almost any time. Most courses feature clubhouses, resident pros, well-equipped pro shops and are open to the public at great rates. All you have to do is call for a tee time. And if you’re a Crystal Coast resident and golfer, ask about the courses’ benefit tournaments held throughout the year. The community is always looking for teams and individuals for tournament play to benefit local organizations.

Beach Days

While there are more than 100 access points tucked into neighborhoods along Bogue Banks, the 25-mile barrier island that runs from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle, they are generally designed for the residents who live in the area and offer limited to no parking for visitors. There are, however, a large number of public beach access points with generous parking for visitors to the area.

Several of the larger sites do charge for parking during the season (generally April-September). We have noted where a charge may be incurred. The list below follows the beach from the east to west.

FORT MACON STATE PARK At the end of Hwy 58, guests will find 277 free parking spaces near the fort with several beach access points on the other. Closer to Atlantic Beach, the Bath House area features 317 free parking spots, bathrooms, concessions and a boardwalk.

TOM DOE REGIONAL ACCESS Offers 47 paid

parking spaces, bathrooms, showers and a playground.

NEW BERN STREET In Atlantic Beach, this site offers 50 paid sites, bathrooms and showers.

THE CIRCLE & BATHHOUSE The Circle in At-

lantic Beach has paid parking for 146 vehicles and the nearby bathhouse has 64, along with picnic tables and outside showers.

MEMORIAL PARK In Pine Knoll Shores, just west of Mile Marker 6, this smaller beach access site offers paid parking for 35 cars, an overlook deck and a picnic table.

IRON STEAMER With 45 paid parking spaces, bathroom facilities and showers this popular spot at Mile Marker 7.5 is home to the former Iron Steamer Pier and the wreckage of the Confederate blockade runner Prevensey.

TRINITY CENTER This retreat at Mile Marker 9.5 reserves 20 free parking spaces for beach access under the water tower. Of note, parking is located on the south side of Hwy 58. outside showers, picnic tables and bathrooms and is located within the Roosevelt State Park area.

INDIAN BEACH This unpaid lot offers 36 parking spaces and a 4-wheel drive access ramp for off-season use.

EASTERN OCEAN REGIONAL ACCESS This

popular beach near Mile Marker 15 features 245 paid parking sites, a picnic gazebo, outdoor showers, bathrooms and drink machines.

WESTERN OCEAN REGIONAL ACCESS In

the curve of the Cameron Langston Bridge, this access site offers 250 paid parking slots, picnic area, showers and bathroom facilities.

RADIO ISLAND Located off the island between Morehead City and Beaufort, the Radio Island access provides plenty of parking, restrooms, showers and a narrow inland beach with limited wave action.

BARE FEET & SMILES WELCOME

Full Service is our Specialty! Since 1962, Emerald Isle Realty has been a family owned and operated business with an emphasis on superior service. If you are looking to RENT, RELOCATE or INVEST in our slice of heaven along the Crystal Coast, give us a call. We are exclusive and always looking to share our heart for hospitality. Join the Emerald Isle Realty family and be part of our 60 year tradition.

A Tradition on the North Carolina Coast Since 1962!

Fishing the Coast

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream provide the Crystal Coast with the longest fishing season on the Atlantic coast. The area is home to one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world for blue marlin; other fish caught along the Crystal Coast include bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, red drum, false albacore, sea trout, striped bass, cobia, sailfish, dolphin and wahoo depending on seasons. Many species, including drum and flounder, are caught surf fishing.

Saltwater and freshwater anglers age 16 and older must have a valid, state-issued recreational fishing license to take fish in North Carolina throughout the year. Specific regulations and restrictions apply including size and daily limits.

North Carolina offers a variety of fishing licenses from temporary to lifetime. Licenses for recreational fishing can be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org, by visiting the Div. of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City or through area fishing supply stores.

PUBLIC BOAT RAMP ACCESS

MUNICIPAL PARK IN MOREHEAD CITY, 3407 Arendell St.; several launching areas to the Intracoastal Waterway and parking for 33 boat trailers with additional parking at Marine Fisheries. 11TH AND SHEPARD STREETS, beach boat launching access strictly for canoes, kayaks and small sailing vessels; parking and two kayak racks available. SOUTH 10TH ST., Morehead City; large parking area, ramp is narrow and not conducive to certain vessels. Town recommended usage is for vessels under 16 feet. RADIO ISLAND BOAT RAMPS & PIER, located on the Beaufort side of the Morehead City Highrise Bridge, the site offers six boat launches, 56 truck/ trailer parking spots and restrooms as well as a 618-foot fishing pier. WEST BEAUFORT, Highway 70, Beaufort; launch site at Gallant’s Channel is handicap accessible, equipped with restrooms and 48 spaces for boat trailer parking. TAYLORS CREEK, 2370 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort; handicapped accessible with restrooms and parking for 31 boat trailers. STRAITS LANDING, 1648 Harkers Island Road, Straits; on North River, allows space for 39 boat trailers and is handicapped accessible. OYSTER CREEK CORE SOUND, 1300 Highway 70, Davis; on Core Sound with 15 boat trailer spaces. SALTERS CREEK, 200 Wildlife Ramp Road, Sea Level; 15 boat trailer spaces. CEDAR ISLAND, 115 Driftwood Drive, Cedar Island; on Pamlico Sound with 16 boat trailer spaces

MOONLIGHT DRIVE, Atlantic Beach Causeway; access ramp with minimal parking. EMERALD ISLE, 6800 Emerald Drive; handicapped accessible, has canoe access, restrooms and space for 112 boat trailers and 19 single-vehicle spaces. CEDAR POINT, 144 Cedar Point Blvd.; ramp access is handicapped accessible, has canoe access, fishing pier, 37 boat trailer spaces and 7 single-vehicle spots. NEWPORT RIVER, 333 E. Chatham St., Newport; boat ramp with nine spaces for boat trailers, handicap accessible with one parking space and a ramp to the dock, canal is shallow and not conducive to larger vessels.

FISHING PIERS

OCEANANA FISHING PIER, NC Hwy 58, Mile Marker 1; connected to the Oceanana Family Resort Motel in Atlantic Beach, this is a well-lit fishing pier carrying a blanket fishing license, so anglers are not required to have one. Equipment rentals are available. Onsite facilities include a bait and tackle shop with snack bar with grill and ample parking. For more information, visit www. oceanana.com. BOGUE INLET PIER, Hwy 58, Mile Marker 19; a 1,000-foot lighted wooden fishing pier with ample parking and access to the Emerald Isle beach. The Bogue Inlet Pier offers bathroom facilities, multiple fish cleaning stations, bait, tackle and snack bar on the premises. For more information, visit www.bogueinletpier.com. RADIO ISLAND PIER, located at the base of the Morehead City-Beaufort Highrise Bridge, the 618foot fishing pier is free and open daily.

Sometimes all we need is a little motivation and we’re at the water, rod and reel in hand. Here’s a look at some of this summer’s many regional fishing tournament – the perfect outdoor activity for the days of social distancing!

JULY

9-11: CCCF Spanish Mackerel/Dolphin Fishing Tour-

nament. Carteret Community College Foundation tourney helps raise funds for college programs and scholarships. Weigh-in is slated at Ottis Landing in downtown Morehead City. Details: 252-222-6143. 14-17: Big Rock - Kids Billfish Tournament. Promoting sport fishing and giving back to youth organizations in the area, this tournament brings out young people (16 and under) in hopes of passing the love of the sport on to a new generation. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to fish the event, however, boats will be an extra 25 points for billfish released by young anglers in this full-release tournament. Details: 252-2411515.

21-24: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tag and Release

Tournament. N.C. Billfish Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing on the Morehead City waterfront. Details: 252-237-3717 or www.bandthebillfish.com.

31-Aug. 1: Cape Lookout Shootout. This King Mackerel Series comes to Big Rock Landing in Morehead City. Subsequent tournaments are planned for September and October. Details: pointclickfish.com.

AUGUST

20-21: Sneads Ferry Rotary King Mackerel Tournament.

Sponsored by the Sneads Ferry Rotary Club, anglers will vie for over $40,000 in prizes during this Southern Kingfish Association sanctioned event. Details: 910546-0331, www.sfkmt.com.

13-21: Sarah James Fulcher Red Drum Fishing Tourna-

ment. Held on Cedar island, this tournament focuses on individual anglers. Registration is $50-$75. Kid friendly. Details: aperspective.org.

Headboat Bottom Fishing & Sport Fishing Charters

416 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach www.captstacy.com 252.726.4675 info@captstacy.com

Tide Tables

Tidal Time Difference Between Morehead City &:

HIGH LOW Atlantic Beach -:41 -:39 Atlantic Beach Bridge +:22 +:34 Beaufort Inlet -:19 -:17 Bogue Inlet -:13 -:13 Cape Lookout -:43 -:49 Harkers Island Bridge +1:26 +2:06

July High Low

Date AM PM AM PM 1 Th 1:38 2:27 8:07 8:30 2 F 2:31 3:23 8:54 9:35 3 Sa 3:25 4:17 9:40 10:37 4 Su 4:17 5:06 10:24 11:34 5 M 5:08 5:51 11:07 ------ 6 Tu 5:57 6:33 12:24 11:49 7 W 6:42 7:14 1:09 12:31 8 Th 7:25 7:53 1:50 1:12 9 F 8:06 8:32 2:30 1:53 10 Sa 8:46 9:10 3:08 2:33 11 Su 9:26 9:49 3:46 3:14 12 M 10:08 10:28 4:23 3:57 13 Tu 10:51 11:09 5:01 4:42 14 W 11:37 11:52 5:40 5:31 15 Th ------ 12:27 6:20 6:26 16 F 12:39 1:22 7:04 7:28 17 Sa 1:31 2:21 7:52 8:35 18 Su 2:28 3:22 8:44 9:46 19 M 3:30 4:24 9:40 10:55 20 Tu 4:35 5:25 10:39 ------ 21 W 5:38 6:23 12:00 11:38 22 Th 6:39 7:19 12:59 12:37 23 F 7:36 8:12 1:54 1:33 24 Sa 8:31 9:03 2:45 2:28 25 Su 9:24 9:52 3:34 3:21 26 M 10:15 10:39 4:21 4:13 27 Tu 11:05 11:25 5:06 5:05 28 W 11:56 ------ 5:50 5:57 29 Th 12:10 12:47 6:33 6:52 30 F 12:56 1:39 7:15 7:50 31 Sa 1:43 2:33 7:58 8:53 August High Low

Date AM PM AM PM 1 Su 2:34 3:28 8:44 9:56 2 M 3:29 4:22 9:32 10:57 3 Tu 4:26 5:13 10:22 11:50 4 W 5:20 6:01 11:13 ----- 5 Th 6:09 6:45 12:37 12:01 6 F 6:55 727 1:20 12:46 7 Sa 7:38 8:07 1:59 1:30 8 Su 8:19 8:46 2:37 2:13 9 M 9:01 9:25 3:14 2:57 10 Tu 9:43 10:04 3:50 3:42 11 W 10:27 10:46 4:27 4:29 12 Th 11:14 11:29 5:06 5:19 13 F ------ 12:04 5:47 6:15 14 Sa 12:17 12:59 6:32 7:16 15 Su 1:10 1:59 7:23 8:24 16 M 2:10 3:04 8:19 9:36 17 Tu 3:16 4:10 9:21 10:46 18 W 4:25 5:14 10:27 11:50 19 Th 5:31 6:14 11:31 ----- 20 F 6:31 7:08 12:47 12:31 21 Sa 7:26 7:59 1:38 1:26 22 Su 8:17 8:45 2:25 2:18 23 M 9:04 9:29 3:08 3:07 24 Tu 9:49 10:11 3:49 3:54 25 W 10:34 10:51 4:28 4:41 26 Th 11:17 11:31 5:05 5:27 27 F ------ 12:01 5:42 6:16 28 Sa 12:12 12:48 6:20 7:09 29 Su 12:56 1:38 7:01 8:07 30 M 1:46 2:34 7:48 9:11 31 Tu 2:43 3:34 8:42 10:15