Crystal Coast Relocation Guide by Bluewater Vacation Rentals

REAL ESTATE

VACATION RENTALS

INSURANCE

relocating to the

crystal coast

b r i n g i n g fa m i l i e s h o m e to t h e c rys t a l c oa s t s i n c e 1 9 8 6

REAL ESTATE

VACATION RENTALS

INSURANCE

Welcome to the

Crystal Coast Thank you for allowing us to find your new home on the Crystal Coast. Our firm strives to give you the absolute best service and hospitality as we welcome you and your family to the Crystal Coast, your new home. This Relocation Guide is designed to help you get acclimated to the Crystal Coast lifestyle and highlights many of the wonderful features, events, and local flavor that our community has to offer. If there are any other questions you have along the way, please know that our doors are always open.

thank you woody warren

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

sherrell futral

the crystal coast Over 85 miles of sand on one of the only south-facing coastlines on the eastern seaboard, made up of small communities brimming with southern charm is what you will find on the Crystal Coast. Aptly named for the shining waters and unique qualities our region is blessed with, we truly believe this is the "gem" of North Carolina's coast. With history, nature, shopping, antique and art hunting, wine and dining and of course, our sugar-soft sands under stunning sunrises and sunsets, what more could you ask for in your new coastal community?

Ap p r ox i mate d r ivi ng d ist anc e to th e C rystal Coast i n m i les

Raleigh, NC Trenton, NJ Columbia, SC Albany, NY Atlanta, GA Knoxville, TN Winston-Salem, NC Boston, MA

152 513 285 705 498 510 257 784

Richmond, VA Cincinnati, OH Charleston, WV Baltimore, MD Lexington, KY Columbus, OH Washington, DC Pittsburgh, PA

N ear by Ai r po rts an d Locatio ns

266 671 472 423 647 630 364 585

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport New Bern (EWN) 46 miles Albert J. Ellis Airport Jacksonville (OAJ) 45 miles Kinston Regional Jetport Kinston (ISO) 71 miles Wilmington International Airport Wilmington (ILM) 84 miles Raleigh-Durham International Airport Raleigh (RDU) 165 miles

M e e t B lu ew a t e r We are blessed to have served our Crystal Coast community over the last 34 years through real estate development, real estate sales, property management, vacation & long term rentals, custom building, pool & spa design and personal & commercial insurance. We take pride in being a full-service company and look forward to sharing our insights with you. With over three decades of experience, no other company can say they are true experts of coastal living and investing. Simply put, Bluewater Real Estate delivers stellar service with exceptional results. Our skilled Bluewater Real Estate sales team consists of Realtors, marketers, photographers, stagers, contractors and developers and are well known throughout the real estate industry for our ethics and client care. Bluewater’s Realtors have more than 800 years of combined experience in real estate and development. Our firm strives to give the absolute best service to our clients and our Crystal Coast community.

what people are saying “After vacationing with them for years we relocated to the coast from Charlotte, NC. Responsive, helpful, available, knowledgeable and friendly. We could not have wished for better service.”

“An excellent venture. I would recommend Bluewater to anyone interested in buying or selling property on the Crystal Coast. I know many Realtors in the area and I feel that I chose the best!”

Joyce B.

Phillip M. Emerald Isle, NC

Newport, NC

“Working with Buewater Real Estate was a real pleasure and joy. I would highly recommend them to anyone asking about buying property in the area”

Gary and Teresa E. Matthews, NC

“My experience with Bluewater has been very good! Due to living in a different time zone, it could have been a difficult time for me, but I had complete confidence in my agent. I was kept well informed and up to date during the showing period. The closing was handled efficiently and timely.”

“Bluewater Real Estate helped us find our forever home. Our agent was very patient with us and worked hard to find us everything we wanted. They are experts in the real estate field and walked us through every step of the process. We are so thankful for their agents and entire team.”

Joanne D.

Jacqueline L.

Washington

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

Morehead City, NC

meet our towns sw a n s b o r o The “Friendly City by the Sea” is most known for its historic downtown district overlooking the water. The quaint village atmosphere and historic downtown area offers shopping in an area alive with restaurants and boutiques. Swansboro hosts the Arts by the Sea Festival, SwanFest, Mullet Festival and annual fishing tournaments.

e m e rald is le Named one of the “Best Family Beaches” in the US, outdoorsy locals are in heaven with activities this town has to offer. Miles of walking, jogging and bike paths and nature trails allow you to enjoy this pristine natural environment. You can spot whitetailed deer throughout the island. The Point is a must to watch the absolutely breathtaking sunsets on our coast!

s a lt e r pa t h

i n d i a n b e ac h

Known for its history as an old fishing village, Salter Path and Indian Beach are centrally located on the island allowing for easy access to the restaurants and shopping neighboring towns. These two quiet towns boast exceptional beaches and soundside accesses.

p i n e kno ll s ho r es

a t l a n t i c b e ac h

Home of the 265-acre Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area, Pine Knoll Shores is a unique gem of Bogue Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium is located here and offers a variety of marine species including sea horses, lionfish, sharks and a sea turtle nursery! Nature trails and lush overhanging trees offer a one-of-a-kind walk above tidal marshes where marine creatures live and the shore birds wade.

Atlantic Beach has a retro “beach-town” feel of days past and has been North Carolina’s “go-to” beach since the 1930s. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, the town is full of restaurants, shopping spots, public parks, a boardwalk, splash pad, skate park and beach accesses that will draw you into their crystal shores. It’s also home to the most visited State Park, the historic Civil War Fort, Fort Macon.

mo r e h ead c i ty

n ewpo rt

Downtown Morehead City has alluring waterfront appeal lined with charter boats, legendary seafood restaurants and charming shops all overlooking Sugarloaf Island. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament is held annually in June with crowds gathering daily at the weigh station! Morehead City is also home of the NC Seafood Festival which is held every year on the first weekend in October!

The ‘Town with Old-Fashioned Courtesy’ is the largest geographic town in Carteret County from farmland to coastal homes. Newport is a tightknit community comprised of about 4,500 residents, many of whom are families connected to the MCAS Cherry Point, just a few miles away in Havelock.

b e au fo r t

d o w n e as t

The 3rd oldest town in North Carolina was voted by Southern Living as “The South’s Best Small Town” in 2019! Its Bahamian and West-Indian style architecture, stunning water views, specialty shops, decadent restaurants and close ties with a notorious pirate make this town explode with charm. Watch the feral horses from the banks or board a ferry to explore the waters. Hop atop the English Double-Decker bus and tour the historic fishing village to see Blackbeard’s home and the mysterious Old Burial Ground.

Down East is comprised of a few coastal communities located east of Beaufort. Known for their slow-paced living and thriving commercial fishing industries, it’s safe to say that many of the people living here spend more time on the water than on land. The scenic byway of U.S. Route 70 is a great way to appreciate the unique coastal ecosystem of this area and the trusted route to the Cedar Island Ferry leading to Ocracoke. The annual Core Sound Decoy Festival draws in people throughout the coast to celebrate the heritage of hand-crafted duck decoys.

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seasons on our coast summer

As the water and air temperatures warm up, the local birds, dolphins and an occasional whale show themselves along our coast. Warmer weather and waters mean comfortable weather for fishing and other outdoor adventures such as laying in the sun with a nice, cool breeze. Kayaking and standup paddleboarding are great activities for those who enjoy getting their workout on the water. Walking along the waterfront streets of Beaufort, Swansboro and Morehead City is a relaxing way to spend the day. The fishing piers open back up, flowers bloom, deer sightings are common and we can finally rejoice that spring has sprung!

Summer means being outside! From enjoying various water sports on the island to conquering Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, the things to do are limitless while living on the Crystal Coast! Whether you’re attending Fourth of July events, summer concerts, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament or just enjoying a day at the beach, the Crystal Coast has much to offer during the summer. Take a ferry over to Shackleford Banks to watch the wild ponies, go shelling and hunting for sand dollars, take a boat tour with the pirates, kayak the Intracoastal or board a fishing charter into the gulf stream for a big catch. Summer on the coast will be a highlight each year!

T E MP E R ATU RE AVE R AG E H IG H : 7 0 ° F | AVE R AG E LOW: 5 5 ° F

T E MP E R AT U R E AVE R AGE HIGH: 8 5 ° F | AVE R AGE LOW: 7 3°F

WAT E R T E MP E R ATU RE AVE R AG E H IG H : 7 1 ° F | AVE R AG E LOW: 6 5 ° F

WAT E R T E MP E R AT U R E AVE R AGE HIGH: 8 3° F | AVE R AGE LOW: 80°F

MARC H Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival Shamrock Run & Roll Swansboro Rotary Oyster Roast Emerald Isle Marathon Restaurant Week

JUNE Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour Kayak for the Warriors Bogue Banks Kiteboarding Festival Alive at 5 Outdoor Concerts

local events

spring

AP R I L Newport Pig Pickin’ Beaufort Wine & Food Festival Bites & Blues Festival Vin de Mer Wine Festival Beaufort Historic Site Easter Egg Hunt Emerald Isle & Morehead City Egg Hunts Carteret County Bark for Art M AY MCAS Cherry Point Air Show Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show Crystal Coast Boat Show Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Fireworks Morehead City Marlins Baseball Begins Beaufort Music Festival Atlantic Beach Music Festival Crystal Kai SUP Cup Bike the Banks

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

J U LY Emerald Isle Bike Ride Independence Day Celebrations Buddy Peletier Memorial Surf Contest Ducks Unlimited Billfish Tournament Story Telling Festival Movie Night in Atlantic Beach Barta Boys & Girls Billfish Tournament Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium Shark Week AU G U S T National Night Out O.W.L.S. Sandcastle Contest Beaufort Pirate Invasion Crystal Coast County Fair Rachel Carson Reserve Field Trips Chamber of Commerce Reverse Drawing Summer Taste of Core Sound

fall

winter

Though summer may be over, fall is the perfect time to live on the Crystal Coast! While avoiding the summer crowds and enjoying the water still being warm, the weather is beautiful and perfect for a day at the beach. Fall in the Southern Outer Banks is a fisherman’s dream as some of the favorite-to-catch species are swimming wild. Secretly, it is the locals’ favorite time of year. The beaches are clearing out, festivals have begun and the milder temperatures make it a great time of year for your 4-legged family members. Also, oyster season is back in full swing - a must indulgence. Smoked, steamed, fried or raw - whatever you fancy, fall is one of the best times to dine!

You may not want to dive in the water unless you like a polar plunge or are catching some waves with a wetsuit. Oftentimes, the weather is still warm enough to take a relaxing stroll along the beach and the best part - no crowds! Hovering over the vast ocean waters of the Atlantic, Crystal Coast sunrises and sunsets are a breathtaking sight from the beach in the winter. With plenty of holiday festivities to keep you busy this time of year, various towns host annual Flotillas, a floating light parade where boats are decorated in themed-lighting and drift by the waterfronts. Be on the lookout for some opportunities for the kids to have breakfast with Santa!

T E MP E R ATU RE AVE R AG E H IG H : 7 3 ° F | AVE R AG E LOW: 5 8 ° F

T E MP E R AT U R E AVE R AGE HIGH: 5 7° F | AVE R AGE LOW: 4 0°F

WAT E R T E MP E R ATU RE AVE R AG E H IG H : 7 7 ° F | AVE R AG E LOW: 7 3 ° F

WAT E R T E MP E R AT U R E AVE R AGE HIGH: 6 6 ° F | AVE R AGE LOW: 61°F

S EPTEM B ER Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival Crystal Coast Grand Prix Beaufort Brewin’ Beer Festival Atlantic Beach Saltwater Classic Emerald Isle Day-4-Kids Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament Coastal Cuisine & Craft Beer Festival Beer, Bubbles and BBQ Festival

D EC E M B E R Morehead City Christmas Festival Crystal Coast Flotilla Festival of Trees Breakfast with Santa Holiday Arts Fair Emerald Isle Santa and a Movie Historic Beaufort Holiday Art Walk Beaufort Claus Pub Crawl Core Sound Decoy Festival Beaufort Candlelight Tour New Year’s Eve Pirate Drop in Beaufort Morehead City New Year’s Crab Pot Drop

O C TO B E R N.C. Seafood Festival Swansboro Mullet Festival Calcutta Wahoo Challenge Carolina Kite Festival Emerald Isle Triathlon Gordy McAdams Tournament N.C. Festival By The Sea Town of Emerald Isle Trick or Treat Trunk or Treat at the Aquarium N OV E M B E R Emerald Isle Holiday Parade Emerald Isle Tree Lighting & Flotilla Swansboro Flotilla Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast Crystal Coast Oyster Festival Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament Shop, Savor and Sip Fashion Show

J A N UA RY First Day Hike Penguin Plunge New Year’s Crab Pot Drop Beaufort’s Clam Chowder Cook-Off F E B R UA RY Carolina Chocolate Festival Art from the Heart Show Hope Missions Empty Bowls Winter Taste of Core Sound Mardi Gras on Middle Lane in Beaufort

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your neighborhood COUNTY OFFICES License Plate Agency (252) 726-7695 3025 H Bridges Street Morehead City

Board of Elections (252) 728-8460 1702 Live Oak Street Suite 200 Beaufort

DMV (252) 726-5111 5347 US 70 West Morehead City

Tax Office (252) 728-8485 302 Court House Sqaure Beaufort

Court House (252) 504-4400 300 Court House Sqaure Beaufort

Planning & Inspections (252) 402-8545 402 Broad Street Beaufort

MEDICAL SERVICES Med First Urgent Care (252) 354-6500 7901 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle

Carteret General Hospital (252) 808-6000 3500 Arendell Street Morehead City

Seaside Family Practice (252) 728-2328 407 Live Oak Street Beaufort

Beach Care Urgent Center (252) 808-3696 5059 Hwy 70 West Morehead City

Western Carteret Medical (252) 393-6543 718 Cedar Point Boulevard Swansboro

FastMed Urgent Care (252) 622-4033 3722 Bridges Street Morehead City

VETERINARY SERVICES Brigadoon Animal Hospital (252) 393-6581 1074 Cedar Point Boulevard Cedar Point

Pet Docks Veterinary Hospital (252) 240-3885 5307 Hwy 70 West Morehead City

Morehead Animal Hospital (252) 726-0181 176 Highway 24 East Morehead City

Austin Veterinary Hospital (252) 838-9028 1550 Lennoxville Road Beaufort

POST OFFICES Morehead City 3500 Bridges Street (252) 726-0920

Newport 337 Howard Boulevard (252) 223-4638

Atlantic Beach 1516 West Fort Macon Road (252) 726-5630

Harkers Island 823 Island Road (252) 728-2924

Beaufort 1903 Live Oak Street (252) 728-1812

Emerald Isle 142 Eastview Drive (252) 354-6677

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

TOWN HALLS Atlantic Beach (252) 726-2121 125 West Fort Macon Road

Indian Beach & Salter Path (252) 247-3344 1400 Salter Path Road

Beaufort (252) 728-2141 701 Front Street

Morehead City (252) 726-6848 706 Arendell Street

Bogue (252) 393-3055 121 Chimney Branch Road

Newport (252) 223-4749 200 Howard Blvd

Cape Carteret (252) 393-8483 102 Dolphin Street

Pine Knoll Shores (252) 257-4354 100 Municipal Circle

Cedar Point (252) 393-7898 427 Sherwood Avenue

Peletier (252) 393-8666 1603 Highway 58

Emerald Isle (252) 354-3424 7500 Emerald Drive

PUBLIC PARKS ON THE ISLAND Fort Macon State Park 2210 Fort Macon Road Historical Site, Beach Access, Walking Trails & Bike Trails Atlantic Beach Town Park 915 W Fort Macon Road Picnic Area, Concessions, Playground, Summer Outdoor Movies, Splash Pad, Skatepark & Mini Golf

Salter Path Park 126 Ball Park Drive Athletic Field Blue Heron Park 7500 Emerald Drive Picnic Area, Playground, Tennis & Basketball Courts Emerald Isle Woods Park 9404 Coast Guard Rd Picnic Area, Trails & Frisbee Golf

MAINLAND Western Park 275 Old Hwy 58 Trail Cedar Point Athletic Fields & Playground Fort Benjamin 100 McQueen Avenue Newport Athletic Fields, Playground & Frisbee Golf Swinson Park 145 Swinson Park Road Morehead City Athletic fields, Playground & Handicap Playground

Morehead Sports Complex 220 Mayberry Loop Road Athletic Fields, Picnic Area, Fitness Trail & Basketball Courts Shevans Park 1501 Evans Street Morehead City Picnic Area, Playground & Tennis Courts Freedom Park 201 Freedom Park Drive Beaufort Playground & Athletic Fields

school district

EMERALD ISLE

& CAPE CARTERET

White Oak Elementary School Bogue Sound Elementary School Broad Creek Middle School Croatan High School

B B B A

800 students 430 students 650 students 900 students

16:1 13:1 16:1 16:1

C B B B B A B

750 students 430 students 800 students 650 students 420 students 900 students 1275 students

13:1 13:1 16:1 16:1 12:1 16:1 16:1

NEWPORT Newport Elementary School Bogue Sound Elementary School White Oak Elementary School Broad Creek Middle School Newport Middle School Croatan High School West Carteret High School

MOREHEAD CITY

& ATLANTIC BEACH

Morehead City Primary School Morehead Elementary at Camp Glen Morehead Middle School West Carteret High School

BEAUFORT

B B B B

575 students 300 students 500 students 1275 students

& DOWN EAST

Beaufort Elementary School Tiller Charter Elementary School Atlantic Elementary School Harkers Island Elementary School Smyrna Elementary School Down East Middle School Beaufort Middle School East Carteret High School

C B B B B C B A

490 students 200 students 100 students 100 students 275 students 275 students 275 students 600 students

12:1 13:1 13:1 16:1

13:1 13:1 10:1 14:1 11:1 11:1 13:1 14:1

EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Marine Science & Technology

200 students

10:1

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Carteret Community College offers opportunities for lifelong learning through high quality traditional and distance learning, teaching, training, support and enrichment with the intended purpose of improving the quality of life for all citizens of Carteret County and eastern North Carolina. With an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, smaller class sizes allow students more opportunities to ask questions, contribute to discussions and get to know their instructors.

C O U N T Y

Each individual school’s 2019 school performance grade, approximate number of students, and student-teacher ratios are provided below.

C A R T E R E T

The Carteret County School District has maintained an excellent tradition for being among the best for many years. It is comprised of nine elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools. Carteret County Schools are one of the highest ranked school systems in North Carolina. In 2019, our high schools earned the highest end-of-grade and end-of-course test scores in the entire state!

D E M O G R A P H I C S

COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS Population Estimate: 69,524 Median Age: 47.4 Number of Housing Units: 50,725 Median Property Value: $197,700 Annual Employment: 30,386 Annual Unemployment Rate: 4.3% Median Household Income: $51,584 Poverty Rate: 12.5% ‘19-’20 County Property Tax Rate $0.3100/$100 value ‘19-’20 City Property Tax Rates Range $0.05-$0.357/$100 value

2018 LOCAL BUSINESSES Total Private Industry: 2,111 Manufacturing: 63 Self-Employed: 3,017 Total Retail Businesses: 758 Number of Employees: 30,098

QUALITY OF LIFE Number of Physicians: 111 Number of Physicians/10,000 Population: 15.7 Number of Dentists/10,000 Population: 4.4 Licensed Child Care Facilities: 25 Licensed Child Care Enrollment: 998

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hitting the beach HANDICAP ACCESSES These accesses have ramps for easy access getting to and from the sand. Beach-Friendly wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from local fire departments.

ATLANTIC BEACH “Circle” Regional Access, New Bern Street, Tom Doe Regional Access

EMERALD ISLE

BEACH PARKING ATLANTIC BEACH “Circle” Regional Access 201 West Atlantic Boulevard Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, volleyball courts Tom Doe Regional Access 104 Ocean Boulevard Bathhouse, playground, handicap ramp Fort Macon State Park 901 Fort Macon Road Bathhouse New Bern Street Access 177 New Bern Street Bathhouse, showers, picnic tables, swings, ramp access

Channel Drive, Wyndtree Drive, Page Place, Ocean Oaks Drive, Bluewater Drive, Seagull Drive, Western Regional Access, Eastern Regional Access, and 3rd Street Park

SALTER PATH

& INDIAN BEACH

Indian Beach Vehicle Access and Iron Steamer Regional Access

BEACH DRIVING A valid driver’s license and vehicle registration must be presented at the time of purchase. 4-wheel drive vehicles are required. ATVs are not allowed on the beach at any time.

EMERALD ISLE Beach driving is allowed from mid-September into April Annual permits are available for purchase for $50 (EI residents) and $100 (non-residents) at the Police Department.

EMERALD ISLE

ATLANTIC BEACH

Eastern Regional Access 2701 Emerald Drive Bathhouse, grills, picnic pavillion

Beach driving is allowed from October into March

Western Regional Access 101 Islander Drive Bathhouse, grills, volleyball courts, picnic pavillion

Annual permits are available for purchase for $50 (AB residents) and $75 (non-residents) at the Town Hall during regular business hours and at the Fire Department on the weekends.

PINE KNOLL SHORES

LIFEGUARDS

Iron Steamer Regional Access 345 Salter Path Road Restrooms, outdoor showers

EMERALD ISLE

SALTER PATH

On duty from 10am to 5pm during the summer. They are located at the Western and Eastern Regional Beach Accesses. Additional lifeguards patrol the beach between the two accesses.

Salter Path Regional Access 1050 Salter Path Road

ATLANTIC BEACH On duty from 9am to 6pm during the summer at the “Circle” and at Fort Macon State Park from 10am to 5:45pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

hurricanes on our coast hurricane season June 1 to November 30

know th e d i ffe r e nc e

protecting your family

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Talk with your family about what to do if a hurricane strikes and have a plan. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a fire-safe box. You may need quick, easy access to these documents. Keep them in a safe place less likely to be damaged if a hurricane causes flooding. Take pictures on a phone and keep copies of important documents and files on a flash drive that you can carry with you.

Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts. Find an online NOAA radio station or search for a NOAA radio app in the App Store or Google Play.

p r ot e c t i n g yo u r ho m e

take when leaving home

b r i ng when returning home

Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in one-half inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit all your doors and windows.

Photographs of all your belongings in your home Re-entry permit for island residents Government-issued photo ID, passports and, proof of address Important phone numbers and cell phone chargers Insurance documents First aid kit Family documents, photos, and anything that can not be replaced Everyone in your family - including your pets Clothes and toiletry items for everyone in the household - for a week Fill the cars you are taking with gas

Government-issued photo ID, passports and, proof of address Re-entry permit for island residents Important phone numbers and cell phone chargers Bottled water and non-perishable foods First aid kit, insect repellent & sunscreen Personal hygiene products, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper Long-sleeved shirts, long pants & sturdy waterproof boots Flashlight, batteries & portable radio Cameras for insurance claim photos Bleach, work gloves, mops, brooms, rags, multi-purpose cleaner, trash bags, buckets, sponges, chainsaw, tarps, etc. If you lost power, a generator and filled gas cans

Identify a place to store lawn furniture, outdoor toys, gardening tools and trash cans (away from stairs and exits) to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone or damaging property. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings. Remember that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, but flood insurance does. Get more information at www.FloodSmart.gov.

Food and drinks for your travels

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r e e l adve n t u r e fish i ng LICENSE

b oa t lau nc h es Emerald Isle Intracoastal Waterway 6800 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle Woods Park, Kelly Street, Cedar Street, 13th Street Morehead City Intracoastal Waterway 3407 Arendell Street Cedar Point (Swansboro) 144 Cedar Point Boulevard Beaufort (Taylor’s Creek) 2370 Lennoxville Road Harkers Island 1604 Harkers Island Road

Everyone 16 years of age and older are required to have their own individual North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (NC-CRFL). Our public piers (Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and Oceanana Pier) require private passes to use their facilities. Swansboro Wal-Mart Emerald Isle The Reel Outdoors K&V Grocery

Atlantic Beach Freeman’s Bait & Tackle Chasin’ Tails Outdoors Morehead City Dick’s Sporting Goods Wal-Mart

surf&pi er

B L AC K D R U M

d eep s ea

B LU E M A R L I N

March, April, May, September, October, November, December

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FLO U N D ER

GROUPER

June, July, August, September, October, November, December

STR I P ED BASS January, February, March, April, October, November, December

S EA M U LLET April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

S PA N I S H M A C K E R E L

May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

K I N G M AC K E R E L June, July, August, September, October, November, December

YELLOWFI N TU NA February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

MAH I-MAH I

May, June, July, August, September

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

RED DRUM

S PA N I S H M A C K E R E L

March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December

May, June, July, August, September, October, November

B LU E F I S H

B LU E F I N T U N A

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

January, February, November, December

S EA BASS June, July, August, September, October, November, December

B L AC K F I N T U N A May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

THE DIAMOND LADY

& HER PONIES

cape lookout lighthouse

shackleford ponies

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of seven statuesque beacons that sprinkle North Carolina's coastline and the second lighthouse to light up our coastline. She was built to replace the original lighthouse on Cape Lookout National Seashore, which was too short, and has been shining since 1859. Found three miles off the shore of Beaufort, you’re greeted by the tall “Diamond Lady,” stretching 188 steps into the sky. The island, which touches both the inlet and the wide-open Atlantic Ocean, is perfect for shelling, swimming and camping.

Since the 16th century, this herd has roamed the barrier islands. Foraging and digging underground for fresh water, this herd of over one-hundred ponies survives with limited human interaction. It is thought that the blonde tufted ponies are descendants of the Viking ponies that were shipwrecked here, with the rest coming from Spanish explorers.

Ferry services Harkers Island Fishing Center (252) 728-3907 Lookout Cruises (252) 540-SAIL

Cape Point Marina (252) 728-6181 Island Ferry Adventures (252) 728-4129

Local Yokel Ferry and Tours (252) 725-2759

sea turtle protection PICK UP TRASH Especially plastic bags, which the turtles think are jellyfish - one of their main food sources.

RETURNING HOME Sea turtles nest on the same beach they were born. They can live to be over 50 years old. Only about 1 in 1,000 babies will live to have hatchlings.

TURTLE VOLUNTEERS

FILL WHERE YOU DIG Digging in the sand is great fun, but be sure to fill in all of the holes and tear down your sand castle before you leave the beach. Mother turtles will get stuck or injured in them.

We have a Sea Turtle Protection Program with over 100 volunteers that walk the Emerald Isle (12.5 mi) & Atlantic Beach (4.5 mi) shores early every morning searching for evidence of sea turtle nests. Join their efforts at eiseaturtlepatrol.org

REMOVE BEACH ITEMS

SPOTTING A NEST

KEEP OUTSIDE LIGHTS OFF

The nest sites are marked by flagged tape and a large yellow post with the nest number. Since these are an endangered species, the program is not permitted to advertise the nest locations.

Any lights on the oceanside should be kept to a minimum. They are a distraction to mother turtles and can keep hatchlings from reaching the water. Their instinct is to head toward the light, which should be the moon over the ocean. Lights can send them in the wrong direction.

HATCH TIME Around the time of hatching, volunteers dig a trench 2 feet wide to help guide the baby sea turtles to the ocean. Please do not disturb these trenching areas. The baby loggerheads will come up from under the sand in groups going towards the brightest thing they see. At night, they are guided by the moon shining on the ocean.

Tents, toys, chairs, and other beach gear should not be left out overnight. They can be hazardous to mother turtles nesting and new hatchlings.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE If you happen to find a mother turtle nesting or a nest hatching, stay back at least 30 feet, turn off your flashlight, avoid camera flashes, turn off your cell phone ringer, and stay very quiet.

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taste

the

coast

F r e s h S e a fo o d M a r k e ts

Lo cal Mar k e ts

N C S e a fo o d B o i l Best with fresh, local seafood and served al fresco Baby red potatoes 2-3 live crabs per person (or crab legs if you’re feeling skittish) Corn on the cob, shucked and halved 1/4 lb. kielbasa per person, cut into 2 inch pieces 1/3 lb. fresh shrimp per person, peeled and deveined 1 lemon, quartered 1 stick salted butter 12 oz. beer 2 tablespoons salt 3/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning You’ll also need: Crab crackers, butter, cocktail sauce Fill a large stock pot half full with water and add beer, lemon, salt, and Old Bay Seasoning and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, crabs, and butter. Cook 8 minutes, then add kielbasa. Cook 5 minutes, then add corn. Cook 7 minutes, then add shrimp. Cook 4 minutes, or until shrimp turns pink. Drain cooking liquid and turn the pot out onto a table covered with newspaper or onto a large serving platter.

A t l a n t i c B e ac h p i e From Our State Magazine and Chef Bill Smith Photo by James Ransom 1 1/2 sleeves saltine crackers 1/3 to 1/2 cup softened, unsalted butter 3 tablespoons sugar 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14oz. 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice, or mixed Whipped cream and sea salt for garnish Preheat oven to 350°. Crush the crackers finely, but not to dust. Add the sugar, then knead in the butter until the crumbs hold together like dough. Press into an 8-inch pie pan. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake for 18 minutes or until the crust colors a little. While the crust is cooling (it doesn’t need to be cold), beat the egg yolks into the milk, then beat in the citrus juice until thoroughly combined. Pour into the shell and bake for 16 minutes until the filling has set. The pie needs to be completely cold to be sliced. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of sea salt.

G r i l l e d O ys t e r s Tarh eel H ush p u ppi es From The Sanitary Fish Market 1 lb. fine corn meal 1 c. buttermilk 1 egg 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar Pinch of baking soda Stir all ingredients, adding water, to thick consistency. Drop spoonfuls in deep fat to fry at 375°. Yield: 6 servings

Your Relocation Guide to the Crystal Coast

A coastal favorite from September - December A peck or two of fresh, raw oysters Cocktail sauce Lemons for juice Heat grill to medium-high heat, 350° to 400°. Grill washed oysters on foil for 8 to 10 minutes or until shells open ¼” to ½.” Remove from grill and pry open using an oyster knife. Squeeze lemon juice over the open oysters and serve with cocktail sauce. Just run the knife under the oyster to release! After you “shuck,” don’t chuck - Shells are recycled to build oyster “reefs” to help repopulate oyster habitats!

Carolina Home & Garden Emerald Isle Wine Market Christina’s Wine Boutique Ruby’s Wine Shop Promiseland Market

LOCAL BREWS Here on the Crystal Coast, our beer connoisseurs have been brewing up ales, pilsners, stouts and more! Find a local draft or a North Carolina beer at some the locals’ favorite watering holes listed below!

Atlantic Beach

Beaufort

AB Bottle Co. Crystal Coast Brewing Co. The Growler Bar Idle Hour Biergarten

Mill Whistle Brewing Fishtowne Brew House

Cedar Point Treehouse Beer Co. 34° North

Morehead City Tight Lines Pub Promiseland Market

Salter Path Anchor Drafthouse

Emerald Isle Goose Creek Growler Co. Emerald Isle Wine Market Torpedo Lounge

Newport Shortway Brewing Co. Bogue Sound Distillery

Swansboro Bake Bottle and Brew

D R I N K S

Lake Road Winery Somerset Cellars Carolina Wine Mixer Cru Wine Bar Beaufort Wine & Food

M I X E D

Experience the fine wines of the Crystal Coast with a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you enjoy sweet, dry, red or white - you can find the perfect blend of flavors right here on our coast. Our wines are truly special and made with local fruits and berries. Try some of the locals’ favorites at the wineries and shops listed below!

B L U E W A T E R

nc wines

BLOOD ORANGE CHAMPAGNE MULE juice of 1/2 blood orange juice of 1/2 lime 8 mint leaves 2 oz ginger beer 1 oz vodka top with champagne

PINEAPPLE WHITE SANGRIA pineapple (cut in chunks) 1 bottle dry white wine 6 shots coconut rum 4 cups Sprite 2 cups pineapple juice Pour white wine, coconut rum, and pineapple juice into a pitcher and stir. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour for best results. Before serving, add Sprite and pineapple chunks. Stir and sip!

JALAPENO MARGARITAS 3/4 cup tequila 1/4 to 1/2 jalapeño pepper 1/4 cup Grand Marnier 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed OJ splash of sparkling water Combine jalapeño slices and tequila for 15 minutes to infuse the tequila. Mix all ingredients together, add ice, and shake!

(252) 354-1410 | BluewaterSalesNC.com

bluewater real estate Atlantic Beach

(252) 726-3105 407 Atlantic Beach Causeway Suite 6F

Emerald Isle

(252) 354-2128 200 Mangrove Drive

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