These towns are buoyed by their proximity to water — river, sound, bay — yet they’re far enough from the ocean that you won’t find sand in your shoes. Here, 14 quirky places claim their fame in boats and bears, local characters and history.
Take the 1.5 mile hike on sand to Bird Island’s Kindred Spirit mailbox. Like a message in a bottle, the notes inside the seaside mailbox a contain the stories and secrets of those who seek a spiritual connection.
Live near the coast? Far from it? Either way, Stump Sound oysters are within your reach. Read more about this Carolina delicacy and how to order them from a few local companies.
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The eastern North Carolina community of Kinston has found new life as a culinary mecca, but locals see it — and know it — as so much more. See why we think it’s a must-visit stop on your next coastal tour.
The Sans Souci Ferry is one of the last of its kind, a scavenger hunt of a destination that you’ll find if you’re dedicated. Or a local. Or lost. Read more about one of the only three remaining cable-guided ferries left in North Carolina.
Across the globe from Vietnam, effects of the war reverberate through the state, where social and political perspectives are shifting quickly and dramatically.
These places are the stewards of some very special items: Doc Watson’s first recording, the desk Virginia Woolf used to redefine the novel, and Elisha Mitchell’s pocket watch are just some of the cherished pieces that teach us about our state’s history and the people who preserve it.
From burgers to comfort food to elegant entrées, the range of plant-based dining in North Carolina is growing. Restaurants on this list are exclusively vegetarian and/or vegan.
