Owner Sam Kosik used to drive across the state once a week to pick up just-caught fish from the coast. Today, Mother Ocean supplies loyal customers with the freshest seafood every day.
640 Merrimon Avenue
(828) 231-5607
momavl.com
What started out as a small fish stand on the side of a mountain road is now a favorite market and restaurant in the west. Enjoy a classic shrimp po’ boy at a picnic table.
215 Beaver Creek School Road
(336) 977-1827
highcountryseafoodco.net
Piedmont-based seafood connoisseurs know that this market sells the freshest fish and shellfish they can get without catching it themselves.
Open Fridays at 2301 Sandy Ridge Road; visit theshrimpconnection.com for more hours and locations.
This landlocked crew drives to the coast three to four times a week to buy super-fresh seafood straight from the source. Be sure to pick up a peck of oysters.
1209 Farmers Market Drive
(919) 675-2722
localsseafood.com
At this market and café founded by Beaufort natives — who know a thing about seafood — just pick a fish, and the chef will cook it up for you right then and there.
108 North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
(336) 748-0793
forsythseafood.com
Whether you’re eating in or taking home a steamer pot for a Low Country boil, the owners keep things as fresh as possible.
415 Atlantic Beach Causeway
(252) 247-2430
facebook.com/atlanticbeachseafood
This family-owned market and restaurant within sight of the Pasquotank River sells local fish and shellfish alongside a full menu of homestyle dinners.
309 East Ehringhaus Street
(252) 335-7648
qualityseafoodco.com
Since opening its doors in 1960, this distinctive market near the Neuse River has become a destination for a wide variety of seafood.
336 North Herritage Street
(252) 523-3474
facebook.com/reynoldsseafood
This Outer Banks retailer and restaurant offers a variety of options like fried lunch favorites on the porch and wild-caught fish for your dinner.
3711 South Croatan Highway
(252) 441-7412
austinseafoodco.com
This decades-old mainstay, located where the White Oak River splits, has sent many a snapper, flounder, pound of shrimp, and bushel of oysters out the door.
104 East Corbett Avenue
(910) 326-4468
facebook.com/clydephillipsseafoodmarket
Download a PDF of this checklist and others at ourstate.com/checklists.
’Tis the season for sweets! If you’re too busy to bake your festive favorites this year, these local bakeries across the state have pastry cases brimming with delectable holiday treats.
Make it a Carolina Christmas: From the mountains to the coast, we found our state’s icons — official and honorary — in their best holiday dress.
Each year, the post office in the tiny town of Star holds a contest to determine the design of its holiday postmark, which brings visitors from near and far to Montgomery County to add a bit of Christmas cheer to their mail.
Give thanks for pie! Creamy chocolate walnut; sweet potato covered in a buttery, crunchy topping; classic, custardy pumpkin — these favorites are fit for a feast.
