Crystal Coast Summer Bucket List

Welcome to our Crystal Coast Summer Bucket List series where we ask folks around the community about their favorite activities to ensure a perfect coastal summer. Scroll through for local favorites, hot tips, and all of the local small businesses that make summer on the Crystal Coast so special: 

 

Mary Cheatham King

 

1. Picnic at the Cape — Grab a sandwich or some salads from Noontide Coffee + Kitchen and chips and chicken salad from The Friendly Market, and you're ready for a family picnic at Cape Lookout! Local Tip: If you're taking your own boat and not the Island Express Ferry, be sure to anchor up inside the hook (preferably behind a dune) for a break from the southwest winds!
2. Walk the Fort — You must check out the Elliott Coues Nature Trail at Fort Macon when the weather is at its mildest.
   Must haves include a pair of OnCloud sneakers from Atlantic Beach Surf Shop! 
3. Read on the front porch — I absolutely loved reading A Happier Life by our friend, client, and author Kristy Harvey! Such a wonderful front porch read during summertime with a cup of tea in hand. 

 

Hallock Howard - Owner and Chef of Amos Mosquitos 

 

1. Sunset Cocktail — The Barnacle Bar at the end of Oceanana Pier is one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy a Crystal Coast sunset! Be sure to order their famous Painkiller.
   Local Tip: You can put your name on the list at Amos Mosquitos across the street and enjoy a cocktail while you wait for your table to be ready! 
2. Boat Days — An essential part of having a Crystal Coast summer is boat days with friends and family and being the last to leave the Cape. We always pack Sun Bum sunscreen and a Shibumi Shade from Atlantic Beach Surf Shop so we don't come back to shore too sunburnt! 
3. Bingo Nights — Having the family and kids in tow for a fun night of bingo at the Coral Bay Club is always a favorite of ours!
   PS - Renovations for the new Coral Bay Club building are slated to be completed in 2025, and we can't wait to see the new building! 

 

Beckie & Kris Davis — Owners of The Periwinkle and Seed to Shaker

 

1. An active day date — grab a bike at Vault Cycle in Morehead City followed by mimosas at The Sandbar, a breakfast Poke bowl at Mug Shot and a jump in the ocean at Radio Island. If you have enough time, lunch of tuna nachos at Yellowfin (all done before 1PM to relieve the babysitter and nap while the baby naps).
2. Down East Adventure —  Pack your handmade Boca bathing suits, Bask sunscreen, Sandcloud Towel into your Cope and Co Collection Tote. Fill your Kanga Cooler with a few select Recess, Kombuchas and Craft Beverages (all sourced from the Periwinkle in Beaufort NC) then grab the BEST breakfast sandwiches from Handy House (655 US-70, Davis, NC inside the Jim Dandy Gas Station) and you are set for a day of cruising down east, tidal flat treasures, lunch at White Point Take Out, afternoon swimming and sunbathing in Cedar Island and a sweet sunset drive home.
3. Cool outings — Grab a few discs from the Periwinkle and head to Freedom Park in Beaufort to play a round of disc golf OR drop a SUP or Kayak into Taylor's Creek for a quick paddle followed by sundowners at Rhum Bar: grab a drink from the bar and head to the lower deck to peep dolphins and boat watching. Insider tip: get an order of plantains tossed in wing sauce with ranch AND blue cheese dressing. 

 

Booth Parker, Silvana Botta, and Jillian Lister of Carolina Women's Collective

1. Jillian's pick: After just having her second baby, Self care from Complexion Med Spa! P.S. Complexion Med Spa is hosting the champagne reception at the Caroline Women's Collective Summit that will feature Vivian Howard!
2. Booth's pick: An infrared pilates class and fun Lululemon workout gear at Downtown Barre! P.S. Lululemon's Senior Account Manager of Professional Sports, Elizabeth Lusink, will be speaking at the Carolina Women's Collective Summit!
3. Silvana's pick: Coffee and breakfast at Dancing Baristas Cafe! P.S. Dancing Baristas was co-founded by Beaufort mayor, Sharon Harker, a speaker at the Carolina Women's Collective Summit!

 

Carolina Women's Collective has their first annual Summit at The Beaufort Hotel this October for women entrepreneurs and industry leaders where Mary Cheatham King will be moderating. Visit the link HERE for tickets. 

 

Michelle Bradley Robertson

 

1. Dinner at Beaufort Grocery — I love the atmosphere and coziness of the surroundings. It's all about the food and the feel.

Must order: The Flaming Saganaki…you cannot go without indulging in it! It's the best!

2. Local Gifts — Regardless if I am dropping off art or not...I love to visit my friends at Dee Gee's Gifts & Books. I often end up adding to my coffee table book collection or the latest book from local author, Kristy Harvey. Without fail, I always leave with a good gift for a friend or special treat for myself.
3. Local Shopping — It's always a treat to visit my friends at Tassels to check out what new styles they have. I love how Iva has not only curated a lovely shop, but has such a heart for the community, giving back in many ways.

 

We can't wait to take advantage of these final days of summer with these bucket list items! Follow Carteret Curated on Instagram HERE to keep up with even more small business features, local happenings, and more!