Fall is here on the Crystal Coast, which means your next weekend getaway could be cooler (in more ways than one) than ever!
We are all about highlighting the amazing local businesses along the Crystal Coast. Now, we're taking it one step further with your Girls Trip Guide (that won't break the bank!) sharing everything you need to know about deals and specials for the off-season — straight from the locals!
Photograph of The Bunk House by: Mel O'Berry Photography
WHERE TO STAY:
HOTELS:
BASK HOTEL - For the most breathtaking scenery while sipping your morning coffee or pre-dinner glass of wine, request a waterfront room.
BEAUFORT HOTEL - Voted USA Today's Best Boutique Hotel, complete with a waterfront restaurant and beautiful bar.
THE BUNK HOUSE - For a boutique hotel vibe with lots of history, The Bunk House off of Hwy 101 is a picturesque spot close to downtown Beaufort!
CRYSTAL COAST OCEANFRONT HOTEL - Prefer the ocean? Gather with your girls at this oceanfront retreat on the island.
BED & BREAKFASTS/AIRBNB:
PECAN TREE INN - This adorable B&B is within walking distance to Beaufort's Front Street – a popular area full of restaurants, bars and boutiques!
SURF COVE EMERALD ISLE - Live the beach life in this updated, classic cottage with little details of the Crystal Coast around every corner. Sleeps 9.
SURF SHACK ATLANTIC BEACH - This original 1950s cottage has been thoughtfully transformed into a space designed for beauty, comfort and functionality. And is within walking distance to the beach! Sleeps 4.
For a full list of short-term rentals in all cities from Down East to Emerald Isle, visit CarteretCurated.com HERE.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Start your day on the ELLIOT COUES NATURE TRAIL at Fort Macon State Park. Bring your camera for a photo op at the top of the sand dunes overlooking the ocean!
COST: FREE • 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach
Catch the ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY from the Beaufort waterfront and relax at Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout. Don't forget all of your beach necessities for the day! Visit islandexpressferryservices.com to book your ride.
COST: $24/ADULT
PS - the Beaufort waterfront offers free parking from November 1st through mid-May, so booking your trip in the off-season will save on parking fees!
Paddle through Taylors Creek searching for dolphins and wild ponies on the Rachel Carson Reserve! DOWN EAST KAYAKS will deliver kayaks to Beaufort for you to drop in on the waterfront.
COST: STARTS AT $30/PERSON WITH DISCOUNTS ON GROUPS OF 10+
BEACH PICNIC CHECKLIST:
Pack up the car and visit the beach for a picnic with the gals! Here's a checklist for everything you'll need (and local spots where you can get theme!) —
- • Beach blanket
- • Cooler
- • Wine & Bubbles - (We love to stock up at Promise Land Market!)
- • Snacks - (The Friendly Market has some of the best!)
- • Charcuterie Board - (Visit Beaudega on the Beaufort waterfront for specialty sundries!)
- • Cutlery - (Don't forget cheese knives that can be found at local spots such as MF Chappell or Z&Z Designs)
- • Cups - (Beaufort Linen Co. always has great themed options!)
- • Napkins
- • Beach Fun - (Some relaxed beach activities can include Bocce Ball or flying a kite from Kites Unlimited)
Note: Once you're ready to head back home, make sure to clean up and leave the beach how you found it. Have fun out there!
Photograph by Richard Barlow of Plated Love - an in-house chef experience for groups!
DINNER DEALS:
Take advantage of off-season specials at our local restaurants! Here's a list of deals along the Crystal Coast specific to fall and winter on the coast:
MONDAY
PROMISE LAND MARKET • 909-B Arendell Street, Morehead City
1/2 price apps
ISLAND GRILLE • 401 Money Island Drive, Atlantic Beach
Buy One Get One Free Entrees
TUESDAY
REED'S COFFEE, ART, & FRAMING • 812 Evans Street, Morehead City
Two Hole Punches for your coffee purchase
FULL CIRCLE CAFE • 708 Evans Street, Morehead City
Curry Fried Oysters, 20% off pizzas and house wine, $40 fresh catch entrees.
ISLAND GRILLE • 401 Money Island Drive, Atlantic Beach
Buy One Get One Free entree.
CARIBSEA • 8921 Crew Drive, Emerald Isle
$50 3-Course Prime Rib Dinner
WEDNESDAY
AMOS MOSQUITOS • 703 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Deeply discounted entree's beginning November 6th.
THURSDAY
BLUE MOON BISTRO • 119 Queen Street, Beaufort
Half price apps and $15-$20 bottles of wine
CIRCA 81 • 4650 Arendell Street, Morehead City
$5 Martinis that perfectly pair with their small plates
For an entire list of local places to taste, shop, and experience the Crystal Coast, visit CarteretCurated.com to download your 2024 People's Choice Guide filled with favorite local businesses nominated by our community.
Whether you're visiting for a girl's trip or live here year-round, we hope you enjoy all the Crystal Coast has to offer during the off-season!