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Around the Central Coast . . .
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In addition to golf, the best things to do here include fishing, swimming and sunning. It's a real getaway from busy resort areas, and you won't find a more beautiful spot for a quiet family vacation and easygoing fun. Eat plenty of seafood and spend sunny days beachcombing and ocean swimming. Shop at the Golfin' Dolphin, N.C. Highway 58, Cape Carteret, (252) 393-8131, for golf equipment or apparel. Your big or little children can keep busy with arcade games, miniature golf and bumper boats at this family entertainment complex, while the golfers browse, buy and then break in their new accessories on the 50-tee driving range. Children of all ages will enjoy amusements such as an arcade, miniature golf, bumper boats and other rides at Jungleland, Salter Path Road (N.C. 58, Milepost 4.5), Atlantic Beach, (252) 247-2148; Pirate Island Park, Salter Path Road (N.C. 58, Milepost 10.5), Salter Path, (252) 247-3024; or Playland, 204 Islander Drive, Milepost 20.5, Emerald Isle, (252) 354-6616. The boardwalks in Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach also are must-stops on any beach trip. If you crave some educational activity to give your trip a culturally redeeming quality, visit Fort Macon State Park, E. Fort Macon Road (N.C. 58, Milepost 0), Atlantic Beach, (252) 726-3775. On occasional weekends, you can witness militia musket firings and living history in the Civil War fortress at Fort Macon; call for specific dates and times. Check your map to differentiate between Beaufort, North Carolina, and Beaufort, South Carolina. Both cities are delightfully historic yet distinctly different, beginning with their pronunciations--in North Carolina, it's "Bow-fort;" in South Carolina, "Byu-ford." Beaufort Historic Site (N.C.), 100 block of Turner Street, (252) 728-5225 or (800) 575-7483, under the auspices of the Beaufort Historical Association, is the focus of, among other things, guided tours of a 21-block historic district that features homes, buildings and gardens dating from 1732. Seasonal celebrations revolve around the architecture and heritage included therein. Also in Beaufort, visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, (252) 728-7317, which celebrates the state's coastal heritage, maritime and natural history and natural resources. The museum maintains an impressive collection of watercraft models, including sailing skiffs and full-rigged ships. In Pine Knoll Shores, enjoy the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path Road (N.C. 58, Milepost 7), (252) 247-4004. Tucked away in the maritime forest of the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, the aquarium bustles with fun and educational activities between spring and fall, including films, talks and workshops on coastal topics, on-board collecting cruises, canoe trips, snorkeling instruction, saltwater fishing and excursions to remote barrier islands. For a special treat, take a narrated sightseeing cruise on a paddle-wheeler. Enjoy outdoor drama presentations at the Crystal Coast Amphitheater, N.C. 58, Pelletier (near Cape Carteret). The long-running professional production Worthy Is the Lamb, a passion play depicting the life and times of Jesus Christ, draws audiences from miles away to its mid-June through September performances. Call (252) 393-8956 or (800) 662-5960 for ticket and schedule information. For a taste of regional culture, stop by the Carteret County Museum of History, 100 Wallace Dr., Morehead City, (252) 247-7533. Examine changing exhibits of American Indian artifacts as well as memorabilia of the county's settlers, some dating to 1722. Small specialty shops dot the villages and tempt shoppers with antiques, art and local crafts. The fresh fare at the prevalent seafood markets will entice you to cook your own deep-sea delights, although world-class local restaurants will be happy to prepare their delectable bounty for you. Festivals are based on such important leisure activities as kite flying, melon eating, fishing (of course) and the ever-shining convention of bald folks in Morehead City. One of the year's greatest events--featuring entertainment as well as unsurpassed cuisine--is the North Carolina Seafood Festival, held the first weekend in October on the Morehead City waterfront. It's a three-day celebration of the area's heritage and all that makes life delightful along the Central Coast. Call (252) 726-6273 for more information. Other events revolve around boats, art, antiques, music and even sandcastle building, and the welcome mat is always rolled out for visitors or newcomers. Call (800) SUNNY NC or pick up a copy of The Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Central Coast & New Bern for complete Central Coast information.
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Fresh seafood abounds all along
the Central Coast, and most of our favorite shellfish or saltwater fish
entrees are served in the casual atmosphere befitting a golf trip along
the coast. If you prefer fine dining with international flair, it's also
available here. Read on for some real finds that we can personally
recommend for your dining pleasure. We also keep an eye out for the steak
and potatoes meals, which a couple of our golfing buddies must
have, so that's no problem here either. You'll also enjoy some outstanding
homemade breakfasts in several of the country inns. Don't diet while
visiting here; too many tempting delicacies call out to you.
(Note: Refer to our Preface for an explanation of the pricing code.) Beaufort Grocery Co. The restored town grocery store is now famous for its fine cuisine including salads, soups and sandwiches for lunch. Be adventurous and try the gougeres, which are herb pastries stuffed with wonderful salad mixes such as crab, shrimp, chicken or eggs. For dinner, try fresh seafood, choice steaks, chicken, duck or lamb--all served with creative sauces. Definitely begin with a Carolina crab-cake appetizer and end with a luscious dessert. Sunday brunch is great, and the small bar is well stocked and invites conversations among locals and visiting golfers who all blend into the relaxed setting. Clawson's 1905 Restaurant Old and new wares represent the atmosphere of the early days along the waterfront in Beaufort. Go early and expect a crowd during the summer. Wonderful appetizers include battered and lightly fried vegetables. Entrees feature fried, grilled or sauteed seafood, chicken, pasta or steaks; and wine, beer and mixed drinks are available. For a great lunch, we recommend the hearty baked potato stuffed with seafood, vegetables or meat. Finz Grill & Eatery Finz offers seating on its great porch overhanging the creek as well as in the restaurant or the bar. Gumbo or black bean items enhance the varied choices of seafood such as flounder, Spanish mackerel or king mackerel. You could be eating next to the person who caught your meal, because local fishermen provide the fresh seafood. Entrees from the sea can be ordered grilled, blackened or fried. Other dinner entrees include steaks and pasta. The lunch menu offers all sorts of sandwiches, subs, burgers and soups (we recommend the black bean). Finz is a friendly place to relax, with good food, nice people and all beverage permits for beer, wine or mixed drinks. Net House Steam Restaurant &
Oyster Bar Conch or clam chowder and every steamed mollusk plus other dinner choices and delectable desserts (did we mention the Key lime pie?) are enough to bring any golf group to this family-owned and operated establishment for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is distinctly maritime--the restaurant is bedecked in weathered pine and nautical antiques. Calypso Cafe Creative cocktails and a tropical atmosphere welcome you into this world of fine food. We like to begin a meal with the black bean torta or the stuffed jalapeños. Then, move on to the entrees, which spotlight local seafood with island accents of fruit and spices. Shrimp curry with tropical salsa and grilled fish with ginger salsa are two of our favorites. Pork, pasta, seafood fajitas and blackened or grilled seafood will also delight your taste buds. Don't leave without trying the Paradise Pie, which is a brownie and ice cream covered with strawberry puree. (You may be limited to one of these per customer!) Enjoy your meal at a table, the bar or on the patio. We like the casual atmosphere as well as the food. Capt. Bill's Waterfront Restaurant Lunch and dinner on the waterfront have been a tradition here since 1941. Now owned by John and Diane Poag, Capt. Bill's continues its legacy as a place for good food in Morehead City. A daily lunch special, such as baked chicken, two vegetables and hush puppies, can cost less than $4. Specials change daily, but they're always good. Try the all-you-can-eat fish on Monday or all-you-can-eat fish and popcorn shrimp on Friday. Wednesdays and Saturdays feature conch stew. Desserts are made from family recipes and created from scratch; one of the best is the Down East lemon pie. By boat or by car, just get here quickly and sample any of the 13 flavors of fudge made at the restaurant. And, after your meal, you can visit the Ship's Wheel Gift Shop. Nikola's Nikola's serves creative and delicious Italian fare in this Victorian house. Try the rack of lamb or any pasta or seafood entree for a delightful treat. The spinach soup is unsurpassed. Reservations are recommended for weekends. Raps Grill and Bar Locals and visiting golfers enjoy Raps' bar, with its popcorn and wide-screen television. Enjoy lunch or dinner here in a casual atmosphere. The original Raps Burger with anything or everything on it is a good bet, or try the ribs and salads. Steamed clams and crabs are our favorites; they're fresh and make a great companion to a beer after your golf round. Bistro By The Sea You don't have to eat here--the bar serves mixed drinks, beer and wine. Just the same, we recommend that you dine at this small, casual restaurant--a local favorite--beside Sportsman's Pier. Seafood entrees vary nightly according to season, freshness and availability, and include such tasty choices as cappellini with pesto, vegetables and scallops and eggplant Parmesan (a personal favorite). You won't be disappointed by the Caesar salad with chargrilled tuna or the leafy spinach salad with shrimp. If seafood is not your choice, we recommend the chargrilled steaks or the liver in orange liqueur (c'mon, your mom would be proud!). And if you're watching your cholesterol, try the stir-fried chicken with rice and wontons. The Watermark Look carefully for this restaurant in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center; it has a new name and a new owner. It's a fine choice for Black Angus beef lovers. Open for dinner only from 5:30 PM Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant specializes in steak and prime rib and also serves good fresh fish in a variety of ways. Bushwackers Restaurant Bushwackers is a great spot for broiled or steamed seafood and appetizers such as 'gator and shark bites. Entrees include prime rib and Black Angus steaks. Try the Rock 'n' Roll Cheesecake for a luscious dessert. Mixed drinks, beer and wine are served, and the lively atmosphere in the lounge will put a smile on your face. Enjoy the fun wait staff, the wonderful oceanfront view and the great decorations too. Frank and Clara'sRestaurant &
Lounge Locals love the crab cakes or anything made with fresh crab. Try any of the seafood offerings as well as the steaks. Relax in the upstairs lounge if there's a wait for a table at dinner, or return to the lounge for a nightcap. Locals and visitors alike feel at home here. Mazzella's Italian Restaurant You can't go wrong with this authentic, family-owned Italian restaurant where the pasta is fresh, the sauces are homemade, and the seafood and pizzas are scrumptious. To add to the positives, it's affordable and convenient to accommodations and golf courses to boot! Rucker Johns--A Restaurant &
More If you find a beach house to rent in Emerald Isle, you'll probably love the area so much that you won't want to venture any farther away than a golf course or this restaurant for all the excitement you could hope for in a vacation. If you're searching for fried calamari, you've found a home here; and that's just one of the special appetizers. Steaks and ribs are great, and we never tire of the crab cakes, shrimp entrees or seafood and pasta choices. The lounge doubles as a popular nightspot. Tradewinds Sunday brunch is the best time to eat here. Sample the large selection of bread, entrees, fruit and desserts. Pasta, chicken, seafood and aged prime beef specialties are menu highlights, along with good soups and salads. We recommend the Jack Daniels rib-eye--and maybe a drink of the same to go with it. Live entertainment is featured often.
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Since the Central Coast is
becoming more of a year-round resort, it would be impossible to mention
all of the area's accommodations. So we've listed some of our favorites in
each price range (see our Preface for the price-code key). You can also
get good information about lodging from the Carteret County Tourism
Development Bureau, P.O. Box 1406, Morehead City, North Carolina 29557,
(800) SUNNY NC. The bureau staffs visitors centers at 3409 Arendell Street
(U.S. Highway 70) in Morehead City and on N.C. Highway 58, just south of
its intersection with N.C. Highway 24, near Cape Carteret.
Stay in Beaufort if you're looking for history and variety. You'll
certainly find copious amenities and wonderful atmosphere at many
accommodations, most of which are near golf courses. Some inexpensive
local motels provide standard options, both in Beaufort and at the beach.
Or, if you're looking for ocean access and fishing options coupled with
convenient proximity to golf courses, stay at one of the islands' super
beachfront resorts. Beaufort Inn Head into this historic town and you'll find the Beaufort Inn on Gallant's Channel. Enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch as well as a friendly welcome and the famous breakfast. The 41 guest rooms, all with private porches, feature early American decor created by local artists and craftspeople. Captain's Quarters Bed &
Biscuit A complete English-style breakfast, featuring Ms. Ruby's famous "Riz" biscuits, and the traditional toast to the sunset, with complimentary light wines and fresh fruit juices served on the veranda or by the parlor fireplace, are among the reasons to enjoy the Captain's Quarters. The family atmosphere in this three-bedroom Victorian home will make you feel... well, like part of the family. It's in the heart of the historic district, a block from the waterfront shops and restaurants. Rated "excellent" by the American Bed & Breakfast Association, the "home of hospitality with quiet elegance" is furnished with family heirlooms and antiques. Yet Ruby and Capt. Dick Collins are as modern as it gets, offering guests use of their computer, modem and fax. The Cedars Inn at Beaufort The inn is created from two period homes (c. 1768 and 1851). The Grady family offers 16 standard rooms and suites, all of which are en suite (private baths); some also have sitting rooms or fireplaces. Second-floor porches include rocking chairs where you can sit back, relax and contemplate your next day's golf round. The hospitality is warm, and breakfast (included in your room rate) is a treat. The Cedars Inn is easy to find at the corner of Front and Orange streets. Delamar Inn Bed & Breakfast The Delamar Inn (c. 1866) offers Scottish charm and homemade bread for breakfast plus afternoon cookies and refreshments. Mable or Tom Steepy will be glad to help you with tee times or arrangements for other activities, such as chartering a boat or exploring Beaufort by bike. Delamar is open all year. The three guest rooms have private baths and antique furnishings. Inlet Inn Bed & Breakfast Harborfront rooms with sitting areas, bars, refrigerators and ice makers, homemade continental breakfast, and afternoon wine are among the amenities at the Inlet Inn, which opened in 1985 on the same block as the 19th-century inn of the same name. Enjoy a little respite in the courtyard garden or the rooftop lounge, with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean, Morehead City Harbor, Cape Lookout Light, Fort Macon, the wild ponies on Carrot Island and the Beaufort waterfront. The inn is also near the North Carolina Maritime Museum (see the previous "Fun Things To Do" section) and many fine restaurants and shops. Langdon House Fishing poles, beach baskets, arranged dinner reservations and a full breakfast with Jimm's famous pecan waffles are a few of the treats here. All four rooms are comfortable and include private baths. Langdon House is open year round. Pecan Tree Inn Combine your honeymoon with your golf trip and you can enjoy the Jacuzzi in the bridal suite plus Susan's homemade muffins and special ground coffee in this charming historic home. The other six rooms effuse individual character, and each includes a private bath. The half-block walk to the waterfront is a treat. The Johnsons will help arrange tee times or other activities, including box-lunch excursions or bicycle rides through the historic district. In the morning, you can enjoy a continental breakfast on the wraparound porch or in the formal dining room. Best Western Buccaneer Inn Golf packages are arranged here for two nights or a week, with tee times booked on any area course. A full hot breakfast, comfortable accommodations, greens fees and cart are included in your price. The Buccaneer Inn is near shopping destinations and historical tours for fun in your spare time. You may choose king or double beds among the 91 rooms, all with TV. Pool, restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities also are available. Atlantis Lodge Atlantis Lodge is one of the oldest hotels on Bogue Banks. It's situated among large live oaks on the ocean side of Salter Path Road. All of the 42 units are efficiencies with kitchens and separate dining, living and sleeping areas. Each unit also has either a patio or deck that faces the ocean. Lounge around the pool and get psyched up for tomorrow's tee time. During fall and spring, the hotel offers package deals. Harborlight Guest House Stay in one of the seven suites at this bed and breakfast inn. Once used as a restaurant by the ferry service, this three-story establishment is known for its beautiful views of more than 500 feet of shoreline and its choice setting close to Emerald Isle beaches. Enjoy your breakfast privately in your upstairs suite or have it served in the dining room or on the waterfront terrace. The guest house is open year-round and is ideal for a 20-person conference. Holiday Inn On the Ocean On the oceanfront, with deep-sea fishing, sailing, pier fishing and golf courses nearby, this hotel is a convenient choice for outdoor enthusiasts as well as for golfers. Amenities include a pool, restaurant and lounge. Hotel staff can customize golf packages and golf widow packages, including greens fees, a cart, daily full breakfast, golf towel and tees plus an oceanview or poolside room. The best deal is a two-night stay with two days of golf from early November until March. Iron Steamer Resort Families and anglers are welcome at Iron Steamer, open from Easter until Thanksgiving. The resort is named for a Civil War-era blockade runner, the remains of which are visible from the on-site pier. Oceanfront rooms offer access to the beach, a pool and the pier. Request an in-room refrigerator or private balcony if you'd like. Oceanana Resort Motel This is a basic motel, with comfortable standard rooms, oceanfront rooms and suites. Amenities include a pool, children's play area (this place is great for families), fishing pier, picnic tables and grills and more. It's open from spring through fall only. Inquire about golf privileges. Parkerton Inn You'll have convenient access to the golf courses and the Crystal Coast Amphitheater at this somewhat new accommodation (less than 2 years old). Room options include efficiencies with kitchenettes. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Be sure to inquire about golf packages. Royal Pavilion This is a familiar property to longtime visitors of Bogue Banks. Newly named after the John Yancey Motor Hotel was renovated, the Royal Pavilion offers oceanfront rooms and a conference center. The neighboring Tradewinds Restaurant will cater meals in the conference rooms--a perfect arrangement if a business meeting is part of your stay. The Pavilion's amenities include efficiency kitchens, an outdoor pool, private beach and arranged tee times. Sheraton Atlantic Beach Resort This full-service beach resort has a bar, restaurant, nightclub and pool, and a fishing pier is nearby. All rooms offer private balconies, refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers, and suites include Jacuzzis. Showboat Motel Golfers who care to bring their fishing poles might want to stay here, since you can fish from the motel's wharf. You can cook your catch on a grill in one of the picnic areas that the motel maintains. If fishing isn't your thing, but you'd like an up-close and personal look at these creatures of the deep, take advantage of Wreckreational Divers, a complete on-site dive shop for golfers who want to go on a Sea Hunt. All rooms have refrigerators. The year-round property offers corporate and other special rates, so be sure to inquire. Windjammer Inn All of the Windjammer's rooms are spacious and oceanfront, with private balconies, cable TV and refrigerators. Getting to your room via the glass-enclosed elevator offers a beautiful ocean view. No need to go out early for your cup of coffee--the Windjammer offers complimentary java each morning. There's a two-night minimum stay on summer weekends and a three-night minimum on holiday weekends; but, hey, it's a fun place to hang around for a while. |