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Bogue Banks |
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Atlantic Beach When locals think of beach nightlife, they
think of Atlantic Beach. It's home to a number of nightspots, but the town
retains a family atmosphere and surely doesn't have the night scene other
beach-front towns along the East Coast have. Nightspots have come and gone
during the years, although there are a number of reputable places that have
stood the test of time and continue to offer quality entertainment. There
are others, but we'll only tell you about the ones we feel comfortable
recommending. New places often open each spring, others close in the fall.
If you spot a business we haven't listed, there may be several reasons for
its omission — it may not be one we would recommend to a friend; it may have
just opened in the spring; or we may have unintentionally overlooked it. Amos Mosquito's Restaurant & Bar Locally known as a great place to eat, it's also a
favorite for its nightlife. Overlooking Bogue Sound, Amos Mosquito's offers
a great selection of wines from across the country and around the world at
affordable prices, in addition to a nice selection of draft and bottled
beers. It has all ABC permits, and the bartender is ready to make your
favorite drink. You'll feel love outdoorsy atmosphere and hanging Spanish
moss. There's live music on Fridays and Saturdays during the season.
Thursday nights are big here, as the restaurant offers freshly rolled sushi
to order in addition to the regular menu and kicks off karaoke around 9 PM. Beach Tavern (BT) Known locally as the BT, this casual tavern is open
year round and offers an informal, fun place to hang out. Since 1972 BT has
attracted a diverse group of people who aren't looking for anything fancy,
so just come as you are. You don't have to leave the family at home since
BT allows kids in from 11 AM to 9 PM, and you'll often see families enjoying
meals here. You can play pool, darts, Foosball, NTN trivia and pinball,
listen to the jukebox and watch sports on a wide-screen TV. The grill serves
sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, subs and good pizza. BT has all ABC
permits. Atlantic Beach Cswy., Atlantic Beach (252) 247-2344 Channel Marker is a mainstay in the summer
nightlife of the county and has been for more than 25 years. This is a
waterfront spot that has definitely gained a positive reputation with
visitors and locals. You'll find great food, a fun waterfront bar with an
atrium lounge, and a beautiful deck overlooking Bogue Sound. There's even
dock space available for those who prefer to boat up for their dinner
reservations. The bar has all ABC permits and a great selection of beers and
wines, and it is a favorite nightspot for people of all ages. Live
entertainment is offered on Tuesday nights during the season. |
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Memories Beach Club This is the only Shag Club on the Crystal Coast.
During the spring and summer, you'll find Shaggers from all over Eastern
North and South Carolina coming here for the best beach music. Memories
hosts the Atlantic Beach Shaggers Hall of Fame each year in February, which
draws participants from all over the country. Dance lessons are offered year
round on the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Memories features a
number of DJs and hosts many special events. Winter months find Memories
open a few nights a week and on weekends. Memories is a private club for
members and their guests, so call for membership information or come as a
guest with an Insider.
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Pine Knoll Shores Cutty Sark Lounge For a great spot overlooking a calming pool, check out this lounge at the
Clam Digger Inn. Cutty Sark opens on weekdays at 5 PM and on weekends at
noon. The lounge often features special DJ nights and has all ABC permits.
Call for the schedule.
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Indian Beach/Salter Path Frank and Clara's Restaurant &
Lounge The lounge is upstairs over the restaurant and gets in full swing in the
summer, offering a DJ playing a variety of music from beach and shag to
country and rock. It opens about 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Call for the
entertainment schedule.
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Emerald IsleBallyhoo's Island Sports Grill Ballyhoo's Island Sports Grill is a great place to go for
nightlife. You'll enjoy the food and the fun here. There are two bars at
Ballyhoo's, one is nonsmoking until 10 PM and and the other is open
later. Ballyhoo's has all ABC permits, a nice selection of wines poured by
the glass, and the largest selection of beer in Emerald Isle. Live
entertainment is featured Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in season,
but is never so loud you can't enjoy meeting friends or making new ones.
Ballyhoo's is open seven days a week during the season and is closed
Tuesdays in the off season. RuckerJohns Restaurant This upbeat nightspot is very popular with the Bogue Banks
crowd and beyond. You'll find a nice bar separated from the dining area with
an extensive selection of draft beer and wines by the glass and all ABC
permits. In the summer RuckerJohns often offers entertainment on the outdoor
patio, and that's a great place to relax, visit with friends or meet new
ones.
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BeaufortBack Street Pub124 Middle Street Ln., Beaufort (252) 728-7108 This laid-back place is a small little bar housed in
a century-old former bakery. Inside, you'll see why it's a favorite
among sailors passing through on the Intracoastal Waterway because the
walls are covered with their nautical memorabilia. Regulars simply call
it Back Street, and there is usually standing room only on the weekends.
A little outdoor alley garden directly behind Clawson's Restaurant
offers some respite from the crowds. A wide ranging beer selection and
an eclectic mix of wine are served at the huge wooden bar. Upstairs is a
"sailors' library" where you can bring a book to swap or to read. Back
Street Pub has live music year-round; call for details on performers.
Wednesdays are Open Mic night. Winter visitors will find a cozy fire and
a pot of soup. Cru Wine Bar and Store Cru Wine Bar is the perfect place to meet friends and
relax. Within a block of the Beaufort waterfront, this nightspot features a
high bar and several living room–type seating areas, perfect for meeting
friends or making new ones. It's an intimate place great for enjoying music
and sharing conversation. Cru Wine Bar has an outstanding selection of wines
and specialty beers and serves them by the bottle or glass. Be sure to ask
about their wine tastings and stop in to enjoy live musical entertainment by
local artists on Fridays and Saturdays. The Wine Store shares the same space
so you can take your favorites home with you. Did we mention it also
features sinful chocolates? The Dock House The Dock House is easy to find because as you walk
the boardwalk off of Front Street on a summer evening, you'll see a
large crowd lingering outside of it enjoying the night's live
entertainment. This waterfront bar fronts Taylor's Creek and has long
been a favorite of locals and Crystal Coast visitors alike. Space is
limited inside, but the upstairs and downstairs deck and boardwalk
provide extra room for all the visitors during the summer. The Dock
House has all ABC permits, a good selection of pub food and live
entertainment on tap during the season. Fish
Tales at Town Creek Marina (252) 504-7263 www.fishtalesattowncreek.com In addition to full lunch and dinner service every day, Fish Tales at
Town Creek Marina offers local entertainment on the weekends on their
spectacular outdoor patio and bar. Enjoy a view of the harbor, while
enjoying music, drink specials and menu specials. Fish Tales can host
private parties and events and offers onsite catering.
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Front
Street Grill at Stillwater
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The Rhum Bar at Front Street Grill at
Stillwater offers guests spectacular views of Beaufort Inlet, Carrot
Island and evening sunsets. This is the perfect place to enjoy
selections from an extensive rum list, cocktails, wine, beer and light
foods outside. The restaurant has all ABC permits and serves lunch,
dinner and a Sunday brunch that is not to be missed. Come by car or boat
up to Stillwater's dock. Royal James Cafe Royal James Cafe is the oldest continually existing business in
Beaufort's historic district and has a local flavor all its own. With an
early 1950s Formica, wood and neon look, this cafe and pool room draws
an interesting mix of locals and tourists, families and singles. You'll
find regulation antique Brunswick pool tables, an Internet-connected
juke box, video games and a flat-screen TV tuned to sports, weather or
breaking news. Sue and Ed Book are celebrating 26 years of ownership in
2009.
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Crystal Coast Jamboree Billed as the “Hottest Ticket at the Beach!” this live
variety show is filled with great family entertainment. The Jamboree
features a two-hour, high-energy show that blends country, oldies, dancers,
gospel and outrageous comedy. But don’t think there is only one show offered
here. The Theater also presents a Concert Series that features top
nationally known recording artists; these shows are usually offered once a
month. In November and December the Jamboree Cast presents the Jamboree
Holiday Show that is filled with all the glitz and glamour that one would
hope to find in a Christmas show. This state-of-the-art theater has become
another wonderful destination for visitors and group tours that rivals
anything in Myrtle Beach and points beyond. Make seating reservations early
as most shows sell out early. |
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Midnight Rodeo This Western nightclub and saloon is a hit in the area
and regularly brings in nationally known performers. The club offers
live performances for Country Night on Friday evenings and a DJ
featuring Top 40 dance music on Thursday and Saturday evenings. The
general store offers Western wear, and there are pool tables, a large
dance floor, a mechanical bull, an outside patio and two bars. It's
worth stepping outside to enjoy the outdoor tiki bar under the stars.
Midnight Rodeo has all ABC permits and offers a variety of beer and
wine. Midnight Rodeo is an 18 years of age and older club unless those
younger than 18 are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is
open to both members and guests. |
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Raps Grill & Bar Set in a casual pub atmosphere, Raps is a favorite
gathering place among locals year round. The roomy bar is often packed
during the summer months, but it should definitely be included on your
schedule of things to do. The downstairs bar area surrounds a huge oak bar
and has tables and plenty of floor space. Raps has all ABC permits and
offers a large selection of beers and wines. There are seven televisions
total for your viewing pleasure, three of them are big-screen TVs for
watching the games. This is the area's hot spot for watching the Super Bowl
and other major sporting events. Upstairs are two levels of dining. Be sure
to check out Raps' daily drink specials; you'll find a good selection of
your favorite beers, shots and mixed drinks at great prices.
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Mac Daddy's |
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Mac Daddy's is one of the newest
spots for nightlife in the area. Also known for its family fun entertainment
during the day, it's a great nightspot to find a good mix of fun and
relaxation. Challenge your friends to a bowling competition, sharpen your
pool skills on one of the 7-foot billiards tables or just relax and enjoy
Mac Daddy's Sports Bar and Grill. Offering a large selection of beers and
wines as well as a full menu, the Sports Bar and Grill has multiple 42-inch
TVs, snack-bar seating and a late-night menu. Karaoke Kraze happens on
Thursdays from 8 to 11 PM. Mac Daddy's is open year round, seven days a week
from 10 AM until midnight with extended hours on the weekends.
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ToursSome visitors and locals like to enjoy the Crystal Coast by day,
some want to see it by night. Our recommendation is to do both —
you won't be disappointed. Below are a few of the area tours that
also offer a bit of nightlife. More information about these tours
and others are offered in the
Attractions chapter. |
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Diamond City The Diamond City is a floating nightclub.
Docked on Beaufort's waterfront, it is available for special
charters, wedding cruises, corporate meetings and fun tours. Onboard
the 149-passenger vessel you'll find a captain and crew prepared to
make your voyage fun and enjoyable. The Diamond City's
nighttime "floating party cruise" boards at 9:30 PM for a two-hour
cruise each Saturday. With all ABC permits, a state-of-the-art sound
system and either a DJ or live entertainment, Diamond City is
the place to be for those age 21 and older. Reservations are
required, and they offer free soft drinks and coffee to designated
drivers. Diamond City also offers harbor tours, lunch and
dinner cruises, dolphin-watch trips and Sunday brunch rides. Also
check out the sister vessel, Mystery, which is docked in
Beaufort. All cruises require minimum passengers and are subject to
cancellation. TourBeaufort.Com TourBeaufort.com offers several types of tours for
visitors and residents of all ages. What better way to spend an
evening in Beaufort than to stroll through its historic streets and
learn about its haunting tales. The Beaufort Ghost Walk is one of
the most popular as it shares the life of Blackbeard and takes
tour-goers to his former residence, the Hammock House. This
walking tour continues to cover about 10 blocks throughout the
historic district, including Beaufort's 300-year-old cemetery, and
takes about an hour. This tour is great for families, and kids love
it. There are a variety of other tours available, so call for the
latest information. Reservations are needed for the tours, which
vary in price and point of origin. Good Fortune If you are fascinated by coastal
ecology or want to know more about the subject, arrange to sail with
Capt. Ron White, a marine biologist and owner of the 42-foot sailboat Good
Fortune. This custom-built craft accommodates six and is available
for full-day and two-hour sojourns, educational trips, group and
corporate charters, and evening sails. Capt. Ron will also take you
snorkeling and provide the gear and can provide sailing instruction on
the Good Fortune or on two smaller vessels. Sunset excursions
conclude with complimentary wine. Whether you want a two-and-a-half
hour trip or think you can go all day, trips are priced to
accommodate. Trip fees vary depending on length -- a day-long trip is
$100 and includes lunch prepared aboard or $90 without lunch; a
six-hour trip is $75 without lunch; and a half-day trip (4.5 hours) is
$55 a half-day without lunch. Enjoy a wonderful sunset (2.5 hours)
sail for $45 with complimentary beverages. Capt. Ron offers a dolphin
sail for $40 for adults and $25 for children under 12. All trips have
a four-passenger minimum and lunches are $15 per person. All shore
trips (4.5, 6 and 8 hour trips) include snorkel gear and kayaks.
You'll find Capt. Ron at the docks from April through October. If you
want a cruise during the other months of the year, just give him a
call. |
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Lookout Cruises Steve Bishop captains the Lookout, a
45-foot catamaran that can hold 42 passengers. He offers a romantic
and relaxing sunset cruise for adults with complimentary beverages
served. If you happen to be around during the full moon period,
enjoy a moonlit cruise through Beaufort's surrounding waters; just
be sure to call and ask for the availability of this tour. It is
always best to call ahead to book a cruise on this popular vessel.
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Movie TheatersMovies are a great option for a rainy day or just an evening
out-on-the-town. Even better, why not plan for dinner and a movie, and make
a full night of it? The movie theaters listed here offer discounts for
seniors and children. They also run matinees at reduced prices, but check to
make sure which days because off-season matinees are usually restricted to
weekends. Movie listings are printed in the Carteret County News-Times,
published every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Atlantic Station Cinema 4, MM 3, at the west end of
Atlantic Station in Atlantic Beach, (252) 247-7016 Emerald Plantation Cinema 4, MM 20, in the Emerald
Plantation Shopping Center, Emerald Isle, (252) 354-5012 Plaza Cinema One, Two and Three, Morehead Plaza Shopping
Center, Bridges Street in Morehead City, (252) 726-2081
Liquor Laws and ABC Stores Though you can buy beer and wine at food and convenience
stores, you must purchase liquor in Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) package
stores. Local ABC stores are open Monday through Saturday. Only those 21
years of age or older are allowed in the stores. Atlantic Beach ABC Store, MM 2.5 on N.C. 58, (252) 726-3221 Beaufort ABC Store,
1791 U.S. 70/Live Oak Street intersection, (252) 728-2530 Cape Carteret ABC Store,
N.C. Hwy 24 beside the police department, (252) 393-2631
Morehead City ABC Store,
K-Mart Shopping Center, 4915-D Arendell St., U.S. 70, (252) 726-2160 Newport ABC Store,
just east of the U.S. 70/Howard Boulevard intersection beside Subway, (252)
223-4136 Swansboro ABC Store,
N.C. Hwy. 24 on west side of Swansboro, (252) 326-4810
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