Bluewater Real Estate Relocation Guide

REAL ESTATE

VACATION RENTALS

INSURANCE

north caroli na’ s

crystal coast

c a l l t h e g e m o f n o r t h c a r o l i n a hom e

the crystal coast Over 85 miles of sand on one of the only south-facing coastlines on the eastern seaboard, made up of small communities brimming with Southern charm - that’s the Crystal Coast. Aptly named for the shining waters and unique qualities our region is blessed with, we are proud to say that we truly believe this is the “gem” of North Carolina’s coast. It’s unusual to find a beach escape that captures something for everyone in the family. History, nature, sightseeing, shopping, antique and art hunting, wine and dining and of course - sugar soft sands under stunning sunrises and sunsets...

What more could you ask for in a place to call home?

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N ear by Ai r po rts an d Locatio ns Coastal Carolina Regional Airport New Bern (EWN) 46 miles

Ap p r oxi mate d r ivi ng d istanc e to th e C rystal Coast i n m i les Raleigh, NC Trenton, NJ Columbia, SC Albany, NY Atlanta, GA Knoxville, TN Winston-Salem, NC Boston, MA

152 513 285 705 498 510 257 784

Richmond, VA Cincinnati, OH Charleston, WV Baltimore, MD Lexington, KY Columbus, OH Washington, DC Pittsburgh, PA

Albert J. Ellis Airport Jacksonville (OAJ) 45 miles

266 671 472 423 647 630 364 585

Kinston Regional Jetport Kinston (ISO) 71 miles

Wilmington International Airport Wilmington (ILM) 84 miles

Raleigh-Durham International Airport Raleigh (RDU) 165 miles

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t h e c rys t a l c oas t

e m e rald is le sw a n s b o r o This “Friendly City by the Sea� is a beautiful and historic community overlooking the water and is home of Hammocks Beach State Park.

This whimsical downtown village is the perfect place to shop, dine, and relax on the waterfront. Host to the Arts by the Sea Festival, the Mullet Festival, and numerous fishing tournaments, Swansboro offers some of the greatest hospitality to its visitors on the North Carolina coast.

Emerald Isle boasts the most to its adventurous guests with the perfect places to kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard and much more. Venture through the miles of bike path and nature trails with your family and friends to enjoy the naturally pristine environment with a variety of waterfowl, birds, and whitetail deer.

The Point in Emerald Isle is a must-see when you visit the western shores of the Crystal Coast; the views and sunsets are truly breathtaking!

i n d i a n b e ac h Located in the center of the Bogue Banks, Indian Beach is the perfect place to visit the beautiful sights and sounds throughout the island. Shopping, dining, and attractions for the entire family are easily found in just a few minutes in either direction. With public beach access to the soft sands of the Crystal Coast as well as easy access to the lush green maritime forest lining the Bogue Sound, you are sure to enjoy this quaint community.

s a lt e r pa t h Historically a fishing village, Salter Path lies on the Bogue Banks as an enclave within Indian Beach. Family beach cottages are easy to spot as you cruise through Salter Path. This coastal refuge stands apart from the rest because it is home to a large dune system, excellent beaches, breathtaking soundfront views, and even a small maritime forest. This quaint, quiet beach community offers easy access to the brilliantly blue ocean and calm waters of the sound and is perfect for recreation and relaxation for the entire family.

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meet our towns p i n e kno ll s ho r es Just west of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores has wide beaches and soundside access perfect for swimming, shelling, clamming, or kayaking along this beautiful stretch of island. Nature trails lead you above a tidal marsh where marine creatures live and shore birds wade. The North Carolina Aquarium hosts a wide array of fish, crabs, seahorses, river otters, and sharks - you’ll even get to see Nimbus, the albino loggerhead sea turtle!

a t l a n t i c b e ac h At the eastern end of Bogue Banks is Atlantic Beach, a laid-back beach town with wide, sandy shores, a boardwalk, and a commercial district with plenty of shopping and dining.

Nature trails, public parks, a splash pad, a skate park, and several beach accesses are fun for the entire family. Atlantic Beach is also home to historic Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War fort which remains the most visited state park in North Carolina.

b e au fo r t The 3rd oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort brings more to the table than meets the eye, including close ties with a notorious pirate. It offers a beautiful sandy shore as well as stunning waterfront views. Dock your boat at a downtown marina and walk from one charming boutique to the next, taking in the nautical scene with cocktails and awardwinning seafood overlooking the water at sunset. You can even watch the wild horses from the banks or board a ferry to see them in their unspoiled habitat. You can hop atop an English Double-Decker bus for a tour around this historic fishing village to see Pirate Blackbeard’s home and the mysterious Old Burial Ground. It’s no wonder so many people call Beaufort their home away from home.

mo r e h ead c i ty Downtown Morehead City has an alluring waterfront appeal lined with charter boats, legendary seafood restaurants, and delightful shops all overlooking Sugarloaf Island. Home of the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, Morehead City brings sport fishermen from all over the country together each June to see which boat will bring in the biggest blue marlin, white marlin, mahi and more!

Morehead also hosts the annual North Carolina Seafood Festival on the first weekend in October.

Vendors line the waterfront with all types of fresh, delicious seafood, arts & crafts, along with carnival rides and activities! This city is a home-run when you go out to the ball game and see the Morehead City Marlins play. With all of the things Morehead City has to offer, there’s fun for everyone!

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spr i ng

sum m er

Spring on the Crystal Coast is the perfect way to have fun in the sun on an early getaway! As the water and the salty air warms up, the local birds and dolphins return to our coast. Warmer weather and waters mean comfortable weather for fishing. If you enjoy laying out in the sun with a nice cool breeze running across you, this is the time of year for you. Pods of dolphins arrive and even a whale or two are known to skirt the coast in spring. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are finally reasonable activities for those of us who like a little sun on their outing. Walking along the waterfronts of Beaufort, Swansboro and Morehead City becomes a relaxing way to spend a day of sunshine. The piers open, flowers bloom, and baby deer are sighted on Coast Guard Road - spring has sprung!

Summer on the Crystal Coast means being outside - from the various water sports in Emerald Isle to conquering Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, the things to do are limitless! Whether you’re attending Fourth of July events, summer concerts, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament or just laying on the beach, the Crystal Coast has much to offer for your summer beach vacation. Try something new - such as a ferry over to Shackleford Banks to watch the wild ponies, shelling and hunting for sand dollars, a boat tour with the pirates, kayaking the Intracoastal or a fishing charter into the gulf stream for a big catch. Summer on the coast is sure to be the highlight of your year, no matter how long you’re here for. Be sure to book early though, because the peak season weeks are the first to fill up.

Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 7 0 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 5 5 ° F

Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 8 5 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 73 ° F

Water Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 7 1 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 6 5 ° F

Water Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 8 3 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 8 0 ° F

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fa l l

wi nter

Though summer may be over, fall is the perfect time to visit the Crystal Coast! The weather is still beautiful and perfect for a day at the beach while avoiding the busy summer crowds and enjoying the water still being warm. Fall in the Southern Outer Banks is a fisherman’s dream as some of the favorite-to-catch species are swimming wild. Those in the know make it a point to hit the sand in the fall. Secretly, it is the locals’ favorite time of year. The beaches are clearing out, festivals have begun and the milder temperatures make it a great vacay for your furry friends.

Also, oyster season is back in full swing; a must-have indulgence when you are here on the coast. Grilled, steamed, fried or raw - whatever your fancy may be, fall is one of the best times to enjoy seafood on the coast.

Make like the birds and fly south to the Crystal Coast for the winter! You may not want to dive in the water, unless you like a polar plunge, but the weather is still warm enough to take a relaxing stroll on the beach.

Crystal Coast sunrises and sunsets are a breathtaking sight in the winter.

If you want to stay a little warmer, the Crystal Coast also has countless indoor attractions like the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores or the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The holiday festivities abound during this time of year. Catch a flotilla - a floating light parade where boats are decorated in themed lighting and drift by our many waterfronts. Or snuggle up to your loved ones on an indoor dinner cruise, where you can see a pony or two and the water from the comforts of your cruise seat.

Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 73 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 5 8 ° F

Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 5 7 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 4 0 ° F

Water Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 7 7 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 73 ° F

Water Tem peratu r e A v e r ag e H i g h : 6 6 ° F | A v e r ag e L o w : 6 1 ° F

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em erald isle The tranquil resort and residential community of Emerald Isle is located on the western end of the Southern Outer Banks Island called Bogue Banks. Bogue Banks is 30 miles long, with Atlantic Beach at the east end, Salter Path and Indian Beach in the center and Emerald Isle on the western end of the southfacing island. Emerald Isle’s reputation as a “Family Beach” is well deserved and continues year after year to lure families looking for a peaceful ocean getaway to remember! The original developers of Emerald Isle have been praised by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post for their foresight that has protected this island from the overgrowth that plagues most beach resort areas. Emerald Isle is one of the few beaches left on the Outer Banks that still provides an unspoiled family atmosphere for all.

As tradition has it, the road that later became Emerald Drive was originally built in a serpentine path to spare the old live oak trees that covered the island. “Emerald Isle By the Sea” grew slowly westward as roads were pushed and paved through the sand. The beach side gives plenty of sand for play while the sound side offers calm waters for swimming, fishing, kayaking and shelling. Today, Emerald Isle is thriving and growing with a permanent population just below 4,000, as well as a seasonal population of over 16,000 during peak tourism time. The Bogue Inlet Pier is newly renovated and a highlight spot for scenic shots. Walk the length and watch for dolphins or even a whale - and check out what the fishermen are catching or cast a line yourself. Emerald Isle residents and visitors today still enjoy a relaxed ocean atmosphere with enough to do to keep from being bored on rainy days, but not so much that you get the carnival feel that exists in many larger ocean resort areas. Our sandy white beaches remain unspoiled, unpopulated and our warm, gentle ocean waters remain unpolluted!

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b e au fo r t The third oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort was established in 1709 and has been home to pirates, sailors, soldiers, and fisherman alike. Beaufort offers a beautiful, sandy shore as well as breathtaking waterfront views. Spend a day walking along the streets, sightseeing, and exploring the various specialty shops or sink your teeth into some of the best coastal dishes in the Southern Outer Banks. The historic waterfront is the perfect place to soak in the sunset on a nighttime cruise or wander into the local bars for a refreshing cocktail. If you’re a foodie, you don’t want to miss a culinary tour of Beaufort and the opportunity to taste some of its finest cuisine with a classic southern flare. If you're visiting the Crystal Coast in the early spring, the Beaufort Food & Wine Festival is a must for all culinary enthusiasts. You'll love tasting the fusions of coastal flavors while sipping on North Carolina wines. History flourishes in this coastal community where historic homes line the waterfront and surrounding streets downtown.

Plan for an afternoon on the waterfront to explore! Hop atop the English Double-Decker bus for a guided tour through this historic fishing village to see the notorious Pirate Blackbeard’s quarters as well as the mysterious Old Burial Ground. Join in on the Beaufort Ghost Walk, winner of the Crystal Coast’s “#1 Attraction” and “Best Tour Guide”. This tour is a stroll after dark, accompanied by chilling stories of murderous pirates, unexplained happenings, ghost ships, and haunted houses. One of our favorite stops is the Hammock House, one of Beaufort’s many haunted houses and once the home of Blackbeard.

Be sure to pay a visit to North Carolina’s Maritime Museum to learn about our endless Maritime history. If you’re an adventurous water enthusiast, you can also go kayaking, parasailing or take a paddleboarding lesson. Named the “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel and “America’s Favorite Town” by Travel & Leisure, you’ll quickly see what makes this coastal community so special. Beaufort offers a little something for everyone to enjoy and is truly a must-see on your Southern Outer Banks vacation.

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r e e l adve n t u r e Your North Carolina beach vacation might include scoring a trophy fish from a private charter or simply casting a line from one of our piers stretching into the Atlantic. Whether you’ve found a new hobby or “ocean to table” is more your style – there is always something to catch when you have rivers, the sound, inlets and the ocean at your fingertips...or should we say “reel.”

fish i ng LICENSE Everyone 16 years of age and older are required to have their own individual North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (NC-CRFL). Some licensed piers such as the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and Oceanana Pier require you to purchase a private pass to use their facilities and this pass may also act as your NC-CRFL. Swansboro Wal-Mart Emerald Isle The Reel Outdoors K&V Grocery

Atlantic Beach Freeman’s Bait & Tackle Chasin’ Tails Outdoors Morehead City Dick’s Sporting Goods Wal-Mart

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b oa t lau nc h es Emerald Isle Intracoastal Waterway 6800 Emerald Drive Morehead City Intracoastal Waterway 3407 Arendell Street Cedar Point (Swansboro) 144 Cedar Point Boulevard Beaufort (Taylor’s Creek) 2370 Lennoxville Road Harkers Island 1604 Harkers Island Road

s mal l lau nc h es Emerald Isle Emerald Isle Woods Park, Kelly Street, Cedar Street, 13th Street

B L AC K D R U M March, April, May, September, October, November, December

FLO U N D ER June, July, August, September, October, November, December

STR I P ED BASS January, February, March, April, October, November, December

SEA M U LLET April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

S PA N I S H M A C K E R E L May, June, July, August, September

RED DRUM March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December

B LU E F I S H March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

surf&pi er B LU E M A R L I N March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

GROUPER May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

K I N G M AC K E R E L June, July, August, September, October, November, December

YELLOWFI N TU NA February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

MAH I-MAH I April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

S PA N I S H M A C K E R E L May, June, July, August, September, October, November

B LU E F I N T U N A January, February, November, December

S EA BASS June, July, August, September, October, November, December

B L AC K F I N T U N A

d eep s ea

May, June, July, August, September, October, November

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& diamon d

pon i es th e

lady

s h ac k l e fo r d p o n i e s Since the 16th century, this herd has roamed the barrier islands. Foraging and digging underground for fresh water, this herd of just over one hundred ponies survives with limited human interaction. Within the herd, they divide into several harems and bachelor groups. It is thought that the blonde tufted ponies are descendants of the Viking ponies that were shipwrecked here, with the rest coming from Spanish explorers. Take the ferry over to Shackleford Banks and spend the day amongst the waves finding conch shells and catching a glimpse of these beautiful, feral ponies.

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c a p e l o o ko u t l i g h t h o u s e Venture out to the Cape Lookout National Seashore to find the Cape Lookout Lighthouse; one of seven statuesque beacons that sprinkle North Carolina's coastline. Found a mere three miles off the shore of Beaufort, visitors can take a short trip or spend an entire day on these undeveloped barrier islands.

Upon arriving, you’re greeted by the tall “Diamond Lady”, stretching 188 stair steps up into the sky. During the summer season, we can’t imagine visiting the shore without viewing it from the bird’s eye - by climbing the lighthouse! The island touches both the inlet and the wide-open Atlantic Ocean and is perfect for shelling, swimming and camping. Stroll the beach for treasures or float in the inlet and soak up the sun.

Either way, an afternoon spent in the sand at the foot of the stunning Diamond Lady is bound to be truly unforgettable.

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eve n ts o n t h e coast

spri ng

summer

fa l l

wi nter

MARC H

JUNE

S EPTEM B ER

D EC E M B E R

Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival Shamrock Run & Roll Swansboro Rotary Oyster Roast Emerald Isle Marathon Restaurant Week

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour Kayak for the Warriors Bogue Banks Kiteboarding Festival Alive at 5 Outdoor concerts

Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival Crystal Coast Grand Prix Beaufort Brewin Beer Festival Atlantic Beach Saltwater Classic Fort Macon Reenactment Emerald Isle Day-4-Kids Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament Coastal Cuisine & Craft Beer Festival Beer, Bubbles and BBQ Festival

Morehead City Christmas Festival Crystal Coast Flotilla Festival of Trees Holiday Arts Fair Emerald Isle Santa and a Movie Historic Beaufort Holiday Art Walk Beaufort Claus Pub Crawl Core Sound Decoy Festival Beaufort Candlelight Tour New Year’s Eve Pirate Drop in Beaufort Morehead City New Year’s Crab Pot Drop

AP R I L Newport Pig Pickin Beaufort Wine & Food Festival Bites & Blues Festival Vin de Mer Wine Festival Beaufort Historic Site Easter Egg Hunt Emerald Isle & Morehead City Egg Hunts Carteret County Bark for Art

M AY MCAS Cherry Point Air Show Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show Crystal Coast Boat Show Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Fireworks Beaufort Music Festival Atlantic Beach Music Festival Crystal Kai SUP Cup Bike the Banks

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J U LY Emerald Isle Bike Ride Independence Day Celebrations Buddy Peletier Memorial Surf Contest Ducks Unlimited Billfish Tournament Story Telling Festival Movie Night in Atlantic Beach Barta Boys & Girls Billfish Tournament Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium Shark Week

AU G U S T O.W.L.S. Sandcastle Contest Beaufort Pirate Invasion Crystal Coast County Fair Rachel Carson Reserve Field Trips

O C TO B E R N.C. Seafood Festival Swansboro Mullet Festival Calcutta Wahoo Challenge Carolina Kite Festival Emerald Isle Triathlon Gordy McAdams Tournament War 1812 Reenactment N.C. Festival By The Sea Town of Emerald Isle Trick or Treat Trunk or Treat at the Aquarium

N OV E M B E R Emerald Isle Holiday Parade Emerald Isle Tree Lighting & Flotilla Swansboro Flotilla Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast Crystal Coast Oyster Festival Antique-a-Thon Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament Shop, Savor and Sip Fashion Show Small Business Saturday

J A N UA RY First Day Hike Penguin Plunge Beaufort’s Clam Chowder Cook-Off

F E B R UA RY Carolina Chocolate Festival Art from the Heart Show Hope Missions Empty Bowls Winter Taste of Core Sound Mardi Gras on Middle Lane in Beaufort

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Emerald Isle Atlantic Beach

252-354-2128 200 Mangrove Drive 252-726-3105 407 Atlantic Beach Cswy Suite 6F

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200 Mangrove Drive Emerald Isle, North Carolina 28594 407 Atlantic Beach Cswy Suite 6F Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 BluewaterSalesNC.com (252) 726-3105