Coastal Region, North Carolina
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the North Carolina Coast is a sunny place filled with pristine beaches, giant sand dunes (including Jockey's Ridge, the highest along the East Coast) and wetlands filled with wildlife and a variety of plants. The defining characteristic of the area is the Outer Banks, a chain of fragile barrier islands - 130 miles of unspoiled coastline surrounded by 900 square miles of water.
The area is also full of history dating back to the 16th century and includes the historic lighthouses (including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which at 208 feet is the tallest brick lighthouse in the nation). The city of Wilmington is a major US seaport. And, in 1903 the Wright Brothers ushered in the era of flight at Kitty Hawk.
Explore Coastal Region
Historic Murfreesboro
Twelve-block historic district, listed on National Register of Historic Places. Murfreesboro has significant properties dating to the 1700
Murfreesboro, NC MuseumsCarolina Artist Studio Gallery
Carolina Artist Studio Gallery is a a 501(c)3 non-profit cooperative gallery located at the corner of 8th and Evans Streets near the Morehead City waterfront. The gallery's mission is to promote art education and appreciation.
Morehead City, NC Art GalleriesCurrituck County Historic Jail
Next to the Currituck County Courthouse sits the original Currituck Jail. This jail was built after receiving legislative permission in 1767, burned down in 1808, then was rebuilt in 1857 and is one of the four oldest jails in North Carolina. The jail is a Jacobean brick building 32' X 20'
Currituck, NC Pioneer HistoryGraystone Inn
An historic landmark and one of the most elegant structures in Wilmington, the inn has recently undergone extensive renovations and has been returned to its original "turn-of-the-century grandeur" under the ownership of innkeepers Rich and Marcia Moore. Originally ""The Bridgers Mansion,"
Wilmington, NC Historic HomesEdenton National Fish Hatchery
Walking trails and ponds in back accessible for visitors. An addition of an educational facility has been built where conferences for up to 40
Edenton, NC Nature CentersCape Hatteras National Seashore
Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal)
Manteo, NC Nature PreservesTheodore Roosevelt Natural Area
One of the few remaining maritime forests on the NC coast, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area offers an interpreted trail adjacent to and leading from the parking area of the NC Aquarium, Pine Knoll Shores. Donated to the state by the family of the 26
Atlantic Beach, NC Nature PreservesWilmington Trolley Company
Experience the grandeur and charm of Old Wilmington with a trolley tour of the historic district. The eight-mile, 45 minute narrated sightseeing tour includes beautiful mansions, haunted homes, museums, birthplaces of famous natives, TV/
Wilmington, NC Excursions