This Coastal Hideaway Is North Carolina’s Fall Surprise Destination

Less is ‘More‘ on this North Carolina hideaway boasting secret islands and small city appeal.

A far cry from the massive metropolis lifetime of Charlotte or the luxurious, autumnal magnificence drawing again hordes to Asheville, Southern Living not too long ago featured maybe North Carolina’s best-kept secret so far as beach getaways go.

Here at Travel Off Path, there’s nothing we love greater than stumbling upon textbook hidden gems, so we are able to reveal them to you (and perhaps even ebook a visit ourselves! 😏)

The excellent news about this coastal shock is you could take pleasure in each the pleasant small city elements of fall with a PSL in hand after which enterprise off to virtually unknown islands to the lots, laden with vibrant blue waters and satisfying gentle climate till the frigid winter temps arrive.

Welcome To Morehead City

Netflix’s hit present Outer Banks has hoisted North Carolina’s shores onto middle stage lately.

Typically, it is the opposite ‘Carolina’ drawing a crowd for its spectacular shorelines, however do not sleep on NC.

It’s not solely the actual Outer Banks that’s worthy of a seaside getaway, but in addition underrated Wilmington. Morehead City, the biggest metropolis within the area, presents these prepared to present this little-known city a good shake infinite delights starting from a charismatic downtown to beautiful, crowd-free islands that slip by the cracks of guidebooks.

Oozing a village-esque appeal teeming with fresh-caught seafood like Southern Living-backed The Banks Grill, welcoming locals, reasonably priced stays, and quite a few methods to benefit from the surrounding waterways, be it kayaking, serene marshlands, or boarding a ferry to paradise, fall is a good time to go to for its open barstools and virtually spotless beaches.

Though the largest shock attraction takes you again over a century of serious U.S. historical past.

Fort Macon is likely one of the most picturesque locations within the space, overlooking blue Atlantic waters and offering friends with guided perception as a Civil War stronghold, a key cause why this state park holds a near-perfect Google score.

Discover North Carolina’s Secret Island Escapes

Wanna take within the views nearer to shore? Maybe keep on the town and ebook a pleasant dinner at Jack’s on the Waterfront.

Otherwise, it is time to hop aboard a ferry or seize your lifejacket and paddle to one of many area’s many untamed islands.

The different choice is to befriend a pleasant native who seemingly owns a ship, because it’s ingrained within the day-to-day tradition right here.

Sand Dollar Island is really a map-dot island. Good luck zooming in on the map. Despite its diminutive dimension, it is a large deal for household excursions within the summertime for — you guessed it — amassing sand {dollars}.

Check out Morehead City Ferry Service to get right here. Plus, they provide dolphin sighting excursions.

Sugar Loaf Island is one other gem price exploring, and the closest to downtown Morehead City. Though it is best reached in your phrases through kayak or boat.

Here, you will discover extra serenity within the calm waters of the Bogue Sound.

Shackleford Banks is maybe probably the most distinctive of the bunch for the reason that foremost inhabitants are wild horses, and simply throughout to the Northeast is Harker’s Island, well-liked for fishing and residential to Cape Lookout Bed & Breakfast, an incredible place to unplug and recharge.

Hop aboard a ferry from close by Beaufort.

Though not a secret, Atlantic Beach rounds out the very best place to be for traditional seaside enjoyable — sprawling seashores, oceanfront bars, and infinite methods to absorb the solar, even in fall, reminiscent of browsing or renting a seaside cruiser.

Morehead City’s Small Town Delights

There’s no higher place to cap off epic seaside days or island-hopping than downtown Morehead City, the place its vibrant marina boasts much more vibrant sunsets.

Easy to navigate and brimming with pastel, coastal character, downtown’s mother n’ pop eateries, boutique retailers, and quite a few vintage shops account for numerous hours in your journey.

But seafood is king right here, as you may think about. Southern Living additionally recommends Red Fish Grill, which simply so occurs to be the primary Morehead City restaurant on TripAdvisor.

There’s no scarcity of cozy inns and old-timey lodges dotting the area too, however those that aren’t followers of typical chains ought to go for the Bask Hotel, a cushty mid-size tower overlooking the scenic waterfront.