Land Lovers
The following description taken from
Insider's Guide: Crystal Coast:
Golf
From the beach to the driving range, eastern North Carolina's temperate climate makes it an ideal location for all sorts of outdoor activities, including golf. The Crystal Coast has a variety of scenic and challenging courses awaiting golf enthusiasts, and most of the area's exceptional club courses are open to the public. Courses are busy year round, and many Insiders consider fall the most favorable time to play. However, golf can be played here practically 365 days a year, if you wish. It's best to call ahead to reserve tee times, especially on weekends. Golfers who know the Crystal Coast know it is one of the best golf bargains around. Several local hotels offer golf packages that include accommodations, meals, guaranteed starting times, greens fees and a few extras; call the businesses listed in our Accommodations chapter and ask about special incentives for golfers.
Where possible, local courses take full advantage of the area's natural beauty. Many greens and tees offer glorious views of waters and wildlife, so the intrepid golfer gets a chance to experience a little something extra as the game unfolds. Several of the courses listed have recently completed multi-million dollar makeovers that bring them into the new millennium in championship form.
The courses we recommend will bring you many enjoyable rounds of golf. All fees are for 18 holes of play unless noted otherwise, and be sure to ask about seasonal rates since these may vary from course to course. We've also listed a local driving range.
Shopping
Many Crystal Coast visitors enjoy the shopping as much as the beach. While the area does not have a large shopping mall, it does have a variety of individually owned stores, boutiques and specialty shops. You are sure to find a little of everything -- from a rare antique vase to a one-of-a-kind designer gown to unique nautical carvings to the perfect bathing suit. Initially, a newcomer or visitor may find it difficult to locate what he or she needs. While there are a Wal-Mart and a Kmart, there are no major all-inclusive large shopping centers or malls. But their absence is exactly what makes shopping fun around here. And besides, lots of shops and stores do exist. There are mini-malls, shopping neighborhoods and several good-size shopping centers with some of the major chain stores people are used to. This combination affords you plenty of places to find what you need and want.
Since the Crystal Coast is considered a resort area, you'll find dozens of shops that cater to the beachgoer or surfer. Whether you're looking for a beach souvenir, a gift for someone back home, the perfect-fitting swimsuit, a special T-shirt or a beach wrap, you'll find it here. If you need clothing or equipment for your favorite summer sport, you will find many brands of outdoor clothes and sports equipment to chose from -- everything from tennis togs and golf apparel to surfboards and kayaks. Be aware, however, that many area shops close or shorten their hours during the winter, so call first to make sure the store you want to visit is open.
We have designed this section to give you a brief look at some of the retail businesses in each Crystal Coast community. Antiques shops are listed separately at the end of this chapter. With such an array to chose from, we can't mention every shop that warrants your attention, so be sure to explore on your own. Except for a few rare cases, shops tend to be clumped together, so take your time to browse to walk through retail areas, like the waterfronts in Swansboro, Beaufort and Morehead City, to visit the individual shops and enjoy the treasures they behold. If you're in need of help, other Insiders will be delighted to share information with you.
Bicycle Rentals
Exploring beautiful Emerald Isle is always better on a bicycle. Rental bikes are available, providing a good form exercise for vacationers of all ages. Most cities and towns on the Crystal Coast accommodate visitors with convenient bike paths. For those that don’t currently offer bike paths, a share the road policy for bikers and drivers is in place.
Camping
Camping is a favorite pastime of many vacationers to the Crystal Coast. Campgrounds with amenities such as water, electricity are an option for visitors. For those who seek a back-to-nature camping experience, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a perfect location. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, the pristine islands that make up the seashore offer unparalleled fishing, shelling and the attraction of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Attractions
After a day at the beach or exploring the history and mystery of the Crystal Coast, couples, families and vacationers of all ages will have plenty of things to do: miniature golf, bumper boats, go-carts and outdoor attractions and amusements, just to list a few. Whether it’s a midday kayak adventure, or some nightlife at our local restaurants, The Crystal Coast's attractions are waiting for you.
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