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The North Carolina Oyster Trail allows for various exciting experiences. There are seafood restaurants, shellfish farm tours, and seafood markets. The trail offers various educational opportunities for all ages. The region often holds festivals and events. These are focused on promoting community and fun interaction between locals and visiting tourists. Arts and outdoor recreation are common sights in the area.
There are many opportunities to have fun, learn and enjoy yourselves. Whether on vacation or just passing through, the trail has something for everyone. It is a great area to have fun while enjoying the best oysters and seafood there is to offer.
After starting as a hot dog stand, the Froggy Dog Restaurant and Pub has evolved. It has grown into one of the best seafood restaurants on Hatteras Island. It is family-owned and operated with a wide variety of menu options. The establishment offers event space and has a robust nightlife. The main attraction to the restaurant is Sunday Brunch. The menu is wide and offers options for children and adults alike. It is family-friendly and has designated options for children. The event spaces are a huge deal. The restaurant also offers catering services to events in the region.
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Focused on conservancy issues, the Bald Head Conservancy supports scientific research. It works together with other organizations with a similar cause. The conservancy is focused on protecting sea turtles at the Smith Island Complex. With the help of interns, the Sea Turtle Protection program runs to protect sea turtles. Interns assist with taking care of the eggs once the mother turtle leaves them. They conduct patrols to watch as they hatch and help the trapped hatchlings safely get to the water. Besides turtles, other endangered species are preserved at the conservancy.
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This is a festive tavern in Beaufort County. It includes a tiki bar, pool and live music every evening. The main menu item is seafood that is brought in by locals from nearby waters. The food is prepared using traditional steaming methods. Customers can choose any accompaniment on the menu to go with their main meal. There is a rich grog bar with custom alcoholic choices. The restaurant is known across state borders and offers free deliveries.
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If you are looking for a place to let loose and enjoy marine life, Seavisions is for you. With different tour options and that are guided by professionals, it is nothing but fun. Seavisions Charters utilizes its unique landscape to give tourists the best experiences. There are wild horses, dolphins, seashells and sand dollars to be enjoyed. The tours are fun and pet accessible, so you will not have to leave your best friends behind. Seavisions is probably one of the few locations to allow alcoholic drinks. You will however need to be careful and not bring glasses around
This educational institution is one of a kind. Science by the Sea offers lessons to students interested in various fields. Topics range from Chemistry, Biology and Geology. It is focused on marine life in the region. Researchers organize regular expeditions into the sea. They carry out experiments and share information collected with the public. Students gain first hand experience with a fully equipped laboratory. The institution places direct focus on marine life that is rare. It carries out research on how best to preserve these species. In addition to all the great educational work, the view is breathtaking. Science by the Sea lives up to its name.
This is a perfect example of when like-minded individuals come together to create greatness. Sandbar Oyster Company was formed by Dr. Niels Lindquist and David “Clammerhead” Cessna. It is a company focused on oyster farming and seashore restoration. The pair came up with top-notch technology that allows oyster farming to be easier. Their invention; Oyster Catcher, is biodegradable, lightweight, and eases the process of oyster farming. The company receives a great number of volunteers each season. They do honorable work and allow coastal communities to live better lives.
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This is a company created by environmentally conscious individuals. The company collects plastic waste to make recycled plastic products. The team is focused on reducing plastic pollution. They have gained favor with local communities and businesses. What started out as a dream to recycle their personal waste has grown to a website of waste. Local businesses and communities offer their plastics to them to recycle. They carry out the recycling in a small warehouse, having started in a one-bedroom apartment.
Cape Hatteras Oyster Company was founded by a father and son duo. Bill and Ryan Belter started out by harvesting oysters in the Pamlico Sound. They grew to start their company, which distributes oysters all over North Carolina and other states. The Belters found their signature oysters in Hatteras Salts. They breed these oysters in the clear waters of the Pamlico Sound. They are very much involved with the community and attend all aquaculture-related events.
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Oysters Carolina was an idea by Ryan Bethea. He started the company as a way to get his community to consume more fresh seafood. Having started on a farm on a lease, he has grown greatly. The company now supplies fresh seafood on a daily basis all over North Carolina. Seafood is delivered the same day it is harvested. This ensures the delivery is still fresh when it gets to the restaurants for preparation. Ryan Bethea has a team of local farmers that help him harvest the oysters on a daily basis. Some of the seafood he distributes include clams, shrimp, and crawfish. There are various events hosted by Oysters Carolina. These are aimed at teaching locals about seafood, how to prepare it, and the best recipes for each type. Through these events, the company has enabled more locals to enjoy and consume more seafood.
Hatteras Island Ocean Center is an organization made for educational purposes. It is owned by Hampden-Sydney College. The organization offers students opportunities for interdisciplinary research. It enhances education and creates awareness. There are numerous activities that take place at the center, including education and conservation. The organization depends heavily on volunteer work and the students.
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The Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar is the destiny of the Shields. When they got married, Will and Karen Shields did not expect to join the seafood industry. It was not until their professional chef son, Scott, brought the idea to them that they cultivated an interest. They had lived in a number of places before settling into Nags Head. The restaurant started steadily with 32 seats before it grew to almost double its size in a couple of years. It serves the best seafood made by professional local chefs. There are breathtaking views from each angle and an amazing ambiance. The food and service is incredible, begging you to come back. There is also a shop where you can get merchandise as souvenirs to remember your visit.
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Shuck, Rattle, and Roll is an event hosted by the Carteret Community College. The event allows students to gain practical knowledge and gain contact with the community. Students harvest, prepare, and serve the seafood. Local restaurants and businesses come together to help them out. They come in as sponsors, providing various things needed for the event. Seafood from the local shores is served at the event. Carteret Community College hosts other events throughout the year as well.
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The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is an event that brings together all seafood lovers in the area. The event is held each year and is a fun and educational experience for all. There is food, entertainment, and music to be enjoyed. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn about seafood, the different types and ways to prepare it.
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Ocracoke Oyster Company is a restaurant that provides dinner, drinks, and entertainment. It serves the best oysters on the island. The price range is quite fair, between $5 and $25. The restaurant is a casual establishment and allows for walk-ins. Live music is at times played by local musicians.
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Crystal Coast Oysters is a farm dedicated to providing fresh oysters to North Carolina locals. The farm is owned by James Frey and his best friend, Matt. The duo came fresh out of college to start a life in the water, and never looked back. They harvest about 4000 oysters each week. Their farm has provided opportunities for local communities to enjoy reasonably priced oysters and seafood. Crystal Coast Oysters partners with local companies and restaurants to create recipes for oysters.
With the dedication to raising, crafting, and sustaining oyster shells, that delivers a great taste of North Carolina seafood. N. Sea Oyster company, founded and owned by Conor MacNair, looks to maintain a positive impact on the environment. While also serving the local seafood market of Hampstead, North Carolina.
With the world coming to a standstill in a global pandemic. It did not stop Robert Pickens from sharing his love for seafood in the state of North Carolina. Being near a local sparkling water source and being recognized by Port City Daily. Tidewater Oyster Bar is the place to come and have a great seafood experience. The oyster bar has a variety of seafood for all to enjoy, even a few land foods for those that don’t like seafood.
Ocracoke mariculture involves local farmers and farm-raised oysters. Local farmers put in a lot of work to maintain oysters that the community and nation at large enjoy. The organization is focused on providing healthy farm-raised oysters that are delicious and farmed in the right conditions. North Carolina has a vast coastline, providing numerous habitats for oysters. The process of farming oysters takes up to 16 months. It is very tedious and requires constant care to have the perfect batch of oysters.
With numerous restaurants on Ocracoke Island. Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar stands out from the rest. While only being open from early spring to late fall, the causal fun and friendly service is a place for all to visit during your vacation here on the island. You will find Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar in Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, by taking the Irvin Garrish Highway, which takes you straight to their dining room!
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Seaview Crab Company continues to grow and stays grounded in the values that have fueled its growth. Their core philosophy is to root their supply chain and seafood knowledge in North Carolina. They are plugged into the rich history of North Carolina’s Fisheries and Fishermen. The company offers the retail seafood market numerous options. They use local fishermen and fishmongers to enhance growth in the community. Having been founded by three friends, the company has grown into a family.
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Historic Elizabeth City is a treasure trove of activities awaiting the eastern North Carolina visitor. Located near the Pasquotank River, visitors are encouraged to relive the colonial era with its historic walking tours including Civil war milestones, the Wright brothers dream of flight, and African American freedom seekers and their escape on the Underground Railroad. Continue your tour by visiting the six historic districts of Elizabeth City and don't be surprised if you happen to catch some live music downtown or perhaps a local art gallery display.
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The North Carolina Museum of the Albemarle offers visitors free admission to all the exhibits and though exhibits are self-guided, groups are welcomed, but highly advised to register ahead of their visit for specialized tours and those of course are based upon availability. While the museum represents the cultural history of the northeastern North Carolina counties, the featured exhibit, "Our Story" provides a more detailed and specific summary of life in this Albemarle region. For example, the Jackson House exhibit provides visitors a glimpse into the typical small farmhouse design of the day.
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Historic Camden County is the recognized home to the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Visitor Center provides visitors with exhibits that celebrate its rich and dramatic history. Opened in the early 1800's, the Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest operating fabricated canal in the country. Listed in the Register of Historic Places, the Canal is part of the Civil War Trail and Intracoastal Waterway. Reportedly, it was also part of the Underground Railroad providing intimidating refuge for freedom seekers of the day. The Battle of South Mills during the Civil War, was the result of attempts to destroy the canal, which was an important supply link for the South.
Today, eco-tourism opportunities abound within Camden County and the Visitor Center is your primary contact for more information on those activities.
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Visitors to Historic Jackson will re-discover the magic of small town life that existed throughout the South during the 18th century. Northampton county's museum in fact, preserves this history and culture from the period with its numerous, rich with heritage exhibits. But don't be fooled, this is not just your everyday run of the mill museum of Southern culture, but yet remains a working educational opportunity for young and old alike to take in the abundant natural and cultural resources of the area.
The town of Halifax, located on the Roanoke River, reeks of American Revolution history. Lighting the spark for independence, the Fourth Provincial Congress assembly, held in Halifax, first adopted the Halifax Resolves which was the first official action calling for all colonies to support independence. Guided tours of Historic Halifax takes you through several restored buildings of the era, the home of a local merchant, law office, and a wealthy planter's home as well as a jail and the Tap Room tavern. The continued tour includes a visit to the local Spring, long a source of water for the area, the town park, marketplace, and the cemetery.
Those interested in Eco-tourism opportunities, will not want to miss nearby Medoc Mountain State Park with its Fishing Creek that flows 2.5 miles through the park and over 10 miles of equestrian and hiking trails along the creek.
Historic Tarboro, once a candidate to become North Carolina's capital city, presents visitors with the state's largest historic district and unique, one of only two in the United States, town common area. First on your list should be a visit to the Blount-Bridgers House & Arboretum. Listed in the Register of Historic Places, it served as the final home of Thomas Blount, who fought as an Officer in the Revolutionary War and today contains an art gallery of collections from local artists as well as the exceptional manicured grounds.
And speaking of manicured grounds, you'll not want to miss the Calvary Episcopal Church with its unrivaled Gothic architecture and most exquisite stained glass windows in eastern North Carolina. Beyond the church and even more spectacular, is the bordering cemetery and it's charming mix of native and exotic trees throughout the well tended to grounds.
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
