Current Affairs

Boatbuilding: A Unique Family Experience     Wooden boatbuilding is a cherished pastime and plays an important role in North Carolina’s history. Avid carpenters or families looking for a unique experience will find the boatbuilding classes offered at the NC Maritime Museum’s Watercraft Center a great choice. A variety of classes for all skill levels, adults and kids age 8 and above are offered throughout the year.   » MORE

Plan Your 2008 NC Beach Wedding     In this waterfront-wonderful area of North Carolina, weddings and celebrations take on almost any style and flavor, from beach casual to classic elegance. Sites for ceremonies and receptions are just as unique. With celebrations happening in churches, on beaches and boats and everywhere in between, this incredible area of North Carolina caters to the bride and groom looking to get away from it all.   » MORE

U-Boat's Wrath Sinks Two Ships in One Night     World War II history reaches deep down along the Crystal Coast. Out at sea, below the waves, rest mammoth reminders of the German U-boat campaign that wreaked havoc upon the heavily-traveled merchant shipping lanes off the NC Coast. In early 1942, U-boats descended upon local waters for a war on the water, downing ships in record numbers in full view of Core Banks.   » MORE

NC Becoming #1 Retirement Destination     North Carolina will become the nation's top choice for retirement relocation in coming years, this according to the National Active Retirement Association (NARA). The NARA, a clearinghouse and networking organization for those interested in learning more about the trends and opportunities in the baby boomer and retirement industries, says Florida is gradually losing its grip on those considering retirement.   » MORE

NC Maritime Museum Makes Must-See List     The North Carolina Maritime Museum has been mentioned as a must-visit destination by travel writer Patricia Schultz in her new book “1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before You Die.” Schultz also wrote “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” one of the best selling travel books ever published, and the basis of the new reality television show of the same name on “The Travel Channel.”   » MORE

Have Paddle, Will Travel     The Craven County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has taken steps to help make the county’s rivers and waterways more accessible to both residents and visitors. Recognizing that our area rivers are one of Craven County’s most valuable assets, a Paddle Trails brochure will be available at tourist and visitor locations throughout the area.   » MORE

Sea Horses of the Crystal Coast     The origin of the horses living on uninhabited Shackleford Banks, one of three islands that makes up the Cape Lookout National Seashore, is shrouded in mystery. Are these beautiful and unique creatures descendants of Spanish mustangs shipwrecked during the 16th century, or livestock placed on the island during the early 20th century?   » MORE

Ghosts of the Shore     Out of the corner of your eye you see it… a shadow, a quick darting movement. You feel as if someone or something is watching you. Then, in a moment it’s gone. Perhaps it was a ghost, perhaps a creature of the shore known as the “fleet-footed one of white.”   » MORE

Ten Reasons Why Visitors Love the Crystal Coast     More than 54 million trips to the beach were made by US households last year, according to the Travel Industry of America. There’s a certain magic that draws people to the sand, surf and sunsets, especially those of the Crystal Coast.   » MORE

A Vacationer Reveals Why Topsail Island is Tops     The place where a person or family chooses to vacation usually holds a special place in the heart. Topsail Island is one of those places. In the following article, Becky Everett of Warsaw, Indiana reveals what makes Topsail Island such a special place for her.   » MORE

Blackbeard's Revenge....     It’s a pirate’s life for those involved in the continued recovery of artifacts from the local shipwreck believed to be Blackbeard the Pirate’s prized flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. It is believed that the QAR ran aground in Beaufort Inlet in June of 1718.   » MORE

Your 2008 NC Beach Wedding Guide is Here!     The 2008 Coastal Event Planner is now out, featuring the beautiful communities of eastern North Carolina and the Southern Outer Banks. As a destination that features the ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, meandering rivers and historic towns with grand heritage, our coast offers many unique opportunities to incorporate waterfront or historic locations into your biggest celebrations.   » MORE

Relocating to the NC Coast? We've Got the Guide for You!     Red sunsets, blue water and white sandy beaches are just part of the reason to call eastern North Carolina home. From the sound to the sea, the area’s splendid history and brilliant future shine. Eastern North Carolina is a place where people still smile and say hello in passing, where hospitality still takes kind precedence. Just like home, it’s always inviting.   » MORE