{"id":27081,"date":"2017-06-16T07:00:17","date_gmt":"2017-06-16T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shescookin.crwcun8-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=27081"},"modified":"2018-07-10T17:34:31","modified_gmt":"2018-07-11T00:34:31","slug":"gems-of-the-south-north-carolinas-crystal-coast-2-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/gems-of-the-south-north-carolinas-crystal-coast-2-day-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Gems of the South: North Carolina’s Crystal Coast 2-Day Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

A visit to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is much more than a beach vacation, even with 85 miles of pristine shoreline seducing you to stay and play.<\/p>\n

\"Colorful<\/p>\n

Often referred to as North Carolina\u2019s Southern Outer Banks – the Crystal Coast is full of opportunities to languish beachside, toes in sand; enjoy a multitude of water sports: scuba, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding); explore the unique natural habitats of these barrier islands with a trip to Harkers Island and Shackleford Banks via ferry (check out Day 1’s itinerary<\/a>); and learn about the coastal sea life and conservation efforts at the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knolls Shores.<\/p>\n

\"Emerald<\/p>\n

First off, it’s time to hit the water because that is why you’re visiting the stunning Crystal Coast! After a morning walk on the beach, head to \u00a0HotWax Surf Shop<\/a>\u00a0(several locations in the area) where you’ll face a tough choice – should you kayak, SUP or surf? Hot Wax will set you up with rentals and an experienced waterman as your guide. Hot Wax is a true water sports company with real equipment and watermen that use the same equipment that you’ll be using and, they’re not only about rentals, they also offer surfing instruction and a surf camp.<\/p>\n

Once we were set up with equipment, our group of five piled into the car and drove a short distance to meet our guide where we would put in. Everything except the paddling is done for you and, if you capsize, fall off your board, need a tow, or run aground in the oyster beds, your guide will be there to assist.<\/p>\n

\"Bogue<\/p>\n

Our hour in the sparkling waters of Bogue Sound along the Intracoastal Waterway went far too quickly.<\/p>\n

\"Kayaking<\/p>\n

Steer clear of the oyster beds!<\/p>\n

Sun-kissed and happy with water sports checked off the list, the perfect afternoon outing on a sizzling summer’s day is a short drive up-island to the\u00a0North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores<\/a>\u00a0to see thousands of aquatic animals, explore shipwrecks without getting wet, take a behind the scenes tour to learn about the important work of saving sea turtles, and become beguiled by tales of pirates and shipwrecks like I did.<\/p>\n

Did you know that the North Carolina coast is one of the world’s top wreck diving locations? Over 600 shipwrecks have been documented since before the days of Blackbeard, whose ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge was discovered in Beaufort Inlet in 1996. Divers have easy accessibility to numerous wrecks due to \u00a0good visibility, warm water, and their nearshore location.<\/p>\n

\"Living<\/p>\n

The Living Shipwreck exhibit with a replica of the U-352, a famous World War II submarine and the first U-boat sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard off the North Carolina coast.<\/p>\n

No matter where your travels take you, aquariums provide hours of entertainment and learning opportunities for all ages. There’s something about being enveloped in cool darkness with only the aquatic life illuminated that draws you into the hushed mystique of the underwater world.<\/p>\n