39°F
One of the most overlooked areas to recreate are portions of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Onslow County including Stones Creek Game Lands in Holly Ridge and Lejeune Memorial Greenway in Jacksonville. Both trails offer very different experiences from nature and off the beaten path trail in Holly Ridge to paved greenway through a memorial garden in Jacksonville.
What’s your favorite season to recreate in NC and why?
My favorite time to visit is in the fall. The temperatures are cooler, traffic is a little slower, and fall festivals are in full swing.
What level of experience is needed to recreate in this area?
Depending on the trail, experience varies. For paddling, downtown Swansboro offers a more challenging experience while Hammocks Beach State Park and North Topsail Beach offer a more relaxing and beginner experience. For biking, the Rails to Trail greenway is a easy paved trail while Big Branch Bike Park is a challenging mountain biking trail.
How long should you plan on visiting the area?
I would recommend 3-4 days to fully experience Onslow County from our trails, outdoors, events and restaurants.
What sets the area apart from other destinations?
Onslow County has a wide variety of activities from outdoor trails and seafood excursions to unique food scene and ties to the military base. Also, we have many groups focusing on cleaning up the beaches, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital monitoring sea turtles, and a focus on oysters to clean our waterways.
How do you plan ahead and prepare for your recreational activity?
Check out the Onslow County Tourism website for upcoming events. Also, check the weather and make sure you come prepared in case of afternoon rain. Bathrooms are not always available at some trail heads so be sure to plan ahead.
What piece of outdoor equipment is your must-have?
I always have a waterproof phone case to use for paddling or in case of rain when hiking on the trails.
How do you put one Outdoor NC Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle in action before/during/or after your activity?
Whenever I go for a hike I make sure to stay on the trails, pick up my trash and respect the wildlife I see along the way.
Favorite place to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for a meal/coffee/or another beverage?
There are so many great places to choose in Onslow County. If I am in Swansboro, I always stop by Bake, Bottle and Brew for a coffee and great view of the Intracoastal waterway. In Sneads Ferry/North Topsail Beach, I love to stop by Topsail Island Brewing or Splash by the Sea Restaurant. Jacksonville, I love to visit restaurants along the International Food trail such as Marrakesh or Lime & Lemon.
Share a unique place to stay in the area. Why would you recommend these accommodations?
I recommend staying in downtown Swansboro at an Airbnb so you can be close to shops, restaurants and the water. Or I recommend staying at the Villa Capriani in North Topsail Beach so you are right on the beach and have a pool at the complex. Plus, Splash by the Sea restaurant is on site.
Other overlooked and under-visited locations in the area to see while in town?
Overlooked is our historical sites such as the Onslow County Museum, African American Heritage Trail and Swansboro Area Heritage Center.
What is your ‘can’t-miss experience’ in the area?
Getting out on the water with a boat charter such as a shelling cruise, sunrise cruise, oyster farm cruise, fishing, or birding cruise.
Insider tip!
Be sure to order the local seafood special at our restaurants as it will be local seafood from our area.
