Spring is Here at NC’s Southern Coast

Spring is here!  Relaxation is just a short drive away at the southern coast of North Carolina, #OnlyinOnslow. Here you can discover the communities of Richlands, Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Holly Ridge, Hubert and Swansboro!

Chill out at the beach! Our quiet little community of North Topsail Beach is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your batteries. Breathe in some tranquil moments with your toes in the sand at sunrise and sunset. Cruise along the shore on a beach bike and enjoy the convenience of bike and paddleboard rentals available at North Topsail Surf & Paddle. Dine al fresco at Splash by the Sea located in the Villa Capriani resort!  Read more about North Topsail Beach here.

🦐 INSIDER TIP:  You'll find some of the freshest seafood like shrimp, oysters, and blue crab in the neighboring town of Sneads Ferry at the legendary Riverview Café.

Did you know that Jacksonville, NC is the home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune? You won’t want to miss a stop at Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful setting and walkways as you experience the awe and reverence for the American heroes and military heritage on North Carolina's southern coast. See a list of all of the memorials, which includes the 2^nd largest Vietnam Memorial in the United States.

Don't miss seeing what's in bloom in Jacksonville's historic downtown district at  Riverwalk Crossing Park or out towards Richlands at Discovery Gardens, a 4-acre multi-purpose use facility located on the grounds of our local North Carolina Cooperative Extension that includes a nature trail, wildlife and pollinator garden, and greenhouse!

Staying in Jacksonville, NC is convenient. Rack up points at well-known hotel chains, within an easy driving distance to a variety of top destinations and attractions in our area. See a list of our locally-owned restaurants and unique boutiques in and around Jacksonville, NC! Read more about Jacksonville, NC here.

🏎️ INSIDER TIPS:  🚴🏽‍♀️ Cyclists will love Jacksonville, NC's Big Branch Bike Park with amenities that include restrooms, changing rooms, bike repair, and bike wash stations. Plus, check out Jacksonville's blueway trails by kayak on the New River.

Along our rural country roads of Richlands, you'll find one of Onslow County's many treasures, Mike's Farm.  Spring is time for strawberry picking and a southern-style country dinner in the restaurant that they are famous for!  Be sure to stop by the bakery for some treats to take with you, and don't miss their NC Products Barn featuring North Carolina-made products from the mountains to the piedmont and all the way to the coast.

Taste some North Carolina small-batch wines made at Huffman's Vineyards.  Relax in their spacious tasting room, or their outdoor seating area and savor some sweet or viniferous wines paired with local cheese and crackers or other nibbles they have on offer.  Walton's Distillery is becoming increasingly popular for its craft distillery tours and tastings!  They've got a great family story to tell as you sample their Ms. Kitty's apple pie moonshine along with many other flavors like salted caramel, peach shine, and pine shine colada! For those that prefer bourbon corn whiskey, enjoy a tasting and see how it's made on the premises.

Our quaint and historic coastal town of Swansboro was recently selected as “One of the Coolest Small Towns to Visit in America.”

INSIDER TIP: Explore the town’s history, architecture, and its over 40 unique shops and eateries along the historic walking tour.

Soak in the breathtaking sunsets or go on a sea treasure hunting excursion aboard a specialty cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. If you’re are interested in a beach adventure – hop aboard the marsh ferry from Hammocks Beach State Park for a visit to Bear Island.

Join the locals for dining and drinks with some live music in historic downtown Swansboro at local hotspots like Saltwater Grill, The Boro Restaurant & Bar, Willy Nilly Warehouse, and Dini's Martinis & Desserts.

Are you ready? Plan your spring getaway to the southern coast of North Carolina #OnlyinOnslow! Create your own adventure, from the country to the coast!  For more trip-planning information – Get a copy of our Free Visitor Guide!

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