From outdoor excursions to charming downtowns, Onslow County offers adventures that are meant to be captured
From white sandy beaches to sparkling waters, and charming towns, Onslow County, North Carolina, may be one of the best-kept secrets on the Southeastern coast. Located off of I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40, Onslow County encompasses the areas of Richlands, Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry and Swansboro. This untapped, pet-friendly gem offers Instagram-worthy beauty with excursions to be remembered.
Get Outdoors
For picture-worthy fun, paddle to secluded Bear Island and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of this barrier island. Birds and wildlife abound in this pristine salt marsh. The island boasts a wealth of unique shell finds, year-round fishing, primitive camping and covered picnic tables, as well as a concession stand and swimming on the east shore from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Walk through the sacred grounds of Lejeune Memorial Gardens where four memorials honor the nation’s finest: The Beirut Memorial, The 9/11 Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial and The Montford Point Marine Memorial which pays homage to the first African-Americans admitted to the Marine Corps during World War II. The gardens are surrounded by tall pines and delicate blooms, making this a serene place to stroll and reflect, www.OnlyinOnslow.com/things-to-do/culture-history.
Small Town Charm
Set the GPS to Swansboro. Known as the “Friendly City by the Sea,” this quaint, historic, coastal town also borders both the Intracoastal Waterway and the White Oak River. With water all around, you’re likely to see a number of kayakers, paddle-boarders, fisherman and water skiers while walking downtown. Dive into your own H2O adventure by renting equipment, www.OnlyinOnslow.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/boating/.
Want to stay dry? Peruse one of the many adorable, independently owned boutiques. Sip your way to a good time with a wine and craft beer tasting or eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Stay the night and check into Hook Wine & Sinker, a waterfront VRBO or one of the many Airbnbs. Or, try the Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro Near Camp Lejeune, www.OnlyinOnslow.com/lodging/swansboro/.
Sip and Savor
Smooth sips await at North Carolina’s premier whiskey distillery–Walton’s Distillery. This locally owned production crafts smooth corn whiskeys and moonshine. Tours are open six days a week. Meet the crew and see the process up close in this one-of-a-kind facility, WaltonsDistillery.com. Onslow County is also home to Huffman Vineyards. The owners handcraft their wine in small batches, creating superior flavor. Sip on dry classics like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and sweet favorites like cherry and blueberry blends. Wine tastings are available 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, HuffmanVineyards.com
While on the North Carolina Coast, diving into a true seafood experience is a must. Grab dinner on the water with Capt. Bob Beck’s Marina Café’s dinner cruises. Take in the cotton candy skies as the sun sets over the water and clink glasses with your loved ones while savoring a truly unique meal. MarinaCafe.com
Taste beyond the shore at Marrakesh. This Moroccan restaurant delights with flavorful ethnic dishes, earning top honors from TripAdvisor and Yelp. Try the lamb kabobs or chicken shawarma for a taste you won’t soon forget.
No matter how you choose to experience Onslow County, you’ll find beauty and fun at every turn. Capture the moments with those you love and have an adventure you’ll look back on for a lifetime–no filter needed.
If You Go
Save the date! Don’t miss The Swansboro Mullet Festival, a state-endorsed event that began in 1954 when local mullet fishermen held a fish fry to celebrate the opening of a new bridge in town. The tradition continued and now the festival is held on the second weekend of October every year. The weekend-long event features a parade, a street carnival, over 130 craft and food vendors, games, live beach music, a children’s area with inflatables, a mullet toss competition and, of course, all the fried mullet you can eat. For more information, visit www.SwansboroFestivals.com/festivals or contact the Onslow County Parks and Recreation at 910-347-5332.