Head to one of Beaufort’s favorite local landmarks for one of the most festive and anticipated parties of the year. The Beaufort Historic Association's Summer Party is an annual celebration that features an enchanting atmosphere complete with delicious food, an open bar, ample live music and dancing, auctions, and a host of ways to toast the summer while supporting a beloved local cause.
Dive into an Outer Banks staple that has been making appearances on local menus and dinner tables for generations with this annual event that is celebrating its 19th year in 2025. The Annual Crab Cake Cook-off is a competition of acclaimed and volunteer local chefs, who serve their best crab cakes to the delight of the hungry crowd. With lots of fresh fare to go around, this fundraiser is a delicious way to sample the heart of the Beaufort cuisine scene.
Celebrating its 18th year in 2025, the Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to test their skills in the plentiful waters of the Crystal Coast. Launching from the heart of Morehead City, this fun fishing tournament features a world of prizes for kids and adults, and is a great way to celebrate the summer fishing season along the North Carolina coastline.
Celebrating its 18th year in 2025, the Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to test their skills in the plentiful waters of the Crystal Coast. Launching from the heart of Morehead City, this fun fishing tournament features a world of prizes for kids and adults, and is a great way to celebrate the summer fishing season along the North Carolina coastline.
Beaufort has a deep-seated history and legacy when it comes to sailing, and competitors and spectators alike can celebrate this culture by participating in the Traditional Skiff Regatta. Held in early August, this event features a fast-paced cruise around the islands for the coveted Shanghai Trophy, and the evening is quite an engaging show for both participants, and anyone who can catch a view of the action from a downtown waterfront perspective.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of excitement and generosity! Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity presents Casino Night, where every spin of the wheel and shuffle of the cards builds homes and hope for local families. Join us at the Swansboro Rotary Civic Center on August 15th for an exciting night filled with your favorite casino games, magic, and fabulous prizes. Whether you’re a blackjack pro or a roulette rookie, there’s something for everyone. Let’s play, let’s win, and let’s make a difference together.
If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.
Head to the Crystal Coast to enjoy some of the best fishing conditions all year long by participating in October’s annual Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament. This popular fishing tournament features up to $180,000 in prizes for participants, and is a great way to enjoy the down home culture, hospitality, and great coastal waters of Swansboro and the greater Crystal Coast region.
Set sail to the small town of Beaufort, NC for this engaging event where mariners can meet and mingle with their water loving colleagues. The Fall In-The-Water Meet is a fun gathering that’s wide open to experienced mariners and newcomers alike, and which features a host of fun activities including free boat rides a pig pickin’, and plenty of opportunities to learn all about life on the water in this small and charming town.
Rapidly becoming a favorite tradition for active Crystal Coast visitors and locals alike, the Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K Races are a great opportunity for folks to discover the gorgeous communities and shorelines of Emerald Isle and beyond, while supporting a worthy local cause and enjoying a little competitive spirit in the heart of the Outer Banks.
Come explore a unique and picturesque corner of the Crystal Coast with this grand event that celebrates all the activities and fun of the fall season. The Town of Cape Carteret Fall Festival features a myriad of food, activities, and entertainment for visitors of all ages, and the free festival is a great opportunity to uncover this scenic town that’s located just a shell’s throw away from the Emerald Isle coastline.
Take in one of the most scenic new routes of the Crystal Coast with this unique fitness event that is celebrating its 7th year in 2025. The Beaufort Bridge Run 5K & 1+ Mile Dog Strut, with its unique course that includes two new bridges, has become one of the most popular races in the region with visitors from all over eastern North Carolina and the country taking advantage of this fun running event that features unparalleled views.
Held just after Halloween, the annual Dirt Nap Fest at Mill Whistle Brewing has become a favorite event for Beaufort locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spooky and surprising atmosphere, wholly unique car show, cool vendors, and plenty of delicious Mill Whistle beer to go around.
Take a break from the beach and head over to this unique event that is held just a few steps off the sand, but which features a lively and unique atmosphere that car lovers everywhere will adore. The Emerald Isle Car Show is a fun and family-friendly opportunity for Crystal Coast visitors to see decades of unique automobiles, and for car fans to show off their most amazing and favorite rides.
The small town of Beaufort is renowned for its incredibly fresh seafood and unique coastal culture, and visitors can enjoy a hearty helping of both at this annual event that puts local cuisine in the spotlight. The Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast highlights the region's renowned oysters and more, with an array of fresh and seasonal goodies that will cater to seafood lovers of all varieties.
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while enjoying an inviting and relaxed atmosphere that is miles away from ordinary at the Jumble Sale at the Beaufort Historic Site. This annual sale that takes place around Thanksgiving is the perfect cure to the Black Friday blues, and offers a wealth of locally made, handcrafted, and wholly unique goodies and presents that can’t be found anywhere else, and which will truly add a dose of local flavor to your holiday gift giving.
We know everyone loves our event because of the family friendly atmosphere, the community camaraderie and getting some exercise in on Thanksgiving morning. You can still do all of that, just VIRTUALLY this year.
Celebrate the holidays Crystal Coast style with this annual event that entices locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit. The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition that combines Swansboro’s love of life on the water with a truly festive atmosphere, and the event is sure to become an annual celebration that Crystal Coast visitors will want to return to again and again.
Celebrating more than 20 years, the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is a favorite wintertime event for visitors and locals alike that provides a fun and unforgettable way to ring in the season. Held in the heart of town, and featuring a line of floats that capture both the holiday and the coastal spirit, this annual parade and celebration will make everyone want to celebrate the holidays, Emerald Isle style.
The historic Beaufort waterfront comes alive during this holiday celebration that combines this community’s love of the water with a literal boatload of holiday lights. The annual Friends of the Maritime Museum Holiday Flotilla is a fun and festive event that will wow spectators throughout the Crystal Coast, and which will put visitors of all ages in a holiday state of mind.
Get into the spirit of the season while enjoying a picturesque taste of life on the water in a small North Carolina town with this event that offers plenty of spectacular views and festivities for spectators and participants alike. The Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla is a local tradition that’s been going strong for more than 25 years, and is an opportunity for both visitors and locals to enjoy a festive display unlike any other along the Crystal Coast.
The small community of Harkers Island comes to life at this annual event that puts this community’s rich heritage and history in the spotlight. The annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, which is held the first full weekend in December, is a unique celebration that combines exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, food, and much more, to the delight of local visitors and residents alike.
Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 11th year in 2025. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.
Celebrating its 18th year in 2025, the Christmas Candlelight Tour is a celebration of Beaufort’s centuries of history and community spirit, and will be a festive event for locals and visitors alike. Hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association, the Christmas Candlelight Tour provides a rare look into some of Beaufort’s most prestigious and history-rich homes, businesses, and landmarks, and is a fun way to discover more about this popular vacation destination while enjoying the spirit of the season.
The summertime Beaufort Farmer’s Market is revitalized for the holidays at this special annual event that combines Christmas shopping, local fare, kids’ activities, and plenty of community spirit. The Old Fashioned Holiday Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 11th year in 2025, and is a delightful opportunity to connect with local fishermen, bakers, craftsmen, artists, and vendors of all varieties to load up on unique holiday presents, or to take home some goodies of your own.
Embark on an active exploration of Harkers Island while taking in miles of views along the way at the annual Core Sound Run in the Down East region of the Crystal Coast. With options to tackle a 10K, 5K, or a one mile fun run, this event can cater to visitors of all ages and abilities, and is a fun and engaging opportunity to see how charming this corner of the Crystal Coast can be.
With a history that spans more than three centuries, and a unique ecosystem where barely coastal Nature Reserves run parallel to undeveloped barrier island shorelines, Beaufort is truly an enlightening destination for visitors of all interests. Stocked with historical homes and residences, unique ecosystems, and a myriad of ways to explore further, there’s lots to discover in this educational coastal town. Stop by one of the region’s museums, take a walk around the historic blocks, or embark on an on-the-water adventure that you’ll never forget. In Beaufort, where history and culture is found around every corner, education is naturally a part of every vacation.
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.
Beach Escape is the ideal home for your family hideaway in heaven! This nearly oceanfront 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home is just a short walk away from the public beach access.Ground Level: The Game Room has a Roku TV, foosball table, and bar seating and is the ideal place to hang with family and friends! Level One has a cavernous, open living area with a Roku TV and DVD Player and is a magnificent place for family gatherings after a long day of fun in the sun. The open-concept living room opens up to the kitchen and dining areas with a seat for everybody to appreciate time together. The wrap-around deck, accessible from the living room, is an superb place to relax and savor the beach scenery and the ocean breezes. Bedroom #1 can be accessed from the living area and has a Queen Bed with Deck Access. It also shares a Full Bath with Bedroom #2 equipped with a Double Bed. Level Two: Bedroom #3 has a Queen Bed, Roku TV, and Deck Access with ocean vistas. It also shares a full bath with Bedroom #4 equipped with a Queen Bed. Plan your Beach Escape now! Conveniences Include: 3 Roku TVs, DVD Player, High-Speed Wireless Internet, Tiki bar, Gas Grille, Covered Decks equipped with Outdoor Furnishings, Entirely Equipped Kitchen with Waffle Maker, Keuring Coffee Maker, and Blender, Washer and Dryer, Recreation/Game Room with foosball table, and Enclosed Hot/Cold Outdoor Shower.Note: Please put gas grille back under the home after use.Linens and Towels included with Beds Madefor Weekly and Nightly stays.No Smoking.No Animals.Rents Weekly Saturday - Saturday. Rents nightly with a 2 nighttime minimum in advance during Off Season, last min. during In Season.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card supplied at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.
- Emerald Isle
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.
Welcome to your gorgeous oceanfront getaway! This cavernous duplex features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, ideally blending comfort with beautiful scenery. With broad vistas of the ocean, beach, and the iconic Bogue Inlet Pier, you’ll be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding you. A private walkway leads directly to the beach, where you can relax in the sitting area and soak in the serene ambiance.Step inside to discover an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen, living area, and dining area, creating a amazing space for gathering with family and friends. The entirely outfitted kitchen is ready for your culinary adventures, equipped with everything you need to whip up delicious meals. On the main level, you'll find a comfortable king bedroom with painless access to a full bathroom that features a tub and shower.Venture to the upper level to experience the extravagant master suite, which offers roomy oceanfront vistas and private access to a deck where you can indulge in the impressive scenery. This suite also includes a private bathroom with a tub and shower for your convenience. Additionally, there are two more bedrooms on this level—one with a queen bed and another with two twin beds—that share a hall bathroom complete with a tub and shower.The ground level adds to your convenience with an entry entryway that includes a washer, dryer, and additional refrigerator. Outdoor enjoyment is just as simple, thanks to a hot/cold enclosed outdoor shower and a charcoal grille that’s ideal for al fresco dining. Stay connected throughout your stay with high-speed Wi-Fi available in every corner of the property.This duplex is available for Saturday to Saturday units only, with no family pets and no smoking allowed. Linens, including linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels, are included, and starting in 2025, beds will be made upon your arrival.Don’t miss the chance to discover the other side of this duplex, Kilpatrick East, as well as the neighboring Cottage East and West. When combined, these four units offer a total of 16 bedrooms and four kitchens and living areas, making it an ideal choice for enormous family gatherings or get-togethers. Your ideal oceanfront hideaway awaits!
- Emerald Isle
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.
Seas the Day makes it painless to relax and appreciate the charming, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of Emerald Isle, one of the least busy beaches in the Southeast. (Readers Digest #1 Beach in NC in 2024)Stay here and savor the entire East side of this handsome duplex all to yourself. Privately relax on one of four decks or spend the evening on our private patio in back. Hop on the supplied golf cart or take a short walk or bicycle ride to the ocean or the sound. It’s less than a two-min walk down a peaceful street with virtually no traffic to get to the private beach access for the neighborhood. There's no public parking close by, so you don't have to share your beach heaven with hordes. A 2-min walk the other way is the public boat launch for a striking sunset or fishing spot, and an striking playground. If you're looking for a peaceful, comfortable place for your family and friends to enjoy Emerald Isle, you are warmly welcome to stay in our home.Each of the three upper bedrooms have their own deck and intelligent TVs. Blackout curtains for a good nighttime's rest in each room. Ground level bedroom has twin over full bunk bed, board games, life-size games and a intelligent TV.TOWELS & LINENS PROVIDED: Bath towels and bed linens are included at no charge to our guests. We supply basic cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials like foil, plastic wrap, basic seasonings, ground coffee, dishwasher detergent and hand soap. We supply toilet paper and paper towels to get your vacation started.2 Beach umbrella, 8 beach chairs, 4 bicycles and tons of beach toys available to use, so no need to pack or rent those. All you need is your beach towels!!One Kayak is available for your use (with life jackets). Sound access is across Emerald Drive.HOME RULES1. Primary renter through Vacation Rental By Owner must be over 25 AND present during entire stay.2. NO SMOKING/VAPING. We request that guests do not smoke/vape inside or near the home - we pride ourselves on providing a "smoke-complimentary" environment. 3. We ask you to rinse off in our outdoor shower after any beach time. 4. NO PARTIES/EVENTS5. We will ask all reservations to confirm the max. number of 11 guests (max of 8 adults)OFF LIMITS/LOCKED AREAS: Thank you for respecting that the locked owners' closets and cabinets are kept locked and off-limits to guests.GOLF CART RULES: Please enjoy our golf cart, but follow Emerald Isle's Golf Cart Regulations. IF you get a ticket, we will pass this fee on to you. To drive the golf cart lift the drivers seat up, push the button on the battery in, put seat back, turn on LCD screen on dash by holding power button down for 2 sec, then turn key to on. When finished driving for the day be sure to take key out and turn off battery. When battery is low as indicated on LCD screen, use drop cord to plug it in for charging.1. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Police will issue a ticket for all riders.2. No one under the age of 18 may operate the golf car at any time.3. You CANNOT drive on sidewalks or bicycle paths at any point on the Island. EI police will ticket you and we will not be responsible.4. At NO time can you drive on the main HWY 58 or COAST GUARD ROAD. You can cross it at any point on the Island.5. Golf carts must be operated in accordance with all applicable state and local traffic laws and ordinances. All ordinances pertaining to the possession of consumption of alcoholic beverages. If you get a DWI or DUI, our tag will be revoked for one year and you will be subjected to a $500.00 fine.SECURITY. We have 2 exterior security video cameras facing the driveway and carport that are always on 24/7.THINGS TO DO:Seas The Day is located in the private oceanside community of Shell Cove, which is a great area to walk, bicycle or rollerblade. Emerald Isle is bicycle-friendly with bicycle paths along the major roads. (We supply a 4 bicycles and a pump for tires)Bicycle or walk to the Emerald Plant Shopping 2.5 miles away. You can walk comfortably to the pier via the beach (about 2 miles away). Emerald Plant. Shopping, Food Lion or Publix, water park, cinema, shopping, mini-golf, eateries, canoe and kayak units and surf shop are only 2-3 miles away. You'll often find amazing tidal pools on our beach during low tide. Bring flashlights to look for crabs at nighttime and a pair of binoculars to watch the dolphins or birdwatch. Fishing: The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is a 2-mile walk on the beach to right. Surf fishing is fashionable especially when the beaches are peaceful. We’ve tried to stock the kitchen with necessary silverware and cookware. If anything is missing, please tell us so we can address the problem. Food/Grocery: Note that the grocery stores are swamped on Saturday when new people arrive.• Food Lion in the close by Emerald Plant. Shopping Center. The prices are reasonable. (Delivery available through Instacart)• Publix – next to Emerald Plant. Shopping Center. They offer online ordering and curbside pick-up through Instacart.• Lowes Foods - A trip across the bridge. They offer online ordering and curbside pick-up.• CVS Pharmacy – just before Emerald Plant.• Walgreens Pharmacy – across the bridge, near the Lowe’s Food• Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Sweet Spot Ice Cream - on Emerald Drive close to the pier• Flip Flops Donuts - on Emerald Drive close to the pierLocal Activities Nearby:• Mac Daddy's (go-carts, putt putt, bowling & amusements)• Emerald Forest Mini-Golf• Salty Pirate water park• Hot Wax Surf and Paddle Sports Units has units available.• Emerald Plant. Shopping Center Cinemas. It has 4 screens and usually 6 movies• Playgrounds close by: Sen. Jean Preston Memorial Park (.3 mile) Blue Heron Park (1.4 mile)Some of our favorite EI Eateries:• Caribsea – fine dining• Kathryn’s Bistro – fine dining• Village Market• Fish Hut Grille• Trading Post• Snapperz• Shepard's BBQ• GaffersPizza places: Saturday nighttime is packed in summer. These places will deliver, best to place your delivery order far in advance!• Michelangelo’s Pizza and Subs• Lazzara’s Pizza and Subs• Circle Pizza and Subs
- Emerald Isle
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 11
Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast.
