What's New on Island Life NC
Win a Vacation at The Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach NC!
You can win a FREE 4 Day/3 Night Vacation for two at this incredible Sunset Inn, in Sunset Beach North Carolina. Sunset Beach NC was named as “One of Best Beaches in the World” by National Geographic! The quiet comfort of The Sunset Inn overlooks the…
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History of The Intracoastal Waterway
Many people know the Intracoastal Waterway as a home to canal houses, a place to cruise a boat without the rough waters of the open ocean, or a center stage for water sports in beach towns up the east coast. But they may not know the…
Food & Drinks
Southern Shrimp and Grits
There are so many great things about Shrimp and Grits. A.) It’s delicious B.) You can always make it your own by adding different ingredients…
Shrimp and Grits Cookbook
Nathalie Dupree was ahead of the curve eight years ago with her classic book Shrimp and Grits. Now, this Lowcountry comfort combo is found on…
Hot Buttered Rum
We can’t think of anything better for a cold winter night than this warm and sweet Hot Buttered Rum! It is one of our favorite…
Shrimp & Mushroom Stroganoff
We just have to share this recipe for delicious Ocracoke Shrimp and Mushroom Stroganoff from Finley Austin, a native of Ocracoke Island. OCRACOKE SHRIMP AND MUSHROOM…
Southern Chicken and Dumplings
When fall rolls around we crave home-cooked meals and this one brings us memories of grandma’s kitchen and Sunday (more…)
Recipe: Clam Chowder
Here’s a recipe for a tasty Clam Chowder perfect for a hearty meal for lunch or dinner. Made ahead, this chowder is the perfect solution…
Life on the Coast
Try Our Beach Walk Scavenger Hunt
Walking on the beach is a great way to get some exercise, soak up some Vitamin D, and spend time near the beautiful ocean. We’ve…
Eastern North Carolina Sayings
If you live in the South long enough, you’ll notice we speak a slightly different language. Sure, it’s still English but it’s got a little…
Beach Walk Workout
Start the new decade off right with our Beach Walk Workout! Everyone knows that walking is a great way to stay in shape, but why…
What Are the Seneca Guns?
While not unique to the Carolina coast, the Seneca Guns are certainly most common along our shores. The Seneca Guns are loud booming noises, most…
Wild Horses of the Outer Banks
For 500 years, the most enduring residents of the Outer Banks, the Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs, have called this island paradise home. Until recent…
Top Tips for Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing can be tricky since there are so many different types of saltwater fish and a number of saltwater fishing techniques. A lot of…
HOME & Garden
Carolinas Gardener’s Handbook
The Carolinas Gardener’s Handbook is your one-stop source for all your questions about gardening in the Carolinas! Creating a flowerbed that draws admiring looks from passersby, complementing the look of your…
Why Is It Called “Spanish Moss”?
Spanish Moss clinging to Live Oak Trees is imagery connected to the South. We see it swaying along with the tree limbs and picture old Southern Plantations and ornate Southern gardens.…
Explore Airlie Gardens: A Historical Garden by the Sea
As North Carolinians find ways to get outside and enjoy the final days of summer while social distancing an outdoor garden by the sea seems like the perfect answer! Generations of…
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History
Operation Bumblebee— The Story of the Topsail Towers
Not long after the end of WWII, from 1946 to 1948, the United States began a program testing rockets to be used…
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Buried On Our Shores: The Vesta
While many vacation on Sunset Beach, North Carolina, not all know they are walking over a piece of history. (more…)
History of The Intracoastal Waterway
Many people know the Intracoastal Waterway as a home to canal houses, a place to cruise a boat without the rough waters…
Preserving The History of NC’s Gullah Geechee Heritage
Interest in preserving the history of the Gullah Geechee heritage has been growing in recent times. Most people think of the Gullah…
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Featured Events
Run Holden Beach – January 29
Run Holden Beach will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 with a half marathon, 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk with awards for the top…
Bald Head Island Howl at the Moon!
Join in a Bald Head Island tradition and be a part of the largest beach party each month when the full moon rises out of…
Chefs’ Showcase
Azalea Festival Chefs’ Showcase on January 29, 2022! The North Carolina Azalea Festival is pleased to bring the 4th Annual Chefs’ Showcase to…
Wilmington Coffee Festival
Cape Fear coffee lovers should mark their calendars now for Wilmington Coffee Fest on January 29, 2022. The Wilmington Coffee Fest will be held at…
Travel
Sunset Inn – An Island Gem!
Like every good story this one starts with love at first sight… Once upon a time, a first glimpse of one of North Carolina’s barrier island beaches transformed one child’s…
Win a Vacation at The Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach NC!
You can win a FREE 4 Day/3 Night Vacation for two at this incredible Sunset Inn, in Sunset Beach North Carolina. Sunset Beach NC was named as “One of Best…
Continue Reading Win a Vacation at The Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach NC!
The Kindred Spirit Mailbox
For decades, thousands of visitors have made the pilgrimage to the Kindred Spirit mailbox on uninhabited Bird Island. All kinds of people, young and old, joyous and in pain have…
The Islands Of North Carolina
The coast of North Carolina is primarily made up of a number of barrier islands all offering a wide variety of Island Living Lifestyles. NC’s Brunswick Islands: At the southern…
Island Life NC Picks
The Saltwater Table
The Salt Water Table is a culinary travel fantasy, celebrating the food of the Southeastern coast Whitney Otawka is the award-winning chef of Greyfield, a celebrated Carnegie-built inn located on…
Carolina Catch: NC Fish & Shellfish
Early in life, North Carolinian Debbie Moose encountered fish primarily in stick form, but once she experienced her first raw oyster and first fried soft-shell crab, their pure flavors switched…
Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas
The northernmost barrier islands, including Hatteras and Ocracoke islands in North Carolina, are geologically young, having reached their current dimensions and character, less than 5,000 years ago. The South Carolina…
Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass
The Ultimate Guide to Sea Glass: Finding, Collecting, Identifying, and Using the Ocean’s Most Beautiful Stones As the owner of one of the world’s most elaborate sea glass collections, Mary…
The Beachcomber’s Companion
The Beachcomber’s Companion is an “Illustrated Guide to Collecting and Identifying Beach Treasures”. Breezy, inviting, and delightful–just like a day at the beach– The Beachcomber’s Companion is a charming illustrated guide to…
Nautical Chart of NC Coast & Waters
A Nautical Chart, In Any Form Is A Perfect Accent For Your Coastal Home. This beautiful Nautical Chart shows the details of the North and South Carolina Coasts, and…
Coastal Living
The Island Art Of Miller Pope
These local beach prints perfect for decorating a home at the beach. These Giclee museum quality prints by Artist & Author Miller Pope are perfect for the island living lifestyle. All of…
Nautical Chart of NC Coast & Waters
A Nautical Chart, In Any Form Is A Perfect Accent For Your Coastal Home. This beautiful Nautical Chart shows the details of the North and South Carolina Coasts, and offshore waters,…
Historic NC Coastal Map For Coastal Home Decor!
In 1729 the Province of Carolina was divided when the descendants of seven of the eight Lords Proprietors sold their shares back to the Crown. Only the heirs of Sir George Carteret…
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Easy Ways To Raise Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Whether your planning to sell your home or just make it look a little more presentable we’ve got some small tips that will maximize your home’s appeal and value. Of course, you…
