Cape Lookout National Seashore

Exploring with the Locals: Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of 56 miles of beautifully undeveloped coastline stretching in barrier islands from Ocracoke to Beaufort Inlet. Visiting these pristine sands is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and breathtaking scenery here. Bring your family (even your dog!) and come explore the Cape Lookout Seashore together!

Spending a few hours

Stop by the Harkers Island Visitor Center where you can explore the exhibits, watch the park film, walk the nature trails and more. At the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, you can soak up the sun and salt water on the beach, venture into the Keeper’s Quarters museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular sweeping views of the coast from 160 feet in the air. On Shackleford Banks, you’ll find a sheller’s delight; conchs, sand dollars, whelks and even the state shell – the Scotch Bonnet! It’s also a great spot to relax and watch for wild banker ponies. In Portsmouth Village, take a step back in time with a guided tour of the village, the Salter House and Visitor Center.


Playing the whole day

With an entire day, you can plan an extended trip such as a short kayaking session or a private ferry tour of the seashore. You will have ample time to search for horses on Shackleford Banks and explore down to the point of Cape Lookout. Along the way you’ll see a variety of shorebirds, find a treasure trove of seashells and you’ll want to watch for dolphins and whales along the way.

Ferry Services

Hammocks Beach State Park

Swansboro (910) 326-4881

Shackleford Banks & Cape Lookout

Island Ferry Adventures | Beaufort

(252) 728-7555

Lookout Cruises | Beaufort

(252) 504-SAIL

Outer Banks Ferry | Beaufort

(252) 728-4129

Calico Jacks Ferry | Harkers Island

(252) 728-3575

Harkers Island Fishing Center

(252) 728-3907

Island Ferry Adventures | Harkers Island

(252) 728-6181

Local Yokel Ferry and Tours | Harkers Island

(252) 728-2759

#1 Real Estate Office in Carteret County Again!

We Did it Again!

Our highly effective agents at Bluewater took the 2013 Real Estate market by storm. Bluewater Real Estate has been one of the top producing firms with the highest volume of sales each year over the last 11 years, 2013 was no different, making us the #1 real estate office in Carteret County. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable agents- some who have been with our company more than 25 years, are continuously awarded as Top Producers in both volume and sales on the Crystal Coast. As a family owned Real Estate Company, we are proud to be the one firm that continuously drives results on the Crystal Coast, producing a little over $1Billion dollars in Real Estate sales in the last 10 years. This year we were awarded with both 2013 Office Top Dollar  Production Award for  Highest value of closed sales and 2013 Office Top Unit Production Award for Highest number of closed units. These prestigious awards is a true testament of our agent’s dedication to their clients and priority to serve Carteret County.

 Our Emerald Isle Office has been awarded with the following 2013 Awards by the Carteret County Board of Realtors

  2013 Office Top Dollar  Production Award for  Highest value of closed sales 

2013 Office Top Unit Production Award for Highest number of closed units

Thank you for your continued support and for the confidence that you have placed in us. We work as one team with a common purpose – to provide best-in-class service to our clients. As we continue to build a stronger partnership together, we fully recognize that your support and the continued trust that you have placed in us is the foundation of our success. You are at the center of everything we do and we will work tirelessly towards ensuring that we meet and exceed your expectations for years to come. 

Celebrating a year at The Nautical Club

Nautical Club Anniversary

On April 25, 2013, Bluewater Real Estate along with hundreds of Carteret County Chamber members and local businesses joined at The Nautical Club’s Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting as we embarked as the exclusive listing agency, marketing the last 68 condos of this community. As we approach our one year mark, we have successfully closed 55 condos with only 13 remaining available for purchase.

This distinctive sound front retreat features spacious three-bedroom, three-bath condos with endless upgrades. A large welcoming foyer leads to the open waterfront living area, dining, and gourmet kitchen

finished with granite countertops and bar. Showing off the finest in finishes, all bedrooms feature private baths, walk-in closets, high ceilings, and stunning views.

The Nautical Club offers a wealth of high-grade appointments –spacious master suites, granite countertops, tiled baths, embellished ceilings, exquisite crown molding, accent lighting, covered ocean view porches, expansive walk-out balconies, and breathtaking views extending from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach in both interior and corner condos.

The Nautical Club boasts community amenities that include a fishing pier, boat ramp, nearby beach access to the Atlantic Ocean, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness facility, game and recreational room along with a conference and event room with incredible views of the sound.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these beautiful  3 bedroom sound front condos or are simply interested in seeing our tastefully decorated model – we have an agent on duty 7 days a week.

 

For more information on The Nautical Club condos with prices starting at $255,500 please reach out to one of our Real Estate agents.

 
 

Meet one of our agents at the seventh-floor model Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 5 pm.

A bowl of seafood chowder, one of the best local seafood recipes.

Seafood Recipes to Make While on Vacation

seafood recipes

Dining on fresh local seafood is just one of the many perks of visiting the Crystal Coast.  If you prefer to eat-in and prepare meals yourself while on vacation, here are 8  tried-and true seafood recipes for you to enjoy during your stay!  Click on the links below the photographs to view the recipes.

Are you a chef or do you just enjoy cooking?  Click here to view all our Crystal Coast vacation rentals with upscale gourmet kitchens!

Sea Scallops in a Bourbon Jalapeno cream Sauce

1.  Sea Scallops in a Bourbon Jalapeno Cream Sauce | The Blond Cook

Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

2.  Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce | Damn Delicious

Seafood-Chowder

3.  Seafood Chowder | RecipeGirl

Carolina Blue Crab Cakes

4.  Carolina Blue Crab Cakes Recipe | Our State Magazine

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

5.  Mexican Shrimp Cocktail | From Valerie’s Kitchen

seafood stew

6.  Seafood Stew | Memento Bracelet

Spicy Steamed Mussels in Beer

7.  Spicy Steamed Mussels in Beer | The Beeroness

Scallop Bisque

8.  Scallop Bisque | Cooking with Books

The Tale of Two Cities By The Sea: Morehead City and Beaufort

The Tale of Two Cities By The Sea

Don’t miss the chance to explore Beaufort and Morehead City during your stay on the Crystal Coast. These two neighboring waterfront towns are pleasantly unique and exploding with character and history.

Morehead City

Endless activities await in the largest town in Carteret County. Go fishing on a charter boat or sit and watch the daily catch arrive at the docks. Adventurous eaters can partake in restaurant-hopping with phenomenal views to sample fresh local seafood appetizers. Absorb our coastal history at The History Place, a museum committed to preserving the culture of The Crystal Coast, or go on an excursion to Sugarloaf Island. Make your way into the many local shops and boutiques, or spend a rainy day crafting your own pottery or painting at one of the local galleries. Get social on the waterfront with live music most weekends, or give your taste buds an adventure by sampling craft beer and aged cheeses.

Beaufort

Just across the bridge is one of our most treasured destinations. See for yourself why Beaufort was voted America’s Favorite Small Town by Travel and Leisure. Take a stroll down the Beaufort waterfront for a day of casual shopping, sightseeing and great food. You can also pack your own lunch and take the ferry across Taylor’s Creek to Carrot Island where you can see wild ponies in their natural waterfront habitat. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss out on Hungry Town Tours Bike Culinary Tour and sample some of Beaufort’s finest restaurants.
Experience a spooky downtown adventure on the Beaufort Ghost Walk while learning of haunted houses and treacherous pirates. While you’re there, pay a visit to the NC Maritime Museum to learn about our maritime history. If you’re an adventurous water enthusiast, be sure to go kayaking, parasailing or take a paddle board lesson. With several guided tours and activities available, you’ll never be short of amusement and rich history on the Beaufort waterfront.

The taps at a bar part of the Crystal Coast nightlife scene.

The Crystal Coast: Where Hospitality Is Always On Tap!

The Crystal Coast: Where Hospitality Is Always On Tap!

You’ve spent all day lounging in the sun and exploring the coastline. You come in as the sun starts to set and wash off the salt and sand and think to yourself, “What now?”  Fear not, we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained after the sun sets here on the Crystal Coast.  So throw on some flip flops and hit the road for a new nightlife.

We’ve compiled a list of outings for adults to enjoy.  Whether you’re into wine, craft beer or cocktails, you’ll be sure to find the perfect nightlife spot while vacationing on the Crystal Coast.


WINE ENTHUSIASTS


COCKTAIL LOVERS


CRAFT BEER FANS

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, also known as the “Diamond Lady” is located on the Cape Lookout National Seashore and is one of 8 towering ladies that sprinkle the coast of North Carolina, all with an important role – to guide you home. There aren’t many places where you can enjoy the beach, get a little bit of exercise and learn some coastal history all at once. With 188 steps to reach the top – you will not find a better view on the Crystal Coast than the one you will experience from the top of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse! If you are not vacationing with your boat, you can take a ferry over to the Diamond Lady. We personally love to be chauffeured to this amazing seashell haven by the local ferry, it is a wonderful ride that gets you there quickly! Don’t forget to be on the lookout for the Shackleford ponies on your boat ride over.

If you happen to fit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse in your vacation plans, here are a few things to know:

  • Bring a large bag to collect seashells and other sandy treasures you find
  • Make sure to bring a bag for trash, no trash is left on the island, so what you bring on must come off
  • Wear comfortable shoes, the climb up the tower is a short one, but you want to be well equipped
  • If you’d like to bring a pair of binoculars, you can literally see for miles from the top
  • Bring a lunch to enjoy on the eastern side of the island, the beach is spectacular

Climbing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

drinks on the crystal coast

Drinks at the Beach Itinerary

drinks on the crystal coast

Ready for some fun with drinks at the beach? There are several great locations for you and your fellow adult friends to enjoy an adult beverage or grab a non-alcoholic beverage or coffee. We’re sharing a few suggestions, and feel free to add a few of your own. We’d love to hear from you.

Drinks at the Beach

Day 1 – Coffee! Grab a delicious Liege Waffle and coffee at veteran-owned Milk Road Coffee. Try one of their recommended flavors like the Quad Espresso with a splash of Oat Milk,  Cayenne Mocha Latte, Peppermint Mocha Latte, or a Gingerbread Mocha Latte.

Day 2 – Sip your coffee and admire the local artwork at Stir it up Coffee Shop. Try the Drops of Jupiter coffee drink with coconut milk, and let us know what you think! 

Day 3 – Grab a craft beer at The Growler Bar. They offer a fine selection of craft beers on draft, wine, a Growler fill, and so much more. It’s a local favorite and hot spot, and we think you won’t be disappointed. (Bonus, visit their sister site at Village West, Beachside Bar, and grab a frozen drink)

Day 4 – Grab drinks at 34 North in Cedar Point and enjoy live music, food trucks, and a game of Cornhole. Later, head down to the Morehead City waterfront and dance the night away at Jack’s!

Day 5 – How about drinks with a view at Jacks’s Waterfront Bar? Best spot to watch the charter boats come in! Plus plenty of events on their calendar.

Day 6 – Get creative and have some drinks.  Take a painting class with friends at Wine and Design in Morehead City.

Day 7 – Swing by the family-owned, independent craft brewery Crystal Coast Brewing Company for an authentic North Carolina experience and a wide variety of NC Beers! 

Now it’s your Turn

What are your itinerary suggestions for places to go or things to do with drinks at the beach? Where have you enjoyed drinks? We’d love to hear your tips and thoughts – they might help a new local or a vacationing guest!

When creating an itinerary for a rainy day at the beach, add visiting the nearby aquarium.

Rainy Day at the Beach Itinerary

day47

What to do when it rains at the beach? There is still lots to do! In the chance of not so sunny skies, here are some ways to keep it fun

Day 1 Spend the day at the aquarium visiting Nimbus the Albino Sea Turtle, the playful otters and all the sea life in the 306,000 gallon Living Shipwreck.

Day 2 Flex your competitive muscles at MacDaddy’s where you can prove who the champion of the family really is.

Day 3 Explore Beaufort – find unique places that line the water like Beaufort Linen Company & Beaufort Pet Provisions!

Day 4 Have photos printed at your closest corner store to get a head start on your vacation scrapbook!

Day 5 Head to the nearest seafood market and load up on goods for a seafood boil. Don’t forget the newspaper and Old Bay!