It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oak Island Pier gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oak Island, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I have been employed with Always Best Care for almost a year. I have thoroughly”
“As a certified nursing assistant for the past 13 years I am proud to say”
“A great place to work with amazing leadership! Great care for our clients! 5 stars”
“Hats off to the owner of Always Best Care NC. Shawn is a great person”
“The staff at Always Best Care is top notch! The caregivers are very caring and”
“Always Best Care strives for care that goes above and beyond expectations. Your loved ones”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I have been employed with Always Best Care for almost a year. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them. They are a very dedicated and supportive team to work with.”
“As a certified nursing assistant for the past 13 years I am proud to say working with Always Best Care as a CNA and Brain Fitness Coordinator, I could not be part of a more dedicated team of professionals. Our caregivers and staff are truly the best with their heartfelt dedication to our clients as well as the care this agency takes to provide training, support, and employee appreciation. Always Best Care is truly one of the best! Michele SL”
“A great place to work with amazing leadership! Great care for our clients! 5 stars all day long!”
“Hats off to the owner of Always Best Care NC. Shawn is a great person and shows so much compassion for his staff and his clients. I met him at an Always Best Care conference and he is such a stand up guy.”
“The staff at Always Best Care is top notch! The caregivers are very caring and know their job well. Definitely would recommend this agency!”
“Always Best Care strives for care that goes above and beyond expectations. Your loved ones are sure to be well taken care while in the care Always Best Care staff. They assure that your loved ones are happy and healthy, all while keeping their independence as much as possible. If you’re looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your loved ones. Always Best Care makes it possible to stay in home, and stay as independent as possible. ABC staff are there to assist in keeping you or your loved ones safe, healthy and happy. If you are looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Middleton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Island Way or visit Battery Madison, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oak Island, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oak Island, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oak Island, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
It’s a beautiful fall day on the Oak Island Pier. The sun is shining, the temperature is perfect, and the fish are biting. Well, sometimes they are, anyway.Joe Meno of Fayetteville has caught about 15 fish over the past five days. His daughter, Patsy Brewer, also of Fayetteville has accompanied Meno on the trip and explains the fish aren’t much to write home about size-wise.“Some are like nuggets, but we put them in the freezer anyway,” she said with a smile. “They can be an appetize...
It’s a beautiful fall day on the Oak Island Pier. The sun is shining, the temperature is perfect, and the fish are biting. Well, sometimes they are, anyway.
Joe Meno of Fayetteville has caught about 15 fish over the past five days. His daughter, Patsy Brewer, also of Fayetteville has accompanied Meno on the trip and explains the fish aren’t much to write home about size-wise.
“Some are like nuggets, but we put them in the freezer anyway,” she said with a smile. “They can be an appetizer.”
Meno and Brewer are visiting Oak Island to participate in the Oak Island Peer Fishin’ Festival, hosted by Operation North State, a nonprofit organization that provides recreational outings for wounded warriors and disabled veterans.
Meno served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 30 years and has participated in the event for the past four years. The 87-year-old explained for him, it isn’t all about fishing.
“It’s relaxing and takes my mind off things,” he said. “It’s great therapy.”
That’s exactly what Operation North State founder Terry Snyder had in mind when he started the organization in December 2010. Snyder, who lives in the Winston-Salem area, wanted to do something to help disabled veterans.
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While Operation North State hosts several recreational events, including a monthly cycling outing, he admits the veterans’ favorites are the ones that involve fishing. While most occur in the Piedmont area, there are three at the coast, including the one on Oak Island, which is one of the two fishing events where veterans can bring their families.
He explained the fishing events are called “festivals” because it’s all about “fellowship and friendship.” Operation North State doesn’t cover the cost of travel or accommodations, but it does cover the expenses associated with their fishing excursion, including providing bait, rods and reels, and tackle, if needed.
Snyder said they also typically provide breakfast and either lunch or dinner for the participants. Due to an outpouring of support from the community, those at the Oak Island event enjoyed breakfast and lunch each day, as well as two dinners. Snyder said he’s already had organizations express a desire to help next year.
“With communities like this one, the support is off the charts,” he said.
Volunteers are also essential in pulling off the event, and many say they get as much of the experience as the veterans they are helping.
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“I look forward to this week more than anything else,” said volunteer Lucy Perdue of Southport. “I get so blessed.”
As she makes the rounds, Perdue stops to greet Bruce Hayden, a 92-year-old Korean War Veteran who lives in Southport.
Hayden, who is accompanied by his two sons, has participated for several years and makes sure it’s on his calendar each year. For him, the event is about the camaraderie found with other disabled veterans.
“It’s getting more and more difficult to find veterans these days, especially Korean War vets,” he said. “There’s a few of us left.”
To learn more about Operation North State, visit www.operationnorthstate.com.
With more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline, North Carolina is one of the nation's top beach destinations. Take your pick of pristine sandy stretches on quiet barrier islands or lively beach towns. Whether you want to lay out your towel in a secluded spot, catch a swell, or explore historical sites close to the shore, you're bound to find a part of the coast you love.Here are 15 of the best beaches in North Carolina for your next trip to the Tar Heel State, from Duck to Sunset Beach. Cape Lookout National Seashore ...
With more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline, North Carolina is one of the nation's top beach destinations. Take your pick of pristine sandy stretches on quiet barrier islands or lively beach towns. Whether you want to lay out your towel in a secluded spot, catch a swell, or explore historical sites close to the shore, you're bound to find a part of the coast you love.
Here are 15 of the best beaches in North Carolina for your next trip to the Tar Heel State, from Duck to Sunset Beach.
Cape Lookout National Seashore offers 56 miles of beach across several barrier islands. Shackleford Banks, for one, is ideal for swimming and lounging on the beach. It's also home to more than 100 wild horses. The diamond-painted Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a star along this coast, too, standing 163 feet high. Take a ranger-guided tour, explore the islands from the water on a canoe or kayak, or go birding to learn more about Cape Lookout and its wildlife. Plan an overnight stay at one of the park's beachfront cabins or campgrounds to soak up even more of this seashore's unspoiled beauty.
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North of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, in the central Outer Banks, Nags Head boasts more than a dozen miles of sandy coastline with over 40 public beach access points. Many are close to hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. The area is perhaps best known for Jockey's Ridge State Park, which has the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast (it's "alive" because it continues to change in shape and size). Here, you can rent a sandboard to slide down the dune, go hang gliding, and explore a nature trail.
Located on the northern stretch of North Carolina's barrier islands, Duck's beautiful beaches are the sole preserve of residents and overnight guests. Rent a beachfront vacation home, or stay at the Sanderling Resort, perched on the narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more at the resort's activity kiosk during the summer, or take a 4X4 tour of the famed wild horse beaches of Corolla and Carova.
About a 20-minute drive from historic Wilmington, this beach town offers a few different options for a day by the shore. On the northern stretch, you can sip tiki drinks while you take in the view from the Carolina Beach Pier, or buy a day pass to drive a 4X4 right on to the pristine sand at Freeman Park. To the south, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade featuring bars, restaurants, arcades, and places to rent bikes and surfboards. Nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers more outdoor recreation, with plenty of hiking trails like the Flytrap Trail, where you can spot the native Venus flytrap plant.
Hop on a ferry from Hatteras, Swan Quarter, or Cedar Island and head to this quiet island. Spend your days lounging on 16 miles of white-sand beaches or fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing. Rent a boat or golf cart to explore the island, or check out one of the trails for a peaceful nature walk. At the end of the day, take in the sunset over Silver Lake Harbor, where there are many cute shops, restaurants, and inns.
Located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast across the causeway from Morehead City, Atlantic Beach is perfect for families. Whether you want to build sandcastles or go on a chartered fishing trip, there's an outdoor activity for you. This beach is also known for its nesting sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the sand from May through October. You can learn more about the region's marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, a 10-minute drive away.
You'll find several central access points to soft, white sand at Wrightsville Beach, a prime hub for water sports. Rent a rod to try to reel in pompano, bluefish, or king mackerel at Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, or walk out to take in the panoramic Atlantic Ocean views over a beer (note there's a small fee for access). Adventure seekers can take surfing lessons nearby or book a scuba diving excursion to one of the sunken ships located off the coast. If you're looking for a quieter spot, head north to Shell Island, which offers a more secluded stretch of coast popular with beachcombers.
Sunset Beach is on North Carolina's south-facing shore, close to the South Carolina border. Discover why this spot got its name from late fall through early spring, when you can actually see the sun rise and set over the water — a rare experience. Nearby Bird Island has beautiful beaches, too, but it's best known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, where visitors write their wishes, prayers, thoughts, and dreams in the notebooks inside.
Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island offers 14 miles of white-sand beaches. You can catch a ferry to this car-free island from nearby Southport and get around by golf cart, bicycle, or foot. The gentle waves at South Beach attract families, while East Beach has bigger swells. Purchase a guest pass to the private Bald Head Island Club to play a round of golf or try your hand at croquet.
Emerald Isle, a beach town on the barrier island Bogue Banks, is surrounded by the clear waters of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. The area is a haven for anglers, who can book a fishing charter or cast a line off the seasonally open Bogue Inlet Pier. At Emerald Isle Woods Park, you can throw a frisbee on the disc golf course and spot wildlife on the North Carolina Birding Trail. Beaches are uncrowded and sea turtles nest along the shores in late summer and fall. Along with 12 miles of gorgeous shoreline, you'll find plenty of dining options, including local seafood spots.
Less crowded than some of North Carolina's better-known beach destinations, this barrier island just south of Jacksonville boasts 26 miles of pristine sand. From mid-May through September, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest along Topsail's coast. You can learn about the island's preservation and conservation efforts at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in its largest town, Surf City. Relax on the beach, or enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, or Jet Skiing out on the waves. You might search for pirates' treasure if you're feeling lucky — legend has it, the island's name comes from the fact that the area was once a popular place for pirates whose "top sails" were a warning to any approaching ships.
Known for its nostalgic charm, Oak Island boasts about a dozen miles of beaches, with access points in the eponymous town and neighboring Caswell Beach. Enjoy the area's fishing piers, marina, and water sports. In the Caswell Beach stretch, take in views of the Atlantic Ocean, Civil War-era Fort Caswell, and Bald Head Island from the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse. Tours are available year-round, though children under nine are not allowed to climb the tower. You can also learn about local wildlife and see fossils at the Oak Island Nature Center.
Located in the northern Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk was the launch point of the Wright brothers' famous flight. Spend your time here exploring the dunes and marshland or kayaking around Currituck Sound. Similar to other towns on this stretch of North Carolina coastline, you're likely to spy nesting turtles — but you also might see local otters. The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve encompasses 1,824 acres of maritime forest, including rare plants and vegetation.
Drive 30 minutes south of Wilmington and you'll find the small seaside retreat of Kure Beach. Here, you'll get the opportunity to cast a line off the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. A nearby seasonal concession stand offers ice cream, arcade games, and souvenirs. Close to the shore, you can tour the Civil War's largest land-sea battleground at the Fort Fisher Historic Site or see gators, otters, turtles, and other aquatic animals at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Roughly eight miles long, this low-key barrier island has plenty of thinly populated sand and more than 20 access points to the beach. On the other side of the island, you can take in views of the Intracoastal Waterway from a cluster of seafood restaurants around Holden Beach Road. While away the day fishing, golfing, birding, or biking surrounded by nature. The area has many outfitters that will hook you up with kayaking, Jet Skiing, or surfing gear.
There is no better symbol of life on the coast than that of the lighthouse.Originally built to serve as beacons guiding ships safely to shore, these towers are now reminders of a bygone era — a time before ships were equipped with Global Positioning Systems and sonar mapping the sea floor.According to the National Park Service’s website, 779 lighthouses remain standing across the United States. Though many say North Carolina is home to seven lighthouses, there are actually eight of them: Old Baldy, Bodie Island, Cap...
There is no better symbol of life on the coast than that of the lighthouse.
Originally built to serve as beacons guiding ships safely to shore, these towers are now reminders of a bygone era — a time before ships were equipped with Global Positioning Systems and sonar mapping the sea floor.
According to the National Park Service’s website, 779 lighthouses remain standing across the United States. Though many say North Carolina is home to seven lighthouses, there are actually eight of them: Old Baldy, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, Currituck Beach, Ocracoke, Oak Island, and — the oft-forgotten Price’s Creek Lighthouse.
The Cape Fear region is home to three of the eight: Old Baldy, Oak Island and Price’s Creek are all located in Brunswick County.
The StarNews team has compiled facts from around the Cape Fear region, and you’ll find them in the StarNews Weekend edition under the heading “Cape Fear Facts.”
Now, here’s a look at Brunswick County’s lighthouses by the numbers.
The original Bald Head Island Lighthouse was completed. It was torn down and later replaced by Old Baldy.
More:How this Brunswick island once deemed 'inhospitable for colonization' became an exclusive resort
The number of stairs in the Bald Head Island lighthouse, affectionately known as “Old Baldy.”
The number of landings in Old Baldy’s staircase.
The year the Price’s Creek Lighthouse, located on the banks of the Cape Fear River near Southport, was built.
More:An often-forgotten Brunswick County lighthouse could soon be restored
The height — in feet — of the Price’s Creek Lighthouse in Southport.
The year the Oak Island Lighthouse was completed.
The number of ship’s ladder steps to the lantern gallery level.
The height of the Oak Island Lighthouse. However, it is noted on nautical charts at 169 feet because it stands on a slight rise.
The number of colors in the stripe pattern of the Oak Island Lighthouse.
The number of one-second flashes in Oak Island's beacon. The pattern is repeated every 10 seconds.
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