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.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“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 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 would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“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 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 would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
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.
LOCALWilmington StarNewsA routine bottlenose dolphin survey turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Brunswick Community College students Bethany Berry and Vannessa Herold.Kim Jones, the dean of arts and sciences at Brunswick Community College, documented a rare and unexpected sighting of a humpback whale at the mouth of the Cape Fear River near Bald Head Island during a recent 2025 Saturday field trip.“There was so much life in the area — baitfish, diving birds, dozens of dolphin...
LOCAL
Wilmington StarNews
A routine bottlenose dolphin survey turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Brunswick Community College students Bethany Berry and Vannessa Herold.
Kim Jones, the dean of arts and sciences at Brunswick Community College, documented a rare and unexpected sighting of a humpback whale at the mouth of the Cape Fear River near Bald Head Island during a recent 2025 Saturday field trip.
“There was so much life in the area — baitfish, diving birds, dozens of dolphins — and then we saw it,” said Jones. “A humpback whale surfaced just beyond Jaybird Shoal.”
The students was participating in a collaborative research course with the University of North Carolina Wilmington ? HON-191: Research & Discovery, part of the Community College Undergraduate Research Experience, a Brunswick Community College-UNCW partnership.
The sighting marks the first humpback whale that Jones has recorded in the Cape Fear River since April 2021.
A follow-up trip of the recent 2025 trip confirmed the whale had remained in the area and was accompanied by a large pod of bottlenose dolphins and a dense school of menhaden.
The surveys are part of a larger Community Collaborative Research Grant project titled “Bottlenose Dolphin Distribution, Abundance and Health along the Brunswick County Coast/Cape Fear River Region.” The North Carolina Sea Grant sponsors the research, which gives students firsthand experience in marine science while contributing to vital regional data collection.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
From Corolla to Carolina Beach, these are the top places to vacation on the coast.North Carolina has more than 300 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and countless communities dotted along it. Many of these laid-back beach towns seem tailor-made for vacations: Time moves slower, itineraries are flexible, and the only decision to make is what to eat for dinner. The tricky part is deciding which part of the coast to visit in the first place.Some travelers prefer the Outer Banks, while others like to retreat to the Wilmington area ...
From Corolla to Carolina Beach, these are the top places to vacation on the coast.
North Carolina has more than 300 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and countless communities dotted along it. Many of these laid-back beach towns seem tailor-made for vacations: Time moves slower, itineraries are flexible, and the only decision to make is what to eat for dinner. The tricky part is deciding which part of the coast to visit in the first place.
Some travelers prefer the Outer Banks, while others like to retreat to the Wilmington area in the summer. Then there are the Brunswick Islands, a collection of barrier islands with tiny towns and wide beaches that feel a world away from urban life. To help you choose, we asked locals to weigh in on the best beach towns in North Carolina.
If the phrase “North Carolina beach town” conjures up images of towering sand dunes, you may be thinking of Nags Head. A longtime favorite, the barrier island town is the ideal base camp for exploring other Outer Banks towns and nearby points of interest—like Hatteras and Roanoke islands. If you want to stay in town for your entire trip, that’s okay, too. It's charming in its own right, with miles of sandy shoreline and over 40 public beach access points. You can easily spend each day in a beach chair with a good book or venture out to discover the aforementioned dunes—the East Coast's tallest—at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Here, you’ll likely see other visitors flying kites, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
“Salvo is one of the most scenic and rural untouched beach areas I have ever visited,” says Dean Neff, chef and co-owner of Seabird in Wilmington. Technically a census-designated place with a population of just over 200, Salvo has a few small grocers, tackle shops, and an art gallery—but that’s about it. “Off the beaten path and just north of an uninhabited section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it’s the ideal place to unplug and get in touch with nature. It’s just you, the beach, and the water," he says. "And at night I've never seen so many stars."
There is perhaps no North Carolina beach destination as fit for family vacations as Duck, the northernmost town on the Outer Banks. Travelers of all ages can take advantage of the Duck Boardwalk that stretches for a mile along the Currituck Sound, paddleboard and bike rentals from Duck Village Outfitters, and the selection of beach reads from Duck's Cottage & Downtown Books. As far as accommodations, you have a few options. Those with larger groups should consider renting a beach house from Southern Shores Realty or booking a room at Sanderling Resort for more luxurious amenities. No matter where you choose to stay, you absolutely shouldn't leave Duck without grabbing a fresh doughnut from the original Duck Donuts.
Romantic Beaufort, pronounced “bow-fert,” is a historic fishing village with easy access to the water, a walkable downtown, and a roster of local restaurants you’ll remember long after your vacation. To fuel your tour of the Beaufort Historical District—or a day on the beach—pop into Beaufort Grocery Co. for pancakes and a BeauGro Bloody Mary, if it’s that kind of morning. For lunch, Black Sheep makes great pizzas, but you’ll definitely want to save room for something sweet from Beaufort Creamery. Travelers who like to learn something on their travels can spend an hour at the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street or take a boat-building class at Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center.
“If you’re looking for something a bit more remote, I recommend Carolina Beach,” says Neff, who says the beach town has “lots of character.” In classic seaside fashion, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is populated with carnival games, amusement rides, and street-food vendors. For a bit more nature, you can head to Carolina Beach State Park to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and see the cool carnivorous Venus flytrap. After working up an appetite, follow Neff’s suggestions and have some of the famous glazed doughnuts from Britt’s Donut Shop or a fish sandwich from The Sandspur.
Neff recommends Wrightsville Beach to anyone who feels at home on the water—or is interested in local shopping, casual eats, and fresh seafood. ‘[I] like Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar for tuna poke bowls, juices, and good coffee—and if you are looking for a more rowdy beach bar scene, Red Dogs is the place,” Neff says. “I also love Motts Channel, an amazing family-owned seafood market right on the water that sells all kinds of local fish, like hogfish when it's in season. I like to enter through the back loading dock so I can chat up the mongers about what they just brought in.”
For Ryan Shelton and Josh Lemke, North Carolina locals and owners of a vacation rental they call Beach Please, one of the top beach towns is Oak Island thanks to its dog-friendly nature. “Dogs are welcome, on a leash, anytime,” says Shelton. With or without your pooch, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, traversing the town’s bike paths, or fishing from Oak Island Pier. Come mealtime, Lemke says you have a few options: “Make your own coastal shrimp boil or visit Koko Cabana, Salt 64, or Ruby's, which are some of our locally owned favorite restaurants.” And while summer is a highlight on Oak Island, they recommend coming in the spring and fall, when “you’ll have milder temperatures and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.”
You can stay as busy or do as little as you want when visiting Corolla, an Outer Banks village tucked between the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. If you fall into the former category, start by booking a two-hour adventure with Corolla Wild Horse Tours, whose guides will help you witness the magic of the area’s wild horses (which are descendants of colonial Spanish mustangs). Other popular spots include the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, where you can climb the 220 steps to the top, and Whalehead, a yellow, 1920s-era mansion-turned-museum. Finally, no trip to Corolla is complete without catching some rays on Corolla Beach, exploring Historic Corolla Village, and enjoying a platter from Corolla Village Bar-B-Que.
“Only 15 minutes from Oak Island, Southport has a quaint main street for shopping, and there are great restaurants on the water,” says Shelton. If you’re craving Southern fare and fresh seafood, he says you can’t miss the “absolute gem” Mister P's Bistro. Outside of its culinary scene, Southport leans heavily into its role as a picture-perfect harbor town (it’s located where the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean converge). In fact, you may even recognize it as the setting of a few movies and TV shows, including "Safe Haven” and The Summer I Turned Pretty. To properly get your bearings, book a room at the historic bed-and-breakfast Robert Ruark Inn and request a tour from the owner, who can highlight film locations and other points of interest.
If you’re staying on the southern coast of North Carolina, you might as well hop over to the Brunswick Islands for a change in scenery. Lemke recommends taking the ferry from Southport to Bald Head Island. While it’s not your typical beach town, the village is one of the most unique and relaxing destinations in the state. Home to North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, Old Baldy, Bald Head Island is car-free and best explored by golf cart or bike, both of which can be rented on the island. “Cruise around in your rented golf cart, climb the lighthouse, play golf, and enjoy the expansive beautiful beach,” he says. “The ferry ride alone is worth the adventure.”
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Whether you enjoy paddling through the waves or relaxing in the sun with a good book, there’s nothing better than a day at the beach.But for many in the ...
Whether you enjoy paddling through the waves or relaxing in the sun with a good book, there’s nothing better than a day at the beach.
But for many in the Wilmington area, it’s not as easy as just walking out the door and plopping down a towel. For most, sandy shores and salt air are a short drive away. With several beaches within an hour’s drive, the next question becomes: Which beach should we go to?
That can be a difficult decision because each one has a different vibe and offers something unique. To help you figure out which beach is best for you, the StarNews has put together this guide on all the area beaches. Here’s a bit about each one with a few suggestions for things to do and places to eat.
Though it’s the second-smallest county by land area, New Hanover offers beachgoers three options for fun in the sun.
Known for its crystal blue waters and surfing culture, Wrightsville Beach offers plenty of fun for young adults and families. The area offers a variety of accommodations including beach resorts, hotels and rental homes, along with a vibrant commercial area with shops and dining. If you want to see the city, however, downtown Wilmington is only eight miles away.
Strolling around Carolina Beach can be a bit like stepping back in time. It offers the vintage beach experience you love — complete with a boardwalk — with the conveniences of today. Miles of coastline offer the perfect place for families to relax and unwind. Once you’ve seen all there is to see in Carolina Beach, zip over to neighboring Kure Beach for additional entertainment options.
If you’re looking for small-town charm by the sea, Kure Beach is the destination for you. It offers visitors the opportunity to get away without being far from the fun offered in neighboring Carolina Beach and downtown Wilmington’s nightlife is just 18 miles away.
When it comes to beaches, Brunswick County has more than 45 miles of coastline, offering six beautiful beaches.
If you’re truly looking for an escape, Bald Head Island is the place to go. Located on an island only accessible by boat or ferry, the island doesn’t allow cars (with exceptions for public safety, service and construction vehicles), so travel occurs by golf cart or bicycle, giving visitors the opportunity to slow down and take in the salt marshes, maritime forest, and of course, beaches.
Located on the end of Oak Island is the town of Caswell Beach, which offers solitude and solace in the sand. The town is its own municipality with its own beach accesses and rules.
Oak Island has long been a beach destination for families. Many recall fond memories on Long Beach or Yaupon Beach, but those two towns gave up their separate identities in 1999 and merged to become the town of Oak Island.
If you’re traveling with kids, Holden Beach is a great place to go because it has received recognition as one of best “family beaches” in the country by National Geographic Traveler. Primarily a residential community, Holden offers small town charm with beautiful sandy beaches.
If you’re looking for small town living and fun in the sun, you will find it at Ocean Isle Beach. It’s why it was voted “The South’s Best Tiny Town” by Southern Living in 2018.
Brunswick County’s southernmost beach capitalizes on natural beauty without the distractions and crowds found in other beach towns. And, as the name suggests, the beach is home to sunrises and sunsets made for postcards.
One of the five largest counties in North Carolina, Pender offers more than 871 square miles to explore, including 25 miles of coastline spread across two beautiful beaches.
Though it’s located on a barrier island shared between Pender and Onslow counties, all of Topsail Beach falls within Pender’s boundaries. The beach offers 20 accesses to the beach and 9 to the sound.
Paid parking is in effect for the south-end lot on the sound side (next to the Serenity Point Townhomes--at the end of Shore Line Drive and Inlet Drive), and the following oceanfront beach accesses: #5 Barwick Avenue, #6 Rocky Mount, #7 Empie Avenue, #8 Haywood Avenue, #9 Davis Avenue, #10 Crews Avenue, #11 Hines Avenue, #12 Scott Avenue, #13 Crocker Avenue, #14 Darden Avenue, and #15 Smith Avenue.
A beach community located in the heart of Topsail Island, Surf City’s beaches are the main attraction. There are 39 public beach accesses, and four of those have restroom or shower facilities. In addition to enjoying a quiet day on the beach, the area is known for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
Atlantic Coast beaches have a charm all their own, but they don’t often get the same level of gushing admiration that their counterparts on the Gulf Coast are so accustomed to. While ...
Atlantic Coast beaches have a charm all their own, but they don’t often get the same level of gushing admiration that their counterparts on the Gulf Coast are so accustomed to. While Florida beaches get praised for looking like the Caribbean and having out-of-this-world blue waters, beaches in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia have to work a little harder to earn their fans.
However, there’s one beach in North Carolina that has sand and surf to rival even the dreamiest of Gulf Coast beaches, and it’s Emerald Isle. Part of the 85-mile barrier island that’s affectionately known as the Crystal Coast or the Southern Outer Banks, Emerald Isle is the kind of laidback family getaway that makes you want to return year after year. Its white sand and crystal-clear, emerald waters (hence its name) are a bit of a best-kept secret, but once you discover their beauty, you'll be devoted—hook, line, and sinker.
While the water at beaches in other parts of the state are typically murky and appear dark blue or even brownish in color, the water off the coast of Emerald Isle is much clearer and takes on a signature blue-green hue. Last summer, North Carolina locals were astounded by a rare but entirely natural phenomenon that caused the ocean along the Crystal Coast to sparkle with a brilliant blue radiance that folks previously only associated with places like the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos.
The phenomenon, caused by an uncharacteristically low number of tropical storms and hurricanes coupled with unseasonally light offshore winds, allowed sediment to settle closer to the ocean floor and the water to exhibit its true vibrant turquoise color. During the middle of the day when the sun was brightest, visitors swore they had been transported to a faraway tropical island.
While Emerald Isle’s sand can’t claim the same sugar-white distinction that Florida’s quartz sand beaches can, its stretches of shoreline do trend toward the light khaki and even off-white, which is a far cry from the mineral-heavy, graham cracker-colored sand found on other beaches in North Carolina.
Spending consecutive days alternating between sunbathing in the soft sand, then taking a dip in the sea when it gets too hot, is a must. But once you’ve mastered the fine art of “beaching” in Emerald Isle, you may want to graduate to exploring the ocean from new angles. See the water from above by hanging ten with a surf lesson from Hot Wax Surf Shop or testing your balance on a stand-up paddle board. When you’re ready to dive deeper, you can experience Emerald Isle from underwater by snorkeling or diving. The clear conditions and light-colored water make it easy to spot all kinds of fish and marine life, as well as remnants from long-ago shipwrecks in an area that’s known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic.
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