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 Oakforest 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 Crest, 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.
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“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was the best option. She was familiar with all assisted living/memory care facilities around town and was quick to respond to the family with tours. She delivered FL2 forms to physician's and made the transition an easy process. I recommend Sandy 100 % for any family needing a smaller community for their elderly family member.”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”
“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”
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“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”
“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
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“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”
“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”
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 Historic Oak View County 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 PurefoyChappell House, 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 Crest, 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 Crest, 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 Crest, 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.
Located between the busier destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are beloved for their uncrowded beaches and classic, family-vacation vibe. Five barrier islands make up the Brunswick Islands, which stretch 45 miles across the southern tip of North Carolina. Though no roads connect the islands (each is reached from the mainland by road or ferry), there's a lot to explore between 10 communities, six sandy beaches, and multiple creeks and salt marshes. And because of the east-west orientation of these i...
Located between the busier destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are beloved for their uncrowded beaches and classic, family-vacation vibe. Five barrier islands make up the Brunswick Islands, which stretch 45 miles across the southern tip of North Carolina. Though no roads connect the islands (each is reached from the mainland by road or ferry), there's a lot to explore between 10 communities, six sandy beaches, and multiple creeks and salt marshes. And because of the east-west orientation of these islands, you can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean for much of the year.
Read on for the best things to do on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands—you can't go wrong visiting any of them for your next beach vacation.
Those who really want an escape will appreciate Bald Head Island, which is accessible only by ferry or boat. Get around the island by golf cart, bicycle, or your own two feet. Most of the island is an unspoiled preserve, but you'll find a couple of restaurants and shops and lots of outdoor activities. Stay at a vacation rental, the Marsh Harbour Inn, or The Inn at Bald Head Island, which includes club privileges.
Explore Bald Head Island
www.themarshharbourinn.com; 21 Keelson Row, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
www.theinnatbaldheadisland.com; 2 Keelson Row, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Caswell Beach is another quiet retreat, but also an easy drive from Wilmington or Southport. Nearby Oak Island offers more nostalgic beach activities like a fishing pier, lighthouse, mini golf, and nature center. Holden Beach is another favorite for a quiet family vacation; the pier and beach are the main attractions. Most families stay in vacation rentals on these islands and spend their time basking on the sand or exploring nature.
If you're looking for a laidback vacation that also offers plenty to do, Ocean Isle Beach is your destination. Between the adventure park, museum, water sports, and restaurants, you'll have lots of activities to choose from.
Last but not least, Sunset Beach lies on the westernmost island, less than an hour's drive from Myrtle Beach. Those who vacation here can explore the preserve at Bird Island and visit the planetarium. Stay in one of the Sea Trail Golf Resort Villas or a cozy room at The Sunset Inn bed and breakfast.
www.seatrailvillas.com; 200 Royal Poste Road, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
www.thesunsetinn.net; 9 North Shore Drive E, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Every one of these islands offers pristine, uncrowded beaches for hours of family fun, strolls on the sand, and shelling. Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches are favorites for families, while Caswell and Bald Head Island are more secluded and rich with wildlife. Caswell and Oak Island beaches are the most dog-friendly if you want to bring your favorite companion.
Nearly all of Bald Head Island is a nature preserve, with 10,000 of its 12,000 acres protected by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. The northernmost subtropical island in the U.S. features salt marshes, palm-filled maritime forests, turtle nesting sites, and a section of the NC Birding Trail. You can bike around the island's trails or explore by kayak.
Bird Island is another gem located on the westernmost end of the Brunswick Islands. This protected, undeveloped preserve includes 1,200 acres of salt marshes, tidal creeks, dunes, and beaches where turtles nest. You can walk here from Sunset Beach or reach it by boat, depending on the tide. Look for the Kindred Spirit mailbox, where beachgoers can leave a thoughtful note.
Loggerhead sea turtles crawl onto Brunswick Island beaches to lay eggs between May and August. Hatchlings begin to emerge in July and sometimes appear as late as October. Though you should keep a respectful distance from turtles and their nests, you can learn all about these remarkable reptiles at educational events on Bald Head Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach.
bhic.org/tours/totally-turtles; Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
oibseaturtles.org/turtle-talk; 417 W 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
hbturtlewatch.org/events.php; Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild St., Holden Beach, NC 28462
www.sunsetbeachturtles.org/programs.html; Sunset Properties, 419 Sunset Blvd. S, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Cast a line from the surf or fish from one of five public piers on the Brunswick Islands. You'll find tackle and bait shops (and often snacks and drinks) at Oak Island Pier, Ocean Crest Pier, Ocean Isle Beach Pier, and Sunset Beach Pier. The OIB Pier also offers fishing classes for first-timers. For deep-sea fishing, charter a boat from any island and try your luck at catching mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, grouper, king mackerel, and more.
www.oakislandnc.gov/residents-visitors/parks-facilities/oak-island-pier; 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.oceancrestfishingpier.com; 1409 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
oibpier.com; 1 W. 1st St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.sunsetbeachpier.com; 101 W Main St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Creeks, rivers, and salt marshes around these islands provide endless opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Visit your local outfitter for rentals or to schedule a more adventurous guided excursion. Long Beach Paddle Co. leads trips to Sheep Island, Adventure Kayak Tours takes paddlers to the South Carolina side of Bird Island, and Riverside Outdoor Recreation explores the interior of Bald Head Island. The latter also rents surfboards to those who want to ride the waves.
www.longbeachpaddlecompany.com; 4908 E. Yacht Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
theadventurecompany.net; 807 N. Howe St., Southport, NC 28461
www.riversiderecbhi.com; 10 Marina Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Find fun for everyone at The Swamp Park on Ocean Isle's Shallotte River. More adventurous souls can zipline up in the treetops or try the Aerial Adventure Park rope course (there's a kiddie course, too.) Guided ATV tours zoom along the river, while the gentler Swamp Boat Eco-Tours will tell you all about this area's history and wildlife.
shallotteriverswamppark.com; 5550 Watts Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
With more than 30 championship golf courses to choose from on the Brunswick Islands, this vacation destination will keep you busy with tee times. Admire the sparkling water and salt marshes on courses designed by top architects for everyone from beginners to avid enthusiasts.
www.ncbrunswick.com/golf
Two lighthouses reside in the Brunswick Islands: Old Baldy on Bald Head Island and the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach. Old Baldy has guided sailors since 1817 and is now a tourist site that includes a keeper's cottage with museum exhibits. You can climb Old Baldy's wood, spiraling staircase at your own pace (hours vary by season). Take the ferry from Southport if you aren't staying on the island.
The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 and requires climbing up a series of ship ladders that reach more than 120 feet up to the top. If you're up for the challenge, book your climb at least six weeks in advance for the busy summer season. Those without reservations can climb a few steps to the second level and talk with a docent.
www.oldbaldy.org; 101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
www.oakislandlighthouse.org; 300 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465
The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach and Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach are sister organizations you can visit to learn more about the seas and skies. Kids will love the touch tank, animals, fossil collections, and Sky Theater Shows.
museumplanetarium.org; 21 East 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 and 7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Travel to nearby Southport if you're looking for a day trip filled with shopping. Their downtown features art galleries, gift shops, and clothing boutiques.
You'll also find beachwear stores and gift shops up and down the islands. Popular stops for local art and crafts include Islands Art and Books and Crossroads Gathering Place (grab coffee or a bottle of wine while you're there). If you're dreaming of transforming your home into a beach paradise, visit Coastal House Home Decor.
islandsartstore.com; 6885 Beach Drive SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
www.facebook.com; 128 Country Club Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.coastalhousehomedecor.com; 6934 Beach Drive SW Suite 1, Ocean Isle, NC 28469
There are plenty of waterfront dining spots around the islands where you can drink in views of the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Some highlights include Koko Cabana for well-crafted seafood, burgers, and nachos; Island Way for steaks and fresh seafood; and Le Volte Oceanfront Dining for a high-end, white tablecloth experience.
kokocabana.com; 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
islandwayres.com; 1407 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.facebook.com/levoltediningandvenue; 417 W. 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
If you don't have your own fresh catch to cook, pick up a steam pot from either the Outerbanks Boil Company or Cape Fear Boil Company on Oak Island. Both offer an array of seafood along with traditional seafood boil ingredients like andouille sausage, red-skin potatoes, and corn on the cob.
www.oakisland.outerbanksboilcompany.com; 5003 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
www.capefearboilcompany.com; 6402 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
Stop at Lil & John's Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor on Oak Island or Beaches-N-Cream near Holden Beach for homemade ice cream in unique seasonal flavors. OKI Scoop Shop and Donuts also sells donuts in fun flavors like Triple Tropical Threat—and you can combine both treats with a donut sundae. Another favorite, Blondiez Donuts, lets you custom pick your glaze and toppings.
Summer brings beach vacations as North Carolina residents and out-of-state visitors descend upon the state’s coastal regions in search of cooling breezes and good fishing.Fishing at many beaches means going to piers, of which 19 remain in operation today (in 1992 North Carolina had 32 coastal fishing piers).Oak Island at the southeastern corner of the state — the communities of Long Beach, Caswell and Ocean Crest beaches combined several years ago into one municipality — has two remaining fishing piers, Oak Is...
Summer brings beach vacations as North Carolina residents and out-of-state visitors descend upon the state’s coastal regions in search of cooling breezes and good fishing.
Fishing at many beaches means going to piers, of which 19 remain in operation today (in 1992 North Carolina had 32 coastal fishing piers).
Oak Island at the southeastern corner of the state — the communities of Long Beach, Caswell and Ocean Crest beaches combined several years ago into one municipality — has two remaining fishing piers, Oak Island (former Yaupon Pier) and Ocean Crest.
Located between the Cape Fear River mouth and Lockwood Folly Inlet, both piers offer an excellent chance to land summertime species, particularly flounder, king mackerel, Virginia mullet (whiting), pompano, puppy drum, bluefish, spots and sheepshead.
The town purchased Yaupon Pier in 2008 after the demolition of Long Beach Pier in 2006. Fearing Yaupon would fall prey to the same real-estate boom that claimed Long Beach Pier in 2005, the town bought Yaupon Pier (and renamed it Oak Island Pier) because wise city fathers recognized what a tourist draw it was, especially for anglers.
Today, no condominiums sit at the former Long Beach Pier site, only 10 empty beach-front and second-row lots.
“We’re having a decent run of flounder,” said Carl Bedsole, a former Long Beach Pier regular who now fishes at Oak Island Pier. “A couple days ago, one guy caught six keepers.”
Flounder must measure at least 15 inches to be retained.
Best flounder bites occur from the bait-cleaning sink (just outside the surf breakers line) extending 100 feet toward the end of the pier. The pier’s end, as at most Tar Heel saltwater fishing platforms, is reserved for king mackerel anglers.
Flounder anglers are having the best success using Carolina-rigs with 2-ounce barrel sinkers baited with finger mullet or mud minnows.
“There are plenty of sheepshead around the pilings,” said pier regular Barry Singletary, who fed minnows to a pet snowy egret named Henry, who shows up at the pier each March. “But nobody fishes for them very much.”
Singletary caught a 4-pound, 6-ounce flounder at Oak Island Pier, the largest of the first week of June.
Best times to fish are early in the morning (crack of dawn) until about 10:30 a.m.
Chuck Brown, with a 2-pound, 4-ounce pompano, took Category One of the just-completed Oak Island Pier Fishing Tournament. The event pits anglers from Oak Island and Ocean Crest piers. Barry Crews landed a 4-pound, 14-ounce sheepshead to win Division Two.
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