EMERALD ISLE, ATLANTIC BEACH, MOREHEAD CITY, BEAUFORT and CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C., Jan. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently named "Best Spring Break" destination by Outside Magazine, North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks invites travelers to experience the nation's official beach of spring -- home to the East Coast's most precious 85-miles of silken shoreline, wild Spanish mustangs, a national seashore, beachfront mansions, locally known as "sand castles," and so much more. The colorful coastal communities of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Lookout tout an authentic "all-Americana" experience, including days filled with outdoor recreation, sightseeing and cultural possibilities (www.crystalcoastnc.org).
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the oak lined streets of "America's No. 1 Town," Beaufort, where the legendary pirate Blackbeard roamed, experience the site of a historic Civil War skirmish, Fort Macon, play in Atlantic Beach, home to wide pearlescent beaches and plenty of sunshine and catch the big one in Morehead City with world-class fishing excursions. Visitors set sail on a boat adventure to the uninhabited island of Shackelford Banks and catch sight of wild Spanish Mustangs and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse beaming across the ocean. Promising an authentic experience with plenty of adventure for everyone, the Crystal Coast bids the perfect backdrop for a spring escape with local attractions, including:
| Fort Macon State Park | FREE |
| Beaufort Maritime Museum | FREE |
| Core Sound Waterfowl Museum | Adults $5/Children FREE |
| Island Express Ferry Service | Adults $15/Children $8 |
| Beaufort Double Decker Tour Bus | Adults $9/Children $4 |
| North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores | Adults $8/Children $6 |
| Old Burying Grounds | Adults $9/Children $4 |
The gentle, salty breezes lure visitors and locals alike to enjoy a variety of coastal pursuits and among those include a wide-array of festivals. From March - June, the Crystal Coast is home to culinary-craving events like the 37th Annual Newport Pig Cookin' Contest and the 11th Annual Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend, offering four days of signature events infusing historic venues and homegrown flavor with celebrated local chefs, culinary professionals and wine makers. A sampling of spring/summer events include:
March/April
- 24th Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Day – March 14
- 37th Annual Newport Pig Cookin' Contest – March 27-28
- Emerald Isle Marathon – March 28
- 11th Annual Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend – April 22-26
May/June
- 41st Annual Wooden Boat Show – May 2
- Beaufort Music & Performing Arts Festival – May 9-10
- Summer Concert Series – May – September
- Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament – June 5-13
- 55th Annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour – June 26-27
Along with a wide range of attractions and events, the Southern Outer Banks offers year-round affordable accommodations options, ranging from mammoth beach mansions -- known locally as "sand castles" – and quaint B & B's to seaside cottages and comfortable condos. A sampling of accommodation starting rates this spring include:
| Cape Lookout | camping FREE/cabins $73/night |
| Hampton Inn, Morehead City | from $89/night |
| DoubleTree, Atlantic Beach | from $99/night |
| Inlet Inn, Beaufort | from $100/night |
| Cousins Bed & Breakfast, Beaufort | from $110/night |
| Atlantis Lodge, Atlantic Beach | from $114/night |
| Bluewater (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $380/weekly for a condo |
| Emerald Isle Realty (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $475/weekly for a condo |
| Atlantic Beach Realty (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $600/weekly for a condo |
Famous for 85 miles of shimmering beaches, crystalline blue waters and lush maritime forests, the Crystal Coast located along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks remains the favored Atlantic beach destination of generations and represents one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the world. The South facing beaches course east and west, lending views of the dazzlingly bright sun rise to greet the day and then slip into the glistening waters for a stunning sunset. Consistently recognized with admired acclaims, the Crystal Coast has recently earned nods from Travel + Leisure, naming Beaufort "America's No. 1 Town," in addition to other notable achievements such as "Best Spring Break Destination" by Outside Magazine and "Top 25 USA Wreck Dives" by Scuba Diving.
To visit North Carolina's Crystal Coast this spring, call (800) 786-6962 or visit www.crystalcoastnc.org and www.facebook.com/crystalcoast.