Wander & Wonder

NC definitely holds a special place in my heart, as it is the first ever vacation I took with Tony. Since our initial trip, we returned last summer with Ghost and we had such an amazing time!

As a state, NC is pretty unique in that it has mountains and beaches (as well as many lovely cities in between). Here are some must-see places and activities that I recommend when you get a chance to visit NC:

B E A C H E S:

• Topsail Beach: What can I say about Topsail Beach…white sandy shores, sparkling blue water, not overcrowded, and allows dogs. Aka it was truly a perfect beach. What’s more is that the Town of Topsail Beach is super cute with lots of little shops and restaurants. My favorite shop was Gift Basket where I got some nice souvenirs for my family (and a T-shirt for me hihi). Be sure to check out Daybreak Donuts and Scoops Microcreamery Homemade Ice Cream in the neighboring town of Surf City for a fun treat.

• Wrightsville Beach: If you have ever watched Dawson’s Creek, you will instantly recognize the fishing pier and wooden docks from the intro song. Just a short drive from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is definitely a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. Many people were surfing, paddle-boarding, and sailing. There were definitely a lot more people at this beach but there was still a laid-back, fun vibe. Just note that your furry friend won’t be able to join you as the beach has a strict no dog policy during the summer months. When you are in need of cooling off, be sure to check out The Original Ice Cream Stand (or if it’s a clear night, copy us and drink your milkshakes on the sand under the starry night sky). For a nice restaurant, check out Dockside where you can enjoy cocktails and seafood with a view of the waterways.

• Duck Island: We spent the day at Duck Harbor Beach where the waves were gigantic (which Tony loved to swim into while I lounged peacefully on the shore). This beach was definitely more crowded but as with any of the beaches, if you are able to walk a few extra minutes along the shore it is not too hard to find a more secluded spot. Right before the sunset, we strolled along the scenic Duck Town Park Boardwalk. In addition to being surrounded by nature, the boardwalk gives you access to different stores and restaurants along the way.

• Caswell Beach: This beach was definitely a hidden gem. It was probably the least touristic place we visited during our stay and was really ideal for enjoying some quiet ocean views. The Oak Island Lighthouse added such a special touch and made this whole day feel like a dream. We were so disconnected that we didn’t even think to take a single picture that day!

A C T I V I T I E S:

• Barrier Island Kayaking: We spontaneously saw a cool kayak rental location called Barrier Island Kayaks and could not have been more lucky. Everyone who worked there was so friendly. The main employee who helped us even lended us his dog’s life vest so that Ghost could come with us. We rented a double kayak for 2 hours and had plenty of time to visit different sand banks and even go for a swim. We ended up finding shark teeth, strange-looking snails, and tons of crabs. It was so much fun but definitely a hard workout as the currents on the way back are rather strong.

• Wine Tasting Tours: To give ourselves some time to recover from our sunburns, we took a break from the beach and did a mini “road trip” to two different vineyards. The first one was called Round Peak Vineyards and the views of the grapevines with the mountain backdrop were really breathtaking. We started off with a wine tasting and we particularly enjoyed the dry wines, especially the ’21 Daisy’s Rescue Red. The sweet wines were highly recommended but I think Tony and I were just not used to them because we both had trouble finishing them. After the tasting, we strolled around the vineyard and found a beautiful gazebo. After we set off to Golden Road Vineyards where we were greeted with a quaint outdoor acoustic band show. We layed out a blanket picnic-style and tasted a few wines, with our favorite being the 2019 Merlot.

• Downtown Asheville: Asheville offers a pictureqsue atmosphere with its charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and street performers (very reminiscent of Stars Hollow). You will definitely eat and drink well in Asheville thanks to its many farm-to-table diners and craft breweries. We stayed in Asheville with the goal to do a few days of hiking in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains (our plan was to do the Grassy Ridge Bald via Appalachian Trail, Looking Glass Rock Trail, and Deep Gap Trail). Unfortunately it was quite rainy when we were there, but the good news is that we now have a valid reason to go back!

I really hope you get the chance to visit NC. I feel nostalgic just writing this post…I can’t wait to go back! And if you have ever been to NC or just visited, I would love to know what you enjoyed the most!