Top 10 Things to Do in Coastal North Carolina This Summer
From quiet waterfront getaways to seafood festivals, coastal North Carolina is a summer destination full of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the Inner Banks or cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, here are our favorite ways to soak up the season:
1. Boat the Intracoastal Waterway
Pack a cooler, chart your course, and experience one of the most scenic stretches of water on the East Coast. Whether you're paddling, sailing, or motoring, the ICW offers endless day-trip possibilities.
2. Explore Historic Edenton
Just a short drive from Occano, Edenton is known as one of America’s prettiest small towns. Browse charming shops, take a trolley tour, or grab a bite on the waterfront.
3. Hit the Beaches of the Outer Banks
From Nags Head to Ocracoke, the OBX offers wide beaches, rolling dunes, and relaxed beach towns perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
4. Cast a Line in the Albemarle Sound
Summer means prime fishing in the Sound — from striped bass to flounder. Bring your own boat or hop on a local charter.
5. Visit Roanoke Island Festival Park
Dive into NC’s coastal history with hands-on exhibits, a replica 16th-century ship, and outdoor performances in a stunning waterfront setting.
6. Eat Your Way Through a Seafood Shack Crawl
From soft-shell crab to hush puppies, nothing says summer like an open-air table, cold drink, and fresh catch of the day. Favorites include local spots in Columbia, Edenton, and Manteo.
7. Tour a Lighthouse (or Three)
Make a day of it and explore some of the state’s iconic lighthouses, like Bodie Island, Currituck Beach, or Cape Hatteras.
8. Paddle the Cashie River or Scuppernong River
Both rivers are calm, scenic, and filled with cypress trees, birdlife, and peaceful coves — ideal for kayaking or canoeing.
9. Catch a Summer Festival
Celebrate like a local with seasonal events like the Shrimp Festival in Sneads Ferry, the Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro, or small-town Fourth of July parades.
10. Watch the Sunset at Occano
Of course, our favorite way to end a coastal Carolina day is right here at Occano — cocktail in hand, feet in the grass, and the sky lit in hues you won’t find anywhere else.
Want help planning a stay near the Albemarle Sound? Reach out to the Occano team — we’re happy to share insider tips or help book your discovery visit.
Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate stands as a grand symbol of America's Gilded Age. This magnificent mansion remains the largest privately-owned home in the United States, built in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II. Designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt, the estate spans an impressive 178,926 square feet and boasts 250 rooms, each one meticulously crafted to showcase the elegance and wealth of its era. Visitors can stroll through rooms filled with original furnishings, artworks, and antiques that provide a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family. The estate itself is a work of art, with every detail—from the massive library holding over 10,000 books to the intricately designed Banquet Hall with a seven-story high ceiling—capturing the essence of refined luxury.
Beyond the mansion, the Biltmore’s extensive grounds and gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, offer another layer of beauty and serenity. The gardens, which change with each season, feature vibrant tulips in spring, lush greenery in summer, brilliant chrysanthemums in fall, and festive displays during winter. For those visiting during the holiday season, the estate becomes even more magical as it transforms for “Christmas at Biltmore.” Each room sparkles with lavish decorations, from the grand Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall to hundreds of wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights throughout the mansion. Outside, winter casts a tranquil beauty over the gardens, perfect for a scenic walk amidst the crisp air and stunning mountain views.
The Biltmore is more than just a historic home; it’s a destination that offers a full experience of fine dining, luxury accommodations, and immersive tours. Visitors can learn about the rich history of the Vanderbilt family, delve into the architecture and artwork, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain views. During the holidays, seasonal events, live music, and special candlelight tours allow guests to soak in the warmth and charm of a Vanderbilt Christmas. Topping off a visit with a stop at the Biltmore Winery, which offers seasonal wines during winter, makes for a perfect holiday retreat. The Biltmore’s appeal has endured over time, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to appreciate not only its architectural splendor but also the peace and beauty of its natural surroundings.
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