Unofficial Start of Summer
Summer is fast approaching and soon the heat of this season will be upon on us. If you haven’t started planning your summer vacation, yet. Consider doing soon. Before we know it, the first major holiday will be upon us. The long awaited unofficial start of the Summer, Memorial Day weekend means people are planning to hit the beach, spread time with family and friends, or relax for the long weekend.
Memorial Day weekend will be far different than many of us can reminder. The latest pandemic caused by the novel cornavirus of 2019 or SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to many concerns, restrictions and sadly deaths all of which have erupted our daily lives.
Will travel be the same? Probably not, but we will soon have the opportunity to explore our planet, again.
Beaches along the Atlantic coast are abundant and offer some excellent choices to enjoy the warmth of this more active season. A quick summary of some of the beaches that I visit and love along the Coast of North Carolina.
1. Wrightsville Beach
What makes Wrightsville beach so popular?
The answer just might this small beach town ability to have ample fun on the water or explore some cool museums (when they open again). With unique public parks and pathways, cool local museums, and ample ways to have fun on the water, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to fun destinations in this popular beach community.
They also appreciated the lifeguards, though some warn the surf can be rough, especially in the hours after a storm.
The beach is free to access year-round, but there is a charge park your vehicle. You’ll find a handful of paid parking lots near beach-access points: Beach Access 4, located at 2398 N. Lumina Ave., and Beach Access 36, located at 650 S. Lumina Ave., are some of the largest lots. Still, it’s advisable to snag a spot before 9 a.m. to beat the rush. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information, visit the Town of Wrightsville Beach’s website.
You can also view or request a Visitor’s Guide from VisitWrightsvilleBeachNC
2. Carolina Beach
The town of Carolina Beach dates back to the 1930s and is located a few miles southeast of downtown Wilmington. This second of three beach towns discussed in this post has a wonderful boardwalk for exploring. In fact is is rated in the top ten beach boardwalks in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine. It features classic seaside fun with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. In addition, you can explore this part of the beachfront along the Atlantic Oceans as you continue your beach exploration to the next smaller beach town.
Please go to the Town of Carolina Beach’s Website for current COVID-19 restrictions.
3. Kure Beach
Kure (pronounced CURE-ee) Beach is one of my favorite beaches to visit here in North Carolina. This beach town is near the southeastern tip of the state. If you get tired of beach activities, go biking, hiking, or explore the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Kure Beach is a small town and compact enough so that you are never further than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean.
Please go to the Kure Beach Official Town Website for current COVID-19 restrictions.
Don’t forget to explore the oldest fishing pier in the U.S., which dates back to 1923. The 711-foot, privately owned fishing pier in the Town of Kure Beach. You will find fisherman of all ages trying to reel in the catch of the day.
I am leaving out the wonderful Outer Banks of North Carolina, but consider exploring them soon. Expect moreNorth Carolina’s Outer Banks from me soon.
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