When you are heading to the North Carolina coast, you have so many options. You can choose the Outer Banks, you can head south and choose one of the sleepy beach towns of Southern North Carolina, or you could go where the water is always the most blue, and choose the Crystal Coast. The Crystal Coast is the name given to the stretch of islands located right in the middle of the NC Coast. It’s known for its blue waters and its natural beauty. Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Atlantic Beach, and Cape Lookout are the most popular destinations in this area. If you’re coming from the North or the West, we advise taking the route that runs through Ayden, NC. That’s because Ayden is arguably the BBQ capital of the state, and … Continue reading HIDDEN GEM: On your way to the Crystal Coast (NC), try ‘Skylight,’ the BBQ spot that put NC on the map