The two coastal communities would each likely be dramatically different today if not for their neighboring Marine Corps installations.
Places
Beaufort County’s history, natural areas add to its lure
A centerpiece of the Inner Banks, Beaufort County features a state park and several smaller parks to complement its colonial heritage.
Friends to celebrate 45 years of Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The 1,175-mile trail that connects the Smokey Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge in the Outer Banks is celebrating 45 years.
Lighthouse restoration needs exceed $8 million available
Officials say the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, completed in 1859, needs extensive work before it can safely be reopened to the public, but the rehabilitation could cost millions more than available funding.
More visitors mean more maintenance on eastern NC trails
As county, state and federal parks are seeing more visitors and more frequent extreme weather, trail maintenance needs are increasing.
Quiet Washington County rich in coastal NC history
Washington County’s story is one of isolation, success, and an eventual renewal on the banks of the Roanoke River.
Swansboro to resurvey its historic districts, buildings
The town and its historic preservation commission have been awarded a federal grant to update its outdated architectural survey, which will documents buildings and landscapes at least 50 years old.
Community races against time to restore dilapidated church
Half of the $1 million needed has been raised to restore the mid-1800s Reaves Chapel, which has fallen into disrepair over the last 15 years since a congregation last worshipped within its walls.
Currituck County: More than a vacation destination
The Outer Banks county has a rich history of agriculture, political leadership and intriguing people, writes historian Eric Medlin.
Paddlers’ trip highlights issues, beauty along the Pamlico
Sound Rivers’ Environmental Projects Coordinator Clay Barber and Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Jill Howell recently spent five days paddling the Pamlico River and its estuaries with Miller the pup on a mission to document environmental conditions.
Excerpt: Bland Simpson’s ‘Land of Water, Land of Sky’
Bland Simpson shares a taste of his latest book, “North Carolina: Land of Water, Land of Sky,” with photography by his wife and collaborator Ann Cary Simpson as well as Scott Taylor and Tom Earnhardt.
Geographer explains origins of Outer Banks place names
Roger Payne recently published his second reference guide to the names of places along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Preservation Is Purpose At Kitty Hawk Woods
The largest of the three N.C. Coastal Reserve sites on the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk Woods has foot and kayak trails, but the main focus here is and always has been protecting the natural environment.
Take A Hike to Start the New Year Right
All North Carolina state parks, including those on the coast, are hosting First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, which rangers describe as an opportunity to begin 2020 on the right step.
Cedar Point’s Park, Trails to Open Friday
Cedar Point in Carteret County is set to open for the first time its new 56-acre park and hiking trails on the White Oak River, with features to protect and enhance water quality.
Jockey’s Ridge Park Staff Eager For Upgrades
Staff at Jockey’s Ridge State Park are planning major improvements to the visitor center last updated in 2001, but a possible delay could mean the park will be closed much of next summer.
