“Live Like a Local” at Carolina Beach

Jan. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- CAROLINA BEACH, NC – Ever wondered what it would be like to live on the coast all year long? Winter is the perfect time to experience first-hand why locals at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, love living in this coastal community year-round. To help you get started, check out our new Insider Tips video for a behind-the-scenes look at Carolina Beach.

Families have been visiting Carolina Beach for decades to enjoy a destination that marches to the beat of its own drum and encourages residents and visitors to do the same. Mild temperatures, uncrowded beach and off-season rates make this winter the perfect time to enjoy a classic beach experience with the entire family, a romantic getaway for two, or a solo vacation with time to enjoy long walks along the beach. Carolina Beach also offers a variety of lodging options to suit every taste and budget – rates in January and February start as low as $39 per night.

The average daily high in January is 56, which makes the winter months an ideal time to explore some outdoor pursuits you might not in the heat of the summer. Try your hand at kayaking in the ocean, fishing in the surf, or catching some waves from atop a surfboard. See why Carolina Beach State Park is one of the most popular attractions on the North Carolina coast by exploring its camping area or hiking trails – the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also want to make the short trip to nearby Kure Beach to check out the brand new Ocean Front Park. Located in the heart of Kure Beach’s quaint business district near the town’s iconic fishing pier, the park will feature a boardwalk, a playground for small children, benches, swings, rain gardens, ocean front benches and public restrooms. One of the biggest attractions will be an open-air pavilion with a stage area to be used for concerts, weddings and educational events. Ocean Front Park will be open to visitors starting in January of 2013 and will celebrate its official grand opening in April.

Leave time during your vacation to check out two of North Carolina’s landmark attractions at nearby Kure Beach. The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher was named as one of the best aquariums in the U.S. by the Travel Channel in 2012. Visitors in January can take part in several behind-the-scenes adventures to get an up close and personal look at the inner workings of the Aquarium and its residents. Or sign up for “Aquacamp” on January 21, a day camp about clams, snails, crabs, sea urchins, sea stars and some of the Aquarium’s other invertebrate species. Pre-registration is required for these special programs.

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site, located at the south end of Kure Beach and the location of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War, was a Confederate fort during the Civil War. On January 19, a living history program will commemorate the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher, made more familiar to millions of moviegoers thanks to the recently released Steve Spielberg film, “Lincoln.” Re-enactors will set up displays of Civil War camp life and talk with visitors about the life of the Confederate infantry and artillery troops during the January 1865 campaign. Other events highlights will include Civil War authors, artillery and infantry demonstrations, and cannon and small arms firings.

Carolina Beach plays host to numerous special events throughout the year, from culinary cook-offs and movies by the lake, to music festivals and holiday extravaganzas. Plan ahead and make sure your 2013 getaways coincide with your favorite Carolina Beach events, including the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off on April 13. A favorite event for 16 years, this year’s 17th annual event will once again feature an all-day lineup of area chefs and their award-winning chowder, live music and children’s activities.  

It’s never too early to start vacation planning: sign up to receive our especials for special offers and travel packages, and check out Sunny Savers on our website for great last minute deals.

About Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is North Carolina’s original beach. This recently renovated seaside town offers the best of a North Carolina beach experience from the past with a fun, family-friendly spin for today.  Visitors can experience a scenic, nationally recognized boardwalk, the Carolina Beach State Park, one-of-a-kind festivals and events, miles of pristine beach and local character around every corner. For more information, go to www.VisitCarolinaBeach.com or call (800) 641-7082. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarolinaBeachNC or Twitter @CarolinaBeachNC.