When
people think of Down East, many think this means anything east
of Raleigh, but the phrase takes on an entirely different meaning
to the locals in eastern Carteret County. The Original Down East
begins when you turn east at the East Carteret High School and
cross over the North River bridge to the community of Bettie ,
"The Gateway to Down East".
The
Down East communities include:
Atlantic,
Bettie, Cedar Island, Davis, Gloucester, Harkers Island,
Otway, Marshallberg, Sea Level, Smyrna, Stacy, Straits,
Williston
They are the best-kept secret on the Crystal Coast.
Tourists are more familiar with the Cape
Lookout National Seashore, which is well known for its clean
beaches. This is a section of the outer banks that stretches from
Portsmouth Island to Shackleford
Banks, and is accessible by boat or private ferries from many
of the Down East communities.
It is home to Diamond
Shoals,
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, and
Portsmouth village . Rand McNally featured the famous wild
Shackleford ponies as one of the "2002 Best of the Road" vacation
stops. The area has an abundance of shells, wildlife, undeveloped
beaches, and marshes. Hunting guides, fishing charters, camping,
kayaking, and tours are available. The Core
Sound Decoy Guild, and the Cedar
Island Wildlife Refuge are also located in the Down East area.
For a really great tour of the area check out this
link
Each community is unique and rich in their heritage all related
to their dependence on the surrounding waters. The restaurants
offer many original Down East recipes with the finest fresh seafood
available. Spend time meandering through the many shops that have
varied local crafts and decoys on display. Tourists are always
welcome to come by one of the boathouses and experience a live
demonstration of Down East history original boatbuilding.
In fact, people from around the world come to the Down East area
to have a customized hand built flare bow boat built to their
specifications.
Quaint
cottages are always available for short or long term rental all
year round. And remember, while you are here, just about any service
that you will need can be provided by one of the locals. Our business
directory has all the information you will need. Once the sand
gets between your toes you will never want to leave The Original
Down East.
You cannot get any closer to heaven!
