"Winterlude, winterlude, oh darlin' Winterlude by the road tonight Tonight there will be no quarrelin' Everything is gonna be all right"
Bob Dylan
Winter on the Crystal Coast is a nature lover's paradise and my favorite time of the year. The off-season and winter months are an underrated time of year in Emerald Isle, NC and on the Crystal Coast. This season has so much unique coastal beauty, beauty that deserves to be experienced by all. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts love the off-season months on the Crystal Coast—and for very good reason.
Amazing sunrises and sunsets: Humidity and haze don't dull the effects of the brilliant winter sunrises and sunsets on the Atlantic Ocean here in Emerald Isle. And, because Emerald Isle is a south facing beach, the sun does rise and set off the ocean in winter. The coastal color palette is fabulous and you have the added benefits of sound, waterfront and ocean views.
Hiking and exploring local trails: Local trails and hiking paths are the perfect activity for this time of year in Eastern North Carolina. It's not too hot and not too cold, but just the right temperature for exploring the road less traveled. Explore the great outdoors while getting up-close-and-personal with nature. From the Neusiok Trail in the Croatan National Forest to the Emerald Isle Path to the Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge, you have plenty of options.
Birdwatching: It would be understandable for visiting birders to spend most of their time soaking up the sun on the back deck of their home here in Emerald Isle and ticking off abundant backyard species like the brown thrasher, brown pelican, common yellowthroat, yellow -rumped warbler, American robin, brown pelican, and cardinal. But, birders are an adventuresome lot so a road trip Down East is highly recommended. In addition to the usual waterfowl and birdwatching opportunities that abound here, Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to many birds during the winter months including ducks and waterbirds. The refuge's main feature is an extensive, relatively undisturbed coastal marsh and with that comes concentrations of diving ducks (lesser scaups, redheads, canvasbacks, buffleheads), sea ducks, American black ducks, black rails, wading birds, and shorebirds. Shorebird and osprey nesting occurs on beaches, islands and points. It's well worth the visit, especially this time of year. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. Don't forget your binoculars and your camera!
Strolling the beach: Strolling the sand isn't just for the summer season. In fact, average winter temperatures on the Crystal Coast are quite mild and temperate with 50 to 60 degrees during the off-season months. It's not too cold to walk the shoreline barefoot and feel the sand on your feet. Breathe in the salt air, feel the sun on your face, and just enjoy the sights as your walk your way along the Atlantic coast.
Biking: Get around town or pedal the beach where you can take in breathtaking views while getting your heart pumping. The weather is ideal and there are plenty of places to go on your two- or three-wheeled adventures.
Outdoor attractions: Fort Macon State Park, Cape Lookout, Croatan National Forest, Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge and Hammocks Beach State Park are a few of the wonderful places to visit any time of year, but arguably the best time is right now! Less crowds, less heat and humidity, and less distraction from everything you want to see and do at these favorite Crystal Coast attractions means more sightseeing and a better overall experience for you. I highly recommend the guided tour of Fort Macon.
Shelling: February and the rest of the winter months in Emerald Isle present the ideal opportunity to take advantage of nature's treasure chest. Here are a few of the many reasons this is the right time to have a shelling adventure:
Less crowds, more chances for good finds: You don't have to beat the competition this time of year on the beach as there are plenty of coastal treasures to go around for those who seek it. Get out there often and keep a close eye on what the ocean washes up and don't forget to dig deep for the best finds.
Winter storms can churn up the sand and wash up some amazing finds: Don't underestimate the benefits of shelling after a storm. Rare finds can wash up after choppy waters and swirling winds displace hidden but totally worthwhile treasures just waiting to be found.
Bottom line, people have been coming to Bogue Banks for generations to enjoy the unique combination of sea and sound. The birds have been doing the same thing for eons. If you find comfort in nature, there is much to experience here. When you want to learn more about Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast, visit my website, www.EIHomesforSale.com and request my free Guide to Living Were You Vacation, or text your email to 919-308-2292. Subscribe to my youtube channel, Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist, too!
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