Enjoy the Best of Land and Sea on the North Carolina Coast
ONSLOW COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA—JUNE 2020—In Onslow County, North Carolina, menus include the freshest of coastal flavor as well as the bounty of rich farmlands. Whether with an ocean view and white tablecloth service or family-style dinner on the farm, you’ll find fresh ingredients and local specialties served with a smile.
On the central North Carolina coast, Onslow is located off I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40. Seafood is a favorite here and shrimp is king. This is the shrimp capital of North Carolina and restaurateurs keep this local delicacy on menus year-round. In fact, a variety of local seafood holds a featured place on many menus. It can be found along-side hand-cut steaks at the unique Riverside Steak and Seafood (506 West Corbett Avenue, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) venue, the Southern-style specialties of the long-favorite Riverview Café (619 Hall Point Road, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460) and many, many more.
The more adventurous may choose to go after their own fresh catch. Heading out with one of the experienced charter fishing captains is a great way to land the very freshest fish of the day for dinner. On a trip with Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters (132 Gull Drive, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460) families enjoy netting shrimp and crab and can haul their bounty home for a feast. If you’d rather someone else do the catching, markets like Clyde Phillips Seafood (104 W Corbett Avenue, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) have a variety of fresh, local seafood to take home and enjoy.
The bounty extends beyond the waters here. In downtown Swansboro, Yana’s (119 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) is known for fresh fruit fritters and the Boro (109 North Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) boasts an eclectic menu with both regional and international flavors. Inland, Rick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar (510 Pete’s Way, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460) is a Sneads Ferry favorite with an extensive menu and local atmosphere. Nearby, Mike’s Farm (1600 Haw Branch Road, Beulaville, North Carolina) serves down home cooking in heaping helpings, family-style. Next door, the bakery features some of the best-loved North Carolina sweets.
An unexpected spot for sweet treats can be found in Jacksonville. For the past five years, Jacksonville has been home to one of very few authentic Colombian restaurants in the region. This one has been touted as one of the best! Liliana’s Colombian Restaurant & Bakery (4075 Gum Branch Road, Suite 5, Jacksonville North Carolina 28540) serves authentic Colombian dishes and, from the appetizer empanadas to the sweet treats of the bakery, the flavors are amazing. Other ethnic specialties, including Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, can be found throughout the county, as well.
Of course, the native North Carolina barbeque is a must during any visit to Onslow County. Some of the best can still be found in backyard cook shacks and roadside stands, but barbecue restaurants of all sorts dot the map. There are plenty of places to get comfortable and enjoy some finger-lickin’ Eastern North Carolina ‘Q!
Visit www.OnlyinOnslow.com for more information on the variety of restaurants to enjoy, as well as where to stay and tips on how to plan your trip.
If you go
Special events feature both the food and fun Onslow County is known for. If you want to enjoy one of the area’s popular annual events, be sure to check out the seasonal festivities on www.OnlyinOnslow.com. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Sneads Ferry is home to North Carolina’s official Shrimp Festival each August.
- The Swansboro Mullet Festival is a two-day street fair and much more, held each October.
- Mike’s Farm hosts amazing holiday events each Christmas season.