This quaint town, with its beautiful waterfront, depicts the heart of the North Carolina coast
ONSLOW COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA—MAY 2020–On the central North Carolina coast, Swansboro is a quintessential seaside town. Life here revolves around the water and the pedestrian friendly streets offer blocks and blocks of waterfront views. Business here is personal and local entrepreneurs and craftspeople are the heart of the specialty shops and restaurants. Connected by walkways and harbor docks, there is an at-home atmosphere that envelopes these streets and all who take in its views and enter its businesses.
Located in Onslow County, North Carolina, Swansboro is near I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40. It is also situated between the White Oak River and the Intracoastal Waterway, with quick access to the ocean. This port, established in the 1700s, was incorporated during the colonial era and has been a thriving town since 1783. From shipbuilding to commercial fishing to the amphibious military training at nearby Camp Lejeune, Swansboro continues to be steeped in maritime culture. Today, its beautiful waterfront offers unparalleled views and easy public access for all types of activities.
Three public docks make visiting by water a cinch for boaters and getting out on the water easy for all! Visitors enjoy boarding Lady Swan Tours (139 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) for a relaxing tour of the waterways, while heading out with one of the experienced charter fishing captains is a favorite of anglers from near and far.
For those who choose to stay on land, local parks are a natural extension of this walkable waterfront town. They offer great places to enjoy some fishing, take in the view or a little of both. Three waterfront parks include boardwalks and observation decks, picnic areas and a fishing dock, offering a multitude of ways to enjoy this scenic downtown.
For those who love to shop and love to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, Swansboro is a dream. Along the historic streets and adjacent to piers and patios, there are specialty shops galore. There is unique attire to be found at a dozen downtown boutiques. An eclectic collection of specialty shops offer everything from seaside keepsakes at Salt Marsh Cottage (108 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584), quirky gifts at the Willy Nilly Warehouse (147 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) and an enormous collection of sweet favorites the ever-popular Candy Edventure (101 West Church Street, Unit 3, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584).
Seafood is a favorite here and “fresh local” is the mantra heard in the area’s most popular dining spots. There are nearly a dozen unique local restaurants from which to choose, most within the walkable downtown district. No downtown visit is complete without a stop at Yana’s (119 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584), known for fresh fruit fritters and its 50s style décor. For casual fine dining experiences, The Boro (109 North Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) offers an eclectic menu and dockside setting, while the White Oak River Bistro (206 West Corbett Avenue, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) presents seafood with an Italian flair. There are grills, pubs and plenty of sweets shops, as well.
Special events bring many back to Swansboro year after year. Onslow County has a whole host of annual events and Swansboro has its share. Signature downtown events include Swansboro Arts By The Sea in summertime, the Mullet Festival in October and candlelight celebrations and a lighted boat parade to celebrate the Christmas season.
Visit www.OnlyinOnslow.com for more information about downtown Swansboro as well as all there is to see and do throughout this coastal North Carolina destination.
WHERE TO STAY:
Hook, Wine & Sinker (147 Front Street, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) offers a beautifully furnished waterfront apartment in the heart of downtown Swansboro. For a more traditional venue, the Hampton Inn and Suites (215 Old Hammock Road, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) is just blocks away from the downtown waterfront district. There is a variety of lodging options throughout Onslow County, ranging from hotels in downtown Jacksonville to vacation rentals on North Topsail Beach to primitive camping in Hammocks Beach State Park (1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584).