Harkers Island, North Carolina: Where Maritime History and Southern Charm Meet

Harkers Island, on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, offers a quaint getaway in a storied town rich in maritime history. Although the island is small, it’s one of Crystal Coast’s most beloved towns, offering visitors a chance to experience the quieter side of coastal life.

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum showcases the cultural history of decoy carving, boat building and commercial fishing through storied exhibits and community gatherings. Each room features a different theme, such as carved decoys and the evolution of storms in North Carolina. The museum is also home to a library with more than 400 books and periodicals on regional wildfowl, waterfowl, hunting, birding, carving, boatbuilding, commercial fishing, folklore, arts, storms, firearms, maritime history, quilting and community life. Don’t forget to explore the Willow Pond Loop Trail, a maritime forest trail where you can look for birds, wildlife and marine life.

Wild Rose Glass

This family-owned stained-glass studio offers glass-cutting classes for guests of all skill levels. Here, you’ll develop custom pieces or create something new out of something old. Sign up for four-day interactive glass cutting retreats to master the art of stained-glass mosaics and leave the retreat with a handmade creation and memories lasting forever. For those looking for something smaller, join a two- or three-hour class to learn how to make items like suncatchers

Oysters Carolina

An award-winning oyster provider, Oysters Carolina is a must for seafood lovers. Oysters Carolina offers an interactive seafood experience starting with a guided farm tour followed by a shucking experience. Each experience includes unlimited oysters and educational lessons on the gems of the sea.

Fish Hook Grill

Fish Hook Grill is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with some of the freshest seafood on the Crystal Coast. Enjoy dishes like smoky fish dip, fried oysters, steamed shrimp and daily specials.

Seaside

This family-owned restaurant has served up delicious food since 1986. Expect coastal Southern comfort classics like fried clams, crabcakes, hush puppies, fresh scallops and the restaurant’s famous clam chowder.