Salty air and the promise of adventure: answer the call of the ocean with Moon North Carolina Coast. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries, from a weekend getaway to the Outer Banks to a week covering the whole coast, designed for beach bums, outdoor adventurers, history buffs, families, and more The top sights and unique experiences: Visit the North Carolina Aquarium, explore a Civil War fort, discover the remains of sunken pirate ships, or climb to the top of a historic lighthouse. Order the catch of the day at a local fish shack, sample fresh oysters, or indulge in some authentic North Carolina barbecue. Relax on a sandy beach, spot wild horses on the shore, and watch the sun set over the glittering Atlantic Outdoor adventures: Kayak through misty marshes, take a moonlight paddling tour of a wildlife refuge, surf the powerful swells, or hike the largest sand dune on the East Coast The best beaches for your trip, with lists of the top spots for sunbathing, water sports, wildlife viewing, solitude, and more Honest insight from North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, where to eat, and where to stay, from rugged campgrounds to historic inns Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on North Carolina's culture, environment, wildlife, and history With Moon North Carolina Coast's diverse activities and local perspective, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring inland? Check out Moon North Carolina. Hitting the road? Try Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip.

Take a walk on the beach with three coastal experts who reveal the secrets and the science of the North Carolina shoreline. What makes sea foam? What are those tiny sand volcanoes along the waterline? You'll find the answers to these questions and dozens more in this comprehensive field guide to the state's beaches, which shows visitors how to decipher the mysteries of the beach and interpret clues to an ever-changing geological story. Orrin Pilkey, Tracy Monegan Rice, and William Neal explore large-scale processes, such as the composition and interaction of wind, waves, and sand, as well as smaller features, such as bubble holes, drift lines, and black sands. In addition, coastal life forms large and small--from crabs and turtles to microscopic animals--are all discussed here. The concluding chapter contemplates the future of North Carolina beaches, considering the threats to their survival and assessing strategies for conservation. This indispensable beach book offers vacationers and naturalists a single source for learning to appreciate and preserve the natural features of a genuine state treasure. Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

From the Outer Banks to Asheville, discover the best of the Tar Heel State with Moon North Carolina. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries, including scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and getaways to Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, and Charlotte Strategic advice designed for hikers, beach-goers, foodies, wildlife-watchers, and more The top local experiences: Explore the gardens of the Biltmore Estate, check out the art museum in Raleigh, or kick back with a craft beer at an outdoor concert in Wilmington. Escape to the Outer Banks for a glimpse of wild horses, historic lighthouses, and remote islands. Tap your foot to live bluegrass and dig in to famous North Carolina barbecue Outdoor activities: Hike to waterfalls or challenge yourself to climb the highest peaks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kayak around Kitty Hawk, whitewater raft in the wild Nantahala River Gorge, hang glide, or spend a day fly-fishing Expert tips from North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, from rugged campgrounds to historic inns and beachside B&Bs Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and local culture With Moon North Carolina's expert advice and local insight, you can find your adventure. Focusing on the mountains? Check out Moon Asheville & the Great Smoky Mountains. Can't get enough of the beach? Try Moon North Carolina Coast.

Discover the Carolinas with Moon Travel Guides! Refreshing sea breeze, aquatic adventures, and over 500 miles of scenic coastline: get to know this unique stretch of America with Moon Coastal Carolinas. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries for every timeline and budget, from five days on the coast of North or South Carolina to a longer trip combining both, with advice for history buffs, honeymooners, beach bums, families, outdoor adventurers, and more The best beaches for your trip, whether you're looking for scenery, water sports, local character, or solitude Unique activities and can't-miss sights: Tour historic lighthouses, wander the charming streets of Charleston, or see the site of humankind's first flight at Kittyhawk. Explore hundreds of windswept waterways by kayak, try hang-gliding, ride a dune buggy, or go bird-watching and enjoy nature's stillness. Sample the catch of the day (fried, grilled, or boiled!), classic shrimp and grits, and juicy southern barbecue. Tee off at a world-class golf resort, or relax on the beach and breathe in the salty sea air from the comfort of your towel Firsthand perspective from local author and born-and-bred southerner Jim Morekis Honest advice on when to go, where to stay, and how to spend your time Full-color photos and detailed maps for exploring on your own In-depth coverage of The Outer Banks, North Carolina Central Coast, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, Wilmington and Cape Fear, South Carolina Low Country Detailed background information on the landscape, culture, history, and environment With Moon Coastal Carolinas' practical tips, myriad activities, and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of the South? Try Moon Georgia. Making a road trip out of it? Check out Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip.

In the course of this wide-ranging, richly detailed novel, every kind of human problem finds its way to the doorstep of Quee Purdy, a tireless entrepreneur for whom love and sex are the "hot commodities" in which she deals. McCorkle's extraordinary storytelling skills allow her to juggle at least six parallel stories in a novel about playing God. And she does it divinely.

North Carolina's Outer Banks and Upper and Lower Coasts are full of enchantment, from the magical waters to the stunning islands, imposing lighthouses, and captivating lore. Author Zepke brings you: History and heritage of coastal communities like Manteo's Fort Raleigh, where Sir Walter Raleigh established settlements in 1585, and Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of modern aviation Main sites and attractions like Cape Hatteras's tallest lighthouse in the United States and Wilmington's 230-block historic district Complete listings of boat ramps, marinas, golf courses, and spots to practice unusual sports such as kitesurfing and hang gilding. Little-known natural gems such as Bear Island's Hammocks State Park and the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge