48 Hours Along the NC Oyster Trail
The oyster is a celebrity along the North Carolina coast. The bivalve has been a native source of food in the region for centuries, and has evolved to become an integral part of the coastal economy. But these hard-shelled bivalves are more than just delicious money-makers; they also filter water while creating important habitat for fish. You can witness every benefit of these tiny creatures on the North Carolina Oyster Trail, which links marine farms, oyster reefs, markets and restaurants along the edge of North Carolina. Take a tour, harvest some shellfish yourself, or just taste the briny delicacies on a dock…exploring the NC Oyster Trail gives you a chance to see the coast of NC in a brand new, sustainable light.
Karen Dunn
meet the local
Captain Karen Dunn knows the NC Oyster Trail better than most. The licensed U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner has been navigating the Atlantic from New England to the Caribbean for five decades, and now focuses her energy locally by running NC Coastal Adventures, an all-woman eco-guide service on the Cape Fear Coast. Her tours explore undeveloped barrier islands and dig into the nuances of oyster farms in picturesque bays.
“I founded Coastal Eco Adventures to connect people with the wild, wondrous spaces that have shaped my life, and to help preserve them for the next generation,” Dunn says. “I believe outdoor experiences are most powerful when they’re hands-on, thought-provoking, and rooted in good stewardship.”
Here are Dunn’s suggestions for the perfect weekend along the NC Oyster Trail.
Karen Dunn: Two Days of Adventure and Stewardship on the Oyster Trail
day one
Morning Adventure
Start your day with us on our “From Seed to Table” private boat tour, an immersive two-to-three hour journey into the heart of North Carolina’s oyster culture. We begin on the shores of Turkey Creek, where you’ll visit an oyster seed nursery and learn about the lifecycle of oysters, the permitting process and the sustainable practices that define mariculture in the state.
Next, we’ll board our workboat for a scenic ride along the Intracoastal Waterway to Carolina Beach Oyster Company’s farm in Stump Sound. As we cruise past marshes, hammocks, and undeveloped shoreline, keep your eyes open for dolphins, pelicans, and other coastal wildlife. Our crew shares stories and ecological insight all along the way, while also making sure the boat stays a safe distance from all animals, which helps Keep Wildlife Wild. It’s a practice you can take with you throughout your adventures on the NC Oyster Trail to help reduce the stress of local animals.
At the farm, you’ll see oysters at every stage of growth and learn what it takes to cultivate and harvest them in a changing environment. And yes, you’ll taste the freshest oysters possible, right on the water.
Lunch
Sure, you’ve been eating oysters on the tour, but you’re still hungry. I always recommend a late lunch or early dinner at Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Wilmington, a proud NC Oyster Trail member serving up local shellfish in a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Afternoon adventure
You’ve been on the water most of the day, so spend the afternoon with your feet planted firmly on the ground by hiking Carolina Beach State Park, which is home to the Venus Flytrap and a 50-foot-tall dune that was once used as a navigational point for river pilots. The .5-mile Flytrap Trail is an easy walk that gives you multiple glimpses of these fascinating creatures. Hiking this trail is a great opportunity to help these rare Venus Flytraps thrive by Sticking to the Trails, which will protect these plants from unwanted impact. Watching the sun set over the Cape Fear River is a bonus while you’re in the state park.
dinner
Head to Seaview Crab Company, which has a market and kitchen in Midtown Wilmington, where you can get fresh-caught seafood cooked to order. It’s also a full-service seafood market, so you can stock up on fresh NC oysters and other sustainably sourced seafood to take home with you.
spend the night
Trailborn Surf and Sound, on Wrightsville Beach, will put you in the heart of the NC Oyster Trail, with rooms that overlook the Atlantic.
day two
morning adventure
For those who prefer to stay on land, I highly recommend the Morris Landing Clean Water Preserve in Holly Ridge. This 52-acre public preserve features an ADA-accessible fishing and observation pier, stunning views of Stump Sound, and access for kayaking and paddleboarding. Managed in part by the NC Coastal Federation, it’s also a showcase for living shoreline restoration, where visitors can learn about natural erosion control and habitat creation.
lunch break
If you’re on the Trail on Friday or Saturday, head over to N.Sea. Oyster Company, an oyster farm and barn surrounded by tall pines, for their “Shuck n’ Chill” events (12-7pm), a tide-to-table, picnic-style meal where you get to shuck your own raw oysters or roast them yourself on a grill. Shucking lessons are included if it’s your first time.
afternoon adventure
You’re on the coast, and there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches to visit, whether you want to lounge or surf. Carolina Beach has miles of sand flanked by a historic boardwalk as well as an iconic pier.
bonus adventure
Masonboro Island is a protected, uninhabited barrier island and part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. With no roads or development, it’s a place where nature reigns. White sand beaches stretch for miles, while tidal creeks, salt marshes, and maritime forests support an incredible diversity of wildlife. It’s not unusual to spot dolphins, sea turtles, or hundreds of bird species, from herons to ospreys. There are a variety of ways to reach Masonboro, but Coastal Eco Adventures operates regular excursions that explore the island’s wildest edges. Keep the barrier island wild by Leaving It As You Find It. For instance, instead of collecting shells or rocks, take photos so others can enjoy the island exactly as you found it.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.