Think you know everything there is to know about the Crystal Coast? Whether you’re a resident, long-time vacationer, or merely an interested tourist, read on to learn a few things you might not have known about one of North Carolina’s most remarkable coastlines.
The Crystal Coast is a Hollywood Star
There have been many movies or scenes from movies filmed right here on the Crystal Coast. Beaufort is especially popular, as it’s served as the setting for films such as The Great Santini, The Big Chill, GI Jane, Forrest Gump, Prince of Tides, Something to Talk About, and a Walk to Remember. You can even take a tour to film sites and homes where stars have stayed.
“Fish Town” Has a Pirate History
Long before its days in the movies, Beaufort, once known as “Fish Town” by local Corree Native Americans, was a popular site for pirates, including Edward Teach—AKA Blackbeard. In fact, the world’s most famous pirate was a regular guest at the Hammock House!
You Can Still See Blackbeard Today
Blackbeard met his watery end just 40 miles away, off the coast of Ocracoke, and today, pieces of his recovered ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, can be seen on display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
The Wild Horses Are Part of History, Too
There haven’t always been wild ponies on the Shackleford Banks. No, these “Shackleford Ponies” are supposedly the descendants of Spanish Mustangs from offshore shipwreck survivors of the 1500’s.
And the “Down East” Dialect is Something Else Entirely
Because residents of Harkers Island remained largely secluded on their little island for centuries, and many of the current residents are descendants of these original settlers, their speech and dialect have been much preserved over the years. In fact, the dialect is actually a strong point of interest among linguists, as it’s thought to be one of the closest remaining examples of the Old English spoken in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Also, the Intracoastal Isn’t Just for NC Boaters
North Carolina’s portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was completed in 1932 and stretched from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, VA through Beaufort and Morehead City to Wilmington, NC. Today, the Intrastate traverses over 1,090 watery miles to Florida!
Want to Know More About the Crystal Coast?
If you’re new to the area and these fun facts have whet your appetite for more knowledge about all the interesting attractions and fun that the Crystal Coast has to offer, then we invite you to come explore. Discover the beautiful communities of the Crystal Coast, learn more about buying a vacation home here, or even start searching homes for sale. Contact us to learn more or to get started today!
