through the creeks and streams of mainland North Carolina to the endlessly deep waters of the Gulf Stream. Home to 50 exhibits and more than 4,000 different species, kids will love touring the displays, getting their hands dirty (or at least wet) in the touch tank, talking with local divers, and seeing incredible sights along the way like massive sea turtles and sharks in a towering saltwater tank. A number of kid-friendly programs are held at the aquarium all year long, which makes it an easy feat to turn a quick visit into a full morning or afternoon adventure.

The History Place is a unique museum and archive that features a widely varied collection of artifacts and materials which pays tribute to the cultural history of the North Carolinacoastline. Spanning the centuries from the first Native Americans that originally lived on the local shores to the Civil War era and beyond, visitors can learn about the Crystal Coast in-depth through a fascinating treasure trove of photographs, maps, first-hand accounts, relics, and much, much more. In addition, The History Place is a fun gathering spot for other visitors and history fans, thanks to a charming on-site tea room and research center. Perfect for visitors who want to learn all about the area, this museum is a fascinating trip through time that showcases the local culture from a first-person perspective.

The “Down East” region is famed for its rich culture that’s centered on boat building, commercial fishing, and decoy carving, and visitors can learn all about these roots, present-day