Most North Carolinians know that Onslow County’s, City of Jacksonville, is home to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. As a North Carolina transplant on her tenth year of residence, I did not know that Jacksonville is home to a private yacht charter, has an eclectic range of restaurants, and is home to five races in the USAA Grand Prix Series. Moreover, I was surprised by the city’s close proximity to charming towns like Swansboro and Beulaville. My first trip to Jacksonville, NC and its surroundings would prove to be a foodie adventure and an opportunity for me to appreciate the beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Top Things to do in Jacksonville NC and its Surroundings:
Jacksonville, NC
Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville
Jacksonville, NC was the the ideal and most centric choice to call home base, considering our itinerary included visits to Swansboro, Camp LeJeune, and Beulaville. The Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville is conveniently located less than thirty minutes from the three locations that we had planned to visit. A fully equipped business center, modern outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary WiFi access, are some of the main amenities the Hampton Inn & Suites has to offer. As a blogger, WiFi access provided at no extra cost, remains an essential amenity to me.
One of the best assets at Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville is their free hot breakfast. The breakfast includes a secret menu of more than 20 waffles created by Regina Triche. Regina, also know as “The Waffle Lady”, is a long time employee of the Hampton Inn & Suites. Ms. Triche is available five mornings a week to delight her customers with her sparkling personality and her creative waffle recipes.
Regina Triche, “The Waffle Lady”.
The Waffle Lady uses ingredients available at the Hampton Inn & Suites breakfast buffet to create waffles like Hot Pecan Pie, Oreo, Caramel Apple, Carrot Cake, Banana Nut, Red Velvet, Fruit Loops, and Cinnamon Roll. The Oreo waffle is not only my favorite, but it is also the waffle most requested by kids. If the above mentioned waffles don’t strike your fancy, Regina has an extensive list of additional waffles that she can easily whip up upon request.
Oreo Waffles by Regina Triche.
It is important to note that Jacksonville’s Hampton Inn & Suites is the only hotel in the Hilton Hotel chain that has a Waffle Lady. Regina’s fresh-made waffles and superior customer service are a few other reasons to visit Jacksonville. The Hampton Inn & Suites is located on 1032 Hampton Inn Way, Jacksonville, NC 28546.
Bayonet Enterprises Cruises
One of the most unexpected and delightful Jacksonville adventures was a dinner cruise aboard the Bayonet. Captain Lance and Marilyn Ledoux own and operate Bayonet Enterprises Cruises private yacht charter. The married couple host cruises built around meals and other experiences. Together with dinner cruises, the couple organizes family picnics, overnight getaways, and other activities aboard the Bayonet. The cruise is the perfect setting for a special occasion such as an anniversary, honeymoon, or a proposal.
Captain Lance Ledoux and his wife and first mate, Marilyn.
Our sunset dinner cruise kicked off with a delicious tropical rum cocktail. As we cruised into the New River, Captain Lance and first mate Marilyn gave us the royal treatment complete with wine, hors d’oeuvres, a fire-grilled steak and shrimp dinner, and dessert. Over and above the wonderful food and sunset cruise, I enjoyed the musical stylings of Frank Sinatra and Norah Jones playing in the background. Bayonet Enterprises Cruises launched their opening day of the season on March 22nd and they are currently accepting reservations. Click here, to visit their site.
Hors d’oeuvres aboard the Bayonet Enterprises Cruises.
Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs & Shakes
Every city needs a quintessential burger joint. Jacksonville’s is Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs & Shakes. The locally owned restaurant offers made to order food in a comfortable atmosphere. Their menu consists of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and specialty dishes like Fried Bologna and the Steak Philly.
As a burger fanatic, I tried the Southwest Burger. A hand-shaped burger pattie is grilled to perfection and is topped with tomato, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and chili. The spicy burger had the right amount of kick to satiate my craving for heat without burning my taste buds.
Jeff’s Southwest Burger.
Not to be overlooked are Jeff’s hand-cut fries and awesome shakes. Event though I am a fry-fanatic, not every restaurant fries up a delicious batch. This is why I had to order a second fantastic batch of Jeff’s fries after quickly devouring my first order.
As crazy as I am about ice cream and milkshakes, there was no way I could drink a milkshake after such a filling lunch. Luckily, my friend Susan, ordered a strawberry shake that I was able to sample. If you do not have room for a full shake, I encourage you to share one with a friend or two. If you have trouble deciding between the vanilla, strawberry, Oreo, chocolate, or banana shake, let me steer you towards the strawberry shake. It is fantastic! Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs & Shakes is located on 2550 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
The Kettle Diner
Not only does Jacksonville have a classic burger and shake joint, but the city is also home to a classic New York style diner that serves up homestyle food with a southern flair. The Kettle Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at any time of day. The favorite local hangout has also been voted “Best Breakfast” for two consecutive years.
The Southerner by The Kettle Diner.
Although there are several dishes on the Kettle’s menu that are tantalizing, The Southerner immediately caught my attention. The Southerner is a hearty and delicious dish of chicken fried chicken topped with white gravy, a side of hashbrowns, two sunny side up eggs, and a split biscuit griddled on both sides. The stick-to-your-ribs homestyle breakfast at Jacksonville’s favorite local hangout is one that should not be missed. The Kettle Diner is located on 300 Marine Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Duck’s Grille & Bar
Duck’s Grille & Bar is Jacksonville’s premier local restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. After savoring the cuisine at several wonderful eateries, Duck’s is the perfect spot to enjoy a night cap before returning to the Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville. The Godiva Chocolatini made with Smirnoff Vanilla, Godiva Liqueur, and Bailey’s Irish Creme is the perfect dessert cocktail to relish after any adventurous day. If a cocktail is not your speed, the restaurant also offers a generous selection of wines, scotch, and whiskey. Duck’s Grille & Bar is located on 1207 Gum Branch Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Duck’s Godiva Chocolatini.
Walton’s Distillery
Visitors craving a slightly stronger spirit should visit Walton’s Distillery. The craft distillery features small batches of corn whisky and moonshine. Guests are able to tour the distillery, shop at Walton’s gift shop, and participate in a tasting of Walton’s Apple Pie Moonshine, Salted Caramel Moonshine, Corn Whiskey, Peach Shine, Pine Shine Colada, and Carolina Moonshine. The distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tours are held Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Walton’s Distillery is located 261 Ben Williams Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Walton’s Distillery is also known for their special events. Their open house events include food catered by Smithfield’s, free hourly tours, free tastings, live music, and more. Even though the distillery’s last open house this season was held on May 18th, I recommend staying abreast their future events. Walton’s Distillery is located 261 Ben Williams Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Swansboro
Swansboro is a short 25 minute drive from Jacksonville. The Friendly City by the Sea boasts a waterfront shopping district complete with clothing boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The Friendly City by the Sea.
Bake Bottle and Brew
My first stop in Swansboro was Bake Bottle and Brew. The lovely downtown spot sells ice cream, coffee, beer, wine, and novelty items. Guests can enjoy their ice cream or drink of choice in the shop’s back deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or the front deck overlooking Swansboro’s historic downtown. Beyond the gorgeous views, the shop also features live music on designated days. Bake Bottle and Brew is the perfect spot to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink. In my case, I enjoyed my glass of rosé while admiring the Intracoastal Waterway before I set off to explore the rest of The Friendly City by the Sea. Bake Bottle and Brew is located on 147 N Front St., Swansboro, North Carolina 28584.
Rosé overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Candy Edventure
The Friendly City by the Sea’s ultimate indulgent experience is at Candy Edventure. The store offers a fun environment for kids of all ages to explore and satiate their sweet tooth. Some of the sweet treats featured at this candyland include ice cream, fudge, chocolates, hard candy, and five pound gummy bears. I walked away with a handful of cherry cordials and truffles during my visit. True candy fanatics also have the option to schedule their next birthday celebration at Swansboro’s sweetest store. Candy Edventure is located on 101 W Church Street Unit 3, Swansboro, North Carolina 28548.
Candy Edventure’s five pound gummy bear.
Saltwater Grill of Swansboro
Saltwater Grill features fine dining in a casual elegant nautical setting. The restaurant’s coastal chic décor and spacious dining area overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and Bogue Sound. Saltwater Grill offers fresh local seafood, steaks and cuisine with an international flair prepared by Chef Martin Berndt. The waterfront restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic date as well a gathering among friends and family.
Saltwater Grill is located on 99 W Church St., Swansboro, NC 28548.
First time diners struggling with which menu item to order should try the Angels on Horseback. It is not only my favorite dish, but it is also the restaurant’s most popular dish. Tiger shrimp and scallops are wrapped in applewood smoked bacon topped with fresh crabmeat in a pool of lobster cream sauce served over risotto with asparagus. The waterfront restaurant not only has a fantastic assortment of menu items, but it also has an excellent selection of wine and cocktails. Saltwater Grill is located on 99 W Church St., Swansboro, NC 28548.
Angels on Horseback is the restaurant’s most popular dish.
Camp Lejeune
A visit to Camp Lejeune will likely not be part of your visit to Jacksonville. However, I had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Grand Prix Series Camp Lejeune Mud, Sweat, and Tears 5-mile Run. The off-road course run is one of five races in the Grand Prix Series that is open to the public. Registered participants have the opportunity to race and face extreme challenges side by side U.S. Marines. It is a great opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to test their endurance, mental preparedness, and athletic skills.
Grand Prix Series Camp Lejeune Mud, Sweat, and Tears tunnel obstacle course.
The Marine Raiders off-road course run included forest terrain, dirt paths, winding trails, fallen tree obstacles, tunnels, and mud. As impressed as I was by all of the participants, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw kids as young as 13 participating in the muddy and arduous race. Runners and athletes interested in learning more about the USAA Grand Prix Series, should click here.
Grand Prix Series Camp Lejeune Mud, Sweat, and Tears rope obstacle course.
Beulaville
Mike’s Farm
Beulaville is home to Mike’s Farm. The farm has a country store & gift shop, a full service bakery, and a family-style restaurant. Visitors interested in exploring the farm should plan ahead for a full day of activities. The farm offers strawberry picking in the spring and hayrides and pumpkin picking in the fall. Dinner shows are also held throughout the year and they do require a reservation.
As a foodie, I was most fascinated by Mike’s Farm family-style restaurant. Depending on the time of year, diners can wait for hours to guarantee a seat at the table. Reservations are encouraged to avoid the long wait. Although I did not have the pleasure of dining at the restaurant, I did sample Ms. Mike’s Famous Mac & Cheese and Sour Cream Pound Cake. I can attest that both items are fantastic. On top of the scrumptious pound cake, the bakery and country store feature fudge, a wide variety of cakes, cookies, jellies, and preserves.
Kids and adults will love the variety of farm animals in the barnyard and animal petting area. Some of the animals include rabbits, chickens, peacocks, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goats, and donkeys. The farm also has multiple venue locations that host a myriad of events from family reunions to elegant weddings. Christmas remains one of farm’s busiest time of year. In fact, booking for all 2019 Christmas Events will begin August 1st, 2019. Mike’s Farm is located on 1600 Haw Branch Rd., Beulaville, NC 28518.
Leaving Jacksonville, NC
In addition to the wonderful adventures and delicious food in Jacksonville and its surroundings, I was most impressed by a friendly and incredibly polite community. Whether or not this is attributed to Onslow County’s large military presence, I always welcome chivalry.
The day I left Jacksonville, I had a huge craving for Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs & Shakes strawberry shake. I drove over on a Sunday afternoon to purchase a strawberry shake and quickly discovered the restaurant was closed. This was a great reminder to always plan ahead and be aware of a businesses hours of operation. I encourage all travelers to plan their Jacksonville visit accordingly to to ensure hotel, restaurant, and venue availability. In spite of not leaving with my strawberry shake in hand, I certainly look forward to my next Onslow County visit to explore new venues, return to some of my favorite spots, and indulge in that strawberry shake!
