http://irenakohler.com/blog/categoryname_cape-fear-river/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Coastal North Carolina has received its fair share of accolades throughout recent years for everything from the charming coastal towns, to the exploding craft beverage and food scene, to the recreational opportunities that are unique only to this region. We are big fans of our amazing area, and know that you will be too! We present you with 5 very good reasons to add coastal North Carolina to your next home search!North Carolina’s storied historyFrom tales of swashbuckling pirates (think Blackbeard!) to bustling port cities (Wilmington) coastal North Carolina is steeped in history. Seven National Lighthouses and 2 National Seashores call the coast home. Explorers and adventurers have been arriving on the coast of North Carolina since the 1700s. The Wright Brothers chose coastal NC as the place to take flight. Wilmington, Southport, Beaufort, and Newbern are among the oldest towns in the state. Those people with a passion for history and a desire to walk lands with stories to tell often find that the coast can answer their call!Geography, Weather, and Convenient LocationLocated in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Coastal North Carolina has more than just the beach going for it, though we will be the first to admit that it is by far the largest draw for most families relocating to the area. From the northernmost tip of the North Carolina coast to the southernmost tip, locals enjoy the many barrier islands dotting the coastline. These islands provide a buffer from the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Wilmington, NC has the unique position of being situated between a river (the Cape Fear) and the ocean! How is that for life on the water? North Carolina attracts many newcomers due to its location exactly between New York (for those looking to escape the cold) and Florida (for those looking to escape the heat). Temperatures are mild on the Carolina coasts allowing for residents to enjoy the outdoors for most of the year. Residents to North Carolina also enjoy the very unique situation of being only a 5 hour drive from the stunning NC mountains (some of the oldest in the United States). It really is possible to have the best of both worlds when residing in coastal NC!Outdoor Activities and RecreationDue to the mild weather and stunning surroundings North Carolinians enjoy a variety of outdoor activities unlike any other. The coast attracts surfers, boaters, fishermen, and most recently SUP (Stand Up Paddlers) in droves. It is not uncommon for locals in this region to leave the office at the end of the day and head on into the water. North Carolina beaches are far less crowded than many of the coastal regions located to the north or south or on the West Coast. Unspoiled sands stretch to form over 300 miles of beaches for local enjoyment. When the beach isn’t in the day’s plans, coastal residents enjoy some of the greatest golfing in the world. Most golf courses in our region are played year-round as the weather allows for play any month of the year. Recently newer neighborhoods are capitalizing on this unique environment by creating neighborhoods that creating extensive hiking and biking trails, canals with docks, and parks as the central shared area to the neighborhood. The Food of Coastal North CarolinaOne can not list the unique opportunities that are enjoyed by coastal North Carolinians without mentioning the food! Food is quite possibly the largest ingredient in spending time with family and friends. Coastal North Carolina adorns the tables of its inhabitants with some of the finest and freshest seafood in the world! Oyster roasts are enjoyed outdoors while attendees take in the sights and smells of the coasts. Seafood markets dot the Carolina coasts in numbers rivaling large chain grocers, and are better attended! With North Carolina’s long-standing agricultural history locals also enjoy an abundance of farmer's markets and fresh grown foods. When North Carolina cooks feel like taking the day off from the kitchen there is certainly no shortage of fine dining in this region of the state. Wilmington just celebrated its recent win as the best al fresco dining in the nation and the awarding of a Wilmington restaurant (Manna) with the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond rating. The area is also making huge waves on the craft beverage scene as breweries pop up along the eastern coast, making the area a huge attraction for foodies and beer connoisseurs alike.Arts and Entertainment in Coastal North CarolinaSince the beginning of time the sea has been a great source of inspiration of artists of all genres. This is just as true today as it was 300 years ago on the coast of North Carolina. The art scene is vibrant and growing by leaps and bounds in recent years. From small town potters, to writers attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s prestigious writing program, to musicians playing the well attended Greenfield Lake amphitheatre, the Atlantic ocean provides the perfect backdrop. Coastal North Carolina also provides the scenery for some of your favorite movies, as Screen Gems movie studio is located here. Wilmington, dubbed “Hollywood East,” is home to the largest soundstage on the east coast. Almost every local that you meet has an art that is celebrated and explored on weekends if they aren’t lucky enough to create as full-time endeavors. Those who prefer to soak in the art created on the coast are in luck, as Coastal NC hosts an abundance of festivals and events during each of the four seasons. Though they often have the charm of small town events they are often internationally known, attended, and celebrated. Coastal North Carolina even has a dance specific to the region, the Shag, which can be performed best in bare feet on a bed of sand. Music is a part of coastal North Carolina life, from beach music, to bluegrass the music scene in this area is a most popular source of entertainment.If a life on the edge of a continent with the view of the sea and the smell of warm sand sounds like a dream to you you might consider the affordable yet incredible Coastal North Carolina region. Opportunities present themselves at every turn for a life spent enjoying our unique environment. Inspiration and entertainment enrich the lives of everyone who decides to claim the salt air! To speak with one of our many agents or to explore the area in search of your dream home please visit us at http://www.seacoastrealty.com/ http://irenakohler.com/blog/1853/5-reasons-locals-love-to-call-coastal-north-carolina-home/ Thu, 04 Feb 2016 12:00:00 -0500 River Bluffs, a new gated waterfront community along the Cape Fear River in Castle Hayne, is preparing for its inaugural property release scheduled to happen in March 2014. Located off Chair Road, the 313 acres being developed for the new community are full of beautiful hardwoods and amazing wildlife. 100 acres will be reserved for green space and nature preserves. Plus, with 3,000 feet of navigable river frontage, every resident will have direct access and plenty of gorgeous river views! In total, the community will have 750 single-family home sites with 221 available during phase 1. Homes will have southern architectural details (see example home rendering) and will be priced between $300,000 and $500,000 (lot included), and higher. Lots will range between 1/4 and 1/3 an acre, and will be landscaped with native plants. Most importantly, River Bluffs is a low-impact development utilizing techniques that prevent soil contamination, poor water drainage, and excessive destruction of the surrounding ecosystem.Recently, River Bluffs was approved for a 143 boat slip marina, of which 15 slips and a t-dock will be available during phase 1. The initial phase will also include a river club, riverside park, pool, general store, post office, boat ramp, and kayak launch. Later phases will include more parks, nature trails, a fitness center, and an organic farm that residents will be able to use.For more information about River Bluffs, ask your Sea Coast real estate agent. Don’t have an agent? Contact River Bluff’s onsite agent, Meredith Jackson.  Meghan Riley http://irenakohler.com/blog/1356/new-waterfront-community!-river-bluffs-–-castle-hayne-nc/ Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:00:00 -0500