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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

You’ll Love A Trip To North Carolina’s Longest Pier That Stretches Infinitely Into The Sea

Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, the longest and first concrete fishing pier in North Carolina, offers a historic and resilient spot for fishing and ocean views at Wrightsville Beach.

Published Aug 15, 2023

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier may be the longest pier in North Carolina, extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. And thanks to some enduring love and care, it's still located in the heart of Wrightsville Beach and is the first concrete fishing pier in the state. While we go to the beach for the sun, sand, and surf, the experience would be lost without the familiar sight of a fishing pier leading our eyes out to the great blue sea, likely accommodating our grandfathers, dads, and other enthusiastic anglers discussing their bait and photographing their catches of the day. Let's take a look at one of the most impressive piers on the coast.

Originally called the Atlantic View pier, the structure was built by Julian Morton in the 1930s, whose son, Hugh Morton, owned Grandfather Mountain.

A black-and-white photo of a fishing pier with boats and beach chairs, bustling with people in the background.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

Luther Rogers bought it and sold it to avid fisherman Johnnie Mercer in 1939.

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Fast-forward several decades and Matt Johnson and his family run the pier now, which was destroyed by hurricanes twice.

A sunny beach scene with a pier in the distance and people walking along the shore. Waves gently lap at the sand.
DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

It was rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954, and in 1996,

hurricanes Fran and Bertha destroyed the wooden pier again.

Thankfully Bob and Shirley Johnson who own the pier wouldn't let it die as construction on the new concrete pier began in 1999.

A wooden pier extends over calm waves, with a clear blue sky and gentle clouds in the background.
Dion G/TripAdvisor

The impressive composition can now withstand up to 200 mph winds.

The new Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier reopened in 2002, the first concrete pier along the N.C. coastline.

People fishing from a pier on a sunny day, with clear blue water and a bright sky in the background.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

And we love the daily excitement it brings.

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Just look how far it stretches out into the ocean.

A sandy beach with people relaxing, a pier extending into the ocean, and a clear blue sky in the background.
donna2468/TripAdvisor

Inside there's a gift shop to remember the fun we had on the trip.

A colorful gift shop interior filled with various souvenirs, jewelry, and accessories displayed on racks and shelves.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

Order some food in the restaurant beginning with a hot breakfast at 8 a.m.

Interior of a casual eatery featuring a counter with menus, seating, and various beverage signs.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

Or pack a picnic and eat out just in time for the sunset.

A pier extends into the ocean at sunset, with glowing lamps and dramatic clouds in the sky.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

See what's happening right now at the pier on this live camera.

https://www.youtube.com/live/u5vP2NwNwLk?feature=share

Discover more about the longest pier in North Carolina on Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier's website.

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Stay the night at Wrightsville Beach and eat at the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired Poe's Tavern.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The 2-Mile Lazy River Ride In North Carolina Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

Published Jul 15, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

These summer months and high humidity have us yearning to float down a winding lazy river in North Carolina. What is more relaxing than a tube with a cup holder and your legs dangling over the side following the lead of the Cape Fear River? With temperatures sometimes hitting the high 90s, it's time to hit the water folks! One way is by taking a Lazy River Ride in Lillington, North Carolina.

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The Cape Fear River is the largest river system in the state, with more than 6,500 miles of streams.

A serene river scene with lush green trees and fluffy clouds reflected on the calm water under a blue sky.
Cape Fear River Adventures, LLC/Facebook

It is formed where the Haw River and the Deep River flow together from where it covers another 200 or so miles. We just think it's stunning.

And to think you'll be floating down this lazy river in North Carolina on an exciting tubing excursion that departs from Cape Fear River Adventures river shack in Lillington.

Colorful inflatable tubes stacked near a rental station, with people preparing for a water adventure in a sunny outdoor setting.
Cape Fear River Adventures, LLC/Facebook

Online reservations are strongly recommended to speed up the check-in process and guarantee your equipment. You can also bring your own tube if you have one.

Plan for a whole day as the trip duration of two lazy miles depends on the river flow.

A group of people preparing colorful kayaks and inflatable rafts by a river under sunny trees.
Cape Fear River Adventures, LLC/Facebook

During the summer if the river is low, expect the trip to last about five wonderful hours.

Will you drag along a small group of people?

A group of people in colorful inner tubes floating on a calm river under a clear blue sky.
Cape Fear River Adventures, LLC/Facebook

Will you gather with the whole gang?

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A group of people relaxing on colorful inflatable rafts in a river, surrounded by trees and a blue sky with clouds.
Bev D/Tripadvisor

If you do, a 10 percent discount is granted to groups of 12-23 people, and groups of 24 or more receive 20 percent off their purchase if the reservation is made and paid online at least 48 hours before the lazy river trip.

Don't be surprised if your joy becomes splashing and laughter as you unwind along the way.

People floating on colorful inner tubes in a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a bright blue sky.
laura4136/Tripadvisor

And make sure to notice the surrounding wooded forests and abundant wildlife.

After the two-mile mark, the shuttle takes floaters back to the river shack.

A view from a kayak on a calm river, featuring a bridge and lush green trees under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
991delial/Tripadvisor

Other rentals are available, including kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.

Whatever way you choose to go down the Cape Fear River, it will be one of your best days.

A serene river at sunset, reflecting colorful skies and surrounded by trees on both banks.
Climber718855/Tripadvisor

Discover more about this winding lazy river in North Carolina on the Cape Fear Adventures website. Stock up on some swimming gear. And after a day of tubing, head over to Hotdog Headquarters in Lillington where at least 13 varieties of hot dogs are on the menu.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/tiny-hot-dog-headquarters-lillington-nc/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The One Pristine Inland Beach In North Carolina That Will Make You Swear You’re On The Coast

John Bond Town Beach in Oriental, North Carolina, offers a pristine inland beach experience perfect for day-long adventures and workday breaks.

Updated Jul 12, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

John Bond Town Beach is a tiny pristine inland beach. It’s a perfect place for folks to stop for a break during their workdays or for a day-long adventure. Create some new memories while enjoying a sunny excursion on this little protected beach area along the Neuse River. Some folks have said it’s one of the best beaches in North Carolina, and we can’t disagree. If you've been wanting to explore beaches near Oriental, NC, come see for yourself. These John Bond Town Beach photos are gorgeous and only show a fraction of the beauty of this place!

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As soon as you arrive, you'll feel it - that excitement that comes when your feet hit the sand and knowing that the first drop in the water is really cold.

A sandy beach curves along a calm water shoreline, with trees and a house visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Jami Z/Google User Reviews

We see you, the first people on the beach.

Get out your toys and be warned - you may have some competition retrieving that ball with the minnows, crabs, turtles, and other cool creatures.

A dog stands on the shore of a beach, looking at a red ball floating in the water. Trees and houses are in the background.
Ken P/Google User Reviews

The rocks are a neat place to find some of these critters.

Try out your fishing skills for such beauties as red drum, speckled trout, rockfish, cobia, and albacore.

A child plays in the sand by the water while an adult stands in the distance, enjoying a sunny beach day.
Eric Spivey/Google User Reviews

Play in the sand and dig for hidden sea treasures. And whether it's for fishing gear or sunscreen, pick up a roomy beach bag to haul everything around.

The covered picnic table is a welcome relief from the sun while you're having a yummy afternoon snack.

A beach entrance with a gazebo, trash bins, and a flag in the background, surrounded by trees and sandy pathways.
Leah Jordan/Google User Reviews

It's also a great place to enjoy your lunch if you work in town.

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Daydream of another world where you own one of these.

A serene beach scene with soft sand and calm water, featuring a distant sailboat under a clear blue sky.
Grace Wichrowski/Google User Reviews

Or wait - maybe you already own one, or a fancy jet ski.

A sandy beach scene with a colorful sailboat, children playing by the water, and a person on the shore.
Grace Wichrowski/Google User Reviews

And don't leave until the sun turns the sky into a golden glow.

Sunset over a calm beach, with golden hues reflecting on the water and a sandy shore in the foreground.
Jonathan Hassler/Google User Reviews

Stay the night at River Neuse Suites, so you can get up and do it again tomorrow.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the beautiful John Bond Town Beach? If so, what was your favorite part of your trip? Let us know in the comments section. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

If you're heading out to enjoy Oriental for the first time, be sure to dine at The Silos, an Italian restaurant located in a former grain silo.

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