EMERALD ISLE, N.C., ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C., MOREHEAD CITY, N.C., BEAUFORT, N.C. AND CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C., Nov. 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With 40 percent of American workers leaving paid vacation days unused, the Crystal Coast invites yuletide travelers to spend them relishing winter nights and holiday lights along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. Away from the hustle-and-bustle of seasonal stressors, vacationers ditch the crowds but not the deals with accommodations savings of more than 40 percent, as the colorful coastal communities of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Lookout tout a "value season" from November to March -- presenting plenty of time for festive fun beyond the beach before seasonal steals melt away (www.crystalcoastnc.org).
The Crystal Coast spreads holiday cheer with a multi-month celebration of activities and events, Nov. 29 - Jan. 16, ranging from the Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour and The Crystal Coast Holiday Flotilla -- featuring a myriad of glowing boats decorated for this twilight parade on the waterfront -- to the Crystal Coast Countdown and the 4th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-off. North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks bids the perfect backdrop for a wondrous winter escape, as the average 65-degree temperatures and gentle, salty breezes lures visitors and locals alike to enjoy a variety of coastal pursuits, including:
November
- 11th Annual Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting - Nov. 29
- 3rd Annual Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair - Nov. 29
December
- Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend - Dec. 5-7
- Beaufort Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
- Crystal Coast Holiday Flotilla - Dec. 6
- NC Aquarium's Santa by the Sea – Dec. 12
- 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition – Dec. 12-15
- Beaufort Holiday Art Walk - Dec. 13
- Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour - Dec. 13
- Morehead City Christmas Parade - Dec. 13
January
- Crystal Coast Countdown - Dec. 29 – Jan. 1
- Atlantic Beach Penguin Plunge! – Jan. 1
- 4th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off – Jan. 16
After a day spent meandering along the Crystal Coast, travelers looking for a place to rest tired eyes before the next coastal Carolina adventure find lodging options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From seaside cottages and massive beach mansions to oceanfront condo accommodations and quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, all offering holiday deals not even Ebenezer Scrooge could hate -- a sampling of accommodations with starting rates:
| Cape Lookout | camping FREE/cabins $73/night |
| Core Creek Lodge, Beaufort | from $55/night |
| Atlantis Lodge, Atlantic Beach | from $65/night |
| Cousins Bed & Breakfast, Beaufort | from $100/night |
| Hampton Inn, Morehead City | from $109/night |
| DoubleTree, Atlantic Beach | from $119/night |
| Bluewater (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $394/weekly for a condo |
| Atlantic Beach Realty (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $550/weekly for a condo |
| Emerald Isle Realty (Vacation Rentals) | starting at $575/weekly for a condo |
Famous for 85 miles of shimmering beaches, crystalline blue waters and lush maritime forests, the Crystal Coast located along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks remains the favored Atlantic beach destination of generations and represents one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the world. The South facing beaches course east and west, lending views of the dazzlingly bright sun rise to greet the day and then slip into the glistening waters for a stunning sunset. Consistently recognized with admired acclaims, the Crystal Coast has recently earned nods from Travel + Leisure, naming Beaufort "America's No. 1 Town," in addition to other notable achievements such as "Best Spring Break Destination" by Outside Magazine and "Top 25 USA Wreck Dives" by Scuba Diving.
To visit the winter-white shores of North Carolina's Crystal Coast this winter, call (800) 786-6962 or visit www.crystalcoastnc.org and www.facebook.com/crystalcoast.