Minnesott Beach offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle
Minnesott Beach is the fifth-largest town in Pamlico County but covers less than 4 square miles. For its size and proximity to the Neuse River, the town could have easily become crowded, yet it maintains a relaxed vibe and spaciousness that other coastal areas have lost. "People like to get away. They retire, buy second homes here, and enjoy the laid-back experience of something they remember from their childhood days when you could get on a bike and play and [be in] nature," says Suzanne Gwaltney, a longtime resident of Pamlico County and an associate broker with Century 21 Sail/Loft Realty. "People [also] come back to this area because they remember camping as children [at Camp Seagull and Camp Seafarer]." Camp Seafarer is located in Minnesott Beach, while Camp Seagull sits just outside in the nearby town of Arapahoe. Both have seen generations attend, with grandparents now sending their grandchildren there.
Spacious lots and homes with river views
Coastal cottages, ranch-style homes, custom builds, condos and townhouses are common in town, some offering panoramic river views. Prices range from $200,000 to $615,000, depending on a home's condition, size and location. Homes in Arlington Place — a new community built around sports courts, a swimming pool, walking trails, firepits and a community boat ramp — fetch the highest prices. Lots are spacious in Minnesott Beach, and vast stretches of land remain forested and undeveloped. The town's 2023 future land-use plan highlights its expected continued growth as slow and steady.
Schools and summer camp fun
Students attend the Pamlico County School District. Pamlico County Primary School covers kindergarten through third grade and earns a B-plus rating on Niche. Gwaltney, who used to be a school counselor, says fourth through sixth graders attend the B-rated Fred A. Anderson Elementary. Pamlico County Middle School also scores a B rating, and Pamlico County High School gets a B-minus. Camp Seagull and Camp Seafarer host co-ed summer camps for first through fifth graders that integrate water sports, crafts and lessons taught by counselors.
Boating and golfing in town, beaches and parks nearby
The name Minnesott is said to come from a Native American word meaning "land of the sky-tinted waters." Recreation revolves around the river, golfing and summer camps. Locals store and repair their boats at Wayfarers Cove Marina. Tee time and socializing take place at Minnesott Golf & Country Club. Outside of Arlington Place, where residents have a variety of recreational activities, locals seeking a traditional park can head to the town of Oriental, about 11 miles away. Oriental also regularly hosts regattas that residents can take part in. Pine Cliff Recreation Area, accessible by ferry, has an extensive network of trails leading through maritime forests, marshlands and riverfront beaches.
Places to get fresh seafood and shop
Outside its recreational areas and camp, Minnesott Beach is primarily residential. Gwaltney notes that a favorite spot for campers and counselors is Gary's Down East Seafood, less than five miles north. She adds that Oriental is where locals often go for more options, including family-owned restaurants and coffee shops. Gretchen's Bistro offers a seasonal menu featuring locally caught seafood, while The Silos Restaurant is popular not only for its Italian fare but also for live music on weekends. Locals can catch a performance at The Old Theater. For grocery needs, Piggly Wiggly is in Oriental. The town also as a thrift store, auto shops and Dollar General. New Bern and Havelock also have options. They aren't much farther away than Oriental but take longer to get to as they are across the river.
A free ferry and a major highway create options
Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Free Ferry runs every 30 minutes between Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach. Cherry Branch is home to the Marine Corps Air Station. North Carolina Highway 306 is a main thoroughfare in and out of town. When locals want a larger, more commercial coastal area, they can head to Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle within 45 miles.
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
