Welcome! Whether you're on vacation or craving the taste of the beach, you’re in the right place. We're thrilled to share our passion for seafood boils, grilling, and smoking, along with insights into local attractions and the area's rich history. Join us for 1-2 new blog posts each month, highlighting cool places to visit, helpful tips, and delicious recipes that bring coastal flavors to your table. Let’s celebrate every cookout with great food and the vibrant culture of our seaside community!

Nestled in Beaufort, North Carolina, the Hammock House is steeped in history, famously associated with the notorious pirate Blackbeard (Edward Teach). The Hammock House is a private home that occasionally opens its doors to visitors. Built in the early 18th century, this charming structure served as a gathering place for Blackbeard and his crew during their escapades along the coast.

Blackbeard's reign of terror on the seas was marked by cunning tactics and fierce battles. The Hammock House offered him a strategic location to plot his next moves, making it a significant site in pirate lore. Today, the house stands as a reminder of the area's vibrant history, attracting visitors eager to learn about the legendary figure and the Golden Age of Piracy.

For more insights into Blackbeard’s connection to the Hammock House and the rich history of Beaufort, you can explore local resources and historical tours that celebrate this fascinating era.

1107 Hammock Ln, Beaufort, United States

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish made with shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, white wine, and sometimes served over pasta or with crusty bread.

Ingredients: 

• Shrimp (large, peeled, and deveined)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• White wine (or chicken broth)
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Linguine or other pasta (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the pan.
2. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer and reduce for a few minutes.
3. Combine and serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, toss to coat with the sauce, and garnish with parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve over pasta or with bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts water
• 1 beer (Yuengling or similar)
• 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
• 2 bags of Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil (or your favorite seafood boil seasoning)
• 5 pounds small red potatoes
• 4 ears of corn (white preferable), husked and cut into halves
• 2 pounds smoked kielbasa sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces (don't skimp on this!)
• 2-4 pounds large shrimp (shell-on, deveined). Rule: 1/2 to 1 pound per person
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 1-2 bay leaves (remove before serving)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4-6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 TBS Salt or to taste
• 1 TBS cracked pepper or to taste
• 1 TBS cayenne pepper
• 1 stick melted butter, for serving
• Optional: Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pot: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add Old Bay seasoning, lemon, onion, and garlic. Let stand for 3-4 hours (time to soak up seasonings). When ready to cook, let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the pot and boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Add the Corn and Sausage: Once the potatoes are almost tender, add the corn and sausage to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the corn is cooked through and the sausage is heated.
4. Add the Shrimp: Finally, toss in the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them!
5. Drain and Serve: Drain the boil and pour everything onto a large platter or spread it out on a table lined with newspaper for a casual, fun presentation. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with extra Old Bay seasoning if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.

Serve with: hush puppies, coleslaw, cocktail sauce, and a cold beer or iced tea!

This refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tangy grapefruit with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. It's a flavor-packed dish that balances the richness of avocado with the citrusy zing of grapefruit, making it a perfect light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls arugula
• 2 large avocados
• 8-12 cherry tomatoes
• 1 grapefruit
• 8-12 large shrimp
• Cilantro, lime, avocado oil, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Prepare the shrimp, cook briefly.
2. Make avocado balls.
3. Mix dressing, assemble salad.

When preparing for a beach vacation on the Crystal Coast, it’s essential to pack wisely to ensure a stress-free experience. Think beyond swimsuits; include versatile clothing for dining out, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, beach towels, and waterproof cases for electronics. Remember to pack toiletries focused on sun care, beach gear such as umbrellas, and family-friendly items like snacks and first aid supplies. Smart packing techniques, such as rolling clothes and using packing cubes, can maximize space and organization for your trip.

Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your Crystal Coast beach vacation:

1. Swimsuits and cover-ups
2. Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm
3. Beach towels and blankets
4. Sun hats and sunglasses
5. Sandals or water shoes
6. Waterproof phone case
7. Reusable water bottles
8. Snacks and a cooler
9. Beach chairs and umbrellas
10. Books or games for downtime
11. First aid kit
12. Toiletries and after-sun lotion
13. Light clothing for evening outings
14. Portable charger
15. Beach bag or backpack