Coastal Plains Dragway

Coastal Plains is a IHRA sanctioned facility.

•  All Concrete One Eighth Mile
•  Capability of Running Quarter Mile
•  Huge 2-story Tower Looking Straight Down The Track
•  Concrete retaining walls throughout the Quarter Mile
•  Spacious Pit Parking : Asphalt, Gravel & Grass
•  2 pier Score Board System : Displaying Elapsed Time  & MPH
•  Extremely Adequate PA System

Coastal Plains is definantly the place to be if you are into the drag scene. With events going on around the clock you can visit their website at coastalplainsraceway.com for upcoming races and current info on the track!

Crafts and Art

Spring Craft Fair & Car Show

Saturday, May 5 9:00a
American Legion Building, Jacksonville
Sat.,May 5 artisans will provide Mother's Day, Father's Day shopping, don't forget the Graduates! 9am-4pm You will discover marvelous original gifts by artists in our area.

Calling All Entries for Bra Art Showcase to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Tuesday, May 1 10:00a
Pumpkin Patch, Jacksonville
bras for a cause Get creative and find the glue, thread a needle, fluff a few feathers, prepare your paints or string some beads !

Whispering Winds Pow Wow

Friday, May 4 10:00a
The Pavillion, Myrtle Beach
Featuring the finest in American Indian Dancing, singing, drumming, arts, foods, crafts and entertainment.

Arts in the Park at Greenfield

Saturday, May 5 10:00a
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington
Rotary Clubs of Wilmington present Arts in the Park at Greenfield featuring artists displaying and demonstrating their artistic talent and wares.

Bridgeton Riverfest Fine Art Festival

Saturday, June 23 10:00a
Bridgeton Harbor Marina, Bridgeton
Bridgeton Harbor Marina on the Neuse River right across from New Bern, NC, is the stunning venue of an exciting new fine arts festival.

Colorfest in New Bern 2012!

Saturday, June 16 12:00p
Colorfest in New Bern at Kafer Park, New Bern
Even for kids aged 12-16 to help paint mural at Kafer Park this year! Games, food, music and educational material will be given away!

Independent Artisans Market

Saturday, May 5 1:00p
AIT Building, Fayetteville
Independent Artisans Market (IAM) is an indoor market celebrating art and design featuring independent artisans from the East Coast and beyond.

NC Folk Arts Festival

Saturday, May 12 10:00a
Downtown Saint Pauls, St Pauls
A fun day out in a small town with a big heart! The main event will be the NC handmade pottery show and sale in the Hooks building along with a wide variety of food vendors, handcraft vendors, demonstrations, l

Carrboro Craft Market

Saturday, May 12 10:00a
The Station, Carrboro
The Carrboro Craft Market is a new monthly outdoor event featuring locally handmade crafts, select antiques, vintage goods, specialty prepared foods, craft demonstrations, live music and free kids craft project

Acorn to Oak Handmade Craft Show

Tuesday, May 8 6:00p
TechShop RDU, Raleigh
Drop by Techshop RDU to pick up the perfect handmade Arts and Craft Gift for the geeky Mom and Dad in your life.

Council for the Arts

MAY 2012 6th - 25th - "Bahamas Bound"

Stacy Hall, photographer, will show her love the vivid colors of the Bahamas, and the ability to live so closely with nature without the distraction of commerce, shopping and TV, as we were traveling in very remote locations.   ......
Opening reception: Sunday, May 6 @ 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

JUNE & JULY 2012 June 3rd - July 27th "Pluperfest Palette" 

Kinston artist, Penny Craven will have acrylics and mixed media; some new, favorites and portraits.
Opening Reception: Sunday, June 3, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.

Camp Sites

Camping in Jacksonville & Surrounding Areas

Hammocks Beach/Bear Island - Swansboro North Carolina

What type of camping is available at Hammocks Beach State Park?
Primitive Back Pack camping is the only camping available at Hammocks Beach State Park. Also, all campsites are located on Bear Island. There is no camping available on the mainland nor Huggins or Jones Islands.

Where are the campsites located on Bear Island?
11 of the 14 campsites are located along the beachfront approx. 1/8 of a mile apart. The other 3 sites are located on the sound side of the island toward Bogue Inlet. Please see the park map located under the Maps and Directions page.

Where and when can you register for a campsite?
Campsites can be reserved on line please click on the 'make a reservation' link on the left or call the call center at 1.877.7CAMPNC (1.877.722.6762). You MUST check in at the visitor center PRIOR to going to the island.

Where do I check in?
At the visitor center/visitor services desk on the mainland, during park hours on the day you camp.

Why do I need to check in?
A parking pass is required for all vehicles left in the visitor center parking lot overnight. Parking pass are obtained when you check in. Vehicles may be towed if left in the parking lot without a parking pass.

What do I need to check in?
You will need a copy of your reservation confirmation along with a valid Driver License. The name on the confirmation and drivers license MUST be the same.

How much does it cost to camp?
The cost is $13 a night, per site. This includes a $3 surcharge which covers the cost of the reservation system.

How many people may occupy a campsite?
Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 2 tents.

What does each campsite have?
Sites 1-11 have picnic tables, 12-14 do not. The sites are very primitive.

How close are the campsites?
It varies, #1-11 are roughly 30-40 yards apart. You may be able to see the neighboring campsites.

What campsites are boat accessible?
Sites 12-14 are considered boat accessible, due to there location near Bogue Inlet on the sound side. Campers are strongly discouraged from hiking to these sites as there is at least a 2-mile hike that may require crossing water that may possibly be waist deep.

Can you have fires on Bear Island or in your campsite?
No, open fires are not allowed in the park. We recommend propane or backpack camp stoves.

How do you extend your camping permit on Bear Island?
We strongly recommend that you pay for the number of nights for which you intend on staying. Often campers decide to extend their stay once they have reached the island. Keep in mind the campsite you are occupying may be reserved by someone else for the additional day(s) or you may need to move to an available campsite. Any changes to existing reservations will be charged a $10 service charge.
Are there campsites on the mainland?
No.

Are there any other campsites in the area besides Bear Island?
Yes, the Croatan National Forest / Cedar Point Campground is nearby and is a great campground.

Does the park give refunds for bad weather or any other reason?
Any changes or cancellations made prior to the scheduled arrival date will result in a $10 service charge. Cancellations made on the scheduled arrival date will be charged one night's camping for each reservation as well as the $10 service charge. No refunds will be issued for no-shows, cancellations, or early departures after the date of arrival. Refunds will be made using the same method of the original transaction, e.g. credit will refund credit, etc. This applies to all methods of payment, including credit card, gift card, check and cash payment. If a camper does not show up on their first reservation night they must contact the park by 3pm the next day to inform them of their arrival. If the park doesn't hear from the camper by 3pm the next day their site will then be considered a no-show and site will be rented out.