Island Express Ferry Services of the Crystal Coast, NC is Excellent

Island Express Ferry Services, Crystal Coast, NC 

The views were truly majestic.... the sunset view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse only makes my resolve to visit again soon more strong. 

One our recent visit, the weather was more like this.... perfect. Thanks to Island Express Ferry Services, our journey was perfect. 

Cape Lookout NC CarolinaMama and Family

Our Emerald Isle, NC beach trip included so many wonderful excursions along the Crystal Coast. I have loved sharing our adventures and recommendations with you here. One of the last incredible services we experienced was crucial to our visit to Cape Lookout and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse - the Island Express Ferry Services.  The sun was pretty mesmerizing as our crew rode over on a warm NC afternoon.

The Crystal Coast was living up to her name was we traveled the clear blue green waters. 

The Island Express Ferry Services at Cape Lookout is the most comfortable, professional and timely 

service. 

The Island Express Ferry Service surprised us with a visit to Harkers Island where we were able to view the wild horses! This was spectacular! 

Then, we were within feet of the legendary Cape Lookout Lighthouse! We were all ecstatic! 

We traversed the island and enjoyed the hiking trails to the ocean and the lighthouse. It was a picture perfect day! The sea was glistening. 

The island was a fun place to explore. 

We had so much fun! The weather was perfect. Our Captain was very informative and helpful. 

When You Schedule Your Trip / Destination to Cape Lookout National Seashores -  Go to the Island Express Ferry Service plan one of these trips: 

Shackle ford Banks Wild Horses by CarolinaMama 

1) Beaufort to Shackleford Banks; 

2) Harkers Island to Cape Lookout Lighthouse; and 

3) Harkers Island to Shackleford Banks. 

*** Book Your Destination HERE 

What To Bring on the Island Express Ferry Service: 

• Water
• Trash bags
• Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
• Sunblock, hat and sunglasses are essential.
• Travel light. Carry-ons are allowed for a small fee. However space is limited. Small backpacks and coolers are best. 
• Small coolers permitted (42 quart limit).
• Lightweight compact folding chairs and umbrellas are permitted.
• Limit two fishing poles per passenger. Hooks must be removed before boarding. 
• Carry-on items subject to search before boarding.
• There are no trash receptacles, so plan to bring back everything you take.
• Drinks, snacks or picnic lunch.
• Insect Repellant.
• Pets allowed on the boats for an nominal fee, but remember that all pets must remain on leashes 6' or shorter.

What NOT to Bring: 

• Due to restricted space, large items such as wagons, non-folding luggage carriers, unbagged folding chairs, huge strollers, etc. will be accommodated as space permits for an additional charge. 
• Glass bottles and containers are prohibited. 
• Highly flammable liquids, including propane, are not allowed on the boats. 
• Spear guns prohibited. 

To book the Island Express Ferry Service, go here for Rates and Service. 
The Ferry takes you to these Shores .... :)

Frolicking at Cape Lookout Seashore with Shakleford Banks in the distance
by CarolinaMama 

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Information is here. 

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is open for climbing from the second week in May to the third weekend in September. Self-guided tours of up to 10 people* will begin every 15 minutes during the hours of operation. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. You may plan accordingly. The website lists ONLY three (3) Sundays in the Summer when the Lighthouse is open. The Memorial Weekend, the 4th of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is CLOSED ON MONDAYS. 

Important: Plan your Cape Lookout Lighthouse visit WiTH your Island Express Ferry Service. The Captain is great to keep a list and times for departure so you know when to be ready at the dock. 

Have a beautiful time. We certainly enjoyed so much of the natural beauty and history of this entire area thanks to the convenience and comfort of Island Express Ferry Services. 

We LOVE #MyCrystalCoast 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Island Express Ferry Services  .  All opinions are my own. 

Amos Mosquito's Best Seafood in Atlantic Beach, NC #MyCrystalCoast Crystal Coast

We love great food.  When we are traveling, great food is part of the anticipation!  And when we're at the Beach vacationing, the seafood has to be incredible.  We were excited to find the most awesome seafood at Amos Mosquito's, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.  Amos Mosquito's has a story to their legendary name and food. They have impressed the Crystal Coast of North Carolina with the freshest and most delectable seafood for years now.

It was a beautiful Spring night as we arrived at sunset. Our wait was short for a Friday night! 

We put our name on the list and only had a 25 minutes wait. It was worth it indeed! 

The wait was no problem as we enjoyed the gazebo and company while we watched 

the sunset there on the marshes. Magical. 

The Co-Owners greeted us at the door. They were so friendly and energetic and involved in keeping Amos Mosquito's in excellent operating condition and serving the best seafood. 

Dave and Sandy, Amos Mosquito's Owners Welcome CarolinaMama and Family
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina #MyCrystalCoast

We loved reading the history and the ambiance of the Amos Mosquito's.  This was hilarious. 

The decor made for such an convivial atmosphere. They definitely have corner on the market with mosquitoes. I mean it has to be incredible to make a mosquito so famous! 

The restaurant is a little red house with a big delivery of flavor and service. You feel right at home.

How did the name Amos Mosquito's come about, you asked. We have to share it straight from the website, it's that good. 

THE NAME

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Amos.

Amos who?

A mosquito!

Not very funny, but it really is where we got our name. We had a picturesque, waterfront location. We had a unique, outdoorsy decor theme. We had a good start on a tasty menu. And, we had a long list of really bad names for a restaurant.

During a brainstorming session someone suggested “Skeeter’s”. We all liked it because it went along with our décor, but felt it didn’t sound nice enough to reflect the high quality food and service we planned on providing. That’s when Pam remembered how Hallock would mis-tell this joke: Hallock always said “Amos Mosquito” instead of “a mosquito.”A lot has changed since then, but one thing has remained the same. Our food is always better than our jokes. 

And so it is! Read more about the Owners and the Amos Mosquito's History here. 

Amos Mosquito's Atlantic Beach, NC 

Here is more fun from the decorations. We loved seeing the Spanish Moss decorations. 

The restaurant is on the sound so there are tables available on the water and outdoors. 

Here you can see the spirit of the restaurant and we got all cozied up in the little corner that seated just (4). So it was perfect. We had this view of the windows on the sound. They easily accommodate

large groups and families like ours. We saw couples enjoying the food and atmosphere, as well.

We surely did! :) 

Our server, Dixie, was so helpful to our boys. She answered all of our serious foodie 

questions. :) She was very efficient, professional and knowledgeable. Thank you, Chelsey! She was

very helpful and we even found each other on Instagram.  

WARM CHEESY LOBSTER DIP

Seasoned with sherry, pimientos and green onions, served with toasted baguette

The description says it all about the Warm Cheesy Lobster Dip. We pretty much devoured this one. It had a unique flavor served in its own little cast iron skillet with the toasted baguettes. The boys loved these. 

The Parmesan Sea Scallops with Asparagus and Garlic Potatoes was delicious. 

We loved this unique and indulgent recipe! I'd order this again! 

Our boys LOVE a good Shrimp Platter. The Amos Mosquito's Shrimp platter was most delicious. The shrimp were succulent. We do a lot of trading bites. It's the best way to try everything! :) 

One of our boys ordered the Flounder and Shrimp platter. This was delicious, too. The Flounder was his favorite as it was so flaky and fresh. We all loved it. 

This specialty, "Catch of the Day" was the Tuna Steak with Grilled Shrimp and Scallops. 

This was a treat with a homemade mango sauce that was a highlight. The fresh seafood 

is abundant here. 

The evening hit a climax when we were offered the most amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter

Ice Cream Pie ever made. This was magnificent and we loved splurging. These were calories 

well spent. 

I just love all of the memories we make when we have Family Travel time. It is the simple 

photos like this one that capture the ambiance and the family fun. Thank you Amos Mosquito's for hosting us. We'll be back! 

CarolinaMama and Family at Amos Mosquito's Atlantic Beach, NC 

Definitely plan on a visit to Amos Mosquito's while visiting the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Atlantic Beach was a short drive from Emerald Isle and is a short drive from Beaufort the other direction. Enjoy the history, service and most of all the memorable atmosphere and seafood!

For you locals, check out the Sushi and Karaoke Night! How fun is that! I mean Sushi and Amos Mosquito's has to be the best combination ever.



Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Crystal Coast Tourism and Amos Mosquito Restaurant, Atlantic Beach, NC. All opinions are our own.