8 Close-Knit Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast
Close-knit towns are like close-knit families. They are made up of people who may be far different from one another. They have different passions, a range of talents, ages, and unique tastes. But they share something very important: They care deeply about their towns, and you feel that the moment you arrive. These special towns are all along the Atlantic coast, from Maine to Florida, just waiting for lucky visitors to step in and enjoy their beaches and bistros, monuments and museums, and come to love their towns as they do.
Rockland, Maine
A busy harbor town might seem an unlikely place for the creative arts, but the combination is one of the charms of Rockland. The town has a fascinating history of metamorphosis from limestone mining and shipping to fishing and the industry surrounding it to celebrating Maine artists in studios, galleries, and museums. Stroll the Rockland Boardwalk to see the working waterfront in action, take a boat tour of area lighthouses, and visit the town's many museums and galleries. For example, the Maine Lighthouse Museum shows why Maine is called The Lighthouse State, while the Farnsworth Art Museum's Wyeth Center features works by three generations of artists: N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth.
Also, check out the Project Puffin Visitor Center for its live feed of puffins and other rare Maine seabirds that were reintroduced through this program. For those visiting on the first weekend of August, the annual Maine Lobster Festival shines with entertainment, arts and crafts, cooking contests, and lots and lots of lobster to feast on.
Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Escape the busier beaches and head to Wellfleet, which offers both ocean and bay beaches and something extra: kettle ponds. Also called just kettles, these ponds formed when pieces of a glacier broke off and slowly melted, making a depression that then filled with fresh water (not salty). They are great for cooling off without salt and sand and provide the town's internationally acclaimed Wellfleet Oysters, found on menus throughout the town.
Wellfleet is situated on the Cape Cod National Seashore and has many hiking trails and the Cape Cod Rail Trail biking path. The downtown and harbor are designated the Wellfleet Cultural District, with a walking loop that encompasses the marina, restaurants, shops, art galleries, theaters, the library, and the community cultural center.
Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Seven Mile Island is a barrier island off the coast of southern New Jersey. It has just two towns: Avalon in the north part and Stone Harbor in the south. Both are quieter and less crowded than typical Jersey beach towns, but Avalon is livelier with more nightlife, while Stone Harbor is more laid-back and relaxing. Organizations and residents work together to plan conservation and preservation initiatives to maintain their beautiful island, its wildlife, and its natural flora.
Visit the Wetlands Institute to see marsh birds, other fauna, and plants up close by taking a guided walking tour or renting a kayak. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, named a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, is a haven for herons, egrets, turtles, and migratory birds and butterflies. Stone Harbor Point itself is a natural conservation area. Since the island is only 7 1/2 miles long, it's easy to visit both towns once on the island. Both also have quaint, walkable downtowns just a short stroll from the beach.
Fenwick Island, Delaware
This laid-back, peaceful town is not actually an island, although it was when it was named, and deep inlets cut through the land. It has a distinct island vibe, though, as Fenwick's serenity feels oceans apart from its busier neighboring towns. Even when it's more crowded in the summer, the high cackle of seabirds overhead and the giggles of children building sand castles nearby set an easy, relaxing pace.
Fenwick Island State Park, with three miles of white-sand beach, is the place to be. It has restrooms, a concession stand, lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a small boardwalk with shops. However, many people come to Fenwick precisely because it does not have the traditional noisy, crowded boardwalk. The town has many great restaurants with beautiful views, from casual spots like PrimoHoagies to fancy high-end outlets such as Albertino's Brick Oven Eatery. When you do want to stroll a larger boardwalk with the typical fare and amusements, Bethany Beach is just a 12-minute drive north with further views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
When you live on an island that is accessible only by boat or private plane, you have to love the place. That love of their town (which they call a village) makes Ocracoke folks close-knit. A glance at their local newspaper, Ocracoke Observer, reveals residents' concerns about keeping their island sustainable, unspoiled, and welcoming. Depending on where you're coming from, the ferry ride takes between 70 minutes and 2 hours, 40 minutes. Word is, though, that the long crossing serves to prepare visitors for the slower, unhurried pace of "island time."
Once on land, it's wise to park your car and get around by foot power, bike, golf cart, or the free tram that circles the island. The beach is pristine and undeveloped; there are no hotels, restaurants, or businesses. Visitors will find those in the village and either drive or bike the two miles to the beach, which is mostly a flat journey. Those who want to stay in town can book a room in spots like the Anchorage Inn & Marina and grab a bite at nearby eateries like Dajio. Meanwhile, adventurers can surf, windsurf, kitesurf, sail, and more on the beach. Kayaking and SUP work well in Pimlico Sound's calmer waters. Lessons in most water sports are available, too.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Located on Port Royal Island, one of the Sea Islands in South Carolina's Lowcountry, Beaufort shares unique geography, history, and culture with other Lowcountry towns that are different from beach towns anywhere else in the world. The lowest part of the state is full of marshes and moisture that breeds green grasses and mossy garlands that hang from the tall oaks that line the streets. Its culture is heavily influenced by West African Gullah culture and cuisine.
Beaufort History Museum tells the stories of area plantation owners and freed slaves and how the town was pivotal at the start of the Civil War. The National Trust for Historic Presentation designated the entire downtown area a historic district. See some 50+ mansions and other buildings from those days, including what's known as Secession House, where prominent townsmen secretly met and voted to secede from the Union. Take a docent-led tour of downtown or by horse-drawn carriage, visit Hunting Island State Park and Lighthouse, stroll the art galleries and antique shops, and enjoy Southern staples with Lowcountry flair dishes.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just 20 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island has a charm all its own. At North Beach, one of the country's oldest lighthouses, still working and open to the public, is located, along with the Marine Science Center featuring local marine life. The community comes together on December 6 for the annual Parade of Lights, where Santa makes his entrance.
At the island's south end is the beach pier (a great place to fish) and pavilion. Just offshore is Little Tybee Island, a nature preserve. There is no bridge to it, but a kayak or other watercraft will get you there easily. The island boasts about 25 restaurants, from The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen to The Crab Shack.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Amelia Island sits off the coast of Florida, just barely over the Georgia/Florida line. Known for its pristine golf resorts and opulent accommodations, first-time visitors are often surprised at the quirkiness and down-home friendliness of its port town, Fernandina Beach. The island changed hands no less than eight times in its early days, giving it the moniker “Isle of 8 Flags.” Its inhabitants have a history of rolling with life's punches.
Florida's first bar, the Palace Saloon, still operates at its original site in downtown Fernandina. Take a walking tour of the historic downtown or a horse-drawn carriage tour, and visit the Amelia Island Museum of History for an oral history experience. Explore the beach by day and ride horses along its shore at sunset. Blackbeard and other notorious pirates were said to store their loot here, so don't be surprised if a pirate or two pop up, courtesy of The Pirate Club's costumed members.
Wrapping Up
Some of the residents of these close-knit beach towns have lived there all their lives, while others came for a visit and made it their home. They know their neighbors from the meetings and committees they have belonged to through the years as they work together to make sure their town stays a great place to live and for visitors to make fond memories and want to return to again and again.
