Locals Only: Saltwater Collection’s Perspective of The NC Coast

All featured photos on this page are by Faith Teasley, creator of Saltwater Collection. Visit Saltwater Collection if you are interested in purchasing prints or the coffee table book.

Most North Carolinians have a North Carolina beach that is special to them. Whether you love the serenity of the Brunswick Islands, the charm of Wilmington beaches, the idyllic Crystal Coast, or the uniqueness of the Outer Banks, there is truly a beach in North Carolina for everyone, and there is no better person who captures these emotions than Faith Teasley, creator of Saltwater Collection.

When I stumbled upon Saltwater Collections’ Instagram, I was amazed by Faith’s talent as her photography truly evokes the feeling of serenity and the true emotions that North Carolina’s coast brings to so many of us. I had the pleasure of interviewing Faith to learn about her opinion on our exceptional coastline and her advice when visiting the North Carolina beaches.

Where It All Started

Faith’s passion for photography was instilled in her as a young child by her grandma Betty. During the summer months, Faith grew up going to her family’s beach cottage, where they truly embraced the coastal lifestyle. Her Grandma Betty was always the family photographer and never missed the opportunity for a coastal sunset, and was always trying to capture the perfect seagull picture.

“We would go out on my Grandpa’s boat and watch dolphins swim by us. We had crab pots, and we would fish. So that’s where a lot of my foundation, my love for the ocean and for coastal living, kind of, you know, took root.”

The Story of Saltwater Collection

Because Faith had an affinity for photographing North Carolina’s coastal landscape, she never missed an opportunity while on vacation to capture our state’s beauty. From there, she started sharing her work on Instagram and Facebook, where she found others felt the same connection to the North Carolina coast that she captured through her photos.

When Faith picked up a film camera for the first time, there was no turning back. Initially, she was intimidated by shooting film, considering that you don’t know how the shots will turn out until they are developed.

Faith said, “When I was photographing my first photos on film in Southport, I had the thought of, how cool would it be if I photographed the entire North Carolina coast on film?  That would make an amazing coffee table book”. Once she received her developed film, she was amazed by how they turned out and fell in love with the film style.

“I find that the natural film grain and the tones and aesthetic of film perfectly match for capturing the salty air of our coastline.”

Since 2015, Faith has been an occasional contributor to Our State magazine and has been featured in other publications, including Coastal Living, Wilmington Magazine, and Southern Lady.

Saltwater Collection Approved Recommendations

How to choose which North Carolina beach is best for you

Deciding which North Carolina beach to visit truly depends on what you’re looking for. You have more secluded beaches that emphasize serenity, peace, and solitude. There are also beaches where the water is a beautiful, crystal blue color that is reminiscent of the Caribbean. Some beaches along the Carolina coast evoke nostalgia and feel as though they are stuck in time.

If you are looking for more serenity, peace, and solitude, then head to the islands. Naturally, beaches that require a ferry or are harder to access are more secluded. If this sounds like your ideal vacation, then check out some of these beaches: Bald Head Island, Ocracoke, Hatteras, and the Brunswick Islands (depending on the time of year).

There are also beaches in North Carolina with a deep, turquoise blue color. You can find it at both Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island. Because of the beauty and the location, these beaches are more popular and have larger crowds. If you don’t mind the people and want more action, these beaches may be for you.

If you’re in search of a “classic beach vacation” that feels as though the coastal towns are stuck in time, opt for Carolina Beach, Crystal Coast beaches, or quaint downtowns like Southport, Manteo, and Beaufort.

Things To Do On The North Carolina Coast

Play

Get on the Water

Whether swimming in the waves or on a boat, getting on the water is a great way to explore the North Carolina coast. Another great way to get on the water is by renting a kayak or paddleboard, which will allow you to discover the more remote areas of the marshes and waterways.

Explore

Finding a different mode of transportation to reach more secluded areas in coastal North Carolina is a great way to explore. Some truly unique areas in North Carolina can only be explored by boat, bike, or simply walking. Listed below are a few different options:

Take a Ferry

Faith believes everyone should hop on a ferry and explore one of the nearby islands. The North Carolina Ferry System has several routes that can take you to 12 different NC destinations. Another ferry option that is privately owned is the Bald Head Island Ferry.

4×4 Beaches

4×4 beaches create a new level of accessibility to certain North Carolina beaches. From visiting the wild horses in Corolla to camping on Fort Fisher, there are so many opportunities with beaches that have 4-wheel drive access in North Carolina.

Ride Bikes, Take a Golf Cart

Riding a bike or driving a golf cart is a fun way to cruise around the beach and adds to the charm.

Unplug

There is no better way to decompress than by sitting by the ocean or along the marsh. Soak in the healing benefits of the ocean and salt air to understand for yourself the sense of calmness and serenity of the North Carolina coast.

Support Local

A great way to experience the local culture firsthand is to support local businesses. Hospitality runs deep, and North Carolinians love to have their visitors feel at home. Whether it’s a small boutique, hardware store, or restaurant, supporting local businesses helps keep the heart and soul of these charming beach towns alive.

What Characteristics Make THE North Carolina COAST So Unique?

Simplicity

To Faith, this is why her time at the cottage was so special. The simplicity of throwing out a line on the pier or a crab pot into the waterway, then having a fish fry with your catch. Everyone has their own cottage that they retreat to, and a lot of people can find this within the NC coast.

Nature

There is so much peace to be found on both the beach and the sound. We have an exceptionally beautiful coastline, and it is important for everyone to take the time to admire the charm. A great way to do this is by simply walking. Whether it’s a nature trail or along the beach, take the time to walk and listen to the nature around.

The People

You can’t talk about the culture of North Carolina without mentioning the welcoming spirit of the locals. “There is a southern hospitality that still exists,” Faith explains. North Carolina is not as fast-paced as other coastal areas, and the locals make visitors feel at home.

THANK YOU

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below with any questions regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.

INTERESTED IN OTHER TRAVEL LOCATIONS?

Click below to see my articles on places in the following destinations:

• Canada
• Costa Rica
• France
• United States