Onslow County, North Carolina itinerary: Whiskey, Wine & Wonderful Eats Trail

Heroes are our heritage and the great outdoors is our playground in Onslow County. Situated along the coast, we’re one of North Carolina’s oldest and largest counties, as well as the proud home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Our rural coastal plains region is rich with our history in agriculture and includes some amazing local favorites for North Carolina barbecue and Southern home cooking. Some of the best seafood on the East Coast can be found in the historic waterfront town of Swansboro.

Our Whiskey, Wine & Wonderful Eats Trail provides numerous ways to experience a taste of all of that Onslow has to offer! Start with a leisurely wine tasting paired with an assortment of local cheeses at Huffman Vineyards followed by a tour and tasting at Walton’s Distillery. Top off a day with dinner at Swansboro Food & Beverage Co. followed by dessert at Sweet Edventures in Swansboro.

Huffman Vineyards

Huffman Vineyards is a local vineyard making award-winning wines that are handcrafted in small batches. Wine lovers enjoy relaxing at the tasting bar and sampling Huffman’s muscadine, viniferous and fruit wines ranging from sweet to dry. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres are served with wine on Friday and Saturday evenings. The winery has a gift shop for visitors to find something special, as well as an outdoor patio, which is open seasonally.

Walton’s Distillery

Walton’s Distillery is a craft distillery, manufacturing corn whiskey and moonshine in a variety of delicious flavors like apple, salted caramel, pine shine colada and peach. Explore the facility, enjoy a free tour and tasting, and hear how this family tradition has become the top distillery in southeast North Carolina. Groups enjoy their open houses held in the seasonable months of the year that include live bluegrass music, food, tastings and a really good time.

Swansboro Food & Beverage Co.

Swansboro Food & Beverage Co. offers a fun and relaxing atmosphere where groups can enjoy a casual dining experience while being treated to supreme food and great service. With a scenic view of the peaceful White Oak River as it winds toward the ocean, the family-friendly, full-service restaurant serves coastal cuisine with Southern inspiration using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy the award-winning clam chowder or pimento cheese that tantalizes any Southern foodie’s palate.

Sweet Edventures Dessert Bar

Groups will enjoy the upscale, yet laid back ambience of this dessert bar that includes a 100-year-old art deco bar straight from a historic Chicago hotel. The dessert case is loaded with decadent cakes that can be enjoyed with numerous signature martinis and cocktails offered on the menu. Stay a while to enjoy the live music and entertainment. There are numerous seating options including booths, tables and sofas situated near a cozy fireplace.

ASK
Donna Hammonds
Tourism manager
Onslow County Tourism
910-347-3141, ext. 222
onlyinonslow.com