05/31/2026
One of the best parts of our trip to the North Carolina coast was discovering a couple of small businesses we’ll definitely be visiting again.
We stopped by O'Neal's Sea Harvest in Wanchese for a shrimp basket lunch, and it was easily some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. The homemade cakes were incredible too. We tried the Orange Creamsicle and Strawberry cake, and both were worth saving room for. The atmosphere was awesome, and everyone made us feel right at home. A special shoutout to the lady who stopped to talk with Jackson about his shark shirt and even showed him her great white and megalodon tattoo. Little moments like that are what make a place memorable.
We also found KEYZ New Zealand Ice Cream in Nags Head. If you’ve never had New Zealand-style ice cream, you’re missing out. We tried the Kookaberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, mango and Vanilla, and every flavor was fantastic. The brother and sister who own the shop were some of the nicest people you’ll meet. They even remembered us when we came back a couple of days later for a second visit.
If you’re heading to the North Carolina coast this summer, do yourself a favor and stop by both places. Small businesses like these are what give the island its character. We’ll support local businesses over corporate chains every chance we get, and these two are a perfect example of why.
Show them some love if you’re in the area. You won’t regret it.
P.S. The photo across the street is Bayliss Boatworks. Jackson thought it was pretty cool seeing those huge sportfishing boats up close. It was one of those moments that really caught his imagination, and by the time we left he was talking about how neat it would be to work for a boatbuilder someday helping build boats like those. It’s also a reminder that Wanchese is still a real working fishing village and not just another tourist destination.
