Supporting Our Coastal Carolina Communities
As the holidays roll in and the salty breeze starts to carry a little chill, there’s something special about spending this season along the North Carolina coast. The lights glimmer across the marinas, local shops are filled with festive charm, and everywhere you look, our coastal businesses are working hard to make gift giving a little more meaningful.
Shopping local isn’t just about checking names off your list —it’s about giving back to the community that gives us so much all year long. Every time you choose a local store or service, you’re helping keep a dream alive, families employed, and our small town spirit strong. And the best part? You’ll find some of the best gifts right here at home.
Take Yopp Brothers Marine and The Anchor Gift Shop in Sneads Ferry — a true local treasure where everything you need for the water (and then some) is all under one roof. Whether you’re looking for fishing gear, marine accessories, or the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for boater, Yopp Brothers has it covered. Their certified marine technicians can handle all your repair and service needs, while The Anchor Gift Shop is stocked with coastal-inspired apparel, jewelry, and home décor. From Sneads Ferry Comfort Tees to nautical gifts and XtraTuff boots, this is the kind of store that feels like Christmas for anyone who loves the water.
Just down the coast, Intracoastal Angler continues to reel in loyal customers at both their Wilmington and NEW Hampstead locations. Known for their motto, “We’re fishermen, not salesmen,” they’re the kind of tackle shop where you can swap stories, learn something new, and walk out with the right gear to make your next trip a success. It’s that local expertise — and genuine care for the craft — that makes shopping here a gift in itself.
For the outdoorsman or woman on your list, Neuse Sport Shop has long been a holiday go-to. With locations in Kinston and Cedar Point, they’ve created a one-stop destination for everything from hunting and fishing gear to coastal apparel and beach essentials. Their Cedar Point store, just a mile from the Emerald Isle bridge, is perfect for last-minute gifts before you hit the water, while their Kinston location offers archery ranges and an unmatched selection of outdoor equipment. And with free shipping on orders over $75, you can shop from home and still support local.
All of these locations have everything you need for your holiday shopping list — and many of them also carry a popular local favorite, HoldFastPro Phone Holders. While HoldFastProis locally operated and they understands the needs of boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. These innovative phone holders are designed to keep your device safe and secure, whether you’re out on the boat, hitting the golf course, or just living life on the go. Available both locally and online at www.HoldFastPro.com, they make a practical, thoughtful gift for anyone tired of worrying about their phone slipping, falling, or getting damaged.
With a strong HOLD and FAST access, it’s a small accessory that makes a big difference on and off the water. Winter is also the perfect time to think about maintenance and upgrades — whether it’s your boat, your vehicle, or even your home. Finhead Marine Canvas can give your boat a fresh look for 2026 with custom enclosures, cushions, and Bimini tops, crafted with the kind of attention to detail only a small local fabricator can offer.
On land, College Road Tire & Auto in Wilmington keeps locals safe and rolling through the season. With same-day services, warranty partnerships, and friendly, trustworthy staff, they make auto care easy and stress-free —just what you need before those holiday road trips. And for those looking to make a statement at home, MNC Metal Design is where craftsmanship meets creativity.
Known for their architecturally stunning staircases, railing systems, and custom metal fabrication, they transform raw materials into works of art — each piece built to your specifications, right here in North Carolina. This holiday season, let’s celebrate the businesses that make our coastal communities so special. From the bait shops and marinas to the fabricators, craftsmen, and family run gift stores — these are the folks who keep our coast running strong.
So before you click “add to cart” with a big-box retailer, take a moment to explore what’s right here at home. The perfect gift — and the warm feeling that comes with supporting your neighbors — might be closer than you think.
Shop Local. Give Local. Celebrate Coastal. Because when we support each other, we all thrive —today, tomorrow, and for many holiday seasons to come.