“We were pleased to present our highest tourism award to those who have made a tremendous impact on our industry,” said Salem Clarke, Chairperson of NC Coast Host and the Tourism Director of Onslow County.
The Camden County Tourism Development Authority nominated Camden County Heritage Museum and Historica Jail for the 2025 Tourism Impact Award for the North Coast, citing the passion of local historians who created a vision of preservation in 2017. Since opening the museum, it has been visited by thousands of tourists. The museum received a 2018 NC Preservation Consortium Robert James Award for Preservation Excellence.
Breezeway Motel and Restaurant, a family-operated Topsail Island staple, has served tourists for more than 75 years. Breezeway Restaurant is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Pender County. Located on Topsail Island on the sound side of Topsail Beach, the Cherry Family provides delicious dinners and a good night’s sleep! Breezeway Motel and Restaurant was nominated by the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, which presented the Cherry Family with the Chamber’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Denise Bridgers with Taylor Companies, owner of Lu Mul Vineyard and D’vine Foods, has a rich history of agri-tourism in Bladen County. Taylor Companies was nominated by Bladen County Tourism for the 2025 Tourism Impact Award for the Inland Region, citing the Taylor family’s legacy of agriculture and an array of family fun events at Lu Mil Vineyard, including the popular Festival of Lights.
NC Coast Host, a membership organization that represents the counties, towns, attractions, and lodging east of I-95, consists of three regions – north, south, and inland counties. Each award winner represented one of the three regions.
Membership in NC Coast Host is open to TDAs, CVBs, parks, attractions, accommodations, and restaurants. The organization provides members with visibility through marketing on the website, https://lnkd.in/eJyn3cUj, coop advertising, networking, and sharing of best practices.
For more information about NC Coast Host, contact NC Coast Host President Salem Clarke at 910-347-3141.
