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Why the Grinch Didn't Steal Christmas at the Crystal Coast
Once upon a December breeze on the Crystal Coast, the Grinch—no longer green with envy, but curious and maybe even a little hopeful—set his sights not on spoiling joy, but on sharing it.
He had heard whispers carried by the waves: of warmth that filled the town of Beaufort, of crab cakes that rivaled roast beast, and of a community that decorated with crab pots and caroled without pretense. It was a kind of magic he hadn’t known, and it tugged at his freshly un-grinched heart.
Instead of plotting, he painted.
He climbed the mighty Cape Lookout Lighthouse with brushes slung over his back and candy cane dreams in his head. Stripe by stripe, he transformed the proud iconic beacon of the Crystal Coast into a swirled holiday marvel—red and white ribbons spiraling toward the sky, guiding ships and smiles alike.
Inspired by the heritage from Downeast, he dragged ashore the most peculiar tree anyone had seen—a towering Crab Pot Christmas Tree lit with strings of buoys, shells, and soft twinkling white lights. Locals from Carteret County gathered round, not in protest, but in praise.
And finally, he settled in—not in a cave, but in the cozy Lighthouse Keeper’s House at Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, he placed candles in every window, their flickering glow reflecting off the water, echoing the warmth he felt in his chest. Every night, he’d sit with Max, sipping hot cider and listening to the sounds of boats in the harbor.
Before returning to the Keeper’s House that morning, the Grinch paused one last time by the dock. A skiff had just come in—its nets glistening with wild-caught shrimp, fresh from Carolina waters. The scent was unmistakable: sweet, briny, humble.
He watched as the fishermen handed baskets across the dock with quiet nods, no fanfare, just gratitude. And in that moment, he understood—here, even the food was a gesture of community.
The shrimp wasn’t just sustenance. It was tradition in a bowl, legacy by the handful.
Back inside, Max sniffed the air and grinned.
This time, their cider came with sweet potato hash… and shrimp & grits.
The Grinch smiled.
And for the first time ever, the Grinch didn’t feel like a visitor. He felt like part of the Christmas story.
The Grinch’s Reflection
As dawn broke over the dunes, the Grinch stood still. Behind him, the candy-striped lighthouse glowed faintly in the morning mist; ahead, the wild horses of Shackleford Banks moved gently across the horizon, their hooves leaving no sound, only memory.
He didn’t call out. He didn’t step closer.
Because here, the magic wasn’t his to make. It belonged to the coast, to wild horses unbridled by fences or fanfare, and to a place that taught him: sometimes the kindest act is to watch, listen, and let the world be wild.
He turned back toward the Keeper’s House, candles flickering in every window, Max tugging softly at his sleeve. And in that moment, the Grinch made a promise—not to change the Crystal Coast, but to protect the joy he’d found within it.
The Grinch didn’t want to steal Christmas at the Crystal Coast. He wanted to keep it—preserve its humble joy, its spirit of giving, its scent of sea air mixed with cinnamon and pine.
“Some stories don’t end. They become tradition. And some hearts don’t just grow—they settle like sand on the island.”
Join us for Grunch, a holiday brunch with the Grinch
Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20, 11 am – 2 pm
Get ready for a holiday twist that’ll make your heart grow three sizes! Join us at the Beaufort Hotel for Grunch, a whimsical holiday brunch at 34° North Restaurant with the Grinch himself—grumpy charm and all.
Expect festive fare, a side of mischief, and delightful photo ops as the Grinch trades Mount Crumpit for coastal charm. Whether you're coming with little Whos or bringing your own roast beast appetite, Grunch promises holiday cheer with a dash of sass.
Reservations are strongly encouraged—seats will fill up faster than Max chasing a sleigh. Call 252-838-7250 or reserve your seat at www.OpenTable.com.
34° North Restaurant is located at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, NC 28516. 252-728-3000. www.BeaufortHotelNC.com
Discover exclusive offers, seasonal events, and unforgettable dining experiences at the Beaufort Hotel.
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