I stopped at the Roanoke Cashie River Center near closing. I didn't see anybody inside while I was…read morethere so not sure if I was to be in there. But from what I saw it seemed like a nice museum with detailed displays of the water system; an aquarium; turtle tank; a bee hive. It looks like somewhere that would need longer to explore. They offer pontoon rides on Saturdays.

We visited the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (PKS) on July 4, 2025. Having visited…read morethe New York Aquarium (in Brooklyn, NY) a week earlier, it was an opportunity to compare the two. Parking is free (unlikely to change in the last 12 months). At the entrance of the Aquarium PKS was a man-made pond. There wasn't a wait line at the ticket counter. Purchasing of ticket was quick and easy. Judging by the price - half of New York Aquarium's - I expected a modest-sized aquarium. In the Entrance Lobby, the sign next to the animal sculpture stated that it was an alligator. The sculpture itself had the color of a crocodile. The Orientation Lobby was past the Information desk. Up ahead in the Orientation Lobby was an entrance with the overhead sign "Mountains" for the Mountain Gallery. Upon entering this gallery, we were greeted by a man-made waterfall. A doorway to the left led to the gallery's collection, mostly fishes. The Trout Pool was one of several open tanks. Next to it was a "Do Not Touch" symbol like the one shown on the Aquarium map. It meant no putting of one's hand(s) into the tank. Adjoining the Mountain Gallery was the Piedmont Gallery. With a similar collection but different species of fishes, the Piedmont Gallery also had some non-fishes and non-amphibians. I saw salamanders, frogs, owls and otters. The otters were adorable, as evident by the crowd. On the right past the Piedmont Gallery was the Coastal Plain Gallery. This gallery consisted of reptiles alongside additional species of fishes, most notably pond turtles, crocodiles, corn snakes and longnose gars. After that, we walked back towards the Piedmont Gallery. There was an exit past that gallery that led outside to the Outdoor Marsh Boardwalk. At the boardwalk to our right was Eagle Landing, a habitat area for two female bald eagles. Eagle Landing wasn't enclosed - no nets or walls - because both girls couldn't fly due to wing injuries. So no worries about them coming at us with beaks and talons. Don't ask me which one was Uwohali and which one was Shagoie Watha. Both looked the same to me. Across from Eagle Landing were marshes with two overlooks to view from. I took a photo from Bogue Sound Overlook. Further down the Outdoor Marsh Boardwalk was a shelter called Snakes of the Maritime Forest showcasing more slithering friends (or fears, to those that were ophiophobic), both venomous and non-venomous types. I recalled visiting the San Diego Zoo back in the early 2000s. Its collection of snake was at least five times more. After Snakes of the Maritime Forest was Tree-mendous Nature Play, a play area for kids and the young at heart. Wife observed that the surrounding woods reminded her of childhood times growing up in a similar surrounding. We continued onto Alice Hoffman Nature Trail for a short distance and then headed back to the building. After the Coastal Plain Gallery was another area. Judging by the extra-large model of a hermit crab and the two turtle seat sculptures for visitors to chill, we were in a foyer of a separate section... for saltwater species. This section was divided into two galleries of species exhibits. Tidal Waters Gallery was the first. Its collection included stingrays, seahorses and turtles, as well as fishes swimming in tanks with undersea decors. One such decor was a replica of Blackbeard's ship Queen Anne's Revenge shown in the video below right. Ocean Gallery was essentially a continuation of Tidal Waters Gallery with more saltwater creatures supposedly dwelling in the further depths of the ocean. There were two large tanks, each with a replica of a shipwreck. Of the two, The Living Shipwreck was larger and more prominent for another reason: sharks. Last week at NY Aquarium, I saw them swam over my head in the underwater glass tunnel. This time, they were swimming in front of me. Continuing on, there was a lobster in a smaller tank. The display stated "Lobsters" but I saw only one. Review continues in the final attached image.

Having volunteered at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for more than 7 years, I am a bit…read moreprejudiced about what I like in an aquarium. TN will always be my favorite. Even so, this place is very nice. It's about half the size of the TN aquarium but follows the same theme, tracing water from the mountains to the ocean. It is well laid out and has a great atmosphere. Very nice place for kids as well as adults. The price is reasonable for the environment. Well worth spending and hour or two when in the area.

The Aquarium on Roanoke is such a fun experience for kids! We came for a visit with a large group…read moreand the kiddos had a blast. The aquarium is a good size with lots of exhibits and a giant saltwater tank with some big fish and sharks which was super cool. We will absolutely be back again!

I had been looking forward to this aquarium the most during our trip and it did not disappoint! I…read moreloved seeing all the fish. The fact they rehabilitate sea turtles is amazing! The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Very accessible and the tickets were reasonably priced. Even as a couple with no children this place was awesome

Outer Banks Driftwood exceeded my expectations by miles. They have truly unique hard wood pieces…read morethat would look great in any aquarium or on someones mantel. The owner Reese was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with; I will only be buying my future driftwood from this seller. If you want the highest quality driftwood around for a fraction of the cost then this is the place to support. Can't wait to come up with an excuse to buy more! -James S

From the owner: A huge inventory of natural driftwood pulled from the waters of the Outer Banks of North Carolina…read more This is finest collection of high end driftwood on the planet. We have driftwood for your every need. Extra-Large pieces(over 100 lbs.) to pieces that fit in the palm of your hand. Small to Extra-Large decorative pieces. Hand picked Aquarium/Terrarium pieces. Planter pieces for succulents. All sizes and shapes for artists & taxidermists. Medium to Extra-Large Large pieces for furniture and landscaping. Wall mounting pieces. Driftwood Mantels and Driftwood Coffee Tables. We have the best driftwood for sale. You name it, we've got it.

He has serviced and maintained my tank now for almost a year and he always goes above and beyond…read moretaking as much time as is needed to handle the needed maintenance. He takes time to explain things and is focused on the details. He is also very reasonable for the excellent services he provides.

After 5 months of allowing the calcium to be too high in my salt tank and dozens of coral dying, he…read moredecided to break our contract (which his wife notifying me by text). He broke my glass lid and owed me money for coral frags he didn't provide and after asking numerous times for a refund of both, he continued to say he was "working on it".

Very meh experience. It's super tiny and crowded inside, and there are a couple of things to pet,…read morebut mostly it's just aquariums with snakes and lizards you can see at the pet store. My kids blazed through it in about 20 minutes and weren't too interested aside from the stingrays.

Went to the touch tank for the first time today with my 11/2 year old & some family. Had a great…read moretime!! Seriously one of the best places. Kendra & Michael were so friendly and so awesome. Michael took time to explain every animal and answer every single question we had and then some. Super informative and really appreciate the affordability of this place. Great time with awesome animals and super friendly staff. Id highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.

This store has always caught my eye, so I decided to stop by. The owners were immediately so…read morewelcoming and eager to help me with whatever I needed. They truly care about educating customers and showing you the fish they have to offer. I was so pleasantly surprised by Coastal Reef, and would encourage anyone to stop by-even if it's just to browse or meet the staff. You can see the dedication and passion for the aquariums from just a quick stop by. Highly encourage Coastal Reef for all your salt water needs!

Stopped in to take a look around and was greeted by the most friendly employees! Although I was…read morejust going to browse they were still super kind and informative. They seem to really love what they do, and the vibes are immaculate.

I was so excited to go here because I love sea turtles and the conservation efforts this place…read moredoes! The work and love that goes into what every staff member does is impressive. You have to make reservations because they sell out fast but there's plenty of time slots to choose from. Honestly even tho there are back to back tour groups going I never felt rushed. I came by myself and stayed toward the back of the group. Our tour guide was Margo and she was very sweet and answered all questions the adults and kids had! She took time to explain things and was very informative. I learned so much I didn't know . Then we moved into the room with the turtles. They are so well taken care of. We came when they were feeding some of turtles and that was pretty cool! There are signs on tanks that tell you names of the turtles. You can adopt a turtle and donate to the care and upkeep it takes to house and give them the medical care they need. Then as the tour ends you exit thru the gift shop! I had to pick a few little things so I got stickers and a magnet! I had a great time and I highly recommend going ... I'll definitely be back!!!

Here is a fascinating tour of the efforts to keep safe the local sea turtle nesting population. You…read moretour through their facility with knowledgeable guides, learn about the local population, and how human volunteers walk/run(!) the Topsail beach every day to notice and protect nests. And then see some actual turtles being cared for. I'm impressed the new(ish) facility is designed as much for the turtles and staff, as it is to show visitors what they might donate for!

Nice little spot to get a quick drink and stop for a break on a hot day. They have a surprisingly…read morebroad selection of drink options available, and the staff are really friendly. Outdoor space is spacious and great to sit for a bit, or you can take shelter from the heat indoors and sit at their bar. Also dog friendly on the patio, which is always fun!

On the island for a week and visited this spot 4 times. Great craft beer and wine to take home or…read moreenjoy on the cozy deck by the fire pit. One thing I loved about visiting Ocracoke, particularly this time of year, and Zillie's was the fact that it feels real...not like a basic tourist trap. The bartender our first night was friendly as were all the locals (shout out to Shannon and Benny!) who regaled us with stories about Ocracoke past and present. The experience the first night brought me back and I about broke the bank because they also have a ton of cute gifts and other goods. If you ever have the good fortune to visit, you gotta stop by. Hey, maybe one day I'll own it if they'll sell it...loved it that much! But be sure to check the hours as they are subject to change...you're on island time.