Chadwick Shores HOA is dedicated to fostering community spirit, sharing valuable information, and celebrating our beautiful coastal and marsh surroundings through engaging pictures and contact opportunities.
History
Chadwick Shores on Harlowe Creek was developed in the early 2000s and the first lots were sold in 2008. The development is situated on the shores of Harlowe and Alligator Creeks just north of the Newport River and south of the canal that connects Harlowe Creek to Clubfoot Creek. Although the canal was authorized by the North Carolina Legislature in 1766, engineering and construction did not begin until 1821. The original canal had a lock to limit salt water incursion into the Neuse River. Completion of the canal allowed the transportation of goods and materials between New Bern and the ports at Beaufort and what is now Morehead City. The canal, which was built by enslaved people, was foreclosed on in 1844 and abandoned in 1856 due to poor finances. Construction of the modern Intracoastal Waterway canal, the Core Creek Canal, which connects Core Creek and Adams Creek, began in the late 19th century.
Harlowe Creek has deep water at mid tide or higher. Most small power boats can navigate from the creek through the Newport River to the ICW. At low tide parts of the creek approaching the Newport River are very shallow.
Community
Chadwick Shores is a year-round community with most homes occupied full time. Residents include retirees, business owners, and people who work in Havelock, Newport, Morehead City, and Beaufort. The neighborhood is about 20 minutes from Beaufort and Havelock, about 15 minutes to central Newport and 25 minutes to Morehead City. The beaches at Atlantic Beach and Fort Macon are about 30 minutes by car.
The original layout of Chadwick Shores had 60 lots. Several lots have been combined so that now there are a total of 56 buildable sites in the neighborhood. As of mid 2024, there are 28 homes either completed or in the design/build stages.
There is a community dock suitable for launching kayaks. There is a large common area in the center of the neighborhood that is deeded to the HOA. The purpose of the common area is to provide drainage fields for a few lots that did not perk properly and as such is not appropriate for activities.Members of the community get together for an annual catered HOA meeting.
Recently we had a summer neighborhood barbecue/potluck picnic [link]. We hope for this to be an annual event. Quarterly HOA board meetings are open to interested members. Currently, the board has five members plus a secretary and treasurer.
Local Amenities and Recreational Opportunities
There are many things to do in the immediate surrounding area.
The Neusiok Trail is accessible by foot, bicycle, or car. This hiking trail links the Newport River at Oyster Point to the Neuse River at Pine Cliffs. The trail is about 22 miles long and goes through beautiful upland coastal forests with native azaleas and long-leaf pines, many native wild flowers and ferns, fresh water ponds and creeks, and tidal marshes. Much of the trail is suitable for bicycles. Insect repellant is advised.
The marina at the SeaGate Community has a boat launch for a modest fee, currently $15 per launch. An annual membership for the marina is available for unlimited boat launches throughout the year. Also at SeaGate is an outdoor pool; annual memberships are available for non-residents of SeaGate.
Public boat launches are available at Cahooque Creek (access to the Neuse River), Taylor Creek in Beaufort, the bridge to Harker’s Island, Downtown Morehead City (direct access to Bogue Sound), and Radio Island (on the ICW). The Crystal Coast is a boating and fishing paradise. Harlowe Creek itself is a popular fishing spot for local anglers--talk to your neighbors in Chadwick Shores to learn of other fishing hotspots.
Fort Macon has a visitor center describing the history and significance of the fort. There is a 3.5 mile nature trail loop that goes from the high dunes on the ocean side of the island to the marshes on Bogue Sound. The trail goes through beautiful live oak and eastern red cedar groves. The beach at Fort Macon has ample parking, a concession stand and indoor showers in-season, and outdoor showers. During the summer season Fort Macon Beach maintains a swimming area with lifeguards.
By personal boat or ferry one can visit Cape Lookout, Shackleford Island, and Carrot Island. The National Seashore at Cape Lookout operates a ferry from Harker’s Island. The ferry terminal site also has a visitor center and museum on the local history of the island. Carrot Island is home to the Rachel Carson Nature Reserve. Wild horse populate both Shackleford and Carrot Islands. Good shelling is possible on all these islands. Seashells, sand dollars, whelks, ocean scallops, and so-called olives and augurs are abundant on the islands for those with a keen eye.
Hammocks State Park is just beyond Swansboro on Highway 24. During the summer months the park operates a ferry to Bear Island.