Beach Market Bucket List

Ready to head to the beach and want to grab some snacks on the way? These beach markets have just about everything you need for a day at the beach and a relaxing evening to follow. Here’s where we’re stopping this summer.

Carolina Beach Market & Deli
257 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach

The former Sea Merchant grocery store has been completely remodeled and reopened as a neighborhood market with everything from coffee and pastries to made-to-order sandwiches and ice cream.

What to grab:

• One of 16 signature deli sandwiches, including the Cubano with housemade spicy mustard or the SoCal BLT with avocado and Calabrian chili aioli
• Housemade chicken salads (including buffalo chicken), potato salad, pasta salad and antipasto
• Grab-and-reheat crowd pleasers like lasagna and meatballs
• A coffee from the Sea Bean counter, featuring espresso drinks and cold brew
• Dessert from The Parlor, serving hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, floats, brownies, whoopie pies and cake slices
• Beer, wine, mixers and a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages
• Gourmet snacks as well as pantry and household staples

Why we love it: It’s one-stop shopping from breakfast through dessert, whether you’re headed to the beach or hosting friends at a beach house.

The Veggie Wagon
608 Lake Park Blvd. S., Carolina Beach

What started as a roadside produce stand has grown into one of Carolina Beach’s favorite gourmet markets. Since 2009, The Veggie Wagon has steadily expanded its offerings while staying true to its roots of showcasing fresh, local products.

What to grab:

• Fresh, seasonal produce
• Local eggs and freshly baked goods
• Grab-and-go meals and snacks
• Housemade and regional sauces, condiments and dips
• Fresh growler fills, featuring local craft beer
• Coastal-inspired merchandise and locally-crafted gifts

Why we love it: Whether you’re picking up ingredients for dinner, a gift for your beach host or a few local favorites to take home, The Veggie Wagon is the kind of place that’s worth browsing every aisle.

Noma at Wrightsville Beach
7006 Wrightsville Ave., Wrightsville Beach

The Wrightsville Beach outpost of 8207 Noma is packed with chef-prepared meals and specialty pantry items that make dining at home after a day at the beach effortless.

What to grab:

• Ready-to-heat favorites like quiche, tomato pie, shepherd’s pie and baked pastas
• Ham biscuits and creamy mac and cheese
• Local and regional sauces, seasonings, condiments and gourmet snacks
• Beer, wine and mixers
• Hostess gifts and desserts

Why we love it: Everything feels thoughtfully curated, making it just as easy to grab dinner as it is to find the perfect gift for your weekend host.

Roberts Grocery
32 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach

Serving Wrightsville Beach since 1919, Roberts Grocery has long been a favorite stop for both locals and vacationers.

What to grab:

• Roberts’ famous chicken salad
• Fresh-made deli sandwiches and grab-and-go salads
• Fresh produce and beach house essentials
• A bottle from the newly expanded wine selection
• A shaved ice to cool off after the beach

Bonus stop: Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar, located inside the market, serves coffee, tea, organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, breakfast bowls, toasts and other healthy favorites.

Why we love it: It’s equal parts local landmark, lunch stop and grocery run.

Pine Valley Market at Wrightsville Beach
1611 Pavilion Place, Wilmington

Already a destination for breakfast and brunch, Pine Valley Market also makes it easy to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home.

What to grab:

• Take-and-bake meals
• Deli salads
• Gourmet snacks and regional seasonings
• Wine, desserts and gift items

Why we love it: Great food doesn’t have to end when you leave the restaurant.

Salt Marsh Market
100-A Charlie Medlin Drive, Surf City

Part gourmet market, part neighborhood gathering place, Salt Marsh Market has become a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.

What to grab:

• Take-and-bake meals from The Veggie Wagon, fresh and frozen entrees, salads and dips
• Cheese and charcuterie
• Gourmet pantry staples and specialty seasonings
• Beer, wine, seltzers and craft mixers
• Coffee, smoothies and drinks to enjoy at the indoor bar or outdoor seating area
• Coastal-inspired gifts and Salt Marsh Market merch

Bonus: Bring your dog! Pup cups are just $1, with proceeds benefiting Adoption First Animal Rescue in Jacksonville.

Why we love it: It’s the kind of place you’ll stop in for milk and leave with dinner, a bottle of wine and a new favorite hot sauce.

Feast tip
These beach markets are proof that convenience doesn’t have to come at the expense of good food. Whether you’re planning a sunset picnic, stocking the beach house for the week or just looking for an easy dinner after a long day in the sand, these local favorites have you covered.