Outer Banks Beach Life... Things to Do When the Beach Isn’t an Option...

I am often asked, "What is there to do at the beach in the winter?"

Living in a beach town and a military town, there is ALWAYS something to do. We often have weather extremes all year on the Outer Banks. We had spring-like weather for much of December 2017. I have lived on the beach for over 30 years and moved to Jacksonville last year. Like a lot of locals, I know about activities at the beaches, art galleries, microbreweries, local clubs, fitness clubs, family destinations, garden centers, churches etc. As a mother of two very active young adults, I spent many hours on school field trips, as a classroom volunteer, and a sports mom. I was also the co-owner of a well established local nursery, growing facility, landscaping company and retail store. I was a physician recruiter for over 20 years. I taught various gardening and art classes, as well. I also contributed through my photography and many blogs to both written and personal engagements, all over eastern North Carolina.

I had heard about Lejeune Gardens almost immediately upon moving to Jacksonville in May 2016. Most of my new neighbors were young military families and they knew more about the memorial sites than most of my civilian friends. The weather here was in the low 70s and the sun was bright on this December morning. I grabbed my big water bottle, comfortable shoes, my camera, and a light sweater. It was a great day to explore outside. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of ample parking and how easily accessible the memorials, gardens, paths and trails were from the parking areas.

It was easy to find, right off of Hwy 24 and between Camp Johnson and downtown Jacksonville. I turned onto Montford Landing Road and immediately saw the entrance. I wandered around for an hour. The integrated walkways throughout the gardens kept me from just focusing any one thing too long. I visited in December and most plants were dormant. These gardens were still very active with wildlife, vibrant color, old and well established vegetation, and new garden areas. While lingering on the path, I discovered, quite by accident, that the paths at Lejeune Gardens are actually connected to the bases and city of Jacksonville trails. I decided to find a place to write. I immediately came upon a great spot. The area around the Freedom Fountains was a very peaceful area to write and research. Take your phone and/or camera. I did quite a bit of research while visiting, via my phone, and of course you will want to take lots of pictures.

The original piece of land in Lejeune Memorial Gardens was about 4 1/2 acres when the Beirut Memorial was dedicated in 1986. Since opening, the site has expanded to over 20 acres. The long term plans for Lejeune Memorial Gardens expansion include but is not limited to: Museum of the Marines, Navy Corpsman Memorial, a visitor's center, and an amphitheater.

Entrance to Montford Point Marine Memorial

In 1941 President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order which would help end discrimination in the US Military. From 1942-1949 over 20,000 African American Marines were stationed at Montford Point. In September 1949 Montford Point was desegregated, after 7 years ( 1942-1949). Montford Point Memorial was chartered in Philadelphia in 1965 as a Non-Profit. There are over 33 Chapters of this Non- Profit Organization in the US. Montford Point was renamed Camp Johnson in 1974. Montford Point Memorial was later included in the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, because of the significant historical value of the Montford Point Marines. The Montford Point Marine Memorial was dedicated in July 2016.

Beirut Memorial

The Beirut Memorial was the first memorial established in Lejeune Memorial Gardens. It was created as a Memorial to the 273 Peacekeepers (including 200 Marines, 18 Sailors, and 3 Soldiers) who sacrificed their lives during the October 23 1983 suicide bombing and barracks attack in Beirut, Lebanon. This memorial was gifted by the citizens of Onslow County in 1986. The names of all that died are inscribed in this granite memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This memorial is truly humbling. To see rows and rows, and wall after wall, inscribed with the names of all of our fallen heroes from the Vietnam war, and realize how many soldiers died and the sacrifices of so many.

Celebrating Marines and their Sacrifices for Freedom

Lejeune Memorial Gardens are always open to the public.

I’ll be back in the spring to see the gardens and explore more.

Whether for the History, the Gardens, the Peaceful Surroundings or to celebrate loved ones... Lejeune Memorial Gardens should be on your "to see" list for 2018.