The old pier was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel destroyed it in 2003. The resurrected pier is made of reinforced concrete pilings, not wood. It's the first of its kind to be opened by the state and is built to last at least 30 years and withstand 130-mph winds.The new pier also is expected to receive platinum level LEED certification, the highest level attainable by the U.S. Green Building Council. The state-of-the-art facility uses wind turbines, solar paneling and recycling and has a wastewater reclamation system that will treat its own sewage and then reuse that water. Jennette's Pier is the product of a $25 million project that legislators backed in an effort to preserve the state's fishing pier heritage.
The first floor of the 16,000-square foot pier house is a gift shop, tackle shop and snack bar with plenty of hot gourmet coffee and ice-cold Pepsi products.
A bank of tall windows reveals a sweeping view of the pier and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a counter under the windows with stools so people can sit down and enjoy the panoramic scene.
Just outside, visitors will find a covered-porch picnic area complete with tables and chairs so guests can enjoy their meal while watching the fishing, listening to crashing surf and smelling the salty air.
Additional attractions on the first floor of the pier house include alternative energy displays and a large, modern classroom with windows that frame the northern view of the ocean and beach strand.
In addition to family fun, classes will also feature solid conservation-minded educational programming in a perfect outdoor setting – on the beach and over the waves on the pier.
A wide variety of classes, camps, sleepovers and get-wet adventures will be offered. They each explore the Aquariums’ mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.
Fishing fees for Jennette’s Pier as are follows: adults, $12; children age 12 and under, $6. For pin-rig fishing, multi-day and annual passes, please click here.
Jennette’s Pier is part of the North Carolina Aquariums system and represents the first of three such piers planned to be built and operated by the Aquariums along the coast.
