Sip, Savor, and Socialize:

The South Shore's Best Dining Experience

    In the summer of 2019, Job and Lydia Fulton bought Mackey's Marina, located on Kendrick's Creek at historic Mackey's Ferry. The marina was in decline, but with some elbow grease and a bit of luck, it could be restored to its previous glory. There was a restaurant at the marina that had closed down some years before. The restaurant was piled high with odds and ends like an old country barn.

    The young couple had a vision: a place where local fishermen, farmers, and boatmen from all around the Albemarle Sound could gather, share stories, and toast to days gone by, and where people could bring their families, unwind, and enjoy a great meal at affordable prices. So, they went to work. The Fultons cleared out all the debris, installed a bar, tables, and a vast array of kitchen equipment, repaired the freezers, and built a beautiful deck around the restaurant. By May of 2020, they had created that vision and opened "The Landing".

    Approximately 60% of restaurants fail within five years, with about one in four lasting ten years or more. So, my first question to Lydia was, "Why did you decide to become a restaurant owner?" Her answer reflects the Fultons' respect for the local community and their desire to be a contributing member. She said, "Well, the marina came with a beautiful restaurant, and the community wanted it open. I can't count how many people dropped by the marina and asked me, When is the restaurant going to open? I couldn't resist".

    The project was not without challenges. The Landing is located at the end of Mackey's Ferry Road off Highway 308, about 8 miles northeast of the town of Plymouth. Mackey's Ferry Road was the main road from Plymouth to Columbia until 1949, when a bypass (Hwy 308) was built. Mackey's was further isolated when Highway 64 was built to bypass Highway 308. The modernization of our highway system left the Mackeys community and The Landing relatively isolated in rural Washington County. One advantage the restaurant has is its location at Mackey's Marina on Kendrick's Creek, which provides boaters on the Albemarle Sound with easy access. The restaurant is more a destination for families to gather, socialize, and enjoy a meal than a place where people "pop in" along their way. Staffing the restaurant has also been a challenge due to its location, but Lydia has overcome that obstacle by hiring some of the best servers and cooks the area has to offer. The staff at the Landing works as a team — from the owner to the servers, cooks, and even the dishwasher. They work with a team mentality, supporting one another and collaborating to solve any problems that may arise.

    The restaurant can seat 160 people inside and an additional 40 on the deck overlooking the water, so they take reservations for large social gatherings, birthday parties, or a couple looking for a romantic dinner spot. You can call your order in ahead of time if you wish, pick it up at the front counter, or walk in; a hostess is standing by to show you to your table.

    The Landing serves a variety of local seafood, great steaks, burgers, Buffalo wings, and much more. However, Lydia's all-time favorite on the menu is a traditional North Carolina dish: shrimp and grits. This very flavorful dish reminds her of the road trips she used to take with her father from up north down through Virginia. They would always stop to eat once they crossed the Virginia line, and she would order the grits with her meal. The Landing is among the best restaurants you will find anywhere on the Albemarle Sound, and it is a place where you can gather together and make some good memories of your own for you and your family.

Location and Hours:

417 Mackey Ferry Rd

Roper, NC 27970-9279

Thursday 11:00am-8:00pm

Bar stays open until 9pm

Friday & Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm

Saturday night features Karaoke or a live Band like Lucas Ireland (Featured Below)

Bar stays open until 10pm

Sunday 11:00am- 3:00pm

Phone: 252-793-5031