The Crystal Coast Blog

Sand, Waves, Shells, Shopping, Putting and Food!

A typical week at the North Carolina coast for our family means lots of playing in the sand, riding the waves, long walks on the beach, and more time than you could imagine crouched in the shell seeking position. Time must always be allocated for at least one game of miniature putt-putt golf and a trip to the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. We always try to venture out and explore new areas, interesting shops and yummy restaurants. These are a few of our favorite Crystal Coast beach vacation traditions.

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With Memorial Day less than 2 weeks away, the peak vacation season at the Crystal Coast is about to begin. Pack your bags and head to the beautiful beaches of the Southern Outer Banks. What better way to spend your summer vacation. Sure gas is expensive but if you’re headed to Emerald Isle be sure to take advantage of the bike paths. Why not park your car in the driveway of your rental and pedal to almost any where you want to go.

Helpful Crystal Coast Rental Agency Websites

Planning your vacation is part of the fun. Go on line and do a search of rental properties on the Crystal Coast. There are several easy-to-use rental property websites from the local Crystal Coast real estate agencies. Each one has it’s own unique features. I suggest you find one that makes your rental search easier and gives you the best results for your family’s needs.

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This isn’t Your Typical Beach Souvenir Shop!

If you’re looking for a funky selection of slightly eccentric “island-themed” home and fashion accessories, you owe it to yourself to stop by this neat little boutique on your way to Indian Beach from Emerald Isle. With an adjacent convenience store and gas station, Flip Flops is owned by Ms. Marcie G. Creech (FYI-Marcie is NOT associated with the Crystal Coast Blog). Marice has one of the finest collections on the island for home accessories including painted “beach-themed” furniture. Utilizing local Carteret County artist, including Shirley Pittman and works by Gwen Jordan, their pieces will spice up any room in your Crystal Coast home. One other NC artist that offers some really interesting work is Deborah Cavenaugh from Wilmington.

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Protecting Your Beach Baby From the Elements

Perhaps you’re one of those people who book their Crystal Coast beach vacation a year in advance and find a year later that you have a new family addition to bring along to the beach. Or perhaps you just love the ocean and don’t want to forgo your annual trip to the beach because of your new baby. Whatever the case, taking a baby to the beaches of the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina is easier now than ever before.

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Why is it that people tend to stay away from the Crystal Coast in the winter. Sure a lot of the stores are closed and you may not have the variety of open restaurants like you do during peak season but you won’t have to wait in line for that fresh seafood dinner.

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Traveling to Hawaii

On our first trip to Maui, my husband Bobby and I walked up to the cabana at the Maui Marriott swimming pool to pick up a couple of towels. When we asked the attendant (Tom) stationed at the cabana for our towels, he immediately asked if we were from North Carolina. WOW! I guess our accents gave us away. We told him that we were from Raleigh. Tom exclaimed “North Carolina has the best beaches in the world”.

Say WHAT!

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Sights and Sounds of the Crystal Coast

A trip to the Crystal Coast beaches is a treasure in itself, soft sand between your toes, the sound of the waves against the shore and warm ocean breezes. With a little effort you can find treasures that often get overlooked.

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The Crystal Coast – Decades of Memories

This summer my husband Bobby and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage. Over the past 3 ½ decades, some of our favorite memories are tied to the Crystal Coast. Prom weekend 1971, I went to Atlantic Beach with 6 of my friends. Bobby also went with his friends and we spent the weekend hanging out and enjoying the sun. The following summer, I went with his family on vacation at Emerald Isle. I will never forget being tossed in his father’s boat by the huge wake of a tug on the Intercoastal Waterway. Bobby was water skiing behind us and skied over the wake like a pro.

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Coming to the Crystal Coast? Forget the Swim Suit!

When packing for the beach, one of the first items to go into the suitcase is a bathing suit. If you’re planning a trip to the Crystal Coast then I say don’t bother. Just wait until you get to Emerald Isle and visit Fran’s Beachwear. Fran’s has a huge selection of swim wear. In all my travels, I have never seen a store with the choices for bathing suits that you will find at Fran’s. Whether you are looking for a two piece, one piece, tankini, petite, women’s or suits by cup size, Fran’s Beachwear is the place to go. Fran offers every color and style you can imagine.

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