Crowds Flock to Emerald Isle to Celebrate Our Nation’s Birthday

In spite of $4 a gallon gas, large crowds gathered at the Crystal Coast town of Emerald Isle. The beaches were jammed, the DQ was filled with those seeking to satisfy their sweet tooth (hats off to Glenn’s team!) and the restaurants had long lines with equally long wait times (Jordan’s Seafood was awesome Saturday night-we did takeout!). Everyone (locals and vacationers) seem to accept the long lines and enjoy this 4th of July holiday.

Fireworks All Along the Shores of the Crystal Coast!

Of course, you would expect thousands to pack the beach in Emerald Isle to watch fireworks launched from the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and they did. No one was disappointed as the display went off without a hitch. Even the visitors and home owners along the beach joined in the celebration setting off their own aerial display to the delight of all. The weather was ideal with clear balmy breezes. The Friday night air was heavy with exploding works of art all up and down the beach.

A Holiday Weekend to Remember!

One of the wonderful aspects to a quick get-away to the NC Coast is the interesting people you meet for the first time and getting reacquainted with those you may have seen years ago. Even the kids got in on the action making instant new friends. Our five year old grandson Taylor bonded with many new playmates along the Emerald Isle shores including Jackson and Campbell from Durham. For all of us, this truly was a memorable 4th of July!

Now it’s Your Turn!

What was a highlight of your 2008 4th of July?

Until my next post,

Bobby

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.

Some Traditions Are Hard to Break

When I was a child, a trip to the NC coast always meant comic books to read in the car, Hershey’s miniature candies, banana sandwiches and powdered mini doughnuts. Several of these traditions have continued through the years. While I’ve given up the comic books but I still can’t go to the beach without having powdered mini doughnuts for breakfast and banana sandwiches for lunch. For some reason, a banana sandwich just taste better at the beach.

Shrimps, Eggs and Dips Oh My!

Our family beach trip to Emerald Isle always includes at least one meal at Rucker Johns and one meal at Jordan’s Seafood. We also have to have one breakfast at Mikes and one at the Emerald Grill. A vacation would not be complete without at least one butterscotch dip from the Emerald Isle Dairy Queen. It’s amazing how effecient those kids can be at the DQ! If it sounds like a lot of my beach vacation traditions involve food, you’re right!. Maybe that’s why they are called comfort foods. Vacations are all about comfort. Don’t you agree?

Holding to Precious North Carolina Coastal Landmarks – Our Fishing Piers!

Our traditions do include more activities than just eating. Many sultry summer evenings are spent walking out on the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. This is a tradition I hope we can hold on to for many years to come especially now that a number of the piers on the Crystal Coast have been torn down or destroyed by past storms. It’s shame to see them replaced by single-family oceanfront homes and condos.

The Girl’s Gotta Shop!

I have my favorite places to shop and visiting them while on vacation is a must. The Crystal Coast has lots of boutiques and gift shops with unique beach themed items. I am an avid reader too and while on vacation, I have to visit The Emerald Isle Books and Toys to select my reading material. Their selection of fiction and non-fictions by local authors is one on the largest I have found.

What family or personal traditions do you have when you visit the Crystal Coast?

Until our next post,

Pam

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.

Flip Flops Shop Information:
3305 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Phone: 252-354-3446
Fax: 252-354-9444
Web site: N/A

Ready to Make Your Crystal Coast Beach Home Flip?

If you need some inspiration to “jazz-up” your bathrooms, be prepared to be “wowed” by what you see at Flip Flops. These photos don’t do them justice!

Have You Shopped at Flip Flops?

If so, tell us what you think of this cool little island oasis of interesting knick knacks.

Helping you shop smarter,

Pam

P.S. Don’t forget to sample the hand-dipped ice cream…yummy!

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.

From Head to Toe

Like most women, my weakness is shoes and Fran’s Beachwear has an alcove full of the most unique shoes you will find. Some of my best catches have been sandals that are made by “Island Hawaii” Shoes. Fran’s has the largest selection of that brand that I’ve found on the mainland. Fran’s Beachwear also has a complete line of beach cover-ups, hats, shorts and outfits perfect for strolling along the sand at the waters edge or enjoying an evening out at one of the fine restaurants on the Crystal Coast.

The Place to Go

An established landmark in Emerald Isle for 30 years, the staff of Fran’s Beachwear is friendly, helpful and will make you feel right at home. Make sure you add Fran’s Beachwear to your agenda when visiting the Crystal Coast for some of the best name brands of bathing suits, clothes, jewelry and summer purses.

Fran’s Beachwear is located at Mile Marker 19, NC Hwy 58 in Emerald Isle right next to the Dairy Queen so don’t eat too much ice cream or all your purchases from Fran’s may be to tight by the time your vacation is over.

Feel free to share your experience or great finds at Fran’s Beachwear.

Enjoy,

Pam

P.S. No compensation was received from Fran’s Beachwear for writing this review. These comments are purely based on my personal experience visiting Fran’s on many, many occasions. :>)