This post will represent a slight divergent from my normal topics about the Crystal Coast. Since so many of my real estate agent friends like for me to delve into search engine optimization (SEO). I figured it was time to take a short vacation from my musings on all things Crystal Coast real estate.
I realize some of you just don’t have the time to search for the spring rental and hotel deals on the 
Southern Outer Banks (or some are just to dang lazy to do it!), but I decided to see for myself if all this “talk” about NC Coast spring vacation rental and hotel discounts was just that – a lot of talk. Well guess what? There are spring beach deals out there but who knows how long they are going to last. Remember – it’s first come, first served!
I read an interesting article in the business section of the News and Observer this past Saturday. The article implied that people are waiting before they book their vacation rentals and make their hotel reservations for the Crystal Coast. It seems the primary reasons we are “sitting on our hands” is because of the economy, the gas prices and the elusive search to save a buck!
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.
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.
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.
Are You Renting an Emerald Isle Beach House This Summer? Here is What to BringRenting a Crystal Coast beach cottage or condo can be a wonderful experience if you remember to bring along all the essential items you need to make your vacation more enjoyable. If you forget an item, more than likely you will be able rent it once you arrive. Comprehensive beach rental gear vendors are located in Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.
We all know the beach is a wonderful place to make memories. And what better way to document your time
together than by taking awesome photographs. Believe it or not, beautiful photos can be taken on the beach and it’s easier than you think. We recommend you try these simple tips.
For those who have never visited Emerald Isle and the Southern Outer Banks, if you’re planning a trip to the Crystal Coast you must make it a point to dine at RuckeRJohns in Emerald Isle in the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Those who come to Emerald Isle know you must arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait (high season Friday & Saturday supper wait times can exceed 1.5 hours).
If you have read my recent post, you can tell I find it disturbing that parts of our coastal heritage are disappearing right in front of our eyes. One only has to look back at these special places that are no longer on the Crystal Coast for us to enjoy. No longer can you take your son or daughter to fish off Crystal Coast fishing piers like the Triple S Pier torn down in late March 2008 or the Iron Steamer Pier torn down in early 2005 to make room for ten single-family beach homes.
About twenty years ago I took my son Brad and his friend David on a camping trip to the Salter Path Campgrounds for his birthday. Hidden among the thickets of this Bogue Banks maritime forest, we pitched horseshoes during the day, and ate roasted marshmellows and told ghost stories by the flickering campfire in the evening. Camping was (and still is) awesome fun, affordable and a great way to bond with my son. At the Salter Path Family Camp Grounds, we made memories that will last a lifetime.
