The town of Emerald Isle has just announced the 2011 4th of July fireworks display will return to the Bogue Inlet fishing pier. After a two year absence, the town agreed to renew it’s partnership with the Bogue Inlet Fishing pier.

The 4th of July Emerald Isle Fireworks Launching Pad?

Which launch pad do you prefer for the Emerald Isle 4th of July fireworks display? The Bogue Inlet pier or the location at the McLean Park near mile marker 18 in Emerald Isle? Leave a comment and cast your vote?

Now that we have returned home from our Crystal Coast vacation, I wanted to offer “our best of the Crystal Coast” highlights. If your family took your summer vacation to the Crystal Coast, don’t forget to list your personal favorites by leaving a comment below. Here are our best of nominations!

1. Best dinner value: Jordan’s Seafood. Excellent prices, fair portions, and good reliable service is what makes this Emerald Isle restaurant tops for a dinner value.
2. Best lunch value: The Crab Shack in Salter Path with their $7.95 Baby Flounder lunch special plus 2 side items is our choice for the best lunch value on the Crystal Coast. We received 3 large pieces of Flounder making this one excellent lunch value.
3. Best ice cream: The Emerald Isle DQ soft serve followed closely by The Candy Shop Hersey ice cream are our choices for best ice cream on the Crystal Coast. Glenn and his great staff at the DQ provide awesome service even when the line is out the front door!
4. Best meal overall: The consensus of the Carroll family was our Friday evening meal at Rucker Johns. While the service on 2 of our 3 visits during the week was just “ok”, our final meal on Friday (9-11) was most tasty and the service quite improved over our previous visits. What made this particular meal special was the seared tuna entree with mixed veggies and sweet potato. For $8.95, the portions were good and the flavor outstanding! Special kudos to Becca, our RJ waitress, for her attentive service.
5. Best family activity. Hands down the trip to Beaufort with a water taxi to Shackleford Banks is a must for any family vacation to the Crystal Coast. Kids of all ages will enjoy spotting the ponies of Shackleford Banks, shelling (go early for large conch shells) and a swim in the sound. Take care not to forget to wear foot protection while roaming this barrier island as prickly burrs are plentiful. Swimming on the ocean side can be tricky as the water gets deep quickly and the currents are swift so take caution.

Can’t Miss Things To Do in Emerald Isle

For family fun, I wholeheartedly recommend the following fun things to do on your Crystal Coast vacation:

• Putt-putt golf at Emerald Forest. Every trip to Emerald Isle should include a game of putt-putt.
• Biking anywhere in Emerald Isle on those wonderful bike paths is a pure delight! Mega kudos to the Town of Emerald Isle for providing these awesome strips of asphalt for residents and visitors alike!
• A walk on the Bogue Inlet Pier after a cone of ice cream at the DQ. It’s a Carroll tradition.
• Favorite rainy day activity at the beach? A trip to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must!

Your Crystal Coast favorite Things To Do?

Now that you know our favorite things to do on vacation on the Crystal Coast, it’s time you listed your personal favorites by leaving a comment.

Helping you create wonderful vacation memories here on the Crystal Coast,

Bobby

If you live or vacation along the beaches of the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, you already know taking long walks on the beach is a popular pastime. In addition, the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean are pretty amazing. But did you know that leisurely walk along our Southern Outer Banks offers you some significant health benefits too?

Avoid Long Walks Off Short Piers

Bad joke… but yes, we have a pier on Emerald Isle (The Bogue Inlet Pier) and it’s a great place take a short stroll after your flounder meal at Jordan’s Seafood or maybe the spicy shrimp at Rucker Johns before you dive into that banana split at the DQ. For those seeking a real challenge, leave the hard surfaces behind and opt for walking in the sand. Sure, it requires greater effort than walking on a hard surface, but remember, your testing those muscles and tendons making them work harder as you motor up and down the beach.

Slow Down!!

Exercise experts all agree that walking at a slower pace requires more effort than walking fast or even jogging. By instantly adding the ingredient of  sand and it requires 2.1 to 2.7 times more energy over walking on hard surfaces. If you prefer to pick up the pace, jogging on the beach uses1.6 times more energy than jogging on hard surfaces.

When Walking the Beaches of the Crystal Coast…

We all know how too much exposure to the sun can have a terrible impact on our skin. Be sure to heap large amounts of sunblock when taking your stroll along the beaches of the Crystal Coast especially during those mid-day walks. Be sure to take care of your feet too. A quick stroll down the beach in bare feet is fine, but if you are going for a longer distance then make sure you walk in shoes. Walking shoes are an excellent choice or better yet a good pair of sandals is an excellent choice too. That way you do not have to worry about getting your shoes wet. Podiatrist also warn against walking too far in the sand in bare feet as it can result in shin splints or a sore tendon in your heel.

What to Bring Along

In addition to the sun protection mentioned earlier, if you are walking in the heat of the day, I suggest you bring along these items:

• wear a hat
• a bottle of water
• loose fitting clothing
• should you experience overheating, just stop and take a cool dip in the Atlantic

Your Feedback

When is you favorite time of day to take a walk on the beach – early morning, late evening, or midday? Please feel free to leave a comment and let the rest of us know your preference.

Your Crystal Coast Blogger,

Bobby Carroll

If you are wondering if the town of Emerald Isle will be launching it’s 4th of July fireworks display from the Bogue Inlet Pier, you can only hope it happens in 2010. Apparently, there are sign ordinance issues between the pier and the town of Emerald Isle that prevents the Bogue Inlet Pier from serving as the launching pad for this year’s Independence Day fireworks display.

Where will the Town of Emerald Isle Host It’s 2009 Fireworks Display?

Sources now report the town of Emerald Isle’s Fourth of July Celebration will light up the night at McLean Park near mile marker 18 in Emerald Isle. For more details be sure to dial 252-354-6350.

New Crystal Coast Photo Blog!

If you happen to snap a great Emerald Isle 4th of July photo, I would love to see it and share it with the thousands of readers who stop by my new Crystal Coast Photo Blog.

Drop me an email at info@crystalcoastblog.com and I’ll share your photos for all to see.

I have received many calls and questions emailed to me from readers wanting information about Crystal Coast homes and specifically about Emerald Isle condos for rent and for sale. Most of these questions center around the local Emerald Isle real estate market, and questions about things to do in Emerald Isle.

My Personal Favorite Entries From the Crystal Coast Blog

To help provide the answers many visitors to this blog have asked, here are some of my personal favorite past Crystal Coast Blog post.

Which Type of Emerald Isle Real Estate Agent Should You Select? One Who Blogs or One Who Doesn’t?

Internet Connectivity High on the List of Crystal Coast Hotel Guest

Questions for Crystal Coast Home Buyers

Factors that Impact the Success of Selling Your Emerald Isle Property

Is There Such a Thing as a Long-term Emerald Isle Rental?

The Cool Things You Can Do With Your iPhone on Emerald Isle!

Great Coffee on Emerald Isle – Beans-N-Screens

I hope you enjoy reading these post as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know which one was your “personal fav”!
Bobby Carroll – Your Crystal Coast Blogger

This is one family event you will not want to miss. The Emerald Isle Parks & Rec is hosting a “Friday Free Flick”, Friday, April 17. Checkout the details below. If you are planning a trip to the Crystal Coast, don’t miss the FREE movie “Bolt”.

Crystal Coast Event

Event Date: Friday, Apr. 17, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 pm
Friday Free Flick • Join us at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation building at 7500 Emerald Drive on Friday, April 17th at 7pm for “Bolt”. The movie is rated PG and the admission is FREE!

All children, be sure you bring your parent(s). $1 = popcorn and a drink. Remember, no outside food or beverage is allowed.

For more information on this family-friendly Crystal Coast event, contact Laura Lee Davis.

Laura is the Program Supervisor with the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation
Phone: 252.354.6350
Email Laura: davis@emeraldisle-nc.org

Why Emerald Isle is such a Great Place to Live and Visit!

The awesome part of residing (or visiting) a small NC Coastal town like Emerald Isle is the really cool family-friendly events the crew at the parks and recreation host. Besides the obvious scenic beauty and the recreational opportunities, what other reasons would you list for living or visiting the Crystal Coast?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Bobby Carroll – Your Crystal Coast Blogger

Vacation season is almost upon us here on the Crystal Coast and first-time visitors to Emerald Isle always want to know what they can do especially with the economy more focused on saving money. With that said, here are 10 wallet-saving things to do on the Crystal Coast.

1. Take a kid fishing on the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
2. Take the short water taxi ride to Shackelford Banks to see the Shackelford Banks ponies and go shell collecting. You’ll need to drive to Beaufort (45 minutes) from Emerald Isle. Operated by the Outer Banks Ferry Service located on the Beaufort waterfront at 326 Front Street, Beaufort, NC,  I recommend you call 252-728-4129 for schedules and more information.
3. Play putt-putt at the Emerald Forest Putt-Putt course
4. Rent bikes from Hwy 58 Bikes rentals in Emerald Isle. It’s so convenient, the shop is located right on the Emerald Isle bike path.
5. Shell collecting on the beaches of  Emerald Isle (simple pleasures are priceless)
6. Go bowling at Mac Daddy’s in Cape Carteret. This is the perfect rainy day family activity!
   
7. Hit the waterslide in Emerald Isle. One of the oldest amusement parks on the Crystal Coast, the Water Boggan is located at the corner of Reed Drive and Islander Drive (less than a half a mile from the Emerald Isle Bridge).
8. Visit Fort Macon on the east end of the island of Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach. This North Carolina state park and civil war fort offers the public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast—as well as a historic landmark.
9. Fly your kite on the beaches of Emerald Isle
10. Catch a movie at the Emerald Isle movie threater. For those rainy days, why not catch a movie at the Emerald Plantation Cinemas located at the Food Lion shopping in Emerald Isle. Phone (252) 354-7263 for list of movies and show times.

On the Pricier Side

• Kayak to Bear Island ($55 per person) to Hammocks Beach State Park. A short drive over the Emerald Isle Bridge to the waterfront hamlet of Swansboro, here you can leasurely kayak to Bear Island.
  
• Rent jet skis at Water Sports Jetski Rentals (address: 1960 Salter Path Road Salter Path, NC 28575 Phone: (252) 247-7303) Bogue Sound is the perfect location to rent a jet ski or waverunner. Here your family can navigate the many islands that dot our Intracoastal Waterway while keeping a safe distance from larger boats.
• Visit the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Here you can have a close encounter with a stingray and even get eye to eye with a shark. Perfect for those rainy days at the beach, this is one of the most popular attractions on the Crystal Coast.  Located five (5) miles west of Atlantic Beach, take NC 58. Turn onto Pine Knoll Boulevard at the stoplight at Milepost 7. Turn left onto Roosevelt Drive. For N.C. Aquarium hours, it’s best to call 252-247-4003 or toll-free 866-294-3477 for a complete list of events and hours of operation.

What’s Your Favorite Activity on the Crystal Coast?

If you are a veteran Crystal Coast vacationer, please leave a comment and let everyone know what fun activity your family loves here on the Crystal Coast.

Your Crystal Coast Blogger – Bobby Carroll

Follow EmeraldIsleNC on Twitter

I recently asked my five year old grandson to write his first blog. Below is what he typed on the computer and added to my Facebook page:

Guest Post by Taylor Cookman

What makes Nana and Papa’s house special is their toy’s and TV. I also like to go with Nana and Papa to the Farmer’s Market to eat chicken nuggets. Papa and Nana are fun to play with. Nana and me like to play crosswords. Me and Papa like to play trains. I also like to go to the Parade of Homes in Raleigh with Nana and Papa and Mommy and Daddy, and look in the homes.

My Favorite Things to do in Emerald Isle

I love to go to Emerald Isle and play with Ethan. I love to go to Grandma’s Toy Shop and buy toys! I like to eat the hushpuppies at Jordan’s House of Seafood. I also like the Lost Treasure Golf and the Emerald Forest Golf.

I love Nana and Papa,

Taylor Cookman

P.S. I also love Emerald Isle!

Great Coffee and FREE Wi-Fi!

If you are in need of a great cup of joe and a quick surf on the Internet while you’re visiting Emerald Isle, you must swing by Beans-N-Screens Internet Cafe in the Emerald Plantation shopping center. Kim Ervin and her great team of expert baristas will whip up your favorite latte or espresso in no time.

Emerald Isle Real Estate Agents – How about this Idea!

If you’re out showing Emerald isle condos or single-family vacation homes, why not stop by Beans-N-Screens and take advantage of their free WI-FI Internet access. Even better, why not schedule a regular time each week you will be “camped-out” at Beans-N-Screens to answer questions about Emerald Isle real estate and provide FREE MLS home searches for those vacation visitors who stop by for a cup of their favorite blend. Heck – why not make a big statement and give away a few cups of coffee to your guest!

Great Coffee – Even Better Service!

What I love about Kim and her staff is they know how to have fun and serve great coffee. From the finest expresso straight from Italy to the best organic grinds, Beans-N-Screens has it all!

Your Crystal Coast Blog Recommendation!

Beans-N-Screens is my personal favorite hangout for great coffee and free WIFI in Emerald Isle. In fact, I wrote this post while in this very cool Emerald Isle coffee shop and I highly recommend this local business to locals and visitors alike!

Until next time,

Bobby

P.S. Summer hours at Beans-N-Screens are Monday-Friday open 6AM, close at 8PM and weekends Beans-N-Screens opens at 7AM and they close nightly at 8PM.

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