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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
The 4th of July holiday will be here before you know it and the Crystal Coast is making grand plans for this
year’s edition to be a memorable one. If you’re planning a vacation trip to the Crystal Coast during the week of July 4th, here is a rundown of 4th of July holiday events scheduled to held in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, and Morehead City.
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.
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.
Longer days, crystal blue skies and warmer temps are sure signs that spring is in full swing here in Emerald Isle. Now is the right time to give your bike and biking gear a quick safety inspection before you put your bike through another rigorous workout. Ron Ryan, bike repair pro with Highway 58 Bicycles, emailed me the other day to offer these timely tips to getting your bike ready for more time spent on those wonderful bike paths here in beautiful Emerald Isle.
Ron recommends you:
During a recent visit to the Golfin Dolphin in Cape Carteret, I spoke with Assistant Manager Tiffany Chavez. Tiffany stated
Mac Daddy’s Bowling is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend. Mac Daddy’s is a complete 24-lane bowling facility with a sports bar and grill, arcade and conference rooms. Now you have one more choice for fun things to do on the Crystal Coast.
Tiffany also stated their new spring hours are in “full-swing” at the Golfin Dolphin. Weekday hours are 9:30am to 7:00pm and weekend hours are 9:00am until 7:00pm.
Once Mac Daddy’s is open, we will provide more information and photos too!
Helping you have more fun on the Crystal Coast,
Bobby
