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

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Hours of the Annual Atlantic Beach Kite Fest Event

10:00am – 5:00pm Both Days
Saturday – 8:00pm Night Fly

On the Kite Fest Calendar

• Kites from Around the World
• Candy Drops for the kids
• Kite Building for Kids
• Team Flying

Planned Mass Ascensions Include

• Dragons
• Soft Kites
• Facets/Boxes
• Deltas
• Flat and Bowed
• Sky Skimmers

Kites Unlimited of Atlantic Beach – Your Main Organizer

Organized by Kites Unlimited of Atlantic Beach, the entire event is dependent on volunteer efforts. For more information, call Kites Unlimited at 252-247-7011.

Are You Planning to be at The Atlantic Beach Carolina Kite Fest?

If so, don’t forget to bring your camera as the skies of Atlantic Beach will be filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes.

See you there,

Bobby

1. Play miniature golf! There are several Crystal Coast miniature golf courses located in and around Emerald Isle. My personal favorite is the Emerald Forest Putt-Putt “tract”. It’s located adjacent to the Pacific Beach Superstore at 8720 Reed Drive across from the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. The course is still in fairly good condition. That means the bricks that outline each hole allow for the ball to remain on that particular hole. This is very important for those “junior golfers” who might find it a bit of a challenge to keep their ball on the course. Crystal Coast Blog secret: Local catalogs contain a $1 off coupon so be sure you have yours when you arrive. Call ahead for hours of operation: 252-354-5034.
2. Visit the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores! Rainy days at the Crystal Coast are common in the late summer and early fall months so why not take advantage of those rainy days by planning a trip to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Crystal Coast Blog secret: This is a very popular Crystal Coast attraction, so be prepared to get there early especially on those dreary days at the beach.
3. Go Fly a Kite! Scheduled for October 24th through the 26th, the Kite Fest is held at the Atlantic Beach Sheraton Hotel. It is a wonderful family friendly 2-day event with kite flying demos and activities held on the beach at the Sheraton. All events are organized by Kites Unlimited of Atlantic Beach. For more information, please call 252-247-7011. Crystal Coast Blog secret: This is another popular event and parking space can be difficult to find. Come early and avoid a long hike to the festival site.
4. Go Fish! The fall is the perfect time to take a kid fishing. Whether it’s casting your line from the shores of the Crystal Coast or from the Bogue Inlet fishing pier, the fall time of year is best time to land the big one. Crystal Coast Blog secret: Make your trip more convenient by simply renting your fishing gear from the Bogue Inlet fishing pier in Emerald Isle. For those families headed down to the beach from the Triangle area, many stop at the Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston, NC for bait, rods and reels.

What Are the Other Kid-Friendly Things to do on the Crystal Coast?

Be sure to leave a comment let our readers know what other fun things you have discovered on the Crystal Coast during the fall season.

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

What Inspired Your Cottage Name?

Many beach cottage names are obviously nautically inspired while others are connected to a favorite college or pro sports team. Some property names elude to a favorite past time or maybe evoke a sense of a person’s character (or lack there of). Some are based on the surname of the owners while others are inspired by a breath-taking scene of natural beauty. Here on the Southern Outer Banks, you might find a cottage named after a whimsical place and time. Whatever you call your property, we are looking for your favorite Crystal Coast beach cottage name and digital photo of the sign/property.

What’s Your Favorite Crystal Coast Cottage Name?

So if you own property along the Southern Outer Banks, in communities like Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores or Atlantic Beach, what favorite name do proudly display on your property for all to see?

Feel Free to Email Your Photos

If you would like, feel free to email us a photo of your Crystal Coast beach cottage (and include the name too!) Optimum file size should be under 500kbs please. All digital images submitted to this blog become the property of the Crystal Coast Blog (all rights reserved). You may email your photos to info@crystalcoastblog.com. Our editorial staff reserves the right to select photos that appropriately display the name of a Crystal Coast cottage. All photos must be in “good taste”. Remember, we have young readers who read this blog and we desire to keep this portal family-friendly at all times.

Even If You Don’t Have a Crystal Coast Cottage – What Would You Name It?

Tell us what creative name you would conjure for your dream vacation property along the Atlantic shores of the Crystal Coast (or anywhere else for that matter)?

I have created many names but one of my favorites is “Surfin the Digital Wave!” Don’t forget to share your favorite beach cottage name!

Be safe and enjoy your 4th of July holiday. I’ll be seeing you at the beach,

Bobby

The City of Morehead City sponsored 4th of July Celebration

Friday July 4th Independence Day – Happy Birthday America!!! Celebration
On Friday, July 4th, Morehead City will host a concert at Jaycee Park. The musical group “Boomerang” will be in concert commencing at 7:00PM. Fireworks after Dusk.

Saturday July 5th Concert at Jaycee Park, “Boomerang” at 7:00PM

Town of Emerald Isle 4th of July Celebration

Fireworks at Bogue Inlet Pier – Emerald Isle
Event Date: July 4, 2008

The town of Emerald Isle will host a fireworks display sponsored by Bogue Inlet Pier and Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation on Friday evening at the Bogue Inlet Pier.
For more information call 252-354-6350.
Event Times: 9:30 PM

Town of Atlantic Beach 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Event Date: Jul. 4, 2008
Event Times: 9:00 pm

The town of Atlantic Beach will host its annual fireworks display at 9:00 PM on Friday, July 4th at The Circle. You are encouraged to bring your beach chairs and blankets for this awesome holiday event.

For more information, please call 252-726-2121 or email tab@atlanticbeach-nc.com

The Town of Beaufort 4th of July Pyrates on Parade Celebration

4th of July “Pyrates on Parade”
Event Date: July 4th

The Beaufort Business Association will sponsor the parade beginning at 11:00 am.
For more information, please contact Martha Barnes.
Phone: 252-728-3917

As you can see, the 4th of July holiday on the Crystal Coast will be a grand old time.

Enjoy your 4th of July holiday and be safe!

Bobby

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

Here on the beaches of the Southern Outer Banks, it’s always the right season to come fly your kite. And if you’re in need of such a “flying machine”, there is no better place to purchase said “stringed aerial apparatus” than at Kites Unlimited (& BirdStuff, etc.) in Atlantic Beach. Located in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center just down from the Outer Banks Outfitters marine store, this is one shop that is a must on your list of Atlantic Beach shops to visit.

Kites Galore!

Store Owner Don and his fine staff offer hundreds of assorted single line and steerable kites in many shapes and sizes. From beginner flyers to kites for the serious expert and all skill levels in between, you’re sure to find the right kite to satisfy your fun factor.

Kites & More!

Don’t forget, Kites Unlimited offers a wide range of other fun items including windsocks, flags, unique games and puzzles. Offering all manner of bird feeders and other bird stuff, the opposite side of the store is jam packed with feeders, seed, birdbaths and birdhouses.

Kite Fly-In Hits The Beach!

One of the biggest events to hit the Crystal Coast in the fall is the annual Carolina Kite Festival. Held each year in late October at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, this event attracts many participants with assorted kites and skill levels. Open to anyone who wishes to participate, this is one of the more popular events held on the Crystal Coast.

Have you purchased a kite from Kites Unlimited & BirdStuff, etc? Tell us about your experience.

Until my next post,

Bobby – Your Crystal Coast Blogger