The Crystal Coast Blog

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.

Helpful Crystal Coast Rental Agency Websites

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.

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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. 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.

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Are You Renting an Emerald Isle Beach House This Summer? Here is What to Bring

Renting 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.

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It’s Easier than You Think!

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.

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Come Early to Avoid the Rush

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).

Meal Was More Like Sunday Dinner with the Family

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North Carolina Coastal Fishing Pier Update

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.

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Memories in the Thickets

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.

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For good food and quick service, it’s tough to beat Jordan’s Seafood Restaurant in Emerald Isle. On this particular Thursday afternoon (4-10), the lunch business had slowed a bit. This allowed our waitress, Shelley Gray, to provide excellent service. My wife and I each had the regular portion fried flounder along with side salad and vegetable. Our fish was perfectly fried and the green beans were tasty.

Portions to Suit Each Appetite

Normally, adults with average appetites will be satisfied with Jordan’s senior portions. If you wish to eat light, you might want to go with the child’s portion. With plenty of yummy hush puppies, you will come away satisfied.

Great Service!

Shelley was johnny-on-the-spot with the tea pitcher never leaving me with an empty glass. Kudos to you! All in all, lunch was tasty and the service outstanding! If you’re looking for consistent quality food and service, you can’t go wrong at Jordan’s! It’s one of our favorite restaurants on the Crystal Coast.

Your Feedback?

Have you eaten at Jordan’s Seafood lately? If so, tell us about your experience.

Until my next post,

Bobby

P.S. As usual, we offer our restaurant review without compensation from this establishment.

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Earlier today, I posted this question on a local Triangle blog (now published) and thought I would give you the opportunity to answer this question too - so will $4 a gallon gas prevent you from driving to the Southern Outer Banks for your vacation this summer? Many economic prognosticators predict gas prices will eclipse the $4 a gallon mark by the July 4th holiday. So where is your ultimate pain threshold for gas prices when considering a driving vacation? One only has to take a look at the license plates of Crystal Coast tourist to see this area attracts families from distant states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. What impact will $4 a gallon gas have on these travelers?

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If you have read a few of my previous post, you already know boating on the Crystal Coast is such a wonderful experience and great family fun. Of course, being prepared on the water, using common sense and remembering to be safe are keys to having a large time whether your in the Ocean or cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway. If you long for the open water or maybe desire a different vacation setting on the Crystal Coast, you might be ready for a vacation aboard your private houseboat. The folks at Outer Banks Houseboats offer either a 35′ 2003 Vagabond houseboat that sleeps 6 people or a 46′ 2004 model Luxury Aquacruiser that sleeps 10 people comfortably. Each houseboat rental comes with a 21′ Carolina Skiff.

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