Playing on the beach at Emerald Isle.
Vacation Memories
There’s nothing like a family vacation for making memories. I experienced that recently with my two daughters and their families on the Crystal Coast of NC at Emerald Isle. Although I’ve lived in North Carolina all my life, I had never been to Emerald Isle before last week. With crystal clear water and clean beaches, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Earlier this year, my oldest daughter, Kristin, her husband, Brian and their two sons, Carson and Garrett made plans to stay at the Holiday Trav-L-Park in Emerald Isle. Not much of a camper, but wanting to vacation with them, I began looking for a place to stay nearby, discovering the condos at Queens Court. My youngest daughter, Kelly, her husband, Ben and my granddaughter, Clara made plans to stay there, too. After arriving, we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Loving the view of the ocean from our third-floor condo, we spent hours on the balcony. At the end of the week when time to go home, we didn’t want to leave.
Life at Emerald Isle seems a little slower than some beaches which is a perfect fit for a family vacation. Walking on the beach, digging in the sand or finding sea shells are popular activities. Watching my grandkids dig holes in the sand and other times ride a wave with the help of their dad held just the right amount of excitement for me.
The perfect ending to one of our last nights on the island was a stop at Yeti Ice and Grill near the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. Known for having great hamburgers and hot dogs, Yeti’s also has a variety of flavors of shaved ice. I choose the snow cream and liked it so much I went back the next day for another cup. Yeti’s is a short walk from the pier, so after our purchase the first night, we took a stroll in the moonlight passing excited fishermen pulling in their catch. One fisherman caught a huge crab that made everyone laugh. As if to escape the line once pulled in, the crab began walking the wooden plank. Everyone said it was the largest crab they had seen. My grandkids were fascinated.
If you’ve never been to Emerald Isle, make plans to go. Fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, hiking, golf, shopping, good food, it’s all there. While there’s lots of theories as to how Emerald Isle got its name, such as hidden treasures yet to be found, most believe the name came from the beautiful green color of the water seen in the photo above. Taken at dusk, my three grandchildren aren’t aware of the changing colors, they’re just having fun. Whatever the “real” reason for its name, there’s no doubt Emerald Isle is a true treasure waiting for you to discover.
What is your favorite vacation “spot” and why? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
