Get Ready for Summer at the Crystal Coast Boat Show on the Morehead City Waterfront

As the number of days leading up to summer gets shorter, the list of things to do while vacationing in Emerald Isle gets longer! We know, we know. Beach time is a top priority. It's easy to fill the days with sun, sand, and surf. If you want to spend all of your days staying on the beach, we won't mind one bit. We just like to give you plenty of options while you're here.

As mentioned in our last blog, there are several waterfront towns that are worth visiting if you have the time. Morehead City is one of those towns. It's conveniently located off of Bogue Banks by taking the Atlantic Beach Bridge right into Morehead City. It's perfect to add as a day trip any time of year with opportunities to shop and dine in some fabulous establishments along the waterfront. Take a stroll down Charter Boat Row and enjoy firsthand views of topnotch fishing boats and charter vessels.

Speaking of boats, this weekend is a great opportunity to see in-water and on-shore boats—and lots of 'em. The Crystal Coast Boat Show runs Saturday, May 19 (10a.m. - 5p.m.) through Sunday May 20 (11a.m. - 4p.m.) along the Morehead City Waterfront and attracts people from all over. Gear up for the summer season by visiting the various vendors on-hand showcasing everything from marine products and services, outdoor gear, and fishing tackle to fishing clubs, resource conservation groups, and so much more. 

This is another free (we love free!) event open to the public offering a variety of activities for the entire family.

Additional Highlights of The Crystal Coast Boat Show Include:

• ARTrageous public art event right on the waterfront hosted by the Art Council of Carteret County.
• Annual Antique Auto Show sponsored by the Antique Automobile Club of America happens at Katherine Davis Park in Morehead City.
• Sunset Party in the Park Concert by the Steady Eddies at Jaycee Park in Morehead City.
• Band concerts.
• Pirate Treasure Hunt for the kids (12 and under). Kids cruise on a ferry boat to Sugarloaf Island to hunt for treasure with real pirates. Argh!
• Food and beverage vendors (just in case you get hungry or thirsty).

For a full listing of activities, days, and times, please check out the schedule of events.

With all the buzz about boats, fishing, and being out on the water it may not be enough to just vacation here. Perhaps you should consider a permanent relocation at the beach? Then you could partake in the coastal scenery and activity year-round. We highly recommend it!

Tell us about your favorite things to do in the water, on the water, or near the water. We love your input, so please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Stay & Play on Emerald Isle's Beaches and Plan to Spend a Day (or More!) on the Beaufort Waterfront

Our last blog touched upon some of the top reasons to vacation in North Carolina's Emerald Isle in the month of May. We also mentioned that we'd tell you more in future blog posts, and we like to keep our word, so this is one of them.

Our beaches speak for themselves. They are one of the top reasons to vacation here any time of year. Once you see the sparkling crystal-clear waters, the natural beauty of the pristine beaches, and the unending coastal charm of Bogue Banks—you won't soon forget them. They will keep you coming back for more.

Naturally, most people prefer to stay right on the beach. It is convenient and the views are unforgettable. Throw on your beachwear, grab your sunscreen, umbrella, and beach chair, and walk right on out to the beach. It really doesn't get much better than that. Also remember that during the month of May, there are vacation rental discounts available. Be sure to check those out!

While we love the beaches of the Southern Outer Banks region, we only think it's fair to tell you that the waterfronts and their quaint towns are worth a visit, too. Emerald Isle is conveniently located near several (Swansboro, Morehead City, and Beaufort). We only have time and space to touch on one of these right now, but we'll revisit the others in future blog posts. We promise.

The waterfront town of Beaufort is approximately a half-hour drive from Emerald Isle (maybe a bit more, depending on traffic). It is a scenic coastal drive and the destination is the perfect spot for a day trip. Beaufort is rich with maritime and historical influence and offers things to do year-round such as strolling the waterfront, shopping in its unique storefronts, and dining at some fabulous restaurants. The North Carolina Maritime Museum and Beaufort Historic Site are must-sees. This time of year is ideal for a ferry ride around some of the local islands. You will have the opportunity to see everything from majestic yachts and sailboats to the wild horses on Carrot Island.

Beaufort often has special events occurring in addition to its everyday attractions. If you're here this weekend be sure to stop by one of Beaufort's flagship events—The Beaufort Music Festival. Beginning at 5:30p.m. on Friday, May 11, you'll find an artist lineup that's sure to please. Come back on Saturday, May 12 from 12:30p.m. to 10p.m. for another fun-filled day of music and so much more. This festival is highly supportive of the arts and the community. We are proud to boast that it is another free event which is family friendly. So bring yourself, bring the kids, you can even bring the dog (leashed, please), and come on out.

For the active-at-heart, The Beaufort Music Festival is also hosting the 5K Fun Run on Saturday May 12. The event begins at 8a.m. on the Beaufort Waterfront. With same-day registration beginning at 7a.m., you still have the opportunity to participate and support a great educational cause.

As usual we could go and on, but we'll call it a blog. You know we love your input, so please tell us your favorite thing to do when staying with us in Emerald Isle!

The Top 3 Reasons to Plan Your Emerald Isle Vacation in May

We hope to see you here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina this year. Our sandy shores, undulating tides, and sea-salt air beckon you to come and relax with us for awhile. 

With the ushering in of May (yes, it's May), Memorial Day is right around the corner. Traditionally, that's the "official" start of the season here on the beach. However, each year as the popularity of this area of the Southern Outer Banks increases, the off-season decreases. Our visitors have realized that summer is not the only time to visit and vacation with us here on the coast!

With that being said, it's not too early to book your summer beach getaway—but keep in mind that it's also not too late to book your May beach getaway. Why wait until summer? We have some fabulous vacation rental discounts this time of year, so be sure to check those out.

Have we convinced you yet? Just to peak your interest a bit further, we've included our  Top 3 Reasons to Plan Your Emerald Isle Vacation in May. We know you want to soak up some rays and allow for some serious beach time, but here are a few additional things you may want to plan around or pencil in to your itinerary this month.

Reason #1: The MCAS Cherry Point Air Show. During the first weekend in May, the 2012 Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Air Show begins on Friday evening, May 4, and continues through Sunday, May 6. Cherry Point is located in Havelock and is about 30 miles from Emerald Isle. It is the home of the largest military  air show in North Carolina. The MCAS Air Show offers free admission and free parking! It's a chance to experience aviation at its best with the highlight being a demonstration by the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. In addition to the incredible sights, this year's show offers a free concert on Saturday featuring Darryl Worley, Bill Gentry, and David Kroll.

Reason #2: Mother's Day. Mother's Day is quickly approaching and May 13 will be here before you know it. Time with family seems incredibly limited these days so make it an extra special celebration by gathering up the entire family and spending it here in Emerald Isle. Why not plan to bring the extended family, too? Sun-Surf Realty has spacious accommodations in ideal locations for special events such as these.

Reason #3: Memorial Day. Primarily a day to remember those who have died in service to our nation, Memorial Day is observed on May 28 this year. As mentioned earlier in this blog, the military has a strong presence in the area with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. Why not tie in some historical and modern day meaning along with the traditional Memorial Day gatherings, picnics, and time with family? It's also an opportune time for a long weekend getaway during the holiday (or better yet, extend it a week or two if you have the time) in a relaxing coastal setting. You can find all of these things right here.

Well, we've made our case for some of the top reasons you should consider a vacation here this month. Of course there are so many more reasons to be here in May, but we just don't have time to list them all. (Stay tuned for more information in future blog posts.)

In the meantime, we we want to hear from you! If you've vacationed in Emerald Isle, tell us about your top reason(s) for choosing it as a vacation destination in our comment section. Share the love!

Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend on the Crystal Coast

Two of our favorite things are being celebrated on the Crystal Coast this weekend: food and wine! Pair those with scenic coastal views from the historic waterfront town of Beaufort located on North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks, and you have all of the necessary ingredients for an exquisite weekend that's sure to titillate your taste buds.

The 8th Annual Beaufort Food and Wine Weekend showcases regionally and nationally renowned chefs coupled with a delightful variety of wines, winemakers, and wineries from around the world. You'll find everything from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and seminars, and winemaker dinners to deck parties, a fashion show luncheon, and a celebrity grand gala and auction. Saturday's big events are the Vin de Mer Grand Tasting and Culinary Village and the Historic Homes Vintner's Receptions.

Featured chefs include:

• Sandra Guiterrez, food writer and author of the best-selling cookbook, The New Southern-Latino Table; Recipes That Bring Together the Bold and Beloved Flavors of Latin America and the American South.

• Scott Howell, Chef-Owner of Nana’s in Durham, NC, 2012 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast. His restaurant has been recognized as one of the 20 best organic restaurants in the country by Organic Style Magazine.

• Nathan Thurston, Chef of The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston, SC. He's received numerous awards including first place at The Annual Adluh Grits Competition, the Le Grand Cuisinier Gold Medal, and multiple medals in American Culinary Federation sanctioned competitions.

• Keith Rhodes of Catch Restaurant located in Wilmington, NC.

• Chris Kastner of CK's Real Food in Hailey, Idaho.

• Nationally-recognized Chef Amy Tornquist of Watts Grocery, Durham, NC.

Featured wineries include:

• Authentiquevin wineries from France’s Loire Valley.

• Puro Uno Wineries from Argentina.

• Tortoise Creek Winery, Arietta Vineyards, and Folie a Deux (all from California).

• And more!

With events beginning on Wednesday, April 25 and continuing through Sunday, April 29, the Beaufort Food and Wine Weekend is a popular festival hosting a plethora of events. It has been chosen as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for April 2012. There are a varied selection of festivities to choose from, but please note that events are ticketed and tend to sell-out quickly. Be sure to check out the schedule of events for information, availability, and pricing.

Also of note, Beaufort tied for first place as “America’s Coolest Small Town” for 2012 by Budget Travel magazine. Beaufort is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Emerald Isle and makes for a nice day trip whether you're coming for this weekend's events or any time you are in the area. The approximately 45-minute coastal drive leads you through the beach towns of Indian Beach, Salter Path and Pine Knolls Shores and across several area bridges into the waterfront town.

Sun-Surf Realty can help you find accommodations through our wide selection of vacation rentals in Emerald Isle. Get the best of both worlds by staying with us at the beach and then making the day-trip to Beaufort!

We'd love to hear about some of the day trips you take while you're vacationing here (or living here) in Emerald Isle. Feel free to tell us about them in our comment section!

Hope For The Warriors Bicycle Ride: Le Tour de Bogue Banks

It's not unusual to see bicycles traversing both the shores and streets of Bogue Banks from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. We think this area is a fantastic place to bike! It's a great way to get some exercise while you breathe in the ocean air and take in the coastal views. If you're in town this weekend, you'll notice that something more is going on than just your normal bike traffic.

Le Tour de Bogue Banks bicycle ride begins its second year this Saturday, April 21 by donating all its proceeds to the Hope For The Warriors organization. This organization was founded by a group of military wives in 2006 in hopes of gaining support for wounded U.S. service members, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Hope For The Warriors was founded (and is still headquartered) in North Carolina but has grown and established a nationwide presence.

This year's event begins at 8 a.m. and has two bicycle rides including a long course and a short course. The long course is a 42.6-mile ride that begins at the Atlantic Beach Town Park just off Hwy. 58 and continues over the Atlantic Beach Bridge through the town of Morehead City and on to Cape Carteret then returning over the Emerald Isle Bridge through the towns of Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, and finishing in Atlantic Beach.

The short course is a 10-mile ride that begins at the Atlantic Beach Town Park and continues on to Fort Macon State Park and back.

If you'll be in Emerald Isle this weekend, it's not too late to join in either ride and support our military and their families. Same-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Atlantic Beach Town Park with a $50 donation for participation in the long course and a $25 donation for the short course.

Even if you're not up for the bicycle ride, step out and cheer on our riders! They'd love to see you and they'd certainly appreciate your encouragement.

There is still time to make plans to stay with us in Emerald Isle this weekend whether you are a spectator or a participant in the Hope For The Warriors Le Tour de Bogue Banks event. Sun-Surf Realty can help you find just the right vacation rental for your needs.

Can't make it this weekend? Plan ahead for your summer vacation and bring your bike or rent one while you're here. We'd love to hear about your biking adventures on the Crystal Coast, so please share them with us in our comment section!

Planning Your Emerald Isle Vacation? Bring Your Pet!

According to a survey conducted by the APPA (American Pet Products Association), current statistics indicate that 62% percent of U.S. households own a pet. That figure translates into 72.9 million households—46.3 million of those households own dogs and 38.9 million own cats. Let's face it, when we plan our vacations we need to remember that our pets need vacations, too. They are, after all, an integral part of our families.

We sometimes take for granted their unconditional love, loyal companionship, and fervent enthusiasm for our company. So why would you leave them behind? Reward them with some time away, expand their horizons by traveling to new and exciting places, and most importantly let them be a part of the lifetime of memories you are making.

The Crystal Coast of North Carolina is proud to offer beaches that are pet-friendly. Here in Emerald Isle, we have found that dogs love our beaches. They are particularly fond of cool early morning walks with their owners, the refreshing splash of the ocean waves against their paws, and the coastal breeze blowing through their fur. The pure joy they experience while frolicking in the sand is evident to any observer. They are entertained for hours just by watching the kids playing in the sand, keenly tracking those lively seagulls, or just napping under the umbrella.

In addition to the beach, your dog may also enjoy some time in a cooler, shadier locale. Emerald Isle Woods Park is just the place for a change of scenery from the sand, sun, and waves. Conveniently located about a quarter of a mile from the intersection of Hwy 58 (Emerald Drive) and Coast Guard Road, this 41-acre park offers walking and hiking trails which are a perfect way for pets and their owners to spend some quality time together, while getting some exercise, too.

Whether you and your pet are on the beach, walking the trails, or strolling through town, Emerald Isle pet regulations require that your dog be on a leash at all times and that you clean up after your pet.

Now that you know a little bit more about what we have to offer, it's time to start looking at where you and your pet are going to stay while vacationing here. Sun-Surf Realty offers some fantastic pet-friendly accommodations, which include oceanfront rental locations and beyond so you'll be able to book the perfect place for you and your pet.

Have you and your pet vacationed in Emerald Isle? We'd love to hear about it in our comment section! If not, there's no time like the present to make your plans. We'd love to see you (and your pet) here in the very near future!

The Top 3 Reasons to Visit Emerald Isle in the Spring

Let's face it, most of us think of summer as the prime time for a beach vacation. Honestly, we'll argue that anytime is a great time for a beach vacation, but let's look at the top three reasons why we think you should consider visiting Emerald Isle, North Carolina in the spring.

1. Discounted vacation rental rates.

We are all looking to save some money wherever we can, so one of the major advantages to booking in the spring is the price break. You will find that many places offer pre-season discounts during this time of year.

At Sun-Surf Realty we are offering a couple of discounts on vacation rentals we hope will entice you to come and visit us in the very near future. Are you thinking of getting away over Easter? It's right around the corner so come and celebrate with us in Emerald Isle! We have an Easter in Emerald Isle special right now where you can spend four nights for the price of three, or three nights for the price of two. We are also offering a 10% discount on available weeks in the months of April and May.

2. Great weather for great attractions.

With average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to high-70s during the early spring months, the beach is quite nice with a lower level of humidity than during the summer. Be prepared to experience the vibrant colors this time of year provides—from brilliant blues to lush greens and everything in between. In addition to the beach, you may want to consider some additional points-of-interest to add to your vacation itinerary.

The Town of Emerald Isle keeps a running list of local events, so be sure to check that during your stay. It will be helpful in planning your adventure here on the Crystal Coast.

Not far down the road from Emerald Isle is the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The Aquarium is open year-round and with its five galleries and 40 exhibits, there is plenty to see and do. However, the benefit of a spring visit is being able to fully enjoy the outdoor boardwalk and two coastal nature trails which lead you through the 300-acre Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area surrounding the Aquarium. Take in the amazing sights and sounds of the maritime forest and estuarine waters. You'll avoid the midsummer heat and the midsummer crowds this time of year, so it's definitely worth the trip.

At the other end of the island (which makes for a very nice coastal drive on a lovely spring day) just past Atlantic Beach, you'll find Fort Macon. Take time to explore the Civil War fort, its history, and its surrounding natural beauty.

3. Quality time with family and friends.

In this fast-paced world where everyone seems to be on-the-go constantly, it is so refreshing to take a break and get away from it all to spend time with those you love the most—your family and friends. You might have a couple of days off around the Easter holiday or maybe the kids are on spring break soon, so now could be the perfect time for a spring getaway.

No matter what you decide to do, we know you'll love it here. Spend time walking the beach, relax on an outdoor deck overlooking the ocean, head to some of the local attractions, or just plop your towel on the beach. You will be creating a lifetime of memories with your family and friends.

You've heard our Top 3 Reasons to Visit Emerald Isle in the Spring, now we'd like to hear yours. Feel free to share your favorite springtime experiences with us in the comment section. We love hearing what you love about Emerald Isle!