Emerald Isle Blog

Haven’t planned your summer beach vacation yet?  Are gas prices keeping you from your long awaited beach trip?  Well, wait no longer!  We’ve got some helpful hints to help you get to the beautiful Crystal Coast AND save on gas.  So pack up the family, the beach bag and get ready for some barefoot fun!  Note:  Slowing down to island time can do wonders for your gas tank!       

General tips

The folks at Edmunds.com decided to test which gasoline-saving tips really work. They conducted their tests under real-world conditions. Here are the tips that they say will make a real difference in your gasoline mileage.

1. Take the pedal off the metal.

The Edmunds' test showed you can reduce your gas consumption by 31 to 37 percent simply by gently accelerating rather than gunning it. You can also save money by taking your foot off the accelerator as soon as you see a light ahead of you change.

2. Drive the speed limit or less.

Driving at slower speeds can save 12 to 14 percent in gas consumption. Allow a little more time to get to your destination. Not only will you reduce your stress, you'll save dollars at the pump as well.

3. Use your cruise control.

Humans don't accelerate or decelerate as smoothly as a computer does. Save 7 to 14 percent in gas consumption by using your cruise control whenever possible.

4. Leave your air conditioning on; it doesn't change your mileage.

5. Keep tire pressure at recommended levels.

According to Edmunds, tire pressure has little effect on gas mileage. Nevertheless, keeping your tires inflated at optimal levels increases safety and reduces wear. The cost of tires has increased dramatically because of the petroleum products used in their manufacture.

6. Avoid excessive idling.

It's common for people to leave their cars running when they're logging their mileage, waiting for someone to get in the car, or stopping for just a couple of minutes. Eliminating these behaviors can save you up to 19 percent in gas consumption. Bottom line, if you're going to stop for more than a minute, shut it down.

7. Combine multiple stops into one trip.

If you do your own errands, do them all in one trip. Hit the cleaners, the bank, the grocery store, post office, beauty salon, and gas station in a single trip.

If you want to take away the pain at the pump, implement these few simple changes for major savings.

Heidi Barlow

This Thursday, July 31st the NC Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores is hosting its final Family Fun Night for 2008.  The event runs from 5-9pm with the last ticket being sold at 8pm.  All activities are free with regular admission or membership.  

This Week: Glow Wild!

Bring the family on down to the Aquarium to bask in the gleam of nature’s own nightlights.  Be fascinated by the mysterious creatures that illuminate the deep ocean blue.  To top it off, divers will be turning the Living Shipwreck into an aquatic light show.  Sure to make kids of all ages glow wild!    

A live performance by Crystal Coast favorite Panyelo, is sure to set the mood for the evening.  The soothing sounds of the steel drums will surely take you on a musical trip to warm breezes and tropical islands afar.  Hope to see you there!  

Activities are free with regular admission or membership. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, 252-247-4003,

www.ncaquariums.com.

Heidi Barlow

Every Thursday in July, the Aquarium extends its hours until 9 p.m., with activities that follow a different, fun theme each week. Leap Year bonus: five Thursdays in July means five Family Nights!

This Week:  Bringin’ Carolina Heritage Back! 

On Thursday, July 24^th the Aquarium will be hosting Banjos to Beach Music for Family Night.  It’s sure to be a North Carolina cultural experience you don’t want to miss!  Vendors from the mountains to the sea will be featured at this all age’s event.  Chat with potters and decoy carvers as they create unique masterpieces.   

Bring your dancin’ shoes to tap your feet to the bluegrass sounds of the Bridgewater Band.  Or… kick your shoes off and do a little shaggin’ with the Atlantic Beach Shag Club.  A proven Crystal Coast tradition!  (Local Tip:  Wear your flip flops, shagging is done best barefoot.  So kick off your flops and get down)!

Activities are free with regular admission or membership. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, 252-247-4003,

www.ncaquariums.com.

Heidi Barlow  

Pirates and paw prints, salamanders and sand sculptures, foot-tapping music and nature’s own nightlights…. July isn’t just about the 4th and fireworks. It’s the month for Family Nights at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Every Thursday in July, the Aquarium extends its hours until 9 p.m., with activities that follow a different, fun theme each week. Leap Year bonus: five Thursdays in July means five Family Nights!

Family Night activities begin at 5 p.m., and are free with regular admission or membership.

On Thursday, July 10^th the Aquarium will be hosting CSI: Critter Signs Investigation for Family Fun Night.  You’ll be able to explore scents, scat, tracks and other clues to identify out-of-sight animals.  Investigate “animal” tracks in a match-up scavenger hung, and make your own mark in a finger-printing session.  The folks from the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter will be giving live owl presentations inviting you to meet an array of feathered friends.  Pack up the family and head to the NC Aquarium for CSI: Critter Signs Investigation, there’s plenty of fun to be had by all!

Heidi Barlow

Pirates and paw prints, salamanders and sand sculptures, foot-tapping music and nature’s own nightlights…. July isn’t just about the 4th and fireworks. It’s the month for Family Nights at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. 

Every Thursday in July, the Aquarium extends its hours until 9 p.m., with activities that follow a different, fun theme each week. Leap Year bonus: five Thursdays in July means five Family Nights! 

Family Night activities begin at 5 p.m., and are free with regular admission or membership.

Kicking off family nights on Thursday, July 3^rd is Slime, Scales and Salamander Tales a feature program of amphibians and reptiles.  In the front parking lot you’ll see famed sand sculptors, Sandy Feat, creating a larger-than-life masterpiece to be enjoyed by Aquarium goers young and old.  Deborah Van Dyken is also on tap to read from her book, “The Little Turkle.”  Don’t miss the amphibian carnival!  It’s sure to be a blast!  A scavenger hunt and puppet show is also on the schedule for the evening.  Pack up the family after a day at the beach and head to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores!

Heidi Barlow