Category: Travel Tips & Ideas

When you think of a beach vacation, you think about sunny days and endless waves. Emerald Isle is the perfect destination for just that and there are endless daytime activities for you to experience, from the playing at the beach to trying out some fishing or other exciting water activities. When the sun goes down […]

Summer is right around the corner and the Crystal Coast is gearing up for another beautiful season of sun and beach days for its vacationers and visitors alike. When you’re planning your itinerary for things and activities to do on your trip, one that needs to be included is having a picnic at one or […]

The best things in life are free. The same can be said about the various sights and adventures waiting for you in Emerald Isle. From the beach to the free local concerts that are lined up for the summer, there are plenty of activities and events planned that are either free or nearly free. After […]

Loggerhead sea turtles are adorable and fascinating, but unfortunately, threatened. As Emerald Isle’s most precious wildlife and the destination being designated as an official sea turtle sanctuary, the area works hard to protect one of nature’s most interesting cycles: the sea turtle nesting season. From May to November, North Carolina catches a major wave of […]

It’s no secret that mothers provide a lot for the family and we can all agree that they deserve to be celebrated, loved and thanked. So, this Mother’s Day, plan on spending some much-needed quality time with mom and treat her to a week-long getaway or an extended Mother’s Day weekend! It’s the ultimate way […]

When planning a vacation to Emerald Isle, visiting the beach is often a top priority for our guests. We have beautiful emerald waters, pristine beaches and stunning views that are second-to-none, and we want you to experience it with ease and comfort. From a few of our local beach professionals, here are some of our […]

While it may seem that you’ve just made it through the holiday season, you’re not out of the clear yet. Now that the Christmas tree has been taken down and the lights and decorations are put away, it’s time to prepare for the next special holiday on your calendar. This one involves a lot of […]

It’s never too soon to start planning your next Emerald Isle vacation! If it’s your first time visiting Emerald Isle, some general knowledge about the area can provide insight on what to look out for when you’re here or even help you plan your itinerary. After learning Emerald Isle’s history, town hall wonders, fishing and […]

  Looking for a cure to your wintertime blues? A winter getaway that includes a salty sea breeze with sand between your toes might be the perfect solution to combat your winter conditions. The beaches are less busy meaning you are guaranteed to find some great rentals and experience an escape from your regular winter […]

There's no doubt that one of the biggest perks of vacation rental properties is having your own kitchen to prepare meals together with your family and friends. So, we're taking a look at the heart of the home and exploring seven Emerald Isle rental properties with stunning kitchens.

  The holidays are a time of cheer, and just the idea of being at the beach makes us feel jolly. Harness that feeling throughout your home this year and leap into a nautical holiday season. Here are 5 easy holiday beach crafts that will provide your home or vacation rental with a coastal holiday […]

The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate and enjoy this festive time of year than with an Emerald Isle getaway? The town of Emerald Isle and surrounding areas are abundant with holiday spirit and small-town charm providing plenty to do for the entire family during Emerald Isle’s off-season. Browse […]

More and more these days, the family dog is starting to be treated like more than just a pet. They are considered as almost an equal member of the family. And now when families are planning their vacations, more emphasis is placed on where they can stay, eat, and play that welcome their favorite furry […]

Labor Day weekend is approaching quicker than you think and with the kids heading back to school around that time, you will want to consider planning a last-minute beach getaway before fall is in full swing. Relaxation Starts Here Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation with your toes in the sand. Emerald Isle Realty […]

  As the beach gets warmer, the beach-goers multiply, and so do many other hazards. Whether on a girl’s trip, a couple’s retreat, or a family getaway, it’s important to learn the warnings, regulations, and preventative measures ahead of time to make sure your trip is as safe as it is fun. Check the surf […]

The preference for vacation rentals over hotels has skyrocketed in the past few years, and it’s understandable why. Travelers are seeking vacation experiences that ignite their souls and make them feel more like locals than visitors. Emerald Isle Realty vacation rentals give travelers the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, and lounge in the comfort […]

They say if you’re lucky enough to live at the beach, you’re lucky enough. We’re not sure who they were – but we have a feeling they were talking about Emerald Isle, which has just been voted Best North Carolina Beach by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2018. On the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, the sun shines […]

Springtime in Emerald Isle is best spent with your toes in the sand while you enjoy the sun kissing your skin with the hint of a warm ocean breeze. If you haven’t already booked your spring getaway or made vacation plans for the next several months, there’s still time! Whether you’re looking for an oceanfront […]

With temperatures starting to rise and the sun beginning to shine, now is the best time to start planning a getaway for your family or significant other. Spring is right around the corner and there are plenty of properties at Emerald Isle Realty that are available and you still have time to take advantage of […]

Picture it: The break room at your office is out of coffee again and you know you’ll be slammed with work until lunch. After that, you’ll spend the rest of your day checking the clock which seems to be getting slower and slower upon reaching 5 o’clock. You repeat this same routine from 9 to […]

In the wintertime, the beach towns along the Crystal Coast take on a new aesthetic showcasing their history and natural coastal beauty. The towns of Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle and Swansboro each have their own charm and activities during winter months, and they shouldn’t be missed while you’re on vacation! Beaufort The […]

Whether you’re planning this upcoming Spring Break as a family vacation or an old friends’ getaway, Emerald Isle should be at the top of your list of destinations to visit. While the week-long vacation isn’t for several months, it’s never too soon to start looking for vacation rentals and what the Crystal Coast has in […]

Some of North Carolina’s most exciting and expansive history can be found in the small town of Beaufort. Not to be confused with Beaufort in South Carolina, North Carolina’s Beaufort, also voted Number 1 Favorite Small Town by Travel and Leisure, has maritime historic sites, pirate lore and great tours that detail the town’s history. […]

Business doesn’t have to be business as usual! You could plan your annual business strategy meeting or company retreat in any US city and stay at a normal chain hotel and do normal teambuilding activities with your coworkers. OR, you could escape and stay at a luxury Sandcastle property with waterfront views along the Crystal […]

I set out on a mission with an empty stomach and an open mind with one goal: to find the best shrimp burger in the area and to relay that information. There are many great restaurants on the Crystal Coast, but I limited myself to five: Captain’s Kitchen, Big Oak Drive-In, Crab Shack, El’s Drive-In, […]