Category: Travel Tips & Ideas

  With more than 700 Crystal Coast vacation rentals to choose from, you may be wondering what’s the best way to find the perfect one for your stay? The idea of taking a vacation sounds simple enough, but when it really comes down to it, it can be somewhat of a daunting task. At Emerald Isle […]

Getting lost in a book can be a pleasant escape when you want to be transported to a new place or setting. A book can also make for a nice companion to bring along with you when you have some downtime or are looking to relax. If you have an upcoming trip to Emerald Isle […]

Looking for ways to put those fabulous Crystal Coast beach finds to good use? Or maybe you’re like many of us who fully intend on making a scrapbook of your last beach vacation, but somehow never get around to doing it. Here are a few fun DIY craft ideas using beach shells, along with some […]

Looking for more ways to experience the beauty of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast? Read the books and then visit the southeastern North Carolina beach towns that inspired the picturesque settings found throughout popular romance novels written by Nicholas Sparks, a renowned author from North Carolina. You’ll fall in love with the coast all over again […]

One of the best ways to get your mind off the daily grind is to do a little cooking! And what better way to really experience the coast than by treating yourself to some delicious seafood. Enjoy a little coastal living from the comforts of your own home with these tasty seafood recipes from Emerald […]

We know that life can be a little stressful. To help you relax and do a little dreaming about the travels you and your family will soon be able to make, we’ve put together this virtual “photo”cation of Emerald Isle. We’re sure you’ll enjoy scrolling through photos of some of the most picturesque places that […]

North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks are rich in natural beauty and offer and abundance of outdoor activities for young and old alike. Whether you’re looking for things to do outdoors on a long weekend getaway or entertaining the whole family for a week-long vacation, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Discover more ways to […]

For locals and visitors alike, a favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is taking a scenic stroll along the beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air and finding beautiful seashells along the way. If you know where to look, the area can be a beachcomber’s paradise, with a variety of seashells ranging in size, color […]

Emerald Isle Realty is thrilled to participate in the first annual Vacation Rental Week – the vacation rental industry’s first of its kind! We would like to use this opportunity to highlight the value and key benefits of professionally-managed vacation rentals for both guests and property owners alike, and to encourage you to book a […]

It’s a no-brainer that Emerald Isle is a wonderful destination for family reunions and friend vacations, but it’s just as enjoyable for a group of two looking for a romantic weekend getaway. Whether you’re here this weekend celebrating Valentine’s Day or planning a spring escape for two, we’ve put together some of the best places […]

Emerald Isle, North Carolina is the ideal destination for fun family beach vacations, and Spring break is no different. If you’re one of our regular visitors, then welcome back! But if you’ve never been to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, then you probably know that you’ve been missing out. Emerald Isle and its surrounding beach communities […]

With the holidays in full swing, it is one of the best times to visit the Crystal Coast with friends or family! Cooler weather, fewer crowds and small-town holiday decorations make the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation that could possibly become a fun tradition for years to come. Whether you are visiting the Crystal […]

Our name may be “Emerald Isle Realty”, but as many of you know, we have vacation rentals and homes for sale in many different areas of the Crystal Coast. In fact, our communities make up a large portion of the 85 miles of coastline on the southernmost part of the Outer Banks. So, if you’re […]

When it comes to natural wonders, it’s hard to find much that compares to the majesty of a beautiful North Carolina sunset. From the muted hues of red, orange and pink, to the quiet whisper of the sun dropping behind the horizon, it is one of the best things you can experience outdoors. Especially, if […]

With the summer months behind us, Emerald Isle is ready to embrace the fall season with open arms and we hope you are too. The beaches are still nice and warm to visit, but the town transitions with the season for a refreshing time along the Crystal Coast. And as the weather cools just slightly, […]

Anniversaries come around once a year and it’s always a truly special time between you and your loved one, so why not take it to the next level and embark on a trip to Emerald Isle to fall in love all over again. With its relaxing atmosphere and laid-back style, Emerald Isle makes for a […]

Planning a vacation doesn’t stop when you pick a destination and book your accommodations. Pulling together an itinerary is the next step and fortunately for you, Emerald Isle is close to many local attractions, making it perfect for easy and entertaining day trips! For those who have their Emerald Isle vacation dates set or those […]

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 […]