playtime
If you haven't been to Emerald Isle, NC, you are missing out! It is a beautiful beach community - and it is in the Southern Outer Banks, so the beach faces south. This might not seem like a big deal, but it means that you get to see sunrises AND sunsets - and you get full sun all day! It is a quiet, family beach - not crowded at all. And there is a lot to do nearby - here are just a few ideas.
Mac Daddy's has video games, bowling, food, a driving range and go-carts! Great place for rainy days!
If you like escape rooms, this is a pretty good one - designed with good "character" (not just a room with a desk - been there, done that). It has a cool theme and is challenging, but not impossible. Worth a visit!
Pine Knoll Shores is just up the road about 15 minutes - and a great (and educational) day trip. they have sharks, sea turtles and my favorite: the otters!
If you like fishing, you can fish from the pier at Bogue Inlet - you can buy equipment, tackle and even fishing licenses. There are also restaurants nearby.
This one is silly, but kind of fun. If you go to Emerald Plantation Shopping Center and go to the back next to Rucker Johns (good restaurant, by the way!) - you will find some gumball machines with critter food in them. For a quarter, you get a handful and you can feed the turtles in the lake (or birds if they are around). There are some monster turtles in there!
Cape Lookout is a little further away - probably a full day trip. But you can check out the lighthouse, grab lunch at one of the excellent seafood restaurants in Beaufort, NC - and maybe go check out the wild horses. There is also a museum and historic tours.
If you are going to be in Emerald Isle, you need a place to stay. My favorite rental is Playtime in Emerald Isle, NC - it has 7 bedrooms so there is plenty of room for our whole family. We have a pinball tournament every year on the pinball machine. There is a pool and a hot tub and it is right on the beach! There are video games, board games and toys for the kids - and a wonderful kitchen.
