There are some species of dogs that may require sunscreen. Be sure to bring it along so spot doesn’t burn.

Don’t forget. Like us humans, dogs need to be rinsed off after a swim and run on along the beach too.

Pet-friendly Emerald Isle Restaurants

Here in Emerald Isle, there a few EI restaurants that allow your pet to enjoy dining alongside you. One of my personal favs is the Village Market. You and your dog can relax and dine out on their deck. Don’t forget about K9s and Coffee . They offer pet supplies and treats along with their gourmet coffees, smoothies, and their yummy desserts.

Take Man’s Best Friend for a Walk on the Wild Side

The 1.7 mile Emerald Isle Woods Park Trail is a perfect place to take a stroll with your dog. Part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, you will enjoy scenic vistas of Bogue Sound. Keep a sharp eye out for a pod of porpoise swimming by. If you happen to take your dog as you bike the awesome Emerald Isle bike path, be careful. The bike path can get really busy especially in the summer months.

Here’s more information provided by the Town of Emerald Isle on pets.

Have more questions about your dog and the Crystal Coast? Leave us a comment below! Woof!

Well, not you but your shared Instagram and Twitpics for sure! And we will give photo credit to each photograph linking back to your website, Twitter profile or Instagram profile.

Follow @EmeraldIsleNC on Twitter!

Let us know if you wish to have your Emerald Isle vacation Twitpic or Instagram photo published to our Photo Blog and we will post it ASAP!

We May Tweet YOU!

If we see awesome beach photos, photos of the sunset from “The Point”, pictures of families having a terrific time, we may Tweet you and ask permission to publish your photos on on photo blog.

Keep Your Emerald Isle Photos G Rated!

We will only post family-friendly photos. It’s how we roll!

We Look Forward to Posting Your Amazing Photos Soon!

@EmeraldIsleNC AKA Bobby Carroll

Are You Ready to Celebrate the 4th of July Emerald Isle Style?

Most of you have a much shorter distance to travel. But we all have one thing in common. Everyone will pack a beach bag. What should be in yours?

Before We Go There – It’s All About  Style!

Beyond stylish, your beach bag must be rugged. The  material of choice is typically canvas, or maybe sailcloth. Nautical patterns are popular as are bright colors.

Walk the beach and you’ll see the usual brands… Spartina 449 of Daufuski Island (see photo), Lands End, LL Bean, Lily P. Lots of L’s there.

The Mad Hatter

Beach hats are a must. Especially if you want to avoid a painful scalp burn. Hats showcase our personality. Common beach hats include:

• floppies
• straw hats
• fedoras
• baseball caps

Sunscreen

We all know the painful effects of the sun. Sunburns are terrible. Especially for the little ones. Slather up with sunscreen. The higher the SPF  the better. This includes your lips, ears, ankles, feet and everything in between.

Ray-ban Sunglasses

Sunglasses are mandatory for a day outside. Beyond the rays, elements like wind, and sand are a nuisance.

Water Resistant Phone Pouch

We don’t go anywhere without our phones. This certainly true for the beach. Protect it from the elements. If you can’t afford a LifeProof jacket for your phone, a water resistant phone pouch is a must!

Beach Towels

Everyone loves an over-sized, thick, colorful beach towel. Stylin’ on the beach is a must. What you bring to the Emerald Isle beach should say a little about your personality.

Flip Flops

Just try trekking across the sand barefooted. Ouch, your feet will get fried! Flip flops or some type of Keen sandals are a must. It’s all about comfort, protection and style. Find the perfect pair to show your summer style.

A Great Read and a Lot of Gossip!

Beyond your music on your phone or iPod, a great book and the beach go hand in hand. Kindle or a traditional paperback will help you loose yourself.

Look inside any beach tote and you’ll find a pile of magazines. The ladies love their gossip mags. The guys are mostly about fitness and sports publications.

Bonus Item

Beyond the obvious heath essentials above, the #1 item in your beach bag should be H2O. Staying properly hydrated is a must when out in the sun. Want your liquid refreshment to stay cold? Be sure to toss a koozie in your beach bag too!

 Optional Items

From our Twitter poll conducted by @EmeraldIsleNC, Doris Yates Biddix offered these items in her beach bag. “Sunscreen, hat, good book, sunglasses, chocolate & wine in the cooler!”

I’m in total agreement when it comes to the chocolate!

What’s in Your Bag?

Leave a comment and tell us what’s in your beach bag!

Until my next post,

Bobby

 what is there to do in Emerald Isle, NC?

Here is a great list of activities you try when you arrive!

1. Go for a bike ride! We have an awesome bike path! If you didn’t bring your bike, rent one from the nice folks at Hiway 58 Bikes. Their shop is located across the street from the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center on Emerald Drive.
2. Take a stroll on the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. It’s free, and the best time to go is at sunset!

   

3. Get to the Point! As in the point at the end of Coast Guard Road. The sunsets there are spectacular!
4. It isn’t free, but it’s well worth it. Rent a kayak and cruise Bogue Sound. Better yet, take a tour of Bear Island. You’ll need to leave the island and head over towards Swansboro if you want to paddle to Bear Island. Barrier Island Kayak Rentals is located in Cedar Point on the left as you’re driving to Swansboro. Plan on a 2 hour paddle each way if you decide to cruise to Bear Island. We recommend you schedule a guided tour. We’ve rented from the nice folks at Hot Wax in Emerald Isle and these folks in Swansboro when we paddled to Bear Island. Want to be adventurous? Rent a stand up paddle board. It’s a blast!
5. Eat seafood! You’re at the beach for crying out loud. It won’t be free but there are several reasonable eateries. Check our list of great Crystal Coast restaurants. Don’t forget to check Yelp for reviews.

If you’ve been to Emerald Isle be sure to leave a comment and tell us about your favorite thing to do here on the Crystal Coast!

Until my next post,
Bobby

Judging from this MLS page, units are being sold from about $199K to $250K. Check out all the info about the Nautical Club condos in Indian Beach here!

The Nautical Club Condos are located at 1550 Salter Path Road in Indian Beach, NC.

For More Breaking News Follow @emeraldislenc

For the latest news about Emerald Isle, NC and the Crystal Coast, be sure to follow @emeraldislenc on Twitter!

What’s your favorite fall activity on Emerald Isle?

Leave a comment and let everyone know.

Where’s the Emerald Isle Parrot Head Party?

While fact finding for this post, there wasn’t  much information available on the interwebs about the hours of the party and the location of the festivities. The official Emerald Isle Parrot Head Club website did say back in a June 2012 Newsletter called the “Parrot Head Poop” that the party was seeking to raise funds for numerous local bands for entertainment and that the August 5th – Sunday – Annual Sand Bar Party would be held on Pelican Island. The update also stated that if you don’t have a way to get to Pelican Island, they were hoping a few boat owners would be willing to shuttle people over at specified times. Details for times were not provided.

Know More About the Emerald Isle Parrot Head Party?

If you do, be sure to leave a comment and share the news!

Party With A Purpose (and be safe while your at it),

Your Crystal Coast Blogger – Bobby

With parking a premium, you would be wise to arrive early for parking. The fun begins at 9 PM!

Speaking of parking, be sure to view the Google Map below to help you find the most convenient parking to the Bogue Inlet Pier.

View Larger Map