After Pony Time, I decided to head back to my bag and park my butt in the sand. I picked a spot down a little from the ferry landing, but still in eyesight. I found a TON more shells walking this side. They were smaller, but still big compared to what I normally find. Plus they were nearly all WHOLE! Sunray venus *STILL PAIRED*, razor clams, auger shells, an olive shell, scallops, dosinia and more cockles. At some point, I decided that I had enough and just wanted to sunbathe and eat my lunch. It was a confusing and entirely new sensation to feel like I had ‘enough’ shells. I peacefully watched the waves come in and boats ride by as I soaked in the raw vitamin D and ate lunch. I don’t normally have much free time, so I thoroughly enjoyed sitting there alone, with no schedule and nothing to do. It was HEAVEN.
Whether you think you need to or not, you need to visit Shackleford Banks. With one trip, it became my new favorite place. The shells, the gentle waves and scenic wildlife – it’s got everything.
For schedule and ticket pricing, visit the Island Express Ferry Services website here. Item to note: If you choose to depart from Harker’s Island, you’ll be visiting the eastern tip of Shackleford Banks. Not having been there myself, I can’t vouch for the shellability or enjoyability of the eastern tip. If you’ve been, please give me some feedback!
Spring Landscaping Tips
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GraySpring Landscaping Tips
Every one needs a little help on where to start at the beginning of a new season. Spring Landscaping Tips can come in handy. With the temperature slowly rising, it is the perfect time to make your lawn picture-perfect! Landscaping can make or break a potential buyer or renter’s first impression of your home, along with adding value and curb appeal.
The following tips will help you to get your lawn in perfect shape this spring:
Inspect Lawn Maintenance Equipment
Begin by ensuring that all of your lawn maintenance equipment is in good working order. Address and repair any issues so that you won’t be sidetracked in the middle of lawn maintenance if a problem were to occur.
Transplant any plants as soon as possible before they have time to start spring growth.
Flower Beds
Neaten up flower beds by edging and weeding them. Add fresh mulch if needed.
Fertilizing and Weed Control
Choose a fertilizer that best suits your soil’s needs. Apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a jump start on weeds before they sprout.
Visit our Pinterest Board for more!
Real Estate Ethics for Buyers
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GrayReal Estate Ethics for Buyers
Many times the subject of the “Code of Ethics” arises when speaking of real estate agents. But what about the unspoken ethics between buyers and sellers? There are many times when a real estate transaction goes sour between buyers and sellers that could have been avoided. Here are some helpful tips on real estate ethics for a buyer to help you keep your transaction as smooth as possible.
BUYERS:
By following these simple tips, it could very possibly make your real estate negotiations go very smoothly without negativity or hard feelings.
10 Housekeeping Hacks for Spring Cleaning
/in Real Estate /by Amanda Gray10 Housekeeping Hacks for Spring Cleaning
Here are 10 Housekeeping Hacks that you never knew. Plus you have everything you need already in your home to make it spotless.
Faucets
A a great idea for keeping faucets clean: Rubbing a faucet with waxed paper prevents water spots and finger prints.
Baseboards
Apartment Therapy shows us 6 easy ways to clean baseboards. Find them out here.
Showers
DIY Home Sweet Home shows us an EASY way to keep those showers clean! Find out how here.
Windows
Ask Anna gives detailed instructions (with photos) on how to thoroughly clean windows.
Baseboards
CleanMama.net shows us how to clean baseboards 3 different ways. Find out how here.
Blinds
Hometalk.com shows us in great detail the easy way to clean blinds.
Carpets
Got carpet stains? Try one of these carpet stain solutions from Real Simple.
Ceiling Fans
Glamour shows you how to clean your ceiling fans while keeping your hair dust-free in the process.
Toilets
Using Coke to clean a toilet? Find out how it’s done here.
Stove Burners
The VSpotBlog.com shows us the no-scrub way to clean your stove burners.
Getting your Morning Exercise
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayWake Up and Get Moving!
If you are driving to work in the morning, on the Crystal Coast, you may pass the time by counting the people biking and walking in the morning. I normally guess a number on top of the Atlantic Beach Bridge and see how close I will come to being correct. This morning I guessed 26. By the time I made it to 200 Mangrove Drive in Emerald Isle I counted roughly 56. I was so off today. But it got me thinking about exercise and vacation.
Traveling can be exhausting. Every time I travel I find myself walking more, being more adventurous, and of course eating and drinking more than when I’m home. Those 56 people this morning have it figured out. Start the day off getting some fresh sea air in your lungs to boost your energy for the adventures that lie ahead for the day.
BENEFITS OF MORNING EXERCISE
More Focused
Try walking, biking or kayaking alone and enjoy the quiet time to center and refocus your life and your priorities. Don’t kill yourself, 30 minutes of exercise is enough to get you going. When you are focused you’ll make better decisions.
Boosted Metabolism
By getting your exercise in the morning you will burn more calories throughout the day which will help since you’re on vacation and treating yourself to dining out more than usual. What do you think happens when you eat after exercise? Yup – you are replenishing your body. What happens when you eat later in the day while your metabolism is still rocking from your morning workout? You guessed it – you are replenishing your body and providing calories to meet your higher metabolic needs. You do not get this benefit when you exercise later in the day.
Better Mood
You’re on vacation, so why not start the day by clearing your mind of the toxins that have been poisoning your system since your last vaca! Release the stress of the day-to-day and just have a fresh start.
Sleep Better
Waking up early in the morning to exercise will in turn help you sleep better. Your body will enjoy a healthy sense of fatigue at the end of the day and will be ready to sleep.
GETTING YOUR BLOOD FLOWING
WALKING
You can do this just about anywhere. As I mentioned many people use the bike path or sidewalks along the stretch of road on the island known as 58. I would prefer walking along the shoreline, the views are better!
BIKING
Hop on the bike path and cruise around Ocean Drive and check out the houses and the landscaping. You can bike around the side streets with minimal traffic in the early morning. Remember a basket for your bike, you can swing by and get coffee and breakfast in town before heading back.
BEACH YOGA
Ahhh yoga. Not the cardio blast like the other activities but certainly will improve flexibility and mobility and strengthen your body. This is also a great way to warm up or cool down after your other activities.
KAYAKING
This is a great activity to do in multiples. I wouldn’t suggest going it alone. Take your husband or wife, friend or child with you. It’s not as hot first thing in the morning and the boat traffic is low. Kayak on the soundside of the island or journey into Beaufort and paddle down Taylor’s Creek you may even get to spot a wild pony along your way.
SWIMMING
More than half of the properties managed by Bluewater have either a private pool or community pool. As well as being fun, swimming is a low impact full body exercise that most people can do. It’s great cardio and strength training. But please make sure you are a strong and knowledgeable swimmer if you are attempting to swim in the ocean; rip currents can be deadly so never go alone.
Doing these things isn’t just about the physical benefits it will provide for you it’s about seeing new things and taking in the pure moments of the morning. It’s the fresh start a new day brings. Starting your day recharged. Remember doing something for yourself radiates to others. Kindness is contagious. You’re in the south it’s what we are known for.
Horsing around on the Crystal Coast
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayHorsing Around on the Crystal Coast
My First Visit to Shackleford Banks
-Clarissa G., Marketing Coordinator
Living here since 2002, I feel like I’ve seen most of the “musts” along the coast. I’ve visited the fort, fished off the pier, taken a ferry to the lighthouse and gotten a nice pink burn from laying on the beach for hours without a care in the world. I’ve eaten at Rucker John’s, The Sanitary and devoured an El’s Super Burger in the most ladylike fashion I could muster. But in 14 years, the one thing I hadn’t done was visiting Shackleford Banks. I had seen the ponies in passing on a ferry and from Radio Island. Exciting, yes, but did I really need to take that short ferry ride across to the island? Meh. Horsing Around on the Crystal Coast
OH, HOW WRONG I WAS.
I love collecting shells. I have (what my family calls) a mild case of OCD; I love things to be organized and neat and even. Picking up shells, finding the perfect ones, collecting them and displaying my treasures at home is a favorite beach pastime. I love laying right in the surf and finding miniatures, since I rarely find whole and perfect shells that “make the cut.” Let me tell you, it was AMAZING on Shackleford.
I started my day as early as possible, getting on the 9am ferry from the Beaufort waterfront. I packed my beach backpack (hands-free is the way to be!) with a towel, sunscreen, lunch (a Big Kahuna from Lowe’s Foods, a pack of nabs and a bottle of lemonade) and my super shelling garment bags. I love the packs of 3 for $1 at Dollar Tree. They are great for letting the sand fall through and rinsing your loot well without losing anything. Plus, you can’t beat the price.
Disclaimer: This IS my cake. I took myself on a Friday date after the gym with a piece of Key Lime Mojito and ate it in front of the waves. Hate me, go ahead. It was sweet sweet solitude and pie inside a cake.
Disclaimer: This is not my arm. My sandwich never lives long enough to be captured by a camera. Also, my bread is NEVER this thick. What Lowe’s Foods uses these slabs of hawaiian bread? They need to be schooled. Cape Carteret has it down, thin slices and wads of meat and pepperjack cheese, graced by a leaf of lettuce. THEBOMB.COM.
SEE WARNING HERE: Do not waste your money on “shell bags.” Sure, they may say “Emerald Isle” on them and have a fancy handle, but at the end of the day, it’s a waste of $$. Sorry, Wings. Just go to Dollar Tree. Save your money for a Big Kahuna or a slice of Key Lime Mojito cake from Lowe’s Foods.
I also brought my beach chair, since it has a shoulder strap I still had use of both hands. I was by myself, so mobility was a must. Once I got on the ferry, I quickly stowed my chair and bag at my feet.
TIP: If the seat in front of the captain is free, take it. You’re centered and have a great view forward. If not, sit at the very front. You’ll feel like Rose Dawson from Titanic. Seriously, no one will judge you if your arms fly out and you start whispering “I’m flying, Jack!” Ok, they might judge you. But only because they’re jealous that you’re living out everyone’s 1997 fantasy.
The ferry ride takes maybe 5-10 minutes, which is about all the ferry ride I’m down for. We pulled right up onto the sand and they put out plastic steps you climb off the front of the boat and down. Odds are good that the captain or his mate (or a sweet fellow ferry go-er in my case) will be a southern gentleman and hold your bag so that you can descend like a lady. The captain said on the ride over that the west tip was reported to have some good conch shells today, so naturally upon exiting the ferry I made a beeline for the tip.
Let me just start by saying this: I HAVE NEVER PUT A SHELL BACK.
…ever.
Every trip to the water’s edge ends with at least a couple shells in my pocket. Or the door of my car…bottom of my purse…basically if you shake anything of mine out, you’re likely to find a shell. I’ve NEVER found an intact conch shell, so my hopes were high for the tip having one I could call my own.
THERE WERE SO MANY. SO SO MANY! I squealed out loud and did a short celebratory seal clap. You know, that one where you’re so excited there are really no words, and you can only express yourself with an open mouth and happy little claps? That was me.
They were big and pretty and WHOLE! I found 3 within a few yards and had at least a dozen more in my sight. I was preparing to stuff them all in my bag….then I turned around and looked at the group that was making their way from the ferry. There were kids and people who obviously were tourists. I sighed and looked down at my treasures, and decided that today, I was only taking two. Someone else needed to find the rest. I could come back any time and get another (or more….). I stuffed my hands under my backpack straps and started walking down the island. The happy squeals behind me as the rest of the group found the shells told me I did the right thing. *sigh*
I ended up walking down the oceanside for a while and found some good stuff. Much bigger and more intact stuff than I’d ever found in EI. I found a small knobbed whelk shell, which I told myself I was allowed to keep, and some big cockle shells. Cockles are usually a thin shell, and the tops are always broken, so I was really stoked to find those. I walked back across to the north side where we had landed and was rewarded for my shell-f control. See what I did there?
Just to the east of the landing spot was a herd of horses. They were calmly grazing not far from the water. I dropped my bag and chair by the water and started walking their way. In my research for “Bluewater” stuff, I’ve read that you’re supposed to give them at least a school bus of distance between you and them. When you’re sweaty and excited, it’s hard to judge a school bus’s length. I stopped where I thought was okay, and opened the Facebook app to do a livestream on our page. They calmly grazed and whickered to each other, like they didn’t even know I was here. I was SO WRONG about not needing to experience it up close. There’s nothing like standing something like a bus length from a herd of wild ponies and just watching them be. It was beautiful and a reminder that we are the outsiders here, lucky to be able to come and visit their stunning home and witness them just as God intended them to be – wild and free and breathtaking.
PS: I LOVE sharing things with our fans LIVE. I need more suggestions on what to stream. Send my assignments to clarissag@BluewaterNC.com and I’ll proposition my boss to do them ‘at the request of the masses.’ Can someone please suggest I livestream myself eating fried green tomatoes from The Trading Post in Emerald Isle? Seriously. Those things are LIFE. I’ll give you sunglasses and a koozie on the D/L.
After Pony Time, I decided to head back to my bag and park my butt in the sand. I picked a spot down a little from the ferry landing, but still in eyesight. I found a TON more shells walking this side. They were smaller, but still big compared to what I normally find. Plus they were nearly all WHOLE! Sunray venus *STILL PAIRED*, razor clams, auger shells, an olive shell, scallops, dosinia and more cockles. At some point, I decided that I had enough and just wanted to sunbathe and eat my lunch. It was a confusing and entirely new sensation to feel like I had ‘enough’ shells. I peacefully watched the waves come in and boats ride by as I soaked in the raw vitamin D and ate lunch. I don’t normally have much free time, so I thoroughly enjoyed sitting there alone, with no schedule and nothing to do. It was HEAVEN.
Whether you think you need to or not, you need to visit Shackleford Banks. With one trip, it became my new favorite place. The shells, the gentle waves and scenic wildlife – it’s got everything.
For schedule and ticket pricing, visit the Island Express Ferry Services website here. Item to note: If you choose to depart from Harker’s Island, you’ll be visiting the eastern tip of Shackleford Banks. Not having been there myself, I can’t vouch for the shellability or enjoyability of the eastern tip. If you’ve been, please give me some feedback!
Missed the live stream? Check it out now!
Kayaking in Cedar Point, NC
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayKayaking on the White Oak River
My husband’s first time kayaking in Cedar Point, NC and he did pretty good. He only stayed out for about 30 minutes since the sun was setting, but we finally got a pretty day and he could not stand wititng to get his kayak wet for the first time. He was pleased and very versed on all of the rules and regulations.
He likes to study everything, like he is the read a manual from cover to cover before he uses the rice cooker kind of guy. Only the right way is the right way ya know.
We used the Campground launch right outside of Western Park down VFW road in Cedar Point. It is also a great fishing spot if you would like to set up a chair on the small dock with a friend and a cold drink.
In the past we have seen people launch their Jet Skis from here as well. So very versatile.
The water is only about 4-5 feet deep at its deepest so pretty safe if you were to have an accident. You will need to be cautious of any wild life though, this is still a fresh water habitat so fresh water creatures are about.
Historic Beaufort-by-the-Sea
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayHistoric Beaufort-by-the-Sea
As the third oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort has long been home to pirates, sailors, soldiers and fishermen since it was incorporated in 1722. Beaufort has been awarded, “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel in 2012 and one of “America’s Most Romantic Towns” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. History abounds in this community. Historic homes line the waterfront and surrounding streets in downtown. You can spend the whole day wondering around in and out of boutique shops, savoring ice cream at the General Store or having lunch overlooking Taylor’s Creek and Carrot Island. With plenty to do and see in the area, you are bound to keep occupied.
Over the course of the last few years I’ve watched the area transform with various revitalization efforts. Both the Dockhouse restaurant and Backstreet pub have expanded their entertaining spaces. Dockhouse has added more dining space to the top deck allowing for a more expansive view! Backstreet pub has also expanded its outdoor entertaining space with its addition of the patio. The Pub celebrated a soft opening on June 12th with live music from The Vegabonds. The storefronts along front street have been getting refaced and expanded as well. New shops are moving in and the old world meets the new all while keeping the style true to Beaufort.
This year marks the 56th Annual Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour. Every year residents open their homes and gardens to the public. House narrators will give insight on the history of these homes. In conjunction with the tour is the Antique Show and Sale, why not learn the history and maybe take a piece of it home with you as well! This event will take place at the Civic Center in Morehead City with more than 40 booths presenting goods such as furniture, jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces. There is a admission for both. Find out more by visiting www.beauforthistoricsite.org
Street map of the 2016 Old Homes Tour
Purple “lacecap” Hydrangea
Historic storefront along Front Street, Beaufort NC
Pictured above is #14 on the Old Homes tour map
Fishhouse c. 1940s – 2111 Front Street
Please enjoy the slide show of various Beaufort images and video tour of Downtown Beaufort, NC
Memorial Weekend 2016
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayMemorial Weekend Kickoff
It’s Memorial Day on the Crystal Coast! Visitors from all around will be heading to the coast to celebrate and honor those who have served the great US of A. In a community so rich in history, there are countless ways to observe Memorial Day. So fire up the grill, throw your beach gear in the car and get out and pay homage to the brave men and women that have paid the ultimate price for our FREEDOM! Here are a few ideas for making this holiday a memorable one.
Fireworks
The town of Atlantic Beach sponsors the annual fireworks display on Saturday, May 28th at 9pm along the boardwalk at the Circle beach access (115 Atlantic Blvd.) So bring your chairs, but please no pets or glass containers.
Visit Fort Macon
Plan to stop by Fort Macon this Memorial Day weekend. No admission or parking fee to enjoy a day at this State Park. There are ranger tours, a refreshment stand, and bathhouse. Lifeguards will be on duty starting this weekend, the unofficial kick-off of summer!
Cape Lookout National Seashore & Shackleford Banks
Plan an excursion to Cape Lookout with an undeveloped coastline. A short ferry boat ride from Beaufort or Harker’s Island will bring you to these pristine barrier islands where you can enjoy activities like shelling, fishing, and bird watching. You can soak up the sun and saltwater on the beach, venture into the Keeper’s Quarters Museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular sweeping views of the coast from 160 feet in the air. Take the long boardwalk to the ocean side where you can surf or sunbathe or both! The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled day at the beach.
Shackleford Banks is a local favorite during the summer with skiffs, houseboats, jet skis, inflatable rafts, and more. If you’re planning to visit be sure you have your charcoal grill or your bucket of chicken, cooler of beer, er sodas, and plenty of sunscreen and water!
Spring Home Maintenance Tips
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GraySpring Home Maintenance Tips
It’s that time of year! Spring is right around the corner, and we couldn’t be happier here at Bluewater. We know you’re probably gearing up for spring cleaning, but have you also considered a spring maintenance checklist?
Following are some helpful tips to get your home in shape so that you can enjoy the beautiful weather on our Crystal Coast:
Exterior
Interior