200 Things to Do on your Crystal Coast Vacation (While Staying Safe)
Whether you’re a first-time vacationer or you’ve been vacationing with us for years, you won’t run out of things to do on the Crystal Coast. And to make sure you don’t miss a minute of fun, we’ve come up with 200 things to do on your Crystal Coast vacation. Go ahead, build your best itinerary and make the most of your time off!
1 – Take an Eco-Tour with H20 Captain
2 – Search for the beach for shark teeth
3 – Fly a kite
4 – Watch for dolphins playing in the surf
5 – Build a sandcastle
6 – Explore historic Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach
7 – Look for the biggest seashell at low tide
8 – Take a tour of scenic Beaufort
9 – Scuba the Graveyard of the Atlantic
10 – Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches
11 – Start a body surfing or boogie boarding competition with your friends
12 – Order curbside pickup from our local restaurants
13 – Experience the Oxygen Bar at Infuse Wellness
14 – Strawberry picking at Garner Farms
15 – Pack a lunch and have a picnic at Fort Macon State Park
16 – Have a cup of coffee with your pup at Muttigans in Emerald Isle
17 – Visit the local book store on Emerald Isle
18 – Search for murals in downtown Morehead City
19 – Try an online yoga or workout video on the beach
20 – Feed the turtles at Emerald Plantation
21 – Walk the trails in the Emerald Forest Park off of Coast Guard Road
22 – Play a round of golf at Star Hill
23 – Go bowling or play arcade games at MacDaddys
24 – Book a fishing charter with Capt Stacy
25 – Have an in-home scavenger hunt with the kids in your vacation home
26 – Bike the Emerald Isle Bike Trail
27 – Go to a Marlins’ baseball game
28 – Watch the fishing charters unload the daily catch on the Morehead City waterfront
29 – Take lots of photos to enter into our annual Bluewater Photo Contest
30 – Load up on some of the state’s best wine at the Wine Market in Emerald Isle
31 – Take a moonlight cruise
32 – Wade offshore of Bogue Sound to clam or cast a net
33 – Walk to the end of the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier for a wonderful view
34 – Get a fishing license
35 – Witness the baby sea turtles hatch and make a run for the ocean in the early summer evenings
36 – Drop a crab pot off your sound front pier and check it daily for fresh crabs
37 – Surf-fish from the beach and see what you can catch
38 – Bask in the sun at Hammocks Beach State Park
39 – Host an evening beach party
40 – Take a step back in history on a self-walking tour of the Beaufort Historic Site
41 – Play a game of beach Ultimate Frisbee
42 – Have family ice cream sundae night with all the toppings
43 – Hunt for sea glass along the shore; blue and purple are rare finds
44 – Stroll down the docks at the Morehead City waterfront
45 – Interact with the marine life in tidal pools along the coast
46 – Search for sand dollars in the surf
47 – Watch the military planes fly down the coast
48 – Take a walk through the shops in historic downtown Swansboro
49 – Pick up a few comic books at Book Beach Mart
50 – Whale watch at Cape Lookout and the Bogue Inlet Pier
51 – Take a selfie at The Point in Emerald Isle
52 – Check out the local catch on the Bogue Inlet Pier
53 – Go bird watching in Emerald Woods
54 – Learn about and go clamming from local experts
55 – Spark some romance with a walk on the beach at sunset
56 – Launch your kayak at the Emerald Isle boat ramp and explore the sound
57 – Start a game of beach football
58 – See what gets washed up on shore after a big storm
59 – Take a sequence of photos of the sunrises and sunsets
60 – Watch the big ships dock at the State Port in Morehead City
61 – Chase Ghost Crabs along the shore after dark; they’re pretty fast and tricky
62 – Play volleyball at the Atlantic Beach Circle or the Emerald Isle Beach Access
63 – Rent a jet ski and explore
64 – Spend the day exploring the many islands along the Crystal Coast
65 – Try your hand at paddle boarding
66 – Pick up the Crystal Coast Series by author Chrissy Lessey
67 – Draw pictures in the sand
68 – Shop til you drop at Island Clothing
69 – Go for a ride on an authentic Banana Boat
70 – Walk under the Bogue Inlet Pier and take a family picture
71 – Count the seconds between waves breaking on the beach; you will notice a pattern
72 – Look for shapes in the clouds as they blow in the breeze
73 – Watch the windsurfers battle the ocean’s current
74 – Charter a cruise for your whole party with Waterbug Tours
75 – Play a game of Bocce Ball with those around you
76 – Dig a hole and bury someone to their waist
77 – Grab the Geneva Chase Mystery Series and get them autographed by local author, Tom Kies
78 – Bury your toes in the warm sand
79 – Take a trip to Shark Tooth Island
80 – Take a walk along the Emerald Isle Bike Path
81 – Play a game of Horseshoes on the beach
82 – Catch Sandfiddler crabs in the surf
83 – Throw a cast net into the sound to see what you catch
84 – Walk the path through Emerald Isle and visit the shops along the way
85 – Look for starfish in the surf
86 – Go to an event featured on our event calendar
87 – Visit Blu Sail Golitz Pottery in Downtown Morehead
88 – Create your very own treasure adventure – bury treasures for your friends and family to find
89 – Skip cooking and grab some BBQ at Moore’s Barbeque
90 – Order your “Bring the party home” paint kit from Wine and Design in Morehead City
91 – Rent bikes and enjoy the outdoors like a local
92 – Or, try an electric bike rental from Pedego Electric Bikes
93 – Enjoy the outdoors by bike on Swansboro’s 25-mile bike trail along the water and through the Croatan National Forest
94 – Take your dog on a tour of all the local dog-friendly spots
95 – Enjoy a nature tour on Taylor’s Creek ending at Carrot Island through The Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research office
96 – Put on your bathing suit and hit the Salty Pirate Water Park
97 – Paddleboard the Bogue Sound
98 – Sample locally brewed beer from Crystal Coast Brewing in Atlantic Beach
99 – Visit the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and explore all the exhibits indoors and out
100 – Get breakfast or lunch catered to you by The Village Market
101 – Plan some playtime at the Splash Pad in the Atlantic Beach Park
102 – Watch the Musket firing at Fort Macon
103 – Walk through the gardens at Tryon Palace
104 – Visit the birthplace of Pepsi
105 – See how many bears you can count in Downtown New Bern
106 – Go to a race at the Carteret Speedway
107 – Visit the Civil War Memorial Park in Newport
108 – Ride the double-decker bus in Beaufort
109 – Have a front porch photo shoot done by a local photographer
110 – Explore the Boathouse Creek Walking Trails in Cedar Point
111 – Play a round of frisbee golf in the Emerald Forest Park
112 – Have a self-care day with an in-home facial mask, massage, or yoga session
113 – Donate snacks and food at the Emerald Isle Food Lion for Backpack for Kids
114 – Have dinner and drinks outdoors at RuckerJohns
115 – Take a tour of Bogue Sound Distillery
116 – Pick up brunch to go at 34 Degrees North in Beaufort, NC
117 – Or have brunch outdoors at Boro in Swansboro
118 – Beaufort Grocery offers daily specials with curbside pickup – including brunch
119 – Enjoy coffee outdoors at Reeds Coffee in Morehead City
120 – Grab some fresh produce at The Market at Cedar Point
121 – Try making a local favorite, Tomato Pie, with a recipe from local blogger, The Blond Cook
122 – Create a hand-drawn beach scene with items you find in the sand
123 – Plan a day in Swansboro with our guide to the best things to do in Swansboro
124 – Grab a Liege Waffle or Hibiscus Iced Tea at Milk Road
125 – Have an at-home movie night filled with popcorn, candy, snacks, and the latest premier
126 – Comb the beach for sea glass to make a one-of-a-kind bracelet
127 – Tour the local historic sites
128 – Taking the boat out for the day? Promise Land Market in Morehead City offers boat snacks to go
129 – Ride the ferry to Ocracoke and take the kids to see the Ocracoke Banker Ponies
130 – Go on a Hungry Town Bike Tour
131 – Have a quiet dinner for two on Intercoastal at Amos Mosquitos in Atlantic Beach
132 – ake the Wild Horse and Dolphin Sunset Cruise with Crystal Coast Lady Cruises
133 – Go hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites
134 – Go skydiving
135 – Grab cupcakes or a coke float at Happy Cakes in MHC
136 – Visit the Maritime Museum in Beaufort
137 – Gather unique rocks, paint them and place them around town
138 – Try your hand at Axe Throwing or a Rage Room
139 – Go-kart race at Fun World Motorsports
140 – Order fresh local produce, shrimp, and eggs through our VSA program
141 – Play Pokemon Go all around the coast
142 – Make fresh fruit popsicles to enjoy with family and friends
143 – Pick up one of our local versions of Monopoly and other board games for hours of fun
144 – Visit Beaufort’s Old Burial Grounds dating as far back as the 1700s
145 – Take your four-legged friend on a walk on the bike path or beach
146 – Complete a puzzle or two
147 – Make a Pandora or Spotify playlist for the beach
148 – Play your favorite music and have a dance party in your vacation rental
149 – Learn a TikTok dance
150 – Watch the wild horses run on Shackleford Banks and Carrot Island
151 – Go Geo Cashing around town. It’s like a giant treasure hunt. See www.geocaching.com/play
152 – Learn to surf or stand up paddleboard
153 – Visit Tryon Palace, explore on your own or take a guided tour
154 – Create new family traditions
155 – Have a free taste of Ice Cream or a free piece of Salt Water Taffy at Sweet Spot in Emerald Isle
156 – Pick up some local postcards and mail them to friends back home
157 – Catch a ferry from Morehead City, Beaufort, or Harkers Island and explore to your heart’s content
158 – Gather the family and make homemade pizzas
159 – Plan a Taco Tuesday night with fresh local ingredients
160 – Double kayak with the one you love most
161 – Make a beach bucket list for your next vacation
162 – Wander through the Carteret County Curb Market in Morehead City
163 – Visit Blackbeard’s House in Beaufort to hear some spooky tales
164 – Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at Fort Macon
165 – Camp out at Hammocks Beach State Park
166 – Take part in the traditional cannon firing at Fort Macon State Park
167 – Explore Down East heritage at the Core Sound Museum in Harkers Island
168 – Pick up a plain dozen of donuts and have a donut decorating competition
169 – If the rain rolls in, do the rain clouds in a jar science project with your kids
170 – Spend the day exploring the many islands along the Crystal Coast
171 – DIY candles with a large shell from the beach
172 – Watch the experts slow cook a feast at the Newport Pig Pickin’
173 – Catch the fast boat races in the Crystal Coast Grand Prix in September
174 – Watch a free outdoor movie in Atlantic Beach every Wednesday night starting at dusk in the Circle
175 – Super glue small shells to the end of bobby pins to make a cute new hair clip
176 – Go live online from your vacation home
177 – Try your hand at the Morehead City Seafood Festival Flounder Fling during the festival
178 – Play a game of beach soccer
179 – Plan a sunrise walk on the beach
180 – Skate the bike path
181 – Grab some flashlights and tell ghost stories all night long
182 – Plan a trip to Sunset Slush for classic Italian Ice
183 – Hit up a local wine shop and have a wine and cheese pairing
184 – Paint and design your own Oyster Shell ring dish
185 – Grab dessert or a fancy shake at Dinis Martinis
186 – Try some authentic Atlantic Beach Pie
187 – Build a pillow fort with your kids in a common room of your vacation rental
188 – Use #BluewaterNC on social media to share your photos and videos
189 – Blog your Crystal Coast vacation and add to it each year
190 – Play a game of cards with your family or friends
191 – Take your own culinary tour and try these local seafood and southern cuisine favorites
192 – Plan a pop-up picnic
193 – Have morning mimosas on the beach
194 – Make and enjoy a charcuterie board
195 – Spend the day exploring Village West on Emerald Isle
196 – Explore Rocket Fizz on Emerald Isle and grab a cold specialty soda
197 – Take your boat out to a sandbar island in the middle of Bogue Sound for a beach day all to yourself
198 – Take a sketch pad and pencil and sketch your family playing on the beach
199 – Want to move here? Start virtually house hunting with one of our agents!
200 – Have a blast and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Which one of these is your favorite idea? What did we miss? What would you add to this list?
200 Things to Do on your Crystal Coast Vacation
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda Gray200 Things to Do on your Crystal Coast Vacation (While Staying Safe)
Whether you’re a first-time vacationer or you’ve been vacationing with us for years, you won’t run out of things to do on the Crystal Coast. And to make sure you don’t miss a minute of fun, we’ve come up with 200 things to do on your Crystal Coast vacation. Go ahead, build your best itinerary and make the most of your time off!
1 – Take an Eco-Tour with H20 Captain
2 – Search for the beach for shark teeth
3 – Fly a kite
4 – Watch for dolphins playing in the surf
5 – Build a sandcastle
6 – Explore historic Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach
7 – Look for the biggest seashell at low tide
8 – Take a tour of scenic Beaufort
9 – Scuba the Graveyard of the Atlantic
10 – Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches
11 – Start a body surfing or boogie boarding competition with your friends
12 – Order curbside pickup from our local restaurants
13 – Experience the Oxygen Bar at Infuse Wellness
14 – Strawberry picking at Garner Farms
15 – Pack a lunch and have a picnic at Fort Macon State Park
16 – Have a cup of coffee with your pup at Muttigans in Emerald Isle
17 – Visit the local book store on Emerald Isle
18 – Search for murals in downtown Morehead City
19 – Try an online yoga or workout video on the beach
20 – Feed the turtles at Emerald Plantation
21 – Walk the trails in the Emerald Forest Park off of Coast Guard Road
22 – Play a round of golf at Star Hill
23 – Go bowling or play arcade games at MacDaddys
24 – Book a fishing charter with Capt Stacy
25 – Have an in-home scavenger hunt with the kids in your vacation home
26 – Bike the Emerald Isle Bike Trail
27 – Go to a Marlins’ baseball game
28 – Watch the fishing charters unload the daily catch on the Morehead City waterfront
29 – Take lots of photos to enter into our annual Bluewater Photo Contest
30 – Load up on some of the state’s best wine at the Wine Market in Emerald Isle
31 – Take a moonlight cruise
32 – Wade offshore of Bogue Sound to clam or cast a net
33 – Walk to the end of the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier for a wonderful view
34 – Get a fishing license
35 – Witness the baby sea turtles hatch and make a run for the ocean in the early summer evenings
36 – Drop a crab pot off your sound front pier and check it daily for fresh crabs
37 – Surf-fish from the beach and see what you can catch
38 – Bask in the sun at Hammocks Beach State Park
39 – Host an evening beach party
40 – Take a step back in history on a self-walking tour of the Beaufort Historic Site
41 – Play a game of beach Ultimate Frisbee
42 – Have family ice cream sundae night with all the toppings
43 – Hunt for sea glass along the shore; blue and purple are rare finds
44 – Stroll down the docks at the Morehead City waterfront
45 – Interact with the marine life in tidal pools along the coast
46 – Search for sand dollars in the surf
47 – Watch the military planes fly down the coast
48 – Take a walk through the shops in historic downtown Swansboro
49 – Pick up a few comic books at Book Beach Mart
50 – Whale watch at Cape Lookout and the Bogue Inlet Pier
51 – Take a selfie at The Point in Emerald Isle
52 – Check out the local catch on the Bogue Inlet Pier
53 – Go bird watching in Emerald Woods
54 – Learn about and go clamming from local experts
55 – Spark some romance with a walk on the beach at sunset
56 – Launch your kayak at the Emerald Isle boat ramp and explore the sound
57 – Start a game of beach football
58 – See what gets washed up on shore after a big storm
59 – Take a sequence of photos of the sunrises and sunsets
60 – Watch the big ships dock at the State Port in Morehead City
61 – Chase Ghost Crabs along the shore after dark; they’re pretty fast and tricky
62 – Play volleyball at the Atlantic Beach Circle or the Emerald Isle Beach Access
63 – Rent a jet ski and explore
64 – Spend the day exploring the many islands along the Crystal Coast
65 – Try your hand at paddle boarding
66 – Pick up the Crystal Coast Series by author Chrissy Lessey
67 – Draw pictures in the sand
68 – Shop til you drop at Island Clothing
69 – Go for a ride on an authentic Banana Boat
70 – Walk under the Bogue Inlet Pier and take a family picture
71 – Count the seconds between waves breaking on the beach; you will notice a pattern
72 – Look for shapes in the clouds as they blow in the breeze
73 – Watch the windsurfers battle the ocean’s current
74 – Charter a cruise for your whole party with Waterbug Tours
75 – Play a game of Bocce Ball with those around you
76 – Dig a hole and bury someone to their waist
77 – Grab the Geneva Chase Mystery Series and get them autographed by local author, Tom Kies
78 – Bury your toes in the warm sand
79 – Take a trip to Shark Tooth Island
80 – Take a walk along the Emerald Isle Bike Path
81 – Play a game of Horseshoes on the beach
82 – Catch Sandfiddler crabs in the surf
83 – Throw a cast net into the sound to see what you catch
84 – Walk the path through Emerald Isle and visit the shops along the way
85 – Look for starfish in the surf
86 – Go to an event featured on our event calendar
87 – Visit Blu Sail Golitz Pottery in Downtown Morehead
88 – Create your very own treasure adventure – bury treasures for your friends and family to find
89 – Skip cooking and grab some BBQ at Moore’s Barbeque
90 – Order your “Bring the party home” paint kit from Wine and Design in Morehead City
91 – Rent bikes and enjoy the outdoors like a local
92 – Or, try an electric bike rental from Pedego Electric Bikes
93 – Enjoy the outdoors by bike on Swansboro’s 25-mile bike trail along the water and through the Croatan National Forest
94 – Take your dog on a tour of all the local dog-friendly spots
95 – Enjoy a nature tour on Taylor’s Creek ending at Carrot Island through The Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research office
96 – Put on your bathing suit and hit the Salty Pirate Water Park
97 – Paddleboard the Bogue Sound
98 – Sample locally brewed beer from Crystal Coast Brewing in Atlantic Beach
99 – Visit the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and explore all the exhibits indoors and out
100 – Get breakfast or lunch catered to you by The Village Market
101 – Plan some playtime at the Splash Pad in the Atlantic Beach Park
102 – Watch the Musket firing at Fort Macon
103 – Walk through the gardens at Tryon Palace
104 – Visit the birthplace of Pepsi
105 – See how many bears you can count in Downtown New Bern
106 – Go to a race at the Carteret Speedway
107 – Visit the Civil War Memorial Park in Newport
108 – Ride the double-decker bus in Beaufort
109 – Have a front porch photo shoot done by a local photographer
110 – Explore the Boathouse Creek Walking Trails in Cedar Point
111 – Play a round of frisbee golf in the Emerald Forest Park
112 – Have a self-care day with an in-home facial mask, massage, or yoga session
113 – Donate snacks and food at the Emerald Isle Food Lion for Backpack for Kids
114 – Have dinner and drinks outdoors at RuckerJohns
115 – Take a tour of Bogue Sound Distillery
116 – Pick up brunch to go at 34 Degrees North in Beaufort, NC
117 – Or have brunch outdoors at Boro in Swansboro
118 – Beaufort Grocery offers daily specials with curbside pickup – including brunch
119 – Enjoy coffee outdoors at Reeds Coffee in Morehead City
120 – Grab some fresh produce at The Market at Cedar Point
121 – Try making a local favorite, Tomato Pie, with a recipe from local blogger, The Blond Cook
122 – Create a hand-drawn beach scene with items you find in the sand
123 – Plan a day in Swansboro with our guide to the best things to do in Swansboro
124 – Grab a Liege Waffle or Hibiscus Iced Tea at Milk Road
125 – Have an at-home movie night filled with popcorn, candy, snacks, and the latest premier
126 – Comb the beach for sea glass to make a one-of-a-kind bracelet
127 – Tour the local historic sites
128 – Taking the boat out for the day? Promise Land Market in Morehead City offers boat snacks to go
129 – Ride the ferry to Ocracoke and take the kids to see the Ocracoke Banker Ponies
130 – Go on a Hungry Town Bike Tour
131 – Have a quiet dinner for two on Intercoastal at Amos Mosquitos in Atlantic Beach
132 – ake the Wild Horse and Dolphin Sunset Cruise with Crystal Coast Lady Cruises
133 – Go hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites
134 – Go skydiving
135 – Grab cupcakes or a coke float at Happy Cakes in MHC
136 – Visit the Maritime Museum in Beaufort
137 – Gather unique rocks, paint them and place them around town
138 – Try your hand at Axe Throwing or a Rage Room
139 – Go-kart race at Fun World Motorsports
140 – Order fresh local produce, shrimp, and eggs through our VSA program
141 – Play Pokemon Go all around the coast
142 – Make fresh fruit popsicles to enjoy with family and friends
143 – Pick up one of our local versions of Monopoly and other board games for hours of fun
144 – Visit Beaufort’s Old Burial Grounds dating as far back as the 1700s
145 – Take your four-legged friend on a walk on the bike path or beach
146 – Complete a puzzle or two
147 – Make a Pandora or Spotify playlist for the beach
148 – Play your favorite music and have a dance party in your vacation rental
149 – Learn a TikTok dance
150 – Watch the wild horses run on Shackleford Banks and Carrot Island
151 – Go Geo Cashing around town. It’s like a giant treasure hunt. See www.geocaching.com/play
152 – Learn to surf or stand up paddleboard
153 – Visit Tryon Palace, explore on your own or take a guided tour
154 – Create new family traditions
155 – Have a free taste of Ice Cream or a free piece of Salt Water Taffy at Sweet Spot in Emerald Isle
156 – Pick up some local postcards and mail them to friends back home
157 – Catch a ferry from Morehead City, Beaufort, or Harkers Island and explore to your heart’s content
158 – Gather the family and make homemade pizzas
159 – Plan a Taco Tuesday night with fresh local ingredients
160 – Double kayak with the one you love most
161 – Make a beach bucket list for your next vacation
162 – Wander through the Carteret County Curb Market in Morehead City
163 – Visit Blackbeard’s House in Beaufort to hear some spooky tales
164 – Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at Fort Macon
165 – Camp out at Hammocks Beach State Park
166 – Take part in the traditional cannon firing at Fort Macon State Park
167 – Explore Down East heritage at the Core Sound Museum in Harkers Island
168 – Pick up a plain dozen of donuts and have a donut decorating competition
169 – If the rain rolls in, do the rain clouds in a jar science project with your kids
170 – Spend the day exploring the many islands along the Crystal Coast
171 – DIY candles with a large shell from the beach
172 – Watch the experts slow cook a feast at the Newport Pig Pickin’
173 – Catch the fast boat races in the Crystal Coast Grand Prix in September
174 – Watch a free outdoor movie in Atlantic Beach every Wednesday night starting at dusk in the Circle
175 – Super glue small shells to the end of bobby pins to make a cute new hair clip
176 – Go live online from your vacation home
177 – Try your hand at the Morehead City Seafood Festival Flounder Fling during the festival
178 – Play a game of beach soccer
179 – Plan a sunrise walk on the beach
180 – Skate the bike path
181 – Grab some flashlights and tell ghost stories all night long
182 – Plan a trip to Sunset Slush for classic Italian Ice
183 – Hit up a local wine shop and have a wine and cheese pairing
184 – Paint and design your own Oyster Shell ring dish
185 – Grab dessert or a fancy shake at Dinis Martinis
186 – Try some authentic Atlantic Beach Pie
187 – Build a pillow fort with your kids in a common room of your vacation rental
188 – Use #BluewaterNC on social media to share your photos and videos
189 – Blog your Crystal Coast vacation and add to it each year
190 – Play a game of cards with your family or friends
191 – Take your own culinary tour and try these local seafood and southern cuisine favorites
192 – Plan a pop-up picnic
193 – Have morning mimosas on the beach
194 – Make and enjoy a charcuterie board
195 – Spend the day exploring Village West on Emerald Isle
196 – Explore Rocket Fizz on Emerald Isle and grab a cold specialty soda
197 – Take your boat out to a sandbar island in the middle of Bogue Sound for a beach day all to yourself
198 – Take a sketch pad and pencil and sketch your family playing on the beach
199 – Want to move here? Start virtually house hunting with one of our agents!
200 – Have a blast and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Which one of these is your favorite idea? What did we miss? What would you add to this list?
Spring Gardening Tips
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GrayWith all that is going on in our world right now, we sincerely hope that you are healthy and practicing the recommended social distancing strategies. With so many staying at home right now and the beautiful weather of Spring in the air, we thought this would be a good time to share some helpful gardening tips. Cathy Sheaffer, our Emerald Isle Broker in Charge took some time to share the secrets she’s used to helping her plants live their best lives!
Spring Gardening Tips
Many of my friends and family are amazing gardeners and have shared tips with me over the years. My husband got his love of gardening from his mother, who is 94 and still producing the most beautiful flower gardens ever!
I started composting last year by putting most food scraps, peels, newspaper, cardboard, non-colored paper, dried leaves, etc into a big container outside and toss it around occasionally. It takes time to break down to usable dirt but really helps the quality of the soil. Did you know that you can add dryer lint and hair to your compost? Read this for more tips on composting:
If you don’t compost, I’ve been told that Black Kow is one of the best to buy. It is organic composted cow manure and helps hold moisture and nutrients around the roots.
I try to plant seeds inside to get a head start and add some outside later as well.
Some of my favorite flowers that do well here along the Crystal Coast are zinnias, sunflowers, impatiens, (annuals), Shasta daisies, lantana, verbena, hydrangea, knock out roses, Mexican sage (salvia), Mexican petunia, muhly grass, Vitex (Chaste tree) and spiraea bush. My most favorite, but a little tough to grow here, is statice, which is used as a filler in flower arrangements. It also dries and keeps its color extremely well. Some statice flowers are perennials and come back heartier each year (unless you have a hurricane- which is what unfortunately killed mine after 4 years). I just ordered more seeds to start a new batch this season and look forward to seeing which colors I end up with. The purple seems to be the hardiest, although I had a couple of white, pink, and yellow that showed up the first year.
It is recommended to put mulch on top of your soil to hold the moisture in and prevent weeds from sprouting up. The soil here is sandy, so in the summer you will most likely need to water your plants daily to keep the flowers at their best. Fertilize your plants with Miracle Grow or Triple 20 once a month and get the container that you can put on your hose to make it easier, but be careful if you use 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 because it can burn your plants if you use too much!
Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and smells of your flowers, but one of the best things about having a healthy garden is noticing how quickly the butterflies, bees (some can come from up to 5 miles away), dragonflies, hummingbirds, and more come to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Hopefully, you won’t have problems with grasshoppers- as they can chew through leaves, stems, and petals. One summer my grandson and I grabbed 90 grasshoppers of all sizes from two of my flower beds in two days! Our chickens were so excited when we emptied each jar-full into their area. Only a few escaped and probably made their way back to my flowers.
With that being said, patience is probably the most important thing to remember when finding your green thumb. Be open to explore a few different options before figuring out exactly what plants work best in your area. If something is not working in a specific area of your yard, remember that it can usually be replanted somewhere else. With so many local landscaping experts and Garden Centers in our area, it’s easy to maintain a beautiful garden throughout the Spring and Summer months!
I love growing flowers that you can pick and really enjoy making arrangements for my home or better yet, for giving away to someone to brighten their day!
Thank you for reading! – Cathy Sheaffer
Ways to Be Safe While Vacationing on the Crystal Coast
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayWays to Be Safe While Vacationing on the Crystal Coast
The state of North Carolina is currently operating under a three-stage phase to lift the restrictions across our state to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Like other towns and cities across the nation, restaurants, bars, and non-essential shops are not open for normal business. Restaurants offer curbside pick-up and delivery, and some non-essential shops offer pickup for online and Facebook purchases. In the past 30+ days, Bluewater has worked hard to adjust our business practices to protect our guests, owners, and staff.
How this Vacation Might be Different
Our local stores are experiencing shortages just like other stores nationwide.
It would be best to bring the following items with you:
If you feel more comfortable with your own bedding, we invite you to bring your personal comforters, blankets, and pillows.
Ways to Maximize Your Crystal Coast Vacation
Bring plenty of games and toys for extra entertainment, such as:
Get as much exercise and Vitamin D while on vacation. Don’t forget, when setting up at the beach, ensure that you are keeping a safe distance from the people around you. We suggest 20 feet apart from each other to allow yourself plenty of space. We have provided you with a list of 200 ways to enjoy your Crystal Coast vacation while social distancing You can still enjoy the coastal fare! Here are local restaurants that are offering curbside pick-up and or delivery. Host an indoor Scavenger Hunt from your vacation rental! Participate in our Coloring Contest and email your submissions!
How Bluewater is Helping Stop the Spread
We have adjusted our business’s operations to protect our most valuable assets – our guests, our owners, and our staff.
We have changed our check-in and check-out procedures to eliminate the foot traffic in our offices. We are offering keyed check-ins pickup outside of our offices. You will not need to leave your car when picking up your key packet. We have drop boxes at each office to drop your key packets off when you depart. Keyless check-ins will continue directly to your vacation rental property and bypass the office. Keyless check-ins will continue directly to your vacation rental, and use your keyless code to access your vacation rental property beginning at your check-in time.
We continue to provide bed linens and bath towels that have been laundered in our linen facility, and our staff continues to follow CDC guidelines.
Our housekeeping staff is taking extra precautions by assuring that each property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by using top-of-the-line cleaning supplies and following strict protocols to ensure all rental units are safe and clean. We are ensuring our staff stays well-informed and updated with any changes and follows all CDC guidelines.
How You Can Help Stop the Spread
Try to stay in your vacation rental home, enjoy the beach, partake in outdoor activities, ride bikes on the bike path, and pick up food from the local restaurants, all while avoiding the public and practicing social distance.
Order your groceries ahead of time and choose pickup instead of going inside the grocery store. These local grocery stores offer grocery pickup: Walmart in Swansboro and Morehead City, Harris Teeter in Morehead City, and Lowes Foods in Cape Carteret.
If you have any questions or concerns during your stay – please contact our offices by phone, email, and/or text. While our offices remain open, we ask everyone not to physically come into our offices so that our employees and other guests can remain healthy.
Get in Touch With us Without Coming to the Office
Email Us: Rentals@bluewaternc.com
Call Us: (877) 684-9921
Text Us:
Reservations: 252-429-5447
Linens: 252-429-5494
Housekeeping: 252-429-5464
Maintenance: 252-429-5441
Please note that these numbers are text-only numbers and can’t accept calls.
Please reach out if you have additional questions.
Carteret County Schools Delivering Breakfast and Lunch While School’s Closed
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GrayCarteret County Schools Delivering Breakfast and Lunch While School’s Closed for COVID-19
Carteret County Schools Deliver Meals
While Carteret County schools have been closed due to the worldwide concern of COVID-19, school cafeterias have not closed. Carteret County Schools are delivering meals, well–balanced breakfast, and lunch for county kids. In an initiative to ensure all school–aged kids are provided their school meals each day – elementary schools across Carteret County are providing meals and meal deliveries.
Meals have been served and will continue to be served at Beaufort Middle, Bogue Sound Elementary, Morehead Primary, Newport Elementary, Smyrna Elementary, and White Oak Elementary from 11 AM to 1 PM on weekdays.
In addition to the meals being served at the schools, they are enlisting the elementary buses to deliver 2 meals on weekdays and 6 meals on Fridays. The elementary buses will be driving their normal routes delivering both lunch and breakfast at each stop on weekdays.
Parents are encouraged to use the “Here Comes the Bus” app to view the bus schedule and know when the bus will be arriving to their neighborhood stop for meal delivery. Parents of Middle and High School students will need to partner with an elementary neighbor to learn the bus delivery time as the “Here Come the Bus” app will only report to the elementary routes.
The Carteret County public schools announced they served over 4,800 meals on Friday, March 20, 2020.
A special thanks to all those teachers, bus drivers, and Child Nutrition Staff for all your hard work to reach these children, some of them who rely on their school-provided lunch each day. This is an incredible thing for our kids to look forward to each day!
Here comes the bus app
To Our Valued Guests Regarding COVID-19
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayA Note To Our Valued Guests
To our valued guests,
Taking into consideration the heightened concern with coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand that many of you may be experiencing stress with rapidly changing information on travel restrictions and public event cancellations.
Here at Bluewater, your health and safety are always top-of-mind and our first priority. We are diligently monitoring the situation, operating our business as usual, and doing everything in our power to ensure that the last thing you need to worry about is your vacation on the Crystal Coast.
We are taking extra precautions by ensuring that each property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Bluewater Housekeeping Specialists are using top-of-the-line cleaning supplies and following strict protocols to ensure all rental units are safe, clean, and welcoming for all guests.
In addition to our cleaning and sanitizing efforts, we are encouraging our employees to stay home if they are feeling ill regardless of what symptoms they may be experiencing. We are ensuring that our staff is staying well-informed and updated with any changes as well as taking guidance from the CDC for our next steps. We are also asking our guests, owners, and third-party vendors to limit foot traffic in both our Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach offices.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your rental property or upcoming reservation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by phone at (252) 354-2323 or by email at rentals@bluewaternc.com.
Best regards,
Amanda Gray
General Manager
DIY Face Masks Provided by a Local Teacher
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayDIY Face Masks
A local art teacher Janesa White, has been quite busy over these last few weeks. While Mrs. White is not chasing after 2 young boys, running a thriving Etsy shop, and virtually teaching her art students during the day – she has been taking some of her “quaran-time” to create a DIY Face Mask Tutorial. She has also dedicated a great deal of her time to making these DIY face masks for others on the front lines and in desperate need of protection from the public, they serve each and every day. She has made over 185 masks for others thus far and isn’t stopping there!
Mrs. White says this DIY face mask is a “10-minute project with stuff around your house! It is fashionable and helps you not touch your face a bajillion times an hour.”
Please visit her site for the FREE printable DIY face mask pattern. https://lovethenbaby.wixsite.com/lthenb/patterns
If you do not feel comfortable making your own, she is making them and shipping them to those in need for just $1 each and asking for donations to continue making more.
Thank you so much, Mrs. White, for this fabulous way of giving back to your local community as well as supporting those in need during these difficult and uncertain times!
Materials
Janesa’s Face Mask Template
Fabric (You Can Even Recycle from Items Around Your Home)
Sewing Machine or Sewing Needle With Thread
Headband (Hair Ties/Scrunchies May Work As Well)
Meet Janesa White
“Burning the midnight oil on a rush order for a family who needs to spend these precious moments with their loved one. So blessed to be able to help.” – Janesa White
Face mask cut from her template and waiting to be sewn.
Janesa’s assistant and husband Derrick
10 Reasons to Spend Spring Break on the Crystal Coast
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda Gray10 Reasons to Spend Spring Break on the Crystal Coast
Spring break on the Crystal Coast is the perfect time to vacation with us. The air is a bit cooler, vacation season isn’t in full swing, and everything is available to you without much of a wait. It is one of the best times to spend time on the southern Outer Banks. That said, we’re sharing 10 reasons you should spend your Spring break with us on the Crystal Coast.
Here are 10 Reasons to Spend Spring Break on the Crystal Coast
ALSO SEE: Fun Things to Do on the Crystal Coast this Spring
Did we miss anything? What would you include on this list? Let us know in the comments below. Know someone who should spend Spring break on the Crystal Coast? Share this blog post with them.
SAVE FOR LATER
A Valentine’s Day Getaway on the Crystal Coast
/in Vacation Rental /by Amanda GrayA Valentine’s Day Getaway on the Crystal Coast
Looking to add a bit more romance to your relationship this year? How about a Valentine’s Day getaway on the Crystal Coast? The Crystal Coast is the perfect place to spend this heart-filled holiday with the one you love! We’re sharing some ideas to make your romantic beach getaway one to remember.
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Let’s face it, gifts are great but making memories with a shared experience is even better! With unique south-facing beaches and breathtaking sunsets, the Crystal Coast stretches over 85 miles of sand and sun along the coast of North Carolina, making it the perfect setting for making memories that last a lifetime. Plan a long weekend romantic getaway starting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and enjoy an entire week with your sweetheart.
What to do on Your Valentine’s Day Getaway on the Crystal Coast
Take that romantic walk on the beach to the next level with a surprise picnic. Local companies like Carolina Picnic Co. will set up a luxury picnic with just about anything your heart desires. Sip champagne, nibble on chocolate, and, most importantly, get cozy with your cutie. You can put a twist on this idea and have a picnic in your private vacation rental vs. the beach, too. Let your imagination run wild.
ALSO SEE: Create Your Romantic Itinerary on the Crystal Coast
How about enjoying conversation and charcuterie with your beach babe while you’re both snuggled up watching a long list of romcoms? The good folks at TheGrazingTray can make all your charcuterie dreams come true. If you’re a foodie this will delight you!
If you prefer to spend the night out, why not dine at one of the incredible restaurants in the area? We love the ambiance at Table 9, Bahia House and Surf Bar, or even Caribsea, right in Emerald Isle.
ALSO SEE: 5 of the Best Atlantic Beach Seafood Restaurants
Adventures and Activities During Your Getaway
Experience a thrilling adventure together with a fun day on the water with Island Water Sports. Rent jet skis and ride the waves, or enjoy the excitement of a Banana Boat ride! They even have kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for even more fun. Doesn’t that sound like the makings of a fun-filled Valentine’s Day getaway on the Crystal Coast?
Another idea for the brave and bold might be to try hang gliding together. That’s definitely an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget.
Biking along the Crystal Coast is another nice option for two. You can peddle your way through paradise or try an eclectic bike and enjoy the ride. Either way, you’ll be doing it together and having fun.
A few other options to consider – Bowling, racing, or putt-putt gold at MacDaddys, feeding the sharks at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores during their behind-the-scenes tour, or take an EcoTour with Crystal Coast Ecotours.
Shopping During Your Valentine’s Day Getaway on the Crystal Coast
If you’re interested in a bit of shopping for your sweetheart while you’re visiting with us, you’ll love our newest shopping community at Village West. There you’ll find all the makings for a great shipping day and plenty of options to create the ultimate gift basket, too. Start your day with coffee and a Liege Waffle at Milk Road, then look through their shop for local goodies. Next, head over to EJW Outdoors for all the beach essentials and more. Don’t miss Style the Day Boutique for the latest fashions for her and Enchanted Interiors for a unique way to bring a bit of the coast home with you! Before you head out, grab some lunch at No Name Pizza and Subs, then some sweet treats at Rocket Fizz!
Haven’t got your fill of retail therapy? Emerald Plantation shopping plaza should be your next stop. There’s a wide variety of shops, and you’ll find everything from jewelry to fresh premium olive oils. You’re sure to find something perfect for the one you love.
Ready to spend a long romantic week with us on the Crystal Coast? Learn about our vacation specials, promotions, and discounts, and get ready to plan a Valentine’s Day getaway on the Crystal Coast!
January 2020 | Market Reports
/in Real Estate /by Amanda GrayJanuary 2020 Market Report
The summary: The number of listings are up and they are not on the market for long!
Looking for a more in-depth Market Analysis for your neighborhood? Fill out the form below and one of our agents will contact you shortly to help you learn more about the value of your home!