Beach Escape – Emerald Isle, NC

Hello friends!

Much to my dismay, months have flown by without posting here as I ought to – but this time I have a valid excuse!

Well we all do really – the pandemic has really thrown a wrench into everyone’s travel plans – especially here in the U S of A.

While all big, out-of-country travel plans have been put on hold, I have been able to take a few short weekend trips all within driving distance of my current home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

At the beginning of October I got to make a quick and sweet escape to Emerald Isle, NC. Emerald Isle is about three hours east of Chapel Hill – a fairly easy if not somewhat spooky drive through darkened, country backroads.

My roommate Teresa and her family had invited me to stay with them at a cute, beachside house. Emerald Isle itself is a very small strip of land with only the essentials. You have your little, or big, beach huts and condos, seafood joints and tourist shops selling all the Emerald Isle T-shirts you could ever want.

Despite it’s size, I feel as though the simplicity is what really adds to the charm. Families and friends gather to stay along the beach, fish, eat, drink and watch the sunset – not too shabby if you ask me.

While of course (in my very biased opinion) the sunsets are more beautiful on the West Coast, where you really get to watch the sun set over the ocean, the East Coast has it’s own charm. The beaches feel so different – smaller waves, more sand bars and a surplus of beach grass.

The isle did provide many beautiful opportunities to watch the sun set, even if you couldn’t see it dip beneath the waves – the marshes provided an especially scenic view.

During my short weekend stay, Teresa and I spent some time on the beach during the one somewhat sunny day. It was rather cold (being October and all) but being the beach bum that I am, I did spend some time gallivanting in the water.

Teresa and I spent the second day exploring – first stopping at her favorite lil’ restaurant: The Village Market. While my pimento cheese sandwich and corn chowder were good, what really blew me away were their peanut butter cookies! Even cold, these cookies were soft and gooey perfection.

After eating our fill we went across the bridge, leaving Emerald Isle to head into the neighboring town of Swansboro.

There in Historic Downtown Swansboro, we pursued the few shops that were open, took in the ocean-front views and tried to avoid the folks who were adamantly against wearing masks.

Disclaimer: Being in very rural North Carolina, Swansboro is what I would call “Trump Country” – and pandemic safety protocols were more loosely followed.

After a quick walk around downtown, Teresa and I proceeded to head to an outdoor farmer’s market that we passed on the way in.

Festive farmer’s markets are definitely one of my favorite things about the changing of the seasons. There were all kinds of stands selling an assortment of handmade goods.

The best part of all, outside of all the pretty decoration, was a little food truck selling autumnal drinks. Teresa and I chose the apple cider mimosa – which we would deign to recreate later at a pumpkin painting party. All you need is some spiced cider, champagne, a rim of cinnamon sugar and an apple for garnish.

Later that evening, we went back to the beach house to prep for dinner. First we went to the Anchor Drafthouse for a quick drink outside while we waited for a table at the neighboring restaurant: The Crab Shack.

The Anchor Drafthouse had an absolutely beautiful outdoor seating area where we got to watch the sun set. Plus they offered a variety of cider so I couldn’t complain!

The Crab Shack was simple but delicious! Plus their hushpuppies were a home run. I opted for a crab cake sandwich which was well-priced and filling.

Before we headed out the following morning – after doing the dreaded job of packing and loading up cars – Teresa and I scoured for some much needed coffee for the drive home.

4 J’s Coffee Shop did not disappoint. The inside was an eclectic mix of comfortable furniture, baked goods, assorted teas and a cozy café.

I ordered a pumpkin chai latte. It cost less than it would have at Starbucks and was infinitely more delicious. Just another reminder to shop and buy local!

Overall, this was a much-needed weekend getaway that really helped get me into the autumnal spirit. Thanks for letting me tag along Teresa!

COMING UP NEXT: A glimpse into D.C. and Fredericksburg, Virginia over Halloween weekend (and right before the election)!