This trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina was initiated because of a fishing trip. Earlier this summer, we took a vacation to Destin, Florida. We had no plans for this, but our granddaughter, Memphis, was staying with us for a week. It seemed better to enjoy her at the beach than hang out at home for a week.
Dave and our youngest son, Will, went on a fishing charter boat during that trip. Will came back saying that Dave had told everyone on the boat how much better Captain Stacy in Morehead City is. We have vacationed there many times in the past.
Will may have exaggerated a little; however, Dave has mentioned his fishing trips on Captain Stacy many times over the years. This gave me the idea to book a place on Emerald Isle and “give him the chance” to go fishing on the Captain Stacy again.
When I suggested we vacation at the beach in North Carolina for his upcoming birthday, he quickly found a place in Indian Beach, just past Emerald Isle. Let me tell you that, unless it is a fishing trip, this man lets me make all of the vacation plans and reservations. When he immediately started searching for a place, I knew this was a perfect birthday gift.
As soon as I informed him that the trip was booked, he quickly reserved a spot on Captain Stacy’s boat for Monday!
I thought that the threat of hurricanes was pretty much past in October. Clearly, I was wrong. Hurricane Erin made her appearance the day after we arrived and wreaked havoc on the coast. On Sunday, a nor’easter added to Erin, and the sandy beach was not even visible under the pounding surf.
Captain Stacy cancelled their fishing trip for Monday. Dave rescheduled for Wednesday. A lady called Tuesday to let him know that too many people had cancelled and they didn’t have enough people to make the trip on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the trip was a bust for him this time.
Morehead City
Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant
When the rain let up, we took a drive to Morehead City. We ate at Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant in Morehead City. The last time we visited was about ten years ago. I remember that they served really good hush puppies and sweet tea.
They are both still good, but the hush puppies are no longer round. When did they start making them in a fingerling shape? I like this shape. It’s easier to dip into a sauce and eat, too.
Beaufort
Seagrass Whimsical Gifts
We stopped in at the cutest little shop, Seagrass Whimsical Gifts in Beaufort. The items they have are so unique! They’re not things you see at every shop around.
The Soulmate Mismatched Socks caught my eye, and I had to laugh! When my granddaughter, Sophie, was several years younger, I commented on her mismatched socks. She said she was going to start a business selling mismatched socks.
Well, she didn’t follow through, but at the time, I told her it was a pretty good idea.
I took the picture of the sock display above and sent it to her. She sent me a text that they had stolen her idea! Lol!
These whimsical seagulls and fish are made by a local lady, Eve Humphrey. You can find her Facebook page ◄ here. I went back and bought the pelican painting above. I LOVE her work!
I’m not sure who made the little dishes, but they are so cute, too!
A local photographer is responsible for this plaque. I love it! We had intended to visit Shackleford Island and see the wild horses. We’ve been there before, but because of the weather, we didn’t make it this time.
Stephanie Jarvis, who works part-time at the Seagrass shop, is so friendly and helpful. She is the one who told us that the owner, Sally Hoyt, tries to find unique items that the other shops around don’t have. She supports the locals. You should stop in here and take a look!
Cedar Point
Bogue House Restaurant
Dave chose this restaurant in Cedar Point. If you’re looking for fine dining in a restaurant with amazing ambiance, this is not it. As we entered the restaurant, Dave looked at me and said, “Do you want to go somewhere else?”
I said, “No, let’s try it out.”
Well, it is clean and not fancy, but the food is really pretty dang good, no frills, but very tasty. Their hush puppies are the same shape as those at the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant.
Brunswick stew is one of their side options. I had to try it because I’ve been making it since Will was in high school. He brought home a Brunswick stew recipe his friend’s mother shared. This one was strikingly similar.
Indian Beach
Internet Down
During our stay at the Colony by the Sea, Hurricane Erin and the Nor’Easter caused frequent and extended internet outages. Or maybe the internet where we stayed was not that good. A few days without so much technology can be relaxing.
A turkey also caused electric outages here in Carteret County. ◄ Check it out! I am not even kidding.
The turkey made the deadly mistake of getting in between an arrester and a ground wire, resulting in a fried turkey and electrical outages. I’m pretty sure that this had nothing to do with our outage.
We began watching a Survivor episode. Before the conclusion, the internet went out again. We’re still wondering what happened to Jonathan.
Swansboro
Yana’s Restaurant
If you visit Swansboro, you must visit Yana’s Restaurant. My favorite spot in Swansboro is this 1950s-style restaurant. It’s still the same as it was the last time we visited ten years ago.
We’ve had a lot of seafood this week. Dave was craving beef. This bacon cheeseburger and the onion rings filled his belly.
Outside, we saw this vintage Chevrolet sedan! How cool is this? It’s for sale!
Beaufort
Crape Myrtle Trees
We walked down a side street, and these beautiful trees caught my eye. I didn’t realize they are crape myrtle trees. The reddish brown bark is truly stunning, isn’t it?
Old Burying Ground
There are tours that you can take of the Old Burying Ground. We chose
to take a stroll through the old tombstones on our own.
Indian Beach Condo
3D Puzzle
Our evenings were pretty quiet. Dave began putting this shark puzzle together. These 3D puzzles are challenging. The colors of the pieces change as you pick them up and move them. He was determined and finished the puzzle the night before we left.
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Want to try this puzzle? You can find the Great White Shark 3D Puzzle ◄ here.
Balcony View
The view from our balcony is amazing. After the storm, we had beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and the sun shining on the water sparkled like diamonds.
Birds and Butterflies
Along the beach, there are lots of birds. This willet seemed to be posing for me. There are plenty of laughing gulls all along the beach.
I kept seeing hundreds of butterflies. At first, I thought they were Monarch butterflies. After taking a photo and looking up close, I realize that these are Gulf Fritillary butterflies.
Even though this vacation week didn’t go exactly as planned, we both agreed it was a very good, relaxing week.
As we drove home, just a few miles from our house, we saw this spectacular sunset. Guess Kentucky welcomes us home.
This morning, I began this post. Dave came in to kiss me and tell me that he was headed to Miller’s Lake to go fishing…
Be Social!
