Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Jennifer Weiss

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is a town designed for family-oriented fun along the gorgeous Atlantic coast. Stretching seven miles long and sitting on North Carolina’s southern coastline, this island has the ideal family beach environment for playing in the water or building dreams in the sand. Whether this is your children’s first time seeing the ocean or an annual trip to the coast, everyone is sure to be awestruck by the sheer beauty that is Ocean Isle Beach.

The seven miles of pristine, sandy beaches that run their way along the island are the perfect place for a young one to dig in the sand or to wade into the ocean for the first time. The beaches have a low traffic flow, do not have bright lights, and are generally an all-around great family area. You will find family water slides, numerous beach activities, miniature golf, and plenty of swimming near the beach. The island has some of the best swimming conditions on the North Carolina coast due to the gentle surf that typically does not have strong currents and a water temperature that averages about 10 degrees warmer than the beaches of the Outer Banks region.

If you have golfers in your family who simply cannot bear to part with their clubs on vacation, then Ocean Isle Beach has something to accommodate their vacation needs. There is a wide selection of courses that are tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway, situated near marshes, and nestled between meadows and pine forests. Make your way to the Ocean Ridge Plantation-Tiger’s Eye Golf Links for what has been voted one of the top 100 public courses in the country and the best overall course on the Grand Strand. The semi-private Brick Landing Plantation is also a great 18-hole option that offers an on-site pro and a pro shop just in case you hook one too many balls out of play and out of sight.

After a long day on the links or in the sand, a convenient, laid-back restaurant is exactly what you need to unwind and relax. There are a few great places to eat on the island, each offering spectacular views of the ocean or the waterway. Head out to any one of them in the early evening to catch sight of the breathtaking sunset while enjoying a delicious meal with the family. One place to try is the Giggling Mackerel Seafood Grille, which offers indoor and outdoor seating on the water and the freshest seafood caught by a local captain.

Deep sea fishing is a popular activity out of Ocean Isle Beach, meaning there are numerous captains available to take you into the ocean for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, grouper, amberjack, and barracuda. Head out for a half day or a full day with a company such as Follow Me Charters and try for the catch of a lifetime. It is a great way to spend some time with the kids and introduce them to the exciting sport of fishing, but remember that it can get quite rocky so use a patch or take a motion sickness pill before heading out.

If you need some time indoors, the Museum of Coastal Carolina is an excellent option if you or anyone in your family is interested in the coastal history of the Carolina’s. There are displays of various marine life, antique fishing equipment, shark teeth, and numerous other natural history oriented-exhibits. The programs are educational, yet entertaining, and everyone will enjoy the Reef Room, which is a walk through exhibit that allows visitors to feel as if they are walking underwater amidst the fish, plants, and other aquatic life of the Atlantic.

When you vacation in Ocean Isle Beach, you need accommodations that will allow you to venture to the beach at your own leisure while also enjoying the beauty of this amazing town. The best way to get the most out of your spectacular surroundings is by staying in an Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental that sits directly on the water and has an unimpeded view of the ocean. Relax on the porch and watch as the setting sun casts a radiant glow over the water. Stare at the magnificent waves making their way towards the sand, and then retire to your private room so you can rest before another active and busy day around town. You really can achieve the vacation you imagined, so begin your search for Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals today to find the one that has all the amenities you need at a price you can afford.

By Jonathon Hardcastle

Charlotte, North Carolina boasts some very significant statistics. It is the largest city in the entire state of North Carolina and also the 20th largest city in the entire United States. Charlotte’s name is steeped in history due to the fact that it got its namesake from Queen Charlotte, who was a wife of King George the third in England. The name “Charlotte Hornets” was given to the NBA team that resided in Charlotte, which also has a historical significance.

During the Revolutionary War, British invaders of Charlotte were driven out by the fierceness of the city’s residents. General Cornwallis, a prominent revolutionary figure, called the city “a hornet’s nest of rebellion”, which resulted in the moniker of the popular basketball team. In 2002, the Hornets were moved to New Orleans, and a new team was forged for Charlotte.

Dubbed the Charlotte Bobcats, tourists can catch them playing a game at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena, built in fall of 2005. Charlotte is also a football fan’s delight. The Carolina Panthers are based in Charlotte, and games can be attended at the city’s Bank of America stadium.

Charlotte offers extensive accommodations for those who would vacation there. Quaint bed & breakfasts can be found throughout the city, as well as world-class hotels for those who wish to have an elegant experience in the city. One unique thing to do on a trip to Charlotte would be to visit the Mint Museums. There are two: the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft & Design.

These two attractions feature a range of fine art, giving visitors a unique chance to view some truly classic works. Visitors also often delight over simply walking around Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward district, which features unique architectural works such as “Grand Old Ladies”, a type of home that was predominantly built in the 1800s. Downtown Charlotte has everything a bustling city needs: by simply walking the streets, you can see how wonderfully Charlotte is managed.

It is a very clean city with beautiful, towering buildings and numerous outdoor cafes due to the great weather that Charlotte features. The financial district is also of note to those who would like to explore the city; Charlotte’s history is steeped in finance, and to this day its influences can be seen. Southern hospitality is definitely in full swing in this city, and there are plenty of things to keep you busy. I highly recommend that everyone should visit Charlotte at least once in their lives.