Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Emily Spin

Located on the western half of Bogue Banks, one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks island chain, Emerald Isle is the best way to enjoy a fun-filled and relaxing family vacation. The beautiful sandy beaches, lush vegetation, abundance of wildlife, endless aquatic activities and friendly family environment make “the Gem of the Crystal Coast” the perfect family vacation getaway.

The pristine beaches with abundant sunshine are filled with endless excitement. Feel the sand between your toes as you stroll along where the white sand and ocean tide meet, pausing every now and again to collect beautiful seashells that wash ashore. The kids will be completely preoccupied with building sandcastles, digging holes and burying one another in the sand. With little traffic, the family friendly beaches are surrounded by activities including miniature golf, playgrounds and arcades. By the days end, everyone is sure to leave the beach sun kissed and your camera will be filled with amusing photos to add to your family photo album.

Emerald Isle is known as the Crystal Coast for a reason, so make sure to spend plenty of time exploring the refreshing turquoise water which is generally ten degrees warmer than the Outer Banks region. Enjoy swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and surfing. If you don’t happen to own a personal watercraft, there are several boat rentals to choose from such as Boon Docks & Bear Island Kayaks who offer a variety of guided tours. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and prefer to chart your own course, a self guided canoe trip to a coastal inlet is sure to fulfill your need for adventure.

For an up-close look at the delightful and stunning underwater marine life, enjoy a daytrip on a scuba diving adventure. Enjoy family bonding time during the training class and everyone will be eager to dive into the ocean depths. If you prefer to stay dry, a chartered boat tour will provide you with a knowledgeable captain who can take you to the best fishing locations for you to bring in the catch of the day of yellowfin tuna, sailfish, grouper, amberjack, or barracuda.

With so many fun filled adventures, everyone will have a thriving appetite. Dine at one of several local restaurants all stocked with the freshest seafood caught by the local fisherman. And if the kids haven’t quite developed a palate for the local bounty, be assured there are several other kid friendly menu options. Try an evening dinner at an open aired restaurant where you can enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Known as one of the best golf courses in the area, make sure to pack your clubs to enjoy a day at Brandywine Bay Golf and Country Club. The pro shop and snack bar are sure to provide you all the gear you could need and yummy snacks to keep you energy going throughout the day. This course also caters to the family with its practice bunkers and junior programs. Emerald Isle provides several popular courses that incorporate the salt marshes, streams, ponds and dense woods with every play.

When planning the details of your vacation, the best way to get the most out of your getaway is to stay in an Emerald Isle Vacation Rental. Enjoy a vacation home that allows you to meander to the beach at your own leisure or relax in a comfortable setting providing everyone with privacy, space and amenities of a home away from home. It’s easy to find and reserve your dream vacation rental within your price range and that has all the amenities to make your vacation as soothing and comfortable as possible.

Whether it’s friends, family, couples or a large group, you’re bound to find the perfect Emerald Isle Vacation Rental on www.TripHomes.com. Begin your search today for a vacation condo, villa, or home rental that makes your vacation memorable.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Spin

By: Jennifer Weiss

Topsail Island, located just off the North Carolina coast near the mainland towns of Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge, is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway. The island is all about the conservation of its natural beauty and the preservation of its natural resources. You will not find high rise buildings obstructing the breathtaking views of the ocean, but you will find an abundance of ideally situated vacation rentals that have all amenities you need for a memorable and relaxing trip.

A vacation rental in North Topsail Beach is the ideal place to stay if you want to be near miles of pristine, white sandy beaches and some of the best golf on the island. With the North Shore Country Club, a four-star golf course, less then five minutes from your accommodations, you can enjoy the perfect beach and golf vacation without venturing to an overloaded, run-of-the-mill vacation city. When the golfers in your family want to hit the links, they can make the short trip to the course while the rest of the family loads up on beach towels, which come with the house, and makes the short walk down to the sand. Nobody in your family could simply ask for a better vacation experience with everything so conveniently located.

South of North Topsail Beach you will find Surf City, which is the commercial hub of the island. Stay close to all the attractions and unusual shops on the island with a Surf City vacation rental that has a fully-equipped kitchen and a deck that overlooks the pool and the ocean. Soak in the breathtaking views of the water, and when the call of the ocean becomes too load to ignore, make your way down to the beaches that are perfect for boating, surfing, jet skiing, swimming, and simply relaxing. If you want an exciting adventure out on the water, you can find boat cruises, boat rentals, charter fishing, and jet ski rentals nearby to satisfy your appetite.

Topsail Beach is only accessible through Surf City and is generally considered the quieter section of the island. While there is a small downtown shopping area, this is the area where you can enjoy oceanfront property in a largely undeveloped area. The stretches of beach are quiet and secluded, providing the perfect atmosphere for anyone who wants to get away from the crowds and back to the peacefulness of unspoiled natural beauty. Relax in the large gazebo that sits amidst the sand dunes as you watch the sunrise or your children playing on the beach. Take the short walk to the sound pier, from which you can dangle your feet into the water and cast a fishing line. The slow pace will comfort and soothe your body as the stress of your everyday life slowly melts away.

The different parts of the island each offer something new to visitors, whether it be particular beaches, a variety of activities, or much needed seclusion. While the location of your vacation rental is important, there are other amenities that can make particular accommodations even more desirable. If you are traveling with children, a condo or home rental that has TVs and DVD players is perfect for those times when you want some personal time without interruption. Pop in their favorite movie and then retreat to the shaded porch swing for a couple hours of serenity as you listen to the sound of the waves or the rustle of the leaves around you.

Spending the day at the beach is an always entertaining option for every member of your family, but when the wind kicks up and the water becomes too rough for swimming, you will need another way to spend the day. To keep the kids appeased on your vacation, try a cottage rental that has a pool with direct views of the ocean. Rest on the deck around the pool, listening to the waves crashing in, as the kids jump in and out, happy to have another water-filled afternoon. And when you want to send pictures to a family member or tell them about all the fun you are having, log on to the wireless internet that comes with your vacation rental so everyone can stay up to speed on your Topsail Island vacation.

Topsail Island vacation rentals allow you easy access to all this exciting island has to offer without giving up the convenience and amenities of home. Before planning your next trip, look into a condo or home rental so you can enjoy the vacation you always imagined.