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Mar 07 2021

The Secret to the Best Family Beach Vacation Packing List

Vacations are supposed to be fun. Why, then, is packing for a getaway one of the most stressful things a parent can do? You have to strike a balance between having enough to get you through the week and not including so much that you can’t transport it all. Add to that the need to be strategic in the way you pack your bags so that the most important items are easily reachable, and it’s no wonder some people would rather stay home than take a vacation with the family! Well, we say, “no more!” We want to help our guests and potential guests have the best trip of their lives, and that starts the moment they book their home. So here are some of our best tips to keep in mind when making a family beach vacation packing list!
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The Perfect Family Beach Vacation Packing List

It’s About the Journey

Whether you’re traveling by car or by plane, you’ll need to keep the kids entertained. A cranky child can make a 15-minute car ride seem like it’s taking four hours. Now imagine if you’re actually on a four-hour journey! The point is, make sure that you pack plenty of games, books, and other fun activities. If you’re taking phones or tablets, keep the charging cables at hand for any low batteries. Don’t forget to also bring a pair of headphones for each traveler.

Pack for the Beach

If you’re like us, you’re going to spend most of your summer on the beach. Who could blame you? We’re known for our pristine stretches of gorgeous shoreline. Before you head out, though, be sure to pack a couple of bottles of your favorite sunscreen. We suggest looking for varieties that say that they are waterproof and say “broad spectrum” on the label. There are also some excellent brands of sun-safe clothing like Coolibar and Columbia. Remember to bring life jackets as well. Even if your little ones are strong swimmers in the pool, we encourage everyone to use a life jacket. If this is seeming like a lot to pack, it’s okay. Our next tip takes care of that!

Don’t Stress!

Even though Emerald Isle is a quiet town, we’ve still got everything you might need for your vacation. If you need life jackets, stop by the fire station or Ace Hardware. If you need to stock up on sunscreen, stop by the grocery stores in town. If you’d prefer to have your goods delivered, Lowes Grocery and Publix both offer that service. We also suggest that our guests use Island Essentials and Beach Butler Rentals for any beach equipment. So relax! Remember that vacations are supposed to be fun.

Stay at Spinnaker’s Reach

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Now that your family beach vacation packing list is finished, the only thing left to do is to book your vacation rental with Spinnaker’s Reach! We have the best selection of homes in the area. No matter the reason for your visit or the size of your party, we have the property that will suit your needs. From pet-friendly homes to oceanfront rentals, we’ve really got it all!
Browse our full list of vacation rentals and book today! We look forward to having you.

Mar 06 2021

The Inside Scoop on Kayaking on Emerald Isle

One of our favorite ways to go sightseeing on Emerald Isle is by kayak! There’s nothing more relaxing than paddling through the calm waters of the Bogue Inlet with your family. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or you’ve never held an oar, you’ll be able to paddle through the gentle waves. Check out how you can enjoy kayaking on Emerald Isle!
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Stop by Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports to Go Kayaking on Emerald Isle

If you don’t feel like transporting bulky kayaks to Emerald Isle, you’re in luck. Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports offers a wide range of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards which are available to rent. Check out some of the options below!

Kayak & SUP Eco Tour

In our opinion, eco-tours are one of the best ways to get to know an area, and Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports offers a fantastic one! They are extremely popular and cannot be booked online, so give them a call after you’ve booked your rental home from Spinnaker’s Reach. They offer tours most Saturdays and on one Monday a month during the summer season.

Cast Your Line on a Kayak Fishing Tour

You can combine two popular Emerald Isle activities with this easy package! Book either the private or semi-private fishing tour and enjoy a fun excursion with the whole family. Their private fishing tour is $150, and the semi-private tour is $125. Both tours allow up to six guests. The trips take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the summer season and depart at 9:00 a.m.

Head Out on Your Own!

If you’d rather explore the waters of Bogue Inlet on your own, Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports can help you get going! They offer a self-guided rental excursion package that can accommodate double, single, and angler kayaks. They also have half-day and full-day self-carry rentals. Finally, guests who plan on spending as much time on the water as possible can do the two-day, three-day, or five-day rentals. Delivery is included in these deals, so you can ask the kind staff at Hot Wax to drop off your equipment at your stunning Spinnaker’s Reach vacation rental!
Another great local option for kayaks is Island Water Sports. If you reserve their single kayaks for a full day with at least 24 hours of notice, they’ll deliver it between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. and pick it back up between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Their eight-hour rentals are just $50, which is an excellent deal. You can enjoy a day on the water without breaking the bank!

Book Your Home Today With Spinnaker’s Reach

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Are you ready for an Emerald Isle kayaking adventure? Then book your home with Spinnaker’s Reach. We have the best section of properties on the Crystal Coast, from pet-friendly houses to oceanfront accommodations. No matter the reason for your visit, you’ll find just what you need in our extensive inventory. Plus, we offer golf carts rentals to all of our guests.
Browse all of our vacation rentals and book today! We look forward to having you.

Mar 04 2021

Crystal Coast vs Outer Banks: How to Choose the Best One for Your Family

Are you planning a family getaway to the coast? North Carolina is home to some of the best beaches in the world. In fact, we have so many that it can be hard to figure out which is the best. Most often, we see visitors debating between staying on the Crystal Coast or the Outer Banks. One area is a world-famous vacation destination that gets thousands of visitors per year, and the other is considered by locals to be one of the best-kept secrets of North Carolina. So in the debate of the Crystal Coast vs. the Outer Banks, which location wins? Find out which destination is right for your family!
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Crystal Coast vs. Outer Banks 101

First, let’s answer one of our most-asked questions: is Emerald Isle part of the Outer Banks? Typically, when people say, “The Outer Banks,” they tend to think of it as one destination. However, this region (often called OBX) is actually a 130-mile stretch of islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Crystal Coast, which is sometimes referred to as “Southern Outer Banks,” is a bit of coastline located directly below the OBX islands and is over 80 miles long. One of the islands along the Crystal Coast is called Bogue Banks, which is 21-miles long. At the westernmost tip of this island is our wonderful town, Emerald Isle. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. We promise you won’t be tested on any of this information.

What Makes Emerald Isle Unique

So now that we’ve laid out the geography, it’s time to choose between Emerald Isle and OBX. If you’re planning a summer vacation with your family, the choice is simple. Emerald Isle is the ideal destination. Thanks to the direction of our island, our waters feature a placid wave direction. This means that Emerald Isle is a more kid-friendly destination, with gentle, warm water. The ocean tends to be more shallow in Emerald Isle, as well. Plus, when you rent a home from Spinnaker’s Reach, you have access to the shoreline along Coast Guard Road, a private area that is open to our guests. This stretch of coastline is less crowded than other popular destinations.
Emerald Isle is also less commercialized than OBX, which is quickly becoming a hotspot for tourists. Our quiet town is still one of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina, with locally owned businesses and a more family-oriented feel. You won’t have to battle through traffic to try to find a parking spot or battle through the crowds for a clear space on the beach.

Stay with Spinnaker’s Reach

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When it comes to the question of the Crystal Coast vs. the Outer Banks, the answer is simple. Emerald Isle has warmer, calmer waters, family-friendly attractions, and a gorgeous selection of vacation homes courtesy of Spinnaker’s Reach! Are you ready to explore our wide inventory of properties? Choose from our pet-friendly or oceanfront homes, as well as our properties with private pools. Each of our rentals features top-notch amenities that will enhance your stay and make you feel at home.
Take a look at our full catalog of vacation rentals, and book your home today! We look forward to having you.

Mar 03 2021

Have a Great Trip to One of the Best Beaches Near Raleigh, NC!

Do you have that “gotta travel!” feeling? We have just the solution. Break away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the big city and escape to the quiet seaside paradise of Emerald Isle! Located two and a half hours from Raleigh, Emerald Isle is the perfect week-long getaway for anyone in need of rest and relaxation. With nearby attractions that are perfect for the kids and plenty of pristine shoreline to explore, there’s a good reason Emerald Isle (and the Crystal Coast) is considered home to some of the best beaches near Raleigh, NC. Discover how to travel from Raleigh to Emerald Isle, and where you can find the best rental homes on the Crystal Coast!
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Visit Stunning Beaches Near Raleigh, NC

Locals know the Crystal Coast as home to some of the best beaches in North Carolina. This stretch of land features 85 miles of beautiful coastline. There are plenty of pristine beaches here, like the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Hammocks Beach State Park, and Atlantic Beach. One town in particular, however, stands out from the rest.

Enjoy a Getaway From Raleigh to Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle is a cozy town located along the Bogue Banks (the southernmost section of the Crystal Coast). Named for the lush trees that once covered this beautiful region, Emerald Isle features gorgeous beaches, fantastic restaurants, and plenty of great family-friendly attractions that are sure to entertain all your traveling companions. We often get asked, “Is Emerald Isle part of the Outer Banks?” The answer is yes! Emerald Isle is in the Southern Outer Banks, a quieter stretch of barrier islands when compared to the busier section up north.

Stay Minutes from the Beach

The most important part of planning your vacation to Emerald Isle is finding the perfect accommodations. You want to visit somewhere that’s quiet, comfortable, with a stunning view, and (most importantly) just minutes from the water. When you stay in a home from Spinnaker’s Reach, you’ll have easy access to stretches of private beaches, including the shore along Coast Guard Road. This stretch of beach is less crowded than The Point, which is the more popular spot in town. The Coast Guard Road beaches are the perfect place to relax with a good book and watch as the little ones enjoy playing in the sand and the surf.
If you’re looking for suggestions of things to do at the beach with kids, we can help! Upon check-in, every guest of Spinnaker’s Reach will receive a fun guide that includes a great scavenger hunt that is fun for kids of all ages.

Book a Vacation Rental from Spinnaker’s Reach

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Are you ready to pack your bags and head from Raleigh to Emerald Isle? Before you start folding clothes and planning your route, you’ll first have to reserve a property from Spinnaker’s Reach! We have the best selection of homes in town, any of which are sure to suit your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a house with a private pool or you’re looking for a pet-friendly home, you’ll find what you need in our inventory of homes.
Check out all of our properties and book today! We look forward to having you.

Mar 02 2021

Emerald Isle Fishing: The Best Way to Enjoy the Crystal Coast

Surf fishing is a beloved tradition down here. There are a ton of great spots around town where you can bury your feet in the sand and cast your line in the water. All of Spinnaker’s Reach’s homes are near a private strip of beach along Coast Guard Road so you can start there if you’re hoping to enjoy a quiet surf fishing excursion. The Point is another popular spot. The currents near the westernmost tip of Emerald Isle make for ideal fishing conditions. Before you head out, be sure to get your North Carolina fishing license!

If this is your first time fishing on the Crystal Coast, consider booking an Emerald Isle fishing charter. These skilled captains are more than happy to take you to their favorite spots and help you reel in the big one. You will likely need a North Carolina fishing license for these charters as well, so be sure to acquire on before heading out! Find buoyant bliss as the boat rides the movement of the water, and see what’s biting below. If this is your fishing fantasy, access our Vacation Guide to get our recommendations for fishing charters!

The Bogue Inlet Pier is a favorite fishing spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s on the west side of the island and has been a part of Emerald Isle since 1957, though it’s been recently renovated. Once you take a trip to the pier, you’ll see exactly why fishing families have been coming here for their vacations for generations. You won’t need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License if you fish at the pier, making it the perfect option for out-of-state guests. Even if you don’t choose to fish here, be sure to check out their fishing reports to find out what to expect during your day of fishing.

Relax at a Luxurious Spinnaker’s Reach Vacation Home

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Are you ready for everything the Crystal Coast has to offer? From fishing in Emerald Isle to spending your days lying on the sand, there are endless reasons why a trip to the best beach in North Carolina is right for your family! Just be sure to book your home with Spinnaker’s Reach before you pack your bags. You won’t be able to find a better selection of properties anywhere else in town. All of our luxurious houses are in one convenient neighborhood, with a private pool and golf carts available for our guests.

Browse all of our properties and book today! We look forward to having you.