When I was a small child , our journey to Emerald Isle took us across the same small bridges just past Swansboro traveling east on Highway 24 that many of you still cross today . Windows rolled down , we three Batten children would lean excitedly out ... especially if we had the coveted seat on the right closest to the Intracoastal Waterway ... and take deep breaths of the salt-tanged marsh grass smells mingled with the fried hushpuppy smells of the small seafood restaurant on the causeway . Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said , “ it ’ s the journey , not the destination ” but when you are a restless , captive child in the backseat heading to the beach , it is definitely the destination and not the journey .

It has been our joy for over 60 years now to welcome carloads of families who still excitedly fling open the car doors when they arrive at their island home for their long anticipated beach vacation , grab suitcases , beach toys , groceries and race up the stairs to their cottage or condo . The clamoring begins from the tiniest family members , “ Where is my swimsuit .... let ’ s go to the beach ... NOW !”

Sensible parents know once the perishables are safely put away , all the rest can wait . Bathing suits are found , sunscreen is sprayed and slathered on , flip flops slapping , beach towel flung carelessly over a shoulder , everyone heads straight to the beach for that first race into the ocean . Full throated giggles compete with the tuneful cries of laughing gulls . Dolphins leap in greeting just beyond the breakers , their sleek grey snouts smiling at the humans cavorting in their sea .

When did your family first discover the wild beauty of Emerald Isle and the joy of visiting the Crystal Coast ? Has this been an annual coastal migration for your clan for decades or is this your new beloved beach you learned of only recently ? Whichever is your family ’ s story , we are eager to welcome you back once more to our island , the beach that will always feel like a homecoming for you and those you love best . Let ’ s make some salty memories for all your generations of family and your dearest friends .

E M E R A L D I S L E R E A L T Y . C O M