An Unexpected Jewel - Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Most travelers have a long list of "must-see" destinations or things to experience. And it seems that each time you scratch one destination off your list, you hear or read about another place that you must visit. While visiting Emerald Isle, North Carolina, I was pleasantly surprised to unexpectedly cross off an experience that has been on my list for more than 15 years.

Emerald Isle is part of the Southern Outer Banks, also known as the Crystal Coast. I was invited to visit the area by friends whom I hadn't seen in 20 years, but had remained in contact with through annual Christmas letters. Because Debbie and Mark visited Emerald Isle most summers, they decided to purchase a beach front vacation rental property with another couple. Debbie wanted to share the magic of her new home and the area, and I thought a quick trip to North Carolina sounded ideal.

While I hate waking up early, once awake, the beauty of watching the sun rise is almost always worth dragging myself out of bed. This was particularly true watching it rise over the ocean. And it can't be beat with a cup of coffee on a balcony just feet from the beach. It really is true . . . as you watch the waves break on the beach you can feel the stress leave your body.

While sitting there I noticed something in the water. Debbie explained that dolphins are regularly seen playing in the water. That was a first for me; the only place I'd ever seen dolphins before was at Sea World. After breakfast we headed to the docks of Local Yokel Ferry Service. The small ferry boat (pedestrians only) would take us to Cape Lookout National Seashore, a 56 mile long section of barrier islands. Featured is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse which stands 163 feet tall. First lit in 1859, it replaced an earlier lighthouse that was inadequate. While there we stopped to chat with the volunteer Light Station Visitor Center caretaker who shared some of the history of the area. During their volunteer stint, the caretakers live in the 1873 Keepers' Quarters at the Lighthouse. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a few weeks!

Back on board the ferry we traveled to Shackleford Banks one of the three barrier islands that make up the Cape Lookout National Seashore; and I was about to encounter something completed unexpected. I did a double take as we approached the shore. Did I really see horses? Apparently this herd of horses was direct descendants of Spanish horses that swam ashore as the ships they were being transported on sank . . . more than 400 years ago. As we walked through the high grass we came across more horses from the herd. They were amazing. Tears still come to my eyes as I recall the wonder of seeing these beautiful creatures. I had heard about the wild ponies on Assateague Island off the coast of Virginia, and added seeing them on my "bucket list" years ago. I never suspected I would find their relatives in North Carolina.

Evening found us back on Emerald Isle where it's particularly quiet during the off season. There was a nice selection of restaurants from which to choose. We had a delightful dinner at Rucker John's, a small North Carolina chain. After dinner, we wandered down the road a ways for a wine tasting. We visited two other noteworthy spots that weekend. First was a stop at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, a AAA GEM attraction. No matter where I go, aquariums always provide an interesting inside look at marine life. After a few hours at the Aquarium we stopped at Fort Macon State Park. Located in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach on the eastern end of Bogue Banks, construction of the fort began in 1826 and was completed in 1834. Garrisoned sporadically until the Civil War, the fort eventually served as a civil and military prison, being completely abandoned by the US Army in 1903. In 1924, the State of North Carolina purchased the fort and surrounding area to be established as a state park. Touring the fort allowed us to get a taste of what it was like serving as a soldier nearly 200 years ago.

I'm so glad I accepted Debbie's invitation. Not only did I have an opportunity visit with a dear friend, finding out that Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast had more to offer than just beautiful beaches was worth the trip. Please share your experiences of finding the unexpected at your travel destination.

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