Toward Emerald Isle

Morning at the Isle

Walking outside is like walking through a warm oven. Humidity is low. The warm breeze gives one an instant surge of a migraine plus the heat index has topped the chart. So, what does one do when it gets so darn hot? One option...the beach and here we go!

Emerald Isle is a small strip of land along the east coast of North Carolina. The orientation of the island, however, is intriguing. The total length of the island is approximately 25 miles.  The beach is due south toward the Atlantic Ocean. The sun rotates around its beach from dusk till dawn. Its north harbors the water inlet that creates a separation from the mainland. Driving the Salter Path or Emerald Isle Drive through the live oaks that flank the street gives me an impression of an upscale beach town. The wide beach is sprinkled with seashells. The inlets are filled with fishing boats. One of the three North Carolina aquariums is located here. Nightlife is catching crabs and watching the stars over the horizon.

The Pebble Beach

There are plenty of restaurants along the strip, but you will have a better luck finding varieties in Atlantic Beach. A place like Elmo McGee Mosquito and California Roll won't disappoint you if you are looking for the local food done upscale. I prefer the local seafood joint, "The Crab Shack", in Salter Path.

View from The Crab Shack

The Crab Shack is located on the inlet side of Emerald Isle where fishing boats surrounds the dock. I had the special of the day, paper shell crabs. It was the first paper shell crab I had ever had. A bit crunchier than soft shell crabs. Growing up in Thailand I became accustomed to eating fish whole, so after the paper shell crabs were deep fried, eating them whole was no stranger to my tongue. My taste buds were buzzed with the sweet crunchy goodness. The hush puppies were normal, but the black-eyed peas stumbled me a bit. Hey... you are in the south after all. My family had the other specials of the day; fried flounder, popcorn and steamed shrimp. All the seafood came from the local waters. The flounder fillet looked like normal size to me. They call it baby out here. 

The Crab Shack Meal

Once you're done with the meal and want to take fresh local seafood home, walk outside. To the left and the right are 2 seafood markets. I opt to go just a little bit off the beaten path. After you cross over to the mainland, hang a left on Cedar Point Blvd and drive for a few miles until you reach a bridge that leads you to Swansboro. Well...stop in the middle of the bridge and you will find Clyde Phillips Seafood Market. The catch of the day was grouper. There is always shrimp. Though, you have to get there before lunch. The selections are what the local boat catches for the day. I grab half of a grouper to take home and it was simply delicious.

In the middle of the Bridge

Clyde Phillips Catch of the Day

Beaches in the tropics are no doubt beautiful, but driving 3 hours to get there beats the trip around the world and getting to different continents. Plus, there are no extra fees for baggage just strap it on the car roof and drive on.

Cheers!
Teera