Notes from the host
Waterfront Family Retreat
Escape to the serene and picturesque beauty of Eastern North Carolina at this lovely riverfront property! The private dock allows for easy access to the river, while the back yard provides fun outdoor entertainment opportunities with yard games and a hammock under the shade of a magnificent southern live oak. If the weather is not cooperating, don't worry, stay in and play a round of foosball or air hockey. The views of the river offer amazing sunsets and glimpses of the local wildlife - even dolphins! Bring your fishing rod and catch flounder and red drum off the dock (during high tide in summer and fall months) or use the provided crab pots to catch blue/stone crabs. Our Kayaks are free to use - have fun exploring the river and nearby sound! This is the perfect spot for your next family vacation or fishing trip!
CHARGE YOUR EV FOR FREE!!! Using our 40amp Level 2 Charger
ABOUT THE HOUSE
The main entrance and living area are located on the second floor. Follow the lighted path towards the back stairs where you are greeted by an inviting porch and keyless entry pad. As you enter, the dining and living room areas welcome you with a cozy vibe that says "relax!" Open to the dining and living area, the kitchen is outfitted with pots, pans, and utensils you need to start cooking your first meal. Past the kitchen, there are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, stocked with extra linens, towels, TV's and basic toiletries (.i.e., shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer). Use the spiral staircase to go down the stairs where you will find the laundry room, game room, office, and lounge ready for fun and additional sleepers.
FISHING
Below is a list of ways and places to fish. Fishing opportunities are seasonal, you need a fishing license (an easy and quick process online) and be aware of NC laws & limits. Don't worry, you can go online to https://www.eregulations.com/northcarolina/fishing/fishing-licenses.
- Pogies Fishing and Kayak Center: This service offers fishing excursions/charters and sell bait and tackle. You can rent fishing poles or kayaks here as well.
- Neuse Sports Shop (Cedar Point): Go here to purchase outdoor gear, fishing poles, bait & tackle, and so much more.
- Bogue Inlet Pier (Emerald Isle): A picture perfect spot that has a fishing pier along with bait and tackle for sale (closed during winter season).
- Pier By the Water: Located just on the other side of the Swansboro bridge, some folks just bring their fishing poles here.
- Rent or bring your own kayaks to fish around the river area. The Swansboro bridge is a choice area for most locals but be aware of boaters passing by.
BOATING
The private dock is accessible to kayak, paddle boards, jet skis, and low draft / flat bottom boats. However, there are several public boat launches in the nearby area (one right across the street). Right off the dock, go fishing during high tide (during summer and fall months).
FAMILY FUN
Family fun is just minutes away. Here's our list of fun places:
- Mac Daddy's (6 mins): Bowling, Arcade Games, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Sky Trail (obstacle course)
- Fun World Motorsports Go Karts (10 mins)
- Black Pearl Mini Golf (10 mins)
- Salty Pirate Water Park (9 mins) - Open seasonally
SITES TO SEE
Check out the following nearby towns that are a bit farther away but may pique your interest:
- Beaufort (36 mins): This is North Carolina's third-oldest town and home to Blackbeard.
- New Bern (50 mins): The second-oldest town in North Carolina and home to book author Nicholas Sparks. It's also the birthplace of Pepsi.
- NC Aquariums Pine Knoll Shores (32 mins via car): This is always a great option for the kids.
NEARBY FOOD MARKETS
We know you need to stock up on those necessities, so here's the nearest places to get them:
- Piggly Wiggly (5 mins)
- Walgreens Cape Carteret (5 mins)
- Lowes Foods (6 mins)
- CVS (6 mins)
- Walmart in Swansboro (10 mins)
- Food Lion Emerald Isle (10 mins)
- Publix (10 mins)
NEARBY RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Here's our list of local places with a great atmosphere, tasty food, and choice spirits:
Breakfast
- Angies Lighthouse
- Yana's
Lunch
- Coastal Haze
Dinner (Affordable)
- Preston's Corner Bar & Grill
Dinner
- The Boro
- Saltwater Grill
- Riverside Steak & Seafood
- il Cigno Italiano
Bars with Bands, DJs, and so much more
- 34 North bar
- Bogue Sound Distillery
- Riptidez (karaoke)
- Carolina Home and Garden Event Center
SAFETY NOTES
Some homes have their quirks, so here is ours:
- There is a 2" step up/down between the living room and kitchen as well as the bathrooms and adjoining rooms. We've added lights and/or signs to highlight the transition, but it can still pose a hazard. Please watch your step.
- The spiral staircase is what it is - a little tight. Please use the main entrance to move large bags between up and downstair floors.
- The back yard space does not have a fence, so please keep a close watch on children and animals while outdoors.
- To swim or not to swim, that is the question. Please no swimming or diving off the dock. There are lots of oyster shells that help filter the water but can seriously hurt your feet and hands. Always use swimming shoes near our shoreline. Emerald Isle beaches are not far away as well as the Salty Pirate Water park.
SECURITY FEATURES
- A security camera with proximity lighting at the front of the house - so we know for sure that you have arrived :) and when you have departed back home :(
- A camera to monitor activity on the dock - as a matter of prudence
- There are no listening or video devices inside home.
BUGS & WEATHER
While we use bug elimination services to spray the inside and outside of the house monthly, this does not completely prevent bugs from making their way into the home. We occasionally have palmetto bugs, fiddler crabs, or other bugs make their way indoors. Open doors and windows will allow easy entry for these opportunists. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent our guests from seeing one of these occasionally indoors.
As the warmer weather months go by, brace yourselves for those pesky mosquitos and no-see-ums. While most people recognize mosquitos, most have not heard about no-see-ums (also known as midges). They are really hard to see and bite primarily around the ankles and legs. We spray for mosquitos but being by the water it's hard to eradicate them (including no-see-ums). To help you enjoy the outdoors, we've provided bug spray and highly recommend you spray yourselves before doing outdoor activities during the day and evenings.
