Family Fun at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of the nicest aquariums that we've visited on the east coast. It's in a nice location and easy to get to. You'll find it located on 374 Airport Road in Manteo. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic you need to secure your tickets and time of arrival ahead of time. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

You'll see a variety of different sharks, sea turtles, marine fish, stingrays, alligators, toads, frogs, salamanders, jellyfish, starfish, snakes, lizards, skates, octopus, river otters, horseshoe crabs, sea nettles, green anoles, seahorses, There's a lot to see and do while at the aquarium so you'll want to allow about 2 1/2 hours in your schedule. 

Admission fees range from $10.95 to $12.95 with children 2 and under admitted free. Due to Covid-19 cloth face masks are required when entering the facility. No food or drink allowed. Cameras are permitted. We recommend that you leave all bags locked up in your car and wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Service animals are welcome.

We took our two grandchildren ages 5 1/2 and 11 who had a really great time. We've been trying to get them out for educational experiences to help them with their virtual learning. Let's face it...kids need to have some fun while learning too! Our grandson loved seeing the sharks (he's all about sharks these days) while our granddaughter loved seeing the river otters and jellyfish. 

Tickets at this time are ONLY available for purchase online, so you'll need to visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island's website to order and reserve them. You can connect with the aquarium on Facebook too.

The Historic Roanoke Marshes Replica Lighthouse

The historic Roanoke Marshes Replica Lighthouse is located in Manteo, North Carolina. The replica was modeled after an original lighthouse that was built in 1877 and then sold to a private individual in 1955. The owner tried moving his newly purchased lighthouse by floating it on a barge which was a failure. The lighthouse tipped over and was destroyed by the rough seas beyond repair.

You'll find this adorable replica lighthouse sitting at the end of a wooden pier and stands 1 1/2 stories tall. The paint scheme is done in 3 of your traditional lighthouse colors: white, red and black. It's done in a cottage-style and is really charming looking. Fits right in with the architecture in this seaside town.

Across the street you'll find the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum which sponsors educational events and activities.You'll want to visit the museum's website for their operating schedule and admission fees. If you want to visit the lighthouse it's open year-round with free admission. You can find limited parking nearby.

Visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the United States. It's located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The lighthouse is part of  Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is the tallest brick structure lighthouse in the United States.

The National Park Service operates the park, lighthouse, museum and visitor's center. You'll want to start your visit at the visitor's center where you'll learn more about the park, the island and the lighthouse. You'll find on-site ranger programs and a bookstore. The museum features many maritime exhibits and natural history of the island.

Originally there were two towers with only the second tower remaining. The second tower was constructed in 1870 and was automated in 1950. Like the majority of lighthouses around the world its conical in shape and made of brick. It stands 210 feet tall. The light can be seen for 24 nautical miles, flashing white every 7.5 seconds.

Looking to climb the steps and tour the lighthouse? It's open to the public from April through early October to visitors, weather permitting. Admission for the tour and climb ranges from $4.00 to $8.00 depending on age. You'll want to check out the National Park Service website for up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Reasons to Vacation on Bald Head Island

It is that time of the year again. Time to pack the swimwear in the suitcase, load the children in the family car, and hit the open road to anywhere else where your name is not on the side of the mailbox. Summertime is the perfect time to book a vacation (or two) requiring a road trip away from home.

If you are looking for a wonderful vacation spot, you really can not go wrong booking North Carolina beach houses for rent. North Carolina is well-known for its beach house rentals, especially in the Outer Banks region of the state. If, however, you are looking for a more secluded hideaway nestled on a barrier island which is off the beaten path of the busiest tourism corridor, consider heading to Bald Head Island.

Ditch the Automobile

In order to preserve the natural environment and the quiet sanctuary of this treasured island, automobiles are not permitted on Bald Head Island. Rather, visitors leave their vehicles on the mainland and then traverse to the island by passenger ferry or private boat. Once on the island, you make your way around by either golf cart or bicycle. It is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summertime weather while simultaneously experiencing the quiet and tranquility of an island village devoid of automobile traffic.

Recreational Activities Abound

There are many recreational activities available on Bald Head Island that let you enjoy its natural beauty. Boating charters, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, golf, tennis, and croquet are just a few. There is no shortage of fun recreational things to do on the island.

Commune With Nature

If you are looking to commune with nature, then Bald Head Island is a nirvana. Walks on the beach, gorgeous ocean sunsets, shelling, birdwatching, hiking, and a world-famous sea turtle protection program at the Bald Head Island Conservancy will help you renew your natural soul.

The secret is out. Bald Head Island is an island vacation destination lacking in mass commercialism, but absolutely rife with charm and history.

Classic Diner Fare at the Blue Ribbon Diner in Mebane

Two months ago when we were on a road trip through the great state of North Carolina, we stumbled upon the Blue Ribbon Diner in Mebane. It's a locally-owned and operated diner that serves your classic American style diner food. In other words, the comfort foods that we all grew up on and love!

Classic foods you'll find on their menu include: hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, fried chicken, roasted turkey, angus steaks, spaghetti & meatballs, meatloaf, fish, macaroni & cheese, french fries, onion rings, fried mushrooms, soups, salads, hot & cold sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes and more!!!

You can decide if you want to dine-in or if you want to order take-out with curbside-to-go service. We decided to dine-in and at the time we were at the restaurant, they weren't crowded at all. Our wait-service was friendly & knowledgeable and the entire restaurant is extremely clean! The food was delicious and the service was fantastic!

As you look around the restaurant you'll see all kinds of different "classic" diner decor. Check out that super cool  juke box in our photo, which my husband was ooing and ahhing over. I think you'll "dig" the classic red, white and black color-scheme too!

GPS Directions:

1004 Mebane Oaks Road, Mebane, North Carolina, 27302
Phone 919-563-7020

We really enjoyed our visit to the Blue Ribbon Diner in Mebane, North Carolina and if we're ever in the area again, we'll be stopping by! If you enjoy visiting classic diners, you're going to love this special place!

Visiting the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville

Looking to pay tribute to our military...past and present? Going to be visiting Jacksonville, North Carolina or passing through the area? If so, I would like to recommend that you visit the Lejeune Memorial Gardens. It's a very peaceful and beautiful place to visit, and they're open year-round.

Lejeune Memorial Gardens
100 Johnson Blvd.
Jacksonville, N.C. 28540

A friend of our's had told us about the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, so when we were passing through the state we decided to stop in for a visit. The gardens are home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center. The site includes extra space for future memorials, so it will grow even bigger over time.

Upon arrival you'll want to park in the free parking lot located on Montford Landing Road and then proceed through the garden entrance. Once you get onto the actual grounds you'll find informational placards to help guide your way and to give you information on each of the memorials that you'll see. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, seasonal clothing and take your time as you walk through the gardens. This way you can really take it all in...quite a humbling experience.

The Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial is beautiful. It is dedicated to all of the men and women who fought during the Vietnam War. It is the second largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial with the one located in Washington D.C. being the largest. What is really nice about the memorial is that it lists all of the names of our fallen soldiers. You could spend all day reading over those names!

The Beirut Memorial reflects the loss suffered by the marines and the surrounding community on October 23rd, 1983. The memorial honors the 273 Marines who lost their lives when a truck bomb destroyed the barracks in Beirut Lebanon and the subsequent actions. I was 16 years old when that occurred and remember seeing a lot of that tragedy play out on TV.

We live 2 1/2 hours from New York City and we will never forget what happened on September 11th, 2001. The World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists and then we had the disaster in western Pennsylvania when one of the high-jacked jetliners crashed into a field. I think we can all remember where we were when we first heard the news or saw it on TV.

The 9/11 Memorial includes a beam from the Twin Towers, presented to the first troops to those who invaded Iraq from the police and firefighters of New York. The Beam is located by the Beirut Memorial and Entry Wall to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On the day that we visited you could see handwritten notes, wreaths, floral bouquets, etc. laid out on the beam. It brought back all of those memories and brought tears to my eyes.

My husband and I spent a total of 2 1/2 hours visiting the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville and I'm so glad that we did. It was an educational and humbling experience. It was quite the reminder that freedom is never FREE and that war is a very ugly, but sometimes necessary thing. Visiting the gardens was one of our big highlights from our road trip and I highly recommend that you add the gardens to your bucket list.

Experience a Wild Horse Tour in Corolla Beach

The Outer Banks in North Carolina is one place that should be on every traveler's bucket list, especially if that traveler enjoys visiting beaches and seaside communities. The first time I ever visited OBX (Outer Banks) I was around 14 years old and I've been fortunate to return several times over the past 30 years.

Corolla Beach is located on the northern end of the outer banks and has it's own beach vibe which I just love! You won't find mass-retailers and chain stores here! You'll find a laid-back community that's dotted with locally-owned mom and pop stores. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Corolla Beach!

One of the things that I love about this seaside community is its wide and expansive sandy beaches. There is plenty of room for everyone here and the beach sand is as clean as can be! As someone who enjoys going shelling, I've found some amazing seashells and treasures over the years. The best time collect? During low tide or right after a big storm has moved through.

Every few years my family heads down to Corolla Beach to relax on the beach and to see the wild horses up close and personal. Even though the horses are wild, they're quite used to vacationers and will allow you to get close. Just remember though, they're wild and you can't pet or feed them! Just observe their beauty from a distance.

If you love wild horses you'll find several companies that offer wild horse tours. These tours are reasonable and are lead by experienced, local guides. When we went on our wild horse tour...we rode around on an open-air safari truck which was pretty cool. If you're looking for a great tour company, we recommend Corolla Wild Horse Tours.

You'll want to allow approximately 2 hours in your schedule if you plan on taking the tour. They welcome all ages, including infants & toddlers in car seats (that you provide). Your tour will cover 25 miles of off-road cruising throughout Carova Beach. The tours are available March through November.

We had a fantastic time on our little weekend trip down to Corolla Beach in North Carolina and looking forward to planning a longer trip in the very near future. It's a beautiful place to visit and we highly recommend that you add it to your bucket list.

7 Ways to Celebrate Spring at Wilmington’s Island Beaches

Spring is in-the-air and I don't know about all of you...but I'm ready to hit the beach, bask in the sun and enjoy the warmer temperatures. Taking off for a spring break vacation after a long winter helps to refresh your mind, body and spirit. Whether traveling for a romantic vacation for two, with a few friends or with the family, I think you'll appreciate these 7 Ways to Celebrate Spring at Wilmington's Island Beaches!

Longer days. One of the best things about spring? Longer days. Use the extra hours to soak up the sun and spend time on the beach – the average daily high in March/April is 70. If your four-legged friend could stand to get out of the house almost as much as you, bring him or her along: dogs are allowed on-leash at all three beaches through March 31st. Or use the extra daylight to enjoy a drink or two at a locale of your choice. At Carolina Beach, check out The Fat Pelican, voted the No. 1 dive bar in the state; or Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, named one of “America’s Best Beach Bars.” At Wrightsville Beach, pull your boat right up to the dock at one of several restaurants and bars that offer “dock and dining” – including Bluewater Grill, Dockside and more.

New beginnings. Spring is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Take a lesson from the qualified instructors at Tony Silvagni Surf School in Carolina Beach – it offers individual and group surf, paddleboard and kayak lessons. WB Surf Camp offers surf lessons for all experience levels at Wrightsville Beach, which was named one of the best surf towns in the world.

Active living. Shake off the winter cobwebs with a Biological Wonderland Hike at Carolina Beach State Park, or by exploring the six miles of beach and trails at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, near Kure Beach. The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is offering a new Loop through History Walking Tour that helps visitors discover the island’s history while on foot. Or sign up for the new Island Yoga experience on Masonboro Island, courtesy of Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours.

Al fresco dining. Soak up the sunshine by grabbing an outside table at one of many restaurants, serving up everything from coastal cuisine and Southern staples to international fare. Oceanic Restaurant at Wrightsville Beach offers outdoor dining on the rebuilt historic Crystal Pier. Gibby’s Dock and Dine at Carolina Beach is located right on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Another option? Pack a picnic and head to a secluded spot. One favorite place is underneath the canopy of live oak trees at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

Fresh flowers and produce. Everything is in bloom in the spring, making it the perfect time to explore Airlie Gardens – we’re talking more than 100,000 azaleas, the 467-year-old Airlie Oak, and 67 acres of Gilded Age gardens and lakes. The Veggie Wagon – located in Carolina Beach – works with the best local farms and small batch producers to bring in the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables North Carolina has to offer. Motts Channel Seafood at Wrightsville Beach offers a selection of locally sourced vegetables and specialty items to complement some of the freshest fish and seafood around (you can actually see the fish come off the boats and being prepared by Motts’ staff!).

Social events. Come out of hibernation and reconnect with those around you! Spring boasts a busy calendar of events at the beaches. Carolina Beach and Kure Beach will host the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off and Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival in April. Visitors to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, located in Kure Beach, will be delighted by the world famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids for two weekends in March. Kure Beach will also celebrate its 70th Anniversary in late April with a street festival, concert and historical programming.

Friendly (or not so friendly) competition. Still feeling the winter blues? Kick it into high gear by competing in one of several events taking place this spring in Wrightsville Beach. Cyclists may want to gear up for the US Fat Bike Championship, while runners and paddlers should sign up for the Wrightsville Beach Biathlon, both in March. There is more standup paddleboarding in store for April with the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surfing Pro-Am and the 2017 Carolina Cup, two of the largest SUP events in the world.

Smithsonian Channel: Aerial America Southeast Collection DVD

Several weeks ago I had the chance to review a Smithsonian Channel travel DVD and today I am back with another one. We love to travel and traveling through the Southeast is one of our favorite travel destinations. It is a really beautiful are of the country.

Title: Aerial America: Southeast Collection
By: Smithsonian Channel
Release Date: August 19th, 2014

Take off for a first-class, window-seat view of the South's most-beautiful sceneries in this brand new DVD release from Inception Media Group.

Aerial America: Southeast Collection takes you soaring over the South's breathtaking landscapes and landmarks while exploring its compelling, complex role in American History.

In North Carolina, witness the barrier islands and learn about first in flight history. In South Carolina you can experience elegant charms and extraordinary past and in Georgia's hot cities and haunted graves. Flights over Mississippi and Alabama reveal where Civil War battles were lost and the civil rights movement was born. Florida shows off its stunning beaches, lavish lifestyles and what makes the state so magical.

My Thoughts: If you plan on visiting any of the Southeast states for the first time, this DVD is a must-have! You will learn about hot spots and spots off the beaten path that you never heard of before. Not only that, some of the areas they feature on the DVD will give you new travel destinations to check out, ones that you would of never considered visiting until you saw them on this DVD.

We are planning a big 2 week trip to North Carolina next spring so we really appreciated the North Carolina part of the DVD. The photography is just amazing from start to finish and we were amazed at all of the aerial views that we got to see.

Several times we have watched this collection and every time we watch it again we see something new or learn something new about each state that is featured. Thanks to this DVD...we are adding a trip to the great state of Alabama to our travel bucket list in 2015. We have never been there and thanks to this DVD...we will definitely be visiting!

Disclaimer: A free copy of this DVD was provided to me for this review. No monetary compensation has been received. My thoughts & opinions on this item are 100% my own and are unbiased. Your opinions & views may differ.

Raleigh, North Carolina Hotels - Review of the Wyndham and Red Roof Inn

Raleigh, North Carolina Hotels - Review of the Wyndham and Red Roof Inn
By Scott Allan Lipe

Raleigh, North Carolina Hotels: Hotels in the area of Raleigh north Carolina are well equipped and here are a couple to whet the appetite, of the avid traveler. Wyndham Raleigh Durum of North Carolina Research Triangle Park: Every room comes with a flat screen TV and satellite channels.

All rooms have complimentary wireless internet access, coffee maker and air conditioning. If you are traveling with young children then a crib can be provided. The bathrooms have complimentary toiletries. There is limited room service, and they have a restaurant that serves breakfast only, for a surcharge, so you have to eat out on the evenings.

This hotel has an outdoor, seasonal, pool to use, but they do have a health club, which has a fitness facility nearby. Here they have 175 rooms, free newspapers on week days, in the lobby, and if you like they have express check-in. Every little helps and this hotel also offers a complimentary airport shuttle. The parking on the site is also free. Here pets can come with you, for a deposit, but it is best to check on booking if any size restrictions apply. There is a bar and lounge area for your use. Places to see while you are here have to be the Chapel Hill and the arboretum at UNC and Southpoint Mall. There is also Frankie's Fun Park.

Red Roof Inn Raleigh NCSU- Convention Centre: This Inn has 133 guestrooms. All rooms come with a television and premium cable channels. There is complimentary wireless internet access. The bathrooms are a bath/shower combination. They offer pay per view movies, free local calls and voice mail.

In the lobby, they have coffee and free daily newspapers. Parking on the site is free. Pets are welcome but it is best to check availability when booking, and if there are any fees. You are one exit from the farmer's market and not far from shopping, but you will need a car or use public transport. The convention center is only two minutes away.

The staff are friendly and will offer you help to know where things are locally to assist your visit. This is a clean well priced place to stay, while it is a bit basic, it doesn't have the hair dryer or fridge in all rooms, so if you want this ask on booking. This is just a couple of the Hotels in Raleigh, North Carolina. You can view more by checking out the links below.

For more information about Hotels in Raleigh, North Carolina and other areas visit our site below. Be sure to Register for our Free Hotel Stay and if you need a Pet Friendly Hotels be sure to check out my other web site below. Hotels in Raleigh, North Carolina Pet Friendly Hotels.

The Beautiful Biltmore Estate In Asheville North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville NC is an amazing place to visit. The Biltmore is open 365 days a year for you to tour.

I'd suggest going when they first open or shortly thereafter because you can take the entire day to see everything...the main estate, the gardens, conservatory and eating & shopping there. The parking lot is conveniently located to where the trams can pick you up or you can enjoy the scenery and take the walk to the main house entrance.

While there, make sure to enjoy the self-guided House tour (they do offer the option of a recorded tour via headset), the Italian Garden, Shrub Garden along with the Walled Garden, Conservatory, Spring Garden and Azalea Garden. (note, if you're afraid of or allergic to bees, you may not want to visit the Walled Garden or Azalea Garden in spring/summer)

In 1895 the building of The Biltmore was completed. It was home to George Vanderbilt. He raised his family in this 250-room French château. It is America's largest home. I'd allow for at least two to three hours to tour the home. You are not permitted to take photographs in the house. They do offer a photo opportunity on the first floor of the home though for a nominal fee. Inside the home, you will still find original artwork, furnishings, indoor pool, bowling alley, antiques.

The Walled Garden is a 4 acre garden that utilizes the style of gardening near the close of the 19th Century. Each season the colors and details of the Walled garden change.

The Conservatory is located near the Walled Garden. The Conservatory features a glass-roofed building to grow and raise orchids, ferns, exotic palms as well as providing all the plants and flowers for the main Estate.

The Spring Garden comes alive in the spring, with a large variety of blooming trees and plants. The Azalea Garden covers 15 acres. It's the biggest garden at the Biltmore. It is renowned for its extensive collection of native azaleas and hybrid azaleas as well. The original horse stables now house a bakery, ice cream parlor, Cafe, confectionary shoppe and gift shops.

From the main Estate, you can walk to the South Terrace and continue on to the various gardens. View walking from the main house to the South Terrace area.

There is a lot to encounter while at The Biltmore. So, next time you're in the Asheville, NC area make sure to stop by and spend the day enjoying historic architecture, antiques and amazing gardens.