What are you looking for?

• Publix (Emerald Isle):Located on your way in when arriving from the South across the Emerald Isle Bridge.

• Food Lion (Emerald Isle): Located next to the Publix after the Emerald Isle Bridge.

• Walmart (Swansboro): Located in Swansboro, before arriving in Cape Cartaret on HWY 24.

• Food Lion (Atlantic Beach): Located after the Atlantic Beach bridge when arriving from the North.

• Walmart (Morehead City): Closest Walmart to The Condo.

• Harris Teeter (Morehead City): Another grocery option off the island.

• CVS (Emerald Isle): Only pharmacy on the island.

• The nearest membership warehouse is Sam's Club in Jacksonville, about 45 minutes from the condo. We have had good luck with InstaCart deliveries from this location to avoid the drive if not stopping on the way in.

We love trying new spots on the island, so we try to keep this list updated. In no particular order, here are some local spots we enjoy:

• Floyd's 1921: Southern fare, large portions. We love the flat bread crab dip and burnt end appetizers, and the chicken and biscuits main dish is delicious! Takes reservations online.

• Bahia: The menu changes seasonally, but they have a lot of fresh fish and Spanish-inspired dishes. Takes reservations, would book ahead of time because it can get busy.

• Kathryn's Bistro: Famous on the island for their martini's (we recommend the bellini-tini), but they also have a great menu. Does NOT take reservations.

• Amos Mosquito: Another southern-style restaurant at the very end of the island near Fort Macon. They've been visited by the Food Network a few times. Great food, fun for kids (check out the s'mores dessert!). Does NOT take reservations. Opens promptly at 4:45. If you're not in the first wave of seatings, you will have to wait (even in the off season - people love The 'Skeet!), but they have a full bar and some outdoor games to stay occupied.

• Fish Hut Grill: Extremely popular spot on the island for seafood. Does NOT take reservations, but you can order drinks while in line and they have some outdoor games as well.

• The Bite at the Box: Cute little spot near the water on Atlantic Beach. They have a sister bar/restaurant Nextdoor as well. Great little breakfast menu!

• Four Corners Diner: Super popular, no frills diner. They're under new ownership (old owners bought it back), so the food has changed a little recently, but they've always done great omelets and pancakes. Ask for a grilled biscuit!

• Red Fish Grill: Great seafood spot off the island. Does NOT take reservations.

• Anchor Pizza: Our nearest pizza shop. Simple pizza, good apps, great bar selection. Indoor and outdoor seating. Does NOT take reservations.

Beach vacations require some special treats too! Here are a few of our favorite spots to grab something to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Flip Flops Donuts: Locally owned donut shop with amazing variety. They also started selling bagels recently and we have given them the stamp of approval!

• Scoopin' Yummies: Located at the Atlantic Beach causeway. Great ice cream shop with HOMEMADE ice cream. Can't miss it on a visit to the island.

• The Peach Cobbler Factory: This is a food truck that moves location around the general area. Hugely popular right now, they have a variety of desserts including cobblers, ice cream, cookies, and (somehow) more. Find their latest location on their Facebook page.

• Salty Pirate Water Park:You can't miss this spot as you drive onto the island in EI. Open pretty late, and tons of fun!

• The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores:A seriously great stop for the whole family. Learn about our local wildlife and explore exciting hands-on exhibits.

• Lost Treasure Golf & Raceway: Mini golf, bumper boats, race cars.

• H2O Captain boat tours: Tell Captain Mark Will and Katie sent you!

• Fort Macon: This is a great half-day historical activity. Pop in and see the fort, plan a picnic, plan a hike. It's a great stop!

• Beaufort, NC: Planning a day in Beaufort is always a great idea! It's such a cute little seaside town, with restaurants, history, and some good shopping too! When we visit (without kids) we love to do a golf cart tour with Beaufort Tours. We also highly recommend planning a visit during holidays - the town is always decorated to the nines, and there are a lot of kid activities.

• Pogie's: This is a great stop for kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing charters. The owner is great and they will deliver rentals.

• H2O Sports Rentals: The nearest watercraft rentals. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards by the hour or by the day.

• Beach Wheels Bike Rentals: Just around the corner from us. They will deliver!

• We recommend BabyQuip for any baby/kid related rentals you may need. It's a great way to save some packing space! (We do provide a high chair in the unit)