Susie's Hideaway

Susie traveled internationally as a food critic. She loves great cuisine. These are Susie’s very favorite nearby restaurants:


• Caribsea - Upscale Seafood. Located very close (just go straight through the traffic light, and turn right), at 8921 Crew Drive, Emerald Isle. This is the restaurant my husband and I chose to cater our wedding. Try the crabcakes, or the Shrimp & grits. (252) 424-8400

• Trading Post - Simple Southern Food. Especially recommended for breakfast (our favorite). Located roughly a mile and a half away, at 8302 Emerald Isle Drive. (252) 424-8284


• Saltwater Grill - Upscale Seafood. Located in Swansboro, on the waterfront (at 99 W Church Dr., Swansboro). Spectacular views of the inland waterway. (910) 326-7300

• Kathryn's Bistro - Seafood, with a great wine list. Try the softshell crab when in season. 1.5 miles away, at 8002 Emerald Isle Drive. (252) 354-6200

• Riverside - Upscale Steak & Seafood. Located in Swansboro, on the waterfront (just across the bridge, on the right). (910) 326-8847

• Lazarra's Pizza - Great take-away pizza. The extra-large pizza is absurdly huge, big enough to feed an entire family. Located ½ mile away on Coast Guard Road. (252) 354-1211

These are some of the best nearby day-trips:


• Fort Macon – Located at the far end of the island, Fort Macon was used during the 18th and 19th century to protect Beaufort inlet. It is the second most-visited park in North Carolina. Allow a half day. Free.

• Ocracoke Island – Beautiful sea-faring island, and home to the pirate Blackbeard. Requires a least a full day, and be certain to plan it out carefully. You will need to check the ferry schedule.

• Bear Island – The crown jewel of the North Carolina coast is Bear Island – a three-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island accessible by the park’s passenger ferry. Bear Island is graced with unspoiled beaches, maritime forest, and marshes. At Hammock's Beach State Park.


• Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks – These horses decended from the Spanish stallions, and have roamed wild on Shackleford Banks island for over 100 years. You can take a ferry from Beaufort (45 minutes away) to the island for a day of hiking, swimming, sea-shelling and horse-watching.

Interested in planning an event? See these local services:

• Seaside Sensations Catering - Great catering. Mouth-watering meals. (252) 342-3960

• Thee Catering Company - More great catering. (252) 259-9500

• The Watson House - Our wedding was held at the Watson house. Located here on Emerald Island. (252) 262-6800

• Total Package Events - Event planning services, located in Cape Carteret. (252) 286-5001

• Bogue Sound Distillery - Local distillery, AND they sell hand sanitizer!

In a medical emergency, please call 911.

Urgent medical care can be found at:

Med First Primary & Urgent Care

(252) 354-6500

Swansboro Medical Center

(910) 326-5588

We have also supplied the beach cottage with a first aid kit, located in the downstairs bathroom vanity, for minor cuts and bruises.

These are the best nearby beach equipment rentals:

• Beach Butler Rentals – Full service beach equipment rentals, including beach chairs, umbrellas, and bikes. Delivery included. (252) 241-0590

• Island Essentials – Beach equipment rentals, including beach chairs, tables, and tents. (252) 354-8887

• Barrier Island Kayaks – Rent kayaks and paddleboards. Guided tours available. Located over the bridge. (252) 424-8655

• Pedego Bike Rentals - Pedal and electric bike rentals.

• Island Water Sport Rentals – Rental jet skis, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and pontoon boats. (252) 247-7303

These are our very favorite nearby activities for kids (of any age):

• Golfin’ Dolphin Mini Golf – Great mini golf course. Always a hit with the kids. Located directly across the bridge.


• NC Aquarium – Surprisingly nice! With a focus on the local marine life. And a lot bigger than I would have expected. It makes for a great activity. Highly recommended! Located in Pine Knoll Shores, 30 minutes away.

• Fish with Captain Andrew – Let Capt. Andrew take you out for an inshore excursion to fill your cooler or catch a trophy drum!

• Deep Sea Fishing – Try a headboat fishing charter aboard the Nancy Lee boat. Great for kids, and relatively inexpensive. Approximately 5 hours: 7AM-12PM or 1PM-6PM. (910) 326-4304

• Go Karts – Try Fun World Motorsports, for great go karting. Has a fabulous track. Locate near the traffic light, just ½ mile away.

• Bowling and Arcades – Try Mac Daddy’s, located directly across the bridge, near Golfin’ Dolphin.


• Scuba Diving – In my opinion, North Carolina has the best scuba diving on the east coast. Most of the dives are to local wrecks. Sharks are plentiful on the offshore dives (15 miles out to sea).


• Outer Banks Riding Stables – Where else can you ride horseback on the beach? Highly recommended! Roughly an hour away, in Cedar Island. (252) 515-9441

If you play golf, there are some excellent courses nearby that you are sure to love!


• The Country Club of the Crystal Coast: This 18-hole championship course offers amazing views of the Bogue Sound.

• Silver Creek Golf Club: This public course combines beautiful greenery with challenging play. Over 7005 yards long!

• Star Hill Golf Club: A shorter, fun course, with 27 holes of play.