Historic Fort Macon

This is an awesome stop for those history buffs, and even the kids to be able to climb around an olde fort and have a ball. Admission is FREE, and the beach is right there perfect for picking sea shells or flying that perfect kite. You can make a day of it and visit the current Fort Macon (possibly where you are stationed) and about half a mile up is the public beach access that is suitable for swimming, sand castles, and body surfing.

Make sure to check out the local papers for the dates and times of the re-enactments performed at the Fort. It is truly amazing to watch and interact with volunteers who completely get into character to answer just about any question you may have about the Fort and the battles that it endured.

The North Carolina Aquariums

These are really beautiful places to visit and see all sorts of sealife. It's also one of those great rainy day visits or when the sun is just too hot to bear, scoot inside and check out the Aquarium.

Now our family lived near the Aquaruim at Pine Knoll Shores, but there are two other locations in Roanoke and Fort Fisher. If stationed in the area, getting a family membership really pays off, but if that is not in the budget for you, don't worry the aquariums usually have plenty of free or reduced days to check out the facility, they also have a military discount if the tickets are purchased in advance.

Be sure to check out their calendar and their "What's New" page to find events from fishing clinics, day camps, to toddler activities. It's an awesome way to spend a day. http://www.ncaquariums.com/

Here is another awesome page created by Nicole Elliott with photos from the Aquarium. Doesn't she do a great job? Thanks Nicole!!

A Beautiful Stop in North Carolina...

As a native of North Carolina I must say I am truly ashamed to say that I have never personally visited this place, but thanks to fellow coastie wife Nicole Elliott, I have a new number one place to visit when I go back! Not to mention the beautiful digital scrapbook page she did! Check out what she has to say below about Tryon Palace and remember, if you have a juicy find feel free to pass it on with any pictures to: coastiewivescorner@yahoo.com

Tryon Palace:

The Tryon Palace in New Bern is an amazing way to spend a day! They have a military discount for the full package which includes a tour of the palace and 3 or so of the surrounding homes and access to the gardens. The tour guides dress up in period costumes and provide interesting and funny information during the tour. If you'd just have a more relaxing-less learning oriented experience you can opt for just a garden pass which is around $5-8 per person. They also offer many "free days" when you can access the gardens for free--of course these are usually on the weekend and packed full, so the money is well worth it! I have been several times and really enjoyed the tour and the gardens are GORGEOUS! I would go back weekly if I had the money :) I would definitely recommend checking it out at least once, and it's a great place to take out of town visitors while you're showing them the sights :) Check out their website at http://www.tryonpalace.org/