Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

We%26#39;re flying into Raleigh in August for our summer vacation in Wrightsville Beach. Our flight arrives on Thursday night and our room in Wrightsville beach isn%26#39;t open until Friday. We%26#39;d like to drive from Raleigh to Wilmington on Thursday night...sleep in Wilmington on Thursday night, and then head to Wrightsville Beach on Friday.

Can you recommend something not to expensive, but safe and clean for that night?

Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

Wilmington has all of the major hotels close to each other. I have stayed at the courtyard by marriott, the baymont inn, and the days inn all near the intersection of US17 and NC132. The courtyard is the best of the three. The nicest option would be the Hilton Riverside, it is in downtown wilmington, alongside the river. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and hangouts that are withing walking distance. The riverside area is a very lively place, especially at night.

Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

Is there anything within walking distance of the Courtyard Marriott?

I%26#39;d suggest looking into staying at one of the downtown hotels...that way you can start your vacation off by enjoying downtown Wilmington (shopping, dining, galleries, nightlife, etc) before you head to Wrightsville.

There%26#39;s a Hilton, but that can be pricy for some folks. There%26#39;s also a Best Western, which for a BW hotel is actually on the nicer side...has a riverview deck if I recall.

We booked a riverview at the Hilton...we agree with you RaleighRob...we wanted to start the vacation off right. We can%26#39;t check into our room in Wrightsville Beach until 2PM...what should we check out while we%26#39;re down there?

Personally, I would not miss the opportunity to visit the USS NC, a WWII era battleship that is anchored across the river. It can get extremely hot on deck and below so go in the morning. You can often see alligators in the waters below. That evening take a stroll along the riverside (water st) and Front St to explore the bars and restaurants. There are quite a few awesome rooftop bars, Reel Cafe and Level 5. You can also visit some of the more popular restaurants on the waterfront, The Pilot House and Elijahs or pick something that strikes your fancy. If your into gardens the Airlie gardens are nice. Also think about doing a carriage or trolley tour of Historic downtown, that is a nice change of pace. There is plenty to do, so dont worry, just go and have a good time!

You picked a good place to stay. It will be like starting your vacation early! I agree with the last poster, there is plenty to do. Since you won%26#39;t have much time downtown before it%26#39;s time to check in at the beach, I would suggest walking down River St. and Front St. and stop in the shops, bars, restaurants that strike your fancy. My favorite restaurant in all of Wilmington/Wrightsville is downtown and it%26#39;s called Circa 1922. It%26#39;s a tapas style restaurant and it%26#39;s wonderful.

The carriage rides are nice and there is lots of interesting info you%26#39;ll learn about the area on them. Just go to the end of Market St. btwn River and Front Streets and you%26#39;ll see them. Last time I went it was something like $8/per person.

Enjoy!

nightlife help...

4 40yr old guys coming to grrnsboro in march on a golf trip..fri-sun..where should we stay..we would like to be near the night life..any help would be great! golf advice would also br helpful..

nightlife help...

I chuckled a bit when I saw the word ';nightlife'; since Greensboro isn%26#39;t particularly known for it (family and I moved here in March from Cincinnati)....it%26#39;s more a family town but downtown on S. Elm on the weekend isn%26#39;t bad. Be sure to try Natty Greene%26#39;s Brewpub.

For restaurants and convenience, stay out on Wendover Avenue near I-40...Fairfield Inn is nice and $109 a night (located on Big Tree Way).

Enjoy the golf! Bryan Park, Forest Oaks south of town and Sedgefield are very popular.

nightlife help...

Greensboro is a great place to live, lots of stuff for families but low on night life. Downtown - North Elm Street has a good amount of bars/clubs and is a nice area. There is a Downtown Marriott which is within walking distance of the bars and restaurants.

thanks for the info....should we get in the car and drive 2-3 hrs somewhere else that would be better...we like the idea of parking the vehicle at night and walking or taking a cab..and of course, reasonable price golf is also a consideration..

Raleigh and Charlotte are each about 1-2 hours away, and would offer more nightlife....however, I wouldn%26#39;t attempt to drive back to G%26#39;boro after a late night of drinking and bar hopping.

no, we would stay in those areas for our entire trip if most people thought that would be better...

I would think where you stay depends on where you plan to play golf. If you%26#39;re headed to Pinehurst, Southern Pines, etc., you need to consider lodging nearer there. Greensboro area has some lovely golf courses but most are private country clubs, I think (does anyone agree/disagree with me here? - please jump in...) I%26#39;m thinking Sedgefield, Starmount, Greensboro CC, The Cardinal....do they allow guest golfers without a sponsoring member? I just don%26#39;t know.

I must agree that nightlife is not ';our thing'; in Greensboro, but Natty Green%26#39;s, recommended in an earlier post, is fun. It can get LOUD, but it%26#39;s nice.

You said you were coming in March - now, again, I need to solicit correct information from sports-minded folks with more knowledge than I, but I would highly suggest you avoid the basketball tournament time, commonly known as ';March Madness.'; I have no idea of the dates, but you would be hard pressed to find a hotel room within a 100-mile radius, which would include Charlotte and Raleigh.

Regardless, enjoy your weekend.

we will arrive the morning of 3/7 and depart the evening of 3/9..we are considering one of these three cities, columbia sc, charlotte nc, greensboro nc. we want to stay and walk to night life. we can find golf in any of those locations..thanks for your help!

Well, guys, I lived in Charlotte for 25 years and recently moved back home here to Greensboro to take care of elderly parents. And - sorry, Greensboro -- if you are looking for nightlife you probably need to go to Charlotte. I know less about Raleigh but I would still venture to say that Raleigh has more nightlife than Greensboro. In Charlotte, I suggest you stay in a downtown hotel and stroll down Tryon Street. Now, I know this is the Greensboro forum so I%26#39;ll leave it at that.

In the Charlotte area, look for golf courses in Rock Hill, SC (just over the border), and to the west in the hilly areas - Cramerton, etc.

NCLady

Next time you want to play golf, come to the miami area...if you%26#39;re really looking for big nightlife.

Where to go (beach vacation in NC or SC)

We are planning a women%26#39;s getaway with some of the women in my family. We range in age from 70 plus to 2 years old. There will be about 6 adults and one child.

We are looking to do a beach getaway this summer. We are wanting something no more that 5 hours from Charlotte, NC, a nice clean beach that is not overcrowded, good places to eat and shop yet not too much congestion but we don%26#39;t want to have to drive far either.

We also want someplace that is not going to be too expensive. (less than $3000/week).

Suggestions?!?!

Where to go (beach vacation in NC or SC)

holden beach nc is great!

Where to go (beach vacation in NC or SC)

I would think the beaches near the area Wilmington would work for. Check into Topsail about 30 min. from Wilmington, nice quiet beach, with a few places to eat, and Wilmington%26#39;s close enough to drive to for nice shops and good eats.

The other recommnedation I would have is Kure Beach.

So many options. Holden, Topsail, Atlantic, Emerald Isle, Carolina, Kure, Wrightsville, and in SC I would look at Harbour Island.

Atlantic, Kure, N. Topsail, and Harbour Island are be at the top of my list.

Check out Litchfield or Pawley%26#39;s Island SC.

With no school age children going....April, May, September and October would help greatly with the crowds. The beach, any beach, is where thousands and millions go every summer. Cost of places to stay are generally half peak summer rates and most every thing is open for business.

Coming down for the NCAAS

I%26#39;m coming down from Massachusets in two and a half weeks for the NCAA Tournament. I%26#39;m staying at the Best Western Raleigh North, going out to eat at Sullivans Steakhouse.

I%26#39;m looking for cool places to watch the other games around town (my brother isn%26#39;t 21 yet, so its gotta be 18+)...How are getting taxis from the RBC? Will it be hard to get back to my hotel at the Best Western Raleigh North through cabs? I also want to visit Tobacco Road in Durham and Chapel Hill, so I%26#39;m wondering about how difficult access is to that. Any cool places to hang out I%26#39;d love to know about and eat and drink especially. Thanks alot.

Coming down for the NCAAS

I%26#39;m thinking you need to rent a car. I%26#39;m not sure about taxi service at the RBC. Further, if you want to visit Durham and Chapel Hill, a car would be needed.

If you visit Chapel Hill, the new Carolina Basketball Museum in a building next to the Smith Center is a must for a basketball fan.

Coming down for the NCAAS

Cabs are no problem at RBC......check with your hotel to see if they have a complimentary shuttle.

While at Sullivan%26#39;s, walk around and check out the area there, it is known as Glenwood South.

The closet mall to your hotel(Triangle Town Center, 3 miles away) has a Champs Sports bar %26amp; grill. Good food, and plenty of TV%26#39;s to watch games.

If you have time, try the Angus Barn on 70 HWY. A nice locally famous steak house, with a nice lounge upstairs. Carver%26#39;s Creek is a nice steakhouse that is very close to your hotel also...........

A car rental will suite your needs much better than cabs, the trips to durham and chapel hill are atleast 30+ mins from your hotel. Dont forget to take a trip to NC Stats Campus and visit Reynolds Coliseum, which many think is the birthplace to ACC basketball. Your hotel is a good distance from the RBC center as well and the cab fare will probably not be to cheap, especially with the traffic that will be around the RBC. Also since you have a designated DD in your younger brother you will be set! Unfortunately we do not have a good mass transit system here, I wouldnt take the busses. RebelJohn is on point about Glenwood south. That is the happening area of Raleigh with all of the bars and restaurants. Try Hi-5 for a place that will allow you brother in during the day that has nice tvs and serves alcohol. Most places will allow underagers in before a certain time, but he will probably have to wear the dreaded wristban. There is another place called the Flying Saucer close to Glenwood south that has the best beer selection in raleigh, they have a few nice tvs and will let underagers in during the afternoons. Champs at Triangle would be a good choice as well. Another always standby option is Hooters. If you want to watch some games close to the NC State campus try Sammy%26#39;s Tap and Grill on Avent Ferry Rd or Playmakers on Hillsborough St. Unfortunately the Wolfpack will probably miss the tourney, but there could still be a good contingent of college aged people there watching games. My local dives to watch games at are called Blinco%26#39;s on glenwood ave (great wings ang bar food as well as nice samsung DLP flat panels gracing the wall) and Lynwood Grill off of Grove Barton Rd (great bar staff, local watering hole type of place with an array of TVs throughout). I dont know of any places closer to your hotel as that is the other side of town from me. Another option is to look up your affiliate schools local club in the raleigh area and find out where they usually gather! Good luck!

Id love to get a rental car, but being under 25 (I%26#39;m 23), It%26#39;s usually pretty expensive to rent one, especially considering I%26#39;m there Thursday-Monday. Any suggestions of places to rent a car in the area thats affordable?

we have the normals, hertz, enterprise....

Worst meal in Corolla

We stayed in Corolla for a week during early September and had a great time We had many good meals (Rt 12, Mike Diannas, and Nicolettas) , but one was particularly bad and we felt a big ripoff. We ate at Groupers in the Timbuk II shopping center on our lastnight and the food was horrible. First we had a portabella appetizer that was a mushroom with a slice of cheese thrown on top with some cold canned corn. For dinner I had a Salmon special that tasted like bad cafeteria food. Other entrees were equally bad and I cringed at paying the bill. The whole meal was like the chef had not shown up for work and someone who was a school cafeteria cook took over. The only good thing was that we had a nice wine--- but that was the only thing worth paying for.

Worst meal in Corolla

Yes, we have always found that the meals at Groupers are way over priced and just not good. We just cannot justify paying those prices.

Especially when we live in an area where we can cook our own seafood dinners.

We too enjoy Nicolettas, Rt 12 and Tomato Patch!

For the volume of tourists up there, they really need some more restaurants.

Worst meal in Corolla

Okay, you%26#39;re dissing Groupers and loving Tomato Patch? Sounds totally backwards, but to each her own.

I%26#39;ve eaten at Groupers just two times in the last few years, but each time was wonderful! It%26#39; easily the best meal in Corolla.

Living in Va Beach, we are spoiled with wonderful seafood restaurants/markets year round that cater to residents, not just tourists. (I am marinating rockfish as I type).The quality of the food at Groupers and the price they charge cannot compare to what is available to us here. So, I can%26#39;t see spending the $$$ on vacation, particularly for kids who would be just as happy with pizza.

Perhaps if I lived in an area without fresh seafood, I would be more likely not mind the price, as long as the food was palatable.

I%26#39;d have to say the same thing. We have a great variety in Mass so we are a little spoiled. However it is nice to try new dishes from other regions that we don%26#39;t normally find here. (Crabcakes come to mind)

We have them but not the same.

I prefer to buy fresh seafood down there and cook our own.There’s that little seafood stand at Timbuck II and Harris Teeter has a good variety too. One of the advantages of renting these big homes down there is having a well equipped kitchen. With a big group, taking turns cooking each night works out well, saving a night or two for dining out.

We looked at Groupers last year and decided to pass when we saw the prices on the menu….there were no “must haves” that jumped out at us. After reading this post, I’m glad that we did!

Maybe I got spoiled cause both times I had the sea bass :-) The rest of my family didn%26#39;t have fish, but they enjoyed their meals very much. Oh well, I haven%26#39;t visited Elizabeth%26#39;s in Duck for the same reasons you gave re: Groupers - I read reviews about it being way over priced and pretencious. I just didn%26#39;t want Groupers to suffer the same fate knowing I enjoyed my 2 visits with them.

BTW - I live in Baltimore and have lots of excellent, fresh sea food options galore. So it%26#39;s not like I don%26#39;t know the good stuff. That%26#39;s the reason I avoid crab cakes and steamed crabs entirely at the Banks, cause they just don%26#39;t get how to prepare them. I didn%26#39;t think they knew what to do with streamed shrimp either until I found Awful Arthurs one night - yum!

Yes, you cannot beat a Maryland crabcake!

We too, enjoy cooking some fresh cought seafood at home.

But, there are some really good restaurants that do a great job. Colington Cafe comes to mind, which is not that far south of Corolla for an evening out.

Also there are several places in Ocracoke, Cafe Atlantic has out of this world seafood at very reasonable prices, they really could charge more.

Now that I have the seafood lovers attention. What place would you recommend that is not too far from Corolla?

I forgot to mention (Steamers I think it is)in Timbuck II. I thought their steamed spiced shrimp were very good. And the woman who ran it was a gem. We only went once and upon returning several days later she knew us by name the second we walked in. This is after serving literally 100%26#39;s of customers a day. She even set us up with a container of their bay seasoning to take home for nothing. Obviously not a place to sit down for a quiet meal, but for on the go I thought it was great!

I%26#39;d second Lynn%26#39;s Colington Cafe recommendation as one choice. I liked North Atlantic in TimBuck II. Red Sky Cafe in Duck is my favorite spot of all. I used to like Clara%26#39;s in Manteo, but they%26#39;re no longer there.

Crab is not real big in Mass. Our native seafood is lobster, clams(steamers %26amp; quahogs) %26amp; fish, the most obvious cod.

Nothing quite like fresh seafood right off the boat.

We%26#39;d love a good genuine Maryland crabcake recipe if you know of one.

thanks for the recommendation. We%26#39;ll give it a try.

vacation in July with grandchildren

Hi - my first time to this site and am finding wonderful information. We are renting a home on swan beach in July with our 2 young grandchildren. We have a 4 wheel drive Expediation so I think we will be ok as far as the driving goes. How is the ocean swimming there? Any helpful hints welcome. Thanks

vacation in July with grandchildren

You will be fine with the Expedition-air down tires, low gear (we go down to 20 or below with our Exped) and pack a shovel in the back just in case you get stuck. Also pay attention to the tide if you are parked on the beach-it can come up quick!

Water can be very rough and unpredictable all up and down the coast. Watch for drop offs and of course never turn your back on the water of the kids.

Below is info on rip currents, a common occurrence on the OBX.

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/

We have vacationed there since our 15 year old was 2, no problems ever with him, although I was caught in a rip while floating on a raft, familarize yourself and those with you as to what to do.

vacation in July with grandchildren

Thank you so much for the reply and the helpful hints - I will definately educate myself and family to the tides and riptides. Should we take our vehicle to the beach when we go down? I have read that traffic of 4 x 4 rentals can be bad. I want the children to be able to play on the sand and in the water.

Please keep in mind that Corolla only allows beach driving from October 1st through April 30th. There is no driving on the beaches in the summer, except the 4 wheel drive area north of Corolla.

We will be staying at a home that is only accessible by 4 x 4 vehicle - Swan Beach.

olay regenerist

Traveling from CT to OCean Isle Beach, NC

I am traveling from CT to Ocean Isle Beach in July and wanted to know of any suggestions of places to stay at about the half-way point in our trip. Since we want to break up the drive we were looking for a place to stay with 5 of us including 3 children ages 15,12,and 10. I would love to stay close to our route so as not to spend tons of time getting back on our way the next morning.

Traveling from CT to OCean Isle Beach, NC

What is your route going to be? I95 perhaps? If you can give a little bit more info then Im sure you will gets tons of suggestions. Just thinking of maybe Virginia someplace around Roanoke. Will this be your first trip to OIB??

Traveling from CT to OCean Isle Beach, NC

I too will be in Ocean Isle in July. We are staying at the Ocean Isle Inn. This will be our third time there and we love it. It%26#39;s very quiet and laid back. Hope you like it.

Depends on where in CT - the prior poster says Roanoke - but that is NOT on I95. If you are traveling down I95 see how far it is to Richmond - since your kids are older you won%26#39;t have to stop too many times during the first day%26#39;s drive and there are PLENTY of hotels on 95 - so wherever you decide to stop will be fine.

WE just booked our Ocean isle trip for June! Good luck and have fun!

We are doing the 95S route. This will be my first time at OIB. I have stayed in Holdens Beach but that was in the 80%26#39;s. My family is having a mini reunion and there will be 28 of us in a huge house that my parents rented. We were thinking of stopping in DC or upper Virginia. If anyone has a specific place that they can suggest that is clean and priced right that would be appreciated.

The traffic around DC is awful, so if possible, schedule your drive so you will be well south of DC. Fredericksburg might be a good place to consider stopping for the night if the time is right. Most morning traffic is going north into DC but the entire area should be avoided if possible. There are lots of places just off the interstate and usually reservations are not necessary. Just pick a good stopping point and look for lodging and restaurant signs for your favorites. Good luck.

Extended Stay Deluxe Durham - Research Triangle Park

This is the hotel located at 4919 South Miami Blvd.

Can anyone tell me their thoughts on this hotel? I used Hotwire for the first time tonight for trip in May. I got this hotel for $39 plus tax. Guess for the price I can stand it for one night if not so wonderful.

Extended Stay Deluxe Durham - Research Triangle Park

This is not a bad hotel at all. Close to the airport, and RTP area. A few of the RTP busineses use this hotel for weekly stays for their out-of-town clients/consultants.

Great Smokey Mountains cabin or cottage

Planning a trip to the Cataloochee Valley area of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Cove Creek Road just off US 276 and south of the I-40 interchange. We would like to stay in a comfortable, not too rustic cabin or cottage. Anyone familiar with that area who could give us a recommendation?

Great Smokey Mountains cabin or cottage

I%26#39;ve never stayed in their cabins, but Boyd%26#39;s Christmas Tree Farm is just down the road on 276 going back towards Maggie Valley. If you are coming from Cove Creek Rd., turn right on Hemphill Rd., cross Jonathan Creek, then turn left.

Again, I%26#39;ve never stayed there, but we buy our Christmas trees there and we%26#39;ve always admired the beauty of the area and cabins. They are a bit rustic, however. They may not be what you are looking for. Here%26#39;s a picture of the farm I have in my profile:

tripadvisor.com/鈥?748471

The farm website is:

http://www.boydmountain.com/

Have a great trip!

Great Smokey Mountains cabin or cottage

How long are you planning to stay in the area? If it is just a night or 2 Maggie Valley is ideal.

If you are staying a little longer and want to visit other parts of the mountains, then check out lodging options in Dillsboro, Cherokee and Bryson City. Bryson City is about an hour away from the Cataloochee while Dillsboro is maybe 35 minutes.

Cataloochee is beautiful and enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the input thus far. Planning a 2 night stay, the nearer the better.

Giggy:

Go to a web site called VRBO and search for place in Maggie Valley if you already have not done so. The State of North Carolina also has web site where you can get lodging info from them - state%26#39;s travel and tourism website. VisitNC.com I think.

Cabin owners like me who join their chamber of commerce or the regional travel and tourism group called Smoky Mountain Host are on the state%26#39;s web site. Smoky Mountain Host is another web site to look up too(which is another web site to check out, I think it is something like greatsmokies.org) Anyway, those sources should get you a nice place to stay in Maggie. Enjoy your trip.

Mission accomlished. Thanks to all who have taken the time to help me on this quest.

one night enough

We will be visiting Galinburg in Sept and want to see Asheville and the mansion. Should we plan on one or two nights. I wish we would be their in Oct. I hear it is beautiful but it won%26#39;t work for us. We will be in Galinburg 7 days and then we have another week to explore the surrounding area. We will be flying out of Nashville. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

one night enough

I personally think that you should spend more time in Asheville and less in Gatlinburg. There are tons of things to do in the Asheville area. So my vote is for at least 2 nights...

one night enough

Gatlinburg is a good place to stay if you are visiting Great Smoky Mountain NP. If you need information about the Park, post in the Great Smoky Mountain Park forum, there are several very knowledgable members that can answer any questions you might have about GSMNP (and they know about all the trails if you hike). Also check the website, www.nps.gov/grsm. September will be a beautiful time to visit. Don%26#39;t miss the spectacular views at Clingman%26#39;s Dome. Enjoy your trip. Happy trails.

I agree that the Asheville area offers so much more than Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge. I guess it really just depends on what you want to do. Cades Cove is beautiful and there are several outlet shops in Pigeon Forge. I would make sure I took time to eat at the Apple Barn while in Pigeon Forge.

Asheville and the surrounding area offers a ton of sightseeing and hiking opportunities. I don%26#39;t even know where to begin! You will definitely want to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive to some of the areas that boast beautiful waterfalls (Brevard, Cashiers, Highlands), spend some time shopping in the little stores in Dillsboro, gamble at the casino in Cherokee if that%26#39;s your thing, hike to the top of Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak on the east coast), and maybe even do some whitewater rafting on the Nantahala (a very mild class III river).

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. That is my favorite area of NC, although Ocracoke Island is a very close second!

CBB - a little worried

We%26#39;re driving down from CT in April, and right now, I%26#39;m a little worried about driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel.

From the pictures on their website, it looks as tho there isn%26#39;t much of a %26#39;barrier%26#39; on the right, to protect a car from plunging into the water. Should I be concerned? Is there a normal %26#39;barrier%26#39;, for lack of a better word?

I see on the website that you can ask for a police escort, but I do not want to resort to that.

Thank you so much - I%26#39;m looking forward to encouraging replies. I realize people drive this bridge every day!

CBB - a little worried

The cbbt is about 20 miles long. There are steel or metal guardrails on each side of the drive to prevent a car from going over the side. The only time I can remember any over the side mishap, was when a tractor-trailer (single vehicle accident) crashed through the guardrail (of course there%26#39;s a big difference between a car and tractor-trailer, and I don%26#39;t recall the cause of the accident). Under normal driving conditions I think it%26#39;s safe. If you want to stop, there is a fishing pier/restaurant on one of the bridge ';islands'; about 3 1/2 mi from the Va Beach side. Go for it.

CBB - a little worried

Been traveling the CBB for years. You don%26#39;t normally have heavy traffic. The above ground causeway is 2 lanes each way, only the tunnel is one lane. It%26#39;s a pretty drive. I wouldn%26#39;t be concerned...enjoy it.

Thanks. I%26#39;ll drive in the left lane, then.

We only lose 2-3 cars in the Bay each week on average. Statistically speaking, you should be fine. No worries mate.

If you are traveling slower than the other traffic, stay to the right, please!

No worries. We have crossed the bridge dozens of times and it is a beautiful sight. A few tractor trailers have been lost but assumably you aren%26#39;t in an 18 wheeler. One went over when he had to slam on his brakes because some total Id--- stopped to take a photo at the peak of the span! NOT a good idea.

College visits

We%26#39;d appreciate any thoughts as to where to stay while visiting Wake Forest, Elom, Duke, and UNC on family road trip in March, 2008. Thanks!

College visits

Duke, UNC and Elon are all within 40 minutes of one another. A spot between Duke and UNC near I-40 would be convenient to all three, but there are plenty of other options that will leave you with less than a 30 minute drive to these three as well. Unfortunately, I don%26#39;t have any specific hotel recommendations.

The odd one out is Wake Forest, which is located in Winston-Salem. That is close to 1.5 hours from Duke or UNC, and about 1 hour from Elon. You will probably want to just change hotels when visiting.

olay regenerist

Where can I see snow

I am traveling from Florida to Fairfax Va and would love to find some snow for my 9 year old to see. I am willing to go off course for a few hours to see snow. Whether it is going toward mountains I am willing.

Any suggestions

Where can I see snow

When will your be travelling?

Your best chance to see snow will be in mountains, ie. Great Smoky Mountain National Park (between NC %26amp; TN). Check their website, www.nps.gov/gesm/planyourvisit/weather.htm or call 865 4361200 X630 for current conditions. As you travel in Va, your chances for snow might be near Harrisonburg, Massanutten (depending on when you are travelling, Massanutten may have real or man-made snow), and areas around Shenandoah National Park (www.nps.gov/shen). Of course, there%26#39;s always a chance there will be snow in the Fredericksburg, or Northern Va areas. Hope you find enough to make a great snowman.

Where can I see snow

We live in the Smoky Mountain area and your best bet for snow is honestly the Blowing Rock and Boone areas. They are forcasting snow for tomorrow.

Have fun and good luck

No snow in Northern Virginia-and none in the Shenandoah valley area unless you go to a ski resort for the ';fake'; stuff! Here is a web cam for Shenandoah National Park: www.instacam.com/showcam.asp?id=LRAY1%26size=L

Best luck is Dolly Sods/Canaan Valley West Virginia-as it is the highest valley in elevation east of the Mississippi, but even there right now, there doesn%26#39;t seem to be snow on the ground. Web cam: http://www.fsvisimages.com/doso1/doso1.html

But you can see snow on the slopes at Timberland in the background!

You may have to stop at a resort for a few hours of tubing.

No snow in the forecast...I think we are done for this year.

I second the Boone and Blowing Rock area, but you%26#39;re about to get out of the ';snow season'; for NC. There are several ski slopes where you can see the fake stuff and I would suggest going snow tubing while you%26#39;re there. Hawk%26#39;s Nest offers a snow tubing park and it is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. It reminds me of sledding in my back yard when I was a little girl but the hills are much better at the snow tubing park!

Ohio has plenty of snow, free for the taking..........IF you can get here.

Sorry, just trying to be funny and cheer myself up by looking at vacation ideas for the summer! Good luck with your snow hunting.

Gotta agree with the poster above. Here in Ohio the snow is above my knees with another 10 hours of snow forecast.

Can%26#39;t wait to be in NC this summer though!

Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the MS) would be a good bet. Check first though with the Blue Ridge Parkway office to make sure the Parkway is open to get there, (828) 298 0398.

The Boone-Blowing Rock area has gotten 3 to 4 inches of snow today. The ski slopes will be making snow also. It is cold right now.

What to do?

This will be our family%26#39;s first trip to OBX in early June with our 9-year old and 6-year old. We will be staying in Avon. Suggestions for things to do? eat? shop?

What to do?

Go to the beach and play, relax, fish, etc; Bodie Island lighthouse is a little to the north and Hatteras Light is 15 minutes south. I like the Dolphin%26#39;s Den in Avon but the Fish House is 20 minutes or so south and it has great food at alot better price. Can%26#39;t help you with shopping. Have a good trip

What to do?

Here%26#39;s a list of things to do or see: The aquarium in Mnateo, the Roanoke Island Festival Park (ship, museum and interactive encampment), Big Al%26#39;s Restaurant (it%26#39;s decorated in everything Coke-a-Cola). We%26#39;ve enjoyed pontoon boat and jet ski rentals (which can be found everywhere), putt-putt golf, walking out on the fishing piers, charter fishing, climbing Jockey%26#39;s Ridge sand dune and watching the hang gliding lessons or bring your own kite, visiting the Wright Brothers National Park and climbing up to the monument, dolphin watching tours, airboat rides, airplane tour of the Northern beaches, movies, bowling, climbing lighthouses and go-cart racing. We usually cook most of our meals at the house. The only places we%26#39;ve eaten are in Nags Head: Millers Oceanfront, Sooey%26#39;s Ribs and ice cream at Kill Devils. Most of our shopping is also done in the Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head areas.

If you are up early, go down the road to Buxton to the Orange Blossom Bakery. Can%26#39;t beat their apple uglies.

The last poster had a lot of good ideas, but many of them are quite far from Avon (up north) and will take pretty much a whole day trip to do anything up there. Going to Kitty Hawk to see the Wright Bros and the hang gliders is a good thing to do on your way to Hatteras or on your way out, assuming you are driving in the north end. Also true for the things on Manteo.

There are several good restaurants in Avon, and miniature golf, and the fishing pier.

There are kids activities through the National Park Service, website says schedule for summer will be up by the end of March.

http://www.nps.gov/caha/forkids/index.htm

If you%26#39;re up for a day trip away from the crowd in Nags Head, take a drive south and catch the ferry over to Ocracoke Island. Rent bikes and enjoy exploring the quaint village and lovely little harbor at Silver Lake. Lots of good lunch spots with fresh seafood and ice cream stops too! Lots of shops.Catch the ferry back in time for the sunset. Great day and you%26#39;ll get a totally different vibe than the rest of OBX

You must tak them crabbing. It is so much fun. All you need is a chicken drumstick and tie it to a string - hang it in the water and gently pull it up and the crabs will be hanging off the drumstick. It%26#39;s so cool. Just ask the locals where to go. The kids loved it (who am I kidding - I think I was more thrilled than the kids).

Cheesecake Factory

It really is just your usual chain restaurant. Usual big portions of OK food. I thought it was pretty expensive for what you get. What sets it apart is the enormous lines of people waiting to get in at regular meal times which is fostered by the no reservation system. I wouldn%26#39;t make a special trip to go to one. You could get the cheesecake to go.

Cheesecake Factory

Wow ,it%26#39;s not the cheesecake I like. They have the most extensive menu in town...and the best fish tacos!I go during the ';off times';.

Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake is just ';okay'; to me.

It%26#39;s not your typical chain restaurant (like an AppleBees, etc)...but it isn%26#39;t the best thing smoking either.

I%26#39;d suggest going, but don%26#39;t expect to be blown away

I%26#39;m so disappointed to hear everyone say that! The Crusted Chicken Romano is to die for! I crave it morning, noon, and night.

';everyone';?

I like the Cheesecake Factory. The menu is so extensive it%26#39;s hard to believe they can do such a good job, but they do. I%26#39;m sure not everything is great, but a lot of it sure is. Most people I know were pretty ho-hum about it at first, but it has grown on us.

I%26#39;m sorry, ';bud';.

Honeymoon in OBX

Hi,

My husband and I are planning to spend a week in the OBX for our honeymoon. We were looking at last week of May but it looks that the ocean might be too cold for a swim around that time.

When is the best time to visit the OBX? Would early June be OK?

Thanks!!!

Honeymoon in OBX

May is iffy, but you may be okay going the last week. You can go later in June, but just be aware that the kids get out around here (Winston-Salem) early to mid-June. As soon as the kids are out, the Outer Banks become much busier. Unfortunately, the water will be cool. It just depends on how much time you want to spend in the water. Just know that swimming on the Outer Banks is different. There are sharp drop-offs in areas creating fierce undertows.

I have been in May and the weather was very manageable. Most people without school-age kids enjoy May and September (after Labor Day).

Enjoy!

Honeymoon in OBX

Last year my husband %26amp; I were in Nags Head the 2nd week of June. Water temps were 70-72 degrees the whole week. I know that%26#39;s warm enough for some, but not for all.

The first two years we started coming to the Outer Banks, we went the first week of June. The first year it was hot, hot, hot and the ocean temperature was fabulous. The next year, no such luck. The water temperature was way to cold and the air temps were only around 70 or so. We even had to heat the pool (the evenings were still quite cool).

Since then we%26#39;ve been going in July - perfect in every way. In my opinion, if you go anywhere from mid June on you should be okay. Don%26#39;t get nervous about ';busy season'; with all the children. As I said, we go 3rd week in July each year, and it is still very peaceful and tranquil - just a little more traffic (which is manageable) and longer waits in restaurants and grocery stores.

You%26#39;ll have a great time.

I always go in late September. After Labor Day...the rates drop from ';In-season'; to ';Off-Season';. The off season rates extend thru the year and into the next year up until April or early May.

June is PRIME time. Great time to go but you%26#39;ll pay more, too.

Hope this helps.

Surf fishing at Ocean Isle Beach end of May

I will be taking my 1st trip to Ocean Isle Beach May 17

and don%26#39;t know anything about what I can catch surf or pier fishing then. I have use of a 19%26#39; boat for 2 days also. Can someone tell me a website or where I can get a local fishing chart from.

Surf fishing at Ocean Isle Beach end of May

Try www.oibfishingcenter.com or www.hurricanefleet.com either one of these should be of help. My husband loves fishing on the pier.

If Im not mistaken Bald Head Island is having a fishing tournament at the end of May, not sure of date. Have a wonderful time. You will love OIB!

Outlet Mall

Can anyone tell me if the Outlet Mall near the Microtel Inn on Factory Shops Rd, Morrisville, NC

is worth my time? Are there a lot of stores or is the strip mall half empty?

Will arrive on Wednesday night and need a hotel (with airport shuttle) and also near some sort of entertainment for Thursday until after work hours when my brother can pick me up. Suggestions are welcome!

Outlet Mall

It is not as big as some outlet malls, but you will find it less crowded than some of the others I have been to. Here%26#39;s their website address......

http://www.morrisvilleoutletmall.com/

Outlet Mall

It%26#39;s kinda dead. You can find some good deals at Bass, Izod, Geoffrey Beene, and Saks off 5th but that%26#39;s about it.

I hate that outlet mall, personally. The only one I really like in the general Raleigh area is the outlet mall in Smithfield, but it%26#39;s pretty far away.

If you%26#39;re around and you got some free time, it%26#39;s worth a visit. But I wouldn%26#39;t go out of your way for it.

olay regenerist

palmetto bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone know if there are palmetto bugs in the emerald isle/atlantic beach area, I know it may sound stupid but if my wife or sister in law see any they will freak out!!!!!!!!!!! thanks ......vince

palmetto bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vince-

I would bring a can of Raid! Sorry, I%26#39;m just kidding, but there are Palmetto%26#39;s there so you may see some. Usually they%26#39;re not in the home-which would freak me out too- but you may see them outside in a carport area, etc.

palmetto bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, That is not what I wanted to here, I guess it is back to obx...Vince

Hate to tell you, but I have seen the Palmetto in OBX too...just no way to tell if the rental house has them. They are part of charm of the area!

Now I freak out when I see snakes, which happens everytime we go, up and down the coast, north, south, and inbetween!

Remind your sister-in-law and wife that they are bigger than any bug they will see-good luck! :)

WE have gone to the obx for last 13 years, haven%26#39;t seen 1, probably will go back, we just thought it would be nice to try something different..Vince

I too have seen palmetto bugs in OBX. Its part of the charm of being on/near the coast.

I have never seen palmetto bugs anywhere in NC, but seen plenty in FL - both inside and outside.

I think you%26#39;re safe in NC

We go to the Outer Banks each year and have never seen one. We have tons of them in South Carolina. I moved here from the Northeast ten years ago and I would freak out when I would see them on a deck where I was sitting. Now, I just stomp on them - it%26#39;s no big deal. Just a shock until you understand that they are very common in the south.

As posted before, they are here on the OBX. If you have not seen them, your rental company probably sprays regularly.

one night

Hi, I%26#39;m passing through on a road trip.I%26#39;m staying at Kitty Hawk. I%26#39;m only spending one night, but clean, clean, is very important to me. I%26#39;m stuck between the new Hilton garden inn, and the holiday inn express. There is a difference in 150 dollars for the night. I read that the hie is old. Can anyone tell me the real condition of the place.. Thank you.

one night

It%26#39;s been a couple of years since my husband and I stayed there so I can%26#39;t tell you accurately what to expect, but I can suggest that if you don%26#39;t get any responses on here than try www.obxconnection.com. Being a solely OBX website you might find out better information. I love TA but for the OBX it%26#39;s very helpful!

one night

thank you.

Is there a reason that you must stay in Kitty Hawk? Just about 3-5 miles south of Kitty Hawk is Kill Devil Hills where there are several nice hotels. The Days Inn has been remodeled recently, and there is also a Clarion, Ramada, etc.. Also in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head there are some nice, small privately run hotels, too. If an area just south of Kitty Hawk, with an easy drive back, will work for you, let me know and I can give you some more details.

Hi, no it doesn%26#39;t have to be Kitty Hawk. I am somewhat leery of small private places, I might look into the clarion.. I don%26#39;t usually trust days inn, or ramada,but I will check them out.. Thank you so much...

mittmott we are only about three hours away from the Outer Banks but stayed away for years while waiting for a facility like the Hilton Garden Inn to be built. It%26#39;s a great place.

Thank you everybody. what%26#39;s getting me in a tizzy is the fact that we are only passing through, one night. Kitty hawk, put us where we needed to be milage wise, so that%26#39;s why I picked the spot. I usually trust hampton inns to find a dependable clean room, but the only hampton is in corolla, and I couldn%26#39;t get a room for only one night there. I also usually go to holiday inn express if they are new, as they are usually pretty decent, but I got burned in one that was redone, but old. My problem with the hilton garden inn, is the price for one night , just to sleep. They want 256 (and this is discounted). We will arrive a little before dinner time, will clean up for dinner, have dinner, go to room, some tv, maybe, sleep, get up, check out the area, and leave. Is it worth it to spend that money there, when the holiday inn express is only 102 for the night? If I know the place has been updated, and is clean, there is a huge difference in money.

I just called the holiday inn express personally. I asked when the rooms were done. The second floor was just finished this past year, and the bathrooms were updated also. I think I%26#39;ll stick with it, since it%26#39;s for just one night, it%26#39;s a huge savings, and the last few reviews of the place, since updating have been nothing but good, praising the cleanliness of the place. I%26#39;ll write a review, after my visit, to let everyone know the condition of the place. Thanks a million.

Since it is just for 1 night, I am sure you will be fine at the Hol Inn. Especially with the recent upgrades. If you have time, take some of the savings from the hotel, and have dinner at JK%26#39;s in Kill Devil Hills. It is just a few miles south on the bypass just about milepost 10. Great place to eat!

Thanks for the tip...

Why is the LaQuinta motel in Boone not open yet?

It seems they have been building it for at lease 3 years. Does anybody know?

Why is the LaQuinta motel in Boone not open yet?

We%26#39;ve been watching it since last August to open because that%26#39;s where we wanted to stay for the Bristol race. The web site changes the opening every month to a month later. We had to finally go ahead and book the Hampton Inn.

Sher

Why is the LaQuinta motel in Boone not open yet?

The LaQuinta is now open (it%26#39;s about time!).

www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do…

it is open now! We stayed there last night. Beautiful hotel. Great rooms and excellent service. The phone number is 828-262-1234.

And very expensive rates for Nascar weekend in Bristol. I%26#39;m glad we went ahead and got the Hampton Inn instead of waiting for them to open.

Sher

Linville Caverns

Has anyone been? Is it worth going?

I%26#39;ll be going to Asheville in the beginning of May.

Any info would be appreciated on what to do while i%26#39;m there.

Thanks!

Michelle

Linville Caverns

Linville is a cool cave both litterally and figuratively. It is about an hour and half from Asheville, but you could take a day and cruise north on the Blue Ridge Parkway and get a 2 for 1 kind of trip out of it. I have been to it and it has been a few years. It is a decent cavern to tour.

Linville Caverns

I think it is worth a day trip. Only about an hour away if you take 321... Parkway would take longer..

I%26#39;ve never been from Asheville, so I%26#39;m not sure how far it is, but I would say most likely, it%26#39;s worth whatever the trip takes. I%26#39;ve been a couple times and the Linville area is great! The caverns are amazing, and it%26#39;s just a lovely area...definitely worth a day trip!

It%26#39;s about 40 miles from Asheville, NC to Marion, NC where Linville Caverns is located. I%26#39;m not sure how far out of town it is, though.

I%26#39;d like to try it myself!

Asheville/Hendersonville

We are looking for overnight stays for a trip to Charleston SC. Would we be better to spend both nights in Asheville, maybe in different parts of town? Or would it be better if we made one of the stops in Hendersonville? I really don%26#39;t know anything about Hendersonville, except seeing a picture of the apple festival in town and thinking that it looked like a neat little town. Is it? Anything to do there?

Asheville/Hendersonville

Yes, it%26#39;s a neat place. Great little downtown with good shops and eateries. You can tour Carl Sandburg%26#39;s home a few miles south in Flat Rock. If Flat Rock Playhouse is open you can see a great play at the State Theater of NC. Check the hendersonville.com website for a calendar of events - a lot of stuff going on there. Also- it%26#39;s a short drive west on U.S. 64 to waterfall country. Best wishes.

Asheville/Hendersonville

I think I%26#39;d probably spend one night in Asheville and then maybe one night in a ';mountain'; town like Blowing Rock or Cashiers.

Wouldn%26#39;t Blowing Rock be back tracking on a drive from KY to Charleston?

I would vote for Maggie Valley or Bryson City or Cashiers first night from Kentucky and then a second night in Asheville. Then again I am partial because I live here....you really cant go wrong either way, Hendersonville or hear.

BBQ Caterer

I am in need of a BBQ caterer for my trip to OBX in August. I used one several years ago, but can%26#39;t remember what the name of it was. Any suggestions?

BBQ Caterer

Was is Bubba%26#39;s?

BBQ Caterer

Or was it about Pigman%26#39;s or Sooey%26#39;s.

High Cotton?

If not I highly recommend High Cotton.

Best BBQ ( and I do believe they do cater also) is Sauls. It is located just across the bridge about 2 miles north on the right. It%26#39;s the best here!

I really like Saul%26#39;s and Pigman. What part of the Outer Banks are you staying in? Most places are on the Northern Beaches. Bubba%26#39;s is on Hatteras Island in Frisco. Good BBQ in my opinion but not southern style like Saul%26#39;s and Pigman.

Pigmans is in Buxton, right? We liked them much better than Bubba%26#39;s. We were not impressed with Bubba. Sound like next time we need to check out Saul. =D

olay regenerist

dogs

We were looking at one of the websites that list the calender of events for the other banks for this summer. We noticed that half of the events involve dogs. Do a lot of people have dogs there?? Are they allowed on the beach? Is it dog poop city? YUK!!!!!

dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times and you are required to clean up after them too, I seldom see any on the beach but not to worry it’s not dog poop city

dogs

I am not sure from your post if it is the dogs that bother you, or the prospect of dog poop all over the beaches. Outer Banks is a very pet friendly place. There are retail stores, and coffee shops where pets are allowed, in addition to some scheduled events. Many people walk their dogs on the beaches, and yes, it is a requirement to clean up after them so dog poop is not usually a problem. There are many dogs here, and a lot of people bring them on vacation with them. If dogs bother you that much, I would avoid the events you have seen listed, and also be aware that a lot of people walk their dogs very early in the morning on the beaches, and a some of these dogs will be off leash. If I have misread your post, and you just want to make sure the beaches are clean, rest assured they are fine.

Dogs are allowed, but not really prevalent in most areas I%26#39;ve seen. Usually can see them in the morning first thing and evening for their walks. I%26#39;ve never encountered poop, so owners must be good at cleaning up . . . don%26#39;t want to think about the alternative of burying it.

Thanks for all of your responses. I guess it%26#39;s no worse than Asateague Island here in Maryland where the ponies run free all over the beach. I%26#39;m not a dog owner and have a very hard time with ';the world is my toilet'; issue. This is our first time going to the outer banks and we are all looking forward to it.

Try not to think of whales in the ocean either . . .

I%26#39;ll try not to!!!!!!! This is our first trip to the outer banks, do you go often??? I think we are going to stay in Avon. How bad is the traffic going in on Saturdays????

You will encounter traffic on Saturdays all the way back to the NC state line in some cases.

Most check-ins are 2-4 pm in the afternoon so

my advice is to get into the area as early in the day as possible. Get a late breakfast or lunch, go to the beach or shopping for the day and then check in. Once you get past the Nags Head area, the crowds are much lighter too.

Forget the whales and fish...what about all the people??

Listen to Lynn. Get in before 11 am if at all possible on a Saturday. I%26#39;m not as familiar with the lower beaches like Avon, but there%26#39;s probably a good place to stop off at while you wait for your rental to be cleaned and opened. Check with your realtor. Often, we stop someplace and just eat lunch and walk around for a while. I call the agency every hour and see if I can get the keys yet.

Hotels near Lynx Rail park and rides for ACC Tournament

I%26#39;m having difficulty determining exactly what hotels may be in the vicinity of the Lynx park and ride locations. Here are the locations: Scaleybark, Woodlawn, Tyvola, Archdale, Arrowood, Sharon Rd. West, and I-485/South Blvd.

Any suggestions?

Hotels near Lynx Rail park and rides for ACC Tournament

Scaleybark - none, Woodlawn - a couple of older hotels are about a block or two away ( used to be Sterling Suites- what is it now? Woodlawn Suites?))..not a really good area. Tyvola - none. Archdale - none. Arrowood - none. Sharon - none. I-485 - none. Several of the stops locations are high crime neighborhoods - you wouldn%26#39;t want to stay there anyway. If you have business downtown, stay there. Best wishes.

Hotels near Lynx Rail park and rides for ACC Tournament

OK, then, what good hotels are within a 10 minute drive from those stops? All the downtown hotels are already booked for the ACC Tournament.

Try the hotels around Southpark - Hampton, Hyatt, Marriott, Doubletree....Best wishes.

Your closest station would probably be Tyvola.

It%26#39;s not near a Lynx park but the university area has rooms avialable. I just booked at the Holiday Inn University for $139. Next to I-85 and easy trip downtown.

You have to take what you can get...but University area would be on the bottom of my list due to crime and traffic.

You might want to look at these along I-485 in Pineville.

Holiday Inn Express-Pineville

Best Western-Palm Suites鈥?/p>

Hampton Inn %26amp; Suites Charlotte/Pineville鈥?/p>

Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Pineville鈥?/p>

Comfort Suites鈥?/p>

Extended Stay America鈥?/p>

Quality Suites

All these should be about 5 - 10 minutes from the I-485/South Blvd. station. Free parking and $2.50 round trip ticket. Sure beats 45 minutes of hunting for parking uptown then paying $10-$15+ to park then having to walk half a mile or more to the arena.

University area wouldn%26#39;t be too bad. Yes, traffic will be bad. Crime - maybe more of an issue than Mayberry but isn%26#39;t any more a problem than in any major city.

biking in Asheville?

Besides the Biltmore grounds, are there any good places to bike in Asheville?

biking in Asheville?

Sure is. Drive about 40 minutes south into the Pisgah National Forest. Some of the best mountain biking in the east is located there. If you are not into mountain biking, try cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look for Jim Parnhams Off the Beaten Path Mountain Bike Books for details on the trails. Some of my favorite are in the North Mills River area which is about 15 miles or so south of Biltmore.

Have fun

biking in Asheville?

Although there are a lot of bicyclists I really wouldn%26#39;t say that there are many good/safe places to bike. Of course I%26#39;m spoiled by having lived near Rock Creek Park in MD and DC. That being said, there is a bike lane near Amboy Park that goes along Riverside drive for a few miles before it turns into a 2 lane w/o a bike lane. There is a circular bike track in Amboy Park. Many people bike in the Bent Creek and Arboreteum (entry fee) areas.

tavern/pub for lunch

Visiting Greensboro next Fri and Sat -- recommend best pub or tavern for lunch? -- thanks --no smoking please and not many steps-- thanks-jane

tavern/pub for lunch

I know that Natty Greene%26#39;s downtown is very popular and Village Tavern is a local chain that is very good. The Green Valley Grill in the O. Henry Hotel is excellent, but save room for dessert. The Nutty Irishman dessert is fantastic!

tavern/pub for lunch

All excellent suggestions! Could also add Lucky 32 on Westover - if it%26#39;s pretty you can eat outside (can eat outside at Green Valley Grill, too - and maybe even Natty Green%26#39;s? (can%26#39;t recall on that one--)

Enjoy!

I love the Village Tavern, and can%26#39;t you eat outside there? I was thinking they had a tented area with heaters in the winter/early spring?

Pet friendly vacation

We are visting the 2nd week of May. We will have our 2 pugs (a little hyper) and my mother who is capable of getting around but does use oxygen for some breathing issues. That said, I%26#39;m looking for some outdoor places to visit which provide great views/sites to see that are easy to walk (i.e., not too much elevation climb) and also that allow dogs.

Also appreciated would be any restaurants that you know of that are good, would have outdoor seating in May and allow dogs on the patio.

If you know of any other pet friendly activities or dog parks, that would be great too.

thank you in advance!!!

Pet friendly vacation

I own a shop in the Town of Dillsboro. We are a pet friendly shopping village about 45 minutes west of Asheville of US 74 and US 441. Most the place is flat and easy to navigate. Come early though as parking is limited unless you have a handicap parking permit, then you have slightly better odds of finding a spot. Dillsboro does not have a lot of eateries, we have a few. If you go to the town%26#39;s web site you can get a better feel for the place if you have not been there before. It may or may not be worth the drive depending on what you are seeking.

Downtown Asheville is hilly and may limit your walking. Biltmore Village is nice too and a tad flatter. I am not sure how dog friendly either are. We visit there and leave the dogs at home and I have never realy noticed folks with dogs. Next time I will try to pay attention.

Enjoy your trip.

Pet friendly vacation

Thanks for the info..i will check out your town. We are interested in looking around the area so the drive isn%26#39;t a problem...neither is a little hilly walking as my mom is in good shape -- just gets winded easily.

Interesting that you haven%26#39;t noticed many pets. I see that Asheville was rated in the top 100 pet friendly cities in the U.S. I hope that%26#39;s the case.

The Asheville area is VERY dog friendly. Many shops allow dogs, some have water bowls out front, many of the restaurants w/ outdoor seating will allow you to bring your dog....the reviews were right. We have dog parks...a doggie bakery...dog friendly B%26amp;B%26#39;s...

Avon Cottages

Has anyone rented from Avon cottages???

Avon Cottages

Several years ago, in 2004 or 2005, I forget. They were not fancy but very good for the money since you can get a house right on the beach cheaply. My memory was that it felt like an old-style beach house, the furniture was old, things were worn, but it was a good deal.

We are going back this year to Avon but decided to go with fancier digs.

Avon Cottages

Thanks for the info. We found a house we would like to rent through Colony Realty - but the rental agreement has scared us off. Do all the realty companies have the same long involved rental agreement??? We were thinking a place like Avon Cottages may not make you sign your life away like the others.

Not sure when you are going and have a rental agreement with me as well that I am reluctant to sign and pay upfront given a recent bad experience in La Jolla Calfornia doing that and since Feb. was offseason learned that there would have been many better options and some with negotiable rates because of high vacancy rate.

Wonder when you are going? If during high season may be best to go with it as gather OBX very busy then. I am planning trip in April which is off season and will wait until I arrive to view and choose before signing. Planning to arrive in morning and have some areas/options lined up to see and understand from another post here some realtors will take you to view first.

We are going the first week of August. Good luck with your house search.

Cannot speak directly to Avon cottages, however, unless you are staying at a hotel, the rental agreements are standard. I think we have to understand that the homes are owned individually, people want to protect their investments. Although I am sure, or at least hope, that most of us here do treat the rental as our own, many do not. It is because of those people, we have to now conform to an enormous number of rules and legal mumbo jumbo.

What in the rental agreement scared you off? With a little more info, someone may be able to tell you if the lesse is standard for this area.

The rental agreement was 5 pages long single spaced. We decided we didn%26#39;t want to sign anything like that and be held responsible for something we didn%26#39;t do or break. So, we are still going to rent a house, but through a company that owns and rents cottages.

olay regenerist

Romantic restaurant in Blowing Rock

I have booked a romantic weekend at Chetola (Mar 7 - 9). I have stayed there before, but only in the condos. Chetola has a %26#39;nice%26#39; restaurant (Manor House), but I have not eaten there. The Crestwood Inn has a highly recommended restaurant (Dominicks). Any comment between the two? Or other recommendation?

Romantic restaurant in Blowing Rock

I have eaten at the Manor House and enjoyed it. I love The Gamekeeper - near Crestwood across from Yonahlossee. I%26#39;ve stayed at Crestwood but the restaurant was closed so I can%26#39;t comment on the food.Best wishes.

Romantic restaurant in Blowing Rock

Thanks for your note. Reading a bit more about area restaurants, it seems that the major features of the Dominicks are the view and the service. Since we will be at Chetola, The Manor House may be the best choice (no driving!).

It%26#39;s a good choice, but Gamekeeper and Crestwood are only about 10-15 minutes from town on Shull%26#39;s Mill Rd. .

I would like to suggest The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock and Twigs on US 321. Both offer ambience and excellent dining.

We checked out a few restaurants on Saturday afternoon and settled on Bistro Roca. What a wonderful surprise. Not %26#39;fancy%26#39; but the food was incredible and the atmosphere was warm and comfortable...it served the %26#39;romantic restaurant%26#39; purpose perfectly! Thanks to all for your ideas.

Best Hotel near Piedmont Triad Airport

Can you recommend good hotel near Piedmiont Triad airport - would be great if it had free breakfast and internet in lobby

Best Hotel near Piedmont Triad Airport

Embassy Suites on Hwy 68 is great. It is only maybe 2-3 miles away. We have stayed here a couple of times and I also go to business meetings there. They have a buffet in the morning. I think there may be a charge though, but it is a great hotel. They have an indoor pool and all the rooms overlook a nice atrium area in the center of the hotel.

uptown

I was wondering if the Marriott, Westin and Hilton are all within walking distance to Bobcat arena? We will be attending a concert in April and we are looking for a hotel within walking distance. We have stayed at the Omni before and I know that it is the closest hotel to the arena. I want to bid on priceline, but I want to make sure the others are within walking distance before I bid. Thanks!

uptown

Marriott is about 2 blocks away. Westin is farther, but still only about 4 blocks. I think the Hilton is closer than the Westin.

uptown

Thanks for the info. We will be staying in the Uptown area for two days. We have two more days after that to find something to keep us busy. We will be taking the kids to Carowinds, but other than that, we are open to any ideas? Any recommendations for other areas that might be good for a day or two? We thought of going up to Blowing Rock, since we enjoyed our visit their last summer, but we will really only have about 48 hours, and I am not sure we want to drive that far. Does the Southpark area offer much? Thanks for any suggestions...

Southpark is an upscale business/shopping/residential area. The mall is a west coast version of Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills - nothing there as far as ';attractions';. Blowing Rock is not a bad drive from Charlotte - a couple of hours - we go up for the day quite a bit.Are you flying into Charlotte and renting a car or driving down?

How about Old Salem? We try to go once a year. It%26#39;s a living history town (circa late 1700%26#39;s) with actors in period dress. There%26#39;s even a bakery. And don%26#39;t forget the moravian love feast buns, slurp slurp.

www.oldsalem.org

We are flying into Charlotte and we will be renting a car. The concert is Friday night, and we were thinking about staying Uptown on Friday night, and maybe Saturday night. Our plans so far are to go to Carowinds on Saturday, and possibly Sunday (if we need more time). Then we are open until we fly out on Tuesday. We have thought about possibly Blowing Rock, if time allows. The kids are also interested in the kids museum. So we need to find a hotel downtown for at least one night, if not two, and a another hotel in a good area for the other two nights. Old Salem sounds interesting. We did Colonial Williamsburg in Virgina last spring. Is sounds like Old Salem is somewhat like CW.

You%26#39;ll only need one day at Carowinds. Yes, Old Salem is like a mini-Williamsburg. While at Carowinds be sure and visit the new Plaza Fiesta adjacent to it - it%26#39;s a new mall with the feel of a Mexican Plaza - it%26#39;s fun. Best wishes.

bud41, where is that? in the old waccamaw building?

It%26#39;s old Carolina PLace Mall...where Carolina Pottery was. They%26#39;ve done a great job - if you want to feel like you are in old Mexico- that%26#39;s the place!

cool, maybe i will check it out this weekend.

wait, i%26#39;m confused. near carolina place mall? the one a few miles from carowinds? or is there an old carolina place mall?

how are the beaches??

first time staying in hatteras, ';Down by the Sea'; is the name of the home I rented.It is supposed to be ocean front. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

how are the beaches??

Not sure if you wan to know about the beaches or the home? Can%26#39;t comment on the home, but generally the beaches are womderful. Do you know the location of the home? Do you have a map? Can provide a little more info on the beach area from that.

how are the beaches??

The beaches are great. Best part about the beaches on Hatteras is that it%26#39;s VERY likely that you%26#39;ll have the entire beach to yourself. The beaches are clean and natural. Windswept dunes, sea oats, it%26#39;s picturesque to me. You%26#39;re able to build small bonfires on the beaches there on most beaches on Hatteras. The house you%26#39;re staying in should have details. If not, then the rental office will for sure. Also, a few of the beaches accomodate 4 wheel vehicles which make it nice for day long fishing trips or family outings. These beaches are clearly marked...and like I said...just a few of the beaches allow this.

I%26#39;ve been going to Hatteras for years. The simplicity of the island is attractive.

If you have time...drive down to the end of Hatteras, pull your car on the free ferry and take the short 40 min trip over to Okracoke Island. Spend the day walking around in the village, see the wild ponies, exploring and eating some great food. The beaches on Okracoke are nearly perfect. You%26#39;re completely assured of getting an entire beach to yourself on Okracoke ( on any of the beaches on either side of NC-12 going into the village.)

Enjoy. If you have any other questions...feel free to drop me a line. lettucerejoice69 @ aol.com

Thanks for your help Lynn and Lettucerejoice- I do have a map and the home is located on 57457 Lighthouse Road. I have previously stayed up north in Corolla (4x4 area very treacherous 12 miles off the paved road)although we all loved it! I also stayed in Nags Head (a bit to commercialized for me) My worry is the real estate agent said the parks own 350 ft. of ocean front, some one told me they rented a ocean front home in Hatteras and could not see the ocean from their home, they also said the ocean is shallow at many areas. Any additional input would be appreciated.

best regards,

neceturn

I think they may have been talking about Cape Hatteras State park where the lighthouse is. Yes it is owned, but there are also no homes right in the santuary, so that won%26#39;t bother you.

Some of the beach does contain ';primary dunes';. Because of the erosion from storms, many areas of the beach do have these dunes for protection. The Hatteras area tends to have more of these dunes than the Northern beaches since the area has been hit so many times by storms. Depending on how your house sits, you may still be able to see the ocean-at worst you will definitely still hear it!

I%26#39;m confused...are you staying in Buxton or in Hatteras? Either way the beaches are great in both. Typically in Hatteras the dunes are larger and there is usually not as good of an ocean view. I rented an ';oceanfront'; home in Avon one time and it was the first house from the ocean but I have stayed in 2nd and 3rd row home that had a shorter walk with just as good of a view and a lower price tag to boot. Best thing to do is to ask the realty company how far it is to the beach and have them email you a photo if they don%26#39;t have a good one on the website.

Do you know if there is a lot to do in Hatteras, or do you have to drive to a larger town for shopping, mini golf, and such?

Hatteras is one of the quieter areas of OBX. Of course there is the beach, lighthouse, crabbing, fishing, shopping, and dining. However, if you are interested in entertainment such as movies, putt-putt, arcades,etc... you will have to drive back to the Nag%26#39;s Head area.

Large Family traveling together

Hello OB Forum.

I have a family of 10 traveling from all parts of the US for my future-in-laws 40th anniversary.

it%26#39;s 8 Adults and 2 children under 4 yr.

we are looking at early June and would like to rent a house. none of us have ever been to the Outer Banks - So we are completely open to advice.

I have been looking at the Corolla Light resort because there seems to be plenty to do.

What are our other options? What towns have the most going on? The best restaurants? rainy-day options?

Thanks So much!

Large Family traveling together

You will get many opinions here as to which area is better. Here are a few places to get you started since you know what types of activities you are interested in:

Go to the Dare County and the Currituck County websites. They will have lots of information and links about the Outer Banks overall.

Try some of the rental companies. Brindley Beach, Twiddy, Joe Lamb, Sun, Midgett - are just a few that cover the different areas from northern to southern OBX.

Try some of the Outer Banks websites like OBXConnection, planetouterbanks, visitcurrituck

Since you have mentioned Corolla, and that%26#39;s where I go, I will tell you what I know about it. The list of things to do includes climbing the lighthouse, visiting the wildlife center, touring the Whalehead Club, taking an off road trip to the 4X4 area to see the wild horses, crabbing in the sound, shopping, eating out, playing mini golf, playing regular golf, enjoying the beach, surf fishing.

For a group your size there are many housing options. Many have plenty to keep you busy on rainy days -- pool tables, puzzles, foosball, media rooms, book libraries, etc. Having one with a pool is great, especially if the young children are still in the napping stage (you can enjoy while they sleep) or if the water is too rough. My advice in this area though, is to look very soon. Many places are already booked.

Good luck on your search and I will try to answer and more questions you may have.

Large Family traveling together

As previous poster said, everyone has there favorite OBX town. It all depends on what you are looking for. I typically go to OBX several times a year. My two favorite places are Ocracoke and the Kill Devil Hills/Nags Head area.

I like Ocracoke, because it is a quaint area, only accesible by ferry. Very laid back. Great place to go to do nothing but go to the beach and relax!!!

I like the Kill Devil Hills/Nags Head area when I want to be a little closer to all the action, i.e a variety of restaurants, shops, outlet shops, movie theater, bowling alley, go karts/mini golf, etc.

Nags Head is an easy drive for day trips to Hatteras, or Corolla. Its also only about 10/15min. from Manteo, which has the Elizbethan Gardens, the outdoor drama Lost Colony, and the NC Aquarium (small but very nice).

Where ever you choose I am sure you will love it!

Heading to Topsail in the summer

Any particular rental companies I need to stay away from? Or any that you really really recommend I book through?

Heading to Topsail in the summer

Ward has been down there FOREVER. Seapath is small-but they have great service. We used to use them a lot, but the house we rented every year was taken off the rental market. Skipped a few summers-but planning on going back this August.

Heading to Topsail in the summer

A Beach Place Realty is great!

(877) 884-2522

are you looking for a house, or a condo? how many people with be traveling with you?

Preferably a house. At least 7 people traveling, possibly 10 or 12.

You might want to consider a condo. We love Topsail Dunes. They have 2 and 3 bedroom condos, a pool, tennis courts, and direct Ocean front.

We actually stayed in a 2 bedroom that technically slept 8 (Unit 3305), but that would be cramped unless there were several kids.

The 3 bedroom units are huge, and have a screened in porch.

and, in building #3, they have elevators.

Again, I recommend A-Beach-Place Realty. We have never been disappointed. Very personal service. they can hook you up with a condo or a house.

Good luck!!

olay regenerist

Summer 2008 Vacation to Beaufort area

I need help finding a vacation home in the Beaufort area. We have decided we do not want to be on the beach, but on the sound or some other waterway. Our children are looking forward to walking our of the rental home and start fishing. We love the little town of Beaufort, but haven%26#39;t found many rental homes there. I am considering Harkers Island, but have never been there and am a little leary of making a week reservation for an island we%26#39;ve never been to.

Any suggestions? We are looking for a vacation home on the water that accommodates at least 6 people.

Thanks so much for your suggestions!!

Summer 2008 Vacation to Beaufort area

Beaufort Realty has the most listings in town (http://www.beaufortrlty.com/). I haven%26#39;t stayed with them, but we visit down there often. From the outside, there properties look fine.

Summer 2008 Vacation to Beaufort area

Hi,

Our family has lived in Beaufort for the past 10 years and have many of our family has used Eddy Myers Realty-www.eddymyers.com/ and Beaufort Realty when coming to visit. Eddy Myers offers a

wide range of rentals near the water front in Beaufort. Harkers Island is nice, but about 20 minutes down east of Beaufort. Not much to do there. It would be hard to keep kids occupied for a week without getting in the car a lot.

If you are considering restaurants, shopping, site seeing , biking, walking, and fishing in Taylors Creek then I would stay in Beaufort. There is a public dock right in the center of town where the kids can fish. Also, nice, long, newer public dock right at base of Beaufort/Morehead City Bridge that offers fishing opportunities.

Hope it helps. Let me know if you need any other info.

Any romantic restaurants in Beaufort?

My wife and I are going to visit Beaufort in a few weeks and I was wondering if there are any romantic restaurants that you would recommend.

Thanks

Any romantic restaurants in Beaufort?

It may not be the absolute most romantic restaurant (it can get a little crowded in there), but Beaufort Grocery has always been good for a date night. The food is excellent.

Any romantic restaurants in Beaufort?

Thanks for the reply. I wasn%26#39;t expecting one that quick!

Im not to familiar with any Romantic restaurants in Beafort, I am sure there are some. Take a walk along the waterfront and just stop at a place you like. It is a relaxing stroll that will get you in the mood for some good food. One of my favorite places to stop at is Clawson%26#39;s 1905 Restaurant and Pub. Its atmosphere is reminds me of an english pub, you can find tables tucked away in the corner for privacy and every time I have been the food has been excellent! To me the romance is in the views outside over the water, the food plays a distant second in my opinion so anything you pick would be good.

Hi,

Family has lived in Beaufort for the past ten years. We love the Beaufort Grocery. It is small, with wonderful food and outstanding service. You can eat outside if weather permits. You must try their pecan pie!!! It is large so you and your wife can share.

Clawsons is a good place too but not romantic...rustic, louder, family oriented.

Make a reservation at Bft. Grocery especially on the weekends and summer. After, just walk the water front and enjoy.

Here%26#39;s another vote for Beaufort Grocery and Clawsons.

Clawsons has the BEST onion rings!!

Wellons Gateway Inn Not a Gateway At All

We stayed at the Gateway Inn in November and what an eye opener! I am not sure who rates these hotels, but this is more like a one star if that! The entrance didn%26#39;t appear too bad until you passed from the lobby and walked to what I assume was the elevator. This hotel looks more like a barricks! The rooms are all open to the outside walkway and very noisy. Our toilet plugged and overflowed and we were told we had to come down and get a plunger and repair it ourselves. It continued to overflow and when we reported it again the next day to a maintenance man who just happened to be passing by, he didn%26#39;t know a thing about it. The room was sticky and not cleaned well and the filters on the airconditioner/heater were black with who knows what type of bacteria. The lobby is locked at 11pm and if something happens during that time - I%26#39;m not sure how any one gets in to help you and no one would come out of the locked lobby. That should have been one of the omens that led us to another hotel, but unfortunately when I called 14 other hotels the next day, many were completely booked or the rooms were $100.00 or more just for a double. We learned the hard way not to just trust the rating! I have never stayed at such a dump and will not stay there again!!

Wellons Gateway Inn Not a Gateway At All

I have stayed at the Gateway Inn many times and have never had any problems. Yes the lobby is closed at 11pm but there was a desk clerk in the lobby all you had to do was ring the door bell. Also about the hallways all being outside that is not true I stayed in a room that my door opened to an inside hallway. Sorry that you had a bad stay but I recommend this hotel to all of my friends all of the time and I will continue to.

Women friendly travel in A-ville March or April.... advice!!

My roomate and I want to travel to Asheville from Chicago in late March...April... late April. We both have pretty bad allergies -- from some posts I%26#39;ve read I guess we should skip late April. But we%26#39;re looking for some cozy cabins (anyone heard of The Pines or the Log Cabin Motor Court) but overall we have a pretty small budget. Looking for the most bang for our buck. Also - it%26#39;s hella-cheaper to fly to Charlotte instead of A-ville for us -- what%26#39;s the drive like time-wise? And is 4 nights a sufficient amount of time? She%26#39;s a nature lover and I%26#39;m a city kinda girl -- will there be fun for both of us? Advice from those Asheville lovers for folks who will be visiting for the first time... Thanks!

Women friendly travel in A-ville March or April.... advice!!

Allergies will be slightly worse in April then March but just dose up and be prepared. Log Cabin Motor Court are old-style in Woodfin - never been inside but look very cute from outside. Very close (walk) to a good German restaurant. Not familiar w/ The Pines. You might try and Priceline hotels as there are many in the area. Charlotte is just under 2 hrs - a boring drive. Greenville, SC is just about 1 hr and 15 min. Four nights will be good. Lots to do for both of you....

Galleries, Biltmore Estate and Winery, Arboreteum, shops, hiking, horse back riding, Blue Ridge Parkway....www.exploreasheville.com

Women friendly travel in A-ville March or April.... advice!!

Yeah allergies are always an issue in NC in spring, but I%26#39;ve noticed the mountains aren%26#39;t as bad as the piedmont or coast until later towards summer.

For the Nature Lover girl...there%26#39;s plenty nearby. Both Pisgah National Forest and Mount Mitchell State Park are within decent drives. And of course the Blue Ridge Parkway passes Asheville too. Other nature-based things include Botanical Gardens, an arboretum, city parks along the French Broad %26amp; Swannanoa Rivers, and the Biltmore Estate.

For the city girl...one word: Downtown. For a city with less than 100k population, their downtown has an amazing density, urban appeal, nightlife, historic charm and walkability. Plop yourself right in the middle and there will be so many restaurants, shops, cafes, nightclubs, theatres and bars all within a ten-minute stroll---you can%26#39;t even begin to count them all. And they%26#39;re adding more every week it seems.

Is four night sufficient to see it all? Not in my opinion. Personally I could spend two weeks there and still not get bored. But that%26#39;s me...LOL!

My wife and I enjoyed our stay @ the Pines Cottages. It%26#39;s only about 10 minutes to the Biltmore. Check here for specials.........

http://ashevillepines.com/specials.html

Oak Island Cryptic Inscriptions Ciphered

NEWS RELEASE

NEW READING OF MYSTERIOUS OAK ISLAND INSCRIPTIONS

Theory points to possible connection with nearby Birch Island

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia: Tuesday March 11th 2008 - -

For the past two centuries, the tunnels of Nova Scotia’s Oak Island have piqued the imagination of historians and treasure hunters alike. Now, a new theory by First Nations researcher Keith Ranville may add fresh speculation to the mystery. Based on a unique reading of an inscription once found in the “Money Pit,” Mr. Ranville believes that the answer to the riddle may be found on nearby Birch Island.

Oak Island, located on the scenic Mahone Bay about an hour’s drive south of the provincial capital of Halifax, has been associated with buried treasure since the late 18th century. Local settlers reportedly found a ship’s tackle block hanging from a tree branch, overhanging a large depression in the ground. Early efforts to dig down failed when the diggers encountered layers of timber every 10 feet. In the ensuing generations, several organized excavation attempts have drilled down nearly 200 feet, en route encountering some artifacts within the staggered layers of logs, clay, putty, charcoal, flagstones and most perplexingly, coconut husks. Among the scores of enthusiastic treasure hunters was a young Franklin Roosevelt, one of the investors in a 1909 excavation attempt.

During the earlier diggings of 1800’s, the tunnel had become flooded by seawater – which many believed was the result booby trap being sprung – thus complicating further digging since then. A drilling effort in the mid 1800’s was said to have uncovered fragments of a gold chain. In 1971, a camera was lowered into the pit and reportedly captured images of wooden chests and human remains.

One of the most fascinating artifacts from the pit was said to be a flat stone recovered at the 90 foot depth, carrying a mysterious inscription. A fragment of stone with similar symbols was found nearby in Smith’s Cove in the 1930’s. The stone tablet itself has gone missing, but a record of its symbols remains. Until now, the consensus is that the symbols are a code translated as “forty feet below two million pounds are buried.” However, Keith Ranville’s theory offers a different interpretation as to the stone’s symbols, which could lead to a new explanation of the Oak Island mystery.

“I believe these symbols have been incorrectly assumed to stand for something else. In the First Nations tradition that I’m a part of, we believe symbols should simply be looked at in and of themselves, rather than thinking of them as codes that have to be cracked,” Mr. Ranville explained. “In the pictograms of Cree Salavics, for example, the images are meant to be descriptive, not abstract.” Using this approach, Mr. Ranville examined the Oak Island symbols and found what may be a set of instructions about a tunnel system involving both Oak Island and nearby Birch Island.

For example, the stone inscription begins with a triangle symbol, which is repeated throughout. Mr. Ranville believes that this represents nearby Birch Island, which has a distinctly triangular clearing on its north shore. Likewise, a symbol showing a circle divided into two hemispheres can be thought of as representing north/south directional markers. A series of dots in singles, pairs and triplets may be quantitative symbols.

Examining all the symbols in this way, Mr. Ranville believes that the symbols on the Money Pit’s stone tablet are actually technical instructions describing the location and layout of a possible underground network involving both Oak Island and Birch Island. “There was a fragment of another stone tablet that was found on Oak Island’s Smith Cove in the 1930’s,” Mr. Ranville explained. “It too has these types of symbols, but one in particular appears to be a Greek symbol designating ‘underwater door’. In conjunction with the other symbols, I believe this points to underwater doors and additional shafts on Birch Island itself.” Smith’s Cove is on the part of Oak Island that is closest to Birch Island, and is said to have yielded several artifacts itself over the years.

“Based on the inscribed symbols, I think we should be looking at Oak Island and Birch Island together in order to solve the mystery. If Birch Island proves to have underwater doors and tunnels around its triangular clearing, then it would be a huge step forward in our understanding of what Oak Island is all about.”

There have been many, occasionally bizarre, theories as to what the Oak Island tunnels may contain: a Masonic vault containing the Holy Grail, Viking or Pirate booty, Inca treasure, the French Royal Crown Jewels, payroll for colonial British soldiers or even the secret writings of Francis Bacon. Mr. Ranville prefers not to speculate. “Those are interesting and sometimes funny theories, but I’d rather just look at the evidence that we do have, and go from there.”

Mr. Ranville is a self-taught researcher born in Manitoba. While living in Vancouver, he became acquainted with the Oak Island mystery and began studying it. In October 2005, he relocated to Nova Scotia to further research and advance his theories on the subject.

Both Oak Island and Birch Island are private property, and access must be sought by permission of the landowners.

Canadian First Nations

INDEPENDENT

OAK ISLAND TREASURE HUNTER/RESEARCHER

Keith Ranville

Contact Information

keith_ranville@hotmail.com

oakislandtreasurenewsarchives.blogspot.com/

Oak Island Cryptic Inscriptions Ciphered

Interesting story, but it has nothing to do with the Oak Island in NC. Should this be on a different forum?