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JennGM
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 12:29pm | IP Logged
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I started this thread a while back, but now the time is almost upon me, and I'm really fuzzy thinking as of late. 
Any of you checklist ladies have some helpful lists to help pack up a family with a toddler for a week at the beach? I'm just so afraid I'm going to forget something. I know there are stores down there, but I want to try to keep that shopping to a minimum. Having never done this as a bride or a mother, I can feel the state of panic coming over me. 
We're renting a house that has linens. Should I bring some just in case? For my comfort level?
We renting umbrellas. I think I've got the basics covered on what we'll need ON the beach. My son will be in a big bed, so I'm bringing a bed rail just in case.
Food is one area of concern, mostly because of ds' food allergies. I'd eat out every night if I could.  But I'll have to bring some special food, and do some safe cooking for him. From everyone's experience in the Outer Banks, are kitchens stocked well with cooking utensils: pots, pans, spoons, spatulas? Are they clean? Do you bring things like that with you just in case?
I don't want to over pack...that's my big goal, but I don't want to overlook something that I should have thought. Thanks for helping me out! I must seem so infantile to ask such help. It's not that I CAN'T do it alone, but asking for ideas here is SOO helpful.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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JennGM
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 12:44pm | IP Logged
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Oh, and suggestions on Nags Head places to see and restaurant recommendation (both for families with kids and just adults) would be great, too!
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Christine
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 1:02pm | IP Logged
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I'm on the west coast, but I grew up going to the beach each summer and we are continuing the tradition with my family.
I never keep written lists ~ everything is in my head, but I will try to write a list for you. I will include basics like toothbrushes because those are the items that I have occasionally forgotten. I pack for one person at a time.
My two youngest tend to sleep on the floor next to our bed or one of them will be in our bed (my 3 year old is the first to be comfortable sleeping with a sibling in a strange place).
What to bring:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Hair accessories
Comb
Hairdryer (if you use one)
Deodorant
Husband's razor and any other necessities
Underwear
Diapers
Mass clothes
Swimsuits
Clothing for each day of the week (extra for children 3 and under)
Shoes, sandals, and flip flops
Sun screen lotion (the spray on kind works well if your child is fair haired or if anyone has a parting)
Sun hats (see above if your child will not wear a hat)
Beach umbrella (I believe you are renting this)
Beach toys
Beach towels
Kite (if the location is good for flying kites)
Bottled water
Milk
Food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (be sure your ice packs are cold and you remember to put them in the cooler with food items)
CAMERA, extra batteries, and a media card with plenty of space for photos (you will most likely take more photos than you think)
A spray bottle with a white vinegar and water solution, and a rag towel (in case one of my little ones has an accident on the carpet ~ I can easily clean it up)
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Christine
Mommy to 4 girls, 5 boys, & 2 in God's care
Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
Pretty Lilla Rose
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Jen L.
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 1:43pm | IP Logged
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Hi Jenn,
First, breathe!  You are right, there are places to shop down there, so, though you won't want to, it's nice to know that everything you need is available nearby.
Now to address your questions:
- We've never had a problem with dirty pots,pans, or kithen utensils at a rental.
- Does your place have a washer and dryer? If so, I wouldn't bring any extra linens for the bed. Don't forget the laundry detergent (I bring a small container of powder).
- I do like to bring our own beach towels, even if the place is supposed to have them. We like them big and cozy.
- Do NOT go to the grocery store on Saturday, Sunday, or probably even Monday if you can help it.
__________________
Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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Jen L.
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 1:50pm | IP Logged
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As for the attractions, I have a couple of ideas. My sister just moved to Nags Head and is very familiar with the area. I will ask her for ideas too..
My sister just moved to Nags Head permanently a couple of weeks ago. I will ask her if she has any ideas for good
Jockey Ridge State Park
The highest sand dune on the East Coast, Jockey's Ridge, is the focal point of Jockey's Ridge State Park (entrance on Carolista Dr., at milepost 12 off U.S. 158 Bypass; tel. 252/441-7132; www.jockeysridgestatepark.com). It is famous for hang-gliding but don't let that put you off. It's really beautiful -- my sister was engaged there!
A self-guided trail, stretching for 1.5 miles, begins at the parking lot and goes over the dunes and back. If you don't want to get sand in your shoes, you can take a shorter walk along a 360-foot boardwalk.
Kill Devil Hills
Just north of Nags Head is Kill Devil Hills (named for a particularly potent rum once shipped from here), where the Wright brothers made their historic first air flight back in 1903.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial (milepost 8, U.S. 158 Bypass, Kill Devil Hills; tel. 252/441-7430; www.nps.gov/wrbr) is open to the public for $3 per adult for a 7-day entrance pass or $10 for an annual pass. Children 16 and under are free and seniors 62 and older are free with a valid Golden Age passport. Both the hangar and Orville and Wilbur's living quarters have been restored, and the visitor center has a replica of the first airplane. Exhibits tell the story of the brothers who came here from their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle business to turn their dream into reality. The memorial is open daily from 9am to 6pm (9am-5pm in winter). A park ranger gives two tours at 11am and 3pm year-round.
The North Carolina Aquarium
off Highway 64/264, Airport Road, north end of Roanoke Island (tel. 252/473-3493; www.ncaquariums.com), has expanded to twice its former size. Home to the state's largest ocean tank, the aquarium features hundreds of animals found in North Carolina waters that include rivers, marshes, and sounds. A wooden path takes visitors through a sky-lit atrium complete with towering trees, creeks, and streams. In the natural habitat are creatures of the marsh, including alligators, frogs, turtles, and otters. Bluefish, drum, pinfish, eels, and other sea creatures are exhibited in the Saltwater Gallery. In the Discovery Gallery, a favorite with children, skates, rays, crabs, sea stars, urchins, and other invertebrates can be handled. The centerpiece is the 285,000-gallon ocean tank housing the skeletal remains of the USS Monitor shipwreck. Large sharks and sea turtles combine to make this exhibit realistic and spectacular. Hours are daily from 9am to 5pm, costing adults $7, seniors and active military $6, and children (6-17) $5; 5 and under enter free.
Lighthouses
If you are ready to trek up LOTS of stairs (I wasn't) or even for the beautiful seascape view, head to the northern most tip of the island to visit Corolla lighthouse. Head south, towards Cape Hatteras to learn about the most historical lighthouse move ever. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in America. Located to warn travelers off shore in the area known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic, " the lighthouse has 268 steps inside to the top. During the Civil War, the lighthouse was attacked by both Union and Confederate forces. Over the years, three different Cape Hatteras Lighthouses have existed. The current lighthouse is actually the second structure. In 1936, it was so threatened by sea erosion that it was replaced by a steel skeleton tower in nearby Buxton Woods. The erosion reversed by 1950, however, so the tall brick lighthouse was reactivated.
__________________
Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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Jen L.
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| Posted: July 19 2006 at 1:58pm | IP Logged
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We like to do things away from the beach during the day and then go out there around 3 or 4. People are gone or leaving and the sun is not nearly so strong. It stays light so late that we still have hours on the beach that way. (BTW, this didn't work for us as well when we were traveling with other family members who were not like-minded. )
A couple of websites
Frommers - Nags Head
Cape Hatteras and other area sights
__________________
Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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teachingmom
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| Posted: July 20 2006 at 12:15am | IP Logged
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Hi Jenn,
Kitchens have always been well stocked for my large extended family. (Although none of us are gourmet cooks!) Every year in which we had a rental house with linens provided has been a nice blessing, since we had so much less to pack for my family. I always bring a few extra bath towels, however. And as has been already mentioned, you will still need to bring beach towels.
A few things to pack that haven't been mentioned:
face stick type sunscreen
bug spray
one outfit for cooler evenings or cool rainy days (like sweatshirt and jeans)
rain jacket or poncho
flashlight
beach chairs and blanket
small cooler for drinks at the beach
first aid kit, thermometer, tweezers, and some basic medicines (tylenol, benadryl, immodium, syrup of ipecac, etc.)
As for food, the grocery stores are usually very well stocked, but I'd recommend bringing special snack items and other foods that are allergy friendly for your son, and might not be found down there.
You asked for sites to see. I highly recommend seeing The Lost Colony play. I saw it for the first time as a child, and have been fascinated by the story ever since. It's held in an outdoor amphitheater. It's quite a drive, but well worth it. If your toddler isn't the type to fall asleep happily on your lap for a late show, maybe you could leave him with the grandparents and take a date with dh for this show.
You can't beat the sunset views from Jockey's Ridge.
Also, your son might be a bit young yet, but my brothers always adored going to Oregon Inlet to see the fishing boats come in around 4 or 5pm. It was pretty cool to see them unload the big catches of the day on the docks.
I hope you have a great (and relaxing!) trip to the Outer Banks. We leave for our vacation there in a little over two weeks, and can't wait!
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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Mary K
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| Posted: July 20 2006 at 9:09am | IP Logged
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A friend of mine uses her children's sled (the kind without runners) to haul stuff on the beach. It glides over the sand. I know you are in VA but I thought you just might have one for that rare snowfall.
God bless,
Mary
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Beach Trips
