Oh no, summer is almost over!
What is your favorite season? Mine is, without a doubt, summer. I’ve always loved the hot weather…and yes, down here it’s hot, hot, hot in the summer. And humid. Do I complain about it? Yes, of course. But still I love it. Summer clothes and lifestyle suit me well: lightweight, no layering, barefoot, cottons and linens, sandals, endless frizzy hair, gardening at 6AM to avoid the heat, long days of intense light. These are just a few of the things I like about summer.
And then, of course, there is the beach. We do not live near a beach. The nearest one is about two and a half hours away. But when we lived up North it was an additional hour or two, and an awful drive. Here it’s a straight shot. And so it was that last week we took a last minute, much needed break to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Sunrise through the dunes.
The purpose of our trip was to unwind and unplug! So I did not take many pictures; nor did I focus on the hotel (nice as it was), the food (which was fabulous), or the chairs under the umbrella on the beach (heavenly as those were.) I just relaxed.
Try it some time…..you will like it!

The hotel gardens were some of the best I have ever seen for a beachfront property!

The almost full moon on the water: a perfect evening!
For your information, and especially for locals, the hotel we stayed in was
Blockade Runner Resort
The name, and the hotel’s street view, are misleading…while it is certainly not a five star resort, it is lovely. Our room, which had a full ocean view, had a large balcony with a fully reclining chaise (with cushion!), table and two chairs. I would honestly say it was the nicest balcony I have been on in recent memory.
And the restaurant,
East Oceanfront Dining
was wonderful (especially eating outside under those white “tents”) and the food excellent. Really, it was some of the best tuna I’ve had in a long time!
If you’re local, or if you’re not, I hope you will bookmark this spot…
P.S. A full self-serve breakfast comes with the room.
I have my fingers crossed for October. Fall is the second-best season for the beach and I love it when the crowds are gone but the sunshine is still warm.
Marian St.Clair recently posted…Wordless Wednesday–Joe-Pye Weed
Marian: We’re going back over the end of September and am hoping for more lovely weather!
Sounds lovely! We live about 30 mi utes from the north shore of Lake Erie, so beach days are more frequent. It’s not the ocean, but the sand is beautiful. I always come back renewed.
Heather: yes, whether ocean or lake, sand and water is essential for renewal! Hope you have a great weekend.
I for one am happy that summer is nearly over. Even though I live “up north” and right on the water, I do not love the heat, humidity or sitting at the beach in the sun. I do, however, love the beach in the evening and on a chilly late Fall day. I love layers and scarves. Last winter was a bit much, even for me, but I’d take it over a blast of heat any day! Sounds like your getaway was fabulous!
Linda Merrill recently posted…Inspiring Me This Week: The Design Moment
Ok Linda…I’ll remember not to invite you down here in the summer!! Funny, isn’t it, how we all have a preference. I lived up North for so many years, all my family is up in your area and love it, but I longed for the South. Luckily, I married someone who felt the same way! I certainly don’t do the sun any more (you should see the tubes of sun block all over our house!) but still…. it just cheers me up to have it warm. Hope you have a great holiday weekend in the cooler weather!
Oh yes, I love the beach and summer and the idea of just relaxing and enjoying the coast. What a wonderful getaway, thanks for sharing, Libby!
You’re welcome, Cindy. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Libby recently posted…LET’S GO TO THE BEACH!
Last year, we were also in Blockade Runner Resort and I can say that the place is wonderful. I recommend it also :)
Deidre: The dining room was unexpectedly wonderful and we look forward to returning. All the employees at the hotel were so helpful and pleasant too! Wish I was there right now….