Take the plunge at Atlantic Beach

As tradition dictates, the annual 2009 ‘Penguin Plunge’ commenced on January 1st in the waters of Atlantic Beach.  119 bathing-suited plungers took to the beautiful shores of Atlantic Beach to ring in the new year with a dip in the ocean.   This fun event has been used as a way to raise money for Cataret County charities.   This year’s Penguin Plunge raised nearly $2,000 for the Taylor Hyman Foundation.

From News 14:

“I describe it as being covered by a big peppermint patty – just kind of cool and invigorating,” Greg Lewbart, of Raleigh, said.

The event even manages to keep veterans coming back.

“It’s fun every year and I did it three times in a row,” Joesy De Palo, of New Bern, said.

While the crowd frolicked on Atlantic Beach, Taylor Hyman took it all in. Injured in a bike accident four years ago, the Plunge raised money for her rehabilitation costs this year.

“People are healthy, and happy and full of life,” Hyman said. “They want to give from their heartfelt selves, and it’s just a neat environment to be around.”

I’d love to be around next year to partake in the Penguin Plunge.  If I go, I’ll definittly return to the Atlantic Beach Hotel that I frequented last year: the Peppertree Atlantic Beach… simply beautiful.

A little bit history, a little bit relaxation

Fort Macon Atlantic Beach NC

During the heat of the Civil War in 1862, Union Commander Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside’s forces swept across North Carolina with little resistance.  The final bastion of confederate strength resided with Fort Macon, a brick and stone vault erected on the Bogue Banks, housing 400 soldiers who refused to surrender.  Fort Macon did not fall until union forces bombarded it with heavy siege guns for 11 hours from offshore gunboats.

Today, this history can be vividly imagined as you walk beside Fort Macon’s restored walls, still standing proudly along the Atlantic Beach Coast.  The setting has changed some, as the gunboat artillery blasts have been replaced by children laughing and families picnicking on the pristine surf.  Today, Fort Macon State Park is the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina, bringing in near to 1.3 million visitors per year.  The area possesses a multitude of activities for families and couples, from relaxing on the beach, exploring the history, to taking in the undisturbed natural beauty of Atlantic Beach.  Fort Macon Park offers visitors both soundside and surf fishing, nature trails, ranger guided tours, a protected swim area, and a refreshment stand- all with no fees.

I recently had a chance to experience Fort Macon while visiting the beautiful seaside town of Atlantic Beach, one of the smaller, quainter, communities located along the Crystal Coast.  My wife and I had a wonderful weekend there, spending our first day exploring the fort and our second relaxing on the beach.  We live in Greensboro and decided that the current economic times called for a more affordable vacation this year- somewhere within driving distance.  We stayed at the Peppertree Atlantic Beach, a beautiful surfside oasis with all the best amenities. We found the Atlantic Beach Hotel Deal through a great discount vacation website called Vacation-Offer.com.  To receive the discount we were required to go on a a timeshare tour of Peppertree, which was harmless and quite informative on the benefits of vacation ownership.Other than the discount lodging , which cost $99 for 2 nights, all we spent was about $50 on gas and $25 at a fantastic seafood restaurant near the resort   (a grand total of $175 total for the getaway).

In the past we’ve gone on vacation to some pretty exotic places (at some pretty exotic prices).    All in all, I think mixing a bit of history with relaxtion is a great way to escape the everyday grind.   It’s somewhat comforting to explore places that have such history, places that have stood for so long against the forces of man and nature.

Atlantic Beach Christmas 2008

The Crystal Coast is going to welcome the holidays again at the annual Atlantic Beach Christmas 2008.  Expect x-mas music, caroling, tree lighting, and a guest appearance by that jolly old bearded fellow we all love.

From AtlanticBeach-NC.com:

Start Your Holiday Season at the Beach! Come Join Atlantic Beach for Christmas 2008!

Come One, Come All!!!

The Town of Atlantic Beach is requesting all Residents, Guests, Family, Friends, Neighbors, and Visitors to join Mayor Cooper, Councilmembers and town staff for a mix, mingle, and joyful night of Christmas in Atlantic Beach!

2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 6, 2008 7:00 p.m.

At the flagpoles (Circle area)

Watch as Mayor Cooper lights up the Crystal Coast’s tallest Christmas Tree!!

Then follow the crowd & music of the Atlantic Beach Pipes and Drum to the Fire Station for:

Caroling (Bogue Banks Baptist Church Choir)

Food Beverages Community Gathering

And that jolly ‘ole man himself, SANTA CLAUS

FREE pictures with Santa (yes, even for the older “kids”)

Treats from Santa for the little ones