As teenagers in the 1970s, we would often make a day trip from Raleigh to Atlantic Beach. Emerald Isle became more of a destination in the young adult years, including numerous church group trips. 

In the past couple of decades, we have landed at Oak Island, our favorite destination, and the place we bought a vacation home in 2022. The lighthouse, access to both sunrises and sunsets as a southern-facing beach … shops, restaurants and watering holes all provide boundless joy. 

Kim Milian, Raleigh, a member of Brunswick Electric