Atlantic Beach On a Budget

A last-minute change of plans left us scrambling to put together a quick road trip. With a no-wiggle-room budget and two kids staring at us with sad eyes (and already packed bags!), we turned again to our BFF (Google) to piece together a short but eventful weekend.

Atlantic Beach, NC was our destination!

I ranted in another post about the eternal headache of finding last-minute hotel accommodations. This was another of those instances. We found a little place in Havelock, NC, The Sherwood Motel, with vacancies galore. I consider plentiful vacancies to be omens but I was determined to not be deterred!

Because of the change in plans, we left home hours later than intended. With a three hour drive ahead of us in rush-hour traffic, on a Friday, our GPS basically told us to “just sit tight.” Growling bellies forced a stop for food. We regrouped, emptied bladders, and prayed that our girls got rid of their excessive wiggles and extra energy.

Aside from safety, a parent’s most earnest prayer is for kids to sleep during a road trip!

As soon as we hit the parking lot, I needed to see what the Sherwood was working with. It was all you’d expect a motel to be: small, quaint, with a hint of dingy. Once we got the key, I pulled out my checklist.

1. Are there bugs, rodents, crime tape?

2. What type of people are lurking?

3. Is the bathroom clean?

4. Are the sheets clean (no spots, stains, unknown liquid outlines, hair)?

5. Is there a deadbolt on the door?

Sherwood passed my short checklist and that had more to do with sleepy kids and our need to be out of the car! The hotel staff was also extremely friendly and that’s a sure way to win me over.

I live for some good ole common courtesy and hospitality y’all!

If you need a quiet, inexpensive place to lay your head, The Sherwood Motel is it. If you need luxury, the finest amenities, super plush mattresses, etc., find another spot. This motel is for individuals and families like mine who are on a budget and just need a shower and a bed. Hey… we had a mini fridge and microwave. That counts for something!

Saturday was full of activity! With a Family Dollar and Walmart down the street, we made our pit stops and racked up on weekend necessities. One way we save money is by purchasing our food in the grocery store rather than eating at restaurants. (Go here to discover more money-saving travel tips!)

The sun acted as the player of no games and sat hot like fire above our heads. We made a decision to do other activities first and hit the beach last. That would give the sun ample time to calm down.

Fort Macon was our first stop. We hadn’t visited in years and it was sure to be a treat for the girls. There are historical displays, hide outs, passageways, and we arrived right on time for a cannon ball firing! I live streamed it here! It’s about ten minutes long just to give you a head’s up.

First, we took a walk on a nature trail admiring plant life and hoping to not see wild life as we passed swampy areas! It was sort of an adrenaline rush but I think we live for that stuff now. Wandering onto an unbeaten path led to a fishing-but no swimming- portion of the beach. The currents were visibly strong but the sight was no less beautiful.

Exploring the fort was awesome but more catered to adults. The narratives were too wordy for our girls but they did their best to hang in there. Abandoned corridors, mysterious rooms, and lively courtyards, however, succeeded in keeping them busy! All was well until we turned them loose, encouraging them to run like the wind through the welcoming green grass. Unfortunately, we were oblivious to the mud lying dormant like a sneaky fox from the recent downpours. Ruined shoes and splattered dresses brought on tears and discontentment.

Our fort visit was a done deal at that point.

After a quick lunch in the car, we hit the beach! We were prepared this time with all of our towels, umbrellas, drinking water, extra swimmers (pull ups), etc. The girls went wild, forgetting about the mud and any other ailments. For hours we sat, splashed, searched for sea shells, played, laughed, got sand blasted, occasionally rained on, and watched as the tide came in closer to our resting place. I live streamed a beautiful ocean view here as well.

It was time to head in. Our bellies growled, our showers & beds called, and we were ready to answer. A truly eventful day!