Family Friendly Home, Comfy Cozy and Close to Everything Crystal Coast, Atlantic

**Before booking: Send message to confirm you've read our policies and agree to honor them. We'd also love you to share a bit about who's coming and maybe a bit about your adventure. Trust me, this extra step matters! It helps us focus on families/groups, allowing us to best prepare for your visit.

New: Ask us to create personalized souvenir "tickets" (free w/booking)!

OUR JOURNEY: As a family, we often struggled to find space within our budget, central to adventures, where our family could build memories and sometimes bring extended family along. And so, when unexpected blessings allowed us to, we set out to create a home away from home that we could both enjoy with our loved ones and share with other families. We hope with all our hearts that you'll find Joyful Days and Restful Nights here.

THE HOME: Turtle's Tuck has room for the whole family! [If over 4 adults - please message me.] Our breezy beachy-themed 1100' sg. ft. home had quite the facelift! The entire interior was repainted. We stripped black paint from the southern pecan floors, to regain their original beauty. You'll find fun furnishings, new textiles (curtains, bedclothes, couch, chairs), creative spaces, and even a little laptop desk (in case you just HAVE to take that meeting!). We've carefully considered each family-friendly amenity.

A white picket fence surrounds a front garden with flowers most of the year, while a fenced-in back yard and deck provide plenty of space for grilling, gathering, games, or giving the dozens of visiting birdies a little treat. (We'll even leave a bit of birdseed. ) With one grocery and pharmacy just blocks away, and many more stores nearby, shopping for supplies is a cinch.

Update: 2026: Year 4
We are incredibly grateful that our little house has received such love. Please read the reviews we have received. These, along with many guest communications, show we're accomplishing our mission of supporting families in special ways. Still, we continue to tweak bits here and there, thanks to guest suggestions.

THINGS TO DO:
Bounce from beach to beach on Bogue Banks, a barrier island at the southernmost part of the Outer Banks. Distances: Atlantic Beach - 3 mi., Ft. Macon - 6.2 mi. (our favorite for families), Public Parking at Pine Knoll Shores - 9 mi., and Emerald Isle - 15 mi.

You'll reach downtown Morehead's waterfront in 3 miles. There are parks, boat slips, mini-golf, an arcade, shopping, restaurants, historical sites, fishing, and water sports options nearby. Morehead City itself is on Bogue Sound. Between the local offerings and the Atlantic Ocean, there is much to see and do. We recommend reserving at least 1/2 a day for the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. With an easy 6-mile drive, Beaufort's quaint waterfront boats restaurants, docks, and twinkling twilight times. Visit the Rachel Carson Reserve, or try a Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari.

The Turtle's Tuck Guidebook, in the living room, includes house policies, along with information and suggestions to help you get the most out of your stay. Kids can play in local parks, play mini-golf, or seek a new high score in the local arcade,

If you care to explore a little more of the eastern seashore, Harker's Island is about 20 miles up the road, though it's part of an area called "Down East". The Davis Shore Ferry will take you to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Climb the light, visit the Keeper's Quarters, swim, or just enjoy the wildlife. For a great day trip of a different sort, 40 miles on Route 70W will lead you to the 300 year-old town of New Bern. Bordered by the Trent River, New Bern is home to Tryon Palace, a historic trolley tour, walking tours, and much more. The Cherry Point Marine Base is about 20 miles away. Regardless of your interests, be sure to check seasonal hours, restrictions, reservations, and costs in advance.

ALLERGY NOTE
Our family has a beagle mix rescued dog that visits the house. We also accommodate registered service dogs (not comfort companions). If you have allergies, this is important to know as we DO NOT recommend those with dog allergies stay at this home. No matter how gifted our cleaner is, we'd worry too much about your comfort!

Quick view of Restrictions:
We cannot accommodate dogs, dinosaurs, or other pets. There's no smoking/vaping anywhere on the property. No motorized scooters or mini vehicles. No parties.

THE GOOD STUFF -- what families will enjoy:

BACKYARD:
We've recently embarked on a complete renovation of the backyard. The entire property was rehabbed. Dead trees and debris were removed, grass was seeded, and a small grilling area was added.

WHAT DO WE ASK OF OUR GUESTS? HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS:
-Mattress protectors are on the beds, which our housekeeper expertly cleans. We need you to strip your beds. That helps streamline cleaning, but it's also a great way to confirm that nothing's been left behind.
-Remove all trash and place it in the marked cans found at the corner of the garage. Bring cans out to the curb on WEDNESDAY night; bring them in after Thursday morning's trash pick-up.
-See that anything moved (such as chairs or pillows) goes back to its original spot.
-Double-check all personal items are removed.
-Check out no later than 10am. Before you leave, we'd love you to write or draw in our Guest Journal. If you text/share a photo from your trip, we'll print and add it to the book for you.

HOME FEATURES:
-Washer & Dryer are new. We share starter laundry soap and dryer sheets. *No bleach use, please. Empty lint trap w/each load.
-Kitchen items supplied include: sponge, hand towels, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher pods, rinsing agent, and a few trash bags for both kitchen and bathroom cans.
-We supply a bath towel and washcloth for each guest and have a few extras on hand. Please don't bring our bath towels to the beach! We supply 1 beach towel per person.
-Sheets: Each bed is made up when you arrive. (*Except crib)
-A few extra blankets and sheet sets for the twin room are provided, just in case. (Please wash your own "oopsie" sheets right away.) There are sheets and a quilt for the couch's Queen pullout bed.
-*NOTE: We do NOT supply sheets for the Graco PACKNPLAY. There is much debate about the safest products to use, so we trust you to bring your favorite sheets with you.
-Bosch Dishwasher - featuring Bosch's famous Condensation Drying which eliminates most bacteria (Bosch claims their product kills up to 99.9% of bacteria.)
-Large side-by-side refrigerator with in-door water and icemaker and filtered water. Water filter faucet at the kitchen sink.
-(2) Hairdryers, cordless vacuum, Swiffer, and all-purpose cleaner are provided. Please respect the space and clean spills and messes as you go.
-Regular size jet tub (NOT HIT TUB) is in the King bathroom, with "Spa Style" overhead shower head. *Note: it's an older tub; nothing overly fancy.
-Shower/tub combo in hall bath
-Rocking chair-style front porch with seating
-Back deck with built-in seating.
-Extra resin Adirondack deck chairs out back (easily moved)
-Shed (off-limits at this time as it has not yet been refurbished)
-Tiny semi-screened area beside the shed with outdoor games
-Mason Jars (under sink) flower picking.
-Critter watching - A variety of birds, little lizards, and turtles often visit. Of course, these are not to be caught or held as pets.
-For Emergencies: Battery-powered lantern, flashlights, emergency crank radio, plus extra charging brick for cell phones are on hand
-Fire extinguisher, Co2 sensor
-Plus in nightlights
-Ceiling fans in all but the twin room
-Some childproofing is in place, but not fully included throughout the home. Parents, we count on your vigilance! We provide outlet covers and have added select childproofing options to a few cabinets. They can be found on: Knife drawer w/grill igniter, sink cabinet w/cleaning supplies, vanities in bathrooms

~~~PARENTS must AFFIX the U shaped cabinet locks under sinks upon arrival

-We maintain regular pest control. Please be vigilant about keeping doors and windows closed. The screen on the sliding door (being replaced) and the front storm door provide great barriers. Bugs love the beach, too. Working to keep them out is very important.
-3 Roku TVs w/remote
-Forgotten items basket with a few essentials (in case you remember your toothbrush is missing and it's midnight!)
-Propane grill
-"Drop zone"/device charging area with a few cords for IOS and Android
-Kitchen includes a few condiments and many spices.
DO NOT LEAVE any food behind. We hate waste, too, but your compliance is key!

***SHIBUMI USE POSSIBLE! We have a SHIBUMI shade structure available. It's light and easy to use. Use requires (2) things: watch the setup video (<2 min) and leave a $100 deposit. The deposit is returned as soon as we confirm you've returned the Shibumi in good order. (Deposit's been enacted because the Shibumi sometimes forgets to come back home. :)

SHOPPING & DINING
Dozens of local restaurants - from blocks to miles away. Lowe's grocery - 4 blocks; Walgreens drug - 7 blocks. Walmart, Staples, and Lowe's Home Improvement -5 miles. Bait and Tackle Shops over Atlantic Beach Bridge (Note: Walmart has many cost-friendly options, too.) Morehead has a great many thrift and antique shops.

PARKING
At the house, there is (1) driveway with room for 2 vehicles. We can't accommodate boats. Small trailers may be possible - please reach out with dimensions before booking. The garage is not for guest use. Never park on the shoulder/grass - you're likely to get stuck.

Much of Morehead has free parking, but watch out for the "P" Parking signs and paid parking locations!! Atlantic Beach's main area, downtown Beaufort and parts of downtown Morehead have PAID parking. Also note that the speed limit varies along main roads and changes along the route. Take care to note changes, or use a GPS app to help you to avoid ticketing!