Gilligans

Ginger sat down in early December and wrote down her wish list for her next beach vacation to the Outer Banks.

It had to have 3 bedrooms, including one for her Aunt MaryAnne and one for the twins, Durinda and Delila. Had to have a pool and a hot tub, had to be on the ocean and she wanted to stay near the middle of the beach, preferably in Kill Devil Hills because that is where her favorite restaurants were. Her husband, the professor, also wanted covered parking since he was driving the new convertible.

She also hoped to find a place with Internet access so she could check emails from her brother who was stationed in Germany. So, Ginger got on the world wide web and began her search. This one was too big, that one did not have a hot tub, the next one was not kid friendly ... she was getting frustrated. Then she happened upon the Village Realty website on Google and found the perfect place at the Croatan Surf Club.

First of all, there were two pools; one on the oceanfront and one indoors. The indoor pool was open all year and was heated! Two hot tubs! And the twins were going to love the Spray Park ... it looked like fun. As she read the list of amenities she got more excited...there was a private hot tub on the south terrace too! The professor would love that. She would not have to miss her exercises because there was a fitness room too.

The pictures were gorgeous, showing the oceanfront gazebo and the walkway to the beach...so beautiful she wished she was there right now.

She must keep the professor's back in mind ... it had been acting up. Not to worry, there were three elevators. This was getting better and better! Ginger checked out the beds; perfect! Two king beds, one pyramid bunk, one daybed with trundle and two rollaways, the twins would love that. She could not believe it as she read the list of amenities list, the sheets and towels were furnished and the beds were made before they checked in. She read her list; internet access--check (don't forget your laptop computer), covered parking--check (two cars--but overflow parking available), a washer and dryer--check, fully equipped kitchen--check...with granite countertops and stainless appliances. Very important, no smoking permitted--check (very important since Durinda was very allergic), no pets allowed (Delila was very allergic) and there was a whirlpool tub in the king master bedroom. Perfect.

She booked her weeks; one for August and one for Thanksgiving week. There was an electric fireplace and she could imagine the Outer Banks in the fall; quiet and peaceful and maybe a little chilly. That trip would be a surprise for the family.

Ginger could not wait to tell the family about her luck and then she was going to call her best friend Lovey, who would be so jealous!

Some particulars: Saturday check in day. Located near Mile Post 7.5 on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills.
The pools are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and lockers are available on the ground level for individual use, please bring your own lock.

Nearby grocery stores: Harris-Teeter and Food Lions; both open year 'round.
Ginger's favorite places to eat: Kill Devil Grill, Red Drum, Sam and Omies and Goombays.
Durinda' favorite places to go: Jockey's Ridge to fly a kite and the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
Delila's favorite places to go: The NC Aquarium in Manteo and the Promenade in Kitty Hawk.
The professor's favorite things to do: Read his book on the beach. Soak in the hot tub.