Lejeune TO DO!

I'm on the short list for a lot of things. I'm not a fan of The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz. I was a huge Hanson fan. I can't sleep in a made bed. And the shortest list I'm on? I love living around Camp Lejeune. Contrairy to popular belief there is a ton to do here. You just have to get out and look! Sure, you might have to travel a little...but you only live once. I'd never send you somewhere that wasn't worth it!

Here are my favorite things to do in and around Jacksonville, North Carolina...

• There is always a festival going on! They are constantly advertised on the radio and billboards. Keep your ears and eyes OPEN! My favorites are the Chili Festival at the Harley Davidson on 17 (across from New River) and the Shrimp Festival in Sneads Ferry (straight out the backgate of Lejeune.) Want to stay in Jacksonville? Downtown is home to Oktoberfest, Onslow County Fair, and lots more!
• Explore New Bern. Head north of Jacksonville for the day and you won't regret it. New Bern is home to the Tryon Palace - home of Governor Tryon. If you like history this is a great place for you, if you love beautiful gardens you will love this place. While you are in New Bern try to spot all the painted bears...and stop by The Chelsea for an AMAZING meal!

•  Do you love wine? If not, you will! North Carolina is home of muscadine and scuppernog grapes...sweet wines. My favorite winery is BY FAR Duplin Winery. The tour and tasting are free. There is a great bistro attached. They also do a ton of events. Live music during the summer, Muscadine Festival in the fall, Christmas shows, comedy shows, magic shows...there is something for everyone!

•  I have been to two of North Carolina's aquariums - Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores. They are both pretty much the same...but Fort Fisher is my favorite. The layout is much more "user friendly" and it seems like you are so close to the animals! Don't forget: if you are military get your discount before you go...no discounts on site!
• Fort Macon is another great historical place. Also a great place to go to the beach or have a picnic. If you can, take a tour...there is so much to learn, you don't want to miss anything.
• There are monuments all over town. Spend a day visiting all of them! 

•  Night Moves in Jacksonville offers pole dancing classes. DO THIS! Your body with thank you (and hate you!) later!
• Have a spa day at Deluxe Day Spa (on Henderson.) Local places are usually more than willing to work with you on prices...they love your business! And this place gives awesome massages!
•  Paint your spouse, paint your pet, or choose one of the awesome designs to paint at Wine and Design (also on Henderson.) Drinking and painting has quickly become one of my hobbies! No artistic ability? Me either! But it's still so much fun!

•  Go kayaking. There are a lot of places that offer self-paced tours...but I'm afraid of getting lost! So, I highly recommend going to Barrier Island in Swansboro. We took a smooth kayak ride out to Bear Island and chased waves on our way back. It was amazing! Like...I want to buy a kayak now, amazing!

• Go to Beaufort. It's a little bit of a drive but there is a lot to do! First, go to the North Carolina Maritime Museum and learn all about Blackbeard. Next, go on the Water Bug tour and try to spot the wild horses! Last, go on a Hungry Town Bike Tour. The couple that runs it are so cute and fun. You ride around town, learn some historical stuff, and end with a beautiful picnic. It's perfect!
• Take a short roadtrip to Wilmington. The Riverwalk is gorgeous and Front Street Brewery is one of my all time favorite places to eat! If you are a One Tree Hill fan there are still some places around that you can visit (as me if you need a list!) AnAnd you CAN NOT miss the Battleship. No really...you can't miss it!

• We never hungout on base much, most of the events are for kids. During the summer New River has a fun water/bouncy house program for kids. You can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. Do the Fathers Day brunch on the beach. There is cheap bowling. Our favorite thing to do was the Murder Mystery! Keep checking the events calendar...something fun WILL happen!
• Have a party! There are consultants galore in Jacksonville and we all want your business. Typically, for the hostess, it is free AND you earn goodies. I've had Dove chocolate parties, Tastefully Simple, Wine Shop at Home and lots more. It's a great way to do a girls night!
• Mikes Farm. While I'm not a fan of their food, they do have great events. Their Christmas lights hay ride is spectacular!

• Thursday night trivia at Brewed Awakening on Western Blvd. This is my favorite place for coffee, a fresh lunch and a good selection of wine and beers. I think there are prizes for the trivia winner...but I wouldn't know, we never win!
• The Marina Cafe is a hidden gem. Sure they have fried food, beer and karaoke but it's is MUCH MUCH more. During the summer they do free pig roasts. FREE! There is usually a band and crabbing activities for the kids. AND they do a BYOB sunset tours. Really, it's a lot of fun!

•  VISIT KINSTON. Yes, the news makes it sound scary. But do yourself a favor and go here. Visit the old fire station. Visit the CSS Neuse. And take a tour of Mother Earth Brewery!

There is seriously so, so much to do! This list could go on and on. If you are looking for anything in particular please let me know! I'm more than happy to help!

November To Do:

There are five weeks in November, so I'm setting myself five "goals." I feel weird calling them goals because they are so simple. So instead, I guess it's a November To Do List. And I love lists!

{1}

Repurpose/Redecorate/Re-something with the bookcase that I found! I've never done something like this, so any help you could give me would be great. I think I might add some wallpaper or fabric to the back. Thoughts?

 

{2}

Drive more. We haven't been going out that much. I need to stop saying 'no' when Danny asks me if I want to drive. I would ideally like to have my license by February.

{3}

Have a fondue night. We haven't used our fondue pot in such a long time! And I really want to try the pumpkin fondue before it's out of season.

   

{4}

Spend more time with Miley. Yes, I know I'm home with her everyday...but we need to start doing things WITH her. Now that the cooler weather is here we need to bring her for more walks.

  {5}

Read one book every week. That's five books in a month. Totally do-able!