Libby With a "Y": Wrightsville's All-Wright

OK, corny title, I know, but just couldn't resist it. This was our first trip to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, but hopefully not our last. We set off on a week's notice and lucked out with a great condo with spectacular views of the sound and only a stone's throw from the ocean. Thank you, www.VRBO.com!

I had heard so many raves about Wrightsville that I wondered if I was setting myself up for a let-down. No sir-ee! Wrightsville is in a really neat location. You drive through Wilmington and cross a bridge (a functioning drawbridge!) onto Harbor Island. Then you cross yet another bridge onto the barrier island known to us touristy folk as Wrightsville Beach (pronounced Wrights-vull by those in the know.) Needless to say, there is waterfront property everywhere it seems with not one but two intracoastal waterways. The outer island is a 5-mile long narrow peninsula, which is how we got so lucky being close to the sound and ocean. In a nutshell - it's one humungous sandbar.

The beach itself is gorgeous, the water was downright warm, the breeze was refreshing, and there were some awesome waves with serious surfers riding those awesome waves. However, it didn't take long to figure out that the undertow was really strong, and there were even riptide warning signs. Those waves show you who's boss - not me! I got knocked on my keister a few times... (How do you spell "keister" anyway? Keyster?)

At the north end of the beach, we literally stumbled upon a protected bird sanctuary. It was absolutely stunning and filled with seashells way better than those at the tourist trap down the street. Here's a little friend strutting his stuff. If I was technologically literate enough, I'd have Stephen Tyler belting out "Walk This Way" in the background right now, but we can pretend.

And here is a "bird with a view." He's no fool. No rent, no luggage, and no sunscreen. Maybe I should start growing some feathers...

Thankfully there are plenty of awesome views to be had. Here is one of my favorites

Of course we had to bring a little piece of home with us -- or lots of little pieces. Once we were stepping on those dang LEGO bricks and wincing, we felt right at home.