Tourists visit despite the times

Record high gas prices didn't seem to keep visitors from the beach over the Fourth of July weekend.

But many of them may have found ways to save while they spent time taking in the sandy shores and attractions that places like Topsail Island and the Crystal Coast have to offer.

Some even parked their car and pedaled their way around town.

"We had a great weekend. We almost ran out of bikes on the 4th of July," said Helen Jones, an employee of Beach Wheels Bike Rental of Atlantic Beach.

By bike or car, visitors made their way around the coast, sunbathing on the beach, shopping and dining and viewing the many fireworks displays.

Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism President Allan Libby said motels and hotels in the area reported full occupancy over the weekend, and if traffic on the island was an indication, the weekend was a good one.

"Traffic was steady all weekend," Libby said. "The weather was good, and what showers we did get didn't last long."

Gas prices didn't necessarily keep visitors away this holiday weekend, but Libby said it might be that visitors are coming from areas within several hours' drive rather than longer distances.

"It may be that people are staying closer to home," he said.

Crystal Coast tourism officials said all the reports they had received indicated that the crowd came and enjoyed, with boats anchored five rows deep along Shackleford Banks and grocery stores and restaurants packed with customers either dining in or taking out.

"Overall it has been a very busy weekend," said Elizabeth Barrow of the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority. "We're a family beach, and people are loyal to the Crystal Coast."

Flip Flops of Emerald Isle reported a crowd that stopped in for just about everything, from gasoline to bait and tackle and beach gear.

"We were up (in business). We had a great, great Fourth of July," said Marcie Creech.

It was the same in Sneads Ferry, where customers found their way to Colleen's Corner Boutique to check out the designer fashion apparel, jewelry, soaps and lotions.

"It was sure a great weekend," said Colleen Rigby, whose business has been in operation for about a year.

Contact Carteret County reporter Jannette Pippin at jpippin@freedomenc.com or 252-808-2275. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.