I’ve been in your shoes! At Crystal Coast Beachside Grills & Gear, we understand the struggle of preparing for a beach vacation. After spending eight years living near Chicago, my wife Tracey and I, Dondi, made it a tradition to vacation every year at Emerald Isle and walking around the docks in the Beaufort waterfront. It was a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends and spend time with our families. But let me tell you, the packing was no small task!

Imagine this: we’d load up the beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, toys, towels, bags, and, of course, our two kids and dog for a grueling 17-hour drive. Every year, it seemed like the beach toys got bigger, and the space in our minivan disappeared. Eventually, we had to buy rooftop carriers and luggage racks just to fit everything. Flying wasn’t an option either—the cost of purchasing everything we needed after landing was astronomical.

I love cooking for friends and family, but bringing my smoker along just wasn’t an option. To make matters worse, every rental house we stayed at either didn’t have a grill or had one we didn’t feel comfortable using.

After we moved back to North Carolina, I decided to make it easier for families like ours who come to the Crystal Coast. I wanted to provide a solution where they could rent all the essentials they need—grills, beach gear, and more—so they could have the ultimate beach experience without the hassle. Now, families can enjoy their vacations stress-free, without worrying about packing their entire house for a beach trip!

Tracey & Dondi