Emerald Plantation Shopping — Attraction in Emerald Isle

I took my children here this afternoon just to get them out the house for awhile we live here locally but never really go over the bridge first we decided to go in the emerald isle books and toys store we walked in and were nicely greeted by the two ladies behind the counter the kids went straight for the toys which are kinda off in the back of the store well about 5 minutes into us browsing I notice one of the lady standing behind us off to the side a little I didnt think anything of it and went back looking at stuff on the shelf well we started walking around just looking I look up again and there she is again this happened about 2 or 3 more times I can tell she could see me getting annoyed so finally she walks back up to front behind the counter we moved on to another part of the store I look up and theres the other lady watching us not once did either one of these women ask me or my children did we need with anything by then I decided it time to go so we heading over to feed the turtles as we were are standing there I noticed an employee for infusions wells had came outside to pass out flyers I watched this woman give everybody that walked by or even got a little close to her a flyer me and my kids walk by and she looks at us and quickly turns her head to look the other even after I gave her a friendly smile needless to say I left there today shocked and very angry I'm a young mother of a 10 year and a 9 year we were dressed in regular causal clothes I dont understand how anybody could look at us and see anything different just because me and my children are African American you automatically look at us as some kinda threat or that we trying steal I just thank God my children didnt notice any of this was going on I will never take my children...

Nice outdoor mall with lots of little shops, mostly beach souvenir style stuff, but also some hidden gems with unique local artisan craft goods. No public bathrooms in any store - so if you, or the kids you're with need to use a bathroom, head to Food Lion.

Among the highlights for us was Nelly's Gifts, with their HUGE selection of uniquely flavored fresh fudge hidden among the typical beach tchotchke - you MUST try this fudge!

Also, be sure to stop into Emerald Isle Books & Toys - what a hidden GEM of a store. It is HUGE inside. The wooden deck-style walk paths that wind through the store are a cool touch, while the shelves seem to go on and on and on. Unique toys and puzzles mixed in with some classics. Also a cool selection of kites and wooden puzzles. Then there's all the books! Tons of them! You have to see this store!

Finally, be sure to stop in at Briggs General Store - lots of North Carolina artisan food products that are amazing! We tried their apple butter, and the bourbon infused local wildflower honey - both of which we're GREAT! Talked with the owners for a few minutes and they were more than happy to tell us about all their cool local food stuffs.

Parking wasn't too bad early in the day, but when we returned in the afternoon, we had to circle a few times before something opened up. Overall, a great way to spend a few hours relaxing...

The biggest problem with this shopping mall is the parking. There is only one way in and out of the lot and it becomes narrow when cars are parked on both sides. Today there was a full sized truck with a big hitch that blocked traffic for maybe 15-20 minutes as it tried to get out of the parking spot. I think we hit most of the shops and one restaurant. Most of the stores are quite pricey. But in the event of rain, the stores have awnings and you can continue going from store to store without getting too wet. Feeding the turtles was very fun. It should be made into a video game! Try to get the food to the turtle before the birds get it. At what angle and force do you need to throw the pieces of dog food so they get close enough to the turtle so it can get out before the bird swoops in? We did a lot of rooting for the...