[upbeat music]
With access to one of North Carolina's prime destinations
for surfers on one side
and the calm waters of the sound on the other,
the Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach
is a rare gem that offers vacationers all the comforts
of resort living.
For me, it was a great choice for a family weekend getaway,
starting with the blockades chartered sailboat ride
with Captain Mattie.
He was really great at making all of us feel
really comfortable and shared tidbits about the environment
and geography, even let us steer for a while.
- Well, what we'd like to do is spend as much time as we can
at the calm protective waters,
make sure everybody's comfortable.
We've gone over how the boat works
and how to get the boat sailing.
And then we have this great ability to have this progression
where we sail along the Bank Channel here
at the protective waters.
And we only have to go about a mile or so
and get to experience the wind, the waves,
the ocean, and everything that the Atlantic has to offer.
[upbeat music]
- [Deborah] Sailing along Banks Channel was a relaxing
adventure and a unique amenity you can enjoy
at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
Also unique and quite exceptional is dining
at the East Oceanfront Dining room
whose kitchen is commandeered
by the award-winning executive chef, Jessica Cabo,
a finalist in the first season
of Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen"
who has since won awards for her creative
and delicious cuisine, accented by flavor profiles
from California to the Mediterranean.
There's someone else at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort
whose genuine, warm hospitality makes this a one of a kind
destination.
- I'm Mary Baggett,
and I've been at the Blockade Runner since 1984.
And my family has owned it since 1971.
As a family, I feel that my three brothers
and I have worked hard to give that feeling of welcome.
Once you come and stay with us,
you're part of the family too.
I especially love meeting the guest.
We do advertise ourselves the classic beach hotel,
and we are a boutique hotel because we have every floor
in the property with a different theme.
And therefore, that creates an atmosphere inside the room
that's different.
And then you come downstairs
and it's a very tropical resort feel.
When you walk in the doors,
it's an entirely different feel.
We built in this early 60s and consequently,
we have a real mid-modern architecture.
This is considered one of the most iconic beach towns
in America right now.
[bells chiming]
- [Deborah] With the sound of crashing waves from the ocean,
seagulls calling and tingling wind chimes in the breeze,
a stretch of lush green lawn,
surrounded by floral gardens becomes a perfect playground
for children and adults to relax
or participate in the Blockade's onsite activities.
- Yoga is actually just about breathing.
So when you're by the ocean and the wind,
it just elevates your whole experience.
So that's my favorite way to teach.
- [Deborah] In addition to the beach front,
outdoor lawn and gardens, and the sound side
at the Blockade Runner's sailing and kayak program,
guests will enjoy a shimmering pool
with private cabanas you can reserve.
It's another way to cool off at the resort
with fun cocktails and Chef Cabo's tropically-inspired
poolside menu, featuring fresh ceviche, lobster nachos,
classic American burgers, and plenty more.
Whether or not you're an overnight guest at the resort,
consider Sunday brunch on the East Oceanfront Dining patio,
destination dining.
- We have a jazz trio that play, sometimes it's a quartet.
And every two months, we change the menu for the brunch.
We have a theme that every two months,
it's a different jazz festival that's worldwide.
It's a wonderful place to come
and have culinary experience.
Plus, you get to have this incredible resort environment
with a lot of wonderful young people
to make you comfortable hopefully.
- The staff and servers
throughout the hotel are extremely polite and friendly,
perhaps emulating the same genuine care that Mary extends.
And whether you're trying your hand at Tai Chi,
dining with friends, or sailing out to a barrier island
in the Atlantic, it's how you're treated
in these beautiful surroundings
that makes your guest experience
at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort most memorable.
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort is at 275 Waynick Boulevard
in Wrightsville Beach.
To plan your visit, give them a call at 866-884-5781
or go online to blockade-runner.com.