Outer Banks Stop #4

The in-laws, my brother-in-law, his wife and the baby, arrived late Monday night. We ended up at the beach Tuesday morning, ate at home for lunch, and then decided to visit my favorite restaurant on the Outer Banks for dinner--Miller's Waterfront Restaurant.

We usually visit Miller's at least twice during our stay. The Lil Princess (8) renamed our Maine Coon cat, Killer, to Miller because she loves eating there so much. She also created an elaborate story where our cat, Miller, owned this OBX favorite and our other cats worked there. Coincidentally, our Miller is also rumored to own and operate the second Miller's location, which is on Virginia Dare Trail, or as many people refer to it, Beach Road.

The family shared two baskets of their yummy onion rings. We also got a chance to share a basket of their famous hush puppies. I try not to eat food I can cook myself when we go out to eat, so that night I feasted on their Broiled Fisherman's Platter (flounder, shrimp, scallops and a crab cake). I'm not a huge fish fan, but I love other seafood, and the way Miller's prepares flounder is superb. Their entrees come with two sides, so I chose a baked potato and a house salad with their housemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. My meal was out of this world. The entire family was thrilled with their food, and since we had a 15% off adult entrees coupon, we were able to feed the eight of us plus the baby for around $210 (includes gratuity).

It was important for us to visit Miller's this year, and I hope to go back for lunch before we leave. Last year, Miller's was damaged by Hurricane Irene. It forced them to close down for the rest of the season. I followed the renovations on their Facebook page. Thankfully, they were able to reopen this March. I truly looked forward to stopping by on this trip. While I miss the old look of Miller's the renovations came out great. I love how they expanded the rear deck that leads out to the pier.

If you visit the OBX, you have to eat at Miller's Waterfront Restaurant. Family owned since 1982, I have only ever had great meals and excellent service there. Now celebrating 30 years, I wish them at least 30 more.

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Book Spotlight: Waking Lazarus by T.L. Hines

Jude Allman is hiding from the world and from God, but when tragedy strikes, will he truly risk living for the first time in years?

For more about this book, visit the author online at http://www.tlhines.com.

File Size: 2051 KB

Print Length: 295 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764203444

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2006)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00352M90O

PRICE: $5.38 on Kindle

Book Spotlight: Wars of the Aoten by Craig Davis

Artur's world is changing. Can he knit together the five clans, those who barely tolerate each other, to fight the marauding Aoten? And can he overcome his own culture's taboos to win the fair Andreia? A tremendous journey and mighty adventure leads to the greatest climax in the world's history.

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File Size: 634 KB

Print Length: 398 pages

Publisher: St. Celibart Press (October 15, 2010)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B0047DWZUE

AMAZON PRICE: 99 cents

PURCHASE HERE!

Outer Banks - Stop #3

After a day at the beach, the family hung out at home for a bit. Then we went to WalMart to pick up a few essentials. Even on vacation I can't get away from visiting that store. The girls and I painted nails and we played a game of Trouble and some card games.

The rest of the family ended up coming into town later than expected, so we took the girls to one of their favorite restaurants down here, Western Sizzlin. It's part cafeteria style, part sit down family restaurant. I had chicken tips in onions and peppers with a mushroom gravy, rice, and green beans. We spent around $45 plus tip for the four of us. It's a good value when you have a whole family to feed.

We're taking the kids to the beach today and then we'll see how the rest of the day unfolds.

Outer Banks - Stop #2

The water was a lovely 77 degrees yesterday. In the late afternoon, storm clouds moved in, and though there was lots of rumbling, lightning and wind there was next to no rain.

We ended up shopping at the Tanger Outlets. Hubby picked up some dress pants for work from Van Heusen for a bargain. Then we took the girls to Wings. This is a large chain souvenir and gift shop. The Lil Diva (10) picked up a sun dress that she just loved. A bit pricey at $24.99 plus tax, but she is wearing it today and strutting around proud as a peacock.

The rest of the family is arriving late tonight, so not sure where we'll be eating yet. We opted for Wendy's last night since we knew once the family was all here we would be eating out at nicer (more expensive) restaurants.

You've Got Mail Mondays

Last week I found some interesting and fun stuff in our mailbox. The L.L. Bean Summer 2012 Catalog arrived. They are celebrating 100 years. Congratulations to them. I wish them 100 more. They offer Free Shipping every day with no minimum order and no end date.

Davy Liu, the creative genius behind the Invisible Tails Series, recently sent me his new book, Enchanted Tree, for review. He has worked for Disney Feature Animation, George Lucas at Industrial Light and Magic, and for Warner Bros. His artwork is amazing. The Lil Princess (8) already read this one and loved it.

This came in the previous week, but I had left it downstairs and forgot. King of Glory told by P.D. Bramsen is the story of the Bible in 70 scenes. The artwork by Arminda San Martin is gorgeous. I won this book from a blog and I can't wait to share it with the girls.

My UPS driver was kind enough to drop off the latest from historical fiction author, C. W. Gortner, The Queen's Vow. I fell in love with his work the first time I read it and I never miss a release.

That's it for this edition of You've Got Mail Mondays. Enjoy your week. I hope to be blogging from the Outer Banks during our trip.

The Outer Banks - Stop #1

The first day of our vacation is usually filled by running errands and then the beach. Yesterday, we didn't get to the beach until around 4:30 PM, but it was perfect because there was still enough sun without it being overpowering. The water was a comfortable 75 degrees, but it was bit rough. The Lil Princess (8) got knocked over and went under for a second. Luckily, the hubby was right there and she was soon ready to go back in.

We had to drag the girls away at around 7 PM so we could go out to supper. We ate at Pizza Hut, which is a first night at the OBX tradition. Love the breadsticks, but I'm wondering if they've changed their ingredients because their cheese pizzas tastes differently lately. The girls have complained about it the last two visits. The specialty pizzas still taste great.

We slept in a bit today and then visited the beach this morning. Water was 77 degrees. Not sure what this afternoon holds.