It was a relaxed, upbeat and invigorated Renee Tomberlin that reluctantly “checked out” after a week at Beach Therapy. 

Renee was the lucky winner of a one week stay on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, courtesy of the Great Vacation Giveaway sponsored by OBX Connection and Ocracoke Island Realty.

Upon learning of their good fortune, the Tomberlin family decided to waste no time and take the trip to Ocracoke immediately.

This was the first time they spent an entire week on Ocracoke Island, a small island south of Cape Hatteras, which is only accessible by ferry, private boat, small plane or helicopter.

Having visited the island from November 29^th thru December 6^th, Renee and her husband Dean along with their son Jordan, easily answered the question, “What do you do on Ocracoke in the off season?

Avid fishermen, they landed Red Drum in the surf, rode bikes around the island, hiked the nature trail and relaxed in a comfortable cottage aptly named “Beach Therapy.”   Their accommodations were courtesy of Bob Oakes, an owner of Ocracoke Island Realty.

While they were here, they did what they love to do best – surf fish.

“We caught ‘em on and off throughout the week,” Renee said. “We fished four or five days of the week.”

On the Tuesday of their vacation week, they were fishing and catching Red Drum on the beach at South Point. It was a beautiful night, she added.

“There was a full moon, the wind laid down and we were catching fish one after another,” Renee said. “We were the only truck on the beach – it was amazing.”

Another part of the trip they really enjoyed was the comfort of Beach Therapy.

“We loved it, it was great for our needs, comfortable, clean and in a great area,” Renee said. “We loved it.”

Another fun activity she enjoyed with her son was a long bike ride on Friday. The prize package came with two free bike rentals courtesy of Beach Outfitters, located at Ocracoke Island Realty.

“Jordan and I rode for eight to nine miles,” Renee said. “We went down every road, to Springer’s Point and the lighthouse."

“We spent all day looking at the area,” she said. “We walked through Springer’s Point, which was a beautiful, beautiful area.”

In addition to the fishing, cottage comfort and natural beauty, the Tomberlins also enjoyed the hospitality extended to them while they were here.

One day when they returned to the cottage, there was gift basket full of treats, a bottle of wine and things like that from Zillie’s Island Pantry.

In addition, the realty company staff went out of their way to make the vacation special, she added.

“It was a wonderful time,” Renee said. “The helpful, friendly and nice ladies at Ocracoke Island Realty were personable and that meant a great deal.”

Now that it’s all said and done, the Tomberlins believe they may have found their new paradise.

“After that week, we’ll probably stay on Ocracoke Island again,” Renee said. “A million thanks to Will and Ocracoke Island Realty.”

Fishing Photos courtesy the Tomberlins

Renee Tomberlin of Burnside shows off a nice Red Drum she caught while enjoying a free week long stay on Ocracoke Island.

Dean Tomberlin sets the hook on a big Red Drum as the full moon shines over head on South Point in Ocracoke.