Howard’s Hideaway exemplifies the saying, “Location, location, location.” We have been going to the beach for years, staying at VRBO rentals all around the Emerald Isle area. This home, far and away, was the best in terms of house layout (multiple floors, separate entrance for lower level), five separate bathrooms, plenty of seating in the living area, the game room, and the deck. It’s made for family gatherings and creating memories. Favorite parts: being able to go out on the beach just to hand over more sunscreen for the kids and the grown ups on duty and then just strolling back to relax on the deck and watch them play; grilling out and watching the waves and the sun set; early morning walks to the pier; sitting on the deck watching a brief storm come in and listening to the rain. Finally, on our last day, watching a family of dolphins leap in the ocean while we enjoyed breakfast on the deck. Our family left (with tears from the five year olds) with every intention of making this a yearly tradition.