A big thank you to Christina for sharing her love of Camp Lejeune and the surrounding area.
1. Favorite on-base site: Naturally, the biggest perk of being stationed at a base right on the coast is prime-time beach access! Onslow Beach is accessible by military only, often giving us plenty of space to ourselves. Rentable beach cabins dot the coastline, along with picnic areas, fishing access and even an on-site convenience store. It's also the best place around to hunt for shark teeth! And if you're super lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of a Navy vessel training just off the coast!
1. Favorite on-base site: Naturally, the biggest perk of being stationed at a base right on the coast is prime-time beach access! Onslow Beach is accessible by military only, often giving us plenty of space to ourselves. Rentable beach cabins dot the coastline, along with picnic areas, fishing access and even an on-site convenience store. It's also the best place around to hunt for shark teeth! And if you're super lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of a Navy vessel training just off the coast!
2. Favorite on-base MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) facility: I am so thankful for our base theater! For our family of five, going to the movies in town can be really pricey; on base we can see new, popular movies and fill up on popcorn and snacks at a fraction of the price. The theater has also been host to several great MCCS events. Our family has seen Sesame Street Live, Jeff Dunham and more.
3. My kids' favorite spot: There's always something exciting happening at the Community Center on Tarawa Terrace base housing. My kids like to go out for open play days and free movie nights.
4. Favorite hidden gem: My family's favorite not-so-well known spot on base is the Bay at Hospital Point. Hidden back behind several units on the water line, it's the perfect mix of beach meets lake. My kids love the playground there, and I can't get enough of the sunsets there. It's a perfect backdrop for family pictures, too!
5. Favorite place to visit off the base: Sometimes we like to get out of town and take a drive east down Freedom Highway (I'm not being cheesy, that's really what it's called! We're all about the subtle patriotism here.) to the Crystal Coast island strip. Perfect ocean views on either side! And just past Emerald Isle, you'll find the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. My kids could watch the sharks in the giant living shipwreck exhibit all day.
Who I am: I am a Marine wife and mom of three. My husband is an active duty Marine, celebrating 10 years in the Marine Corps this month - all spent here at Camp Lejeune! I publish Macaroni Kid Jacksonville Crystal Coast, covering activities in the greater Jacksonville area, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Air Station New River, and down the Crystal Coast. If you are planning a PCS or vacation, visit us at www.jacksonville.macaronikid.com.
