Have you heard the song “A Lot to Learn About Livin’” by Easton Corbin? That’s how I feel every time I cross the bridge at Ocean Isle Beach. Crossing the bridge was always one of my favorite things when going to the islands. Once you heard the wheels of the vehicle hit the bridge you rolled your windows down, looking out at the intercoastal waterway at all of the boats and smelling the ocean air. The bridge at Ocean Isle of course has not always been, well, a high-rise bridge. In 1950, a four-car ferry was built to transport full time residents as well as tourists from the mainland to the island. The ferry operated up until 1959 when a swing bridge was built across the intercoastal waterway. In 1986, the high-rise bridge over the intercoastal waterway was completed. (Old Ocean Isle Beach Ferry picture found on https://islandlifenc.com/images-of-south-brunswick-islands/_oi-bridge-and-ferry-1/)

There is a different time zone when you hit the coast. When I say Island time is an official time in the islands.. it’s true. No one gets in a very big hurry and usually cocktails start at 5pm every day. If you work on the island, you are usually done by 4 or 5pm and sitting at Pelican’s or Sharky’s for a beer. Now, let me tell you, I am the kind of Mom that does like her cocktails while at the beach. Anything with rum and pineapple is good for the soul. Again, this may just be where I wanted to be a pirate at a young age. I still believe rum is the reason that pirates never took over. My daughter also likes the fun, fruity drinks so of course, I have to make a virgin of what I am usually drinking and add a fun straw and umbrella! If you’ve never experienced it, now is your chance! Go home, make yourself this classic Bahama mama and book your trip to the islands!

Classic Bahama Mama

• 1oz Bacardi Silver Rum
• 1oz Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum
• 1/2 oz Kraken Spiced Dark Rum
• 2oz Trop 50 Orange Juice
• 2oz Pineapple Juice
• Splash of Grenadine
• Garnish with your choice of Orange or Pineapple

1. Fill the glass with ice and pour in all of the rum and juice
2. Add a splash of grenadine with your garnish choice
3. Enjoy!