July 21, 2025: The Food Lion

What marks the true start of a beach vacation?

Not the walk down the pier. Not even that first ocean view or the nostalgic sunscreen smell. There's something better.

The beach grocery store run.

In our case, the Oak Island Food Lion.

This one blasts you with arctic air the second those sliding doors whoosh open. Inside, the aisles gleam with forbidden treasures. Popsicles and bright orange chips. Candy and cookies. Various treats that would horrify your non-vacay self. And of course, bottled drinks for miles.

In our family, everyone gets to grab whatever they crave. No judgment. If you want rainbow sherbet, powdered donuts, and frozen pizza bites, just toss them in.

Bonus points if you ride to the store on a golf cart.