The Foster family began calling Oak Island their "home away from home" after Carole convinced husband Rob to detour off U.S. 17 during a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. One look at the island's combination of pristine beaches, maritime forests, and small-town charm – and the realization that prices there would only go higher as the years went by – and they were hooked. Now, son Joshua and daughter Nina look forward to every trip to what they call "the beach house," where they are determined to make every sand castle bigger and better than the last.

The Fosters had never heard of Oak Island before their fortunate detour in Brunswick County, even though they live only a half-day's drive away. They consider the island a "hidden gem" on the North Carolina coast – remote enough to be quiet and family-friendly, yet easy to reach and full of opportunities for sharing quality time together. Rob and Carole find the ocean endlessly fascinating, while Joshua and Nina especially love seeing the local porpoises playing just offshore in the warm Atlantic.

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