For businesses along our coast, Labor Day is the official end of the summer vacation season and the last big pay day for a while. Beach business owners were concerned those who left ahead of Hurricane Earl would not return for the Labor Day holiday, but worries were eased Monday as Eastern Carolina beaches were buzzing with vacationers.

Shaun Ferguson of western North Carolina brought his family to Emerald Isle Monday. "I think everybody watched Earl closely including my family who live down on the coast and um you know we were just watching it but we didn't want to cancel our plans as a result of Earl."

It was the same story for hundreds of other tourists in Emerald Isle. The beach was on the top of the list to do this Labor Day weekend

Bob Benneri was glad he made the drive. "Just sitting, relaxing, reading and eating, ah enjoying the day."

"It was pretty much, one on top of the other out her...Standing room only," said vacationer Larry Hines who joined the crowds on our sandy shores.

Emerald Isle Businesses say they were pleased with the return of vacationers because many depend on this economic boost at the end of the season.