21 Things to do on the Outer Banks in December

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November 27, 2009
1. AT THE MOVIES
Week of Nov. 20-29 (Escape the leftovers, see a movie)
The Blind Side (PG-13) – Great movie!
Planet 51 (PG)
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) – true to book and action-packed, delight in Jacob’s shirt-ripping scene!
2012 (PG-13)
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (PG)
The Men Who Stare at Goats (R)
Ninja Assassin (New) – my son said it was a real blood & gut fest
Old Dogs

2. FOOD AND WINE

Wine Reserve Tastings – Native Vine, Point Harbor
Weekly tastings of wines from throughout the world. Thursday and Friday evenings 6:30. Reservations required. 252-491-5311

The Blue Point – Duck Waterfront
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings. Join us this winter for our new 3 for 30 menu–3 courses for $30. Or enjoy dining at the bar for a lighter menu and the 2-4-6 bar ($2 draft beer-$4 highballs – $6 wine). 252-261-
8090.

Kill Devil Grill – Kill Devil Hills
On the Beach Road. Personal favorite – try the fresh ocean rock in season, great burgers, fried chicken Fridays or the salmon salad. See TripAdvisor.com for 81 unbiased reviews of Kill Devil Grill.

Ortegaz Grill – Downtown Manteo
Emphasis on fresh food served up with a definite southwestern flair in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. 252-473-5911

3. SHOPPING

Roanoke Island
Quaint downtown village of Manteo with great shops and restaurants. Explore Manteo Booksellers, Sleepin’ In, John Silver Art Gallery and Charlottes; don’t miss the gift shop at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Scarborough Faire – Duck
Duck’s Original Shopping Village, stroll on wooden sidewalks under the live oaks and browse through the shops that make Scarborough Faire a very special place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Tanger Outlets – Nags Head
Coach, J.Crew, Nine West, Gymboree, Eddie Bauer and more.

TimBuck II – Corolla NC
Over 60 exciting shops, restaurants and recreation overlooking the Currituck Sound on the Northern Outer Banks of North Carolina.

4. FITNESS

Knuckle Up Kill Devil Hills
Morning boot camps, kickboxing and more. http://fitnessouterbanks.com/http://fitnessouterbanks.com/.

Outer Banks Yoga Kitty Hawk, Sanderling & Manteo Studios
Daily classes offered by internationally trained and creative instructors and offer classes to suit every mood, from gentle and restorative classes for beginners or just tired bodies, vinyasa flow, pilates and more. 252-480-3214.

OBX YMCA
3000 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head. (252) 449-8897

http://www.ymcashr.org/locations/outerbanks

5. Elizabethan Gardens
November 23-30 Thanksgiving Week Sale; Gifts are 20% off this week.
December 2 Elizabethan Gardens: Christmas in the Park, 5-8 p.m. Celebrate the season with holiday fare and fun; catch the spirit with music, gift shop discounts, activities and hot chocolate. Bring the children by to sit on Santa’s lap!

6. Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 1-12 12 Days of Christmas Sale Museum Store. Each day there will be a new category added with some discounts up to 50% off. Sale is not valid with other discounts. Call (252) 475-1500 for more information, ext. 252.

7. 21st Annual Hotlines Festival of Trees
December 3 – 5 The Pearl Restaurant located in the Sea Ranch Hotel, Kill Devil Hills. Noon – 9 p.m. Fundraiser of donated Christmas Trees, holiday items, seasonal musical performances, a Santa visit, and bazaar, including an auction to benefit crisis intervention programs of the Outer Banks. (252) 473-5121

8. First Friday, Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
December 4 Downtown Manteo Waterfront. First Friday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family oriented street festival. firstfriday-roanokeisland.com.
December 4-5 Downtown Manteo. Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 4th at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 5th at 11 a.m.

9. 12th Annual Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo
December 4-5 Roanoke Island Festival Park, Outdoor Pavilion. A fishing tournament sponsored by the Manteo Rotary. (252) 473-6644 or rockfishrodeo.com

10. Dare County Arts Council Gallery
December 4-31 Holiday Small Works Show. Over 500 items of affordable framed originals, reproductions and photography that are no larger than 16”x16” as well as pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood for holiday shopping. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org.

11. Oakwood Waits in Concert – Roanoke Island Festival Park
. December 5, Film Theatre at. 7 p.m. The talented group will feature a selection of holiday music, spreading the joy of the season. The choral group can also be seen and heard in the Town of Manteo Christmas Parade, also on December 5 at 11:00 a.m. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

12. Betty Tyler Show – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 7-27 Art Gallery. Reception: Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m. An eclectic artist who paints abstracts, still life and portraits using oils, watercolors or acrylics. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com

13. Hatteras Connection Seafood Fundraiser Hatteras Village Civic Center
December 85-8 p.m. Enjoy baked or grilled fish, seafood chowder, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, corn bread, iced tea and dessert. Island commercial fishermen and charter-boat captains and mates are donating the fish, and a great team of local folks, known for their skills in the kitchen, will be the chefs. (252) 995-4131 or ridgeroad@earthlink.net

14. Violins & Voices a Classical Christmas – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 11, Film Theatre, 7 p.m. Performers include: Angelo Sonnesso Tenor; Lisa Martinez – Soprano Christian Jackle –Soprano; Nick Hodsdon – Baritone; Sue Artz – Violin; David Spangler – piano/accompanist. Tickets are $10.00, benefit GEM. Refreshments will be served following the performance. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

15. 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration – Currituck Heritage Park & Currituck Beach Lighthouse
December 12 5 p.m. See the giant cedar tree in simultaneously illuminated. Gather on the north lawn to enjoy free hot chocolate and sing carols. Following the lighting ceremony, the Whalehead Club will host an open house to show off the decorations inspired by the 1920’s etchings of Edward Collings Knight, Jr. 252-453-9040.

15. The Cypress House Inn Christmas Open House
December 13 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Beach Road, Kill Devil Hills. Built in 1946 as a private hunting and fishing lodge, the Cypress House Inn would like to invite Outer Banks locals and visitors alike to come join us for some holiday cheer. All are welcome. (252) 441-6127 or visit cypresshouseinn.com

16. Botanical Painting Class - Elizabethan Gardens
December 15-16 – Instructor Linda C. Miller offers workshop, open to all levels. The instructor will provide the drawing and students will create an 8″x10″ painting focusing on wet and dry brush techniques and learn how to mix a variety of greens, commonly used in traditional botanical art.Material
s list at http://BotanicalNaturalisticArtInstruction.blogspot.com. 252-473-1554.

17. Third Wednesday Guided Tour – Elizabethan Gardens
December 16 Come learn about our 16th century Italian Renaissance statuary, view the nursery and greenhouse areas. Each season brings a fresh and exciting array of flowering plants, shrubs and trees. 252-473-3234.

18. 106th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
December 17 – Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Gather at the exact site at the exact time as the historic flight to remember, reflect and celebrate this milestone. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago.

19. Elizabethan Christmas – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 19 Noon – 5 p.m. Get a taste of 16th century holiday traditions by making decorations, learn special dances, sing songs, discover food and drink of the season throughout the settlement site, and indulge in merriment with members of the Guild of St. Andrew. Many events will be held inside and the celebration will go on, rain or shine. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

20. Trio la Mer – Roanoke Island Festival Park
December 20 4 p.m. Film Theatre. The Trio La Mer is chamber group of local musicians featuring John Buford, piano, Leslie Erickson, violin, and Sue Waters, viola. They perform music from the Baroque to the Contemporary periods, including some original arrangements. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

21. The White Doe Inn Christmas Open House
December 20 – Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo. Sunday 2-6 pm. Enjoy hot cider and refreshments while touring one of the most photographed homes of the Outer Banks. The White Doe Inn, previously known as The Meekins House, is a grand three-story late-Queen Anne style house on Roanoke Island. It was constructed in 1910 by local builders John Wilson and Joe Dailey for Theodore S. Meekins and his family. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 noted for its architectural and historic significance. 252-473-9851, whitedoeinn.com.

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Spotlight on Marshes Light Model Home: Reclaimed Antique Heart Pine Floors

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November 24, 2009


Located on stately Fernando Street, leading into downtown Manteo, the Coors home was built as a showcase home for Marshes Light. It therefore has all the “bells and whistles” one would expect in a model home. There are numerous architectural details designed to fit the “Manteo Way of Building,”* but the spotlight in this post is on the floors.

Throughout the first floor and the stairs leading up to the second floor, are random-width, reclaimed heart pine boards that have been salvaged from old factories, warehouses and other old buildings throughout the East and Southeast. The individual boards were carefully selected and installed by local craftsmen. Because the wood was originally sawn from old-growth forests, antique heart pine typically contains more heartwood with tighter vertical grain structure and fewer knots than newly sawn examples. This is the wood that helped shape America’s towns and countrysides. The antique heart pine’s classic rich orange, amber and pumpkin hues are complemented by occasional nail holes, wormholes, saw kerfs and watermarks to create a gorgeous one-of-a-kind floor. The floors in the Coors home have a rustic character and are softly polished to a deep amber glow.

The Coors home is available for sale, for more information visit: www.marsheslight.com.

* “The Manteo Way of Building: A Guide for Development” is set of guidelines that will allow for change in Manteo over the next 20 years while maintaining its present character. These guidelines augment the zoning ordinance by providing additional detail for project review. Visit www.townofmanteo.com for more information. The guidelines are set to preserve architectural style and influence neighborhood design.

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Manteo & Marshes Light Neighborhood Waterfront

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November 16, 2009
These photos were taken by local Manteo artist and friend, George Cheeseman. I think they were taken early last week (Nov. 8, 2009).

This first photo shows a popular spot along the Marshes Light boardwalk, it needs a better name; I call it the “Corner.” It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the view and there are stairs nearby to get down to the water’s edge, suitable to launch a kayak or canoe or throwing a stick for your dog.

Marshes Light Marina and dock master’s office.

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Nor Ida and the Outer Banks

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November 15, 2009

The Beach Road to Manteo took a bit of a hit in spots along the Outer Banks. Low lying areas in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head took on ocean overwash and several houses in previously eroded areas fell into the sea. Marshes Light in Manteo fared well, as did the majority of the Outer Banks. There were areas around town with standing water.
The area south of Oregon Inlet along Highway 12 has been closed due to major overwash at the “S Turns” as the asphalt was compromised. The famous house that was featured in the movie “Nights in Rodanthe” still stands, however it is surrounded by the ocean.
The storm was a combination of a low pressure system and the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Damage continued to occur after the storm passed due to high tides battering already lost sand dunes.
Here in Southern Shores, there was little to no damage, but there are an abundant of leaves and twigs in my yard and swimming pool. Time for a date with my rake!

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Winners of the 2009 Orvis Catalog Photo Contest

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November 5, 2009

Meet the winners of the 2009 Orvis Dog Catalog Cover Photo, Thatcher & Winston of Dedham, Massachusetts:

Aren’t they sweet?

Meet Buster, he’s pretty sweet too, and loves his home on the Outer Banks.

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Hot Stuff Happening in November on the Outer Banks

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November 4, 2009

November 2009

Outer Banks Yoga & Pilates offers classes daily in their Kitty Hawk Studio. Featuring internationally trained and creative instructors with classes to suit every mood, from gentle and restorative classes for beginners or just tired bodies, to inspired Vinyasa flow classes ranging from meditative to vigorous. http://www.outerbanksyoga.com/.

The Blue Point in Duck reintroduces the Bar Menu, Tuesday-Thursday from 5-9p.m. Appetizers starting at just $7.00, only at the Blue Point Bar. www.thebluepoint.com/.

November 2 – 27

Jewelry ExpositionArt Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. Exposition: Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring demonstrations, educational displays and a chance to talk with artists as well as purchase handcrafted jewelry in time for the holidays. (252) 475-1500 or www.roanokeisland.com.

November 3 – 8
Wings Over Water – The Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is a six-day celebration of the wild side of the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. The festival offers over 85 programs in themes ranging from paddling and wildlife photography to birding, natural history, and more! To learn more about the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival call 252-216-9464 or go to http://www.wingsoverwater.org/.

November 6
First Friday – Downtown Manteo Waterfront. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family oriented street festival held the first Friday of each month.

November 6
Barksgiving 5-7 p.m. Giving thanks is the theme of this party. Costume contest & fun activities for dogs, plus refreshments for pets & people. (252) 473-2094 or www.obxpuparazzi.com.

November 7
4th Annual Outer Banks Fun Run – A family friendly event where kids and adults can run and walk for the fun of it. www.obxmarathon.org.

November 7 – 15
REAL Camp Reunion Tour Rock’on REAL Alumni! Special Priced Camps, Daily and Nightly Events, Parties and Exclusive Sale Pricing. You have to be in Cape Hatteras to enjoy the fun. If you have taken a lesson or camp with REAL since 2001, you are on the INVITE list! For more information: (252)987-6000.

November 8
4th Annual Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon – Very popular annual event. The marathon starts in Kitty Hawk, the half marathon starts at Jockeys Ridge and both cross the beautiful Washington-Baum Bridge; and finish on Roanoke Island. Over 5,000 runners expected to participate! obxmarathon.org.

November 13
Short Film Festival – 7 p.m. The Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This is a fund-raising project for the Dare County Arts Council. Admission is $8.00. For more information please visit roanokeisland.com.

November 15
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Dinner & Auction – Ramada Plaza in Kill Devil Hills, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy culinary excellence of local chefs and caterers and their signature dishes. Basnight’s, Black Pelican, Coastal Provisions, The Dunes, Lucky 12, Marsha’s Great Cakes, North Bank Restaurant, Ocean Boulevard, Ortegaz, Ramada Plaza/Hilton, and The Sanderling are the featured chefs at this year’s event. In addition to a fabulous meal, guests will enjoy a silent auction and a live auction. The popular fundraising event proceeds benefit the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign to help reduce the rate of premature birth. Tickets $45.00 per person.

November 19 – 21

Botanical Art Program at the Elizabethan Gardens – The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island, is presenting a fall and winter Botanical Art Program sure to enlighten new and experienced artists of all ages. Beginning in October, the first of the series is Color, Light, and Form in Dry-Brush Watercolor with artist Patricia Savage. Savage grew up in North Carolina and currently resides in Raleigh, N.C. She has been a professional artist since 1987.

November 21 & 28
3rd Annual Pet Photos with Santa – 1-4 p.m. This is a fund raiser for the Outer Banks SPCA. For $5 donation per pet, he or she gets a photo session in Santa’s lap. Appointments suggested. (252) 473-2094 or obxpuparazzi.com.

November 21
The Hot Club of San Francisco – 7:30 p.m.First Flight High School Auditorium, Kill Devil Hills. Savor the sizzling sounds of this gypsy jazz quintet of accomplished and versatile musicians celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Hot Club de France. Playing violin, bass and guitars, the ensemble entrances audiences around the globe and critics hail their playing as “intricate, scorching and often brilliant.” http://www.outerbanksforum.org/.

November 22
Dig Up Shakespeare – Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 4 p.m. World-class storyteller, Jon Spellman and multi-instrumentalist, Tina Chancey, create a rich vein of Shakespearean wisdom and whimsy in this duo program of sonnets, stories and songs spotlighting the best of the Bard. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

November 26
4th Annual Advice 5K Turkey Trot, Duck. A great warm up for your Thanksgiving Feast! Starting on Scarborough Lane in Duck with a finish line full of post race festivities. Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are welcome. active.com.

November 26
The Outer Banks Gobbler 5K – Thanksgiving Day 8 a.m. Presented by the Outer Banks Running Club. Run, Walk, Stroll, or Trot through The Village of Nags Head. The overall winner receives a pumpkin cheesecake, 2010 Gobbler 5K Registration, and a full cooked turkey for their return trip 2010 Thanksgiving Dinner! Prizes/Raffle. In the spirit of the Holiday, a food drive will be held for the Beach Food Pantry. outerbanksrunningclub.org/thanksgiving.

November 27 – 28
Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show. 10am-4pm. Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Buxton. Free admission, food, and scholarship raffle. Local artists. (252) 441-1850.
November 27 – 28
Kitty Hawk Kites Hangin’ with Santa & Kites with Lights – Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. Children can have their free photo taken with Santa in a demonstration Hang Glider. Watch the night sky magically transform as skilled flyers maneuver their lit stunt kites to the sounds of your favorite holiday songs atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. (252) 441-4124, (87
7) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com.

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