It’s a Beautiful Day on the Manteo Waterfront!

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April 30, 2011

Carolina blue skies, crisp, clean air! It just doesn’t get any better than this.

Enjoyed lunch at Poor Richards with my honey!

Poor Richards Sandwich Shop
Poor Richards Sandwich Shop
wayne-4.29blog

baby-duck-marsh-4.29-blog
Manteo Waterfront
Manteo Waterfront


Categories: Dining, marina, Marshes Light Marina, outer banks, People of Interest, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Housing is Back

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April 28, 2011

A recent article in Fortune Magazine has proclaimed The Return of Real Estate: “Forget stocks. Don’t bet on gold. After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing,” writes Fortune Magazine senior editor Shawn Tully. Here’s why:

Inventory is shrinking in many markets, as homebuilders built far fewer homes during the recession. And, now that troubled properties are finally being bought up, this has reduced available inventory of homes. According to the article, in 41 cities, “a total of 78,000 houses are now either vacant and for sale, or under construction. That’s less than one-fourth of the 343,000 units in those two categories” at the peak in 2006.

In areas that suffered with fewer distressed properties, “the existing home inventory is lower, closer to seven months on average. So a modest increase in demand will translate into strong gains in both prices and new construction.”

And even in those markets with more distressed or foreclosure properties, “those properties are finding plenty of renters, since the rental market is still extremely strong across the country.” As such, the supply of renters has increased dramatically, causing considerable increases in rental rates, while price declines have been such that it is now actually more expensive to rent than to own for most people.

“Let’s state it simply and forcibly: Housing is back.”

In an earlier interview with Fortune, Economist Karl Case of the widely followed S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price index said “The lack of new home building is a huge help that a lot of people are ignoring….housing is looking like the little engine that could.”

What does this mean for the Outer Banks? A comparison of SOLD properties on the Outer Banks* (from Multiple Listing Service) during the time period January 1 through April 28 for 2010 and 2011 revealed that activity is up:

                246 sold  1/1/2010 – 4/28/2010

                291 sold 1/1/2011 – 4/28/2011

Yet, the average price of residences and land dropped slightly from 2010 to 2011, which means there are some great properties available at good prices on the Outer Banks.

*Outer Banks properties included Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Roanoke Island, residences, land, and commercial.

You can read the entire article by clicking here, and you can learn more about the opportunities to own at Marshes Light by clicking here.

 

 

 

http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/28/real-estate-its-time-to-buy-again/

Categories: outer banks, Real Estate, Roanoke Island, Uncategorized.

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May Happenings on the Outer Banks!

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April 24, 2011

The Virginia Symphony

May 1. First Flight High School Auditorium. 2:30 p.m. Listen to the spectacular music of The Virginia Symphony, conducted by a nationally acclaimed conductor. Recognized as one of the nation’s leading regional symphony orchestras, this exceptional program will highlight classical music. outerbanksforum.org.

14th Annual Mollie A Fearing Memorial Art Show

May 2 – 31. Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show features an eclectic mix of local art, on display at the Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo.  Held in memory of Mollie A. Fearing, one of the founders members of DCAC. Open to members and residents. Cash awards. Opening reception May 1, 2pm – 4pm. For more information, please call (252) 473-5558 or see Dare County Arts Council’s website at darearts.org.

Katy Caroline: Collected Paintings (Vault Gallery)

Georgia Griffiths: New Works in Jewelry (Front Gallery)

May 6 – 31. Dare County Arts Council, Manteo. For more information, please call (252) 473-5558 or see Dare County Arts Council’s website at darearts.org.

28th Annual Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K Run

May 7. Not your typical walk down the beach, the dirt trails of the preserve weave through one of the best remaining examples comical forest and deciduous hardwoods. active.com.

March of Dimes for Babies Walk

May 7. Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo. Registration begins at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. For more information contact: JMoseley@marchofdimes.com or (757) 361-0000 Ext. 4 or visit marchforbabies.org.>

photo by glamoursurf.com

Couture by the Shore

May 7. Presented by the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. 11 am – 3 pm. Featuring a luncheon fashion show with 10 retailers, silent and live auction, raffle and door prizes. $30 tickets available at the following participating retailers: Amity, Birthday Suits, Charlottes, The French Door, Gray’s, Jewelry By Gail, Lady Victorian, Plum Crazy, Sun Shack and Whalebone Surf Shop. For more information visit outerbanksrelieffoundation.com.

KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios – 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

May 7. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Art-making Demos from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. including wheel throwing, glass lampworking (torch work), jewelry demos, batik on silk, painting, mosaic stepping stone collaborative, iron work at the forge, and much more. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Grilled hot dogs, chips and sodas. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Adult style food and beverages, including a celebration cupcake tower, mingle with the artists. Enter to win one of many giveaways of artwork all day and get to know some of the Outer Banks working artists. kdhcooperative.com.

KidsFest

May 13. Roanoke Island Festival Park. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. KidsFest is an annual outdoor young children’s event sponsored by Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County for toddlers and preschool children up to age 5. Art, block play, music, nature, games, puppets and exhibits. Free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch. (252) 441-0614 or darekids.org.

Theatre of Dare’s 20th Anniversary Show

May 13 – 15 and 20 – 22. COA Roanoke Island Campus Relive the best of the last 20 years with TOD! This show pulls together all the fantastic musical numbers and comedic scenes from our past seasons, and will have you tapping your feet and rolling in the aisles.  Enjoy highlights from South Pacific, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Little Shop of Horrors, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Pajama Game, Little Women the Musical, and so much more!  Shows are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm.  Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door, and $8 for students with valid school/college identification.  theatreofdare.org or (252) 261-4064.

RIFP Performance Series: Western Carolina University Gamelan

May 14. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

Coastal Gardening Festival

May 14. Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, 300 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills. 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The theme this year is “Gardening: Green Thumb NOT required.” The festival offers everything from plants, jewelry and home decor to yard art and food. Educational displays and demonstrations address composting, recycling, container gardening, native plants and pruning. Children’s activities focused on gardening and tours of the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden, adjacent to the Senior Center are also offered. A raffle with numerous prizes from local businesses and vendors assists in supporting the ongoing maintenance and construction in our Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden. (252) 473-4290.

39th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular

May 20 – 23. Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head. This is the world’s oldest, continuous hang gliding competition. Hang gliding professionals from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to compete and have fun on Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Demonstrations, street dances and awards ceremonies are all features of this spectacular event. Families can enjoy a rock climbing wall, hang gliding simulator, kite making and face painting. A portion of the events proceeds will go to benefit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, a non-profit organization which supports the development of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. (877) FLY-THIS, (252) 441-4124 or kittyhawkkites.com.

RIFP Performance Series: UNC Pembroke Godspell

May 21. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

Jennette’s Pier Grand Opening

May 21. Fishing, families, and fun. That’s what we can all look forward to with the grand reopening of Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head! The new state-of-the-art, LEED certified, wind-powered, 1,000-foot concrete pier and 16,000 square-foot pier house will be christened and reopened to the public. Originally built in 1939, Jennette’s is the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks. Battered by storms and rebuilt many times throughout its seventy-year life, Jennette’s was knocked down by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, just after the pier and its five-acre tract were purchased by the NC Aquarium Society. Now, after years of planning and twenty-four months of construction, Jennette’s will reemerge in 2011 as a one-of-a-kind educational ocean pier. The Aquarium-operated complex will feature educational classrooms and programs, alternative energy demonstrations, live animal exhibits, meeting facilities, a snack bar and tackle shop, and a host of other displays and features for good family fun….with great fishing too! Check our website for updates on grand opening events, fees and hours, activity calendars, facility rental options and other pier news. jennettespier.net.

74th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

May 27 – August 20. Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. Featuring lavish costumes designed by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long and directed by Robert Richmond, the story comes to life summer nights at the open air Waterside Theatre. May 27 through August 20th 2011, Monday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Children 12 and under $10.00, Group rates for 10 or more. (252) 473-3414 or thelostcolony.org.

The Hatteras Kite/SUP Expo

May 28 – May 30. Waves Village Resort, 24502 Highway 12 (mile post 40), Rodanthe. This is the first ever East Coast Kite & SUP Expo! Dozens of kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding vendors will have booth spaces on site showcasing their newest products. Free demos will be available from 11am to 6pm each day. Anyone can try out a Paddleboard, but experience is required for testing out Kiteboarding gear. Come enjoy product demos, presentations, live music, great food, and some good vibes! Admission is FREE to the public! Call us at 252.305.2629 for more information, or go to thekitexpo.com.

Kiteboarding Demo Days

May 28 – 30. Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort, Waves, NC. Industry representatives will be on hand from the top three manufacturers to show you the hottest new kiteboarding equipment. Get your hands on one of the new kites and find out how the most advanced kites on the market can propel beginners to another level of kiteboarding in 2011! 1-877-FLY-THIS, 252-441-4124.

Link to special site for upcoming kid’s summer camps here: http://www.marsheslight.com/blog/index.php/2011/04/outer-banks-summer-camps-for-kids/

Categories: Arts, Holiday Happenings, outer banks, People of Interest, Roanoke Island, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Outer Banks Sun Rise

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April 21, 2011

Life can get hectic anywhere; the Outer Banks are no exception. We get caught up with work, kids, school, traffic, and often take where we live for granted.  I was reminded bright and early this morning during day two of Boot Camp that I live in an incredibly beautiful place. I have not been to the beach early in the morning in a long time, but today along with 23 other Boot Camp companions, I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, complete with dolphins and a whale sighting.  After a series of exercises, running, pushups, sit-ups, squats and crawling along in the sand, we all jumped into the ocean! Wow – that will wake you up!

P.S. If you look out into the ocean, you can just make out the shape of the whale cruising at the surface.

Categories: outer banks, People of Interest, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Boot Camp – Day One – Outer Banks Knuckle Up

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April 19, 2011

It’s 5:30 a.m., at the parking lot of Knuckle Up in Kitty Hawk. 70+ people stretching on asphalt. We line up and take off running. Orders were to bring  a change of clothes and bottle of water in a backpack.  Backpack and I are not a happy couple. This pack is hell-bent  on  slapping my backside every step of the way. It’s the only backpack I own, a cute little black leather “Prada” I bought from one of those street vendors in New York City. As the mother of three sons, I’m pretty sure I could have found a more appropriate back-happy backpack than the one I brought this morning!

Anyway, even though I was tempted to leave the “Prada” on the beach a couple of times, I hoisted it above my head and ran through the surf with the rest of my compadres. And what I realized, deep down,  was that my most biggest fear was tripping, falling and dragging the rest of the group down with me.

The Senior Group led by Jay Bowman Joining the Recruits

Categories: outer banks, People of Interest, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Coors Cottage Transformed to Discover Marshes Light Get-Away

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April 14, 2011

We’re in the process of outfitting our beloved Coors Cottage to be our new guest accommodations for Marshes Light. Previously, our guests enjoyed staying at the Marina Villas, in a three bedroom condominium. As a matter of fact, the last guests who stayed there, fell in love and immediately purchased it – hence the move.

Check out these adorable dishes that Mrs. C found in Hilton Head. They’ll work well with the white dishes and mugs I found at a local store.

The Coors Cottage will bring a new dimension to a visit at Marshes Light. A 2009 Parade of Homes winner, the Coors Cottage blends historical detail and craftsmanship of the past with an upscale, gourmet kitchen and an open and inviting floor plan.

How about a soak in the tub after a full day?

Located on stately Fernando Street, the Coors Cottage is just a short walk to downtown Manteo and quaint shops, restaurants, and Festival Park.

Categories: Arts, Historic Architecture, Home & Garden, outer banks, Real Estate, Roanoke Island, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Outer Banks Summer Camps for Kids

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April 7, 2011

(Information reposted from the individual websites of the organizations shown below.)

JENNETTE’S PIER, NAGS HEAD   Grand Opening – May 21, 2011
Get ready for lots of family fun and solid conservation education in a perfect outdoor classroom setting— on the beach and over the waves! Upon reopening in May 2011, Jennette’s Pier will offer a wide variety of classes, camps, sleepovers, and get-wet adventures in keeping with the Aquariums’ mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

A full schedule of activities is currently being planned for the summer of 2011, including school and scout  programs, invertebrate labs, plankton studies, science camps, marine mammal studies, sea turtle night treks, fishing workshops, surfing lessons, and many others. Some programs and activities will be free, while others will require pre-registration and fees. Parents, teachers, and group leaders: Be sure to check back on this page for updates as the calendar of events is constructed.

ELIZABETHAN GARDENS, ROANOKE ISLAND
Children’s Gardening Camp
Monday, July 11– Friday, July 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 6 – 11 years old. This is a weeklong camp that combines the fun of gardening, educational opportunities and food! Children will learn what herbs and spices were grown in the 1500’s and how we use those same herbs today for kid’s favorite foods like pizza and pasta! Children will be planning, planting and harvesting pizza ingredients from our very own Elizabethan edible garden. Each day the children will have a morning stroll through The Gardens, a “Bugs, Bees and Wiggle Worms” class, “Scratch and Sniff” activity, digging and planting in the edible garden, lunch and story time. Parents are invited on Friday to eat what the children have prepared with fresh herbs. After hour’s camp time also available at an extra charge. Members/Friends $125. Non Members $135.

August 17
Bug Bonanza ~ Bees, Butterflies and Wiggly Worms. Children’s Workshop.

ROANOKE ISLAND FESTIVAL PARK

History Diggers Camp
July 11 – July 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for ages 5 – 6 years old. Summer campers will learn the differences and similarities between American Indian and Elizabethan English culture in a fun filled week of exploring the living history exhibits at Roanoke Island Festival Park and completing craft projects. $70 members of Elizabeth II/ $80 non-members.

Pathfinders Camp
July 18– July 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 10 – 13 years old.
August 8 – August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 7 – 9 years old.
Summer campers will explore Roanoke Island Festival Park as Thomas Harriot and John White explored Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks in 1585. Each camper will create a booklet containing their own plant and wildlife observations and participate in hands-on activities in American Indian Town, the Military Settlement, and the Elizabeth II. The camp concludes with an overnight campout at Roanoke Island Festival Park. $140 members of Elizabeth II/ $160 non-members.

Outdoor Adventure Camp
August 15 – August 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for ages 5 – 6 years old. Summer campers will learn about the unique environment of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks. Each day campers will participate in a craft and a hands-on activity related to blue crabs, wind turbines, oyster reefs, native plant life and more! $70 members of Elizabeth II/$80 non-members.

NC AQUARIUM Summer Day Camps

Registration opens on April 1st for all summer camps. Space is limited. NC Aquarium Society Members receive a 10% discount on all  camp fees. For additional information, or to register your camper, contact our registrar at 252-473-3494, ext. 232.

Sea Squirts
Session I: June 21 – 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. For rising 1st graders. Each session is limited to 10 campers. Young Aquarium campers will learn about our many aquatic environments by exploring the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island one day and the Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Preserve three days. These half days will be packed with hikes, water adventures, animal encounters, crafts, and more! $125.

Session II: July 19 – 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Young Aquarium campers will have the opportunity to explore the Aquarium and learn more about our animal residents. Sea Squirts will have extra helping hands this week from teen campers in our new Eco-Educators program, as they play animal games, go on scavenger hunts, make crafts, and more! $125.

Jr. Aquatic Adventures
Session I: June 21 – 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) for ages 7-9
Session II: July 5 – 8
Session III: August 2 – 5. Each session is limited to 12 campers. Campers will embark on a week of fun and dive into science as we explore the Outer Banks with daily field trips, meet Aquarium animals up close, make camp crafts, splash on a snorkeling venture, and much more. The camp week concludes at the end of the day on Friday with a social and private Aquarium tour for campers and their parents! $150.

Aquatic Adventures
July 26 – 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) for ages 10-12.
Friday Overnight at the Aquarium. Space is limited to 12 campers. This week of camp will start where the Junior Aquatic Adventure camp left off – expect more in depth field trips to the Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Preserve, the beach, a nearby salt marsh, and other natural sites on the Outer Banks. The week culminates in a Friday evening overnight at the Aquarium. $165.

Nocturnal Explorers
Session I: June 14-17, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) for ages 9-12.
Friday Overnight at the Aquarium. Each session is limited to 10 campers. Get plenty of rest because campers will be busy as day turns to night! We will explore the beach, the sounds, the Aquarium, and Nags Head Woods to investigate sea turtles, nocturnal animals, the night sky, and more. The week will conclude with an overnight at the Aquarium on Friday. $150.

Session II: August 2-5, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) for ages 9-12.
Get plenty of rest because campers will be busy as day turns to night! We will explore the Aquarium and Roanoke Island after dark to investigate nocturnal animals, astronomy, and more. The week will conclude with an overnight at the Aquarium on Friday. $150.

Aquarist Camp 
Session I: July 11 – 15, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday) for ages 11-13.
Session II: August 8-12. Each session is limited to 12 campers. Have you ever wondered how we feed hundreds of animals, where we get all that salt water, or how we treat a sick fish? This week of camp will be packed with hands-on activities to show kids what it is like to spend time working behind the scenes at the Aquarium. Campers will help feed our animals, prepare food, clean exhibits, go on a collecting trip, set up a small home aquarium, and learn more about what it takes to care for animals at the Aquarium. A portion of each day will be spent behind the scenes. $175.

Hook, Line, & Sinker Fishing Camp – NEW for Summer 2011!
June 28 – July 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) for ages 10-12. Space is limited to 12 campers. From baiting hooks to landing their catch, campers will learn the basics of saltwater fishing. Topics covered include tackle, bait, fish identification, fishing safety, ethical angling, casting, and fish cleaning. Campers will venture to a new fishing spot each day to see what’s biting! The week concludes with a fish dinner on Friday evening at the Aquarium. $175.

Eco-Educators – NEW for Summer 2011!
July 18 – 22, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) for ages 13-16. Each session is limited to 8 campers. Our new Eco-Educators camp is suited for both new and veteran campers willing to assist younger Sea Squirt campers. Teens will not only train to help with children attending “Sea Squirts” camp, but will also spend the rest of their week training at the touch tanks, assisting with public programming, and learning what it’s like to help out in other areas of the Aquarium. The week provides a sample of what it may be like to be an Aquarium volunteer. $165.]

Categories: Home & Garden, outer banks, Roanoke Island, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Boot Camp

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April 5, 2011

Even though I’ve never been particularly athletic, I’ve always been active. Blessed with an obliging metabolism, I’ve been able to muster the energy for regular, albeit half-hearted, periods of physical fitness most of my early adulthood.

Upon turning 40, however, my metabolism declared a four day work week. Upon turning 50, she packed her bags and headed for the hills.

In an effort to woo Miss Metabolism back to work, I joined Knuckle-Up Fitness in Kitty Hawk. The sculpted, healthy bodies I encountered there kicking and punching to loud heavy hip-hop rock music were just the right tonic to jumpstart the sluggish Miss M to attention.

Now after a year and a half, I’m ready for the next step – BOOT CAMP  (beginners) and it starts April 19. I’m going to chronicle my efforts here.

"Dinosaurs didn't exercise and look what happened to them"

Categories: outer banks, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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