Outer Banks to Roanoke Island, Southern Shores to Marshes Light: exploring life on a barrier island. A guide to fun, family, home, real estate, restaurants, surf, sun and more.
The Beach Road took us to the Croatan Surf Club in Kill Devil Hills this past week.
It was on a whim when I responded to an offer by Village Realty on Facebook that they had several condos that weren’t booked. I was floored and completely unprepared when I “won” the condo for the week starting the very next day.
Village Realty makes check-in easy – all I had to do was call for a code to the keyless entry, which was released about an hour before official check-in time. I did not have to stop by their office or pick up a key.
The condo was immaculate and looked as new as it did in 2009 when I attended the grand opening. I was impressed by the quality of construction and materials, such as granite, hardwood floors, stainless appliances and designer fixtures and furnishings. The oceanfront pool was inviting and featured a spa and “spray ground” for kids.
I think the only drawback was that I had no time to pack or plan – we were not able to take off work, and had pets and kids to arrange for, so we did not “staycate” for the full week.
The location is great, centrally located on the Beach Road near Milepost 7 ½. We explored shops and restaurants we don’t normally go to, and enjoyed a lovely dinner at JK’s Restaurant. Succulent steaks, mashers, salad and a glass of wine were delicious in a cozy atmosphere.
And waking up to this view was absolutely spectacular!
The inaugural TowneBank Red Nose Wine Festival last Thursday launched a new event as part of the Christmas in July fundraising benefit for the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Thankfully the rain held off, and cloudy conditions kept things cool and comfortable.
Marshes Light, downtown Manteo NC
As people milled about in a “Charleston” like setting, music played in the background. The performers included Mojo Collins, Laura Martier, Joe Mapp & The Coordinates, Ruth Wyand, and The Jazzmen. North Carolina wines were featured with Biltmore, Cauble Creek Vineyard, Childress Vineyards, Old North State Winery, Sanctuary Vineyards and Vineyards on the Scuppernong. Additional wines from around the world were provided by Mutual Distributing Company and The Wine Specialist of Kitty Hawk.
Miss Wine Bottle & Shearl Bell, Event Chairperson
There was delicious food from Black Pelican, Café Lachine, Ocean Boulevard and Ortegaz. And, making it a full-on and fun afternoon, there were little shops set up along the Boulevard – Jewelry by Gail, The Cottage Shop and Mothervine Nutraceuticals. Wine, music and shopping? Oh my!
The final word isn’t in on how much was raised for the Relief Foundation, but many of the people involved expressed their enthusiasm with the event. Said Luanne Hege (who had the original vision to make the Wine Festival a reality):
“Our event this past Thursday surpassed our wildest dreams; the weather, which had been flukey at best, settled down, the heat wave broke, and the thunderstorms stayed away. The remarkable (thank you, Roland!) Mike Fitzwater and his group (Special Events) did an outstanding job. The attendance, while under the optimistic 2000 that we kept thinking we’d have, was a very respectable 1390, with all cabanas and reserved tables sold out. (Indeed three of our cabana purchasers have already “signed up” for next year!) Our site, the Marshes Light complex in Manteo, right on Shallowbag Bay, was a terrific venue, right on the water, provided a perfect canvas for our layout.”
It could not have been possible without the help of our volunteers!
Palmetto Cheese Spread, “The Pimento Cheese with Soul” by Pawleys Island Specialty Foods. Delicious, try with thin little Pretzel Crisps (by Snack Factory). Both available at Harris Teeter.
Movie from Red Box: “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” with Jason Segal, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon. A heartwarming film about a couple of misfit brothers who come to each other’s aid –http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588334/#.
First Annual Red Nose Wine Festival at Marshes Light took place on Thursday afternoon, July 12. The place was transformed into a classy venue for wine tastings, live music, food, shopping and great fellowship all to benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Had fun helping Christine, The Wine Specialist, at the tastings tent. Stay tuned for more photos.
From the Dare County Library: The Woman Who Wasn’t There: The True Story of an Incredible Deception by Robin Fisher and Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr. I couldn’t put it down – great summertime read for the beach or the pool.
There’s so much to do on the Outer Banks as the weather warms.
The fish are biting, the beach is
welcoming, kites are flying, local businesses are reopening for the season, and two of my favorite events are back: FIRST FRIDAYS and SATURDAY FARM MARKETS in downtown Manteo.
First Fridays
Held on the first Friday of every month on the Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Historic Inn Tour from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (tour maps at Dare County Arts Council), Live music from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Blue grass to Jazz to Classic Rock ‘n Roll), Boutiques and Restaurants open late, Enjoy family friendly activities, Famous rock climbing wall, historical interpreters in period costumes and more. Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: 252-473-2133.
Lots of things to do and see along the Outer Banks, here’s a sample:
FIRST FLIGHT CRUISERS 5TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK CAR SHOW AND POKER RUN
March 15 – 18
All events are ‘rain or shine’! Start the show off right with a Welcome Reception, Thursday, March 15th at Mako Mikes. The following day enjoy the Poker Run, Friday, March 16th. The Shamrock Car, Truck and Bike Show is Saturday, March 17th at First Flight High School. Visit http://firstflightcruisers.com for more information.
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT FILM TOUR PRESENTS A GIFT FOR THE VILLAGE
March 24
Dare County Arts Council is pleased to bring the Southern Circuit Film Tour to the residents of Dare County! Six independent films will travel to Dare County, and local residents and visitors are invited to screen the films and meet the director. The film, A Gift For The Village, will be screened at Roanoke Island Festival Park Indoor Film Theater on March 24th at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. The filmmaker, Tom Landon will be on hand for a question and answer session after the film is screened.
TASTE OF THE BEACH
March 15-18
Presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association, this grand food festival will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with an exciting array of creative combinations and culinary delights. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/home.htm.
KELLY’S 4TH ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE LEPRECHAUNS 8K
Saturday, March 17, 2012 | 2316 S. Croatan Hwy Nags Head, NC 27959
8K ADULT or under 18 age categories. Register at http://fsseries.com/index.php?action=event&event_id=104
KELLY’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Sunday, March 18 – 1 p.m. on the Beach Road, Nags Head
This year’s parade celebrates The Outer Banks Hospital’s 10th Anniversary & a Decade of Care, and the theme is “Health is Happiness!” Following a traditional Irish Blessing, each petal on the Shamrock represents a wish for good health, good luck & much happiness. Awards include Best Overall, Best Float, Best Band/Music Theme, Best Unity & Best Parade Route Theme. The parade hosts 100+ entries annually & is viewed by 8-10 thousand bystanders.
OUTER BANKS BOOTCAMPS “EXPRESS” MARATHON TRAINING CAMP
March 27 – 4 weeks
The camp will culminate at the 3rd annual running of the Flying Pirate Half Maratho. Curriculum includes but is not limited to:
Short and long distance running
Speed and Tempo workouts
Strength & Conditioning Weight Training
Plyometric Drills
General and Sports Nutrition
How to compete and successfully participate in an endurance foot race
For more information on how to join and train with the leader in Race Training on the Outer Banks call 252-489-8239 or email us at outerbanksbootcamps@yahoo.com.
There are lots of reasons to visit the Outer Banks now: it’s quiet, there are no crowds and there are lots of things to do and see. The beaches are deserted, practically guaranteeing a bounty of shells and sea glass waiting to be found.
Rather than post all the current events here, I highly recommend that you check out www.outerbanks.org. They have a great new look and it’s easy to navigate. The current calendar of events is found here. For art happenings, check out Dare County Arts Council’s stylish new website here.
Be sure to check out Sip & Dip, offered at Art Space in Southern Shores. Workshops by local artists. www.artspace.com.
Off Season usually means discounted rates and local specials. And to me, that means WINE. We are fortunate here to have several great wine shops with knowledgeable vintners and incredible selections.
The Wine Specialist in Kitty Hawk is located at Buccaneer‘s Walk (next to Capt’n Franks). Owned and operated by my friend Christine and her husband, Fernando da Mota, they offer free wine tastings on Wednesday nights from 5 until 8 p.m. It’s a great way to sample new wines before purchasing. My husband especially liked the Highway 12 Cabernet Sauvignon, admiring the ripe aromas of dark berries and soft French oak nuances. I especially like the name.
We recently discovered ½ Price Night at Trio in Kitty Hawk – on Mondays, starting at 5 p.m., all wines by the glass, draft beers and wine station tab cards are 50% off. The wine station is the talk of the OBX. It’s a help-yourself automated station where you can enjoy a taste, half or full glass from a selection of high and medium priced wines. I tried a glass of the Biltmore Viogner 2010 and can heartily recommend it as a well balanced white wine with a smooth finish.
Check back again and I’ll share more on restaurants, shopping and what’s fresh at the Beach Road to Manteo.
“Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sautee it. There’s, um, shrimp kebabs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir fried. There’s pineapple shrimp and lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich… That’s, that’s about it.”
Bubba Blue from the film, FORREST GUMP.
The second annual Shrimp CookOff will be held on Sunday, November 6, at Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk – from 12:00 noon until 3:00pm. This casual, fun competition was a huge success in 2010 and raised almost $5,000 to benefit the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research.
There will be nine competing chefs from around the Outer Banks, cooking fresh, local shrimp in their favorite style of preparation. A DJ will be keeping up with announcements and door prizes and a silent auction will also be held on the second floor of Ocean Boulevard, with a People’s Choice Ballot. The bar will be open serving Beer & Wine specials along with your favorite beverage. The cost per person is $20 at the door, and tickets can be bought in advance at Ocean Boulevard, or at Outer Banks Veterinarian.
Boot Camp. 6 weeks running and fitness camp on the beach. Great workout for all skill levels. www.outerbanksbootcamps.com.
Boot Camp Graduation, Wright Brothers Monument
Hang Gliding. Soar high above Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Visit Kitty Hawk Kites and learn to fly.
Paddle Boarding. Ocean or sound, it’s a great way to explore and see the aquatic wildlife in our local waters. www.kittyhawkwatersports.com.
Sailing, Jet Skiing, Windsurfing. Hobie cat day sailing or windsurfing. You can do it all at Kitty Hawk Water Sports, excellent instructors, great location on the By Pass in Nags Head, next to Jurassic Putt.
June 4-10 brings the Triple-S Invitational Kiteboarding Competition to Cape Hatteras. This professional event attracts the top 24 men and women kiteboarders from around the world to compete.
The Lost Colony. Live outdoor theater about the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. May 27 through August 20th 2011, Monday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (252) 473-3414 or www.thelostcolony.org.
Art. Dare County Arts Council showcases local artists including Chris Bickford (photojournalist) and Holly Nettles (acrylic, oil & collage) in the old court house, Manteo. www.darearts.org.
Art’s Place, Kitty Hawk. Featured in the June issue of Our State Magazine for best burgers in the state of North Carolina. On the Beach Road. (252) 261-3233.
Blue Point Bar & Grill, Duck. Overlooking Currituck Sound. www.goodfoodgoodwine.com. (252) 261-8090.
MUSIC & WINE & FOOD – The Brine and Bottle, on the Causeway, Nags Head. Every Thursday enjoy live jazz on the deck from 7 – 10 p.m. www.thebrineandbottle.com.
My favorite salad right now has baby kale sprouts, baby lettuce (growing in a pot on my deck), , hearts of romaine, purple onion, celery, spinach, red grapes, avocado (optional), and feta cheese and walnuts. I like the onions and celery super thinly sliced and crisped in an ice bath while I’m preparing the rest of the salad and dressing. I suggest a good Feta cheese, the kind that comes in a block (with liquid), not the “crumbles.”
It gets pulled together in a most delicious way with this dressing:
The dressing is “Global House Salad” from Jadine Sayer (Epicurious.com).
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil (I use an Italian extra virgin cold pressed olive oil)
2 TBS balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp Sriracha sauce (Thai hot sauce)
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper & a smidge of kosher salt.
Whisk all the ingredients tother.
Toast the walnuts in the oven at 400 for a minute or two, or stove top. Be sure to watch them so they don’t burn. Assemble salad, layering lettuce, grapes, celery, onions, avocado, walnuts and sprouts on top, add dressing to taste.
When there’s a special occassion, or I’m just plain sick and tired of leftovers or frozen microwavable meals, there are some great local eateries to choose from in Manteo.
One of my all time favorite places in Poor Richard’s on the waterfront in downtown Manteo. The place is casual, the views are great and the food is fresh. Order at the counter and find a seat inside or out. If it’s not listed on the menu, chances are they can make it for you. http://www.poorrichardsmanteo.com/. 252-473-3333.
We recently tried the new Harbor Point Bar and Grill at Shallowbag Bay. This is a new restaurant that took over the space once occupied by Striper’s. The view was outstanding and the food delicious. I enjoyed a turkey/bacon wrap with fresh home-made chips and salsa. 252-473-3222.
Another favorite place is Ortegaz Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar. The service is always great, and the food is served with a fresh spin and a nod to the flavors of the southwest. Their fish tacos are delightful. http://www.ortegaz.com/index.html.
Elizbethan Gardens on Roanoke Island presents: Green for Herbs - Learn how to grow, harvest and cook with fresh herbs presented by special guest Chef Jason Smith from the Black Pelican Restaurant, Kitty Hawk.
The class will concentrate mainly on appetizers. Appetizers include: rosemary skewered bacon wrapped scallops with caramelized onion and sweet thyme sauce, smoked salmon bundles wrapped in chive with lemon caper dill sauce, herb poached mussels and clams with toasted baguette. Chef Jason will be using herbs grown at The Elizabethan Gardens. Assistant Greenhouse Manager, Kathy Crawford will be on hand to give you hints on selecting, growing and purchasing herbs from The Gardens. Workshop includes a visit to the greenhouses and admission to The Gardens.
ONE FREE ADMISSION TO THE FIRST PERSON TO EMAIL lee@marsheslight.com and put HERBS in the subject line.
Plants and Herbs will be on sale 10% off in the plant sales area. Members/Friends: $25 Non Members: $30 (Visa , MasterCard & Discover accepted)
Sunny skies and warm weather are in the forecast for the next couple of days and into the weekend. Early signs of Spring are in the air. It’s time to dust off your flip flops, check your calendar and discover some very compelling reasons to visit the Outer Banks right now.
Marshes Light Marina
I’ll be at the Greater DC Live South Show on February 25-27 at the McLean Hilton with Marshes Light. Admission is free and if you’re in the area, please come by our booth, see what is new at Marshes Light, and register for a chance to win a 2 night stay here in a lovely three bedroom waterfront villa. Our new Sales and Welcome Center is now open at 301 Dartmoor Lane at the Marina.
Coming up: 3rd Annual Jockey’s Ridge Oyster Roast on March 5, from 10 am until 2 pm. This is a great community effort to plant and create new environments for oysters in the Sound behind Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head. Oyster roast is free for participants. For more information call 252-441-7132.
Did you know that on February 8th, 1862, Roanoke Island was captured by the Union Army after more than 24 hours of conflict? Island Farm is hosting a Living History Weekend with all sorts of activities and demonstrations for you history and civil war buffs. March 5 & 6.
One of the more popular annual events is the OBX Taste of The Beach, March 17-20. The Outer Banks Restaurant Association has been hosting the Taste of The Beach for over 25 years. This grand food festival event will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with exciting array of creative combinations of culinary delights and fun activities on the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks are quickly becoming a running destination. Kelly’s 3rd Annual Running of the Leprechauns 8K jumps into the season onMarch 19. For more information on this event and other activities, visit www.outerbanksrunningclub.org.
Live music and theater round out the month of March:
The Freedmen’s Colony Blues Jam on March 25 at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 7:30 pm. www.roanokeisland.com for more information.
Theatre of Dare presents “Diamond Studs” on March 25 – 27 at 7:30 pm Friday & Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday at the COA Roanoke Island Campus (formerly Manteo Middle School). Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door, and $8 for students with valid school/college identification. www.theatreofdare.org or 252-261-4064.
The London Quartet on March 26 at First Flight High School Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Sophisticated humor and harmony a cappella style by one of the world’s top vocal groups. Visit www.outerbanksforum.org.
The Vagina Monologues on March 30 – 31 and April 1 at the Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 7:30 p.m. The production is a part of the V-Day 2011 Worldwide Campaign to stop violence against women and girls. Tickets are $15, for more information contact: Gail Hutchison hutchisongail@hotmail.com.
A 63 pound striped bass (aka rock fish) was landed recently by a father and son team fishing aboard the Rigged Up out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Congratulations to Captain Haywood on and his fishing party.
The largest striped bass ever caught by angling was a 35.6 kg (78.5 lb) specimen taken in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 21, 1982. The record-holder is Albert McReynolds, who fought the fish from the beach for an hour and twenty-minutes before landing it in the surf.
While the Atlantic striped bass is the state fish of Maryland, Rhode Island and South Carolina, it’s easily the fish of choice during the winter on the Outer Banks.
Also known as rock fish, or ocean rock, these fish migrate between fresh and salt water; and its during the colder months when the rockfish show up along the Outer Banks that makes prime fishing time.
Ocean rockfish is definitely the best fish I’ve ever tasted. If you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks soon, check in with any of the local fish stores, such as Carawan’s in Kitty Hawk, and ask if they have fresh ocean rockfish or striped bass. Get them to filet one for you, take it home, rub it with olive oil, salt and pepper and grill about 5-7 minutes on each side. If unable to grill outdoors, fish can be broiled 4-5 minutes from heat, turning once, 10 to 12 minutes total.
I have heard many great things about the Blue Moon Beach Grill. Located at Surfside Plaza in Nags Head, the BMBG is located in a strip mall that lays between the Beach Road and the Bypass at about the 13 Milepost. It’s small which in my experience usually equates with excellence. (http://http://www.bluemoonbeachgrill.com/.)
I met several friends for lunch recently. We were seated at a table right away. The last time I attempted lunch at the BMBG was in early summer and we were turned away as there was a 30 minute wait. My anticipation was palatable. The thing about strip malls, though, is the front door. You enter right off the sidewalk/parking lot. In this case the front door also opened from the north and the north wind. None of us could take our coats off, and you got a blast of arctic air every time the door opened. Which happened a lot.
After examining the menu, I decided on a Caesar salad with fried oysters. A sign on the wall proclaims Outer Banks Catch, a local nonprofit program that promotes and encourages support and consumption of local seafood. (http://http://www.outerbankscatch.com/.) And our local oysters have been superb this season and these were no exception. These were perfectly fried, delicately salty and crunchy.
In the 1930s, Caesar Salad was voted by the master chefs of the International Society of Epicures in Paris as the “greatest recipe to originate from the Americas in fifty years.” (http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/SaladHistory.htm.) The formula for a perfect Caesar is pretty much the same and makes it a great winter salad: fresh romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil with garlic and anchovies. The version I had at the Blue Moon included grape tomatoes, sautéed onions and diced bacon. I like the inner crisp leaves of the romaine, the fresher the better. My salad consisted of the outer end leaves that tend to wilt in a dressing. The onions added an interesting visual dimension, but ultimately overpowered the salad. There were no croutons – possibly due to the fried oysters. I was disappointed in the salad, but the good news is that there were maybe six or seven of those delectable fried oysters served on top of the salad and that was just right.
This recipe is going into the Family Favorite Great Recipe Folder! It received great reviews at a recent baby shower and has passed the discerning eyes of the resident fresh-food lovers and chefs in my family.
Tart and Crunchy Fresh Tuna Salad
(adapted from a Food Network recipe by Claire Robinson)
I deviated from the recipe which called for baking the tuna in parchment paper.
Cut the tuna into chunks and layer with lemon slices. Steam in lightly salted water (add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cooking water). I used my trusty vegetable steamer (nothing fancy), but it is important to spray the steamer with Pam or brush it with olive oil. I watched it for about 10 minutes and as soon as the tuna meat was almost cooked (or almost white), I took it off the heat to cool.
After tuna has cooled, shred meat with a knife/fork and put in bowl, add yogurt, touch of mayo, grapes, celery and walnuts and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and fresh lemon juice to taste. Serve with crackers, in a sandwich or a wrap and enjoy.
I think the secret is the Greek yogurt, it adds a rich/slightly tart taste without the calories that mayo delivers. I probably could have left the mayo out, but felt it added a little bit to the flavor. This tuna salad was awesome!
It was a beautiful evening for a dinner cruise. We left the docks at Pirates Cove at 6 p.m. and cruised around Roanoke Island for about an hour and a half. The boat let us off at the Town of Manteo docks where most of the guests went on to enjoy a concert at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
The Town of Duck on NC’s Outer Banks is not just a collection of shops selling t-shirts and kites. There are some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks in Duck, a great book store, a delightful art gallery and so much more. My three sons all work in Duck.
We recently had dinner at Red Sky Cafe (www.redskycafe.com) where my son is one of the chefs. We sat at the bar and enjoyed fresh sushimi and a delicately fried softshell, crispy goodness with corn relish. I wanted to post of picture of the soft shell, but we devoured it before I could get my camera.
Rib eye with sauteed veggies and mashed potatoes
Wayne had the rib eye and I had the grouper. It’s a wonderful relaxed setting located on NC 12 in downtown Duck.
The Town of Duck sponsors a Summer Music Series, which is returning for its fourth season. For six weeks, local musical groups will take the stage at the Duck Town Park gazebo. The concerts are from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from June 29 through August 5.
I’ll explore other favorite shops, eateries and things to do in Duck in later posts. Enjoy!
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.
According to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, rock fish is also known as striped bass and is regulated according to the five coastal areas where it is found. I am only interested in ocean rockfish – this is buttery, white meat that to me is better than lobster! It is fortunate that my husband is a great cook as we have rock fish once to twice a week when it is in season. Tuesday evening, he made pan-seared rockfish, roasted asparagus and cheese grits – delish!
When he’s not in the mood to cook, we love dining at the Kill Devil Grill, located near Eighth Street on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills. Yesterday, my friend Stephanie and I enjoyed lunch there. It was a beautiful day and she had the fried rockfish sandwich with fries – she’s skinny, she can get away with it- and I enjoyed grilled salmon over salad. It was excellent! Two other specials looked good – the beer battered flounder and the crab cakes! All so good!
