Fall on the Outer Banks

October 7, 2012

It’s been a gradual change of seasons with lots of things going on on the Outer Banks. I’ve participated in the Outer Banks Triathlon as a member of a relay team – I did the bike portion: 13.1 miles starting at the Dare County Regional Airport over the old Manns Harbor Bridge and back. The ride out was smooth and the views were spectacular, but when I made the turn at Mashoes Road, I hit a wall of wind and it took everything in me to get back across the bridge.

This weekend marked the First Annual Bluegrass Festival at Festival Park in Manteo. This was a sell-out event. Unfortunately I didn’t get to go, but it’s on my calendar for next year. Check out some great photos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OBXBluegrassFestival?fref=ts.

View from the Duck Soundside Boardwalk

Today marked the 6th Annual Duck Jazz Festival, featuring The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman, Paula Atherton, THE FUZZ BAND, and Emme St. James and Her Jazz Gentlemen.

Today also marked the final day of the 20th Annual Outer Banks Home Builders Parade of Homes. The homes were selected featuring new designs and many incorporate new technologies, best building practices and ‘green’ features.

There is a plethora of events and activities coming up. My favorite resource for all things is http://www.outerbanks.org/outerbanks-events/.

My favorites include:

  • The Colony Lost & Found 5K and Fun Run, October 13 in Manteo
  •  Outer Banks Seafood Festival, October 20 in Nags Head
  • Trick or Treat Under the Sea, October 24 at the Roanoke Island Aquarium
  • Outer Banks Marathon, including Half Marathon, 8K, 5K, Southern 6 & more, November 9 – 11

It’s a beautiful time of the year to visit the Outer Banks!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Arts, Dining, Environment, Fall Weather, Fitness, Food & Wine, outer banks, Roanoke Island, Running, Sporting Events, travel, Uncategorized.

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First Friday, 4th of July and lots of Summer Fun!

July 1, 2011

There’s a lot going on on the Outer Banks this weekend. For a complete list of events planned for July, please visit http://www.outerbanks.org/events/calendar_of_events/july.asp.

Some highlights this weekend:

  • First Friday, July 1,  downtown Manteo. 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.
  • Monday, July 4th Festivities in Manteo. Festivities kick off with performances by: Tshombe Selby – singing the National Anthem, Echoes of Heritage – our local A Cappella Music Group, Ray Johnson – Popular Karaoke Music.  Starting at 3 p.m., events include Apple Pie Contest; Decorated Bike Contest; Wacky Hat Contest. Live music at 6 p.m., with Old Enough to Know Better. Fireworks after dark.

    Crazy Hats Contest, Manteo

  • Monday, Town of Duck’s seventh annual Fourth of July Parade at 9:00 a.m., with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park featuring community fun, music, watermelon, and the awarding of parade trophies.
  • Monday, July 4th, 8:30 a.m. 6th Annual OBX Killer Dunes 2 mile run / walk & kids fun run, Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head. The event is a benefit for Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina & Virginia.
  • Nags Head 15th annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. 9:25 p.m. from Nags Head Fishing Pier.
  • Whalehead Club in Corolla: 19th Annual Independence Day Festival of Fireworks. Fireworks begin at dusk but arrive early to enjoy food, fun activities, fabulous music and find a place for your blankets and chairs.

Categories: Arts, Holiday Happenings, outer banks, Roanoke Island, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Lots of great reasons to visit the Outer Banks this Fall!

October 20, 2010

October 23
The Colony Lost & Found 5k and Fun Run 8 a.m. Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m. The course will take you through the grounds of The Lost Colony, Fort Raleigh and the woods of Roanoke Island, returning on the bike path and back to The Lost Colony parking lot. For more information and to register please go to: outerbanksrunningclub.org. 100% of event proceeds will go to Food For Thought and The Lost Colony.

October 23
 7:30 p.m. Red Clay Ramblers. The Tony® Award-winning Red Clay Ramblers, a North Carolina string band whose repertoire encompasses old-time mountain music, bluegrass country, rock, and the American musical. Performances at First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills. For more information call 252-255-2274. Saturday evening tickets will be available at the door: $25 per adult; $12 per student.

October 24
The Conner Miller Duo.  Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 4 p.m. The duo performs traditional renditions of Old-Time, Brother Duets, bluegrass, acoustic and American Roots, as well as original songs. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park. (252) 475-1500. roanokeisland.com.

October 28
Trick or Treat Under the Sea. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ghosts and strange aquatic creatures will greet children as they enjoy this “spooktacular” event. Crazy costume contests, creepy crafts, spine-tingling scream contests and yummy munchies are just a few of the things to howl about. Tickets are limited. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (800) 832-3474, (252) 473-3494 or ncaquariums.com.

October 28 – 30
The Haunted House at The Lost Colony: QUARANTINE ISLAND. Blood curdling scares from 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Box Office opens at 6:00 p.m. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult; not recommended for those under 10. Tickets are $10 per person; $8 per person if purchased before Oct. 28; no refunds. Rain or shine at Waterside Theatre, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, NC. Proceeds benefit the Roanoke Island Historical Association and Dare Coalition Against Substance Abuse. For advance tickets or information call 252-473-2127 x223 or visit thelostcolony.org.

October 29 – 31, November 5 – 7
Theatre of Dare presents “Sylvia”. Directed by Don Bridge.   This show is a “howlingly funny” modern romantic comedy about marriage… and a talking dog.  Shows are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, at the COA Roanoke Island Campus.  Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door, and $8 for students with valid school/college identification.  For more information, visit theatreofdare.org or call 252-261-4064.

October 29 – 31
Marshes Light Marina 1st Annual King Mackerel Tournament. Guaranteed first place prize of $10,000.  Proceeds benefit Outer Banks Relief Foundation and the Town of Manteo Fisherman’s Landing Project. For more information, please call 252-305-4737 or visit marsheslightmarina.com.

October 30
Halloween Parade and Party. Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building, 23186 Myrna Peters Dr., Rodanthe. 2 to 3:30 p.m. A Halloween parade and party marks the spooky season on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Parade starts at North Beach Campground in Rodanthe and processes along N.C. 12 to the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building. Call (252) 987-1303 for information. Visit rwscivic.org. The event is sponsored by the villages’ civic association.

October 30
RIFP Performance Series A& T Presents Dancing & Drumming of Africa & the Caribbean. 2 and 7 p.m. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Dance to the Beat of Africa and the Caribbean: The E. Gwynn Dancers of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will transport you to the exciting world of African and Caribbean dance. The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 roanokeisland.com.

November 3 – 6
53rd Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, Buxton. Registration – Wednesday, November 3, Team Fishing – Thursday, November 4, Team Fishing – Friday, November 5, Bob Bernard Individual Tournament Saturday, November 6, Tackle Show – Thursday, November 4. capehatterasanglersclub.org.

November 5
First Friday. Downtown Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, period-dressed actors, a rock climbing wall and much more. firstfriday-roanokeisland.com.

November 6
RIFP Performance Series A&T presents a Musical program. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Musical Moods and Melodies: Join the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Music Programs exciting Jazz Ensemble under the direction of renowned trumpeter Mondre Moffett. The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

November 8
4th Annual Paul Shaver Memorial Charity Golf Tournament. Sea Scape Golf Links. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. Shotgun start at noon. Tournament Proceeds will be donated to The Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Entry fee is $100 per person or $400 per team. Fees include: cart and green fees, t-shirt, box lunch and refreshments. Post tournament dinner and raffle follow at The Black Pelican.  Dinner Tickets are also available for $20 per person. For more information, contact Michelle Robertson at 252-261-3171. Tournament entry forms are available at The Black Pelican and Sea Scape Golf Links.

November 9 – 14
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival. Offering over 85 programs in themes ranging from paddling and wildlife photography to birding, natural history and more! (252) 216-9464 or wingsoverwater.org.

November 12
Lecture with Duane River and Charles S. Manooch. Art Gallery at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 7 – 9 p.m. Charles Manooch, author of Fisherman’s Guide: Fishes of the Southeastern United States, and Duane Raver, the book’s illustrator, will discuss their book project and share anecdotes. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

November 13
Outer Banks 8K. Kill Devil Hills, near the First Flight Schools Campus. An out-and-back course which will start in Kill Devil Hills, continue through Nags Head Woods Maritime Forest and finish at the First Flight High School track. obxmarathon.org.

November 13
Outer Banks Fun Run. 10 a.m. A family friendly event where kids and adults can run and walk for the fun of it! Walker-friendly and strollers allowed. obxmarathon.org.

November 13
Outer Banks Jewelry Expo 2010. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Local and regional jewelry designers will gather at Roanoke Island Festival Park Saturday, November 13th for the 2nd annual Outer Banks Jewelry Expo. (252) 475-1500, roanokeisland.com.

November 14
Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon. 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. obxmarathon.org.

November 19, 20
13th Annual Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo. Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park. A fishing tournament sponsored by the Manteo Rotary. (252) 473-6644 or rockfishrodeo.com.

November 20
RIFP Performance Series UNC Chapel Hill presents Opera. Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. UNC Chapel Hill, with Director Terry Ellen Rhodes, will present a program entitled “Scenes from Verdi Operas.” The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.

November 20
7:30 p.m. Greg Gelb Jazz Quartet –  Savor the sizzling sounds of this widely popular quartet which encompasses great jazz and swing standards, bebop, early jazz, post bop and originals lead by Gregg Gelb, recipient of the 1997 Jazz Fellowship Award from the NC Arts Council.  Performances at First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills. For more information call 252-255-2274. Saturday evening tickets will be available at the door: $25 per adult; $12 per student.

November 25
15th 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 – 27
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 on Friday and Saturday. November 27, 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. (877) FLY-THIS, (252) 441-4124 or kittyhawkkites.com.

November 26 – 27
Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show. Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Buxton. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Free admission, food and a scholarship raffle. Local artists. (252) 441-1850.

Categories: Fall Weather, Historic Architecture, Marshes Light Marina, outer banks, Roanoke Island, Things to do, Uncategorized.

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The Beach Road to Duck

June 28, 2010

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!

Categories: Things to do, Uncategorized.

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Ducks in Duck

December 29, 2009


A beautiful crisp morning in the duck blind often finds my husband with camera in hand, rather than a shotgun.

This view is facing east from the Currituck Sound near Sanderling in Duck.

The colder weather, the better, that’s when the ducks get up and move. Life on the Outer Banks brings you close to living off the land and sea.

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Paintings Portray a Charming and Simple Lifestyle of the Outer Banks

March 6, 2009

The Beach Road to Manteo and beach scenes of the Outer Banks are portrayed beautifully in the art work of Kenneth Templeton. You can preview his work at his website at http://www.kentempleton.com/. Better yet, visit one of these galleries for a closer look:

  • The Greenleaf Gallery – Duck, NC
  • Glave Kocen Gallery – Richmond, VA
  • Carteret Contemporary – Morehead City, NC

His paintings are little snapshots of ordinary life here that I sometimes take for granted or take the time to stop and smell the salty ocean air or search for beach glass.

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