2010 Snow on the Outer Banks

Posted on January 30, 2010

Outer Banks Snow 2010 - Wright Brothers Monument

Flakes started to fall late Friday night, and by early Saturday the Outer Banks was layered in a sheet of white 2-3 inches thick. Unfortunately, the wintery scene did not last too long; the feathery flakes turned to heavy rain throughout the morning, and the white landscape gradually shifted to a wintery beach scene.

Just over a year from 2009′s OBX snow; two years in a row with snow on the Outer Banks. Although the beach blanketed in snow dissipated quickly, the joys of a day filled with a white landscape, snowballs and snowmen, and some sledding will hold us over until the next wintery storm draws far enough south to grace the OBX with a day slowed to nurture the effects of nature.

Outer Banks Snow 2010 - Buoy at Nags Head Pier

Outer Banks Snow 2010 - Nags Head Pier

Outer Banks Snow 2010 - KDH2

Outer Banks Snow 2010 - KDH

Construction Projects Raise Alarm for Outer Banks Wild Horses

Posted on January 29, 2010

Outer Banks Wild Horses

Residents of Corova have historically been resistant to commercial construction on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. This resistance stems from the desire to keep the area as pristine and natural as possible, but also to protect the wild horses that are a main attraction of the northern OBX beaches.

Shops in Corolla sell t-shirts and other horse related items by the hundreds. Truckloads of visitors have made the trek into the dunes to catch a glimpse of the wild horses.

In fact so many people have shown interest that the county will support a $300,000 project that will make major improvements to Ocean Pearl Road on Corova Beach.

Most of the residents of the area are in favor of the project (it will be funded with county occupancy taxes). However, the fact that the wild horses often wander along the sides of these roads is a concern to some locals.

Another cause for concern is the fact that not far from the beach in Swan Beach, a developer proposes a commercial district of 31.71 acres that would include an inn, shops, restaurants and residential units. Also in the same plans is another small commercial area of 5.86 acres that would include a fishing pier to the ocean and a bait shop.

Original plats done in 1969 set aside these tracts for commercial use. County zoning calls it residential. The commission turned down an application for a similar project on the same tract in November 2008 after residents protested.

Outer Banks Horse to be Named State Horse?

Posted on January 29, 2010

Outer Banks Wild Horses - Mare & Two Foals

A group from Carteret County is joining with Outer Banks horse supporters to have Outer Banks horses named the official state horse.

The group has a goal of getting the bill introduced to the General Assembly this spring for approval will be holding a special event in Currituck County to promote the initiative. If the General Assembly is in agreement on the bill, then North Carolina will be among 10 other states to add the Colonial Spanish Mustang to their state symbol collections.

The bill has received enormous support. Currituck County has received over 1000 letters of support since the campaign began.

Standing before an audience of more than 500 at Shawboro Elementary School on Friday, second-grader Catherine Simila declared why she thinks the Colonial Spanish Mustang should be North Carolina’s state horse. “These horses have survived the most violent weather, sand, heat and even sun,” she said. “Because of their toughness and iron will, there is no other horse to represent our strong state of North Carolina.”

Art Retreat on the Outer Banks

Posted on January 28, 2010

Outer Banks Sunrise

squam by the sea 2010

Wed, October 20th – Sun, October 24th

Some dreams take a bit of time (and a bit of doing) to bring into being, but when they finally appear they make all the waiting worthwhile. Squam by the sea is just such a dream.

It first began several years ago as a wishful, blue moon, pie in the sky conversation between Elizabeth and Michelle. It rooted itself on the beach in Nags Head last June when Elizabeth journeyed to the seaside town Michelle calls home. Then, as dreams tend to do, it took a strong hold on both their hearts over the Fall. Next, as destiny would have it, they joined their vision with one that McCabe had long held for a bewitching beach gathering. Jen and Sarah jumped in and lo and behold, we had yoga, mixed media, writing and mermaid magic all weaving together in one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast: North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

More specifically, we will be convening on the wide, white, immensely walkable beaches of Nags Head where pelicans swoop by in artful formation and the water is often warmed by the gulf stream. Nags Head is part of a narrow strip of coastal barrier islands that reach farther into the Atlantic Ocean than any other place on the East Coast, so when you are standing on the beach, you are truly immersed in the rhythmic, healing waves and salt spray of the sea.

We will be staying in charming cottages situated directly on the beach.

For early risers there are sunrise beach walks, bike rides, surfing, swimming or even sun salutations to indulge in.
Once everyone has gathered and enjoyed a lovely breakfast, we will break out into our classes that last until lunch.
The afternoon has more class time…
Followed by dinner and then…
Evening gatherings which may include bonfires and story telling on the beach or hanging out in the main house for visiting, sharing, knitting or games (and given our status as professional dreamers, we have a few magical surprises awaiting you, too).

If there were a way to sum up what these four days in beach heaven will be like, it might be described as taking a great big breath, or exhaling a deep sigh of relief. There will be a release of tension, stress and busy minds and a gentle escape into the true, calm, intuitive center of ourselves.

Squam By the Sea Schedule

by the sea SCHEDULE: october 20-24, 2010

WEdnesday, october 20
REGISTRATION 2:00pm – 5:00pm
DINNER 6:00pm – 8:00pm
OPENING CELEBRAT ION and BEACH BONFIRE

Thursday, october 21
Early birds have options of beach walk, bike ride or sun salutation on the beach
BREAKFAST            7:30am – 8:30am
CLASSES                   9:00am – 12noon
LUNCH                      12:30pm – 1:30pm
CLASSES                   2:00pm – 5:00pm
DINNER                    6:00pm – 8:00pm
EVENING GATHER ING

Friday, october 22
Early birds have options of beach walk, bike ride or sun salutation on the beach
BREAKFAST            7:30am – 8:30am
CLASSES                   9:00am – 12noon
LUNCH                      12:30pm – 1:30pm
CLASSES                   2:00pm – 5:00pm
DINNER                    6:00pm – 8:00pm
EVENING GATHER ING

SATURday, october 23
Early birds have options of beach walk, bike ride or sun salutation on the beach
BREAKFAST            7:30am – 8:30am
CLASSES                   9:00am – 12noon
LUNCH                      12:30pm – 1:30pm
AFTERNOON Afternoon is unscheduled but all the teachers will be gathering together to create sacred spirit totems and would be delighted if you wanted to join in. All materials will be supplied.
DINNER                    6:00pm – 8:00pm
CLOSING CEREMONY AND BEA CH BO NFIRE (under the full moon!)

SUNday, october 24
BREA KFAST 8:00am – 10:00am

Registration

Registration opens Monday, February 1, 2010*.

Please do not send your registration prior to that date.

TO REGISTER:

Download by the sea registration Form
Print out the pdf
Fill out the form and be sure to SIGN IT
Pop it in the mail with your check (or, if you are using PayPal you will have the option to simply mark that on the form)Send it to: Squam Art Workshops
201 Thompson Road
Sandwich, NH 03227

They will email you directly once registration is received.

4th Annual Outer Banks Idol at the Outer Banks Music Showcase

Posted on January 28, 2010

Outer Banks Idol

The Outer Banks Music Showcase presents the 4th Annual Outer Banks Idol show

February 27th, 2010 Preliminary Round
March 6th, 2010 Semi-Finals
March 13th, 2010 Finals!

Are you or someone you know a talented singer? Get your voice heard! Registration forms are located at the Outer Banks Music Showcase box office and online at www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com.

Tickets on sale now.

$10.00 Adults,
$4.00 Children

Check online or call the box office for more information: 252-261-7505.

Beer & Wine Tastings on the Outer Banks

Posted on January 28, 2010

Native Vine now has a newly created “beer tasting” license….so let’s take it for a spin.

This Friday we’ll do a combo Beer and Wine Tasting at 6:30pm, featuring some wonderful microbrews and wines, including a cab and pinot noir from Gundlach Bundschu at 30-40% of. The tasting will be just $10….and FREE with purchases of $30 or more per person.

Please call for reservations to 252.491.5311.

: Outer Banks Wine Tasting

: Native Vine on the Outer Banks

Start planning for the Annual Valentines Tasting! After last year’s great success, Native Vine will once again be doing an Aphrodisiac Tasting! This year they have added BEER to the tasting as well! They will pair wine and beers with know aphrodisiac foods! Tasting will be on Friday, Feb 12th at 6:30pm and on Sunday, Feb 14th at 5pm. The tasting is $30/pp. Please call for reservations to 252.491.5311.

Wildlife Refuge on the Outer Banks to Build New Visitor’s Center

Posted on January 27, 2010

The Alligator National Wildlife Refuge is a 154,000 acre refuge that runs from the Outer Banks coast inland. The 26 year old refuge is home to a wide variety of wildlife like bear, rare red wolves, diverse bird species, and of course, alligators.

The Virginia Pilot recently announced that the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge will be fortunate enough to have a brand new $5 million visitor’s center constructed at its headquarters in Manteo, NC (Roanoke Island), a short drive from the OBX beaches. The project is scheduled to be finished in 18 months.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Record Year for Jockey’s Ridge…and All North Carolina State Parks

Posted on January 27, 2010

One of the nice aspects about life is that there is generally a “silver lining,” or a positive spin, that can be found in difficult situations. The current economic pinch definitely qualifies as a difficult situation, but a silver lining for visitors and local residents to North Carolina is an increase in interest towards North Carolina state parks.

State parks offer a wide variety of great activities and a great opportunity to get closer to nature, and considering the current economic conditions, state parks are a great opportunity to enjoy some unique activities at a very reasonable price…many free!

The North Carolina state parks reported record attendance for 2009, with 14.16 million visits. That is a 13% increase from 2008 and a 5% increase from the previous record set in 2007.

The Outer Banks offers some great areas to escape to nature, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head Woods, Outer Banks Wildlife Center, and one North Carolina designated state park; Jockeys Ridge State Park.

In 2009, Jockey’s Ridge earned the designation as the most visited North Carolina state park with 1.4 million visitors. Considering this was a record setting year for all North Carolina state parks, it is pretty impressive to see the OBX state park with the most visitors.

Jockey’s Ridge is centrally located in Nags Head, a quick walk or ride from many vacation homes.

Tim Reynolds & TR3 Call the Outer Banks Home

Posted on January 26, 2010

Many people have listened to Tim Reynolds and Dave Matthews collaborate with each other on albums with dueling guitars style. However, Tim Reynolds is much more than Dave Matthews’ sidekick.

In fact, he is a front man himself. In the 80s, Tim lead a number of trios. Afterwards, he did spend a lot of time touring with Dave Matthews. Now, he is a front man again, heading a group called TR3.

In addition to Reynolds, TR3 consists of bass player Mick Vaughn and drummer Dan Martier (also a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty).

“Doing the sideman gig, that kind of came later,” Reynolds said during a recent phone interview with the Vale Daily News. “I started as the front man, and it’s more of an expression to be a front man. I’ve always been compelled to write music. As much as I like to play the guitar, to me the real deal is writing music.”

The group played in Vail last week and has been touring, but their home base is the Outer Banks. Keep an eye on the music schedule for some of the local clubs, and you may be lucky enough to see TR3 in action.

To connect with the group and see when they are coming to a town near you, please visit their fan page on MySpace.

2010 Outer Banks Bike Week Extended – Schedule of Events

Posted on January 26, 2010

8th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week™

Sunday to Sunday – April 18th-25th,2010

2010 Outer Banks Bike Week Schedule of Events

All week Rides & Events:

Pin Run- OBX H-D – Nags Head H-D – Bayside H-D
Run for the Ferry-Win a Vacation in the OBX for Bike Week 2011
Ride 2 Three-Win a $1000 Shopping Spree-announced April 25, 2010 (Do not have to be present to win.)
All events at Vertigo Tattoo:$10 at the gate. Wall of Death at Vertigo Tattoo-shows every hour all week.

Sunday

Welcome Bikers
Vendors open at 12 noon at 7 locations
Vertigo Tattoo-Super Bike Contest 11-4p, Burnout Competition 5pm, The Walker Brothers Band 4-9p

Monday

Vendors-Open at 10am
Guided Tour-Around the Sound 150-200 miles
Vertigo Tattoo-Metric Bike Contest 11-4p, Burnout Competition 5pm, The Walker Brothers Band 4-pm

Tuesday

Vendors
Guided Tour-North Beaches to Corolla
The Pit- Live Music-$1 Tacos $3 Coronas and Margaritas
Ted Riser Band at Outer Banks H-D stage
Vertigo Tattoo-Sportster Bike Contest 11-4pm, Burnout Competition 5pm, The Walker Brothers Band 4-9pm

Wednesday

Vendors
Guided Tour Run for the Ferry
Ted Reiser Band-OBX H-D Stage
Vertigo Tattoo-Hot Wing Contest 3pm-Custom Paint Contest 11-4pm, Burnout Competition 5pm-Cory Daniel Band 11-4pm, Triple Shot 4-9pm
Offical Party at Mojo Café- Waves NC Concert Mojo Collins Blues

Thursday

Vendors
South Phantom Band-OBX H-D Stage
Ladies ONLY Bike Show
Guided Bike Week Pin Run
Vertigo Tattoo-Big Twin Contest 11-4pm, Burnout Competition 5pm-Cory Daniel Band 11-4pm, Triple Shot 4-9pm
Lucky 12 Tavern-DJ Bruce 10pm
Official Party at Port O’Call Restaurant

Friday

Vendors
Bike Show at Nags Head H-D
Pawn Shop Lifter and Tin Roof Union on OBX H-D Stage
H-D Demo Truck at Nags Head H-D
Kitty Hawk Baptist Church-Chili-Sausage & Dogs
Miss OBX Bike Week signing
Tattoo Contest
Vertigo Tattoo- Vertigo Tattoo-Antique Motorcycle Contest 11-4pm, Burnout Competition 5pm-Cory Daniel Band 11-4pm, Triple Shot 4-9pm
Lucky 12 Tavern-Ted Reiser Band 7pm
Official Party at Kelly’s Restaurant 6pm til?

Saturday

Vendors
Poker Run
H-D Demo Truck at Nags Head
Best Beer Belly at OBX H-D Stage
Miss OBX Bike Week Contest-OBX H-D Stage
Kitty Hawk Baptist Church-BBQ
Roanoke Festival Park Concert
Awaiting the Sun Band on the OBX H-D Stage
Miss OBX Poster Signing
Pig Pickin and Live Music at the Pit 12-4p
Gravediggers Mud Bog Event
Vertigo Tattoo- Vertigo Tattoo-Old School and Bobbers Contest 11-4pm, Final Burnout Competition $250 Cash Prize 5pm-Cory Daniel Band 11-4pm, Triple Shot 4-9pm
Lucky 12 Tavern-Ted Reiser 7pm
Official Party Hosts OBX Brewing Station and Red Drum 6p til?