Shake, Rattle & Shoot

I may sound like a broken record, but the Outer Banks has soooo much coolness to offer…even beyond the beach. Do I say this too much? Oh well, it’s true.

I love the beach, the sun, and the surf as much as anyone, but I also dig all of the unique features that make the OBX so special – nature, art, history, food, and for the subject of this post – local businesses.

The OBX has some amazing local businesses, but I know from experience that the Outer Banks can create a bit of sensory overload when you’re here for a short time. Lots to see, lots to do, and it’s tough to determine the real treasures. Not to mention the beach is calling your name!

This is why we created Club Seaside a few years ago. Club Seaside isn’t really the focus of this post, so I won’t give a long sales pitch, but it is a unique way that we give our guests some insight into some of the great local businesses and offer a complimentary experience with the business to give a feel for the local OBX culture.

So why am I bringing this up? Well, we are getting close to announcing our 2012 Club Seaside lineup, and I’m happy to say that Brooke Mayo Photography is once again a partner! Which leads me to the main subject of this post…

Over the next day or so, I’m going to share a few great posts about Brooke, and to start let’s offer some virtual high-fives and woo hoos!

Brooke just released her second book! Shake, Rattle, & Shoot: The Business of Baby Photography. Congrats Ms. Mayo! Love the book!…especially the cover. (That’s my Little Dude, by the way. )

Here’s a link to an article in the Daily Advance that discusses the book and asks Brooke some questions. Inquiring minds want to know.

And here’s a link to the book on Amazon. Buy it. Read it. Love it.

Once again, congrats Brooke! You are super cool, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing your awesomeness to Club Seaside in 2012!

Outer Banks History: Burnside's Expedition

The Outer Banks is well-known for some obvious reasons – gorgeous beaches, great weather, fabulous beach vacations, etc. – but I often find that OBX lovers miss some of the less obvious magic.

I know, it’s tough to pull ourselves off the beach to see what else is around, but WOW, the Outer Banks is amazing beyond the beach. I could give a long list of reasons for my amazement, but for purposes of this post, I’m going to stick to one subject, OBX history.

The Outer Banks has sooo much history – the Wright Brothers, Blackbeard the Pirate, The Lost Colony, shipwrecks, Civil War battles, sunken WWII submarines, wild horses descending from Spain!

It’s bizarre to think the OBX is such a popular vacation destination, but the massive amount of history goes unnoticed by the majority of visitors.

OK, I agree, history lessons are not quite as fun as toes in the sand. But let’s spend a few minutes to realize what’s going on around us. And to help with this, we’re going to drop some OBX history knowledge on you all year long. Every month, we’re going to pick a piece of Outer Banks history and pass it along you.

So next time you have your toes stuck in the sand, you can tell everyone about the great history all around us…even if the beach won’t release it’s grip.

Stay tuned, more great Outer Banks history to come.

Let’s start with a bit of OBX Civil War history. January marks the start of “Burnside’s Expedition.”

Here is Wikipedia’s description of Burnside’s Expedition:

Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition (also known as the Burnside Expedition) was a series of engagements fought along the North Carolina Coast between February and June 1862. The expedition was part of Winfield Scott’s overall Anaconda Plan, which aimed at closing blockade-running ports inside the Outer Banks. The amphibious operation was carried out primarily by New England troops under Brig. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside and assisted by the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under Captain Louis M. Goldsborough.

You may have noticed in Wikipedia’s description that the battles took place between February and June. But I just said January marks the start date. What gives?!

Take a peek at the caption on the monument pictured above. As is the case at this time of year, OBX weather is unpredictable and often dangerous. Nor’easters love the winter months on the Outer Banks, and Burnside’s Expedition got off to a late start because once the fleet (80 ships!) took off from VA, Mother Nature threw them for a loop. Two days after lifting anchor, the fleet hit a strong nor’easter trying to cross Hatteras Bar, and reassembling the fleet in Pamlico Sound was delayed until February due to stormy weather.

OBX weather strikes again! You really can’t beat Mother Nature…she has our number.

There’s your Outer Banks history lesson for the month. Hope you enjoyed…and took notes.

Can’t wait to see what February has in store for our OBX history!

Hollywood Comes to the Outer Banks

Did you know that over 2,000 films have been filmed (full or partially) in North Carolina? 2K?! That’s impressive.

NC is sort of the Kevin Bacon of movie locations…we fit into any role.

North Carolina as a whole has a very diverse, and beautiful landscape…not to mention the diverse and interesting cultures and residents.

I guess it makes sense; we all love the OBX, so why not Hollywood too?

From Wilmington (also known as “Hollywood East”) to Lenoir to the Outer Banks, the beautiful, pristine beaches and majestic mountains have been the settings for some noteworthy movies throughout the years. From the east to the west, the diverse landscape in North Carolina can fill in for just about any part of the world, in any time period.

Here are a few you may know…

Movies filmed in North Carolina:

• Hannibal
• Patch Adams
• Nell
• Forrest Gump
• The Fugitive
• Last of the Mohicans
• Mr. Destiny
• Dirty Dancing
• Bull Durham
• Days of Thunder
• The Swan
• Shallow Hal
• The Green Mile
• Blue Velvet
• The Color Purple
• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
• The Secret Life of Bees
• Weekend at Bernie’s

The OBX specifically, has had a few films take place on the island, but not necessarily filmed here, and a couple that conducted filming right here…including some locals as extras. Nights in Rodanthe is the most recent, and arguably the most well known, and the filming of that movie was a very neat experience for a lot of local residents.

Movies filmed on the Outer Banks:

1. Brainstorm (one scene filmed at The Wright Brothers National Monument)
2. Nights in Rodanthe (filmed in the village of Rodanthe)

Movies filmed on North Carolina beaches:

1. Message in a Bottle (filmed in Wilmington)

Movies set on North Carolina beaches:

1. Dear John (set in Wilmington)
2. Nights in Rodanthe (set in the village of Rodanthe)
3. Message in a Bottle (set on the Outer Banks)

So, what are you waiting for? Come discover why Hollywood loves North Carolina (and the Outer Banks). After all, it’s not hard to see how our pristine coastline, southern charm, captivating history, and rich culture have captured the hearts of moviegoers everywhere.

This is not Amrhein’s first discovery. In 1983, he discovered the Spanish warship La Galga buried beneath the sands and marshes of Assateague Island, Virginia.  Amrhein began his research into the lost Spanish warship, La Galga, in 1978. Two years later, he had the evidence he needed to pinpoint the Spanish wreck. But the ship was not lying where all logic and archival documents would suggest. This would-be treasure hunter realized that the ship had been buried in a forgotten inlet and was lying within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. With this revelation came another surprise: La Galga was the legendary Spanish galleon associated with the wild horses of Assateague. Not only was the legendary galleon mentioned in the children’s classic, Misty of Chincoteague, but the great nephew of a character in the book helped Amrhein locate the wreck. Today, the author is lobbying the federal government to excavate and display the many artifacts believed to be buried within the refuge. In 2007, he published The Hidden Galleon, which documents his amazing search in the archives, beneath the sea, and ultimately on land. With his second book now published, he has documented the complete history of the 1750 Spanish fleet. The historical events documented in these two books have inspired two children’s classics and have become movies.

How cool is this? Of course we knew the Outer Banks was full of history, but its pretty neat that this is the birthplace of such an amazing adventure and that an OBX local discovered it!  Treasure Island: The Untold Story is available at Outer Banks bookstores and online in all ebook formats. Make sure you check it out!

Oh no! I didnt even get a chance to go to one of their games! It seems that locals and visitors are having mixed reactions to the news. Some are saying that the talent just wasnt enough to keep fans engaged, some have said it was too expensive and others are saying its a shame to lose such a great team. Everyone should know that even if your local team has  a few bad seasons (Ahemmm…the Panthers), eventually things will turn around and you have to always stick with them.

We will keep you updated if there are any future announcements.

Reindeer Run Extravaganza:

Retailers join forces Thanksgiving weekend to provide the ultimate holiday shopping experience. The Reindeer Run is brought to you by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and provides visitors and residents a quick guide to the best local shopping and discounts. On Black Friday follow the red line. Follow the green line on Small Business Saturday. 

 Friday, November 25 (Red Line map );

Click here for participating retailers 

 Saturday, November 26 (Green Line map)

Click here for participating retailers  

Redfish Saturday Fishing Tournament at Jennettes Pier:

The new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head will hold its first ever Redfish Saturday tournament on Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. until noon. Trophies will be awarded that day for the longest fish of these types: red drum, black drum, bluefish, speckled trout, gray trout, striped bass, croaker, flounder and others. Jennette’s Pier has partnered with Tanger Outlet Center also of Nags Head for the event. Everyone who registers for the tournament will receive a free Tanger Outlet coupon book, a $350 value. The pier’s educational staff will offer fee-based programs for children during the tournament. So, let the angler in your family go fishing and the shopper go shopping at the nearby outlets.

Event Information:

Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26;  8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Families must register by Wednesday, Nov. 23 for the programs. For more information, call 252-255-1501, ext. 202.

Kites with Lights:

Watch the night sky magically transform as kites with lights glow in the sky atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Kites go up around 3 p.m. and will be in the sky until 6 p.m. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served beginning at 4 p.m. at Kitty Hawk Kites store. This is a very well attended event so get there early to get your parking spot.

 Event Information:

Jockey’s Ridge State Park,

Mile Post 12.5, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

1-877-FLY-THIS, 252-441-4124

Island Farms Presents: Island Foodways

Looking for something to do with the family after Thanksgiving? Come to Island Farm as we interpret fall food traditions and share how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter during the 1850s. Some activities will include: hearth cooking, food preservation, ox-drawn wagon rides from 10am-noon, corn shucking and shelling in the afternoon. Bring a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off admission to the farm. Goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry.     

Event Information:

Island Farm, Manteo

Saturday, November 26,

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Standard admission of $6 (or $5 with donation of canned good), children ages 5 and under admitted free.

Upcoming Events 

23rd Annual Festival of Trees: December 1 -3

 Grand Illuminations at the Elizabethan Gardens: December 3 

 Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade: December 3 

 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb: December 10

 Christmas Past at Island Farm: December 10 

 108th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight: December 17

Since this is my favorite time of year, its awesome the Outer Banks has so much going on for residents and visitors. I have heard that the Kites with Lights is a really sweet event because you get to watch the sunset get transformed into a winter wonderland! Make sure you get out and check out some of these great events brought to us by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and make a new OBX tradition!

Starting in Kitty Hawk, runners made their way through the Wright Brothers Memorial trail, down in the Nags Head Woode Nature Preserve, around Jockey’s Ridge State Park, crossing the Manteo bridge and finishing up in beautiful downtown Manteo.

It was amazing to see people from all over the country conquering what some considered a “check off the bucket list”. Its really inspiring actually, and seeing their family and children yelling for them on the side lines will really bring a smile to your face.

Here are the top 10 finishers for the male and female categories.

 Male Finishers:

1. Tim Surface        2:38:40   Raleigh NC

2. Bruce Berger     2:48.08   Richmond VA

3. Alan Pietruszkiewicz    2:49:18    Glen Allen VA

4. Michael Dwomoh     2:49:35    Raleigh NC

5. Shiels Duncan   2:50:15   Glen Allen VA

6. William Kuper   2:50:27   Fairfax VA

7. Talentino Angelosante   2:50:33   Albuquerque NM

8. Merrick Lincoln  2:50:39   Milford MI

9. Mark Dewyea   2:52:23   Standardsville VA

10. Bret Mower   2:56:05   Waynesboro PA

Female Finishers:

1. Megan Hovis   2:54:38   Charlotte NC

2. Heather Magill  3:03:04  Wilmington NC

3. Viviana Chalco-Caiza-dinan  3:05:11  High Point NC

4. Amy Kearns   3:10:21  Wintervill NC

5. Mary Tuttle   3:16:59    Winston Salem NC

6. Jennifer Curtin  3:17:31  Raleigh NC

7. Kayla Campisino   3:18:36  Raleigh NC

8. Abigail Jeck  3:18:56  Chapel Hill NC

9. Chelsea Holt  3:22:21  Durham NC

10. Carolyn Yang  3:22:27 Cincinnati OH

For complete results click here.

Truley amazing guys!! Pretty cool to see a lot of North Carolinians placing in the top 10 as well. Congratulations to everyone who ran, you all rock! Here are some clips from the race. Try to ignore the dirty windshield.

The wedding season is longer and more businesses are offering services. About ten years ago, there were only about 40 vendors that catered to weddings on the Outer Banks, in both Dare and Currituck counties. Now there are more than 300 vendors in our area. The wedding industry is huge to the Outer Banks and is great for our local economy. Beach weddings can range from $15,000 to $100,000, depending on the bride and groom’s budget.

Hope Quade Anderson, who married on the beach last year, said she budgeted $25,000 for a “simple but elegant wedding.” The price included a week’s stay for the bridal party and family members at an 18-bedroom oceanfront home and a catered dinner by Ocean Boulevard in Kitty Hawk for 80 guests. She believes a little goes a long way in such a beautiful place.

The tourism department recently launched a new wedding website that lists 78 Currituck vendors for everything from photography to catering. The website offers tips for planning a wedding and allows a couple to create their own mini-website. With so many options and the perfect setting for a small but beautiful wedding, many couples from all around the country are saying “I-Do” to the OBX. For more information on Seaside Vacations event homes, or planning an Outer Banks wedding visit our website.

"Born to Explore" on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks amazes me!

There is soooo much to see and do on the Outer Banks. The amazing beaches get most of the hype, but beyond the sand, the OBX is a land of endless opportunities – wild horses, the Lost Colony, Wright Brothers first flight, Blackbeard the Pirate, world-class surfing and fishing, endless amounts of nature, amazing art, delicious food…

And just when I think I’ve got it all covered, I’m caught off guard by another hidden treasure – alligators! It’s tough to call large animals that like to bite “treasures,” but according adventure seekers they sure are, and the Outer Banks is home to the northernmost point these dinosaur-like creatures call home. Who woulda thunk it; the OBX and alligators?!

Recently, experienced adventurer Richard Wiese, the host of ABC’s new TV series “Born to Explore,” ventured out to the OBX on the hunt for the northernmost alligator, and as you might guess, Richard was pretty successful on his mission.

Alligators have been migrating far from their traditional home, and they’ve been spotted close to the Virginia border. Richard discovers why they’re on the move and what this means to the families who live nearby!

Below is a quick video from the OBX focused episode.

“Born to Explore” airs on ABC on Saturday mornings. Check your local listings for the OBX show!