Guest Post: The Outer Banks Art Village Needs Your Help

Posted on February 1, 2012

Outer Banks Art Village - Plans

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following the activity of an Outer Banks Facebook page that is making a great effort to accomplish a bold, yet amazingly cool goal.

The goal is to create an “Outer Banks Art Village” – a location where OBX artists of all levels of experience and expertise can come together to share and sell their work, create masterpieces, or just enjoy the laid back vibe of an artist run establishment.

Outer Banks Art Village

Seems like a fabulous idea, right?! Take a peek at the pictures I included. Great plans. Such a perfect spot for some awesome OBX art!

As with most great ideas, it takes a lot of effort to make it a reality, and the Outer Banks Art Village is on an uphill battle right now. And they need all the help they can get to create this awesomeness.

I’ve been talking with the brains, muscle, and energy behind the project, Lorri Chambers, and she has been gracious enough to share her thoughts with us.

So, I’ll turn it over to Lorri, and please if you have any opportunity to help, Lorrie would love to hear from you. Take it away Lorri…

The Art Village located on the Old Weeping Radish site in Manteo, NC on Hwy 64.

The charm of this property and the adjoining Christmas Shop and Island Gallery has for years made this a wonderful place to shop and a draw for tourists and locals alike. We would like to bring that charm back and once again make Manteo a destination opportunity. Here’s our plan to make that happen…

We want to use the buildings that are there, and in the large building (8000 sq ft) we will build Working Artists studios. Galleries selling only local artists’ work, classroom space for anyone to take classes and a small restaurant.

The Annex building consisting of four colorful rooms would either house a local childrens museum or more Galleries and studios. The Gingerbread house would be home to Ocean Beads Gallery and the Art of the Child Gallery which will specialize in selling local children’s artwork ages 2 to 17 to perpetuate new artists.

The large common areas with 2 small ponds will be restored, landscaped and a Gypsy wagon stage added for children’s and puppet theater performances. We are also hoping to get the original remote control boats restored. Throughout the area will be creative opportunities for all who visit. Easels with markers and paper, local artists set up selling their wares, and maybe a chance to make a pinch pot or paint a fish.

Each week a different theme will take place one week, Queen E, another Fish…imagine lighted jellyfish hanging from trees, fairies and pirates oh my. Always changing and always fun.

Costumed vendors (depending on which theme week we are on) will be walking around and selling local artists goods and pastries.

We want The Art Village to be a place where families can come to take a break and make memories…just relax, have a picnic, watch the local artists create, go to the bead store and make a special gift or two ….and more. There will be a bandstand for spur of the moment concerts and some of our very talented local musicians to drop in and perform.

Families need a place to be a family and our Local Artists need a place to show and sell their work …all of this can be combined in this beautiful setting next to the Christmas Shop and Island Gallery an Outer Banks legacy for over 35 years.

What do we need to make all this happen?…local artists to make a commitment for 1 year to sell their work there, that is all. And for the very reasonable monthly fee you get working studio space, gallery space, classrooms an online presence through on online store as well as online marketing to galleries all over the US.

If you would like to be one of our Very Important Founding Artists call 252 256-3034 or email me at Fairygodmother58@gmail.com, but do it today; this opportunity of a lifetime is slipping away…

Thanks Lorri. The plans sound amazing. I can’t wait to bring the kiddos over there to enjoy the OBX art spectacle. If you can help, please reach out to Lorri. This would be an amazing addition to the Outer Banks art scene.

Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Hurricane Wedding

Posted on December 15, 2011

Hurricane Evacuation

Thanks for sharing your OBX magic Elizabeth!

I have my own special OBX magic. My husband and I were married in the Outer Banks in August 1993 at the magistrates office. It was the day that they mandated an evacuation in preparation for Hurricane Emily.

We arrived at the magistrates office after getting our marriage license at the old courthouse in Manteo. When we arrived everyone was leaving and we had no witnesses. The magistrate, went out the door and retrieved two of the employees who stood up for us. After saying “you know there’s an evacuation, don’t you?”, we were married.

Afterwards we headed to the cottage we rented, and packed up not sure what to do next. We drove to Chesapeake, had lunch and talked over what to do next. A family overheard us and offered to let us have our “wedding night” at their house. Feeling a little unsure we graciously declined but felt it was a sign that we should stay nearby.

We ended up in Newport News, where we stayed a few days, and we returned to the Outer Banks when the all clear was given.

We spent the rest of the week at our “honeymoon cottage,” and we come to the Outer Banks every year at the end of August to relive our “magic”.

Such a great story! It’s amazing how much the Outer Banks touches peoples’ lives and how many awesome stories there are.

Please share your Outer Banks Everyday Magic story with us too….we’d love to hear it! You can use the form below to submit it to me.

Tons of Great OBX Events This Weekend!

Posted on October 7, 2011

In case you haven’t heard us say this before….we love the OBX in the fall Hopefully you are around this weekend because there is so much to do! Get out and enjoy the amazing weather! Who says the Outer Banks shuts down in the fall??

Duck

This weekend in Duck there will be something fun going on every night. The Duck Jazz Festival kicks off on Sunday at 11 a.m. and lasts all day. Best of all its free! Make sure you stop by the Seaside Vacations booth and say hello! Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and coolers because it is going to be one big lawn party. This year there will be food vendors and tons of other great companies hanging out.

To gear up for the weekend, the Blue Point is hosting a Porch Party with live music tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.; Coastal Cantina is hosting Latin Jazz in Paul Rowlen Project on their waterfront deck from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Aqua is hosting Sax in the City from 7 to 10:30 p.m. with the Hound Dog Family Band.

On Saturday Roadside Bar and Grill is hosting an Oyster Roast and Beer Tasting and live music from 3 to 7 p.m. Coastal Cantina is hosting a Wine & Tapas event with the band Connected from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Stop by any of these spots for great music, food, and beverages, not to mention a great time.

Nags Head

The 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking are finishing up this weekend at Jennette’s Pier, but you still have until Sunday to check it out. You can walk up Jennetes and sit out on the decks for a great view of the event. There are competitors from all over the world and a great way to relax and experience something new. We have some great video from earlier in the week if you want a sneak peek of the action.

Manteo

Roanoke Island Festival Park Art Gallery opened a new show in October: Art of the Costume. The show features a costume designer for The Lost Colony. You can see the show Monday through Saturday through October 31, but you can meet the artists on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. during Manteo’s First Friday celebration.

First Friday takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. in Manteo. Shop in the boutiques and galleries, dine in the local restaurants, listen to live music in the streets and taverns, try your hands and feet on the rock-climbing wall or take a walk along the lovely waterfront boardwalk.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is hosting the 16th Annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year they’re focusing on native, drought-resistant plants. The Elizabethan Gardens is also having its Fall Clearance Plant Sale this weekend, with 30% to 50% discounts on perennials, shrubs, ornamentals, grasses and trees. Their sale is Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Southern Shores

The Throw Down North of Town annual surf competition with proceeds benefiting the Outer Banks Cancer Research Center, kicks off Saturday, October 8th. Some local OBX boys doing good and giving back to the community they love. Local OBX pro surfer, Noah Snyder and Hurley will be on site enjoying the show and adding to the festivities. Registration starts at 8 am at the Chicahauk beach access. For more information click here.

Kill Devil Hills

Looking for a great deal? Head down to Outer Banks Brewing Station for the Mommy & Me Yard Sale from 7 to 11 a.m. It is going to be a huge multi-family yard sale, with clothing, toys, household items and more.

The Dare Literacy Council is holding the Dare Literacy Book Sale at the Baum Center (just around the corner from the Brewing Station) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great sale, and they have books for every interest. You can also donate books and nonperishable food items for the Beach Food Pantry.

Kitty Hawk Kites’ 25th Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition is this weekend at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This is an event you cant miss! Non-competitors can enjoy kite workshops and demos and kids’ activities plus a kite ballet and team flying presentations. Not to mention the opportunity to see all the coolest kites money can buy !

Seaside Realty has been participating in the 19th Annual Outer Banks Homebuilders Parade of Homes which runs Thursday through Sunday. There are 18 homes on this year’s tour, located from Corolla to South Nags Head, and you can tour at your own pace. If you are interested in buying real estate in the area, or just want a tour of some of the most beautiful homes in the Outer Banks, this is perfect. Check out Seaside Realty on facebook for more information.

Kitty Hawk

Awesome event for a great cause set to take place Sunday, October 9th at the Kitty Hawk Skatepark, with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Irene victims through the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Honorable, in conjunction with LACED Clothing, proudly presents the “LACED & FLOODED” benefit Skate Jam. The weekend will kick off Saturday, October 8th at Moms Sweet Shop in KDH for a meet and greet with Jake Brown and Peter Smolik from 12-2pm. They will be premiering LACED clothing as it hits the racks at Moms and make sure to stop by and pre-register for the Skate Jam on Sunday.

First Flight Rotary Club’s Oink ‘N Oyster Roast is this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Longboards Island Grill in Kitty Hawk. Tickets are $25 in advance and $7 for children and can be purchased the day of the event or online. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief via the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

These are just a few of the many great fall events going on in the OBX and that is just for this weekend! Keep an eye out for more events to come and remember if you’re out at any of these, take lots of pictures and share them with us on facebook! Have a good weekend.

Spotlight on the OBX: Manteo

Posted on September 28, 2011

Outer Banks: Manteo Light

Just to the West of the Outer Banks (but really still part of the OBX), is a tiny little town called Manteo that may remind you of Mayberry…in fact, Andy Griffith lives there!

It is a definite hidden treasure, so we figured we swing the “Spotlight” over yonder to give you a quick tour.

The Town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, this waterfront community incorporated in 1899.

It is home to the NC Aquarium, The Lost Colony outdoor drama, the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival park, and a super cool waterfront that has shops, restaurants, and some amazing art galleries.

During the Spring and Summer, Manteo hosts an outdoor event each first Friday of the month, cleverly called “First Friday,” that offers some outdoor entertainment, food, music, and art.

Manteo is a definite must-do for your next OBX vacation.

But to get back to that whole Mayberry comparison, here’s what RoanokeIsland.net has to say…

The Roanoke Island town of Manteo is often compared to Mayberry because it holds a similar small-town character — and characters — and all the charm, hospitality and friendliness that come with that designation. Since this town bears so much resemblance to fictional Mayberry, is it a coincidence that Andy Griffith has lived here off and on since the 1940s? Most likely not, since Griffith himself once said, “If Mayberry is anywhere, it is Manteo.”

Manteo is the lively Dare County seat and an up-and-coming shopping/dining/cultural center that throws out the welcome mat for visitors.

Now I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

PS – As a bonus, here’s a video for Brad Paisley’s “Waiting on a Woman” that won Video of the Year a couple years ago and was filmed on the Outer Banks featuring Andy Griffith…welcome to Mayberry…I mean Manteo.

OBX Skydiving. A New Vacation Must Do?

Posted on July 14, 2011

Erin James of the Virginian Pilot wrote a great article about a recent experience a group of vacationers had while skydiving with Skydive OBX. This new Outer Banks business has been recieving some rave reviews, owned by husband and wife team, Jseppi, 29, and Heather McLay, 38 opening back in April. In less than four months of business, Skydive OBX has had more than 200 people jump.

Most customers can expect to pay about $250. All jumps are in tandem with a professional, so customers need not have any prior experience. Jumpers must be 18 years old. After they sign a waiver, hopeful skydivers watch a short video that reminds them first of the danger – “there is no perfect parachute,” according to the video’s narrator – and then of the fun.

For Jennifer White of New Cumberland, it was only about an hour after she arrived she found herself up in the air preparing to jump. Jseppi delivered one more instruction-During free fall, tandem jumpers can communicate through taps on the shoulders and hips, he said. “Can that be a gentle tap?” White asked through stilted laughter. “Because we’re really sunburned.”

White – with Jseppi strapped to her back – jumped out of a plane from 9,500 feet above ground. They fell at about 120 mph toward Roanoke Island for 30 seconds before Jseppi released the parachute. They floated for seven minutes, then landed, softly, on their butts at the Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo.

White, who was vacationing with family in Carova for the week, was smiling as she walked toward a group of relieved relatives. She’d do it again, she said, then settled in to watch her husband, Jason White, fall from the clouds.

The new business offers thrill-seekers an experience they can’t get anywhere else on the Outer Banks. Jseppi, a licensed skydiver who’s jumped more than 4,900 times, said skydiving never gets old.

What do you guys think… the next Outer Banks Treasure video?

Outer Banks 4th of July 2011 Firework & Celebration Information

Posted on June 8, 2011

Ready for some 4th of July fun? We have got all the info you need to know about where to go and what to see this Independence Day. No matter what part of the beach you are on, there is something fun for the whole family.

OBX Fireworks

Town of Nags Head 15th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular

9:25 p.m. at Nags Head Fishing Pier Milepost 11

This event is back and better than ever! Zambelli Fireworks will present the program, promising unforgettable fireworks.

The following public beach accesses are recommended for access to the beach for fireworks viewing:

South of Nags Head Fishing Pier	North of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Curlew Street	Bladen Street
Hollowell Street	Bittern Street
Conch Street	Bonnett Street
	Blackman Street
	Barnes Street

Town of Duck 7th Annual 4th of July Parade

July 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. the parade beings with a concert and community social following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand and Friends, refreshments, the awarding of parade trophies, and a flash mob dance routine.

The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane. The route follows Scarborough Lane towards the ocean, turns left onto Ocean Way, and then heads down Christopher Drive ending back at Duck Road (NC 12). If you are attending the parade, please arrive early so you can get a good spot on the parade route. Parking in Town is at a premium, so please plan to walk or ride your bicycle and come early for the best spots!

Rodanthe Independence Day Celebration

July 4, 2011 2 p.m at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building, 23186 Myrna Peters Dr., Rodanthe, NC.

Come out and enjoy patriotic music, a reading of the Deceleration of Independence and a watermelon feast. This is a FREE event!

America Celebrates! July 4th Fireworks with the Town of Manteo

July 4, 2011 8 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Don’t miss this spectacular July 4th tradition on the Outer Banks! Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Town of Manteo, and NCSA invite you to honor our nation’s independence and freedom with an evening of patriotic music and dazzling fireworks. NCSA’s Jazz Ensembleand Friends, featuring vocalist Becca Stevens, and members of the NCSA American Music Ensemble join together to presentan evening of patriotic melodies. Admission is free.

Corolla 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 2011 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla

Load up the car with blankets and chairs and come enjoy live music followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. Admission and parking is free. The event is sponsored by the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism.

*Locals Tip: If you are looking for the best seat in the house make sure you visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which will be open late on July 4th for firework viewing.

First Movie in North Carolina Shot on the Outer Banks Tells the Story of the Lost Colony

Posted on March 25, 2011

Old School Lost Colony Movie

The staged performance of “The Lost Colony” will soon open (May 27th) for its 74th year on the Outer Banks – started in 1937! But before the curtain rises for opening night, a new tale is being discovered.

The News & Observer recently reported on another tale of The Lost Colony that is unfolding as a lost film of the famous drama is discovered. The film was found in “The Lost Colony” administrative offices and is thought to be the only surviving copy in good condition.

The film was actually the first movie ever shot in North Carolina, and it told the story of the Lost Colony using local OBX actors and Outer Banks sets.

When the movie was released in 1921, Outer Banks residents mobbed local theaters and its popularity forced the show to be played over and over again. It marked a time in history when the Outer Banks, cut off from the rest of the state, began to share the story of its early English colonists.

North Carolina’s state government spent $3,000 filming the story – whose idea came from Mabel Evans Jones, superintendent of Dare County Schools at the time. The movie’s original title was interesting to say the least: “The Earliest English Expeditions and Attempted Settlements in the Territory of What is Now the United States, 1584-1591.” A mouthful…kind of like the title of this blog post.

Produced with a single cameraman, there was a cast of about 300 people for the movie – pretty much the entire Manteo population. The film was quickly eclipsed by the popular staged, outdoor drama “The Lost Colony.”

A five-minute segment of the film, now digitized, will be shown during a lecture at East Carolina University. Backers hope to revive the entire 46-minute movie.

Tis the Season – Holiday Fun on the Outer Banks

Posted on December 2, 2010

Outer Banks Kites & Lights

I’m not sure how this snuck up on us so quickly, but guess what? It’s the holiday season! Thanksgiving is long gone, and Christmas is fast approaching. See ya later 2010!

Seems like a good time to run through some of the holiday fun that can be found on the Outer Banks.

While the OBX is best known for beaches and summer fun, there’s plenty to offer during the holiday season as well.

We’ll start with a few of my fav’s that tend to fly under the radar.

1. The holiday boat parade in Colington Harbor. This one is definitely under the radar. I think there were a total of 10 people there last year…including the 6 with me, but it’s a blast. There’s something special about watching a sailboat with Christmas lights. Colington is tucked away on the West side of Kill Devil Hills…take a right at the Monument and head straight until you hit the guard gate, welcome to Colington Harbor. I can’t find the date for this year, but you may be able to get more info on this site.

2. Kites with Lights at Jockey’s Ridge, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites. Darn! I just realized we missed this one. I guess they moved it to Thanksgiving weekend this year. Shoot, but I’m including it here anyway so we can all be reminded to mark our calendars for next year…plus, I like this video. Kites and lights are a great combo! :)

3. Ahhhh…last but definitely not least, my fav; the famed Outer Banks Christmas House. The Paulos family has gone all out with Christmas decorations for years, and they invite young and old to take in the spectacle.

The house/light display was voted number one in America in 2005 on the Today Show, and it’s been featured on HGTV! Who knew?! Local celebs right here on the OBX!

Feel free to park your car and wander around the yard to get the full effect and boost your holiday spirit. A night viewing is optimal to get the full effect of the lights.

The time and effort this family puts into their decorations is astounding.

Here’s their FaceBook page if you want some more info or want share your love of their efforts.

Directions:
The house is located in Kill Devil Hills near the Nags Head Woods entrance

Heading South on Rt. 158 into Kill Devil Hills
1. Proceed to light at Ocean Acres Dr. (opposite MacDonald’s)
2. Turn right at Ocean Acres Dr.
3. The road will change from paved to gravel as you go up a hill. Just over the top of the hill you will find the Poulos home.

And for some of the more traditional (and “on the beaten path”) options…

December 3
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

December 3
Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come visit with Santa! Free. (252) 475-1750 or roanokeisland.com

December 3 – 4
Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 3rd at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 4th at 11 a.m. in downtown Manteo.manteo.govoffice.com

December 4
The Jazz before Christmas
Comfort Inn North Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills. Mix, mingle and celebrate the holidays with jazz! A Semi-Formal Affair Hosted by Gwendolyn Meekins. Performance by Chante Moore. Live Jazz Band. Catering by Basnight’s Lone Cedar. Heavy hors d’oeuvres. One specialty beverage. Full cash bar. Admission: Advance Purchase – $50, Door – $65. For additional information, call: 252-573-1014 or email: GM.Events@live.com. Ticket and Semi-Formal Attire Required for Admission. Please be responsible, DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! Hotel Rooms are available at a discounted rate. $55.00 plus tax (Regular), $70.00 plus tax (Oceanfront). For hotel reservations, call 252-441-6333 and reference “The Jazz before Christmas”.

December 4 – 5
Nights in Rodanthe Holiday Open House
December 4 from 10am – 6pm and December 5 from 1pm – 6pm. The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation and the new owners Ben and Debbie Huss of Newton, NC, will host a Holiday Open House at Serendipity. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. islandfreepress.org/2010Archives/11.04.2010-HighlightOfTheSeasonWillBeNightsInRodantheHolidasyOpenHouseAtSerendipity.html

December 3 – 31
Holiday Show
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, Manteo. Over 500 works of art to fit every budget, including original paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood. darearts.org

December 4
Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes
Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes 2 pm til 7 pm. 10-12 houses/Inns. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased the day of the tour at the Dare County Courthouse (located in downtown Manteo) which is also the first stop on the tour. For more information contact Grizelle Fearing at 252-473-7336.

December 4
RIFP Performance Series Christmas at the Park with Elizabeth City State University
7 p.m. Indoor Theatre The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500, roanokeisland.com

December 8
Grand Illumination
Join The Elizabethan Gardens as we kick off ten nights of lights and floral displays at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina. This kick-off event will feature holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall. Also featured are fire pits on the Great Lawn, where guests can roast marshmallows, drink hot cocoa and be entertained by Dockside Theatre Company and others. On this evening enjoy The Gardens’ Gift Shoppe and plant sales, offering 10% off all merchandise. Friends’ receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Illuminations for Non-Members are $14 for adults; $9 for youth (ages 6-17); $6 for children (5 and under). Tickets for Friends’ are $10 for adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). Groups of 20 or more receive $1.00 off each ticket. Please call The Elizabethan Gardens at 252-473-3234 for more information or visitelizabethangardens.org

December 11
Christmas Past at Island Farm
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. In celebration of Christmas Past at Island Farm, bring your family to learn how Roanoke Island families celebrated Christmas a century and a half ago. Many of the holiday traditions we enjoy today began in the 19th century. A special event at Island Farm on Roanoke Island will bring them to life, 1850s style.

When Adam Etheridge and his family lived on the farm on the island’s North End, there was no electricity. Candles were placed on a freshly cut tree, and their glow made the season bright. The men celebrated by shooting off muskets. Children sang carols and ate cookies while their elders sipped hot mulled wine. It was a time for all families, black and white, to gather with their relatives and to enjoy time away from work. On Dec. 11, Island Farm will host visitors on a guided candlelight tour representing an 1850s Southern Christmas. Gather around a bonfire while muskets are fired to ring in the season. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot wassail, and learn how Christmas traditions began.

The farmhouse will be decorated for the holidays, with flickering wax candles illuminating the Christmas tree. Carolers will sing Yuletide favorites. And costumed interpreters will present vignettes of island life, including the perspective of those who were enslaved.

“Christmas Past at Island Farm is designed to be fun, festive, and educational,” said Jonathan Failor, farm manager. “Why do we decorate trees at Christmas and hang garland on the mantel? How did the tradition of feasting begin? We hope families will make this event a tradition in the years to come.” Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased on the day of the event. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free. Admission is paid at the door, beginning at 5 pm on the day of the event, Saturday, Dec. 11. The farm will close at 8 pm. Island Farm is open weekdays through Nov. 30 for the 2010 season. The Christmas Past celebration is the last event of the year; look for more special events in the spring. For more information, contact Island Farm, 252-473-6500, email:islandfarm252@gmail.com, or visit the website, theislandfarm.com

Outer Banks Lands on Yahoo Travel’s List of Top 10 Places to Take the Kids Before They Grow Up

Posted on October 13, 2010

Roanoke Island & The Lost Colony

Working from suggestions in the book 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, Yahoo Travel just released their list of Top 10 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, and the Outer Banks made the list…Roanoke Island to be specific.

Here’s what they had to say about the land of the mysterious Lost Colony…

Roanoke Island

In 1587, on Roanoke Island, between the Outer Banks and the North Carolina mainland, 120 men, women, and children landed to settle England’s first permanent New World colony. Virginia Dare — granddaughter of their governor, John White — was born that year, the first child of English parents born in America. When White sailed back to England, he intended to return within the year.

But a war with Spain kept White away from Roanoke for three years; what he found on his return in 1590 was a mystery. The rudimentary houses that he had helped build were dismantled, the entire area enclosed by a high fortlike palisade. No trace of the “Lost Colony” was ever found.

The visitor center at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site tells the colony’s baffling story in exhibits and film; outdoors, all that’s left of the fort is a silent mound of dirt, preserving the site’s sense of mystery. You’ll also want to flesh out the story by visiting the more commercial Roanoke Island Festival Park, mid-island in Manteo. A 69-foot-long three-masted bark, the Elizabeth II, lies moored across from the waterfront — a composite 16th-century ship built for the 400th anniversary of Sir Walter Raleigh’s first exploratory voyage to Roanoke in 1584.

First Friday on the Outer Banks – Tonight 8/6

Posted on August 6, 2010

Manteo Map

Music:
To Be Announced – find out when we get there I guess. :)

Art:
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, reception 6-8 p.m.; painting demo by local artist Catherine Hamil at Washed Ashore in the Phoenix Shops

Activities:
Historic Inn Crawl, 4-6 p.m. (a self-guided tour); wine tasting from local Scuppernong vineyard at the Full Moon Cafe with local artist E.M. Corsa in attendance to sign her wine label designs; roving caricature artist (drawings for a fee); Magic Mike’s sleight of hand and balloon sculptures; Kitty Hawk Kite’s rockclimbing wall; yarn spinning demo at Kimbeeba Yarns; belly dancers, yoga and pilates demos, mini-massages around the downtown; aquatic arts and crafts with the Outer Banks YMCA; costumed interpreters from The Lost Colony, North Carolina Aquarium and Festival Park; free essential oil samples and discounts at Theraroma in the Phoenix Shops; 10% discount at Stock-Aide General Store