Corolla Blog

It won't be long now ..................

2012-02-26T10:35:00.003-05:00

It won't be long now before things start opening up for the season again in Corolla. I look forward to Steamers Shellfish To Go in the Tim-Buck-II Shopping Plaza. At Steamers you have several dining options. You can place your order inside and then enjoy it on their patio deck overlooking the marshy sound, or you can bring it back to the cottage, or you can choose one of their famous Steamer Pots To Go.

Menu choices are varied enough to satisfy every member of your group. Seafood choices include fresh local catch, shrimp, scallops, mussels, crab legs and lobster. For the landlubbers there are ribs and chicken. You can get individual meals or a combination that will serve 6-8 people. And the New England Clam Chowder is not to be missed. But my favorite are the Steamer Pots To Go. Imagine Red Bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, yellow onion, and your choice of clams, mussels, crab legs, and/or whole lobsters all packaged in its own pot for perfect steaming. Always included are the sauces, butter, lemon and Seafood Shellers needed to enjoy your feast!

Steamers will be opening for the 2012 season in time for our Spring Break visitors, so be sure to check them out when you are in Corolla.

Exciting March Weekend

2012-02-19T11:26:00.005-05:00

The weekend of March 15th through 18th is going to be a busy one on our Outer Banks. There will be something going on for everyone.

First up is Taste of the Beach. This event begins Thursday and concludes with the Grand Tasting on Sunday evening. Over 60 events are scheduled including tapas crawls, oyster roasts, multi-course fine dining, and instructional classes. For information, go to http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/.

Saturday night offers " Night at the Races" at the Hilton Garden Inn. This fun event to benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund makes you feel like you are at the track betting on your favorite steed. In addition to the betting, there is great food, a silent auction, and a Hat Contest! Brings a bit of Churchill Downs to the beach. For information, go to http://www.corollawildhorses.com/.

Sunday morning will bring out the Irish in everyone starting with the 23nd Annual Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Parade Sunday, March 18th at 1pm. This year’s theme is “A Healthy Outer Banks” celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Outer Banks Hospital. The parade includes 1,200-1,500 participants and draws 8,000-10,000 spectators. The one mile parade begins at Bladen St/MP 11.5 to MP 10.5 on the Beach Road, NC 12, Va Dare Trail. The parade returns to the “old” route ending at Driftwood. The tradition continues with the post parade party at Kelly's.

I hope everyone has already put in for their time off so you all can be sure you'll be able to attend this awesome weekend full of events.

Great Underwater Shot

2012-02-17T12:19:00.002-05:00

I found this picture on another blogger's site and thought it was worth sharing.

Location - Diamond Shoals Image Depth - 15'ft.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Sea turtles of every species use underwater structure for removing growth off their shell. They also wedge themselves under wrecks for sleeping purposes.This turtle is rubbing barnacles off using an ancient oak tree. This hundreds of years-old tree was found with others on the Shoals after being uncovered by storms.

This loggerhead is churning up some sand with it's left front flipper. He sure looks like he is enjoying his back scratch!

Humpback Whales Visit Our Coast

2012-02-02T11:47:00.003-05:00

For the last week on the northern Outer Banks, when we see the birds hitting the water in a concentrated area, we know we will be treated to a whale sighting. Humpback whales have been observed just outside of the sandbar. They are migrating south for the winter and the birds follow the whales because that's where the fish are!

Humpback whales feed primarily on krill, which are small shrimp-like crustaceans. Humpbacks are a baleen whale, meaning that rather than having teeth, they have fringed plates with fine hairs on the end inside the mouth near the tongue. When they feed they will take in large amounts of water and food. The food is trapped to be swallowed and the water is expelled.

When the whales are observed, we will see them skimming the surface with the pectoral fin showing. We will observe them expelling air through the blowhole, and often see the fin propelling them forward. We have been so lucky to see these huge mammals so close to the beach!

Adopt a Corolla Wild Horse!

2012-01-19T10:42:00.003-05:00

(This information is provided by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund)

In 1995, Secretary Betty McCain of the Department of Cultural Resources issued the following Proclamation: “The Corolla Wild Horses are one of North Carolina’s most significant historic and cultural resources of the coastal area.”

Would you like to own a piece of history? In compliance with the Currituck Wild Horse Management Plan, one of the ways the Corolla Wild Horse Fund manages the herd size is to make horses available for adoption. We appreciate the public's interest in adopting one of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs of the Outer Banks.

Generally, yearling or younger fillies and gelded colts are available. Younger animals have a much easier time transitioning to a domestic lifestyle and the gene pool is less affected by their removal. Stallions are available on a case by case by basis. All horses are tested for EIA, vaccinated, wormed, halter broken, and qualify for registration with the Horse of the Americas’ Registry http://www.horseoftheamericas.com/ as Colonial Spanish Mustangs.

Adoption Requirements are rather stiff to ensure the safety of the horse.

ADOPTER MUST:
• Must be 18 years old or older
• Have no prior violations of adoption regulations or convicted of inhumane treatment
to animals and be financially able to properly house, feed and provide veterinary and
farrier care for the horse(s).
• Have the ability, either personally or by hire, to train a wild horse, if the horse is not
already trained.
• Register the horse as a Colonial Spanish Mustang with the Horse of the Americas
registry.

FENCING AND CORRAL:
Facilities must meet these requirements and be completely finished before approval.
• An outside corral (20’ x 20’) that is sturdy and of sufficient height (at least 5’ high) is
required for veterinary and farrier services as well as for gentling the horse. No
BARBWIRE shall be allowed.
• All fencing should be made of rounded pipes, pole, wooden planks or similar
materials that pose the least hazard to the horse. Small mesh, heavy gauge, welded or
woven wire fencing with at least one plank at sight level is acceptable.

SHELTER:
A run-in shed attached to the corral, or a box stall, allowing the horse to move freely between the corral and shelter is required. Shelter or stall must be at least 12’ x 12’ per horse.

Offsite Breeding Programs: The Colonial Spanish Mustang is on the threatened breeds list of the American Livestock Breed Conservancy, with less than 5,000 horses globally. In an effort to conserve the breed, the Fund now has two offsite breeding programs: Stallions are standing at Karma Farms in Marshall, TX http://www.karmafarms.com/ and Mill Swamp Indian Horses http://www.msindianhorses.com/ in Smithfield, VA. If you are interested in becoming an offsite breeding location, please contact the Corolla Wild Horse Fund at 252-453-8002 or info@corollawildhorses.com.

Questions?Contact the Corolla Wild Horse Fund at (252) 453-8002 or e-mail the herd manager, Wesley Stallings, at herdmgr@corollawildhorses.com.

Marine Mammals

2012-01-16T13:44:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, Karen Clark, education specialist with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, gave an interesting and informative presentation on Marine Mammal Strandings. This includes both cetaceans which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises and pinnipeds which include seals, sea lions, and walruses. Marine mammals have the same characteristics as all other mammals, but they have adapted to living all or part of their life in the ocean. To keep warm in the ocean, most of them depend on a thick layer of blubber (or fat). They have streamlined bodies to help them swim faster. Many species can stay under water for a long time, but must come to the surface to breathe. To be able to stay under water for long periods, they store extra oxygen in their muscles and blood. They also have more blood than land mammals in proportion to their body sizes, can direct their blood flow to only their vital organs (such as their heart and lungs), and can slow their heartbeat down so they are using less oxygen in a dive.

Here on the Outer Banks, seals visit our beaches just to have a rest. Seals "haul out" of the water as part of their natural behavior. When we see them here in the winter months, our role is to assess their health and condition and help them rest by keeping curious beach-goers a safe distance from them. On the four wheel drive beach we have the added concern that they could be hit by a car at night when resting on the beach. We typically will create a "safe zone" around them using stakes with reflective material on them.

Dolphins can show up on our beaches at any time of year when they have "stranded" for one reason or another. In most cases, dolphins will strand if they are sick, injured or have died. Our role in these cases is to make the animal as comfortable as possible if it is still alive. Pinnipeds are difficult to rehabilitate and often the most humane decision is often to euthanize. A necropsy is performed so more can be learned about the animal with the ultimate goal is being able to provide better knowledge of the ecology and population dynamics which can enhance our conservation efforts.

Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. This act was passed based on the findings that some marine mammal species or stocks may be in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities and measures should be taken to replenish these species or stocks.

I am proud to be part of the volunteer network that helps with the conservation of the marine mammals that visit our Outer Banks beaches.

OBX Wedding Expo

2012-01-09T15:40:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I attended the 2012 Outer Banks Wedding Expo. I was astounded at the number of vendors present!! In addition to rental companies such as Village Realty, exhibitors included wedding venues, caterers, photographers, equipment rental businesses, musicians, spas, hair salons, bridal wear, florists, and even the Corolla Wild Horse Fund!!

The best part was that the caterers all brought samples of their best foods for brides and grooms and their families to taste. It smelled awesome in there!! Unfortunately, as an exhibitor it would be bad form to eat up all the samples, so I had to smell that awesome smells all day. But, near the end of the show, those caterers who had extra shared with others. Yum, Yum. Oh, and I did get the opportunity to slip in a chair massage thanks to Aqua Spa in Duck, NC.

The Village Peeps, along with our First Colony Inn cousins, had an opportunity to meet and speak with lots of bride and grooms and their families. We hope to be hosting some of those weddings in some of our special event houses and certainly will be providing accommodations for friends and family of many brides and grooms. These destination weddings are bound to be awesome - wish I could figure out how to get an invitation!

A Carova New Year's

2012-01-06T14:13:00.004-05:00

In the winter in Carova Beach we have to make our own fun. I coordinated a New Year's Eve party at the Carova Beach Fire Station and we had a blast!!

We began the evening with some finger food and live music. Everyone brought a finger food to share, and we had loads of yummy food - too much!! While we enjoyed the vittles we were entertained by our own local musician, Frank Russano, who plays classical guitar. The sound was sweet!! After that we began with the Karaoke. What fun! My husband the "crooner" sang several oldies favorites such as "Your Song" and "American Pie". Then others started taking the mike.

As the evening progressed and folks loosened up with the beverages provided, the fun really started! My friend Alice who helped coordinate the event was a Radio City Musical Hall Rockette back in the 70s, so she decided we should put "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra
on the karaoke machine and have all the girls form a Rockette line. Well, maybe I should say all the old ladies!! Oh boy that was fun! We were kicking up a storm.

At midnight, we did a ball drop - actually a buoy drop. You know those big round orange buoys? We painted one silver and added sparkles. It was so appropriate for our Carova New Year's. We'll be doing it again next year - come join us!!

Village Realty Christmas Party

2011-12-17T14:19:00.002-05:00

Last night Village Realty peeps were treated to an awesome Christmas party at Pamlico Jacks in Nags Head. The evening started off with a cocktail hour in the bar area with appetizers. After a while we all moved into the dining room where a scrumptious buffet awaited us.

I had never eaten at Pamlico Jacks before, but I certainly will recommend the restaurant in the future. We were offered crab dip, delicious hot wings, fried green tomatoes (yum!), shrimp, turkey, summer sausage with sauerkraut and awesome green beans. But the ABSOLUTE best oysters!! The oysters were served three ways:

fried, Rockefellar and Remick. I had a hard time deciding which I liked better so I just kept on sampling them all! The fried oysters were plump and lightly battered, the Remick had a tomato horseradish cream sauce covered with cheese, and the Rockefellar had cream spinach and hollandaise sauce. I ate so many of those buggers I didn't have room to sample the desserts.

I did have ample time to sample the lovely white house wine as the bar remained open all night (The Village People know how to party!). Music was provided by one of my favorite local bands Fishlips. They entertained us with a mix of music familiar to all. Yes, by the end of the evening I had digested enough to get up on the dancefloor and shake my booty. And there was plenty of shaking going on!

I am so grateful that I work with a bunch of great people and it was great to socialize with all the Nags Head folks that I only get to see a couple of times a year. And, I am thankful to work for such a wonderfully generous company that is so good to their employees.

Can't wait 'til next year's party!

Work started on Fun Park

2011-12-11T11:23:00.004-05:00

Site work has begun on a Fun Park in Corolla. Plans for the project include

a 36-hole miniature golf course; go kart track; spin zone;
children’s playground area; and arcade. At last, something
for vacationing families to do after dinner in Corolla.

Opposition has been strong against this project, with business owners and residents voicing concerns of Corolla turning "tacky" and of utilizing areas formerly designated as green open space. While I am not sure I would pick that particular soundfront/marshfront location given the choice, being in vacation rentals I know visitors are looking for family entertainment in Corolla. Besides, I love putt-putt!!

Another entertainment center is planned for the northern end of Corolla. Some site work has started on a six acre site for which approval is being sought for another 36-hole miniature golf as well as a 390 seat amphitheater, carousel, sky trail rope course, retail shops, and a cafe. Let the entertainment begin!!

It's Oyster Time!!

2011-12-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

One of the best things about winter on the coast is the availability of fresh, yummy oysters. And there is nothing like an oyster roast - preferably over a burn barrel on a crisp, cold night.

When roasting oysters, you want to cook them only until they just open up enough to get a knife in. This way they are not raw, but they retain the juice that makes them so appetizing.

Sometimes you'll be lucky enough to get "the prize". Little pea crabs sometimes shack up inside the oyster. While these are technically considered parasites, for some reason those seem to be the best tasting oysters. For the record...... I don't eat the crab, but you can.

The male and female crab move into the oyster to mate. I guess they heard that oysters are an aphrodisiac. The male generally leaves but the female spends her life there, eating on some stuff in there that doesn't sound very tasty.

So, enjoy the local oyster harvest which runs from October 15th through March 31st. And remember to recycle your oyster shells. Eastern oysters are on the rise again, due in part to oyster-shell recycling and reef-building programs. YUM!

Art in Corolla

2011-11-26T09:59:00.006-05:00

There is an amazing array of art and artists in Corolla. One of the most notable is Rick Romano, a Virginia Beach artist who has a home in the four wheel drive area of Carova Beach. Rick has made a living drawing and painting in the saltwater environment he's grown up with. An avid windsurfer and surfer for over twenty years, Rick is forever inspired by the timeless beauty and power of the sea. His unique style colorfully reflects his passion for the ocean worldwide. In his earlier years, many of his works were of coastal landmarks such as old beach cottages, lighthouses and popular beach locations. Today with the growing demand for tropical and surf-related themes, Rick is devoting his studio time for exactly these themes. Rick quotes, " For most of my early years I drew surfers and waves, with palmtree beaches. Now that it's in demand, I get to return back to a childhood dream and paint surfing for a living".

Many of Rick's works can be seen in homes in Carova. I recently saw the print above on the wall of my friend's house when I was looking after her dogs. My friend Phyllis had Rick paint a mural on the entire east wall of the living area in her oceanfront home. He also does painted driftwood scenes that are my favorites! Each one is unique and one of a kind. Rick can often be seen combing the beach after a storm in search of his next canvas. An ambassador for the ecology of the area, he recently was involved in rescueing a loggerhead sea turtle that he found while searching for driftwood.

In Carova and in Corolla, we are fortunate to have so many talented artists sharing our sand. To see his work, stop by his studio/gallery next time you are in Virginia Beach. You will find new originals, new prints, picture framing, works in progress, new ideas, and unlimited creativity. Located at 593 S. Birdneck Road, Suite 101. Call (757) 425-3590.

Carova Beach in the Off Season

2011-11-18T14:10:00.003-05:00

People sometimes ask “what do you do in the winter when you live in Carova?”. Here’s what I did this past weekend. The second weekend in November is often a busy weekend in Carova. Last year there were two major parties on the same night. One was mine and Saul’s and I was so thankful for my buds that came out for our birthday.

This year on the “birthday weekend” there were two things going on. The Mustang Music Festival was a fundraiser for the wild horses and the North Carolina State Fireman’s Association had their Annual Retreat sponsored by Carova Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The ladies of the auxiliary worked tirelessly to make this happen.

So, Friday night kicked off the weekend with a Beach Boil at the Wild Horse Wedding house for the Fireman delegates. Thanks to Mike and Denise Khoury that was some yummy meal. Afterwards we all got to sit around the fire barrel and drink beer and make s’mores.
Saturday was the Mustang Music Festival. Since it was in part to benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, and….. I wanted to go but didn’t want to pay $45, I volunteered and totally enjoyed it. After that – back to the wedding house for FishLips band and heavy appetizers and heavy drinking!!

Tonight, my friends across the street made me an awesome birthday celebration with oysters, clams, shrimp, and vodka. Oh, and TWO cakes. I never had two birthday cakes before. It’s like living in paradise.

Birding in Corolla

2011-11-10T12:23:00.003-05:00

Currituck, named for “land of the wild goose” is the perfect bird watching paradise! There are over 400 species of birds and a large variety of habitat to choose from. Currituck Sound's shoreline is comprised of brackish water marshes and occasionally, mud flats that have been exposed by wind tides as well as a few forested islands.

Various types of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, mammals (including feral horses), reptiles, and amphibians common to the eastern United States, are found in the area.Vegetation within these diverse habitat types include various types of beach grasses, live oak, loblolly pine, wax myrtle, cattails, sedges and rushes, black needle rush and giant cord grassCome expecting to see an abundance of different species of birds, such as the Northern Cardinal, the brilliant red state bird of NC, as well as the Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Great Yellowlegs, Canada Geese, Double- crested Cormorant, Osprey, Snowy Egret, and hundreds more.

Migration - The Outer Banks plays rest area to thousands of migrating birds a year, making it a crucial factor in many species' continued existence. Over the decades, birders have reported sightings of some 400 different bird species in the area. Fall and spring see the most migratory fowl, and hence, the largest bird counts of the year.The big excitement comes in the winter with the migration of waterfowl. Many thousands of birds, including Tundra Swans, Snow Geese and other popular species crowd the airways and waterways all along the coast.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla offers continuous lessons on birding and their habitats. They offer free birding classes that are opened to the general public to anyone ages 14 and over. For those willing to wake early, there is a beginner’s class that focuses on basic techniques of birding, identification, and behaviors of local and migratory species commonly found in the Northern Outer Banks . For more information go to The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education website.

Wings over Water - November is the perfect time to visit the Currituck Outer Banks and take part in “Wings over Water” an annual event that occurs every year in early November offering an incredible assortment of ways to experience the wildness and uniqueness of the area. Over 100 field trips take participants to places few people visit. Whether you enjoy birding, paddling, or general natural history-oriented programs, there’s a variety of activities for you! Check out details of Wings over Water.

(this information borrowed from the Currituck Outer Banks website)

Life in Carova

2011-10-28T09:16:00.002-05:00

Late for work again - Thanks Mother Nature!!

Because of the orientation of our coastline is
Southeast to Northwest, when a North east wind is blowing it causes the tide to be higher than normal. This creates a condition that those of us who live in Carova call "No Beach". So, driving to work on the "No Beach" can be a challenge.

This morning I got caught off guard. Usually if there is a nor'easter going on everyone it's blowing like crazy and everyone knows the beach will be bad. During a true nor'easter the beach is only passable at low tide. On the morning show today the weather forcaster did indeed mention a low pressure system was down around Georgia and would be heading up the coast this weekend. I did not, however, expect there to be "No Beach". Oh, some parts of the 10 mile journey were fine where the beach is normally nice and wide. But then there's those spots, and we all know where they are, where you are going to drive through the ocean. The worst this morning was in front of "Laughing Gull" which is an oceanfront house in Swan Beach that was built in the 70's when the beach was much wider. Now, waves routinely break beneath the house. So, we play the "game". The object of the game is wait, wait, wait, watch the waves and time them so the water is moving out --- and then floor it!! Well, you don't want to go too fast or you'll be pushing all that nice salty water up into every crack in your engine. But, you don't want to go too slow and risked getting bogged down in the waterlogged sand. Then you got Trouble with a capital "T".

So all that stuff on the side of my Surburban? That's a lovely mixture of beach sand and sea foam spit up by my extra wide tires. OK, Mother Nature, time for some rain. My 'burb needs a bath!

Mustang Music Festival

2011-10-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

Mustang Music Festival
To benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund
Saturday, November 12, 2012
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
Tim-Buck-II, Corolla, NC

This is going to be an outstanding day of music, food, and fun all to benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. There will be 3 regional breweries represented on site and 3 local restaurants plus the Grill Room. An artist’s area will feature arts and crafts for sale. Non perishable food donations will be accepted for the local food bank. Shuttle Bus Service is available.
The performers will be on two stages and will include:

Donna and the Buffalo – soulful electric Americana mix infused with elements of Cajun/Zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country.
The Pimps of Joytime – artful blend of afrobeat, salsa, rock & roll and electonica.
Tom Principato Band – blues and more
Mercy Creek – aggressive folk rock
and seven more cutting-edge groups

Food will be offered by:
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
Metropolis
Coastal Cantina
Cosmos Pizza

Three local breweries will offer beverages and local artists will be showcasing their arts and crafts.

Tickets are $45 for adults and half price for children under 12.

** Bring 10 or more recommended non-perishable items to get $10 off per ticket sorry folks no refunds, this is a rain or shine event.
Tickets are for entrance into the festival grounds from 11am - 12 midnight on Sat, November 12. Food and beverage concessions will be available separately with portions of the proceeds going to our charities

Marine Mammals of NC

2011-10-16T09:11:00.002-05:00

One of the greatest things about living in Corolla is the wildlife that we get to be “up close and personal” with. I have become quite interested in the marine mammals that live in our coastal waters. These include dolphins, seals, and whales. Since I live in Carova Beach, my drive to work includes ten miles of beach driving. On my way to work yesterday, I came across a stranded Pygmy Sperm Whale. At first glance it looked like a dolphin, but the nose was distinctly different. Pygmy sperm whales are one of three species of toothed whales. The teeth are set into the lower jaw. Not too attractive!

A biologist from the Aquarium was there so I asked her if I could help in any way. She said yes, she could use some help keeping the whale sternal so it could breathe through it’s blowhole. The whale was situated parallel to the beach so every wave wanted to roll her over. While we attempted to get her perpendicular to the wave action I noticed A LOT of what appeared to be blood in the water. I starting thinking “Hmmm, we may be attracting every shark in the Atlantic!”. I expressed my concern to the biologist who quickly explained to me the Pygmy Sperm Whales like to eat squid and they have a gland where the ink is stored. When frightened or stressed they excrete the ink as a deterrent to predators. Whew!!

Unfortunately, shortly after that the whale died. The biologists would be coming with a flatbed truck so that a necropsy could be perform back at the research center. Since these whales are rarely seen in the sea, a post-mortem examination is a valuable teaching tool for us to learn more about them. Not too much is known about their range and distribution so hopefully this animal will help to increase our knowledge about the creatures of the sea.

Columbus Day Weekend

2011-10-09T14:30:00.003-05:00

We have had the most fabulous weather in Corolla this weekend. Columbus Day weekend is traditionally "Owner's Weekend" on the Outer Banks. Many of the homeowner's associations have their annual meeting this weekend. And many of the real estate companies have a get-together for their owners. Yesterday the temperature was a perfect 72 degrees for the Village Realty Owner's Party at Pamlico Jack's in Nags Head.

Today is also gorgeous, 71 degrees, sunny, and Carolina blue sky. What a perfect day for the Jazz Festival in Duck. I hear that lots of folks are listening to music, checking out the shops and enjoying the special fare at some of the restaurants. This weekend has also been the Parade of Homes which highlights some of the Best of the Builders on the Outer Banks.

I am going to have to remember to put in for vacation Columbus weekend next year!!

Life in Carova - The First in an Occasional Series

2011-10-03T08:27:00.004-05:00

If you have visited Corolla, you know that the part of the Northern Outer Banks called Corolla begins at the Currituck County line and continues 13 miles to the end of the road. The road ends and then there is another part of Corolla - called "the four-wheel drive area", the "off-road area" or Carova that runs for another 11 miles up to the Virginia line. In fact, the name "Carova" is a contraction of Carolina and Virginia.

According to the tax roles, there are 186 hardly souls who make Carova their home. I am one of them. Why hardy, you ask? Well, I live one mile from the Virginia line. There's a fence at the Virginia line preventing one from going further north. There is no commercial activity allowed in the off-road area, so most needs are met by heading south to the paved road. In the summer that's means navigating through deep, dry sand while avoiding causing bodily injury to the beach-goers. Because the speed limit is 15 miles per hour when people are about, the 15 miles to the closest grocery store can take nearly an hour!

Driving on the sand is just terrible for a vehicle. If you take a ride up the beach, you will see two distinct types of vehicles. If the truck or SUV is not rusting away to nothing, it's definately a visitor! Those of us who live there drive junkers. It just doesn't pay to own a new vehicle because the beach will have it's way with it in no time at all.

So, why on earth would someone choose to live nearly an hour from the closest grocery store and commit to a lifetime of driving junkers? Because it's an awesome, beautiful place. In the coming weeks and months, I hope to share with you the wonders of living in a beach paradise. Please stay tuned.

Wild Pigs in Corolla??

2011-09-26T14:08:00.006-05:00

Yes, it's true, we have wild pigs in Corolla. Also known as feral hogs, a population exists in the four wheel drive area of Corolla all the way up into the state park in Virginia. Pigs are not indigenous to this country and were brought to America by the Spanish settlers.

The pigs are nocturnal and rarely seen. I have lived in the 4WD area for five years and have only seen one. This was a young sow that had figured out that beach-goers have food!! Now I know why a gluttonous person is called a "pig". This little sow was very insistent about begging for food, practically knocking one lady down for whatever was in her hand.

Most people feel the pigs are a terrible pest. They compete with the horses, deer, and other wildlife for food. They are considered to carry disease and parasites, and their rooting behavior causes excess erosion. Studies are currently underway to better understand the impact feral hogs have on crops and wildlife in the southeast.

But for now, the pigs are here - and we are happy to share the beach with them!

Good eats in Kitty Hawk

2011-09-23T11:04:00.005-05:00

This past week while on my fall "Stay-cation" I managed to get down to Kitty Hawk one day and enjoy one of my favorite spots for lunch - Hurricane Mo's Beach Bar and Grill. Most everyone who stays in Corolla will head south at least one day, maybe to visit Jockey's Ridge State Park or the Wright Memorial. It's not too far, maybe 15 - 18 miles depending on where you are in Corolla. Whatever the reason for the trip, a visit to Hurricane Mo's is a must.

First there is the atmosphere. It's a small place with a big Tiki bar. I'm generally not a fan of eating at a bar, but I have sat at the bar several times and enjoyed myself immensely. Lots of local folks hang out here which can make for some lively discussions. Everyone is very friendly so it's not hard to meet people quickly. If you like Margarita's they make the best. A big glass with plenty of the "good stuff" and lots of salt. YUM!!

The real treat is the food. Hurricane Mo's has the best She-Crab soup on the beach. They have won numerous awards for it and I can see why. I like it so much I got the recipe from them and I make a big batch at least once every year. It freezes well too. Since I always have to have a BOWL of soup, I generally get the appetizer Chicken Wings. Love 'em. But everything on the menu is great and the daily specials are awesome. The hubby had a Blackened Tuna Sandwich with Mo's special sauce. Delish!!

Try this place out next time you are in town and let me know if you don't agree!!

Corolla Wild Horses Survive "Irene"

2011-09-09T14:46:00.005-05:00

Lots of folks have asked how the Corolla Wild Horses fared during Hurricane Irene. They did exceptionally well!! Most took shelter in the maritime forest ridge that runs up the island. Some sheltered under vacation home carports. The northern Outer Banks were spared any catastrophic damage and the storm surge was less than some nor'easters.

Several Corolla Wild Horse Fund officials and volunteers did not evacuate during the storm. This enabled them to check on the herd immediately after the storm. Having lived on the Outer Banks for 500 years, the wild horses have adapted to the harsh weather and have strong survival instincts.

For more information and post-storm pictures, go to http://www.corollawildhorses.com/.

Best Kept Secret in Corolla

2011-08-22T12:57:00.004-05:00

I would like to share some information about the North Carolina Center for Wildlife Education - Corolla's best attraction. There are three of these centers across the state - one in the mountains, one in the central Piedmont, and we are lucky enough to have one in Corolla. The center offers 5,000 square feet of displays and artifacts that interpret the rich natural and cultural history associated with the area.

Exhibits include an 8,000 gallon aquarium stocked with native fish of Currituck Sound, a special decoy gallery with more than 250 antique waterfowl decoys, and a life-size diorama of a duck blind in a salt marsh. A 20-minute feature presentation, "Life by Water's Rhythms", screens daily in the auditorium. The documentary explores the role of Currituck Sound in the natural and cultural history of the region.

The best part about it is that it is Free!!

The second best kept secret are the programs offered six days a week by the center. Weekly programs are designed for participants of all ages. Programs last 30 minutes to 2 hours. Oh, and did I mention they are FREE??

Here's a sampling of September's offerings:

Crabbing - North Carolina harvests around 30 million pounds of blue crab annually. Join Wildlife staff and try different techniques for catching blue crabs while learning ways to insure a sustainable fishery for the future.

Sound Sampler - Find out what lurks below the surface of the sound using different nets and traps. Discover the diversity of Currituck Sound from sportfish to insects.

Sea Turtles in Jeopardy - Join the wildlife staff for a game show-style program and learn about sea turtles of coastal North Carolina while discovering how each of us can help in the conservation of these threatened and endangered species. Fun for all ages!

To sign up for any of these programs, go to https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/info.aspx

August 2 Fireworks in Corolla

2011-07-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

The July 4th planned fireworks celebration in Corolla had to be postponed due to bad weather and that left a lot of disappointed people. Good news! The new date for this annual celebration has been set for August 2nd at the Whalehead Club. The fun begins at 7 pm and there will be cornhole tournaments and vendors selling refreshments. The fireworks start at 9 pm.

Normally this event, the most attended single event in Currituck County, draws about 5,000 people. Hopefully the visitors who come in August and do not get to see the fireworks will get to experience this family friendly event.

Suggestion...make a day of it and visit the Currituck Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club on August 2 and you will already be there when the nighttime events start. While the Whalehead Club Tour is very interesting there is a lot more to do at the park. http://www.whaleheadclub.org/

July 14 2011 Summer Concert in Corolla

2011-07-11T09:18:00.007-05:00

Summer Concert Series on the South Lawn

Thursday July 14, 2011. 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Bring a blanket or a beach chair and relax to the up-beat tunes of the Walker Brothers on the South Lawn of the Historic Whalehead Club as the sun sets on the Currituck Sound. The Walker Brothers are a local band who play folk, jazz and rock. Come out and enjoy some ice cream or cold drinks, tap your feet or dance the night away! The Whalehead Club is located in Currituck Heritage Park, just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla. Concessions will be available.

There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information go to www.whaleheadclub.org or visit us on facebook.

The Adventure of Tom Benn and Blackbeard the Pirate

2011-07-10T09:14:00.003-05:00

NC Marionette Theatre presents

"Tom Benn and Blackbeard the Pirate"!

Thursday July 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Join the Adventure of Tom Benn who is tricked onto Blackbeard's ship, becomes the cabin boy and finds out that being a pirate isn't quite what he expected. When Blackbeard plans to rob his family's farm on Ocracoke Island, Tom does some quick thinking to protect them.

Performance by the North Carolina Marionette Theatre on the North Lawn of the Whalehead Club every Thursday at 2:00 pm. Sponsored by Currituck County Tourism. Admission and Parking are free.

After each performance, a scarf marionette workshop is offered where you can make your own marionette and learn to manipulate it with puppeteers from the show. Maybe you could create your very own show! Ages are 3-12 year olds. Although teenagers think this is pretty cool too!

For more information visit www.NorthCarolinaMarionettes.com or call 252-256-1806.

Whalehead Club Wine Festival

2011-07-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

Whalehead Club Wednesday Wine Festival.

July 13, 2011. 3:00 - 7:00 pm.

Come, Celebrate and Learn about the interesting world of wines! Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, as a connoisseur or a novice, on the north lawn of the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park, located just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla. With your $20 admission you can sample a variety of wines from North Carolina and around the world, keep your souvenir glass, and receive a discounted audio interpretation tour of the Whalehead Club (daily 9am - 4:30pm).

Bring the whole family to enjoy musical entertainment by Dr. Tom, try your hand at kite flying or buy some tasty treats served by Northern Lights Bakery.

Pets on leash are welcome. Parking is free. For more information visit www.whaleheadclub.org or call 252-453-9040

Corolla Entertainment June 9

2011-06-03T13:06:00.000-05:00

The Langley Winds are returning to Corolla to perform onn Thursday June 9, 2011 at 6pm.
For over 10 years the Langley Winds have been inspiring audiences and enhancing Air Force esprit-de-corps with superb artistry in a broad range of musical performances. Under the leadership of Bassoonist MSgt Julie Stockdill, the ensemble comprised of flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, horn, and bassoon will perform on the historic front porch of the Whalehead Club.

Admission and Parking are free. Pets on leash are welcome.

Faire Days Outer Banks

2011-05-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday afternoon this Summer, Faire Days Festival will have great FREE Activities for Kids: Story Hour, Play Doh Coloring Sheets, LIVE Horses, Juggler, Clown & Magician as well as Funnel Cakes & Fun Foods ... plus, for Mom & Dad: Gift Bag Giveaways, Appetizer Specials & Wine Tastings, Culinary Demos & Tastings, Decorating Seminars, Author Book Signings ... plus Entertainment for the Entire Family: Live Music & DJ, Shopping Specials & Event Discounts, Live Painting Demos, Segway Demos, Glitter Tatoos & much more!

Faire Days Festival on Wednesdays, Summer 2011 at Scarborough Faire Shopping Village in Duck, NC

Starts June 15 and continues for 12 consecutive Wednesdays ~ summer 2011

Besides offering Exciting Boutique Shopping and Fine Dining year round, Scarborough Faire is proud to announce Faire Days for 12 consecutive weeks throughout the Summer of 2011. Every Wednesday, starting June 15th and ending Aug 31st, from 2-7pm, you'll discover Food, Art, Imagination, Recreation & Entertainment for the entire family in the cool shade of our magnificent tree-lined Courtyard in the heart of Duck NC:

• Corolla Wild Horse Fund presents LIVE Horses

• FREE Gift Bag Drawings

• Tim the Juggler

• Magic Mike the Clown & Magician

• Live Music Features & DJ

• Shopping Specials & Event Discounts

• Appetizer Specials & Wine Tastings

• Funnel Cake Van

• Author Book Signings

• Children's Story Hour

• Play Doh Coloring Sheets

• Culinary Demos & Tastings

• Live Painting Demos

• Decorating Seminars

• Glitter Tattoo Table

• Segway Demos

• Random visits for Kayak Clinics, Child Safety Seat Checks & Deputy Dogs

*Weather Permitting & Subject to Change

For Complete Details & Festival Events Schedule,

Please Visit http://www.scarboroughfaireinducknc.com/

Loon-atic of a day

2011-05-15T12:46:00.004-05:00

While sitting in my office on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, I got a call from one of our maintenance dispatchers. A loon has somehow taken up residence in one of our guests' pools. The guests were not happy with a loon swimming around in their pool and doing other things loons might do, so they used the pool skimmer to get him out of the pool. Now the poor fellow was sitting, looking quite sad, just off to the side of the pool.

A few quick phone calls my wildlife education buddies put me in touch with a rehabilitator down in Hatteras. He gave me a quick lesson in loon behavior and sent me on my mission to relocate the loon. Upon arrival to the house, the guests looked at me as if to say "What's this old lady going to do that the buff maintenance guys couldn't?" But, what they didn't know was that I had had my brief lesson in loon-ology!! So, armed with nothing but a beach towel, I picked up that beautiful bird and low and behold he did not poke my eyes out!! Although he certainly looked as though he could with that pointy beak if he had a mind to.

Into a makeshift box went the loon and off to the Currituck Club we went! The loon expert had explained that these guys get exhausted by the rough waves churned up by the easterly winds we've been having. So he recommended bringing him to a non-bulkheaded area on the sound and placing him close to the water. I found a spot where he could rest in the marsh grass until he was ready to hit the water again. After taking him out of the box and setting him down, the loon looked around and let out a long hauntingly beautiful loon call. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Corolla!!

Marsh Grass Music Festival in Corolla NC

2011-05-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

Sunday May 29 from 6-10 pm is the date for the March Grass Music Festival.

Tickets are $20.00 at the gate. You can save 10% online by using the discount code POSTER

Go to http://www.whaleheadclub.org/ or you may call 252.453.9040

Performances include sets by Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Jackie Scott and The Housewreckers and Approved by Snakes with Jason Ricci.

All this takes place at the Whalehead Club, Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla NC

HoHoHoBX.com

2010-11-23T14:18:00.001-05:00

Heritage Day in Corolla NC

2010-09-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

You are invited to a huge lawn party on the grounds of the Whalehead Club to experience the best of Currituck County's cultural heritage with food and fun for all. Enjoy the award-winning CCHS Marching Knights, antique cars, kite flying demos, children's activities, and local arts & crafts booths - call to reserve your booth space now!

This is a family-friendly event. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Sunday October 3 from 12 pm to 4 pm

Fish Fry Lunch by Currituck BBQ Company
Antique Cars by Cape Henry Model A Ford Club
Car Display by First Flight Cruisers
Local Arts and Crafts
Balloon Art by Magic Mike the Clown
Wild Spanish Mustang exhibit by the Corolla Wild Horse Fun
Face Painting, Corn Hole, Croquet and other games
Rock Wall Climbing
Lighthouse Climbing Free for Currituck County Residents

Free Lunch for Currituck County Residents and Homeowners

July 19 - 23 week in Corolla

2010-07-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Self guided audtio tour. $7.00 adult. Kids under 8 free.
Family Scavenger Hunt $5.00

Specialty Tours by Reservation
Kids Discovery Quest -- Monday thru Friday at 9 and 10 am (ages 8-14)

Kids Legend of the Kissing Swans -- Monday thru Friday 9 am (5 - 7 years)

Wednesday Afternoon from 3 - 7 pm is the Whalehead Club Wine Festival
$20 admisson. Sampe wines from NC and the world. Keep your glass and tour the Whalehead Club for free. Live musi, kids activities and local food treats. On the north lawn in the park. No reservations required.

Thursday Evening at 6:30 is the night for the Summer Concert Series on the South lawn. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the Front Porch String Band performing on the front steps of the Whalehead Club. Entrance is free. Concessions available. Time: 6:30 pm

2nd Annual Currituck Club 5K

2010-07-05T11:30:00.002-05:00

Run Wild and Free for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2nd Annual Currituck Club 5K

Friday ~ July 9, 2010

Registration begins at 7:30 am
Race begins at 8:00 am in the Fitness Center Parking log
$10 pre-registration
$15 day of the race
Sign up at the Currituck Club Fitness Center or call 252.457.6472

First 100 people to register get a free t-shirt

Sponsored by Village Realty
Cosmos Pizza
First Light Breakfast and Burgers
Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Raffle Prizes include

Tickets for a Wild Horse Adventure Tour
Free 2 night stay in a Village Realty home
Free Kayak rental courtesy of Just for the Beach Rentals
2 Beginner Hang Gliding Lessons courtesy of Kitty Hawk Kites

The Corolla Kangaroo

2010-06-30T13:32:00.001-05:00

We have recently been hearing of the mysterious and mythical Corolla Kangaroo...is he real... or not. Some of our recent guests, armed with a Flip Cam we loaned them, decided to investigate. See their journey ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nAzRJXE76g

June 15 in Corolla NC

2010-06-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

June 15 is Kid's Day at Corolla location of Kitty Hawk Kites. Join them every Tuesday during the summer for a FREE Kid's Day! Corolla from 2pm - 4pm. Climb the rock walls, shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out our newest toys and games! For more information email events@kittyhawk.com or http://www.kittyhawk.com/

June 7 - 11 2010 in Corolla

2010-06-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Whalehead Club Tours
Monday - Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Self Guided Audio Tour
$7 for adults. Kids under 8 no charge.
Family Scavenger Hunt $5

For the Kids:
Call 252.453.9040 ext 2

Discover Quest (8 - 14 years) Monday - Friday 9 am and 10 am
Legend of the Kissing Swans (5 - 7 years) Monday - Friday 9 am

Wednesday Kite Flying 10 am on the Big Field
Come and Fly with Flying Smile Kits. Bring your own kite or share one of ours. Novices and professionals are welcome.

Whalehead Club Speciality Tours with Guide
Monday - Friday $8 per person

Call 252.453.9040 ext 2 for reservations

Maritme Heritage-Boathouse 11 am
Buck's Restoration Tour 2 pm
Nuts and Bolts Tour 2:30 pm
Behind the Scenes-Then and Now 3 pm
Daylight Ghost Tour 4 pm
Guided Standard Tour $15 2 pm

Thursday Evening at Dusk ~ Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghost Tour at the Whalehead Club

Hear Spooky Tales of the Past including Lost Pirates, Shipwrecks, Mr. Knight's smoking cigar and more

$15 per person/ $7 age 8 and under. Reservations required for this popular tour so call early

Dare County Arts Council Presents Creative Kids Summer Art Camp

2010-05-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

Manteo, NC – Are you looking for fun and creative activities for your children during the summer? Dare County Arts Council is hosting the 2010 Creative Kids Summer Art Camp, taught by experienced local artists, including Sharon Schreyer, Tara Stockdale, Joshua Martier, Katie Fuller, and Michele Bless. Children will have a great time using their hands and artistic ability to create unique projects. Each week-long camp will have two sessions per day providing all age groups with a summer’s worth of art enrichment. The only requirement is an imagination!

Camp themes for 2010 include Parade Camp, where kids used found objects to make puppets, masks, giant heads and hands, then show off their creations in a parade during the First Friday celebration in downtown Manteo; 1000 Words, a visual and audio adventure camp where students learn basic documentary photography and radio skills to create a multimedia mosaic of their explorations of downtown Manteo; Imagination in Art, where camperes investigate a variety of fine art mediums as they put on their creative thinking caps and get wild with their imaginations; Making Spring and Summer Glitter Globes and “Good Dog” Cookies in a Doggie-dog Treat Container, two projects in one camp utilizing craft skills with baking and math; and Textile Mosaics and Glass Mosaics, with campers using hand dyed fabrics and stained glass to create beautiful mosaics; Dance! Dance! Dance! A Summer Dance Intensive will expose campers to different dance styles including jazz, ballet, tap, modern dance and improve culminating in a performance at the end of the week, with all levels of dance experience welcome.

Camps begin June 21st and will end on August 6th, with a different camp held each week. Camps run Monday through Friday, and ages vary by camp. The cost of each camp is $125 plus a $15 registration fee per child. Through the generous support of the Outer Banks Kiwanis Club, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships. Camps are limited to 10 participants, with a minimum 5 participants.
For more information about specific camps or scholarships, or to register for a camp, please contact the Dare County Arts Council at 252-473-5558 or email at gallery@darearts.org.

The Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization committed to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.

5 K in Corolla

2010-05-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a great day for a 5K in Corolla. The weather was a little overcast, and the temperature was just right for a run. The one good thing about running almost anywhere on the Outer Banks is that hills are hard to find, and the flat course in Corolla was certainly appreciated.

Village Realty was once again a proud sponsor of another worth while community event. The Surfside Scute 5k & Tiny Turtle Kids Fun Run which raises money for the Corolla Ocean Rescue squad turned out to be a fun run to participate in. I was very pleased to see for the first ever event, which I hope becomes an annual event, the turn out was nice. Over 120 people of all ages from locals, out of town homes owners and some visitors all took part.

The course took you through the community of Whalehead and included about ¼ mile section on the beach. Life guards were spread out all over the course to keep us all honest and offer up some encouragement and to assist if there was a need for it. Low tide made the beach run much easier, but you still had deep sand to dredge through to get to the hard packed sand of low tide at the waters edge. I tried very hard not to look for beach glass while I was running the beach segment, because I don’t know if I would have stopped to pick it up or not, so I thought it best not to look for it.

I hope this summer offers a much safer season for our guests and life guards, last year was too news worthy and events too frequent. However, if you are in need of rescue or assistance this summer in Corolla I think you’ll be happy to get mouth to mouth from many of the qualified life guards on staff this summer.

2010 Summer Concert Series at Currituck Heritage Park

2010-04-26T12:40:00.000-05:00

JULY & AUGUST - SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - Every Thursday evening at 6:30 pm

Relax on the south lawn at Currituck Heritage Park and enjoy local musicians performing on the historic Whalehead Club front porch. Bring your beach chair or blanket and watch the sun set over the Currituck Sound while supporting the musical arts! No alcohol permitted to be brought into the park. Wine and snack concessions available. Leashed pets welcome. Admission and Parking are free.

Click here for full line up of concerts

What's Happening in Corolla

2010-04-16T08:50:00.002-05:00

This installment of What's Happening in Corolla welcomes the pelicans back to the Northern Beaches. While many of the shorebirds including the gulls, terns, and sandpipers are found on our beaches all through the winter, the pelicans seem to not like the cold very much. Usually we don't see much of them from around November through March. This morning on my drive to work, I saw more pelicans skimming over the water than I have in many months. They were getting plenty of breakfast this morning - the fish were literally jumping out of the water!!

Brown pelicans were once severely endangered in the United States. The major cause of their decline was pesticide poisoning. Since DDT was banned, there has been a full recovery on the east coast. These birds feed on mid-sized fish that they capture by diving from above and then scooping or dipping the fish into their pouch, which acts as a flexible dip net. Pelicans generally live about 20 years and prefer to nest on uninhabited islands.

As we start heading into the season, the pelicans aren't the only ones we're seeing more of. Lots of our owners have been here tending to their homes and preparing for our summer guests. We were blessed with some fabulous weather over the Easter/Spring Break week which was enjoyed by many out-of-town guests. The Easter Egg-stravaganza at Heritage Park was a huge success and lots of kids got to enjoy the Easter Bunny at Tim-Buck-II. Now, here's what Corolla is offering for May:

Sunday, May 9th Fun Fly Festival 1pm to 4pm
Currituck Heritage Park

Watch and learn how to fly all kinds of kites sponsored by Flying Smiles Kites! Treat Mom and the whole family to a fun afternoon in the park capturing the imagination and harnessing the power of Mother Nature! Children enjoy making paper kites to keep or bring your own to play with. Every lady who attempts to fly a multi-line kite gets a free T-shirt. Admission and parking are free.

Saturday, May 22nd Surfside Scute 8am
Monteray Plaza

Enjoy the fresh ocean air and beautiful beach scenery as you race across the one-of-a-kind course winding through Corolla! There will also be a short, non-competitive Tiny Turtle Kids Fun Run for ages 10 & under and a post-race Awards Party at the finish line with live music and festivities in front of the Corolla Surf Shop. Cost is $20 for runners and $10 for Tiny Turtles. Includes race packet full of goodies and a great T-shirt! For more information www.corollaoceanrescue.com.

Fun Fly Festival Sunday May 9, 2010

2010-04-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

Free Admission ... Free Parking ... Free Paper Kites for Kids

Free Lessons for All Ages ... Bring, Borrow or Build a Kite

Mass Ascension at 3 pm ~ Let's see how many kites we can get in the air at the same time to win prizes.

When: Sunday, May 9 2010

Time: 1 - 4 pm

Where: Currituck Heritage Park

Milepost 11 on Route 12 in Corolla, NC

More Info: 252.453.8442

http://www.whaleheadclub.org/

What's Happening in Corolla

2010-03-27T14:53:00.002-05:00

The weather is improving, Easter is almost here, and with it Corolla comes alive. We've been seeing lots of homeowners this month, getting their houses ready for the summer season. Restaurants and stores are opening and preparing for our Spring guests. Along with all that comes a plethora of things to do - many during the Easter break.

April 2nd - Easter EGG-stravaganza

Join the Easter Bunny and the Currituck Duck for a traditional egg hunt in Currituck Heritage Park. Lots of fun children's activities like Balloon Art, Face Painting, Egg & Spoon Races, Bean Bag Toss, and a Jellybean Counting Contest! Snacks & Refreshments. Admission and Parking are free.

Easter Week Family Fun Events at The Whalehead Club
(Reservations are encouraged for these events)

Tuesday, April 7th "Make & Take Craft" 9am - 10am $5.00 per participant
Wednesday, April 8th "Scavenger Quest" 10am - noon $5.00 per participant
"Wine Festival" 3pm - 6pm $15 per imbiber
Thursday, April 9th "Dog Dress-up Show" 11am - 1pm $5.00 per dog entry
"Moonlight Ghost Tour" 7:30 pm $14 per participant
Friday, April 10th "Knight Magic" 10am - noon $15 per participant

April 7th - Corolla Pedal-Foot-Paddle

Multi-athletic event beginning at the Currituck Heritage Park. www.whaleheadclub.org

April 24th - Duck & Wine Festival

Duck Waterfront Shops 12:00 - 3pm Tickets $25.00
Enjoy special dishes prepared by 20 restaurant chefs, each paired with a selected wine
For more infomation www.coastalprovisions.net

Stay tuned for more exciting stuff coming up in May!!

Easter Ghost Tours

2010-03-17T14:23:00.000-05:00

Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghost Tours of the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park

Thursday, April 1 and Thursday April 8, 2010

Explore the Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghosts of the Whalehead Club on Thursday, April 1 and Thursday April 8 beginning at 7:00pm. Tour guides have accumulated a treasure trove of ghostly stories and invite the brave to come out and hear about the distinguished visitors of the Whalehead Club, shipwreck victims and pirates of northern Outer Banks. The 21,000 sq. ft waterfront residence of Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Knight Jr. possesses a unique feeling at dark after the open, airy colorful ambience during the daytime. Come and experience this for yourself. Dress for the weather as some of the tour is outside the house and bring a flashlight. To get there take Rt. 12 N to Corolla. Currituck Heritage Park is just past milepost 11 by the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Advance reservations are required. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 2. Visit www.whaleheadclub.org for complete details.

2010-02-22T13:46:00.002-05:00

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN COROLLA IN MARCH

As a new feature to the Corolla Blog, we will update you monthly with
What’s Happening in Corolla.

Things are starting to happen in Corolla. Folks are tired of being kept indoors due to the weather and are ready to break out and have some fun!! Come join us!

March 11th – 14th - Taste of the Beach

For a long weekend in March, your favorite Northern Outer Banks eateries will dazzle you with a stunning array of culinary experiences, fabulous gatherings, and unforgettable entertainment. To get all the scoop on guest appearances, the Taste of the Beach Expo, Chowder Cook-off, Tapas Crawls and more go to www.ObxTasteOfTheBeach.com.

Sunday, March 14th - Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

OK, this isn’t in Corolla, but it’s worth the drive to Nags Head! The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in North Carolina will be traveling the “Greenest Mile” in the Tarheel State. Over 1500 participants and approximately 10,000 spectators will enjoy a GREEN afternoon filled with floats, live music, marching bands, and creative marching/walking/motorized units. www.kellysrestaurant.com.

Saturday, March 20th - Corolla Island Epicurean Evening

OK, this one isn’t in Corolla either, but it’s sponsored by the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla. This will be an intimate evening inside the private working hunt club at Piney Island in Coinjock, NC. Experience the sporting heritage of Currituck County with a traditional five-course hunt club dinner reminiscent of the 1920s waterfowl hunting era. There will be an auction of rare and unique treasures as a fundraiser for ongoing preservation of the Whalehead Club. Call 252-453-9040 ext 3 for more details.

Saturday, March 27th - Night At The Races

Join the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and former jockey Jeffrey Carle of Saratoga Springs, NY at the Flying Dutchman Restaurant in Corolla. This fun night’s activities will raise money to help “Keep ‘em Wild and Free”. Tickets to the event are $25 and include hors d’oeuvres and $50 in play money. Drink and dinner specials available, sponsorships available. Prize drawings and silent auction.
For reservations, call 252-453-8002. This sounds like a blast!!!

Easter Fun

2010-02-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

The Whalehead Club in Corolla invite you to the Easter Egg-Stravaganza on Friday, April 2nd, from 1 -3 pm.

This will be held at Currituck Heritage Park, just past milepost 11 on RT. 12 in Corolla, near the lighthouse.

Bring your baskets for the Easter Egg Hunt and you can visit the Easter Bunny too. Magic Mike will be on hand with his tricks for the kids. There will also be a sack race, bean bag toss, jellybean counting contest and face painting.

There will be a bake sale going on and refreshments will be available.

Sounds like a good way to spend a Friday afternoon.

Corolla Events at The Whalehead Club

2010-02-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

March 20 - Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm
Corolla Island Epicurean Evening at Piney Island Hunt Club

An intimate evening inside the private working hunt club at Piney Island in Coinjock, NC.

Experience the sporting heritage of Currituck County with a traditional five-course hunt club dinner reminiscent of the 1920s waterfowl hunting era. There will be an auction of rare and unique treasures as a fundraiser for the ongoing preservation of the Whalehead Club. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 3 for more details.

April 2 - Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm
Easter EGG-stravaganza

Join the Easter Bunny and the Currituck Duck for a traditional egg hunt in Currituck Heritage Park. Lots of fun children's activities like Balloon Art, Face Painting, Egg & Spoon Races, Bean Bag Toss, and a Jellybean Counting Contest! Snacks & Refreshments. Admission and Parking are free.

April 17 - Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Coastal Antique Appraisal Fair
Location: The Currituck Cooperative Extension Building in Barco

Find out the estimated value of your antiques from professional appraisers. Shop for collectibles from local dealers. Learn some tricks to keeping your treasures beautiful at the educational workshops. Silent auction and refreshments too!

Sponsored by the Outer Banks History Center Associates, NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck Center and the Whalehead Preservation Trust. Admission is free. Appraisal fee: $10 per item or 3 items for $25.

May 9 - Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm
Fun Fly Festival

Watch and learn how to fly all kinds of kites sponsored by Flying Smiles Kites! Treat Mom and the whole family to a fun afternoon in the park capturing the imagination and harnessing the power of Mother Nature! Children enjoy making paper kites to keep or bring your own to play with. Admission and Parking are free.

2010-01-16T09:35:00.003-05:00

It's seal season on the Outer Banks. These cuter than cute critters will "haul out" of the water in the winter for a little rest and relaxation. Don't let their cuteness fool you however - they can be pretty cranky!!

The seals we see here are generally juvenile harbor seals who are molting (shedding their fur) and they are resting. Generally in the 40 - 60 pound range, a healthy seal will assume the "banana" pose as seen in the picture of this seal which visited the Corolla area. They will hang out on our beaches for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, and then return to the ocean to continue their feeding and playing.

Harbor seals have an average lifespan of 25 years, and like to eat small fishes and squid. They are found along the North Atlanic coast from Canada through the mid-Atlantic region and are pretty much at the southern end of their habitat here in North Carolina. Seals are marine mammals of the Pinniped family.

Wildlife biologists urge folks to respect the seals need for rest and not to approach or touch the animals. Unless the seal looks emaciated, it's likely the animal is just taking a break. Not only will seals bite, but it is also illegal to harass marine mammals.

So if you're in the Outer Banks in the winter, take a walk or a drive on the quiet beach. You may get to see one of our cutest visitors from the North!

Moonlight Ghost Tour

2010-01-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

Moonlight Legend Lore and Ghost Tour of the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park

Explore the Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghosts of the Whalehead Club on Saturday, February 6, 2010 beginning at 7:00pm.

This guided tour is the most fun you can have for $14! Maybe you have toured the colorful rooms in the daylight and been curious about what it would feel like to be in the 21,000 sq. ft residence after dark. Our docents have accumulated a treasure trove of legend and lore and invite the brave to come out and hear real ghost stories about previous owners of the Whalehead Club and distinguished visitors to the northern banks of the Currituck Sound. Come dressed for the weather and carry a flashlight.

To get there take Rt. 12 N to Corolla. Currituck Heritage Park is just past milepost 11 by the

Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Advance reservations are required. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 2.

Visit www.whaleheadclub.org for complete details.

NC Resort Community of the Year

2009-12-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Corolla Light ... Winner of the 2009 North Carolina Resort Community of the Year Award!

This Corolla community has over 400 oceanside to soundside properties and offers outstanding amenities for guests. We promise the kids will never get bored here ...

You’ll never get bored as they offer planned children, teen and adult activities available during the summer along with a community trolley to take guests wherever they need within the community.

All homes are members of Corolla Light Association and participation to amenities is based on number of armbands issued by CLA per week/per home. Typically 12 armbands are issued by Corolla Light Association although smaller homes and Lighthouse Villas and Mirage Condos will be issued less; typically 8 armbands for these properties.
Amenities Include:
Indoor Sports Center with 8-lane indoor pool

Racquetball Courts, Clay Tennis Courts, Sauna & Fitness Room, Large Spa

Trolley transportation is available during the summer. Trolley Transportation Service usually begins in late May with limited service and will increase as the season demands. Hours of operation will be posted on the trolleys. Service will end for the season at the beginning of September. Trolleys usually run every 20-30 minutes in season, however traffic can affect this schedule.

Bike Trails, Basketball Courts, Playground , Shuffleboard, Lighted Tennis Courts - There are 2 indoor clay courts, 3 outdoor clay courts and 5 outdoor hard courts available.

Soundfront Swimming Pool & Baby Pool
Oceanfront Swimming Pools, Baby Pool & Clubhouse, Restrooms
Planned Activities For Kids

There are some excellent Outer Banks restaurants nearby and grocery shopping is never a problem -- we have a large Food Lion and a Harris-Teeter. Both are full service and open all year.

See some Outer Banks Vacation Homes in Corolla Light

2009-12-21T15:13:00.001-05:00

Once again, the Outer Banks were treated to a coastal storm this past weekend. While the more northern parts of the Eastern Seaboard were being buried in snow, we were getting buried in sea foam!!

Everyone who’s been at the beach during a storm has probably seen sea foam, but I have never witnessed it as I did on Saturday. The stuff was piling up next to the dune until it reached a thickness of 2 – 3 feet. I tried to take a picture to share, but it did nothing to depict how this jiggling mass of “stuff” actually looked.

My curiosity made me want to find out what this “stuff” actually is and for the first time I have to say Google let me down. Most references to sea foam were about a gas additive for vehicles. So I consulted one of my favorite references books How to Read a North Carolina Beach by Pilkey, Rice, and Neal. This book was written by academic geologists who have studied the beach extensively. They tell us that “this foam forms as pounding storm waves churn up sea-floor sediments. The process extracts organic matter from the sediment and violently churns it all up into the white, bubbly mass know as sea foam”. Once the bubbles collapse, only the sediment remains, leaving behind a substance that looks like brown clay on the sand. My uneducated guess would be that the organic matter nourishes the sand to help with the growth of stabilizing dune grasses.

And so, once again our beach has been transformed by the dynamic combination of water, wind, and sand.

2009-12-17T15:08:00.002-05:00

Village Realty had it's annual Christmas Party this week and it was a HUGE success. It was held at the Villages of Nags Head Beach Club. The evening started off with oysters being roasted out by the pool. The pool looked so inviting all lit up that I wished I had brought my bathing suit! We then had a surprise visit from Santa Claus. He was very jolly and gave you a candy cane if you had been good in the past year. For those who weren't so good - out came the riding crop!! I never knew Santa to be like that, but it was loads of fun and many laughs were had. After a wonderful meal, awards were presented to employees for longevity of service, sales awards, Extra Mile awards, and the coveted Employee of the Year award. Your blogger was the proud recipient of an Extra Mile award!! And lastly, a great band played while everyone danced the rest of the night away. Thanks to Village Realty for being such a wonderful place to work! Wish you all could have been there with us to enjoy the wonderful evening.

Whalehead Club at Christmas

2009-12-16T13:04:00.003-05:00

2009-12-14T11:35:00.002-05:00

In Corolla, Christmas time is the time to help others. The Corolla office of Village Realty held it's annual Christmas party at PDX Grille last week. During the party a fundraising effort was conducted to help the children of Currituck County. As every knows, this is a rough year economically for many families through no fault of their own. Each year Village Realty "adopts" several families to help provide Christmas presents for the kids in the family. The Corolla office decided to hold a Chinese Auction with the theme of Food and Drink. Many local restaurants donated gift certificates that were auctioned off. Staff members contributed bottles of wine, homemade soup, and baskets full with goodies.

The small but generous Corolla staff managed to raise $280!! We need to offer thanks to our restaurant partners who helped make all this happen. So, a big THANK YOU goes out to:

** The Outer Banks Seafood Company ** Tomato Patch
** Mike Dianna's Grill Room ** Bad Bean Taquiria
** Big Mama's ** Flying Dutchman
** Corolla Pizza

And, of course, thank you to Village Realty who matches the donations. We are fortunate to be part of a wonderful company. Merry Christmas to all!!!

2009-12-11T15:51:00.002-05:00

It’s 3:30 in the afternoon, kind of cloudy, and the Canada Geese that visit our pond just took off for the evening. They do this most every day – there’s a bunch of geese in the pond when I get to work and by 3:30 or 4:00 in the afternoon it’s “up, up, and away” for the whole flock. That got me wondering where they go off to so I consulted by trusty, know-it-all friend GOOGLE!!

It seems that geese are more inclined to migrate at night when there are less predators. So during the day they will rest and feed and then when it gets to be dusk, that’s when I hear the honking that tells me they are on their way. For more information about these lovely and graceful birds, go to www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose.

2009-12-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

Corolla is asleep. It’s December 6th and our visitors are all at home preparing for the holidays. There are not enough of us who live here year round to support many of the local businesses. So…….. the movie theater is closed. Most shops are closed. The pizza place is closed. Heck, even Lighthouse Bagels is closed!! I went into Harris Teeter yesterday – and if you can believe it – I was the only customer in the store!

The good part about it is that it’s quiet. No traffic. No lines at the supermarket. The bad part is that there’s also no FOOD in the supermarket. Well, there’s non-perishables. But try getting a specific cut of meat for a recipe. Fagetaboutit!!!!

The other good part about it is the wildlife. The wildlife tends to be very visible when there’s not a lot of people here. Deer stroll across Route 12. The diving ducks in the Buck Island pond are having a party. The seagulls are having their seagull convention on the beach.

Soon our visitors will be coming to spend time at the beach for the holidays and Corolla will wake up again. The restaurants will open, the grocery store will be stocked. I can’t promise that the movie theater will open. But please come visit us. We need some folks here so Santa won’t overlook Corolla!

2009-12-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hear ye! Hear ye! The Christmas Show has come to the Outer Banks. At this wonderful time of year, The Outer Music Showcase will get you in the true Christmas spirit with their dazzling sets, songs of the season, and some side-splitting laughter that will keep you smiling until way after the reindeer have returned to the North Pole. This will be my third year of enjoying Santa and some of his helpers provide unparalleled holiday entertainment in one of the nicest venues on the Outer Banks. You'll sing along with all the classics just like I did. The Christmas Show runs from November right through until December 26th. The Outer Banks Music Showcase is at MP5 on the bypass in Kitty Hawk. My personal recommendation is to pair the afternoon or evening with a visit to Hurricane Mo's located conveniently right around the corner for some excellent vittles! Happy Holidays!

Corolla Cleans Up

2009-11-30T11:34:00.001-05:00

Corolla is still working on recovering from the “Friday the 13th Northeaster”. This storm is considered to have caused almost as most coastal erosion as Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Since it actually began on Wednesday night and lasted through Friday, we went through six or seven tide cycles where the tides were way above normal. Coupled with the wind-driven rains, this caused the dunes to be eaten away in many areas. In Corolla, we are fortunate to have fairly high dunes that protected most of the areas away from the immediate beach from overwash damage. However, the 10 – 12 inches of rain from the storm turned many of our area roads into something that looked more like a canal!!

Being the resilient kind of folks we are, we are back to normal here in Corolla. Some oceanfront houses still need to have their stairways to the beach rebuilt, but other than that, you’d never know we had any “weather”!

A sad note in all this was the loss of a sea turtle nest to the pounding waves and beach erosion. We will be looking forward to Mrs. Sea Turtle coming back next year and once again blessing us!!

Take a Moonlight Ghost Tour

2009-11-23T11:31:00.004-05:00

Many visitors and home owners alike will be coming to the Outer Banks for the Thanksgiving holiday. Once the kids start saying "There's nothing to do"... take them to the Ghost Tour at the Whalehead Club on Dec. 5th.

It starts at 7 pm. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. The cost is $14 per person for ages 9 and up. Kids and under: $7.

Don't forget about the Corolla Wild Horses. These beautiful animals embody the spirit of the Outer Banks.
Read More

Talk It Up

2009-10-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

The Village Realty People are having another contest ... and the prize is a free off season week at the beach.
Tell us about a hero you know. No strings, really ... just a tiny thread and that is that you must be a Facebook Fan of Village Realty in order to enter. Very easy to do ... Click Here

Nominate anyone you want; your mom, sister, uncle... maybe a teacher or neighbor. You might know someone who is always there to help others.

Here are the rules. Yes, I know but there have to be some rules.

No purchase is necessary to enter or win but the entry must be submitted by a Facebook Fan
Entries will be accepted by email only. No exceptions. Please do not post your entry on Facebook--it will not be accepted.
We must have your name, address and phone number included in your entry
You must include the name, address, phone number and email of the person your are nominating
Give us some examples of what your hero has done to improve the life of another person or persons
Contest ends at midnight on December 10, 2010
Winner will be announced on our website, our blogs and our Facebook page

Carve the Pumpkin

2009-10-09T14:28:00.000-05:00

Cash Prizes!

1st Place/$50 2nd Place/$25 3rd Place/$10

Thursday October 29, 2009

12 PM to 5 PM

Carve the Pumpkin Contest

Bring your Jack-O-Lantern to the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla

Pumpkins must have luminaries (not candles)
Judging will take place on Thursday at 6 PM
Pumpkins will be displayed at Haunted Corolla Village on Friday, October 30
Pumpkins may be collected after 9 PM on Friday or donated for compost

For more information call 252-453-0221 ext 8

Haunted Corolla

2009-10-09T14:06:00.001-05:00

http://www.whaleheadclub.org/

October 30 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

at Currituck Heritage Park
Haunted Hayride
$6 per person

Meet at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education Programs Lobby

More Details: 252-453-0221 or www.WhaleheadClub.org

Duck Jazz Festival

2009-10-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Duck Jazz Festival This Weekend!

Come on out this weekend for the Third Annual Duck Jazz Festival in the town of Duck on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

This year's Jazz Festival is being held on Sunday, October 11 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Duck Town Park.

Sacramento-based Jazz Saxophonist Kim Waters will headline the festival. This is a rain or shine event. The current artist schedule (subject to change due to weather, scheduling, or artist availability) is:

11:00 a.m. Joe Mapp & The Coordinates featuring Laura Martier
12 noon Connected
1:00 p.m. Joe Baoine
2:45 p.m. Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers
4:30 p.m. Kim Waters

Please click HERE for the complete schedule.

Dive In Movie

2009-09-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

This is such a good idea! We got this entry in our (almost over!) 2009 Photo Contest the other day. The guests in on of our Currituck Club homes had the great idea to have "Movie Night" outside.

"We brought down a projector with us and picked up a painter's tarp at Ace hardware down the street to project the movie on. The kids got to watch from the pool."

This photo was submitted by Melissa R. from Middleborough, MA

I have heard of drive ins and had many a date night at those...I guess this could be called a "Dive In"!

Still time to enter the Photo Contest. You could win a free week at the beach. Read More

Magic, Wine, Music and Ghosts

2009-08-19T11:50:00.004-05:00

Whalehead Club Events for 4th week in August, 2009

CHILDREN'S KNIGHT MAGIC: TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009. 10:00 – 11:00AM.
Kids (ages 8 years and up) enjoy an unforgettable experience as they explore the history of magic and witness the impossible! Nationally known magician Clive Allen will entertain with samples of his stage production OBXtreme Magic and delve into the mystery of illusion! Learn a few tricks to show off to your friends! $15 per child includes admission and tricks to take home. Meet at the Picnic Shelter in Currituck Heritage Park! For more information visit www.whaleheadclub.org or call 252-453-9040

WHALEHEAD CLUB WINE FESTIVAL: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009. 3:00 – 7:00PMCome, Celebrate and Learn about the interesting world of wines! Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, as a connoisseur or a novice, on the north lawn at Currituck Heritage Park, located just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla. With your $20 admission you can sample a variety of wines from North Carolina and around the world, keep your souvenir glass, and take a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club (daily 9am - 5pm). Musical entertainment by Ruth Wyand, a local award winning guitarist, songwriter and singer with a strong blues influence and whose style harkens back to the early grassroots of Americana. Concessions will be available. Children are welcome to enjoy the music and try their hand at kite flying in the park. Pets on leash are welcome. Parking is free. For more information visit www.whaleheadclub.org or call 252-453-9040

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009. 6:30 – 8:30PM Bring a blanket or a beach chair to relax and enjoy the music of Julie Clark on the South Lawn of the Historic Whalehead Club as the sun sets on the Currituck Sound. Julie Clark is a nationally touring Folk/Pop artist and a multi-award winning songwriter and performer, renowned for her remarkably expressive voice and lyrics. Don’t miss this chance to experience a promising new artist on the rise, right here at The Whalehead Club! The Whalehead Club is located in Currituck Heritage Park, just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla. Concessions are available. There is no charge for admission or parking.

Following the concert, for those who dare, take the Moonlight Legends, Lore and Ghost Tour of the Whalehead Club in the dark! By advance reservation only, walk the steps of pirates, shipwreck victims, and ghosts of Corolla Island!

Check out more specialty tours on our website: www.whaleheadclub.org or call 252-453-9040

Outer Banks Rental Homes located in Whalehead Beach; click here

Your moment of Zen

2009-08-11T15:28:00.004-05:00

It is hot and humid and busy ... summer in Corolla. Labor Day will be here soon and with that comes a slower pace on the Outer Banks. Kids headed back to school and a different crowd heads to the beach. In the fall we get empty nesters, retired couples, younger couples with small children who are not in school yet.

Each year it seems there is more and more going on during the fall and winter months. You can find everything from magic shows to chili cook offs, art shows, plays and more.

If you have not been here in the "off season" we suggest you try it. Although the island is magical all year long, it is especially so in the fall. The sunsets are the most beautiful then, the restaurants are open and the shops have summer items on sale. Time for some new flip flops?

Whether you rent a condo or a large home, you will save money off season too. The weather stays warm for a long time ... our school kids wear shorts right up to early November and beyond some years. Adults too. I know grown men who honest to goodness do not even own a pair of long pants. They would not dream of putting on a tie.

Until Next Time
Your Outer Banks Bloggers

Busy

2009-08-07T15:41:00.013-05:00

Crazy busy week...hope it was a good one for you. Please enjoy the pictures, each is an entry in our Photo Contest. They are were taken in Corolla. The contest ends at midnight on September 7. The judges are going to have a hard time picking the grand prize winner; the pictures coming in are wonderful. Want to enter? Might win a free week at the beach... Read More.

It's Showtime

2009-07-28T15:16:00.004-05:00

AUGUST Activities in Corolla

CHILDREN'S KNIGHT MAGIC - Tuesday mornings at 9 am kids (ages 8 years and up)

Explore the history of magic and learn a few tricks to show off to friends! $15 per child to delve into the mystery of illusion by world traveled magician, Clive Allen. Watch your child's confidence grow as he or she learns to perform tricks at home! Meet at the Picnic Shelter in Currituck Heritage Park!

Wednesday Afternoons 3-7 pm
Whalehead Club Wine Festival$20 Admission allows you to Sample Wines from NC & the World, Keep your Souvenir Wine Glass, & Tour the Whalehead Club Free. Plus the Whole Family can Enjoy Live Music by Robert Blatchley, Children’s Activities and Local Food Treats!
On the North Lawn in the Park. No reservations necessary

Thursday Evenings at Dark
Moonlight Legend, Lore & Ghost Tour at the Whalehead Club

Hear Spooky Tales of the Past including Lost Pirates, Shipwrecks, Mr. Knight’s Smoking Cigar, and much more!
$14 per person / $7 age 8 & under
Reservations Required – call early for this popular tour!

More Information

Vacationers help needy families

2009-07-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

Pa. families give 2 families $1,400

By Jennifer Preyss
Staff Writer for The Daily Advance

Saturday, July 18, 2009

When Currituck locals get the urge to complain about tourists this summer, they might want to consider what three families vacationing from Pennsylvania are doing to make life a little easier for the area’s neediest residents.

For the second year in a row, the Malagise family of Freedom, Pa., the O’Donnell family of West Mifflin, Pa., and the Wilson family of Bethel Park, Pa., have donated money to help an area family struggling to make ends meet.

According to Ginger Candelora, executive director of Interfaith Community Outreach, the families were vacationing on the Outer Banks last summer when they discovered that behind the Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, there was a rising unemployment rate and hundreds of families in dire financial straits.

“They were just talking one night around the pool and said, 'It’s hard to believe you’ve got so many poor people living in the middle of paradise,’” Candelora said.

Candelora isn’t sure how the families learned about ICO, but they contacted her office and inquired about making a donation to local family in need.

“They said they wanted to donate money, but they wanted to write the check themselves and give it to the person, rather than go through ICO,” Candelora said. “We don’t usually do that, so we found a Currituck lady who was in the hospital, she had contracted a virus, and was facing eviction from her home. We told (the families) they could write a check to her landlord.”

The vacationers agreed, and wrote a $400 check to the woman’s landlord.

When the families returned for a vacation this summer in Duck, they again contacted ICO and inquired about making a donation to another family. This time, they wanted to donate an even larger sum: $1,000.

As Candelora went through her 44 faith outreach networks and the Departments of Social Services in Currituck and Dare, one family rose to the top as a perfect candidate for the donation.

A young Dare County family was struggling to pay bills after the husband had lost his construction job. Their troubles mounted after his hours at a local restaurant — where he had found another job — were cut.

“He finally found full-time work at Food Lion, but they were hurting with their finances and about one and one-half months behind in their rent,” Candelora said.

Interfaith was familiar with the family because that’s what it does: helps needy families in Dare and Currituck counties by providing them with emergency services and funding. Since January, the ecumenical outreach program and its network of donors between Moyock and Hatteras have helped more than 500 families in the two counties.

The families left quietly about a week ago, and requested their donations remain anonymous. But Candelora, touched by their giving, begged them to go public.

“They wanted to give anonymously, but we wanted to let folks see that our visitors care so much for our paradise,” Candelora said. “And they’re so young. I was impressed with that. It gives us hope.”

How To Drive in the 4Wheel Drive Areas

2009-07-17T15:13:00.008-05:00

photo sent in by B. Takacs

Beach Driving

If you have a four wheel drive vehicle and decide to check out the off road area, please read our tips first.

It was written by Karen in our Corolla office, who lives in the Carova area, so she knows what she is talking about.

You must "air down"! Most SUV's should reduce air pressure in the tires to 18 -20 lbs. (pick up trucks 22 in front, 18 in the rear). Failure to air down will result in you getting stuck. Also, not airing down causes major environmental damage to the beach and makes it hard for everyone else due to the ruts created. Your engine will also have to work harder.

The speed limit on the beach is 25 miles per hour, or 15 miles per hour if peopel are around. Be careful of dogs and children. The sheriff patrols the beach and will ticket speeders.

When it comes beach driving, including getting over the cuts, slow and easy wins the race. Do not gun your engine or you will get stuck.

When parking on the beach, do so in the middle of the beach. Cars and emergency vehicles must be able to travel on the dune line and the water line.

Do not ever drive on the dunes. They are very fragile. Don't even walk on the dunes.

Water on the back roads can be a problem. Never go through the middle of a puddle! Stay to the right or the left where the water is not as deep and do not gun the engine midway thorugh the puddle...it will only make the water deeper. Avoid puddles if possible as some can swamp a vehicle.

It is a good idea to carry in your vehicle a good quality air pressure gauge, a tow rope, fire extinguisher, flashlights, shovel and other emergency supplies.

A Currituck County ordinance prohibits people from approaching wihtin 50 yards of the Corolla wild horses.

Thanks to Karen and to Andrew at MyOBX.net who gave me permission to use this article.

Corolla's Simple Pleasures

2009-07-16T13:27:00.004-05:00

Riding the Trolley to the Beach!

Smelling the Russian Olive Trees as you drive the road to Corolla

Lunch at Bad Bean Burrito

Chilling on the porch during a rain storm

The baby rabbits you see in the yard

Seeing some of the Corolla Wild Horses

The new soundside park in Duck

Pelicans flying over the ocean

Sunset over the Sound

Crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge after being out of town ...whether it is for an hour or a week

July 12 week in Corolla

2009-07-10T15:16:00.014-05:00

More fun at Heritage Park next week. Good family fun and things for the kids to do. Please click on the flyer to read more.

Here is another entry in our 2009 Photo Contest ...almost 600 photos so far! This entry was sent in by Earl M. from PA. Beautiful shot! It shows a Corolla sunrise but look closely and you will see a dolphin in in the water!

Have a great weekend.

Knight Magic

2009-07-07T10:30:00.004-05:00

“Knight Magic”
Every Tuesday Morning -- July & August 9am – 10am

Explore the History of Magic with illusionist, Clive Allen. Learn Tricks to Take Home and Show Off to your Friends. (ages 5 & up)

$15 per participant

Meet at the Picnic Shelter in Currituck Heritage Park
Just past MP 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla. No reservations necessary.

Fun thing for your kids to do! For more information please call 252-453-9040 ext 3 or visit the website at www.WhaleheadClub.org.

For a complete list of Outer Banks Activities, Click Here.

Soundside Tours

2009-07-01T14:39:00.002-05:00

There is a new and wonderful service on the beach…Soundside Tours of Duck, North Carolina! These folks are true locals and you are in for a treat. The owners of this business were once the caretakers of the 124 year old cabin of the Currituck Shooting Club when it, unfortunately, burned to rubble in March of 2003. It was a devastating blow but their love and knowledge of this area has allowed them to enrich our lives with this information while continuing to guide avid water fowl hunters throughout the marshy waters of the Currituck Sound.

Read More

Soundside Tours, 252-255-0778, is located in Duck, North Carolina across from the Sanderling Inn. Guests can take a 6- person boat tour on the scenic Currituck Sound while viewing wildlife and the islands in the Sound. One will enjoy learning about the Sound and its rich history. They are hopeful to add space for an additional 6 people per boat tour next year. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. It costs $30 per person. Hours of operation are currently: 10am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm. Special sunset tours are also available. The Sanderling Inn can arrange for a basket of goodies along with a bottle of wine for the sunset tour. Please inquire upon calling. Reservations are recommended.

There are many other attractions right next to Soundside Tours. Don’t forget Station Bay Marina and Seafood (252-261-3267) where you can pick up fresh seafood daily. Steamed crabs are also available and they offer a boat launch for those who wish to ‘catch their own.’ Soundside Watersports (252-261-0855) is also located alongside these two businesses. They are open daily from 10am to 6pm for all your jet ski rental needs.

Please do come up to Duck and check them all out!

Currituck Heritage Park

2009-06-26T15:33:00.002-05:00

June 28th to July 3rd Week 2009

www.WhaleHeadClub.org

Call 252-453-9040 ext 2

Whalehead Club ToursEveryday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
$7 Adult Kids under 8 get in free

Specialty Tours by Reservation
Children's Art Time
Children's Treasure Hunt
Behind the Scenes
Nuts and Bolts Tour
Dalylight Ghost Tour

Thursday Evening at 6:30 a.m.
Summer Series Concert
On the South Lawn
Bring your beach chair or blanket. Relax and enjoy Dr. Tom performing on the front porch of the Whalehead Club as the sun sets. This local duo will showcase songs dating back the hey day of the 60's and 70's. Admission FREE>
Concessions Available

Wednesday Afternooon 3-7p.m.
Whalehead Club Wine Festival

$20 admission allows you to sample wines from NC and the world. Keep your souvenir wine glass and tour the Whalehead Club for free. The family can enjoy the live music by local artist James Bateman. Children's Activities and local food treats.
No reservations necessary. Located on the north lawn in the park

Thursday Evening at Dark
Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghost Tour at the Whalehead Club

Hear Spooky Tales of the past including lost pirates, shipwrecks, Mr. Knight's smoking cigar and much more.
$14 per person
$7 for age 8 and under
Reservations required. Call early for this popular tour!

July 4th at Heritage Park in Corolla

2009-06-26T08:07:00.003-05:00

July 4th in Corolla

Fireworks . Live Concert . Children’s Activities . Food Vendors

Saturday, July 4, 2009
Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, NC
Family Fun Starts at 5:00 p.m.
Fireworks Begin at Dusk

Live Entertainment by The Boomerangs starting at 5:30 p.m.

Featuring a 7:30 p.m. performance by Country Music Artist Stephen Cochran

Admission: FREE
Sponsored by Currituck County
ComeToOurBeach.com/fireworks.cfm252-453-9612

Donations collected will benefit Thanks USA
No alcohol or on-street parking will be permitted; Currituck Heritage Park boat ramp closed on July 4th

Photo Contest ... no strings attached

2009-06-25T13:45:00.005-05:00

photo by Melody Leckie

Village Realty OBX is sponsoring a Photo Contest and the prize for the winner is a free week at the beach.

Anyone can enter. The photo has to be about the Outer Banks, that means either people, places, events, nature ... whatever. Read the rules HERE. You don't have to buy anything, rent anything or even agree to get emails from anyone.

You can enter the contest as many times as you want. If you are coming to the beach this year (you are, aren't you?) then bring your camera, shoot in high resolution, and enter.

Good luck.
Your Corolla Blogger

Corolla Event

2009-06-23T09:31:00.004-05:00

If you are on the Outer Banks this week you will want to catch the 8th Annual "Under The Oaks" Art Festival in Corolla.

Wednesday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the North Lawn of the Whalehead Club in Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla

Over 100 artists—with mediums ranging from watercolors to clay, photography to
haberdashery, wood to stained glass—will be exhibiting their wares.

Art Festival Features:

• Silent Auction
• Baked Goods Sale
• Book Signing by Local Authors
• Fabulous Food
• Children’s Activities
• The Lost Colony Actors

Currituck Heritage Park is located just past MP 11 on Highway 12 North.
FREE ADMISSION $5 Per Car Parking Donation Requested
(252) 453-9040 Ext. 3 / www.whaleheadclub.org
Proceeds benefit the Whalehead Preservation Trust. The Whalehead Club is open daily year round.

April or July???

2009-04-30T12:31:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the first of May!! We are all looking forward to another wonderful summer season in Corolla. But...... this last week was a blessing for the locals!!! This past week Mother Nature saw fit to give us temperatures in the sunny 90's for six days running. Now, I'm not sure how she knew that I had taken a "Staycation" ( a vacation where one stays at home) but I surely appreciated the fine weather that was sent my way!! Since there were not alot of visitors at this time of year, I was able to bring my dogs out on the beach with me and I could look to the left and look to the right and not see one other living soul - well except for the horses on the beach. Corolla is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth!

President's Day

2007-02-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today is President's Day and if you are one of the lucky people who have the day off then I admit that I am jealous. It is cool down here on the Outer Banks, but the weather is supposed to hit 60 by the end of the week. There were a few snow flurries yesterday up in the 4 wheel drive area. Stay warm!

Coastal Provisions

2007-02-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

For the past several nights I have been getting a freshly prepared meal to go from Coastal Provisions. They are located in Southern Shores Crossing and offer a variety of gourmet foods. They offer a full service butcher, fresh seafood, beer & wine, specialty cheese, and chef prepared foods. They also offer catering services for weddings and other events. Check them out online at www.coastalprovisionsmarket.com.

New Bridge?

2007-02-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

They have been talking about this for years, but now it seems as if the Mid Currituck Bridge is actually coming into fruition. There is a great article about it here.

Valentine Dance

2007-02-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

This years Valentine's Dance at the Aquarium will be held on February 10th. The event is sponsored by The Lost Colony and The North Carolina Aquarium. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. It will be professionally catered and there will be live dance music. There will also be a silent auction of Valentine gifts and flowers for your loved one. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, a Valentine cake, wine, beer and a champagne fountain as well. All proceeds benefit The Lost Colony and NC Aquarium. Come on out and enjoy a romantic evening with the sharks....and your date. For more information, please call 252-473-2127.

It is vacation time for us

2007-01-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

There isn't much happening on the Outer Banks this time of year. Many restaurants are closed and a lot of the stores are starting to restock for the summer. This is the time when a lot of business owners and other employees decide to take trips to warmer places. One of the more popular destinations for residents is Costa Rica. The western coast of Costa Rica offers warm waters, good waves and lots of sun. Many people end up staying for 2 or 3 months and some never come back. It is kind of funny to think that we leave one of the most popular vacation destinations to take our own vacations in other places.

Summer can wait

2007-01-29T09:06:00.000-05:00

We had some snow last night, which is always a nice surprise. Believe it or not this was enough to close schools here today. There wasn't too much that was sticking to the roads, but there were a few ice patches and there is no reason to take a chance with those big buses and all the kids. The snow seemed to come just at the right time for me. I always get into watching the Winter X Games, which are held in Colorado. Seeing all that snow last night on TV made me wish we had a little to see here. I guess I got lucky.

The Outer Banks Ranks As Top Ten Romantic Escape

2007-01-28T09:51:00.000-05:00

Be unpredictable this Valentine's Day. Why not take some good advice and steal away to The Outer Banks for some real seclusion. Mix it up with the one you Love. Coastal Living magazine listed the islands of The Outer Banks among its Top 10 Romantic Escapes in America in the January/February issue, citing us as one of the most elementally “out there” experiences of any bridge-accessible domestic destination.

This info was provided by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

1st Annual Waterman's Roast

2007-01-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

The 1st annual Waterman's Roast will be held on January 27, 2007. The roast will benefit the Day at the Docks celebration. They will be roasting oysters and pigs and there will be a special appearance by Eph O' Neal, who is Hatteras' oldest working waterman. The event will be held at the Hatteras Village Civic Center, starting at 6pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at the following places:

Oden's Dock
Village Marina
Hatteras Harbor Marina
Teach's Lair
Ballance Oil Co.
Creative Ballance Salon

Come out and enjoy the food and fun.

TV is finally fun to watch again

2007-01-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else obsessed with the show 24 besides me? If you are looking for me on Monday nights in the next few months, I can be found in front of my TV watching Jack Bauer save the country again. 24 is the only show that I will not miss for anything. It has gotten to the point that I get so anxious on Monday's that I can't concentrate on anything but how much longer I have until 9 pm.

In Outer Banks news...it is cold and the ocean is still here.

Art Show

2007-01-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

The 29th annual Frank Stick Art show will run from January 21 - February 16 at the Glenn Eure Ghost Fleet Gallery. The show features a wide variety of styles from local artists. Watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, printmaking, works in clay, glass, textiles, and other media will all be displayed. All works will be judged with awards in several different categories to be handed out at the end of the show. For more information contact the Dare County Arts Council 252-473-5558.

Correction - The Currituck Club

2007-01-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

The Currituck Club Golf Course has decided to remain open during the renovations and set up temporary greens. This will still be from September 2007-March 2008. The green's fees will be reduced for this time frame.

Traffic Delays

2007-01-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

NC 12 Road Improvement Project

NC DOT announced they are starting the NC 12 Road Improvement Project this week.

The project consists of the following:

A continuous center turn lane from SR 1418 to Skyline Drive.

Pedestrian refuge islands north of Ocean View Loop and Skyline Drive.

Extension of the full width northbound merge lane to the end of the commercial area.

Extension of the northbound left turn lane at Chicahauk Trail.

Drainage improvements.

The contractor is Barnhill Construction and the project completion date is May 18, 2006. Intermittent lane closures should be expected with some congestion and limited traffic delays. There will be no scheduled work on weekends or holidays. Access to all homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.

Fish Story

2007-01-15T09:41:00.000-05:00

One good thing about the winter months is that the fish do not hibernate. I was able to go striper fishing this past week and we really lucked out. We hooked about 20 fish and were able to keep our limit of 10. We went out of Rudee Inlet in Va. Beach and stayed out for a half day. It was cold that morning, but luckily our boat had a heated cabin with leather seats and a flat screen tv. I brought home about 10 pounds of fish to stick in my freezer. I wonder how many nights I can eat it in row without getting tired of it. I have already grilled it and baked it....I guess it is time to fry it now. Have a good day.

The Currituck Club

2007-01-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

I know it is a little early, but I figured I would mention this now and then once the time gets closer. The Currituck Club Golf Course will be closed from Sept. 2007 - March 2008. They are planning to renovate the course during this time frame. The entire course will be closed and questions can be directed to the pro shop (888-453-9400). Please keep this in mind if you plan on coming to the Corolla area during that time frame. Take care.

Safety Tips

2007-01-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

Recently, there have been some unfortunate accidents on the beach road involving a dog and a biker getting hit by cars. It is easy to relax while on the OBX, but you still have to be cautious on the roadways. Most areas have a wide walking path along the beach road that should be used at all times. Often you will see bikers out in the roadway riding with the flow of traffic. This is very dangerous for the bikers as well as the vehicles on the road. The beach road is not a wide road and in order to go around the bikers, cars have to enter the lane of oncoming traffic. Also, pedestrians and bikers need to be cautious at the intersections. Drivers may not always look to the right when turning right so if you are coming from that direction slow down and make sure the driver has seen you before trying to cross in front of the car. There are a large number of crosswalks that should be used when crossing over the road. I can't count the number of times families with small children have bolted across the road randomly to get to the ocean. Dogs should be on a leash at all times when walking along the road as well. There is a lot of activity along the roadways down here and the best thing to do is just slow down and be cautious. Have a great day.

Saltwater Fishing License

2007-01-08T10:24:00.000-05:00

As of January 1st 2007, a recreational saltwater fishing license is required for anyone living more than 3 miles away from the water. The debate on this issue has been going on for about 10 years, so it didn't really catch anyone by surprise that it finally was passed. The license costs $15 for state residents and $30 for non residents. You may also purchase a short term license which lasts for 10 consecutive days ($5 for residents, $10 for non residents). Children under 16 are not required to purchase a license. There is a hefty penalty for getting caught without one too. There is a $35 citation fee plus $110 in court fees. All of the revenue from offenders will go towards the board of education. You can purchase the license at the local Walmart, Kmart and tackle shops. They can also be purchased online at the Division of Marine Fisheries Webpage (http://www.ncfisheries.net/index.html).

Outer Banks Wedding Expo

2007-01-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

The 9th annual Outer Banks Wedding Expo will be held January 5-7. The event is sponsored by the Outer Banks Wedding Association. There will be a welcome reception and a fashion show as well as a dream drive highlighting event locations. There will be a number of vendors from the area showcasing their services and a wedding tour which will include a number of open houses. The event is open to anyone, but you must purchase tickets to participate. There are two different ticket packages which can be purchased. An all inclusive ticket which includes the wedding tour and expo ($15 in advance/$20 at the door) and an expo only ticket ($8 in advance/$10). We look forward to seeing you there.

Outer Banks Time

2006-12-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I am back after almost a week off and it is going take me a while to get back into "work" mode. I hope everyone had a great holiday. It was nice to spend time with my family and see friends that I had not seen in a while. One thing that I always realize when I leave the Outer Banks is how different it is from almost everywhere else. If you vacation here then you may hear people talk about "Outer Banks Time." This how we refer to the laid back and sometimes slower than normal way of life. Things take longer here than they would in other places. It is always funny (and sometimes annoying) to hear people complain about the pace down here. I was eating at the Black Pelican last night with my family and overheard a lady complaining to the waiter about her food not being in front of her yet. By my calculations she had been waiting for about 10-15 minutes, which seems reasonable to me. However, if her food was not there in 5 minutes she wanted to speak to a manager. I could be wrong, but my guess is that she was not familiar with "OBT" and was from out of town. So I feel that if we spread awareness about "OBT" then we can help all of the visitors understand that when someone says they will be there are 1:00pm, they really mean sometime in the next 3 days. If you are going to enjoy staying here then you have to get used to the slow pace. It is island life and that is the way we like it. Take care and have a great day!

Stars Visit the Outer Banks

2006-12-21T11:05:00.000-05:00

I tested my new camera out last night and tried to take pictures of the stars. It was really clear and there aren't a lot of man made lights that would get in the way of viewing the sky. On a clear night you can see for miles. I can even see the Currituck Lighthouse and it is about 15 miles away. Sometimes you will see lights from fishing boats out on the ocean late at night. I often wonder what the shore looks like from their view. Next time you are down and have a moment to look around, don't forget to look up.

Different View of the Sound

2006-12-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

This is a view of the Outer Banks that many visitors may not get a chance to see. This part of the sound is on the Currituck mainland. One of our employees hunts on a regular basis in this area and always speaks of the great natural beauty she sees. The trees are mostly Cypress and there are a few Pines as well. The exposed roots give it an eerie feel, especially on a foggy morning. You can walk for miles and miles down the shore and never see anyone. This is just another reason why the Outer Banks is so peaceful and such a great place to live.