A Beautiful Day On The Outer Banks...

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Gorgeous blue skies, great weather, and sprawling beaches to walk on---what can be better than to be on the Outer Banks today!

It's the perfect time of year to visit---there are great things to do and great deals to be found on the Outer Banks. You can visit the Elizabethan Gardens or walk around Roanoke Island Festival Park & the Elizabeth II. Festival Park is hosting renowned Flautist Chris Norman this Saturday at 4 PM. The price of admission is included in the price of the park's admission fee.

Or of course you can always visit our lighthouses. There are short nature trails by Bodie Island Lighthouse and one very close to Cape Hatteras Light which you can also trek. Fishing is always fun on the Outer Banks as well, and many restaurants are OPEN. This weekend the weather is supposed to be sun, sun, sun---so we encourage everyone to take advantage of our specials on obxlodging.com and come visit the Outer Banks!

Land of Beginnings Festival

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Come Join In the Land Of Beginnings Festival


This festival starts today (March 27th) and runs through April 6th. Some events are free of charge--such as the various Storytelling events, and a few have a nominal charge for functions such as the North Carolina Dance Theatre's production on Tuesday the 31st. For information on all events and happenings for this festival, click HERE. This festival helps to celebrate the culture, people, and history of the Outer Banks as well as providing other cultural events for the public. Many functions take place in Manteo and the Wright Brothers Pavilion at the Wright Brothers Memorial here in Kill Devil Hills. Come stay a few days or come for the whole festival! You'll find great accommodations with us on the Outer Banks!

Celebrate Earth Day At the Beach!!

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Come and celebrate EARTH DAY on the Outer Banks at the NC Aquarium (in Manteo) on April 18th from 10 am til 3 pm. Enjoy family entertainment and watch "Planet Earth, Inc" with your paid admission. This great show incorporates puppetry, songs, and magic tricks by Atlanta-based puppeteer Lee Bryan.

It's supposed to be a FABULOUS warm, sunny weekend at the Outer Banks and you DON'T want to miss out on our fun and sun. Visit Jockey's Ridge, tour the lighthouses, visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens (which are blooming nicely), or climb Kill Devil Hill and check out the Wright Brothers Memorial. Or go biking (it'll be a great weekend for it) on our various multi-use paths or bike paths on the beach.




End of the wooded trail from Elizabethan Gardens to the soundside waterfront in Manteo
Only a FEW rooms remain at our properties so make sure you reserve with us today! Receive 10% off any non-discounted rate with AAA, AARP, military, or government ID at our Days Inn Oceanfront or our Days Inn & Suites Mariner.

Bike Weekend on the Outer Banks

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BIKE "WEEK" ON THE OUTER BANKS STARTS April 23, 2009So bring your Harleys, Suzukis, Huskys, or Hondas (scooters don't quite count) and come and enjoy "Bike Week" starting 4/23 on the beach! At Vertigo Tattoo they have several great contests for bikers and bike enthusiasts alike.

On Friday 4/24 they have a Custom Bike and Big Twin Contest from 12-4 pm. On Sat 4/25 they have an Old School Bike Contest and Antique Bike Contest from 12-4pm. Both days also feature a "Wall of Death" stunt show as well. Visit their website for more info on their events and vendors by clicking here.The weather is supposed to be PERFECT for great riding along the flatlands of the beach! Take a ride down towards Hatteras and take the free ferry over to Ocracoke for a nice day trip. The scenery is like nothing else.

Or go visit the Wright Brothers Memorial and drive around Kill Devil Hill. And if the family has to come and doesn't want to participate in the bike activities--it'll be fine---the beach is right outside our doorway!

We have a few rooms remaining at the Days Inn Oceanfront (only a handful) and one 3 bedroom oceanfront cottage remaining at the Wright Cottage Court (as of this posting). Don't miss out on the warm weather and great events this weekend. Check out our properties here.

There's Fun To Be Had On The Outer Banks!

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View Of The Sound As The Sun Goes Down

There's a fun time to be had while you are on the Outer Banks! This video clip was taken during a short kayak trip on the soundside of the beach. We're famous for our watersports--kiteboarding, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and more.

There are also great historic programs going on at the beach as well. Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station has "Porch Programs" going on all summer at 2 pm. For instance on Tuesdays there a talk given on "Amazing True & Local Wreck Rescue Stories." And on Thursdays the ever-popular "Beach Apparatus Drill" with the US Coast Guard re-creates the famous "Breeches Buoy" Rescue--and is only 1 of 2 spots in America to do so (and we're the only one to have active Coast Guard personnel in our rescue).

Of course you can always just laze the day away in the sun too. That's what most visitors seem to enjoy. Or take a day trip and drive south towards Hatteras and grab some lunch before visiting the Lighthouse, there's a nice seashore there where you can take a respite...then jump on the free ferry to Ocracoke and visit the quaint fishing village with fine local shopping and restaurants.

And if you are on a budget, take advantage of our great special offers at our various properties at: obxlodging.com. We have cottages, guest rooms and suites with full kitchens---the whole gamut for something for 1 person to something for 18!

Donation during the Marketplace

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A big shout out to Kristy Mayhue, who donated FOUR boxes of clothes and a couple boxes of toys for our family in need!


She was packing up early during the Mommy & Me Fall Marketplace, just as we were asking people if they would like to donate any of their yard sale items. Kristy gave us all she had left as it fit the family's needs perfectly. We applaud her generosity, and our family in need appreciates it greatly!


They still need a few items. Please check your closets, maybe you have something there that doesn't fit your child anymore, and it would be a huge help as the weather starts to cool down. For a boy:
       lightweight coat  size 4-5      heavier coat  size 4-5      shoes  size 11-12      She said he had a pair of brown boots from Walmart last year size 11 that he loved!   If you have something you'd like to donate, please contact our Community Reach Coordinator:

Lee Hux 252-216-6063alittleaddedtouch@yahoo.com
Thank you again, Kristy! Your generosity made a family really happy!

March of Dimes Outer Banks Signature Chef Auction

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Are you planning to attend the March of Dimes Outer Banks Signature Chef Auction this year? It will be on Sunday, December 9th at 5:30 until about 9pm.   It is a great event for a great cause, and there's plenty of ways to help! You could join their planning committee. They could really use folks on their:  Decoration team:  To gather items for the event prior to the event and ensure proper placement the day of the event.  **Will work with a team and with Decorations & Logistics Chair.      Logistics team:  To develop a plan for the room(s) including layout of tables/chairs for participants, bars, guests and silent auction items as well as sound system.  Will work with Hilton to ensure concept can be realized.  **Will work with team for set up prior and clearing after.  **Will also work with Decoration team. They also need volunteers to help with set up of the room from 3:30-5:30.  During the event they usually need volunteers to help pick-up the silent auction items when the time comes;  help get the right packages to the right winners; clearing tables, etc.
If you wish to volunteer the day of the event, please contact  Stef Baker (Home) 261-3339, (Cell) 240-432-1994 or send her an email at ephinapets@gmail.com Another way to participate is to donate crafts or services for the basket Mommy & Me will donate for the silent auction. If you are the crafty type or already have a business and wish to take advantage of a little extra promotion while helping a good cause, we'd love to have your items/services in this basket!  If you wish to add your fabulous items to our Mommy & Me basket for the silent auction, please contact Lee Hux 252-216-6063 or send her an email at alittleaddedtouch@yahoo.com

Parenting Expo: Sponsorship Levels

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Would you like to support the Outer Banks Parenting Expo, and enjoy the benefits of being a Sponsor? Check out this year's Sponsorship Levels.



2013 Sponsorship Opportunities  Golden Rattle Sponsor - $500Includes large logo on poster distributed in our community, large logo on poster at event, mention on allradio spots and print ads, voucher for 2 half-page ads in the Mommy & Me newsletter (expiring May2013), and link on event page.  Silver Spoon Sponsor - $250Includes medium logo on poster, medium logo on poster at event, link on event page, voucher for 2quarter-page ads in Mommy & Me Newsletter (expiring May 2013).  Bronze Shoe Sponsor - $150Includes logo on poster and at event, voucher for 2 business card size ads in Mommy & Me newsletter(expiring May 2013), listing in program as sponsor, link on event page.  Pink & Blue Ribbon Sponsor - $75Includes listing on poster and program, link on event page.
Sponsors at all levels will include listing on the Mommy & Me website www.obxmommyandme.com and a listing in the Mommy and Me newsletter and ability to include materials in goodie bags   Sponsor Registration - Deadline October 30, 2012 
If you have any questions or wish to become a Sponsor for this wonderful parenting event, please contact KC McAvoy at obxparentingexpo@gmail.com 

Cookbook Contest: Winners!

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Thanks to all of you who shared recipes for the Outer Banks Mommy & Me Cookbook! Thanks to our members and their families, we now have 225 recipes for the Cookbook.

The sweetest part for those who shared the most recipes is yet to come! Congratulations to our Top 3 Submitters:

Anna Gray

Tara White

Leslie Reed

They get a $20 gift certificate each to Surfin Spoon.


And the winning Playgroup is the Manteo Manatees! They will get a fabulous bubbles party (pictures to come!)

Be on the lookout for new information about our new Cookbook. If you're already starting your holiday shopping list, be sure to add a few of them, they will make wonderful gifts for anyone who loves to cook, is in a cooking rut, or needs a little inspiration.

Remember that proceeds from this Cookbook will go back to our community. What a better gift than the gift of giving back!

Pumpkin Patch!

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What a fun time we had at Grandy Greenhouse this morning! 

 Thank you to all of the Moms, Grandmas, and kiddies that came out to enjoy the hayride, pick pumpkins, and have frozen yogurt and hot cider with us. We enjoyed the story and scarecrow stuffing! A very big thank you goes out to KC McAvoy for being our photographer and to Rebecca Wilcox for planning another fantastic outing! 

Remember there's another date for our members to go to a Pumpkin Patch. Check your emails if you haven't seen it. Hope to see you there!

There's Fun To Be Had On The Outer Banks!

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View Of The Sound As The Sun Goes Down

There's a fun time to be had while you are on the Outer Banks! This video clip was taken during a short kayak trip on the soundside of the beach. We're famous for our watersports--kiteboarding, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and more.

There are also great historic programs going on at the beach as well. Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station has "Porch Programs" going on all summer at 2 pm. For instance on Tuesdays there a talk given on "Amazing True & Local Wreck Rescue Stories." And on Thursdays the ever-popular "Beach Apparatus Drill" with the US Coast Guard re-creates the famous "Breeches Buoy" Rescue--and is only 1 of 2 spots in America to do so (and we're the only one to have active Coast Guard personnel in our rescue).

Of course you can always just laze the day away in the sun too. That's what most visitors seem to enjoy. Or take a day trip and drive south towards Hatteras and grab some lunch before visiting the Lighthouse, there's a nice seashore there where you can take a respite...then jump on the free ferry to Ocracoke and visit the quaint fishing village with fine local shopping and restaurants.

And if you are on a budget, take advantage of our great special offers at our various properties at: obxlodging.com. We have cottages, guest rooms and suites with full kitchens---the whole gamut for something for 1 person to something for 18!

The big storm

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Well, it's Wednesday night and we are expecting two-three days of heavy winds, rains, and most devastating, the beach erosion. Many local news stations are already comparing this to the Halloween Storm of 91. The ocean is already riled up and I expect many of you have seen the coverage by the Weather Channel. I will be out tomorrow getting some pics.
At the first high tide of this storm today around 3pm the Rodanthe S Curves had just minor water on the road. Serendipity was still parked half in the surf and looked very forlorn on the webcam. Check back tomorrow for more updates.

THE best rental season ever coming up

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Thanks to the fact that NO new large beach houses have been built here in FIVE years, we have the BEST rental season we have had in many, many years shaping up this season. All the hot summer weeks are booked at full price already except for one lone week (July 17th if anyone wants it) and did not have to listen to a single "woulda take"!!!! So if you haven't yet booked that special Outer Banks getaway that you've been waiting for, better do it soon, and don't haggle! Supply is DOWN Demand is UP!!!

A little breeze, little rain

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Been raining for about an hour now, lightly. A little breezy out there too. Took a ride down to the "bridge turn" just now and I have never seen so many cars from the town of Manteo proper parked out near the highway where the ground is a bit higher. Everyone seems to be taking the tide threat seriously. Darrell's has sandbagged their parking lot. Almost all the businesses have closed for the storm duration now.

Saturday morn

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7:51 am still got power at this point. The hardest winds of the core have not yet reached us. Eye is making landfall down over Cape Lookout and tracking up the sound. I will say this again: The worst possible situation for soundside flooding is coming to pass. Tracking just like Hurricane Donna in 1960. The east winds push all the water to the west side of the sound for hours and then when the eye passes it all releases in one swift gush and rushes back toward the outer barrier islands. Winds have so far gusted to 53 at the airport in Manteo.

There's Fun To Be Had On The Outer Banks!

To contact us Click HERE

View Of The Sound As The Sun Goes Down

There's a fun time to be had while you are on the Outer Banks! This video clip was taken during a short kayak trip on the soundside of the beach. We're famous for our watersports--kiteboarding, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and more.

There are also great historic programs going on at the beach as well. Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station has "Porch Programs" going on all summer at 2 pm. For instance on Tuesdays there a talk given on "Amazing True & Local Wreck Rescue Stories." And on Thursdays the ever-popular "Beach Apparatus Drill" with the US Coast Guard re-creates the famous "Breeches Buoy" Rescue--and is only 1 of 2 spots in America to do so (and we're the only one to have active Coast Guard personnel in our rescue).

Of course you can always just laze the day away in the sun too. That's what most visitors seem to enjoy. Or take a day trip and drive south towards Hatteras and grab some lunch before visiting the Lighthouse, there's a nice seashore there where you can take a respite...then jump on the free ferry to Ocracoke and visit the quaint fishing village with fine local shopping and restaurants.

And if you are on a budget, take advantage of our great special offers at our various properties at: obxlodging.com. We have cottages, guest rooms and suites with full kitchens---the whole gamut for something for 1 person to something for 18!

Happy July 4th

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HAPPY JULY 4TH



Have a great July 4th! Plenty of fireworks to be found on the Outer Banks as well as good deals. July is the last hurrah before the kids have to go back to school or start their sports or band practice.
Plan now for a great Outer Banks getaway. We have some great specials going on for our few remaining cottages which are open for the month of July. Click HERE to check our specials for our cottages for July (and the 1st week of August).


There are great places to visit while here like Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Fort Raleigh Historic Site, The Lost Colony and much, much more! So come and visit the Outer Banks--there are plenty of things to do, plenty of places to eat, and plenty of places to play on the beach! We hope to see you soon!

Roanoke Island Festival Park--425th Anniversary of the Roanoke Voyages

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Come enjoy the 425th anniversary of the Roanoke Voyages at the Roanoke Island Festival Park beginning July 13th! This is to commemorate the first landing of English ships in the New World on July 13. The festivities begin at 6 pm and this event is free. There will entertaining Elizabethan performers, a birthday cake, and Elizabethan activities which will cover the lawn area. From 7/14-7/17 there will be special activities and performances going on....the Guilde of St. Andrew and Renaissance Faire performers will be on hand from Raleigh, NC. Many fun times will be had for the old and young alike. Check out the great festivities going on for our special celebration by clicking here. Find great deals at our various properties for your stay. For the Days Inn & Suites Mariner click HERE. For the Days Inn Oceanfront Wright Brothers click HERE. A fun time will be had by all---don't miss out!

Back To School

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Jockey's Ridge Nature Path

This weekend on the Outer Banks was gorgeous, though we did have a little bit of rain (as you can see in the distance lurking over Manteo) from the back end of Jockey's Ridge yesterday evening. This is the time that many people love to flock to the beach, since lodging rates start dropping as does the crowds during the week.

You can pick up some special deals this time of year, in hotels and shops with Back To School Rates. The weather is still gorgeous, everything is still wide open, and there's plenty of free things to do (like take in a great sunset from Jockey's Ridge).

Plan now for Labor Day Weekend as well, before all is sold out. Check out our properties here. We'd love to see you on the Outer Banks!

Why It won't work to just Buy the homes that are on the beach

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There have been a couple of times lately when I have responded to a comment on Eye on Dare, and my comment never shows up. That's a little frustrating, but it's not my space, so I can't really complain.

But some recent posts have suggested that we buy the homes that are currently on the beach, and when my response wasn't printed - well, I guess you always win an argument if you only show one side. There's also the anonymous person who says I'm a swindler, and they won't shop in Nags Head anymore, or buy anything from a business owner that supports beach nourishment. Too bad they don't have the courage to put their name out there.

So I've restarted this blog, after a long rest. These are my opinions and thoughts, not the Town of Nags Head or any of my partners. I hope to use this blog as a tool to work on two current committees, the Beach Road committee and the Beach Plan committee, and I'll be posting notes from recent meetings to stir discussion here.

Anyway, here's my response to buying and moving the homes currently on the beach:

It's not about the houses that are on the beach right now. There's no doubt we could buy the homes that are on the public beach right now.

But follow this method of dealing with erosion for the next 50 years, and where do you end up? At the beach road, just like in Kitty Hawk, with no oceanfront homes to generate the tax dollars that feed

Nags Head is just first in line to address the biggest short and long term problem for the whole county, erosion. As a community, we've wallowed at a crossroads for the past 20 years. I hope we can make a choice now on a consistent and effective way to minimize the damage from erosion.

As far as being a swindle, well, in a swindle, you don't know what's happening. In the erosion issue, there's so much information it's overwhelming.Start with the EIS on the Town website, www.townofnagshead.net. This has been an open discussion all the way through. Shucks, Ray posted my draft plan on Eye on Dare before I gave it to my Board. Just because there is disagreement doesn't have to mean there can't be a polite and public discussion. I don't think anonymity encourages politeness, so if you would like your comment posted, please offer your name. Yes, I'll post all of them, even the ones that disagree. I think you frequently learn the most from the folks that honestly disagree, and you learn their assumptions, and question your own premises. It's healthy.

Bob O

Hope Mills NC Resident Wins in 2011 OBX Photo Contest

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NAGS HEAD, N.C. - Rachel Long of Hope Mills, N.C., was named First Runner Up in the 2011 Outer Banks Photo Contest, sponsored by Outer Banks-based Village Realty.



Long's photo was entered in the Best of the Beach category and shows her husband and son watching a sunrise on the beach in Corolla. The Village Realty judges chose her photo as their second favorite from a pool of 2,700 photographs. The judges declared: "This was a close second to the grand prize winner and once again captured our hearts. You can feel the special bond between this father and son and experience the awe that this sunrise inspired. A real favorite with us."

As First Runner Up, Long received a free, two-day, off-season stay in one of Village Realty's Outer Banks vacation rental homes as well as a gift certificate to Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern.

The 2012 Outer Banks Photo Contest will begin in April and will run through the end of September. No purchase is necessary to enter. Go to www.obxphotocontest.com for details.

GIBSONIA PA RESIDENT NAMED TOP WINNER IN OBX PHOTO CONTEST

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More Than 2,700 Photos Submitted in the Annual Contest


NAGS HEAD, N.C. - Alex Bulow of Gibsonia, PA, is the Grand Prize winner of the 2011 Outer Banks Photo Contest, sponsored by Outer Banks-based Village Realty.

Bulow's photo - "First Sunset at The Waterfront Shops in Duck, NC" - was entered in the Knock Our Socks Off Sunrise or Sunset category. The photo depicts a sunset reflected in his baby daughter's sunglasses. It was taken during the Bulows' first visit to the Outer Banks.

The originality of the composition won over the judges from Village Realty. "This photo was the front runner right from the beginning," the judges commented. "From the crabby sunglasses to the expression on this little girl's face to the beautiful sunset reflected in those glasses, we just loved it."
As Grand Prize winner, Bulow received a free off-season week in one of Village Realty's Outer Banks vacation rental homes.
The 2012 Outer Banks Photo Contest will begin in April and will run through the end of September. No purchase is necessary to enter. Go to www.obxphotocontest.com for details.
Village Realty Management & Services, located on North Carolina's beautiful Outer Banks, is a locally owned and managed company specializing in vacation rentals, real estate sales and association management services. The company has two vacation rental offices located in Nags Head and Corolla and offers rentals in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Corolla, ranging from rentals on the golf course to large homes with oceanfront vistas.

For more information:

Photo Contest: http://www.obxphotocontest.com/

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/OBXVacations

Village Realty: http://www.villagerealtyobx.com/

Outer Banks: http://www.outerbanks.org/

Friends of Jockey's Ridge

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The 4th Annual George Barnes Oyster Roast was originally scheduled to be held last weekend at Jockey's Ridge State Park parking lot.  Neighbors and friends of Jockey's Ridge have been gathering annually to shuck, bag, help plant and create new environments for oysters in the Pamlico Sound.  This year, however...due to inclement weather the entire weekend the non-profit organization "Friends of Jockey's Ridge" decided to simply give the abundance of oysters away, to anyone willing to come shuck their own, in a FREE Oyster Roast hosted last evening (Thursday, March 8th) at Pamlico Jack's Restaurant at MP 15.5 in Nags Head on the sound.

Friends of Jockey's Ridge gather for Free Oyster Roast at Pamlico's Jacks (March 8th, 2012)

"Low Pressure" performing Live at Rum Jumper's

Oh we were willing!  With live music performed outside on the Rum Jumper's Pirate's deck by "Low Pressure" featuring the talented Chris Toolan, our own Maslin Seal & Dale Henderson performing familiar deck-party cover tunes combined with the clear and balmy sunset, the entire event offered a wonderful gathering for locals and visitors to mingle, eat roasted oysters with a little Tabasco sauce, or freshly squeezed lemon and feel that sense of Outer Banks community.  

It was casual, fun, heartwarming and the sunset was spectacular!  Chris Toolan announced to all gathered, just as the first oysters hit the shucking table, "We have some really important people to thank for attending this evening's event..and that is everyone here!"

For more information on how to join or donate funds to the "Friends of Jockey's Ridge" and help preserve the dune environment of our magnificent ever-evolving State Park, please call (252) 441-7132 or visit www.jockeysridgestatepark.com.  Be sure to visit Jockey's Ridge while you're here on vacation.  We are proud to say it's the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States...it's a place like no other!
If you would like to have "Low Pressure" perform at your next gathering...call Chris Toolan (252) 205-1267, or find them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/lpobx.

Taste of the Beach Weekend: "It's All About Oysters" at the Lucky 12 Tavern

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Nags Head:  Saturday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day), 2012

Mark Ballog, Owner, LUCKY 12 Tavern, Nags Head

The Lucky 12 Tavern, 3309 S. Virginia Dare Trail (Beach Road) Nags Head hosted one of the most popular "Taste of the Beach 2012" Weekend Events "It's All About Oysters".  Mark Ballog (Owner), along with master oyster roaster, Jim Williams cooked up a feast for 26 lucky oyster loving ticket holders Saturday from 2-4PM.

Jim Williams, Master Oyster Roaster

This was the Lucky 12's fifth year participating in the event and many of the attendees return year after year for this delectable feast of oysters and microbrews.  Tickets were available at $35.00 per person, and well worth the price!  The homemade Cajun Spicy Remoulade was the ideal accompaniment for each of the oyster dishes offered by Mark and Jim in the kitchen.  The oysters were all local, fresh from a private bed in nearby Englehard.  Oyster dishes included:

• Raw Oysters on the half-shell, with fresh lemon, cocktail sauce and Remoulade.
• Roasted Oysters w/ Tomato Vinaigrette
• Roasted Oysters w/ Jalapeno, Bacon & Melted Monterrey Jack Cheese
• Roasted Oysters w/ Fresh Red Bell Pepper, Grated Swiss and Crabmeat
• Fried Oysters w/ Remoulade Dip
• Roasted Oysters w/ Parmesan Cheese, Butter, Sugar and Paprika

All were served with a variety of microbrew beers and Pinot Grigio. 

Dave & Colleen, Raleigh, NC

Dave and Colleen, (Raleigh, NC) celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary, said this was their favorite event BY FAR! The couple said their "Taste of the Beach" tickets were their Christmas Present this year.

Craig Wright, Short Pump, VA

Craig Wright (Short Pump, VA) owner of classic Nags Head "The Wright Place at the Right Time" attended for his second year in a row, along with Pirate's Cove condo owners Greg and Franchesca (Richmond, VA).  Craig was delighted to opine, "The original Quagmire's Bushwacker Rum Drink can only be recreated precisely by Mark Ballog at the Lucky 12."

Susan and Dawn (Lake Hotpatcong, NJ) have been coming to the "Taste of the Beach" for the past three years, as Susan now owns a house here on the Outer Banks. They've been best friends since high school.

Dawn and Susan, Lake Hotpatcong, NJ

Michael and Camy (Reston, VA) were celebrating Camy's birthday at a Village Realty, 3 Bedroom House with their 2 year old daughter and Camy's parents.  They've been coming to the Outer Banks for the past 10 years but this is their first visit to a Village Realty Vacation Rental, and the "Taste of the Beach"....says Camy, "This was the best birthday present ever!  We will be back!"

Michael and Camy, Reston, VA  (Village Realty "Taste of the Beach" Vacation Rentals)

Lucky 12 first opened their doors in 2006 and have built a fine reputation as being a local's favorite and visitor's return spot ever since.

Page 28 of the 2012 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Program...

Oh yes, she was there Program Centerfold, Franchesca (Richmond, VA)


Disclaimer:  Village Realty accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided for any vendors suggested or recommended.  Outer Banks Blog is for informational purposes only.  Village Realty has no direct association with any vendors mentioned in articles or posts.  Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. 

Taste of the Beach Weekend: "Grand Tasting Event"

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How difficult.  Restaurants from all over the Outer Banks, compete for People's Choice awards/votes for the Best of the Beach with only one or two bites.  Imagine the challenge, and yet those that did represent certainly gave this sold out, day long event their absolute best bites ever.

It started with a line of hungry, hungry participants who purchased tickets for the Grand Tasting event held this Sunday, March 18th at Pamlico Jack's in Nags Head.  The first of two sessions opened at 4:30PM.

Taste of the Beach "Grand Tasting" line of participants 4:30 Session

East sold out session offered 250 tickets at $60 per person.  Village Realty guests had tickets included in their "Taste of the Beach Weekend Packages". (Click Here to reserve for 2013!)

Once ushered inside the formal "Grand Tasting" which encompassed all indoor dining areas of the restaurant, the tasting began in earnest. 

My personal favorites, based solely on one morsel of perfection are listed below:

1.  Aqua Restaurant & Spa, Duck ~ Best bite of the nite!  OBX Roll (Sushi) made with fresh crab, avocado and spicy tuna, topped with mango and a sweet sesame sauce with orange caviar.  OMG!

2.  Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant, Kitty Hawk~ Hawaiian Pink Sea Scallops with chilled shrimp, caviar and Watermelon.  Whoa!

3.  Sugar Creek Soundfront Restaurant, Nags Head ~ Delectable Crab Dip with Crap Niblets. Mmmm.

4.  Ramada/Peppercorn's Restaurant, Kill Devil Hills ~ Oysters w/ Andollle Sausage and Gouda.  Mouthwatering!

5.  The Pit's Surf Shack, Kill Devil Hills ~ Poo Chicken w/ Chili and Pineapple Mango.  Could have eaten this all day long!

6.  The Good Life Gourmet Restaurant, Kitty Hawk ~ Corny Seafood Johnny Cakes.  Soooo buttery!


7.  Port O' Call Restaurant, Kill Devil Hills ~Chicken and Shrimp Relondai.  Make a meal of this appetizer!

8.  Pigman's Bar-B-Que, Kill Devil Hills~ Smoky Carolina Pork BBQ at it's finest.

9.  Coastal Provisions Market, Southern Shores~Carlena Pork Belly Sliders with Pastrami and Monk Mustard.  Can't go wrong here!

Outdoor Tasting was especially nice, 70 degrees and sunny!

10.  Lucky 12 Tavern, Nags Head~ Bayou Seafood Saute w/ Jalapeno Corn Bread.  Oh, Jim Williams you did it again!

Beer, wine and gourmet coffees were included with each ticket, with a full cash bar service available for cocktails.


All in all, a spectacular Outer Banks event, growing ever more popular year after year.

Special salutes to Chef "Pok" Choeichom from the Outer Banks Brewing Station for his second "People's Choice" win in a row!

 
Also Bad Bean Baja Grill & Taqueria  for "Best in Show" and "Chef's Choice" Awards!  
The OFFICIAL Winners for the 2012 Taste of the Beach Festivities are:
Best Booth: Black Pelican
Best Booth 2nd Place: OB Brewing Station
Best In Show: The Bad Bean Baja Grill
Best OBX Catch: OB Brewing Station
Best OBX Catch 2nd Place: The Brine & Bottle
The Chef's Award: The Bad Bean Baja Grill
People's Choice Best Dessert: Kelly's Restaurant
People's Choice 1st Place: OB Brewing Station
People's Choice 2nd Place: Lucky 12 Tavern
People's Choice 3rd Place: Kelly's Restaurant
As always, the Outer Banks offers so many exciting events year-round.  Coming next is the famous 10th Annual "Outer Banks Bike Week" (April 21-29, 2012).  Be sure to reserve your vacation rental now!  

CLICK HERE for RESERVATIONS "Bike Week"  April 21-29, 2012

Disclaimer:  Village Realty accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided for any vendors suggested or recommended.  Outer Banks Blog is for informational purposes only.  Village Realty has no direct association with any vendors mentioned in articles or posts.  Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.