CAROLINA shore
Spring & Summer 2018
EXPLORING COASTAL CAROLINA
FINDING
Atlantis
4426 Arendell St., Morehead City 252.247.3175 www.mcqueensinteriors.com
Dedicated to Quality Service
Locally Owned & Operated • Wholesale Tires • Roadside Service for large Trucks and Tractors • Brakes • Mufflers • 4 Wheel Alignment • CV Axles • 24 Hour Towing
O PE N
YE A R
RO U N D
Days: 252.728.6960 Nights: 252.225.0194 688 Highway 70 East - Otway chadwickstire.com
288 GUTHRIE DRIVE, HARKERS ISLAND, NC
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY CHRIS AND KATHYRN CHADWICK
A family friendly RV resort now open. Fish, kayak, and swim right from the dock. A swimming pool, bathhouse, and boat ramp are just a few of the amenities in this gated resort. Waterfront and wooded campsites along with deep water boat slips are available to rent nightly, weekly, monthly, or annually.
252.725.0820 www.harkersislandrvresort.com info@harkersislandrvresort.com 4
CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Stair Stair&&Deck DeckLifts Lifts Commercial CommercialLifts Lifts Residential ResidentialElevators Elevators Access AccessRamps Ramps
We care about things that fly!
Bird Stuff
Quality Kites & Windsocks
Kites Unlimited
Everything for the Bird Enthusiast!
Bird Feeders Seeds • Houses Supplies & More
Celebrating over
33 years
Thank you for shopping locally!
Carolina Kite Fest October 28 & 29 - Sands Villa, Atlantic Beach Flags • Banners • Toys • Unique Games • Puzzles & More
Friendly Knowledgeable Service - We’re Here to Help
kitesandbirds.com
Etc.
• Tilley Hats for Men & Women • Sloggers • Wind Chimes • Outdoor Decor
We feature “made in the USA!”
1010 W. Ft. Macon Rd. • Atlantic Station, Atlantic Beach • 252-247-7011 NCCOAST.COM
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CAROLINA shore EXPLORING COASTAL CAROLINA
Publisher: Allyson Sproul Director of Operations: Kim LaChance Managing Editor/Layout: Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com)
Sales Jamie Bailey 252.241.9485 Ashly Willis 252.342-2334 Graphic Design Morgan Davis, Roze Taitingfong, Billy France Contributors Megan Dohm, Wes Naman Photography, Rudi A. Shelor
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CAROLINA SHORE is published by
www.nccoast.com 201 N. 17th St., Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252.247.7442
ON THE COVER: Donna Hall Nally, general manager of the Atlantis Lodge, shares the secret to their success. (Wes Naman photo)
Carolina Shore is published twice per year and distributed at high traffic sites in Carteret, Craven, Onslow and Pender counties and is available in its entirety at nccoast.com. Entire contents, maps, advertisements and graphic design elements copyright 2018 NCCOAST. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without the publisher’s consent. Though every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all advertising and editorial copy contained herein, the publisher may not be held responsible for typographical errors. NCCOAST and its employees, agents or representatives may not be held responsible for any actions or consequences derived as a result of following advice or instructions contained herein. NCCOAST reserves the right to refuse any advertising or editorial content deemed inappropriate, misleading or in violation of the law.
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
252•241•7579 607 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach www.artistictileandstonenc.com
An Entirely New Look with a Coastal “Flaire” Unique Lines of Home Furnishings Accessories & Gifts Design Services Custom Windows & Bedding 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, Unit 10 C-D, Atlantic Station Shopping Center, Atlantic Beach 252.773.0432 | www.flairehomefurnishings.com
Mineral Black Soapstone
GRANITE & MARBLE
203 Boardwalk Dr., Emerald Isle Phone: 252-354-7774
SHAPED BY TRADITION.
FRONT STREET - BEAUFORT
shop.jarrettbay.com
252.728.6363
COME VISIT this
NEW COASTAL VILLAGE
YAWL’S CAFÉ
HARBOR CLUB & POOL
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
SPA AT RIVER DUNES
Discover a new getaway that your family will love.
Revel in the coast, with a bustling Harbor Village, a new café, spa, shopping, dockage and well-appointed accommodations, open to all.
› Now Open! Harbor Village with Yawl’s Café, The Red Rickshaw Fine Furnishings, Provision Company, The River Dunes Spa, Wellness & Fitness Center
› World Class Marina with Dockage & Fuel
› Luxurious Overnight Accommodations
› Pool, Hot Tubs & Harbor Club Fine Dining for Overnight Guests
› Tennis, Kayaks, Paddleboards › Coastal Homes, Cottages and Waterfront Home Plans
For Reservations & Community Information
(800) 975-9565 www.RiverDunes.com Inquire to whether there is required by federal law a property report as to any lot of interest to you. If such a report is required, procure and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not an offering to residents of New York, New Jersey nor other jurisdictions where prohibited. This drawing is for illustrative purposes only. All lot lines, dimensions, vegetation and areas shown are subject to change without notice at the developer’s discretion. Lots subject to prior sale.
Located in Pelletier Harbor Shops
252.222.4733 4426 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
you!
Shawna
Sarah
Pamela
Audra Photo by Casey Futrell
beautiful hair .. beautiful
Hair styles/colors to suit your every need!
Photo by Cynthia Rose Photography
Bobbi
We carry a full line of
products
Jessica
Classic Designs for Coastal Living
Make Sea Classics your first choice when you want to add coastal style to your home this summer!
From our unique nautical treasures and accessories, to stylish home furnishings for both inside and out, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for, all at GREAT PRICES!
Carrying the Largest Selection of Outdoor Furniture! 1400 Arendell Street | Morehead City, NC | 252-648-8174 www.seaclassicsinteriors.com | Find us on: 1308 Arendell Street, Morehead City | 252-622-4892
contents spring/summer 2018
16 Succulents
Add some color this summer with plants great for beginner gardeners
20 Life by Design
Pamlico County’s master planned community River Dunes has more to offer than just a new home.
32 Caviar Dreams
The Won family of Marshallberg have a few caviar dreams of their own.
40 Turtle Trails
A team of voluneers and state employee band together to help support the area’s sea turtle population.
48 Daytrip - SDesigns omerset Classic for Coastal Living
Take a historical step back in time at Somerset Plantation
Two Amazing 50 Finding Atlantis stores now in
Bogue Banks’ own Atlantis continues to draw friends, both old and new, to our shores.
one Convenient Location!!
Same great products, new lines and a fresh look!
58 Beaufort’s Old Homes
The seaport’s popular Old Homes Tour returns.
Great finds for this year’s beach season.
72 Summertime Swag
74 Representing the Coast
Visiting Raleigh with Rep. Pat McElraft.
78 The Golden Age of the
C ivil Air Patrol
A new exhibit at the NC Maritime Museum celebrates the historic Civil Air Patrol.
82
Accessories, Gifts & Outdoor Furniture Dressing p! | Morehead City, NC | 252-648-8174 1400 ArendellU Street Homemade salad dressing is the perfect way to add a fresh Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 twist to your summer dining and it’s oh, so easy.
www.seaclassicsinteriors.com ~ www.seaclassicstrading.com
26 In Season 62 This Southern Life 86 Up & Coming 89 Closing View
Championship Golf Course Clubhouse Pavilion Resort-Style Pool Restaurant Veranda
The Beaufort Club community and championship golf course is located minutes from Downtown, Beaufort. The golf course includes a driving range, putting greens, and five sets of tees for all levels of players to enjoy. Our first-class amenities include a brand new clubhouse, resort styled pool, nature trails, and the 19th Hole Bar & Grill. Visit the Beaufort Club and experience the best of seaside living in the heart of the Crystal Coast.
300 Links Drive | Beaufort, NC 28516 | (252) 728-5525 | www.beaufortclub.com
KEEP YOUR COOL
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Streamline Developers, LLC is a custom home builder serving coastal North Carolina. At Streamline Developers, we don’t just build houses, we turn dreams into reality. We believe that perfection is in the details, and the details are what makes a home comfortable, safe and dependable now and for future generations. Our passion is creating coastal luxury homes that set a new standard for modern living. You dream it, we’ll build it!
Now Building Coastal Luxury Homes in
A colorful collection of spacious, low maintenance cottages and custom homes offering gourmet kitchens, master suites and high end finishes. Come explore our featured homesites with nature, golf or pond views.
Amenity Rich Community | Pool & Patio Space for Events | Clubhouse & Pro Shop | Pavillion with Gathering Areas Trails & Sidewalks for Biking, Walking, or Running | 18 Hole Championship Golf Course Designed by Bob Moore
We are currently building custom homes in these premier coastal neighborhoods: Country Club Run, Mariner’s Point, Cannonsgate, Bogue Watch. We can also build on your own lot!
Julia Vradelis Realtor/Broker
(M) 252-725-1106 (O) 252-354-3900 jvradelis@yahoo.com www.ccncrealtor.com
Let Us Build Your Dream!
252.648.8297
info@streamlinedevelopers.com www.streamlinedevelopers.com
fg
HOME & GARDEN
Getting to Know Succulents
S
ucculents can be just what indoor or outdoor gardens need. While growing more popular, there are still many gardeners who are unaware of just how versatile and colorful they can be. They’re also pretty easy to grow - which is a nice ego boost for those with a less than green thumb. The word “succulent” brings to mind juicy, savory foods. But succulents aren’t meant to be consumed. In fact, they get their mouth-watering name from their uncanny ability to store water in fleshy stems or leaves. That means they do not require frequent watering like other plants might – translation … low maintenance. Succulents are more durable in the face of drought and are a handy plant for forgetful gardeners or those who travel often and want something more hands-off in their gardens. According to the succulents resource “Succulents and Sunshine,” most prefer warm temperatures and are not very cold-tolerant, however, there are a handful of varieties that can survive freezing temperatures. Still, for most succulents, it’s best if they are kept in warm, moderately sunny conditions. The DIY Network says succulents grow best in bright light, but not always in full, hot sun. Better Homes & Gardens says that color variations of succulents are quite varied and include green, yellow, burgundy, white, blue-green, pink, red and variegated combinations. Their shapes can be just as diverse, having pointy, rounded, spiky, or ruffled leaves. People may be particularly familiar with one type of succulent: cacti. These traditional desert-dwellers are prized for their water-retention abilities, but some seem downright scary with their prickly exteriors. While all cacti are succulents, it’s important to note that not all succulents are in the cactus family. Less needle-like succulents include aloe, jade, snake
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
plant and agave. Anyone who has had a sunburn can attest to the benefit of having an aloe vera plant around the house. Traditionally used in Indian medicine the plant’s gel is one of the largest botanical industries world-wide and works wonders on burns and other ailments. The diversity of succulents make them perfect for creating a container garden. Gather a collection of different plants and arrange them into a large tray or plant pot for display. Wide shallow pots work great, but be sure that the vessel has holes in the bottom to the allow water to drain. The plants come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and colors, so when combining, look for a variety of fun shapes and color variations to make them stand out yet complement one another. Tall or short, barrel shaped or thin, the more diverse the collection, the more eye catching it will be. Our summer heat in the south is ideal for these dessert dwellers, but be sure to allow them some respite from the sun as well. Few plants will do well in full sun all day long once we reach August temperatures. Find a great spot on the deck or porch for your creation during the summer months that allow partial shade during part of the day. Then, when the weather begins to turn, bring them indoors. Remember they do thrive with a good bit of sun, so be sure to find a sunny spot to feed their need for the sun’s warmth. When asked, most experts say overwatering is the biggest mistake novice gardeners make with succulents. They love a dry soil. There are fast-draining cactus mixes on the market, or you can make your own by adding perlite or pumice to a traditional potting soil. When in doubt about their need for water, simply stick your finger in the soil for a test. Succulents like their soil to become nearly dry between watering. And when needed, water lightly.
Ultimate YACHT SERVICE
Your Boat is Our Business
Spend more time on the Water! Complete ďœŚ Professional Yacht care at your dock!
SERVICES Boat & Yacht Detailing Custom Canvas Work Engine Room Maintenance Custom Lettering Under Waterline Maintenance Deliveries | Crew Service Hurricane Preparedness
BUYING OR SELLING A BOAT?
311A Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-4181 www.ultimateyachtservice.com
Coral Bay Marina 4531 Arendell St. Morehead City www.bigrockboatsales.com
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2016 Marvin® Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Jason Yeomans 252.422.3667
Ron Leo 252.665.0572
Wanda Martin 252-241-6110
2016 Marvin® Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.
©
dows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Chris Simpson 252.726.8181
Atlantic Beach
252.726.8181 Windows-And-More.com
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." – Benjamin Franklin ©2018 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors
American-Made Furniture & Accessories!
520 Hedrick Street, Beaufort
252.728.3201 beaufortfurniture.com
113 Turner Street, Beaufort
252-838-1164 beauforthomestore.com
HOME & GARDEN
LIFE F
by
DESIGN
or many people the anxiety about country living stems from the limited access to necessary amenities. What if you want to go out for dinner? How far away is the gym? How far away are accommodations if family came to visit? It’s a concern that master planned communities have faced head on during the last several decades by creating what can only be described as small villages. Gift shops, churches, salons and restaurants integrate seamlessly into the communities, bringing amenities closer and making it easier for residents to enjoy country living without a lot of sacrifice. River Dunes near Oriental is a great example of developers bringing amenities to the masses. Every effort has been taken to create a distinctive coastal village, from the collection of businesses that make up Harbor Village to the variety of neighborhoods that surround it. A total of 630 home sites are included in the more than 1,300 acres of development
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
and green space. This encompasses 14 miles of shoreline that overlook both quiet creeks and the vast Neuse River Neighborhoods include coastal bungalows, cottages and large estate-sized wooded home sites along Broad Creek. The community’s newest neighborhood, Boathouse row, has been selected by Southern Living as a Southern Living Inspired Community. The neighborhood features homes designed by Eric Moser and smaller “bunkies” designed by Our Town Plans/Historical Concepts. With lap siding, metal roofs and gracious front porches for outdoor living and wide views of Grace Harbor. River Dunes has received national recognition for its architecture and sustainable design. Working with the site’s Master Builders, owners can select an architect and plan of their choosing, following the architectural guidelines. Homeowners (Continued on page 22)
One of the community’s newest neighborhoods, Bunkhouse Row, features a collection of small studio homes affectionately referred to as bunkies, which serve as rentals for visitors to the community and vacationers. Designed by Eric Moser with a lean toward historical architecture, the neighborhood has been selected by Southern Living magazine as a Southern Living Inspired Community.
Harbor Village, at the center of River Dunes, features a cafe, fitness center, spa, shops and serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors to the community. NCCOAST.COM
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(Continued from page 20)
have built plans by Historical Concepts, Alison Ramsey, Chuck Dietze and Eric Moser ranging from 400 to 4,000 square feet. Home sites range from 1/10 of an acre to more than 3 acres and the community’s blend of low and high density mixed use incorporates plenty of green space. Great care has been taken to maintain the natural environment while embracing sustainable growth and green building practices, netting River Dunes national recognition. At the center of it all is Grace Harbor, the community’s award-winning marina with 400 slips accommodating vessels up to 150 feet. A popular draw for residents, it is also a favorite of many transient boaters. With fuel, a store, private shower and laundry facilities, a courtesy car, wi-fi and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the location has been lauded by boating organizations. Overlooking the harbor is the private yacht club which serves as the heart of the boating community in River Dunes. Life on the water, however, isn’t isolated to boating. Kayaking and paddle boarding along the quiet creeks is an ideal way to get close to nature and learn about the picturesque surroundings. Fishermen also enjoy the option of dropping a line from the dock – or the backyard – anytime the urge arises. Embracing its multiuse philosophy, River Dunes offers a variety of accommodations, including one-, two- and threebedroom cottages overlooking Grace Harbor. Within walking distance of the café, spa, fitness center and community pool, the environment creates a perfect getaway for those seeking a refreshing weekend away from the hustle and bustle and a great opportunity to get a feel for the community for anyone thinking about relocating. To learn more about River Dunes and its amenities, or to make a reservation, visit riverdunes.com.
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
NEED A LIFT? RESIDENTIAL LIFTS Maintenance & Extended Service Contract Included
Safe & Affordable
252.675.1111 New Bern, North Carolina www.cmslifts.com OPEN DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & COCKTAILS The Clamdigger Restaurant is a tradition here on the Crystal Coast. We continue to offer some of the freshest seafood available, and we are also offering some healthier choices for breakfast, lunch, and daily specials. We also offer weekly dinner specials that feature our Calabash style seafood. The Cutty Sark lounge has some of the best drinks in the area, all made right here with a terrific view of the ocean. Live entertianment starting Memorial day weekend through Labor day weekend on Friday & Saturday nights. Tiki bar open seasonally.
Open 7am-2pm Tues- Sunday
Dinner: 5pm-9pm Tues-Sat
To Go Orders 252-247-4155
RESTAURANT
Located inside The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores 511 Salter Path Road, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
NCCOAST.COM
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Experience charcoal grilling at its best Locally Family-owned and operated
Appetizers Crab Dip Tacos of the Week Wings Oyster Rockefeller Crab Cake Fritters Soups
Ribeye by the ounce (Market Price)
Pork Chop
Center Cut Filet: 6 oz 8 oz Grilled 12oz. Heritage Farms Bone-In Pork Chop Grilled or Blackened Seafood
Grill Ad On’s
Oscar Truffled Bearnaise Horseradish Cream Grilled or Blackened Shrimp Grilled or Blackened Scallops Fried Shrimp Fried Scallops Crab Cake Seared Tuna
Favorites Crab Cakes
Fried Seafood
Shrimp, Scallops, or Combination
Sides
Hand Cut Fries Baked Potato Cheddar Mash Asparagus Seasonal Vegetable Twice Baked Potato Split Plate Charge $5
Lunch
Soup of the Day Baked Onion
Wraps
Salads
House-made dressings: Balsamic vinaigrette, Black pepper honey vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese, Caesar, Honey mustard, Ranch, Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette, Thousand Island, and Wasabi Vinaigrette (two sizes available)
Shrimp & Grits
Ribeye Wrap Blackened Chicken Caesar Sriracha Daily Catch Wrap Shrimp salad
BLT Classic Caesar House Salad SoundSide Wedge Ahi Tuna
Pasta
Shrimp Scampi Chicken Pesto Bowtie
Off the Grill
All wraps served with your choice of hand-cut fries, hand-cut potato chips, Citrus slaw, side mixed green salad or house-made bowtie pasta salad. Choice of whole wheat, spinach, or sun dried tomato basil wrap
Sandwiches
Filet
Served with hand cut fries, hand cut potato chips, citrus slaw, or bowtie pasta salad Add side salad $3 Classic Cheeseburger Black & Bleu Burger Soft Shell Crab BLT Artisan Grilled Cheese The Big Reuben
All of our beef is Certified Angus Beef brand grilled over LIVE charcoal. Served with hand-cut fries, baked potato, seasonal vegetable, or cheddar mash. Add a twice baked potato or grilled asparagus for an additional $5. Add a side salad for $3
Served with hand cut fries or hand cut chips and a side of house citrus slaw. Add a side salad $3
Ribeye : 12 oz 14 oz 16 oz
Fried Shrimp, Fried Scallops, or Combination
Seafood Baskets
252.648.8298 soundsiderestaurant.com 5000 HWY 70 W. Suite 112, Morehead City, NC
ISLAND FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
9104 Coast Guard Road, Emerald Isle 252-764-2458 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach 252-727-4778
Step into Spring with Swimwear, clothing, hats, beach bags, sunglasses, sandals, jewelry & more!
We specialize in the ‘hard to fit’ Bikinis ~ Tankinis ~ 1 Piece ~Separates to Mix & Match Missy and Women’s Sizes 4-24 ~Mastectomy~ Long Torso~ Special Orders ~Suits for Water Aerobics ~ Swim Teams
417 W. Fort Macon Road . Atlantic Beach, NC . 252-726-4812
NCCOAST.COM
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IN SEASON
s e i r r e b w a tr S
Spring Fresh
B
right red, sweet and flavorful, strawberries are one of springs most bountiful and popular crops, and they’re a sure sign to everyone that summer is right around the corner. May is peak season for strawberries along the Crystal Coast although the season runs late April through June. Throughout the season, roadside stands and farmers market load up on the colorful berries and families can be seen at pick-your-own farms shuttling little ones from row to row filling their baskets to brim. It’s like a family reunion every year, said Sandra Simpson of Simpson’s Farm & Berry Path in Bettie, one of the small, rural communities that make up Carteret County’s Down East region. “People who came as children with their parents come back as adults each year. We get to see the same people over and over from all over and they always comment on how good the strawberries are,” said Sandra. “It’s very rewarding work because of that. You wouldn’t think so because farming is difficult work, but it really is so rewarding.” The strawberry season is nostalgic for the Simpsons for another reason – it played a role in their decision in the decision to build the large stand in 2005. The family had sold their vegetables out of a smaller greenhouse and each day during strawberry season, Sandra, who then worked full-time, would bake her popular low sugar strawberry cream pies each evening in the family home. “We got to the point where we were sold out by 11am each morning, I couldn’t make enough to last through the day,” said Sandra. So the family took a leap of faith, building their larger building and broadening their offering of homemade goods. Now, along with the strawberry pies, shoppers will find chocolate dream bars, pecan pie bars, ginger cookies, tomato pies and yeast rolls. This year, said Sandra, the family is keeping a close eye on the strawberry crop thanks to the roller coaster weather this winter. Some plants had blooms during the last cold snap, forcing her husband George to take mitigating actions in hopes to protect the plants. And while they won’t be sure how much it impacted the crop, she is sure there will be plenty for pie making season. The United States is hands down the largest producer of strawberries in the world. In 2014 a whopping 1.3 million tons of strawberries were produced in the U.S. The second highest producer, Turkey, recorded 376,070 tons that same year, and third in line, Spain, produced 291,870 tons. While most of the
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
strawberries found in chain grocery stores come from Florida or California, North Carolina is the fourth largest producer in the nation. That means there are always plenty to go around. The best tpart – they’re good for us, too. Packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants strawberries are sodium free and low in calories. According to WebMD, the fruit can lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol and help protect our hearts. When purchasing strawberries it’s always a good idea to visit a local farm. Beyond the importance of supporting local growers, those bought locally will generally have a longer shelf life unlike grocery store fruit which has wasted part of it life in transit. Look out for bright red, plump yet firm berry with a fresh strawberry scent. Size and shape can vary greatly. Just be sure that there aren’t many white spots and that the beautiful red color reaches all the way up through the cap. It’s important to note that strawberries, like many fruits, do not continue to ripen once it is picked. For peak freshness, it is best to leave strawberries intact and unwashed until you’re ready to use them. Experts recommend storing them in the refrigerator. It’s ideal to keep them in a single layer on a paper towel, but stacked in a moisture proof container should work fine. Line it with paper towels to help wick away any moisture and keep the strawberries fresh and dry. When you’re ready to eat, wash strawberries gently and place on paper towels to air dry. Use a paring knife to cut out the green cap and the surrounding white area. There are strawberry hullers on the market, but they are just as easily cut with a small knife. After a fun afternoon picking strawberries with the youngsters, one may find that they have more berries than they know what to do with. No fear – strawberries freeze quite well. People will definitely notice a texture change when eating frozen/defrosted strawberries by themselves, however, freezing remains a great way to save some for smoothies, sauces, pies or other baked items. You can even put off your jam making until later in the year if you find yourself too busy in the spring. For smoothies or shakes, defrosting isn’t required. Simply toss the frozen nuggets in to help thicken up the mixture. Be sure to wash, fully dry and hull strawberries before freezing. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, place the berries into zipper-type freezer bags for long-term storage. They should keep for six months to a year. For an easy strawberry sauce just sprinkle cleaned, sliced strawberries with a little sugar and let them sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for strawberry shortcake or drizzled over a bowl of nice vanilla ice cream.
Basic Strawberry Jam 5 cups crushed strawberries (about 3 lbs) 1/4 cup lemon juice 6 tablespoons Pectin 7 cups granulated sugar 8 8-ounce jars with lids and bands Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use – a water bath canner is preferable. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside. Mix strawberries and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in pectin. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Boil at a hard roll for about a minute, stirring constantly. Ladle into hot jars leaving about a 1/4 inch at top. Skim foam if necessary. Wipe rim and side of jar then replace lid and band tightening by hand. Process jars by submerging in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Turn off stove and wait five minutes before removing jars. If processed correctly, the lid should not flex up and down when the center is pressed. Strawberry Crisp 32 ounces of strawberries, hulled and quartered 1/4 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Topping 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old fashioned roll oats 1/3 cup white sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick butter, melted Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl mix strawberries, sugar and cornstarch and pour into a pie pan prepared with nonstick cooking spray. Mix together flour, oats, 1/3 cup white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour in melted butter and when blended, gently use the mixture to top the strawberries. Bake for 35-38 minutes. Strawberry Shortcake 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, sliced 3 tablespoons sugar Cake 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
(Continued on page 28) NCCOAST.COM
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Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar on strawberries and refrigerate at least one hour for sauce to develop. Preheat oven to 400°. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt. Add heavy cream. Pour into ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake 18 to 20 minutes. Place on rack to cool. Cut cake into six slices. When serving, spoon strawberries and juice over each shortcake when plating. Top with whipped cream. Homemade Whipped Cream 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled 3 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Whip ingredients in the chilled metal bowl with a metal; usually takes 1-2 minutes. Strawberry Bread 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 (3 ounce) cream cheese, softened 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk (half ‘n half) 1 1/2 cups strawberries, chopped 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional) Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, and vanilla. Separately, mix baking powder, baking soda, flour and salt. Merge with butter mixture and mix gently until blended. Add half ‘n half, again mixing gently. Carefully fold in strawberries and nuts being careful not to
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over stir. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 50 to 60 minutes. French Napoleons 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed 1 cup milk 1 (3 1/2 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding 1 cup whipped cream 1 1/4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Powdered sugar Chocolate syrup (optional) Preheat oven to 400° On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pastry sheet to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out nine Napoleons per sheet. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8-11 minutes at 400º. Cool on wire racks. Whisk milk and pudding mix in a medium sized bowl. Fold in whipped cream. Split pastries in half on plate. Spoon strawberries onto bottom of pastry, followed by whipped cream filling, then top with a second layer of strawberries. Replace top and sprinkle with powdered sugar or zigzag chocolate syrup to serve. Strawberry Spinach Salad 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 4 cups lightly packed baby spinach 1 1/2 cups strawberries, thinly sliced 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted 2 ounces feta, crumbled Whisk oil and vinegar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach, strawberries, almonds, sesame seeds, and feta. Add oil and vinegar and gently toss until coated.
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FOOD
Caviar Dreams While caviar producing sturgeon stocks are at alltime lows, one company is farm-raising Russian sturgeon - the source for the elusive Osetra caviar - right here in Carteret County story by Amanda Dagnino
photos by Wes Naman
T
he staff at Marshallberg Farms is a little on edge. A new batch of Russian sturgeon eggs from Germany has recently arrived and they’re excitedly watching their new charges. Every two hours, around the clock, someone strides over to the wide, shallow tray where the young hatchlings’ journey begins, plucking out the little fish that haven’t made it and watching the movement of those that are still in the running. “We’re all excited,” explained Lianne Won, who helps manage the farm owned by her father, I.J. Won. “It’s a big deal for all of us and we’re anxious to see how they do.” Under the necessary Fish & Wildlife import license the eggs cannot transfer planes, meaning the Wons have to pick up the eggs in Atlanta, Ga., where they originally land. The annual delivery ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 eggs at a time, Lianne said, and currently about 50 to 60 percent survive to adulthood, although they anticipate that number will increase as their experience grows. They’re breaking new ground – but as the only Russian sturgeon farm in the country, just about everything they do is groundbreaking. Tucked away off the beaten path between Marshallberg and Smyrna in Down East Carteret County, the farm is mostly unassuming from the roadway. Large metal buildings placed back off the road, a dirt driveway and a hen house off to the side. There is nothing to alert passersby that a great experiment in sustainability is happening right under their noses. Food connoisseurs are all too familiar with the varying grades of caviar from the ancient sturgeon. While other forms of roe have been marketed similarly, true caviar only comes from sturgeon eggs, with Russian sturgeon being second in grade to the coveted Beluga. Caviar is rated by firmness, flavor and texture and the Osetra caviar, which hails from the Russian sturgeon, is near the top of the decadence scale. The color of the roe ranges from a light golden shade to dark brown and has a rich, buttery, sometimes nutty flavor. There is a huge difference in quality, said Lianne. “They may
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
look very similar, but it all comes down to the taste. It’s hard to beat Osetra. It’s like comparing a regular cut of steak to an organic, grass fed filet mignon.” Lianne warns that there are a lot of marketing tricks people use to try to pass off caviar as coming from Russian sturgeon, but the taste will always give it away. But it’s not surprising as Osetra has become increasingly hard to get. The stocks of Russian sturgeon aren’t nearly as bountiful as they once were. Overfishing, pollution and dam construction that cut the fish off from their traditional spawning grounds have all played a role in its placement on the critically endangered
list. It was previously the most common sturgeon found in the Danube and while some spawning still takes place, stocks are regarded as very low. Farming is the obvious answer, however, it’s not an experiment for someone who requires an immediate return. It can take five to seven years for a Russian sturgeon to reach sexual maturity and begin producing eggs. That’s five years of maintenance costs with no return. And even for those brave enough to take on the task, there’s no certainty that it can ultimately earn enough to become profitable, or even to cover the cost of raising the fish. In fact, you can’t even tell if the fish
are male or female until they’re about 3 or 4 years old. Some varieties of sturgeon begin producing eggs in about three years, requiring less of a financial burden and offering a much faster profit. There are white and Siberian sturgeon farms in California, but, notes Lianne, it simply isn’t as good as the Osetra. Sturgeon, the world’s oldest living species of fish, is interesting to look at. Boney plates run down their back making it look a bit like a prehistoric reptile. Little has changed in the (Continued on page 34) NCCOAST.COM
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look of sturgeon in the past 150 million years. What we see today is very similar to what existed when dinosaurs roamed. The fish generally grows to about 45-55 inches although they can grow much larger if conditions are right. Marshallberg Farm maintains its stock in 40 indoor tanks in two buildings – a total of about 54,000 square feet of tank space in all. Separate processing buildings and cold storage are also on site. Its sister company, LaPaz, formerly known as Atlantic Caviar and Sturgeon, is located in Lenoir and was formerly operated by NC State University before it was purchased in 2017. Marshallberg Farm alone has the ability to produce five to seven tons of caviar and about 80 tons of raw sturgeon meat per year. Today, the state-of-the-art facility is home to about 30,000 to 40,000 fish, the first of which arrived in 2011. As the site’s first harvest nears, the fish are biopsied to check the quality of the fish eggs. The females are monitored carefully until the eggs are the right size and texture. A 20-pound female can provide up to four pounds of caviar. Once removed, the eggs are cleaned and preserved with sea salt without any other additives. Marshallberg Farm is equipped to handle all stages of the harvest as well as packaging. While they’re finding a variety of markets for the eggs, the farm is also excited to find the fish is often in demand, too. (Continued on page 36)
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
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(Continued from page 34)
Lean, boneless and firm, with a consistency similar to pork, sturgeon holds together well, making it ideal for grilling or smoking. Lianne has found that many Russians and Armenians in the United States are especially excited about the product’s availability. “This is a traditional food for them – a taste of home,” said Lianne. “We’ve heard stories of families taking the day off work and all coming together to celebrate and have a big meal together.” Lianne and a staff member at the Lenoir location have been creating and sampling a variety of recipes in hopes of increasing its marketability. Many people simply haven’t tasted sturgeon before. Her hope is to lure them with ways of preparing the fish that are easy for home cooks. Online sales did really well through the Christmas season, but with anything, it’s a matter of getting the caviar and fish into the right market. It is, after all, an experiment; a first. And one Lianne’s father, I.J., is pleased to take on. A geophysicist and retired NC State University professor with a focus on magnetic imaging of the earth, I.J. has ventured from his career path with this new venture. “I have two boys and we love to fish, but I get frustrated with the idea that so many fish are low in stock,” he said. “You start to feel guilty about what you catch. So this is my way to prove to myself that we can grow fish that we can eat without messing up nature.” Sturgeon farming doesn’t compete with local fisheries in Carteret County, which was important to I.J. and he is hopeful that the technology we have today will not only help restock the sturgeon fisheries, but perhaps other fisheries also. “Sustainability is our goal – our dream,” said I.J. “Sustainable is a great word to use, but unless you can make money it’s not sustainable. OK, we can prove that we can catch fish and make money. Now, let’s prove that we can raise fish and make money. I can’t tell people go out and do what I do and you can make a living – but I’m hoping that I will be able to one day.”
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
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NATURE & WILDLIFE
Turtle Trails Bands of volunteers and staffers work together to monitor, protect and treat the east’s sea turtle population
I
t is just after midnight on our warm, quiet beach. Waves break the quiet of a coastline that is asleep, sweeping the activities of the day out with the tide. A being emerges out of the water, moving cautiously up the beach. She is many things: a skilled navigator, a huntress, a creature of some mystery and soon, a mother. The loggerhead sea turtle is looking for a safe place to create a nest and lay her eggs. Scooting her way up the sand, she selects a spot near the low dunes and digs in the width of her flippers, then scoops out a special chamber for the eggs with her back flipper. With all of the preparation finished, she lays between 100-120 eggs, which will be covered and remain buried beneath the sand for the next 50 to 60 days. Her work completed, the mother returns to the ocean. This ritual will be repeated several times within nesting season, which in North Carolina runs from May through September. After the turtle embryos have reached maturity, they become hatchlings, breaking out of their eggs with a tooth grown specifically to help them make their first journey. The hatchlings fight their way up and out of the sand, and, if all goes well, scramble out to the ocean. Once they hit the water, their instincts kick in and they soar through the ocean in the first surge to safety off the coast. North Carolina has 330 miles of ocean-facing sandy beaches which serve as turtle nesting grounds. Out of only seven species of sea turtle, we see four here in our state. Loggerheads are the most common, followed by green turtles, with a rare sighting of Kemp’s ridleys and leatherbacks. All seven species of turtles are internationally listed as vulnerable for extinction due to the challenges that face them at every age. As hatchlings, sea turtles are in danger from predators. On land, there are plenty of birds and crabs who would love to use them as a food source, while predators also roam the ocean. This is a difficulty sea turtles have faced for thousands of years, and the sheer numbers of offspring (300-500 per female in one nesting season) show that they have adapted to cope with their place in the food chain. When a hatchling emerges he will find the brightest horizon and start working his way toward it. While this was a foolproof tactic in the days before electricity, now it has proven to be problematic. With lights blazing out from homes and businesses that sit directly on the beach, it is easy for the turtle to go up over the dunes toward predators such as foxes, raccoons and fire ants. If the hatchling is fortunate enough to head out in
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
story & photos by Megan Dohm the right direction, he is at risk of getting tangled in trash or equipment left on the beach. Risk of dehydration is high; if he does not make it to the ocean by about nine o’clock in the morning, the prognosis is not hopeful. Those lucky turtles that make it out to sea tend to feed at the surface of the water, where plastic (which can look like a tantalizing meal) floats. Even if a turtle isn’t immediately impacted by consuming plastic, it can cause secondary effects and make them more susceptible to dangers like cold stun, a reaction to long periods in cold water. With mild cases of cold stun, a turtle can snap back simply by moving to warmer water for the day. In severe cases they are motionless, at the mercy of the currents and passing predators. Along the Crystal Coast, the crew called in for any turtle incident is most likely going to be the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol. A nesting mother, wandering hatchling, stranded adult, or even a dead turtle – you name it, they can deal with it. As the program coordinator Dale Baquer told us, the group’s chief responsibility is nesting mothers and their hatchlings, but they know who to call for just about any other situation. For sick or injured turtles of all ages, there are several options for rehabilitation: CMAST in Morehead City, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Surf City and the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The turtles that are transported to the aquarium are under the careful eye of Michele Lamping, who heads up the turtle care with the assistance of a team of aquarists. Once turtles are back to fighting fit, the rehabilitation center coordinates with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and the Coast Guard for release back into the wild. Although the state only started monitoring turtle behavior in the 1970s, the network has grown to over 1,000 people in the intervening decades of observation, training and care. For the Bogue Banks area, the first liaison is the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol. The Sea Turtle Patrol is made up of around 250 volunteers, all working in specific capacities to help ensure turtle safety. They cover 13 miles of beach, split into 1-mile zones. During nesting season, walkers in each zone are out at dawn to look for tracks left by nesting mothers. When a nest is discovered, other members come out to stake it off. If it is in a precarious location, volunteers will move the nest, but only if it is absolutely necessary. The goal is always to keep things as natural as possible. Once a nest is close to hatching – known as a boil
NC Aquarium photo
– nest sitters keep a vigil through the night to ensure that the hatchlings make it out to the water. During the summer, the sitters often have plenty of company; visitors pull up their beach chairs and settle in to watch the nest and ask questions, this draws in more people, and before you know it, it’s a turtle party. The fall boils tend to be more quiet, intimate affairs with just the sitters and hatchlings. A few days after a boil, the patrol excavates the nest and takes an inventory, which gets turned over to the NCWRC. Coordinator Dale Baquer and co-coordinator Ruthie Gomez-Stuart handle the logistics of keeping 250 volunteers organized and up-to-date on regulations set forth by the Wildlife Commission. Along with direct interactions with the turtles, the next goal of the Turtle Patrol is to expand public outreach and awareness. Baquer and Gomez-Stuart have begun reaching out to homeowners associations (Continued on page 42) NCCOAST.COM
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to talk about making light more turtle friendly, and are working on a website to make information easily accessible to the public. Despite the necessary administrative work, both Baquer and Gomez-Stuart cite direct turtle interaction as the reason they got involved. There is a certain magic to sea turtles that just draws people in. Such was the case for Michele Lamping, turtle care coordinator at the aquarium. While interning with dolphins at Mote Marine in Florida, Lamping found herself slipping into the lab before work to spend time with the injured sea turtles. She accepted a job at the Fort Fisher aquarium before making the move to Pine Knoll Shores to help with the expansion and turtle program, and has been there ever since. Onlookers can see the years of experience as she goes about the day’s routines: cleaning the holdings where recovering turtles live, checking water, chopping and weighing out each turtle’s food down to the gram and navigating the maze of holding tanks behind the exhibits in the aquarium. A matter-of-fact scientist, her voice softens when she talks towards her flippered charges. Despite the patterns of the everyday – clean, chop, feed, observe – the job is not boring; Lamping knows each turtle under her care, and is keeping a careful eye on their widely varied needs. Turtles who have been brought in for cold stun have to be thawed out, raising the temperature of the water slowly
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and keeping levels deep enough to prevent the turtles from dehydrating, but not so deep they drown. These turtles need different treatment than, say, a turtle with a broken fin or a lethargic hatchling. Lamping has to be ready for whatever the Wildlife Commission wants to send her way – in the height of nesting season, that can be anywhere from 10 to 100 in one day. The challenge of designing and building all of the life support systems is one that Lamping enjoys. All of the systems have to meet certain requirements for the health of the turtles, but they also have to be sturdy, waterproof and completely adjustable for individual turtle’s needs. When the aquarium is at maximum turtle capacity, the holdings are anywhere and everywhere, filling the cement and fluorescent jungle, tucked behind exhibits and in front of offices. A turtle holding in the rehabilitation section is kept intentionally minimal. Since turtles are skittish, new things unsettle them – so they are kept in small, separate areas to encourage rest and sleep, in clean surroundings with one semicircle to shelter under, rest on or rub against. Every two weeks the patients receive a visit from the vet who either designates them ready for release, or gives an updated list of requirements to Lamping. The turtles who are returned to the wild have their instincts kick back in
immediately - even the ones who required a year or two with the aquarium to get them to full health. What human activity is harmful to turtles, and what are some easy-to-implement changes people can put into place to give turtles a better chance? For starters, you can practice basic beach etiquette: once your day in the sun and sand is done, make sure you take home any equipment you brought and dispose of any trash. In addition to deterring nesting sea turtles, deep holes in the sand can be troublesome to emergency vehicles and to hatchlings struggling to get to the ocean. Coastal residents can also turn off any lights that can be seen down on the beach. Extraneous lights can spook nesting mama turtles, and confuse hatchlings. Garbage – particularly plastic – that looks like food is a big problem for turtles. If you can trim back your plastic usage at home, that reduces the risk of your waste making it to the sea. Another easy step is to stop using plastic straws. Americans use 500 million straws each day. Straws are among the top 10 items found during beach cleanup, in a place where 60%-80% of marine debris is made up of plastic, according to the EPA. There are two simple remedies for this: either stop using straws altogether, or find a paper replacement. If you have a flexible schedule and are interested in getting involved, the Emerald Isle Turtle Patrol is a great place to start. All volunteers begin as walkers, scouring the beach starting at six every morning. If you see a turtle struggling while you are out on the beach, the best thing you can do for it is to stand back and call in the people who have been trained to handle him. Touching a turtle can cause an exchange of bacteria which is at best unhelpful and at worst fatal, and interaction can exacerbate the problem that caused him to strand in the first place. Instead, call in the people who are passionate and trained for turtle care. Along Bogue Banks, call Dale Baquer of the E.I. Turtle Patrol – 252646-8292. NCCOAST.COM
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HISTORY
Somerset Place
S
A History Intertwined
omerset Place is 20 miles south of Edenton, planted on the edge of Lake Phelps. As visitors approach the old plantation on a slim two-lane road, a small canal is visible just out the left window. It runs alongside the car for miles, making a gap between the asphalt and broad fields. When the pavement ends, the gravel drive lined with trees begins. This once was the carriage drive, welcoming the plantation’s more refined visitors and drawing them toward the house. And what a house it is! It is three stories of lofty ceilings and solid wood, wide porches and lake views. In the morning, on a clear day, the front porch soaks in the sun while the mansion casts a long shadow. At the time of construction, the 7,000-square-foot-house was twice the size of an average plantation. Owned by three generations of savvy businessmen, Somerset Place grew into the third largest plantation in the state. Josiah Collins was an Englishman who immigrated to the colony of North Carolina in the 1770s and purchased the 100,000 densely wooded acres in partnership with two other businessmen from Edenton. After buying out his partners,
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
story & photos by Megan Dohm Josiah named the land Somerset Place after his home in the county of Somersetshire and went about the business of creating a legacy for his descendants. Josiah and his son Josiah, II ran the plantation from a distance, living in The Homestead on the waters of Edenton, a house which is still occupied by Collins descendants. By 1820, the plantation was a roaring business, with 50 structures across the property including a saw mill, grist mill and a four-story barn. All of the Collins men proved to be clever in business, pivoting strategies when necessary and staying ahead of the curve. When Josiah, III took over the plantation (and along with it, the aggregated wealth of his family), he decided it was time for the family to live where the work was happening. He commissioned a mansion that would come to be a symbol of their family’s success, wealth, status and power. The home quickly became a center of activity. The region’s social scene swirled around the Collins parlor and sat down to dine at the seemingly endless dining room table. The rooms were constantly occupied, either by the owners or their ever-
present guests. Josiah, III’s wife Mary was from New Jersey, and frequently had guests from her home state down for extended visits. Next door to the mansion, he built the Colony House, which would serve as a boarding school for his six sons and the home for their in-house minister, the tutor, 25 dogs and two monkeys. With a multitude of specialized skills represented across the plantation, Josiah, III made sure his family could have many of the luxuries they found nearby in Edenton. The Collins family had taken their place in the new aristocracy that was forming in the south. Within five years of the farm’s opening, the plantation was being worked by 160 enslaved men, women and children – 80 of whom had been taken from their homes in west Africa. By 1860, with the Collins family living on site, this number had shot up to 328. The majority of the slaves were working the fields from sunrise to sunset, five to six days a week depending on the season. About 25-30 people worked in the owner’s compound, a collection of buildings called dependencies that provided for the family’s needs, including a dairy, a laundry, a kitchen and a smokehouse, all sitting in the shadow of the mansion. As was the case in many plantations, order and the owner’s benefit were given top priority, resulting in a system which rewarded compliance. While the overseers were certainly not above corporal punishment, subtler tactics were often employed to keep the enslaved community in a position that made resistance almost unthinkable. Food was rationed out week by week, clothing was likewise rationed on an annual basis. Even the plants that filled their gardens were selected by overseers. When they went to church on the plantation property, they heard sermons about their duty to (Continued on page 66) NCCOAST.COM
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Finding
Atlantis story by Rudi A. Shelor
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
photos by Wes Naman
TRAVEL & TOURISM
S
tepping into the backyard-style oasis at The Atlantis Lodge in Pine Knoll Shores one wouldn’t be surprised to see Poseidon himself rise from the sea, greeting visitors as they admire his storied domain. But this Atlantis hasn’t much to do with the mythical city with which it shares its name. Rather, according to Donna Hall Nally, current general manager of the lodge and granddaughter of the original manager Ruth “Mabee” (pronounced Mah-be) Bray, the name was likely picked because it would appear first in the phonebook. Though the calendar says 2018, those old enough may be brought back to the 1960s as they cruise down Salter Path Road and see the infamous teal and white Atlantis sign – the same one that has been there for 55 years. Should they decide to make the turn, they’ll see many things indeed haven’t changed at all – the yellow and teal color scheme that spreads throughout the property, the abundance of trees, bushes and birds, the feeling that you might’ve just stumbled upon a secluded chateau nestled between the road and the dunes. How one family has managed to maintain such a treasure, untouched by time in many ways, has remained somewhat of a mystery to locals and tourists alike. Ruth Bray was the original manager of The Atlantis when the first guest checked in on May 29, 1963, and remained in that position until 1980. But the man behind the development of Atlantis was her son-in-law AC Hall, who managed the lodge from 1980-2003 alongside his late wife Dot (she passed in 2013) when their daughter Donna took the reigns. His apartment, the one in which he still lives, was converted from four original rooms and overlooks the restful retreat along the shoreline of the town he put so much of his heart into bringing to life. The story of this Atlantis actually began long before the first piling was ever put in place. AC and Dot received a share of an insurance settlement when Ruth’s husband (Dot’s father) was killed in a work-related accident in 1958. AC and Dot managed to save their portion and eventually made the decision to buy property along the ocean side of Bogue Banks. Wanting to have an unobstructed view of the ocean but a naturally wooded area, they headed past Atlantic Beach and decided on a plot of land west of the Iron Steamer Pier. AC intended to only buy 200-feet of the oceanfront property, but Shelby Freeman, an agent for the company representing Teddy Roosevelt, III who had inherited the land from his wife’s aunt, the infamous Alice Hoffman, insisted he must sell 300-feet. With some negotiation and financing, a deal was reached and so began the Atlantis Lodge. The original building and guest rooms were completed and opened in 1963 and between 1965-1972, more buildings and thus more rooms were added for a grand total of 46 guest suites. When AC and Dot made the permanent move to Pine Knoll Shores from Raleigh, the four rooms they converted into their apartment brought the total of rooms to where it stands today, 42. AC developed not only The Atlantis but was also heavily involved in (Continued on page 52) NCCOAST.COM
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(Continued from page 51)
the development of the Town of Pine Knoll Shores itself. The land between Salter Path Road and Bogue Sound was essentially an uninhabitable swamp and would have remained so unless a way was found to drain it and install septic systems. AC walked every inch of the saturated swamp in his knee-high boots, getting a feel for each rise and dip in the land, until he had devised the perfect plan to dig canals to bring down the water table and thus create the layout of much of the town as it is today. According to Donna, he even let his children help him name the streets. “We (she and her three brothers) had to go with a theme – it was either going to be fish or trees, and we went with trees,” Nally shared. “This was of course way before Google so we had our encyclopedias out on the dining room table picking out all of the names we wanted to use.” The names have stood the test of time, as any local child will quickly inform you of the difficulty of trying to pronounce arborvitae at age 6. Waking up at the Atlantis Lodge is akin to welcoming the day at an exclusive outdoor nature program. When visitors start to stir in the mornings here, it is as if the entire place – the buildings, the birds, the people – are collectively waking up. One may gaze across the property and see several others enjoying their morning coffee on their porches, silently engaging in that special camaraderie that only the partially-awake can share. Others may be heading to the beach or taking dogs on their morning walks. The birds are up busily hopping about the vegetation Atlantis surrounds, singing their sunrise songs and either oblivious to or not caring about anyone’s desire for a few extra minutes of sleep. The east-facing buildings are splashed in sunlight, waving good morning to their drowsy west-facing counterparts. Pastoral mornings like these aren’t exclusively reserved for those on traditional vacations as the Hall family strives to give back to their community and the state as a whole. Every year, they participate in Mile of Hope which is an event where children with cancer visit the area on Mother’s Day Weekend. These children are selected by their nurses and primarily come from Duke, UNC and ECU hospitals. Many of these pint-sized guests stay at Atlantis. During this special weekend, the children get to go out to eat at local restaurants, attend a wildlife show at the lodge featuring critters native to the area, participate in a sand sculpture contest and even get a visit from some local pirates. Donna said the family looks forward to the event each year. A few things have changed at The Atlantis since its early days, but many things haven’t. A wildly popular trait, that owners say will never change, is the pet-friendly environment. One may assume that Ms. Bray was an avid animal lover, but Donna says this wasn’t entirely the reasoning behind the pet policy. “She wanted people to be able to come down and stay for weeks or months at a time and feel like they were at home – if you’re a pet owner that means having your pet with you.” The Hall family has always been sure to make their non-human guests feel welcome too. There are water bowls all over the property, a dog bathing area, a dog park, dog treats in the guests’ welcome packages and some lucky pups may even find the latest edition of Fido magazine in their accommodations. Though the most frequent visitors are dogs, they’ve had their share of other pets as well: cats, a ferret who visits yearly, a few birds and one time even a potbellied pig came for a beach getaway. Overall, guests enjoy having the animals around – it is just another thing about Atlantis that reminds visitors they’ve gone somewhere different, they aren’t at another chain motel but rather have stumbled upon a magical maritime forest complete with its very own variety of woodland creatures. Whether or not guests bring along any furry or feathered friends, extended stays continue to be an option – one may decide to come spend a winter month at the lodge where space, peace and quiet, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are most abundant. The phenomenal views can be found both in and
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outside of the accommodations at Atlantis as each room has a window and sliding glass door that runs its entire length on the beach-facing side. The room decor could possibly be described as retro but that would be a step too far – you’ll find no shag carpet or disco balls here. Rather, it’s as if the decor of the 1960s and 70s took one big step towards the 21st century … then took a pause and decided to keep one foot planted firmly at home. This mix creates a uniquely inviting space for vacationers, one that they know they want to spend as much time as possible in but can’t quite figure out how to perfectly describe to friends back home. There are hints of the past, comforts of today and color combinations and pieces of art here and there to remind people they’re at the beach. Most rooms at Atlantis aren’t rooms at all but rather efficiencies or suites. The large suite is about 600 square feet and has all the makings of what may be authentically described as a beach bungalow, the kind of place that creates the urge to kick off one’s shoes and start digging through bags for flip flops upon arrival. The majority of the units at Atlantis fit this description with only a few traditional-style rooms being available. Of course, Atlantis has kept up with modern-day technology. It has the wi-fi no one can live without and flat screen TVs with cable in the suites. But reservations must be made the old-fashioned way: over the phone. According to Donna, they tried doing online reservations for a year, but quickly realized that it just didn’t work for a place as unique as theirs. “The location of your room within each building truly determines what kind of view you’re going to get and that is really hard to explain online, especially to people who have never stayed here. The way we’re positioned, if you are in a first floor unit, you’ll see the ocean but you won’t be able to see any of the sand”, she explained. Overall, people don’t mind having to call though, just another personal touch that makes Atlantis distinctive among its competitors. With its abundance of repeat annual visitors, many reservations are actually made in person while checking out. Returning guests have first right of refusal on the room they’ve just stayed in and have the option to book it again the following year before it is made available to anyone else. It is for this reason Atlantis only allows reservations up to 11 months in advance. This policy highlights the level of loyalty and commitment the owners show to their customers and illustrates why the customers return that loyalty by spending their vacations with the Halls year after year. Regardless of room location within the lodge, all guests can go to the third floor sun deck and lounge areas for a truly panoramic view of the ocean and the shoreline. Visitors can play pool, ping pong, watch movies on the big screen or just hang out in the large living room style area that was added along with the 1965 additions to Atlantis. The lounge is home to many of the awards that have been bestowed upon AC throughout the years as well as mockup drawings of the Atlantis before it was built along with other
A.C. Hall
(Continued on page 54) NCCOAST.COM
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Donna Hall Nally
(Continued from page 53)
artwork depicting the lodge that has been given to the family. The small back room of the lounge where AC’s plaques and ribbons are housed has a museum-like feel – it would be easy to lose track of time studying the pieces of history adorning the walls. One of the spaces that has been recently revamped and encourages, practically demands, all things relaxation is a lanaistyle space (think Golden Girls) that lies just behind the lobby complete with a fire pit, chairs and sofas with deep teal cushions, wicker basket-style swings and grills for guests to use. This area is perfect for guests to get out of the sun while still enjoying the warm summer breeze, sipping a cocktail and waiting for their freshly caught dinner to finish cooking on the grill. Pets are invited to join here too, just please be sure to wipe off their paws, lay down a beach towel or utilize the nearby doggie bath area. Speaking of man’s best friend, one of Donna’s favorite additions has been the dog park – a fenced grassy space where guests can let their four-legged friends run around off-leash. There are picnic tables and chairs, both in the sun and shaded, for pet parents to sit and enjoy watching their little ones play. “People have really enjoyed this area and so have the pets,” said Nally. “It’s nice for them to have a space to run around without owners having to get in the car and drive to one of the
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other area parks.” The swimming pool is another guest-favorite. Though the pool itself isn’t new, Donna decided to switch from chlorine to salt water and to have the pool heated. The heating mechanism allows the pool to be open March-October which is much longer than most area pools. It boasts the same natural landscaping as the rest of the property. Trees hang lazily over the deck of the main pool and run thicker towards the kiddie pool area which is more shaded and fed by a waterfall from the larger pool. Like much of the outdoor areas of Atlantis, the trees around the pool create a hidden feel and a fantastic place to lie down and get lost in a book or nap. Visitors who’d rather enjoy the sand and ocean instead of the pool have just a short stroll down the wooden walkway to reach the pristine beach of Pine Knoll Shores. In the summertime, beach attendants are available to carry out umbrellas and chairs and set them up – though if they prefer, guests can give the ageold art of erecting a beach umbrella the “Ol’ college try” there is a sign at the end of the walkway with instructions. The Atlantis Lodge is probably not for everyone – like all things, there are those who get it and those who don’t. Beach lovers looking for a vacation that isn’t so run-of-the-mill, but rather one where they can load up the kids and the pets and just go relax and be authentically themselves for a few days or a few weeks will find just that in The Atlantis Lodge. And odds are, they’ll return.
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HOME & GARDEN
Beaufort’s Old Homes
B
eaufort is the place to be each June as homeowners swing wide their doors in support of the Beaufort Historical Association and its preservation efforts. From small coastal cottages to historic homes loaded with charm, the annual Old Homes Tour, in its 58th year, is a great opportunity to get a peek inside some of the seaport’s beautiful residences. Boasting more than 200 homes in the National Registered Historic District over a century old, and several private residences more than 200 years old, Beaufort has received some well-deserved attention as a tourist destination. Every year the town invites visitors and locals alike to breathe in the fragrant salty air, stroll leisurely down the tree-lined streets, and discover an array of historic homes and buildings as part of the Old Homes Tour. This longtime tradition is the perfect way to see how the town has preserved its past while celebrating its present. On Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, the tradition returns, calling architecture, history and interior design buffs to the tree-lined streets of the North Carolina’s third oldest town in celebration of its history. This year, 12 homes are lined up for the tour, including the circa 1779 Blare House, circa 1821 Piver House, circa 1910 Potter House and circa 1730 Owins-Bedford Home, which was home to former mayor Kathryn Cloud. These homes and
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Schedule of Events Friday, June 2
Kickoff Party others are joined by gardens, Beaufort Historic Site, $35 galleries and a host of special events, to create a near weekWednesday, June 20 Author’s Luncheon long celebration. Coral Bay Club, $40 With the growth of the tour and the Antique Show & Sale VIP Dinner held concurrently at the Crystal Front Street Grill, $150 Coast Civic Center, it really Thursday, June 21 stretched the BHA’s resources. Opening Concert This year, the organization Purvis Chapel, free decided to step back from the June 22-23 antique show and focus its Old Homes Tour, $20 efforts on a few new events. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Sunday, June 24 antique show is no more. This Garden Brunch Private Home, $75 year, J.R. Angevine, a promoter of shows up and down the east coast, will take over the annual antique show. While it will still be held during the tour weekend, the transition frees up BHA volunteers to focus on other endeavors. “It’s a win-win situation for the Beaufort Historical Association to be able to cross promote this event and build on it so our many visitors have plenty to see and do while they are in Carteret County,” said Patricia Suggs, executive director of
the BHA. Renamed the Morehead City Antiques Show and Sale and will still run the same weekend as the homes tour, June 22-24, at the civic center. “This year marks a real change for the tour with authors featured instead of antiques,” said Suggs. “So instead of doing the exact same things we’ve always done, we felt this year was a great time for something new and different. Exactly one half of the houses are new this year, and we’ve found as we’ve gradually added a few new houses that the younger generation is more interested in those houses and especially the design trends of today.” “For anyone interested in seeing gorgeous antiques in Beaufort, the home of Judy and Tom Boone will be on the Old Homes Tour this year,” Suggs added. “Tom and his brother own Boone’s Antiques in Wilson where they have over four acres of inventory, and have probably the largest treasure trove of antiques on the East Coast. So of course, Tom has some of the fabulous antiques in his own home.” The first new event visitors will see if an Author’s Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, June 20 at the Coral Bay Club, Atlantic Beach, puts guests in the same room as New York Times Bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe and Beaufort’s bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey. Monroe’s latest book “Beach House Reunion” and Harvey’s new book “The Secret to Southern Charm” will be available to purchase as these talented women entertain guests. Tickets are $40. On Wednesday evening, a more intimate VIP Dinner will be held at Front Street Grill at Stillwater, Beaufort, featuring Mary Alice Monroe. With only 40 tickets available at $150, diners will have plenty of access to the popular author. Then on Sunday, June 24, the final new event is closely tied to home and design. Charles and Deborah Llewellyn will host an intimate garden brunch featuring New York interior designer Marshall Watson. Watson will entertain the guests with stories from his new book, “The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors.” Beautifully photographed with lavish images of Watson’s work, this inspiring book is a must-have for interior design lovers. Tickets are $75. Additional events include the annual Kickoff Party and Bartender’s Challenge on Friday, June 2 at the Beaufort Historic Site. On Thursday, June 21, a free choral concert and opening reception at Purvis Chapel recognizes this year’s honorary chairs Tricia and Charles Phillips. The tour itself occurs on Friday and Saturday, June 22-23. Tickets, which are $20 and good for both days, can be purchased by calling 252-728-5225. Looking Back It’s hard to know if the late Grayden Paul realized exactly what he was beginning back in the 1960s when he pulled a small cluster of people together to create a 251st birthday celebration for the town. It seems they had erroneously let the 250th slide by without notice and Paul was dedicated to making sure a celebration happened, according to “The Founding of the Beaufort Historical Association,” penned by the late Ruth Barbour, editor emeritus of the Carteret County News-Times. It was that group of individuals who formed the nucleus
of the Beaufort Historical Association on Jan. 25, 1960. The individuals named on the incorporation documents, wrote Barbour, were C. Odell Merrill, W. Roy Hamilton, Paul S. Jones, Myrtle Duncan and Paul. Two major events prompted interest in the historic hamlet. In the late 1940s a group had formed with hopes of preserving what we now refer to as the Old Burying Ground, then known on any given day as either Ann Street Cemetery or Live Oak Cemetery. In addition, the Beaufort Women’s Club hosted district women’s clubs in 1957 for a tour of private homes. Needless to say, these efforts made many of Beaufort’s residents stand up and take stock of their environment. Here, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the picturesque Taylors Creek, was a small town that could trace his history for decades, yet nothing had been done to protect that history along the way. With that successful celebration a fuse was lit – and the small group of trailblazers set out to make Beaufort a summer travel destination based on its historic significance alone. Its first projects included a museum in the old county jail, circa 1829, which then sat on the corner of Courthouse Square, a pirate invasion and a tour of 41 historic landmarks around town. It’s hard to know whether those dedicated members knew exactly how important Beaufort’s history and preservation would become – but we certainly owe them a debt of gratitude for having the foresight to keep it safe for future generations. Their efforts will once again be celebrated this June as doors once again swing back in the spirit of history and preservation. To learn more about the Old Homes Tour or the BHA, call 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org. NCCOAST.COM
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El’s 252.726.3002 DRIVE-IN
3706 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC
Home of the Original Superburger since 1959
Call-In Orders Welcomed! Every Menu Item Prepared to Your Order, When You Order. Please Allow Cooking Time. Hot Dog Cheese Dog Hamburger Cheeseburger SUPERBURGER SUPERCHEESEBURGER Barbecue SUPER BBQ Pizza Burger SUPER PIZZA BURGER
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This Southern Life
Southern Barbecue Begins with Pure Pork
T
he barbecue is tasty in the novel “The Girl Who Chased the Moon.” Emily Benedict, 17, has just moved from Boston to Mullaby, N.C., to live with her grandfather after the death of Emily’s mother. “‘What is this?’ Emily asked, looking in the largest Styrofoam container.” “Barbecue.” (The reply came from her grandfather, Vance Shelby, a giant of a man, who stands about 8 feet tall.) “‘This isn’t barbecue,’ Emily said. ‘Barbecue is hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill.’” “Vance laughed, which automatically made Emily smile. ‘Ha! Blasphemy! In North Carolina, barbecue means pork, child. Hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill – that’s called cooking out around here,’ he explained.” BookPage’s Karen Ann Cullotta wrote: “Welcome to Mullaby, a magical, mythical town where the ever-present scent of hickorysmoked barbecue hangs in the air.” Credit author Sarah Addison Allen, who grew up in Asheville and earned a degree in literature at the UNC-Asheville. She knows about Southern food. So far, she has published seven books. “The Girl Who Chased the Moon” was released in 2010. There is no beef to be found in Southern barbecue. As Vance declared: This is pork country, child. There are “at least” two good reasons why pork is the choice. One, the mild flavor of pork makes it the perfect vehicle for flavorful spices and sauces, and two, high-quality cuts of pork are usually cheaper than high-quality slabs of beef. Laura Dove, who wrote a master’s degree thesis on “The History of Barbecue in the South” while a student at the University of Virginia, said there are several reasons why “the pig became an omnipresent food staple in the South.” “Pigs were low-maintenance,” she said. “In the pre-Civil War period, Southerners ate, on average, five pounds of pork for every one pound of beef.” “Barbecue has become a cultural icon for Southerners, of every race, class and sex,” Dove said. The late John Egerton, an author who wrote volumes about Southern foods, once said: “For as long as there has been a South, and people who think of themselves as Southerners, food has been central to the region’s image, its personality and its character.” “Accents and attitudes and lifestyles may change, but fondness for Southern food persists; for many people it lingers in the mind and on the tongue as vividly as the tantalizing aroma of barbecue
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story by Mike Wagoner
on the pit hangs in the air and penetrates to the core of thought and remembrance,” he said. Dove says there is a clear-cut Southern “barbecue belt.” It is defined as eight true Southern states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. (Virginia is about half in, half out.) “This barbecue belt shares the same tradition of slow-cooking the meat,” Dove said. “Barbecue is not easy to prepare, requiring hours of tending a hot smoky fire and vigilant monitoring of the roasting meat. “Barbecue endures,” she said. “Despite encroaching prevalence of fast food restaurants all over the country, people still eat barbecue, and ‘pit men’ still hone their craft.” One of Our State magazine’s favorite “barbecue joints” is Allen & Son in Chapel Hill, owned by Keith Allen. He shows up at 2:30am to start the fire in the pit. Only hickory wood will do. Writer John Zengerle said Allen used to work at a white tablecloth restaurant in Southern Pines. Allen commented: “I could fix you a lobster and steak and a salad in about 15 minutes. Now, it takes me 12 hours to make you a barbecue sandwich.” Barbecue lovers don’t mind waiting till it’s ready, just so long as we can get enough of it. Jeffrey Steingarten graduated from Harvard University as well as Harvard Law School. He is known as one of the leading food writers in the United States and has been the resident food critic at Vogue magazine since 1989. Steingarten has compiled a book of his favorite humorous food essays, titled “The Man Who Ate Everything.” Here’s what Steingarten has to say about barbecue: “Whenever I travel to the South, the first thing I do is visit the best barbecue place between the airport and my hotel. An hour or two later, I visit the best barbecue place between my hotel and dinner.” Save a Place for Hushpuppies and Slaw Hushpuppies may have been an original side dish to complement fried fish, but now, the cornmeal-based, golden brown nuggets traditionally accompany servings of pork barbecue, all for the enjoyment of Southern diners. Food writer Robert Moss of Charleston, S.C., is a scholar of Southern hushpuppying. “Made from a thick cornmeal batter, they’re dropped in balls or fingers … into a deep fryer and cooked till crisp on the outside and soft and chewy in the middle,” he said. “They’re delicious, they’re iconic…and no one seems to have
much of a clue where they came from.” Moss says the most common legend is “people on fishing trips would begin cooking their catch, and their hounds would howl and yap in anticipation. The cooks would fry up bits of dough in the fryer and throw them to the dogs” to hush them puppies. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle reported that Romeo Govan, an African-American cook, created the hushpuppy in 1903 (115 years ago), but it was called red horse bread, named for the river redhorse species of freshwater fish, plentiful in South Carolina during that period. Moss said Govan lived on the banks of the Edisto River near Cannon’s Bridge and Bamberg. “There he operated his ‘club house,’ where prominent and wealthy guests came almost every day during fishing season to feast on ‘fish of every kind, prepared in every way ... and the once eaten, never-to-be-forgotten red horse bread.’” That red horse bread was made by “simply mixing cornmeal with water, salt and egg and dropping spoonfuls in the hot lard in which fish have been fried.” Earl DeLoach, the fishing columnist for the Augusta Chronicle, noted that red horse bread has been called “hushpuppies on the Georgia side of the Savannah River, since at least 1927. That’s when the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph reported that the men’s Bible class at the First Methodist Church was holding a fish fry where Roscoe Rouse would “cook the fish and the hushpuppies and make the coffee.” Moss said he highly doubts that balls of fried cornmeal batter were ever thrown to dogs, “especially considering the high esteem in which early eaters of hushpuppies seemed to hold the treat. It seems far more likely that ‘hush puppy’ was simply a euphemism for stopping the dogs inside your own stomach from growling” by feeding them. “In 1948, an entrepreneur named Walter Thompson from Swansboro decided to take hushpuppies nationwide,” Moss said. “Thompson concocted a ready-mix blend of cornmeal, flour and seasoning, packaged it in pasteboard tubes, and branded it Thompson’s Fireside Hushpuppy Mix.” “Thompson ambitiously named his company The Hushpuppy Corporation of America,” Moss said. The following year, Thompson sold the company to a small group of investors who moved operations to Jacksonville. The company eventually was acquired around 1970 by House-Autry Mills. Moss said the pioneer who paired barbecue with hushpuppies was Warner Stamey. In the early 1950s, he began serving hushpuppies in his barbecue restaurants in Greensboro. (Grandson Chip Stamey took over the business in 1997 as the third-generation owner of Stamey’s restaurants. Moss noted that hushpuppies come in an assortment of sizes and shapes. Hold them between the thumb and index finger and bite in. Some people dunk them in soft butter, while others prefer to dip them in pure honey. “There is indeed agreement today that no plate or tray of chopped pork barbecue is complete without hushpuppies,” Moss concluded. There should be just enough room left on that plate or tray for a big scoop of slaw. A native Tar Heel, Elizabeth Karmel, is a chef and cookbook author who specializes in North Carolina barbecue. She has a
simple slaw recipe: Chop 1/2 medium head green cabbage and add 1 1/2 cups North Carolina barbecue sauce. In a large bowl, mix together the cabbage and the sauce. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Or try the Stamey’s slaw (pare down the quantity of ingredients for smaller batches). Here’s the recipe from the pitmaster: 6 medium heads cabbage, coarsely chopped 2 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 1/2 tablespoon salt 4 teaspoons black pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper 1 quart ketchup 1 cup apple cider vinegar Directions: Mix together the cabbage, sugar, salt, black pepper and red pepper. Add the ketchup and vinegar and mix well. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. House-Autry Hushpuppy Mix: ‘Southern on Purpose’ Determined to seek his fortune in the new United States of America, John House packed his family and its millstones on sailing ships leaving from England in 1812. He was inspired by his father, William House, who had come to America in the 1780s, and had sent word back to bring the whole fam-damnily. The Houses and their millstones arrived in Wilmington and were ferried up the Cape Fear River. When the channel became too shallow to proceed, the river ferries docked. The millstones, each weighing a ton or more, were off-loaded and transferred to wagons that were pulled by oxen and mule teams to the mill site in Newton Grove in Sampson County. House’s Milling Company proved to be successful, and it was still going strong when it merged with the Autry Brothers Milling Company in Autryville, also located in Sampson County, in 1967 to form what is now called House-Autry Mills. In 2001, House-Autry Mills moved into a new state-of-the-art facility in Four Oaks in Johnston County, about 15 miles north of Newton Grove. On the 200-year anniversary of the delivery of the House family millstones (in 2012), Our State magazine sent writer Josh Shaffer to Four Oaks to snoop around. He interviewed HouseAutry President Craig Hagood, who sent a loud message: When people eat our foods or those breaded, coated or seasoned with House-Autry mixes, it is supposed to “remind you of growing up Southern. We don’t try to be fancy. We try to do comfort food,” Hagood said. “After 200 years, we continue to bust with pride to help family meals become as Southern as possible. We’re grateful to all who invite us to the dinner table regularly, and we take a great deal of comfort in knowing we’re keeping the Southern tradition alive. “House-Autry is Southern on purpose.” And nowadays, foodwise, “the South is everywhere,” Hagood proclaimed. House-Autry’s hushpuppy mixes, Original Hushpuppy Mix and Hushpuppy Mix with Onion, are distributed nationwide and are the best-selling brands in the entire country, Shaffer reported. For all the modern machinery in the House-Autry plant, the centerpiece is still the grinding stones, 11 of those one-ton relics, Shaffer said. “Making cornmeal this way, smashing it with slow-moving, round stones, keeps more of the hull and germ of the kernel intact, giving the meal a courser texture and richer flavor.” Isn’t it grand? The South has risen. The South is everywhere. NCCOAST.COM
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252.638.8310
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Experience North Carolina’s First State Capitol
252-639-3500 www.tryonpalace.org
Governor’s Palace • Gardens • NC History Center
252-639-3500 | www.tryonpalace.org Governor’s Palace • Gardens • NC| History Center
(Continued from page 49)
serve earthly masters well, in a twisted mixture of religion and pecuniary interest. After work, they walked to homes beyond the white picket fence which served as a clear dividing line between them and the plantation owners – only the slaves who worked in the owner’s compound were permitted past it, and even then only during working hours. So runs the dichotomy of plantation life. Within the mansion, there are fascinating characters with wants and needs and longings like anyone else. There were hard-headed businessmen, and there were women with sharp minds and even sharper pens. One of our personal favorite stories was about Alethea, sister to Josiah Collins III and a seeming maiden aunt. Refusing to marry, she lived with her brother until she found the right person. Alethea held out until she was 39. Above the mantle in her room a beautiful print was hung behind delicate, wavy glass: an epic portraying Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery and through the Red Sea. The irony seems to have been lost on Alethea, who was waited on most of her life. But as charming or intriguing the inhabitants of the mansion were, this historic site doesn’t ignore the people who lived beyond the picket fence. Any teacher will tell you that the point of history is to understand people, and to learn from the mistakes. If we choose to only examine the beautiful side, we will miss the lessons of things humanity has done badly. Historians at Somerset Place are careful to give a well-rounded look at plantation life, and make sure that the history of the silent majority of the plantation’s history is heard alongside of the stories of everyday life of the plantation owners. Guests who visit Somerset Place, are treated to a thorough tour. Historians provide loop guests around the
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property – through the reconstructed slave’s quarters, through the plantation hospital, in and around the dependencies in the owner’s compound, and through the house itself. Tours take about an hour and a half and are filled with stories from people from all walks of life, and could possibly include an appearance by resident reigning feline, Miss Kitty. You will see the world as it truly was, and come away wanting to see the rich, fullyrounded story that is hiding throughout the rest of history. Somerset Place is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm. If you feel the need for a meal after your visit, stop in at the Nothing Fancy Cafe in Edenton for some good old-fashioned comfort food. While in town, visit the Penelope Barker house for more local history, walk the graveyard of the Episcopal church where many of the Collins family members are buried, and browse the shops on Broad Street. If a picnic in the fresh air is more your speed, enjoy a walk and lunch at Pettigrew State Park, just next door to Somerset Place.
• Top Soil • River Rock • Turkey Compost •Nuggets • Landscape Construction Materials and more
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nyone who meets Gerardo Rodriguez, owner of Pullmann’s Landscape Associates and the new addition, Seventy West Landscape Supply, can surely tell that he didn’t grow up in Carteret County. But for Rodriguez, it was love at first sight when he arrived on the Crystal Coast. He loved the environment, he loved the people, and he knew this was where he wanted to build a life and carve out his own American Dream for himself and his family. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Gerardo came to the United States at the urging of a local friend, Michael Farrell, who had traveled to Costa Rica to surf. In turn, Gerardo came to the Crystal Coast to visit his buddy and check out the local surf environment and instantly felt at home along our shores. He returned to the United States to attend college in Florida, mowing lawns along the way, like any college student might, to help put himself through school. It was a career choice that stuck with him. It was the Crystal Coast, however, that remained in the forefront of his mind. In 1991 he opened Pullmann’s Landscape Associates – a curious name for a Costa Rican transplant. But Gerardo explains he was having trouble with his American accent during those early years. Some folks would even tease him by calling him Ricky Ricardo, because his accent was so similar to the beloved “I Love Lucy” character. It made him feel that the business name should have a more English ring to it – so, on his late father’s advice, Gerardo opted to use his mother’s maiden name, Pullmann. On Aug. 16, 2016, Gerardo returned to San Jose to marry Andrea, who he has welcomed into the family, along with stepson Julian. That’s not to say he was on his own before – his employees and many friends had become his family during the last two decades. Walk in the door at Seventy West and you’re greeted by two dogs, Blue and Sophie, and two of Gerardo’s family members, Pam and Sharon. That extended family feeling runs throughout the staff. It has been more than 20 years since Gerardo arrived in the United States. Now a proud United States citizen, he also owns Seventy West Landscape Supply, which offers an array of products for landscapers and homeowners. There were plenty of naysayers at the beginning, he remembers. There were those who said he couldn’t do it. But there were also plenty of people cheering him on. Through it all, he said, he stayed focused and worked to provide the best customer service possible for his client – customer service that would keep his clients coming back for more. And service that allowed him to see his own American Dream come to fruition.
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CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
WILMINGTON 420 Eastwood Road, Ste. 105 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-763-8419
Home of the BEST Shrimpburger on the Crystal Coast SEAFOOD SANDWICHES Shrimpburger Oysterburger Scallopburger Clamburger Crab Cake Sandwich Fresh Flounder Filet Sandwich Soft Shell Crab SANDWICHES Hamburger Cheeseburger Big Oak 1/3lb. Superburger Hot Dog Corn Dog Barbecue Chicken (Grilled or Fried) Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese
BARBECUE TAKE HOME PACKS 1pt. BBQ, 1pt. Slaw, 2 doz. Hushpuppies 1pt. BBQ 1pt. Brunswick Stew BBQ Tray with Slaw SIDE ORDERS French Fries Hushpuppies Apple Stix Brunswick Stew Cheese Stix Chicken Tenders
Onion Rings Slaw (Pt.) Corn Stix (6) Fried Green Beans Fried Pickles Sweet Potato Waffle Fries
BEVERAGES Soft Drinks, Iced Tea
Lemonade Milkshakes
PLATES Served with french fries, slaw, hushpuppies and tea
Fried Shrimp Scallop Flounder Clam Oyster Crab Cake Soft Shell Crab Combination of any 2 Seafoods Combination of any 3 Seafoods Barbecue BBQ & Brunswick Stew
BIG OAK HOT WINGS 6pieces 12pieces 24pieces
BIG OAK CATERING Whole Pig (Cooked & Seasoned For Pickin) Whole Pig (Chopped & Seasoned) 1/2 Pig 1/2 Pig (Chopped & Seasoned) Bar-B-Que (By the Pint) Hushpuppies (By the Doz) Corn Bread Stix (By the Doz) Potato Salad (By the Pint) Slaw (By the Pint) Baked Beans (By the Pint) Hot Dog Chili (By the Pint) Brunswick Stew (By the Pint or Quart) Gallon of Tea Banana Pudding (Serves 30-40 People)
Near the center of Bogue Banks, a barrier island off Morehead City, you pull into the parking lot of what looks like a 1960’s burger stand. There’s no dining room, just a small easy-to-miss brick building. At the window, you place your order (trust us, make it a shrimpburger). The server writes the order on a paper sack, which soon will be handed out with your meal inside: fried shrimp, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and ketchup, all piled on a steamed bun. Messy and totally yummy. - Coastal Living Magazine
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Safe & Sound We think $40 is a small price to pay for a little peace of mind. At 7 by 7 1/2 inches, the safego is small enough to carry just about anywhere and with both key and combination access folks never have to worry about getting locked out. It is impact and rust resistant, waterproof and has an adjustable locking strap that allows you to connect the safe to larger objects, like a chair. Learn more at safego.us.
Blocking Rays Part tent, part umbrella and part canopy, the Sport-Brella brings a new shape to the beach shade arena. Stay protected from dangerous rays without feeling cut off from everything going on around you. Comes with internal pockets for staking into the ground and is water repellent. Wind vents allow air to pass right through instead of casting your umbrella at folks nearby. Prices start at $45, www.sklz. com/brands/sport-brella.
summertime
Swag
Solar Power
Today’s electronics leave us with a bit of quandary when we’re out in the wild – how do we get a charge? Survival Frog’s compact solar charger gathers and stores enough to charge a cell phone. At 3 by 5 inches, it weighs less than half a pound and with a $25 price tag, it is an affordable option for those eager to keep their portable speakers and cell phones charged. Find it at www.survivalfrog.com.
Spike it!
How did we not know these existed? Purchasing options for Beach Spikers run the gamut – buy one, buy a dozen, buy 50, or get them personalized through a variety of Etsy accounts. They’re so bountiful that perhaps we’re just late getting to the party. Either way, we approve – they’re a must have for beach days and backyard barbecues! A 12-pack runs less than $40, www.spikercompany.com.
Alien Adventures
It’s a face mask, it’s a snorkel, it’s a mount for your waterproof camera – and it’s just plain fun. The Crystal Coast has never been known for its snorkeling, but we couldn’t let these fun alien-looking devices go without mention. Manufactured by USnork, the masks offer a 180° view. An attached 9-inch snorkel allows for hands-free fun and the Go-Pro mounting bracket gives you the option of documenting it all. Costs start at $40, usnork.com.
Doing ‘Wheeleez’
We looked at a lot of beach carts – wagons, uprights, small tires, big tires – in hopes of finding a collapsible wagon that can stand up to beach sand. They are hard to come by. The one we keep coming back to is Wheeleez. With low pressure balloon wheels it glides over soft sand and tough terrain. The wagon ($379) can hold up to 220 pounds and can easily second as a garden/yard wagon. An upright two-wheel folding cart sells for $199. The company also offers conversion packages for its patented wheels. Find them at wheeleez.com.
Ice Cold
Everyone has tried, but let’s face it, little can touch a Yeti when it comes to keeping our cold beverages at the right temperature. We’re big fans of the Hopper Two 20, a mid-sized soft-sided cooler. The bag, which is made using materials previously found in hazmat suits and whitewater rafts, has a patented Hydrolock zipper to prevent moisture from getting in and out. Yes, like all Yeti products, it is expensive at $300, however, it may be the last softsided cooler you’ll ever buy.
Swinging from Trees Perhaps a little camping at Shackleford Banks is on this year’s summer schedule. Lawson Hammock Co. in Raleigh, is a pioneer in the hammock camping market and his flagship product, the Blue Ridge Camping Hammock, is ideal for camping just about anywhere. The hammock/tent hybrid weighs less than 4 1/2 pounds and cradles up to 275 pounds in protected, off-the-ground slumber. Learn more about it at www. lawsonhammock.com.
Hook, Line & Sinker
Pole-R Bear umbrella hooks are perfect for keeping towels and valuables out of the sand, or out of the hands of little ones. Costing around $10, the band with four hooks can fasten around any canopy or umbrella pole. Simple, yet, oh so smart. Thanks go to a small company in Winter Park, Fla. Learn more at www.pole-rbear.com.
Military Grade For anyone who hates invasive sand, it’s hard not to get excited about CGear. The Australian company holds patents in more than 100 countries for its sand-free mats, which it originally produced for the U.S. Marines for helicopter landing in sandy locales. The same technology has been used to create an ever-growing line of beach mats and bags, with chairs and a foldable beach wagon joining the line up this summer. The original beach mats range from $59 for a 6-foot square to $129 for a 12-foot and is available in three colors. See the full line up at www.cgear-sandfree.com.
Boom Box
It’s Universal
Bose is synonymous with great sounding music, and now they’re making it more portable than ever. The wireless Soundlink Micro, retailing for around $100, provides up to six hours of music and is waterproof, shock resistant and rugged enough to pass to your toddler with its silicone rubber exterior. Less than four inches square, it weighs about 10 ounces and has a wireless range of up to 30 feet. A strap allows you to attach it to just about anything, from a beach-side canopy to a bicycle.
There are two things we love about this Joto waterproof phone bag: the price – it’s less than $10 – and the simplicity of the design. It feels a little thin, however, the thin construction, by design, allows users to continue using their phone. The sheath design works with any phone up to six inches.
Bag it Up
The beachBUB uses what’s available to firmly plant your beach umbrella and keep it in place – sand. Lightweight and easy to tuck in a pocket, the original BUB holds up to 120 pounds of sand and can hold an umbrella up to 8 feet in diameter. It sells for about $30. Find it at beachbub.com.
Freakin’ Out
Imagined, created and produced in Wilmington, Freakers has built a reputation for its colorful approach to advertising – namely done in their converted box truck complete with a stage for live music. Freakers keep your drinks cold, your hands dry and they fit anything you want to drink out of. And … they come in hundreds of styles, colors and prints. Check them out at freakerusa.com, $10.
Protect Yourself
Wallaroo was formed by friends Stephanie Carter and Lenya Shore with the express purpose of bringing Australian sun protection to America. We love the flexible wide-rimmed Scrunchie, which not only blocks 97% of ultraviolet rays, but it rolls right up for the suitcase or beach bag. Comes in 12 colors and retails around $45, wallaroohats.com.
POLITICS
Representing the Coast
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bout 150 miles away from Emerald Isle, decisions and legislation is being made on its behalf, and for the surrounding area that makes up North Carolina’s District 13. The legislative building was completed in 1963, a fact reflected in its geometric patterns, brass trimmings and the lingering smell of cigarette smoke in the elevators. A more modest structure behind the official assembly building is where the bulk of the work actually happens, in buzzing committee rooms and legislative offices. District 13’s representative to the state house, Pat McElraft, works on the sixth floor. Overlooking the north section of downtown Raleigh, the office is a mixture of capital city and beach, with an abundance of both elephant decor and ocean paintings – nods to McElraft’s native party and her home. Although McElraft was born and raised in Oklahoma, her husband – and high school sweetheart – Roger’s work as a marine brought them to Emerald Isle in 1989. Their move started a love affair with the island followed by a continued season of public service for McElraft. Service is nothing new to the state representative – wherever Roger’s assignments took them, Pat was consistently involved in the community, be it work with the Red Cross, Navy Relief or just volunteering to bake for the next gathering. It was this
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story and photos by Megan Dohm very spirit and involvement that led her to her first election. As head of her homeowners association in Emerald Isle, McElraft knew some of the men running for town commissioner slots. Needing a woman to soften their ticket, they invited McElraft to join, warning her that she had little to no chance of winning a seat. She was the only one on the slate to be elected. On the year of her first election, she was the lowest vote-getter; by the next time around she had earned the most votes. She credits this jump to being friendly, and letting people know what she was about. After being asked what a young person interested in politics could do to get their foot in the door, Pat preached what she practiced, “Get involved in your community. Get to know people in your community, and be sincere about what you’re doing. Put your whole heart into what you’re doing, whatever that volunteer work is or whatever, and then people see your heart, and they see that you would be a good representative for them because you’re doing (you believe) what they would want you to do. It’s not about power. If you’re a good legislator, it’s not about power at all, it’s about helping the people that you represent.”
Watching her interactions for a day – from businessmen to security guards to a 25-person school group from Carteret County – is to see a practiced people person. She draws out those who seek her council and she listens to what they have to say. It is a skill that serves her on an hourly basis. On an average day, the work begins at 8:15am when McElraft makes a quick stop in her office before a committee meeting that she chairs. Legislative assistant Nancy Fox and research assistant Jennifer Harroll – a cheerful mother-daughter team – are already in the office, ready to hand off the necessary information and bring her up to date on the schedule for the day. The rest of the day consists of back-to-back committee and caucus meetings, followed by a house session in the afternoon. House sessions generally start around 2 or 3pm; on a good day they are out by 5, other nights they do not let out until 9 or 10. The closer to a budget deadline, the longer the nights tend to stretch. The day we shadowed McElraft, the house was in a special session – so the bulk of the day was for meetings, committees, and – of course – research. The amount of research and learning is tremendous, but McElraft touts this as one of her favorite parts of the job. “Some people asked me ‘What books do you read?’ and I went, ‘Are you kidding? Books? I read legislation or research about legislation ... I can’t read for fun, I read for knowledge.” Just on the issue of offshore drilling, McElraft has been investigating research on the patterns of currents, oil company practices and processes, the electrical grid and potential effects on tourism (her opinion is that drilling should be considered, with a long list of caveats including getting royalties from the oil companies and ensuring that it can be done in such a way that the environment is not impacted on a large scale). The need to be well-informed across a broad range of subjects for 13 committees and a multitude of votes fuels her late nights and early mornings. Caffeine is also key. Fox, who has been around the legislature for years, keeps their office well-stocked (Continued on page 76) NCCOAST.COM
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with Diet Coke, opinions and Lysol (cold season didn’t stand a chance). The McElraft office is a friendly one, the warmth of the three women who work in it draw visitors in and invites them to stay a while, the way a wide porch on a summer’s evening might in Beaufort. An open committee meeting stands in contrast to the comfortable office surroundings. The committee room hums under fluorescent lights, the constant in-and-out of people (legislative aides, members of the press, lobbyists) blends into the background of quiet conversations and tapping computer keys. The committee discussion is itself surprisingly lively, with a plenty of sparring and dry humor – but then, it’s an appropriations committee; anyone who expects money talk to stay tame has another thing coming to them. The session that evening was carried out with more decorum and quiet – a few inquiries of the chair, a few points of personal privilege and then the evening’s main event, honoring the football team of A&T State University for an undefeated season. After commending the team for both academic and athletic prowess, the speaker adjourned the session, and released the house members.
Despite spending so much time in the City of Oaks, McElraft has not forgotten her scrappy, tangled beach roots. While there are friendships to be had in the capital, the legislative building has too much polish and formality to form a lasting, comfortable abode. To McElraft, crossing over the Emerald Isle bridge is the sign of being home – as she descends, all the cares of the world lift off her shoulders as she prepares to be surrounded by the place and people she serves.
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H A N D M A D E
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The Golden Age of the Civil Air Patrol
he U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was activated Dec. 1, 1941, and CAP was “one of the great untold stories of World War II,” declared Gen. Henry Harley “Hap” Arnold, who was Commanding General of Army Air Forces at the time. Formed less than a week before Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941), “the CAP grew like magic into an army of more than 100,000 trained and disciplined civilians. A volunteer organization pledged to the nation’s defense, it was composed of men too old for the Army, boys too young for it,” Gen. Arnold said. “In its ranks were millionaires, shoe clerks, lawyers, mechanics, doctors, plumbers, professional women and housewives – all of them enthusiasts with something to contribute.” These private fliers performed much as did the “Minute Men’ of the Revolutionary War,” Gen. Arnold added. Many North Carolinians volunteered for CAP service. They are honored within a comprehensive and extensive CAP exhibit now on display for public viewing at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The colorful, multidimensional exhibit wraps around the museum’s auditorium walls. The first six months of 1942 were “disastrous for an unprepared America,” wrote David Cartier, the maritime museum system’s public relations coordinator. “Nazi
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story by Mike Wagoner submarines (U-boats) operated with impunity all along the East Coast, sinking ships (of the Allies) at alarming rates.” The Germans found that the waters off North Carolina were prime and happy hunting grounds for merchant vessels. Within the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II, the North Carolina coastline became a nesting place for the U-boats, as German captains nicknamed the shipping lanes “Torpedo Junction.” A CAP priority was to establish Coastal Patrol bases at 21 sites in 13 states, offering anti-submarine coverage from Maine to Mexico. Two of those airfields were sited in North Carolina, at Manteo and Beaufort. They opened in the summer of 1942. The maritime museum’s exhibit features CAP stories, quotes, uniforms and assorted artifacts from World War II days. Duly noted are contributions made by Maj. Frank Dawson of Charlotte. As a civilian, he was fondly known as the best pickle salesman in the South. He became the first commander of the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. As Base 21 was being established in Beaufort, Maj. Dawson commented about how warmly townspeople treated the CAP volunteers, welcoming them and providing them rooms in their homes and cottages. “Lasting relationships were formed, even a marriage or two.” An article about “North Carolina’s flying volunteers” was
printed in the October 2012 issue of The North Carolina Historical Review, authored by Frank Blazich, CAP national historian. He said Maj. Dawson had the ear of North Carolina Gov. J. Melville Broughton, who served from 1941-45. The governor secured a $30,000 state appropriation for CAP, which had huge importance to the war effort. At its peak population, 75 CAP volunteers were assigned to Base 21 at Beaufort, 67 men and eight women … and a mangy pooch named Curly, the official mascot. (Only one of the volunteers was local – Elizabeth A. Wade of Morehead City, a clerk-typist.) “They were old and young, rich and poor,” Maj. Dawson said. The oldest pilot was 59; the youngest 19. One of the Base 21 squadron members was Lt. Col. Paul Sigmon of Mount Holly. He was there from the very beginning and helped build two runways. The site was described as being “mosquito-infested and in overpowering proximity to a fish oil plant.” In his own words, Col. Sigmon said, “the field was soggy, wet … and we were waist-high in grass. The town helped, bringing in personnel and equipment.” Pilots were paid $8 a day. Other personnel at the base received less, ranging from $5-$7 per day. Paydays were irregular. Col. Sigmon joked: “They said we’d be paid once a month, but they didn’t say which month.” Col. Sigmon died (or as aviators say, “flew west”) June 15, 2015, at the age of 91. His work led to the creation of modern day Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort (KMRH). A section of the official Base 21 yearbook commented about conditions at the airfield. “Flying from the field wasn’t an easy job … few military type planes could have made a landing or take off from it. But the little putt-putt jobs (single-engine planes) soon learned every blade of grass, every pebble, every grain of sand, every puddle or mudhole, so they were usually successful in weaving their way in and out and getting into and out of the sky.” Unfortunately, wartime brings casualties, and Base 21 in Beaufort lost three of its members while Base 16 in Manteo lost two. These five men are reverently remembered within the museum exhibit. The Beaufort officers’ club was a multi-use facility, also serving as the chapel, theater and poker den, according the Base 21 yearbook. No detail was too small: Albert Barden of Raleigh “painted the privies.” A highlight of the maritime museum display is a snapshot of events during ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, when 46 founding Civil Air Patrol members gathered “to receive” the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of CAP. One of the speakers was retired congressman Lester Wolff of New York, who served as a CAP Coastal Patrol volunteer in World War II. He said: “Our mission began in the dark days … when German submarines were sinking oil tankers within sight of East Coast cities. For 18 months, we patrolled the Atlantic and Gulf coasts hunting U-boats, escorting thousands of ships and searching for attack survivors.” The essence of the Civil Air Patrol is reflected in the lyrics of a ballad composed by Capt. Elbert Isom of Long Island. N.Y., during the middle of World War II. Discovered by book author Robert E. Neprud, “these words were universally believed to
accurately describe the attitude of ship captains and deckhands alike within the Allied forces,” he said. When the cold gray dawn is breaking, and the (German U-boat) wolfpack hovers nigh, When the skipper scans the ocean with a grim and worried eye, Then a distant sound grows louder and brings comfort to his soul, For he knows his ship is covered by the Civil Air Patrol. In his book, “Flying Minute Men: The Story of the Civil Air Patrol,” Neprud also commented on the contribution of Hoyt Haddock, president of the United Seaman’s Service. Haddock took Isom’s “sheet music” and ran with it, straight to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In the 1940s, he lobbied Congress long and hard to appropriate adequate funding for CAP. He told about “sailors who waved thanks from the decks of Allied vessels” to pay tribute to the CAP patrols. “You can’t know what a tremendous morale-builder it is for those seamen to be able to look up in the sky, no matter where they may be, and see a friendly little CAP plane up there – a plane with a radio that can get help to them in a matter of minutes if they need it,” Haddock said. “The CAP patrols,” he added, “were such a great aid to the morale of tanker crews that they had proved an important factor in getting men who had survived torpedoing after torpedoing to go back to sea again.” In the beginning, CAP planes had no war-fighting ability. Later, CAP authorized Coastal Patrol aircraft pilots to “carry live demolition bombs in their laps that they would throw out the plane window at German U-boats below.” The American pilots were not too successful with their bomb tosses. The official tally at the end of the war scored 57 U-boat attacks by CAP pilots. More important to the mission, however, was information relayed by the CAP pilots, having spotted and tailed 173 U-boats. This led to the damage or sinking of 57 U-boats by U.S. ships and planes that were called in for the kill by CAP radios. Other official statistics from the CAP in World War II: U.S. pilots logged some 24 million miles over the ocean, escorted more than 5,600 convoys, reported 17 floating mines, assisted 91 ships in distress and located 363 survivors in the water as well as 36 bodies. On the other side of the coin, during the war, 90 CAP aircraft were lost and 68 CAP members died. Of that total, 26 were lost at sea. Steve Cox, public affairs manager at CAP headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., wrote about the CAP planes “being painted red and yellow with special markings (a white triangle located inside a blue circle) to identify them as CAP aircraft. They were equipped with only a compass for navigation and a single radio for communication.” U-boat activity declined significantly in 1943-44. The reason, according to a high-level German naval officer, was: “because of those damned little red and yellow planes!” Now, in the 21st century, the Civil Air Patrol is a mature and viable organization, but well-rooted in its proud tradition of wartime service. As its motto states: Semper Vigilans – Ever Vigilant. NCCOAST.COM
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Saturday, May 19 Sunday, May 20 DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY WATERFRONT crystalcoastboatshow.com
45th
Antique Auto Show Saturday, May 19
4th of July Fireworks Wednesday, July 4th Friday, June 1
The Bounce Party Band
Friday, June 15
Liquid Pleasure
Friday, July 6
Night Years
Friday, July 20
The Embers
Friday, August 3
Mikele Buck Band
Friday August 17
North Tower
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS
Jaycee Park, 807 Shepard Street, Downtown Morehead City Waterfront 5-8pm
2018 Calendar of Events:
The Garner Family invites you to come taste what made Carteret County and the Crystal Coast famous; fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Their mission, passed down from their father and grandfather is simple. Provide the highest quality food available in the cleanest environment possible. The name itself supports their dedication and loyalty to excellence and is the foundation of support for their community and patrons. Enjoy the broad range of ever-changing menu items that are guaranteed to satisfy not only the traditional broiled, grilled & fried seafood lovers, but also cuisine created by Chef James Scott that includes Angus beef, chicken, always homemade chowders and homemade desserts.
501 EVANS STREET, MOREHEAD CITY, NC
(252) 247-3111
Saturday, November 24
Small Business Saturday and Artwalk
Saturday, December 1
Christmas in Downtown including Breakfast with Santa, Chowder & Cheer, Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Flotilla
Saturday, December 8
Morehead City Christmas Parade
Monday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Visit www. downtownmoreheadcity.com for links to the downtown business websites and the most up to date happenings
1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 252-808-0440 | downtownmoreheadcity.com
Lisa Rueh, Executive Director Amy Suggs, Assistant Director
f Downtown Morehead City, Inc. i @downtownmhc 80
CAROLINA SHORE • SPRING/SUMMER 2018
International Building Code (IBC) Approved Florida Building Code 2007 (FBC) Approved Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Approved Miami-Dade (HVHZ) Approved
Dressing Up! Warmer temperatures means lighter dinners and an increase in fresh salads with in-season veggies. Whether you’re entertaining a group – or just yourself – homemade dressing is the perfect way to add a fresh new twist to homemade salad. Be sure to only make what you’ll use, or refrigerate and use within a few days. Here are a few recipes to get you started.
Soy Sesame
4 scallions, chopped ¼ cup toasted sesame oil ⅓ cup unseasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled ginger 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon tahini Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Raspberry Vinaigrette
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries 1 tablespoon water 1/3 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons white vinegar 1/3 cup plain yogurt 2 teaspoons honey ¼ teaspoon salt Heat the raspberries and 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat, covered. When the juices begin to seep out of the berry, mash gently with a fork and heat to a gentle boil, allowing it to bubble for a few minutes to soften raspberries. Add honey and refrigerate in a small bowl until completely cool. Strain the raspberry mixture, separating the pulp. In a small blender, combine remaining ingredients, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Citrus Vinaigrette
1 orange, juiced 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon honey 3 garlic cloves, minced 2/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Use a blender to mix all ingredients or place in jar and shake well.
1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk or regular milk 1 teaspoon dried dill weed 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried chives 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/8 teaspoon finely cracked pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice Whisk together or shake in a jar until smooth.
Lemon Poppyseed
Italian
3/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Use a blender to mix all ingredients or place in jar and shake well.
Ranch
1/2 cup mayonnaise
6 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper Pinch of dried oregano Shake well to blend.
On-Soiditeer y
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Gull Isle
REALTY & RENTALS
Sales: 252-726-0427 | sales@gullislerealty.com | www.gullislerealty.com Rentals: 252-726-7679 | rentals@gullislerealty.com | www.gullislerealtyrentals.com Gull Isle Realty is the FIRST Real Estate company that you see after crossing the Atlantic Beach Bridge and the LAST Real Estate company that you will ever need. As real estate professionals in Carteret County, North Carolina, we are dedicated to providing the finest service available. We constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one. We also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential buyers. We also offer residential and commercial rentals on the Crystal Coast in Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, and Havelock. Whether you are looking for a rental, or need a reliable company to manage your property and give you peace of mind, visit Gull Isle Realty Rentals today to see how we can help you
611 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Ocean & Farm to Fork Cuisine in a Casual, Historic Setting Located in the Historic Dill House
Creative Cuisine using the Highest Quality Locally Sourced Ingredients
www.bluemoonbistro.biz Open for Dinner at 5:00, Monday-Saturday
Wood-Oven Pizza, Noodle Bowls, Salads, Small plates, & Daily Seafood Features Dinner Monday-Saturday
119 Q ueen Street, Beaufort, NC 252.728.5800
Stop by our cafe on the Morehead City waterfront: Full Circle Cafe: 708 Evans Street
All ABC Permits, Comprehensive Craft Beer & Wine List
252-773-0703
708 Evans St., Morehead City
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ! HOME DECOR • COASTAL BEDDING • BATHROOM • KITCHEN • ART • FLAGS GUY HARVEY TEE'S • COASTAL JEWELRY • GINGER SNAPS • LOTTIE DOTTIES MERMAIDS EVERYWHERE • WOMENS AND KIDS • GIFTS FOR BABIES AND KIDS OUTDOOR FURNITURE WITH A 20 YEAR WARRANTY • PAINT YOUR OWN BUOY SUPPLIES
1075 CEDAR POINT BLVD • CEDAR POINT • 252.393.7200 NCCOAST.COM
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&
Up Coming Boat Shopping
T
Wooden Boats
Beaufort Music Fest
hether you’re a boating enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the annual Wooden Boat Show has activities for you. The show, organized by the NC Maritime Museum, takes over Front Street in downtown Beaufort from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, May 5 and is the longest ongoing wooden boat show in the Southeast. This free event celebrates the art of wooden boat building, the sport of boat racing and the culture and history that surrounds these works of arts. Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats, full size and model, will be on display, polished and shined, for all to see. Paul Fontenoy, museum curator and Wooden Boat Show coordinator, said the show has something to offer everyone. “We pay a lot of attention to making sure the show is not just interesting for wooden boat enthusiasts,” Fontenoy explained. “We have activities for children and opportunities for families to do things together, such as taking a boat ride.”
lways a favorite, the Beaufort Music Festival returns May 18-19. The festival, now held at the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street and cozy Middle Lane, provides a great opportunity to enjoy rousing sets of free music over the course of two days. Things kick off around 4pm on Friday, May 19, and run from 11am to 10pm on Saturday, May 20. This year’s lineup includes Matt Walsh & the Movers, Kate Rhudy, L Shape Lot, Laura Blackley & the Wildflowers and Town Mountain on Friday evening. On Saturday, watch out for Arson Dailey, Violet Bell, Leah Blevins, Brothers Egg, Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba, Carolina Dare, Laura Reed, Ellis Dyson & the Shambles, Devon Gilfillian, Lyric and Seratones.
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he 2018 Crystal Coast Boat Show is celebrating 11 years along the Downtown Morehead City waterfront on May 19-20. Admission is free for the two-day boating event featuring new and used boats both in water and on land along with marine products and services, fishing gear, sailing races and seminars. A variety of additional activities are planned, including an antique car show, cornhole tournament and cardboard boat races. The boat show is open from 9am-5pm on Saturday, May 19, and 9am-4pm on Sunday, May 20.
Beach Music
O
n Saturday, May 19, music lovers with have a second option for great free music. The Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival brings classic shagging music to the shoreline. From 11am to 6pm, the beach will fill with beach music enthusiasts to watch Jim Quick & Coastline, Fantastic Shakers, Band
of Oz and the Mighty Saints of Soul perform. Parking is available at the Causeway Shopping Center, Doubletree by Hilton and Carteret Community College with a free shuttle running every 30 minutes. Coolers are welcome, however, guests are advised to leave glass containers at home along with their pets. Food and beer vendors will also be available on-site.
Kayaking for the Warriors
E
ach year, the residents of Pine Knoll Shores come out en masse to show their support for wounded servicemen from around the country. In what has quickly become the community’s signature event, the Kayak for the Warriors festival sees residents, guests and servicemen manning kayaks and vying for bragging rights as they cut through the waters of Bogue Sound to benefit the Hope for the Warrior Foundation, a support agency that aids injured service members and their families. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, June 2.
dancing, games and crafts for the kids. Bring a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in the past. Free. Cannon Firing. The cannons at Fort Macon State Park will be fired during demonstrations at 10:30 and 11:30am and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm.
Rock Stars
T
he Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is one of the oldest (it turns 59 this year) and largest sportfishing tournaments in the country. Big Rock is a term well-known in the fishing arena. Named after an off-shore fishing site, the annual event involves gala parties and daily public weigh-ins at the Morehead City waterfront, but it’s all done for a good cause. This NC Governor’s Cup Series tournament offers prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Total prize money tops $1 million annually. While the winners often walk away with a handsome purse, so do many area charities. Follow along with the action June 8-16 at thebigrock.com.
Tell Me More, Tell Me More
C
arteret Community Theatre tackles a classic June 2930, July 2 & 6-8. Brush up on your lyrics and get ready for a fun, toe-tapping adventure as “Grease” makes its debut on the Morehead City stage. Take a trip back to the 1950s through song, dance and a whole lot of laughs as Danny and Sandy navigate the challenges of young love. General admission is $18-$24. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Details: www. carteretcommunitytheatre.com.
Celebrating the 4th
G
et ready to celebrate your 4th of July in coastal Carolina. An array of fireworks displays are in the works. Pick
Movies in the Sand
T your favorite, plot out your best vantage point and enjoy! Here’s a look at the largest events along the coast: Emerald Isle - 9pm. The Town of Emerald Isle will launch fireworks off Bogue Inlet Pier. Fireworks are visible from the beach, Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. Morehead City - 9pm. Morehead City Parks and Rec sponsors the annual celebration centered around Jaycee Park on 9th and Shepard streets. Live music. Beaufort - 11am. Beaufort takes an old-fashioned approach to the holidays with families, businesses and clubs taking to the street for the annual parade. Atlantic Beach - 9pm. The town of Atlantic Beach celebrates independence at the Circle. Havelock - 5-9:30pm. Join friends, family and neighbors at Havelock City Park for county fair style games, live entertainment, food, fun and fireworks. Free. New Bern - 10am-4pm. Enjoy a day full of patriotic speeches,
ake in a family-friendly film while digging your toes in the sand of Atlantic Beach. Each summer the town offers a weekly movie on a large outdoor screen. Lawn chairs, blankets and other comfort items are welcome. This year’s series kicks off on June 13 and runs each Wednesday through the summer. A special double feature is planned for July 5 and includes the annual viewing of the classic “Jaws” – because where better to watch the horror classic than nestled next to the ocean. Best of all? It’s always free! Scheduled movies include: June 13 – “Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle”
June 21 – “Wonder” June 27 – “Deep” July 5 – “Beauty and the Beast” & “Jaws” July 11 – “The Emoji Movie” July 18 – “Coco” July 25 – “Grease” Aug. 1 – “Pirates of the Caribbean” Aug. 8 – “Despicable Me 3” Aug. 15 – “A Wrinkle in Time”
Pirates Invade
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ach August, historic Beaufort by the Sea provides the perfect backdrop for the scourge of the sea to strut their stuff, bringing with them live reenactments, music, sword fighting, costume contests and much more. The Beaufort Pirate Invasion, slated for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11, highlights an actual historic event. In August of 1747, the Town of Beaufort and a ship of Spanish privateers battled for the town. The pirates won … but just the first round. Days later, the residents and nearby farmers fortified themselves and returned to take back their village. Along the waterfront there will be a multitude of activities for all ages to enjoy, from music and magic to children’s costume contests and storytelling. Aspiring young pirates can enjoy spontaneous shenanigans as nefarious characters roam the streets and shops, engaging in mock battles, bursting into song, and posing for pictures.
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We never tire of our scenic beauty, especially when a boat is involved. Here, the vessel owned by the late J.M. Brown rests at a dock in Marshallberg. (Matthew LaChance photo)
Live here. Play here. Stay here.
REALTY WORLD FIRST COAST REALTY
Real Estate | Vacation Rentals | Property Management Visit us | ExperienceTheCoastNC.com | 800-972-8899 407 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
How About Oceanfront?
The Crabs Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Restaurant
The Only Oceanfront Restaurant on the Crystal Coast Fresh Local Seafood & Mouthwatering Steaks Margaritas, Cold Beer, & a Great View Next to the Beach. We are the Main Attraction
crabsclaw.com
252-726-8222
201 West Atlantic Blvd Oceanfront Facility on the Boardwalk in Atlantic Beach
Keep Calm...Fry On! Fresh battered foods from the sea
Burgers • Sandwiches Local Favorites
7801 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle |252-424-8203| www.islefryseafood.com NCCOAST.COM
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