Coaster - December 2014-January 2015

Off i c i a l G u i d e t o t h e C r y s t a l C o a s t December 2014 - January 2015

The Winter Beach Seeking Shells Along the Crystal Coast

Just AdD chocolate Tournament Trail - 2015 Fishing tournaments PLUS DINING, GOLF, SHOPPING, OUTDOOR FUN, MAPS & MORE

www.nccoast.com

Coaster

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contents Areas attractions 8 12 14 18 18 20 24 26 28 30

Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon State Park Pine Knoll Shores, NC Aquarium Emerald Isle Indian Beach, Salter Path Swansboro, Cape Carteret Morehead City, The History Place Beaufort, Beaufort Historic Site NC Maritime Museum, Rachel Carson Reserve Cape Lookout National Seashore Down East, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum

44 Knowing the beach is our BUSINESS. Helping you find your place at the beach is OUR PLEASURE.

“We’ll See You There�

I n t h e t r u e w a r m t h o f S o u t h e r n h o s p i t a l i t y, w e w e l c o m e y o u t o t h e E c o n o Lo d g e C r y s t a l C o a s t , M o r e h e a d C i t y ’s a d d r e s s fo r c o m fo r t a n d v a l u e. Wi t h t h e A t l a n t i c O c e a n o n l y 2 m i l e s f r o m o u r d o o r s t e p a n d C r y s t a l C o a s t C i v i c C e n t e r 2 b l o c k s a w a y, w e’r e p e r fe c t fo r t h e b u s i n e s s t r a v e l e r o r t h e v a c a t i o n i n g f a m i l y.

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COASTLAND REALTY

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Features 16 32 40 42 44 53 60

Tournament Trail While You’re Here: Biggest Events The Winter Beach – NC Shelling Holiday Events Calendar Just Add Chocolate Winter Fishing Welcoming a New Year

Directories 46 48 50 54 62

Tee Time: Area Golf Courses Sea & Do: Recreation Good Buys: Shops and Specialties Local Flavor: Restaurant Listings Perfect Stay: Accommodations

vip INFO 14, 22-23, 25 27

29

31

38

52

64

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Maps Kids Page Ferry Schedule Numbers to Know Tide Tables Coastal Angling Coastal Events Calendar Advertiser Index

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...to the quiet months here along the Crystal Coast.

Winter is a wonderful time. The cooler weather brings with it sharp, crisp Carolina blue skies and a peaceful solitude that is hard to duplicate. It’s a time for reflection on the year behind and for setting goals and dreams for the year ahead. We’re hopeful some of those goals include visits to our beautiful shores.

Many may think there is little to do at the beach in the winter – but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Throughout December there are a variety of special holiday programs. From Chowder & Cheer and Art Walk in Morehead City to the Candlelight Tour in Beaufort, celebrating the Christmas season is something we take seriously in Carteret County. Most of our small communities have their own holiday parades and opportunities for the youngsters to share their wishes with Santa. A favorite for everyone is the annual holiday flotilla, which finds boats decked out in lights and Christmas trees slowly coasting along the Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts. We’ve compiled a great list of holiday events so you won’t miss a thing.

Of course New Year’s Eve is a special time for everyone. Along the Crystal Coast we spend four days celebrating with the Crystal Coast Countdown. Local museums and historic sites, libraries and individual towns come together to create a full calendar of events in the days leading up to the new year. Be sure to be at Katherine Davis Park at midnight on New Year’s Eve to watch the crab pot drop!

Winter is also a great time for a stroll along our picturesque shoreline, especially for the shell seekers in the crowd. Less foot traffic and the warm offshore flow brings a bounty of shells to the beach during the cooler months. Thanks to the NC Shell Club, we’ve presented some basic shelling tips and etiquette to get you on the right path.

For more than 30 years, Coaster has focused on spreading the word about the area’s best attractions.

In our pages, you’ll find details on places to visit and events as well as the region’s real estate options, shops and restaurants. Always turn to Coaster – the only guide you’ll need to the Crystal Coast!

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Amanda Dagnino Managing Editor

GUIDE TO THE CRYSTAL COAST

www.nccoast.com Vol. 32, #6 December 2014 - January 2015 Published by:

201 N. 17th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone: 252.247.7442 • 800.525.1403 Fax: 1.877.247.1856 • Email: editor@nccoast.com Entire contents, maps, advertisements and graphic design elements copyright 2015 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.

Publisher: Diane Tyler Sales Manager: Ashly Willis 252.342.2334 sales@nccoast.com Sales: Jamie Bailey Managing Editor: Amanda Dagnino editor@nccoast.com Creative Director: Kim LaChance Layout/Design: Morgan Davis Graphic Design: Kyle Dixon, Amy Krysa, Roze Taitingfong Production Director: Rudy Taitague Lead Pressman: Daniel “Skip“ Hicks Pressmen: Allen Henry, Anthony Stamper Commercial Pressman: Edd Moore Bindery Leader: Jason Yates Bindery Operator: Rudy Taitague Distribution Manager: Dorrie Nicholson Pre-Press: Kyle Dixon Business Manager: Georgia Lewis Commercial Print: Andrea Vangelist, Amy Krysa

Coaster

atlantic beach

AB

Atlantic Beach is the oldest of the five towns that dot the beautiful shores of Bogue Banks, the beach front that runs parallel to Morehead City and the mainland. The town celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012 and continues to be a popular family vacation destination as well as a favorite for area residents who are ready to spend a day in the warmth of the sun. Decades ago a ferry would bring vacationers for a day to frolic in the waves and lay in the warmth of the sun.

Today, it is connected to Morehead City by bridge and sees a steady flow of traffic throughout the season.

The center of town, commonly referred to as the Circle, plays host to an array of concerts, outdoor movies and special events during the summer months. And the beach, which is patrolled by lifeguards, provides a family-friendly option when it comes to taking the children for a day of beach play. But it’s the towns laid back spirit and warm family atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.

With ample opportunities for surfing and fishing, Atlantic Beach is home to one of the two remaining fishing piers on the island and provides the perfect opportunity to prop your feet up and drop a line. The town has a collection

of shopping and dining options and is convenient to area attractions. One of the most popular, Fort Macon State Park, is located at the northern tip of the island. Other favorite events include the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament, the Penguin Plunge and Carolina Kite Fest.

Details: www.atlanticbeach-nc.com.

fort macon state park

FM

As a regal welcome into the Beaufort Channel, Fort Macon State Park’s flags fly high above the fully-intact fortress, welcoming visitors to the Crystal Coast and warning enemies that she is still on guard.

North Carolina’s second most visited state park, the five-sided brick structure stands as proudly today as she did in the 1800s, complete with battle scars to show for her years of protection.

Garrisoned in 1834, the site is one of the best preserved forts in the country, a living example of 19th century architecture and masonry. More than nine million bricks were used in the construction and it took some eight years to complete. Seized by the Confederacy in 1861, the site came under bombardment by Union forces in April of 1862 in order to secure the use of the harbor. A reenactment of the bombardment is celebrated annually at the site.

A visitors center and education space helps serve the approximate 1.3 million visitors to the site, sharing the story of Fort Macon and providing a backdrop for workshops and conferences. In addition, audio programs, displays and a variety of artifacts throughout the protected site help illustrate what life was like at the fort during its years of service.

The park itself encompasses 385 acres of pristine beach, dunes and maritime forest just east of Atlantic Beach. At the park’s beach access, visitors can fish from rock jetties or park at the bathhouse area for swimming and summer concessions. The park opens daily at 8am and closes at sunset. Fort hours are 9am-5:30pm daily.

Details: 252-726-3775.

www.nccoast.com

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pine knoll shores

PKS

Home to one of the state’s three aquariums, Pine Knoll Shores is the midway point between Atlantic Beach and Indian Beach and features one of the most natural untouched areas of Bogue Banks despite its population of just more than 1,500 residents.

Surrounded by a lush maritime forest, the town takes pride in protecting these natural assets. The effort receives a Tree City USA ranking through the National Arbor Day Foundation year after year. While development was allowed in this mainly residential community, it has been done with a focus on minimal disturbance, making Pine Knoll Shores one of the state’s most environmentally-sensitive towns.

While small in stature, the town does have a big place in history. Visitors will notice an historical marker along Hwy 58 noting the site of one of the first landings in the New World by Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, putting the area on the map – literally – long before Pine Knoll Shores was born.

The late Alice G. Hoffman purchased most of the land on Bogue Banks extending from Atlantic Beach to the Emerald Isle town line in hopes of creating a private retreat. Local historians have documented that in 1935 Hoffman’s land

passed to a trustee, Llewellyn Phillips. In 1939 it went to John Marshall Mathias, who served as trustee for four children of the late President Theodore Roosevelt, a relative of Hoffman’s. And while the children supported the development of residential communities, it was them who began the process of protecting this picturesque backdrop. To learn more about town, visit www.townofpks.com.

nc aquarium at pine knoll shores Enjoy merriment among the marine life this holiday season. The aquarium is open 9am-5pm except closed all day Thanksgiving and Christmas days. One more exception for an exceptional reason – the doors close at 1pm on Dec. 12 to get ready for a visit from Santa!

The jolly elf hears wishes from the little ones in a special evening event, Santa by the Sea. A 6 x 8-inch photo of the encounter is included in admission for each child 12 and under, as are keepsake crafts, favorite Yuletide stories, magic shows and aerial acrobatics performances. Tickets are sold from 5:30-8:30pm; advance tickets are recommended Other winter bright spots: • As Dec. 25 approaches, watch for divers outfitted as Santa and his elves in the Living Shipwreck.

• Keep your youngsters active during the school breaks with winter day camps, Dec. 29-30 and also Jan. 19-20.

• The Scrap Exchange art project on Dec. 30 closes out 2014 by combining creativity with conservation. From noon till 4pm, people are invited to make art from items and materials that otherwise were destined for landfills. The fun, free event is part of the Crystal Coast Countdown activities.

12

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• As the weather outside turns frightful, sign up for Succulent Seafood. This program takes participants to the area’s top restaurants for seafood cooking recipes, tips and taste tests.

• Admission is free for all on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Jan. 19. The aquarium also is collecting nonperishable goods in a post-holiday food drive to restock Martha’s Mission Pantry.

• Look for Nimbus in a new habitat. The white sea turtle has been moved to much larger quarters in the Queen Anne’s Revenge in the Tidal Waters Gallery.

The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is 5 miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512. The aquarium is open 9am-5pm daily except closed Christmas and New Year’s days and early closing Dec. 12, 2014. Admission is $10.95 for ages 13-61; $9.95 for age 62 and up and military; $8.95 for ages 312; no charge for ages 2 and under and NC Aquarium Society members.

For more information, see www.ncaquariums.com/pineknoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES

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www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512 Coaster

13

emerald isle

EI

Emerald Isle may be one of the region’s newest towns, however, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to offer.

With an almost perfect blend of modern amenities and oldfashioned beach town values, Emerald Isle has become a favorite vacation spot for families. Located at the far western end of Bogue Banks, the town’s warm hospitality and hometown charm make it a perfect beach getaway. And options abound, from campgrounds and hotels to condo and private home rentals, when it comes time to choose the perfect place to stay.

Interestingly enough, this area of Bogue Banks remained largely uninhabited until the 1950s when it was purchased by a group of developers. While contemplating their investment, a consultant was flown over the area for a visual survey. Viewing the lush green maritime forest set against the sparkling blue-greens of the Atlantic Ocean, he suggested “Emerald Isle.” Emerald Isle pays tribute to that Irish namesake each March with its St. Patrick’s Festival, one of the Crystal Coast’s biggest spring events.

Vacation attractions include a water slide, miniature golf, movies, fishing, bike paths that span the town, natural areas such as Emerald Woods park and, of course, swimming, sunning, sandcastle building and a nice assortment of shopping and dining. For more details, visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org.

To Jacksonville

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Indian Beach, Salter Path, Cape Carteret Cedar Point, Swansboro

Swansboro 18

Cape Carteret

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To Pine Knoll Shores 58

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TOURNAMENT TRAIL

Looking for a challenge while casting along Eastern North Carolina? Here is a listing of some of the area’s largest annual fishing tournaments for 2015. It’s time to start planning a fishing trip!

MAY Reelin’ For Research. Charity fishing tournament in Morehead City for UNC Children’s Hospital Research Division. The entry fee is $1,000. Details: reelinforresearch.org or info@reelinforresearch.org.

JWR Gaffer Dolphin Tournament. With boundaries from Hatteras to Morehead City, this contest for billfish, wahoo, tuna and cobia includes women’s and youth divisions. Details: www.hillsboroughsfc.com.

*Swansboro Rotary Memorial Day Bluewater Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing in Morehead City and Casper’s Marina in Swansboro. Details: 252-422-9100 or www.kingbluewater.com.

JUNE *Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Total prize money tops $1 million. Weigh-ins on the Morehead City waterfront. Details: 252-247-3575 or www.thebigrock. com.

CCCF Spanish Mackerel/Dolphin Fishing Tournament. Carteret Community College Foundation tourney helps raise funds for college programs and scholar16

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ships. Weigh-in is slated at The Boathouse in Beaufort, a sponsor of the event. Details: Wes Daniels, 252-2226222.

JULY *Barta Boys and Girls Club Billfish Tournament.

NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament set on the Beaufort waterfront with prizes for marlin releases and weighins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Kid-friendly event offers low entry fees, trophies instead of prize money and junior angler prizes. Details: 252-808-2286 or www.bartabillfish.com.

Onslow Bay Spanish Mackerel Tournament.

With an entry fee of $75 per vessel, it’s hard to beat this one-day tournament in Swansboro. Junior angler awards are also presented. Details: www.obsfc.us.

*Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tag and Release Tournament. NC Governor’s Cup Series Tournament with prizes for marlin releases and weigh-ins for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. Weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing on the Morehead City waterfront. Details: 252-2373717 or www.bandthebillfish.com.

Oriental Rotary In-Shore Slam/Tarpon Tournament. Celebrating more than 20 years, these dueling inshore tournaments raise money for the Rotary’s charitable work and scholarships. Details: 252-249-0400, www. orientalrotary.org.

AUGUST Onslow Bay Open King Mackerel Tournament.

Based in Swansboro, this annual tournament is 14 this year and helps raise money for a variety of charitable projects. Details: www.obokmt.us.

Hook and Bones Redfish Open. Held in conjunction with Swansboro Parks & Recreation, this new tournament (it turns 4 this year) paid out more than $12,000 in 2013. Details: www.hookandbones.com.

Sneads Ferry Rotary Club King Mackerel Tournament. Held at New River Marina, this charitable tournament boosts the Rotary’s community support and showcases the region’s great fishing. Details: www. sneadsferryrotary.com.

SEPTEMBER Chasin’ Tails Outdoors Speckled Trout Challenge. For the fifth year, Atlantic Beach-based Chasin’ Tails will have anglers vying for bragging rights this fall.

Entry fee is $50. First place winner takes $3,000 and some fishing gear. Details: 252-240-3474.

Bojangles King of the Cape Open King Mackerel Tournament. Tournament features payouts for lady angler, juniors, seniors and single engine along with grand prize. Based at Town Creek Marina, Beaufort. Details: David Lucas, 252-290-0925 or mideastappraisal@ earthlink.net.

Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament. Free registration. All flounder must be caught on foot (surf, pier, inlet or sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. Sponsored by

the Emerald Isle Park and Recreation Dept. and The Reel Outdoors. Details: 252-354-6350.

OCTOBER Gordie McAdams Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament. Free registration. All trout must be caught on foot (surf, pier, inlet or sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. Sponsored by the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Dept. Details: 252-354-6350.

Bogue Inlet Pier King Tournament. Grab a rod and spend a day with the family in Emerald Isle. A day of king fishing on the pier runs about $20 and allows the anglers four rods in the water. Details: 252-354-2919.

Davis Island Fishing Club’s Fall Surf Fishing Tournament. With a $10,000 purse, this nonprofit event has long been a favorite for saltwater anglers. Fishing time runs from noon on Thursday through noon on Saturday. Details: www.diffclub.com.

NC Troopers Association Offshore-Inshore Saltwater Challenge. In its third outing this Morehead City-based tournament gives anglers two days of fishing.

Events are based at Jaycee Park on the town’s waterfront. Details: www.1042kmt.com.

Swansboro Rotary King Mackerel Tournament.

With a $30,000 guaranteed first place award, this popular tournament takes advantage of the region’s great fall fishing. Details: www.kingbluewater.com. *Indicates a Governor’s Cup Billfishing Tournament Coaster

17

th indian beach & salter pa

IB/SP These bedroom communities in the middle of Bogue Banks swell each summer with second home owners and vacationers searching for a perfect stretch of beach to call home for a day. Despite a slight climb in population in recent years, the two towns continue to maintain their small town feel.

Play on the beach, kayak, watch shrimp boats bring in their catch or embrace your inner child with a day of mini-golf, go-karts and bumper boats. In both communities, accommodations range from private homes and condos to family run hotels. Still a hub for commercial fishing, the day’s catch is abundant in Salter Path and Indian Beach.

Caught in the middle, Salter Path, the more businessoriented of the two towns, is in the middle of Indian Beach.

Watch the signs carefully as you drive first through Indian Beach and into Salter Path, then back through Indian Beach once more. Here, visitors will find a handful of locally-owned restaurants and shops.

Cradled in the arms of Indian Beach, the village of Salter Path was the first on the island, having emerged in the late 1800s. Historical reports claim that local fishermen would carry barrels of mullet from the beach to the sound

to trade with a boat offering sweet potatoes and corn. Over the years, a permanent path was worn beside Riley Salter’s house; hence the community’s name.

The area’s main public beach access offers restrooms, showers and picnic tables, and features a long, winding boardwalk that meanders through forested dunes down to a beautiful, wide beach. Details: www.indianbeach.org.

cape carteret & swansboro

CC/S Nestled along the banks of the White Oak River and the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point and Swansboro fill the gap between Morehead City and Jacksonville, in Onslow County, with a collection of neighborhoods, waterfront eateries and scenic photo opportunities.

At the intersection of Hwys 24 and 58, Cape Carteret welcomes visitors with golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more. A variety of well-known chains makes this a busy retail intersection, and its easy access to the beach in Emerald Isle makes it a popular spot to settle. Cape Carteret rolls right in to Cedar Point which lines Hwy 24 with antique shops, boutiques and small businesses.

The waterfront village of Swansboro is the largest of the three towns yet it continues to retain its historic charm and quaint beauty. The site is home to the oldest running Carteret County festival. October’s Mullet Festival brings up to 20,000 visitors each year, packing the downtown streets of this town of less than 2,000. Turning 59 in 2013, the festival shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Rare for the flat lands of the coastal plains, Swansboro has a unique hilly landscape that seems to cradle the historic buildings in its downtown district, which is home to an eclectic collection of restaurants, pubs and stores. Details: swansboro-nc.org

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morehead city

MC

Centrally-located, Morehead City is home to a walkworthy waterfront with a mixture of locally-owned shops, restaurants and nightspots. Spend the day fishing, grab dinner with friends and cap off the evening over a cold beer.

Waterfront improvement projects through the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association continue to keep the region vibrant and lively.

As the retail hub of the region, shoppers will find several major chain stores and restaurants at the western end of town and a variety of smaller boutiques dotted throughout town. As it continues to grow and add new businesses, however, Morehead City is a community that continues to stay in touch with its rich historic past.

At the eastern edge of the downtown waterfront is one of the state’s two shipping ports where military ships and freighters from all over the world can be seen coming and going on any given day. While big in stature, it does little to overshadow Morehead City’s own fleet – its charter boats that line the waterfront. June brings the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, now more than 50 years old, for a week of fishing, fun and a purse that consistently tops the $1 million mark. The tournament has put Morehead City on the map

as a fishing destination.

As with other area communities, seafood is abundant in Morehead City – with several large waterfront icons that are ready to serve up the day’s catch any way you’d like it.

Throughout the summer, live music can be found at Jaycee Park on the waterfront each Saturday evening. It’s the perfect time to put your feet up, relax and breathe in the salt air.

For more details, visit downtownmoreheadcity.com.

the history place

HP

Lauded time and time again for its vast genealogy library, The History Place in Morehead City is a great place to get an overall history of the region. For genealogy and Civil War buffs, the Jack Spencer Goodwin Library houses more than 6,000 publications and an extensive county photo file. The Civil War collections are especially notable – drawing a large research audience annually to the site.

The museum itself is nothing short of a success story. Originally housed on the campus of Carteret Community College, the Carteret County Historical Society members undertook a fundraising campaign that would bring them to a new home in downtown Morehead City more than 10 years ago. An old furniture store was renovated to house exhibits, the library, meeting space and a small café. Space rentals and the leased restaurant space continue to buoy the nonprofit operation.

From Carteret County’s relationship with the sea to its military history, the stories are told here at The History Place. Browse the antique doll collection, Native American artifacts, award-winning carved decoys, vintage clothing, period furniture, military memorabilia, coastal artwork and more. Learn the history of shrimp boats, read about the Tuscarora Indians and take a look at the carriage Civil War spy Emeline Pigott was riding in when captured. It is purported that Pigott carried more items of importance in her petticoat than would fit in any modern-day suitcase.

The Museum Store offers unique gifts and a wide variety of local books and merchandise for all ages. Publications feature the Civil War, black history, pirates, poetry and local cookbooks. Nautical ornaments, jewelry, pottery, collectibles and children’s items are also featured. Admission is free. For more information call 252-247-7533 or visit www.thehistoryplace.org.

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BOOKS AND FINE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE &

Womens Clothing Jewelry and Shoes Baby and Toddler Clothing (up to size 6x)

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Pick up a magazine from the comfort of your own home.

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To Newport, Havelock (MCAS Cherry Point) & New Bern

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70 West towards New Bern

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34 Bridges St. Ext.

Carteret General Hospital ET TER CAR ERAL GENPITAL HOS

Pelletier Creek Carteret Community College Carteret lege Community Col

Morehead City

The Crystal Coast Bogue Sound 28

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North Carolina Aquarium

Pine Knoll Shores 58 31

Atlantic Ocean

Free public parking downtown at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th,19th Streets Beach Access

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Morehead City 14 - Diamond Shoal Jewelers 1 - Dee Gee’s Books & Gifts 3 - Econo Lodge

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Ginny Gordon’s Second to None Tassels Shoes & Accessories Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

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35th St. The History Place

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Arendell St. 4

Beaufort 3rd St.

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Crystal Coast Visitors’ Center

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Atlantic Beach Causeway

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Atlantic Beach Realty Atlantic Beach Seafood Bluewater Realty Cannon & Gruber Realtors Capt. Stacy Fishing Center Channel Marker Restaurant

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Clamdigger Inn & Restaurant Island Grille Kelli’s on the Beach Kites Unlimited/Bird Stuff, Etc. Sandi’s Beachwear www.facebook.com/nccoast Coaster

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beaufort

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With a picturesque waterfront full of quaint shops and eateries, Beaufort (pronounced “Bô-furt”), is well deserving of its “America’s Coolest Small Town” title bestowed upon in 2012 by Budget Travel. Noted as North Carolina’s third oldest town, Beaufort residents have gone to great pains to retain a great deal of the seaport’s history and architecture.

A walk down tree-lined Ann Street can swiftly carry a visitor to another time.

Incorporated in 1722 as Fish Towne, it’s not hard to guess what the region was known for. Fishing and shipping have played a large role in shaping the community and it’s an industry that continues to have a presence. Shrimp trawlers continue to cruise the waterfront, interspersed with kayaks and pleasure boats.

The wreckage of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the flagship of Blackbeard the Pirate, was found just outside of Beaufort Inlet more than 10 years ago and continues to be a draw for the community and the NC Maritime Museum, which oversees the recovery of artifacts from the site. A large twoday Pirate Festival continues to reinforce Beaufort’s pirate history and provide a family-friendly weekend of revelry.

The town is a favorite for those eager to shed their cars

and put on walking shoes. Whether it’s strolling down the wooden boardwalk or simply walking along the live-oak draped residential streets of the historic district to gander at the historical architecture, Beaufort is a town best seen on foot.

Scenic strolls are highlighted by shopping opportunities, fine dining and fiery red sunsets. Tour and charter boats, plus a wealth of area artisans help make Beaufort a fun and eclectic spot to spend time.

Noted events include the Wine and Food Weekend in April, the NC Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show in May and the Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour in June.

Details: www.beaufortnc.org.

beaufort historic site

BHS

As the keeper of Beaufort’s history, the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street offers a variety of programs, tours and special events throughout the calendar year. Cited for recognizing the town’s historical significance more than 50 years ago, the Beaufort Historical Association, which maintains the site, has been a leader in the restoration and preservation of some of the town’s most prestigious structures.

The site itself includes 11 historic buildings and the Old Burying Ground on Ann Street. Buildings include the Courthouse of 1796, the oldest surviving wooden courthouse in the state; the apothecary shop, circa 1859; the Carteret County Jail, circa 1829; the Rustell House, circa 1732 and others. Enhanced by authentic artifacts, a double-decker tour bus and facts and stories that have been passed down through the ages, the Historic Site has documented the lifestyles and customs of Beaufort’s past to preserve its historical identity for the future.

Throughout the year, the Beaufort Historic Site offers a variety of tours, seminars, volunteer opportunities and special events, including several of the town’s largest annual social engagements. From the educational Kindergarten Thanksgiving to the popular Old Homes & Gardens Tour held each June, there is always something on the horizon at the Beaufort Historic Site.

In addition to its own events, the site host three shows and sales by the Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition annually and is available as a special event rental. The Beaufort Historic Site is open from 9:30am5pm Monday through Saturday and 10am-4pm during the off-season.

Details: 252-728-5225 or www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

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Rachel Carson Reserve

78 - Handscapes Gallery 75 - Harbor Specialties 71 - Island Ferry Adventures

73 - Island Proper 29 - Island Traders / Island Outfitters 76 - Tierra Fina Beach Access Coaster

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nc maritime museum

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It was the vibrant, pristine waters that surround the Crystal Coast that first brought man to its shores. Those waters, its travelers and its sea life are celebrated daily at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Under the auspices of the NC Dept. of Cultural Resources, the museum is one of three maritime museums managed by the state. Through a wide variety of paid and free programming and evolving exhibits and artifacts, the sites share the story of North Carolina’s romance with its stretch of coastline and its inhabitants.

The site was thrust into the spotlight in 2011 as it became home to one of the first permanent exhibit of artifacts raised from the vessel believed to be the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard the Pirate’s flagship. Located in 1996 just outside of Beaufort Inlet, the Dept. of Cultural Resources and the museum have played a huge role in funding the excavation and bringing the artifacts to the surface. New pieces are added regularly, making it a must-stop for visitors, even if they’ve been there before.

Free to visit, the museum features a variety of additional exhibits, from sea life and sailing to boat building and commercial fishing. Across the street, the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center features an active boat and model shop,

where visitors can observe the active construction of wooden boats, or take a class to learn how to build their own.

The museum is open from 9am-5pm, weekdays; 10am5pm on Saturday; and 1-5pm on Sunday. For more information, call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

rachel carson reserve

RCR

Visitors looking to get back to nature during their visit to the Crystal Coast, will find a natural wonder in the Rachel Carson Reserve.

Teeming with wildlife and natural vegetation, this series of islands located across from the Beaufort waterfront is a component of the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve. Often referred to as Bird Shoals or Carrot Island by locals, it can only be accessed by boat.

Lucky explorers might spot a few of the beautiful wild horses congregating along the shore, an egret swooping down into the marsh or a sand fiddler crab scurrying across the mud. The 2,650acre reserve is a favorite place for hiking, shelling and exploring the natural and human processes that affect coastal areas. The site was named for Rachel Carson, the scientist and author who conducted research on the island’s coastal habitat.

Comprised of salt marshes, salt flats, tidal flats and eelgrass beds, the reserve is a favorite place for beachcombing, swimming and sunbathing. More than 200 species of birds have been sighted on the reserve and a checklist of these feathered-friends is available.

Guided nature tours are offered from 8:30-10:30am, Tuesday and Thursday, June through August, including nature hikes and cruises offered by the Friends of the Reserve. Closed toe shoes, sunglasses, hats, water and sunscreen are recommended. Guests should be prepared to get their shoes wet and muddy, especially during the nature hikes. Tours are free, however, donations are graciously accepted. For more information, call 252-838-0883 or visit www.nccoastalreserve.net.

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F L B F N U D R V U X C Y L O B I O X Y

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A N E R Y E L P A O B M E P Z S E W V C

D X O H S G X A O H K A T Y Q P O C N G

T L D N C O H F I N S S W B S F S G G X

S W I N B N E T N E S E R P Y P N E I W

P T J O A P H S Y L C N I E U I A S X A

U A P X Y L L O H P R Z C K K B U J W Y

W N R W N O P O Q P D Z G C O P L G F C

F H Y A N S Z S J S V Q O O W O G N D B

A E D P D K A P T J C T X S G B C Z Y F

M V J Q X E U O I A S B A S B T F Y D H

I W U W R P O T Z M R N I X S Z Y M N L

L Z D O B I U J Q N T D B G R Y C N A Y

Y E G B T I U J E A Z M J V L V B J C B

D L A S X G D Y U L E R P T X G K A B S

Happy Holidays How many Holiday words can you find in this word search?

CANDY CANE CAROLS CHEER CHIMNEY CHRISTMAS COOKIES EGG FAMILY FLOTILLA GOODWILL HOLLY

IVY NOG PARADE PRESENT SANTA SLEIGH STAR STOCKING TINSEL YULE

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ore h s cape lookou a t national se

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Best known for its towering lighthouse covered in black and white diamonds, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, spanning from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet. Three pristine barrier islands make up the national seashore – North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks.

Accessible only by private boat or ferry, this incredible ribbon of sand hosts unparalleled fishing, shelling and a working lighthouse. The undeveloped seashore allows for true-to-nature camping, features a restored lighthouse keeper’s quarters, a boardwalk to the beach, daily ranger programs and facilities in summer. There are no lifeguards on the beaches or maintained roads.

North and South Core Banks, both noted for wonderful shelling, clamming and surf fishing, also offer rustic cabins as an alternative to camping from April through November. For those seeking to discover the seashore’s history, picturesque Portsmouth village, found at the northeastern tip of Core Banks, is a 250acre uninhabited island community dating from 1753 and preserved as a national historic site.

Exhibits in several of the historic buildings tell the history of this island community. Many visitors come to the National Seashore to view the black and white diagonal checkerboard-patterned Cape Lookout Lighthouse. A landmark since 1859, the lighthouse tower is maintained by the National Park Service. Visitors can climb the tower from mid-May to mid-September. On Shackleford Banks, history may wander past you in the form of the Shackleford Banks wild horses.

The Light Station Visitor Center, found near the South Core Banks ferry dock, has a shaded pavilion and boardwalk connecting it to the beach. There are exhibits along the boardwalk and at the nearby Keepers’ Quarters Museum.

Exhibits focus on lighthouse history and early shipwrecks and rescues. The Light Station Visitor Center and the Keepers’ Quarters Museum are open to the public 9am-5pm, April through November.

The seashore’s main visitor center, located on Harkers Island, is open year round from 9am-5pm (except for Dec. 25 & Jan. 1). Exhibits tell the story of island communities, the US Life-Saving Service and other local history. An indoor theater offers a short film and the visitor center bookstore features books, tapes, videos and children’s items related to Cape Lookout National Seashore. A nature trail winds along the shore to an observation deck overlooking 28

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Core Sound. Public restrooms and a nearby picnic area are available and wheelchair accessible.

For more information call 252-728-2250 or visit www. nps.gov/calo.

All visitors should remember this is a remote, natural territory with no fast food, limited fresh water access and no lifeguards. Visitors and campers, remember to take whatever is needed to eat or drink, sun and insect lotions, hats and shoes and to bring out all that you carry in, including trash.

NC ferry schedule Call 1-800-BY-FERRY or visit www.ncferry.org

for updated information and rates. See ncferry.org for additional ferry schedules for the Currituck-Knotts Island ferry and Southport-Fort Fisher ferry.

CEDAR ISLAND-OCRACOKE TOLL FERRY

CHERRY BRANCH MINNESOTT FERRY

OCRACOKE-HATTERAS INLET FERRY

2 ¼ hours - 50 Cars Reservations Recommended Call 1-800-293-3779

20 minutes - 30 cars Year-Round

40 minutes - 30 cars Year-Round

Jan. 1 - Mar. 25, Apr. 9 - May 20, Oct. 29 - Dec.31 Depart

Depart Cedar Island Ocracoke 7:00 AM

7:30 AM 10:00 AM

1:00 PM 4:00 AM

4:00 PM

Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, May 21 - Oct. 28 Depart

Depart Cedar Island Ocracoke 7:00 AM

7:30 AM 10:00 AM

10:00 AM 11:00 PM

1:00 PM 1:00 PM

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

4:30 PM 5:30 PM

8:00 PM

Name of driver & type of vehicle are required when making reservations.

Can call up to 90 days in advance.

SWAN QUARTER-OCRACOKE TOLL FERRY Reservations call 1-800-293-3779 2 ½ hours - 50 cars Jan. 1 - May 20, Oct. 8 - Dec. 31 Depart

Depart Swan Quarter Ocracoke 10:00 AM

7:00 AM 4:00 PM

12:30 PM May 21 - Oct. 7 Depart

Swan Quarter 7:00 AM

10:00 AM

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

Depart Ocracoke 6:30 AM 9:30 AM 12:45 PM 4:00 PM

Depart Cherry Branch 5:00 AM ------- 5:45 AM 6:15 AM 6:45 AM 7:15 AM 7:45 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM ------- 6:30 PM ------- 7:30 PM ------- 8:30 PM ------- 10:00 PM ------- 12:00 AM -------

Depart Minnesott Beach -------- 5:25 AM ------- 6:15 AM 6:45 AM 7:15 AM 7:45 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM ------- 7:00 PM ------- 8:00 PM ------- 9:00 PM ------- 11:00 PM ------- 12:30 AM

Jan. 1 - May 6 Oct. 8 - Dec. 31 Departs Hatteras and Ocracoke every hour, 5 AM - Midnight.

Additional departures will be added as needed.

May 7 - Oct. 7 Depart Depart Ocracoke Hatteras 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM ---------- 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM NOON 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM MIDNIGHT

5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM NOON 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM ---------8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM MIDNIGHT Coaster

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down east

DE

Heritage and tradition are alive and well in Down East Carteret County. Rich in maritime history and folk arts, this rural region sweeps visitors back to a more laid back, simpler time. Some of the country’s most talented boat builders are hidden amidst the small clustered communities. Commercial fishing continues to be a mainstay. And family is one of the most important assets a person can have.

Found east of Beaufort along Hwy 70, Down East encompasses the communities of Atlantic, Bettie, Cedar Island, Davis, Gloucester, Harkers Island, Lola, Marshallberg, Otway, Sea Level, Smyrna, Stacy, Straits and Williston.

Each of these communities are unique and rich in maritime heritage and beauty, which was recognized in 2009 as the stretch of Hwy 70 from Merrimon Road to Cedar Island and designated as part of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway.

On Harkers Island, you’ll find the National Park Service Visitor Center offering information on Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Outer Banks. There are also marinas, campgrounds and accommodations, plus ferries and charter boat services available for visitors ready to hop over to the islands for the day.

At Cedar Island, travelers have the option of jumping on

a state ferry to Ocracoke, a small village at the southern tip of the Outer Banks, and following the byway north.

core sound waterfowl museum & heritage center

CS

If one word could sum up the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s mission, it would be “preservation.” Found at the end of Island Road in Harkers Island, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum strives to promote and preserve the Down East region’s valued heritage by showcasing the talents and skills of Down East residents. With a focus on decoy carving, boat building, storytelling, oral history of the region, local writers, traditional music, food, hunting, fishing and other skills, the talent is bountiful Down East, and Waterfowl Museum is a great place to find samples of it all.

The museum’s goal is to pass these community strengths on to the next generation, educating residents and visitors alike about the crucial role these talents have played through history. Many heritage programs and demonstrations are offered throughout the year and the site’s Waterfowl Weekend, held the first weekend each December, is not to be missed.

Museum hours are 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday and 2-5pm, Sunday. Admission is $5 for nonmembers. Students are admitted free. Details: 252-728-1500, www.coresound.com.

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numbers to know (Local area code is 252 unless otherwise noted.)

Emergency Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 NC Hwy Patrol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726-5766 AAA Carolinas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-477-4222 Carteret General Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808-6000 Carteret General Urgent Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808-6641

UNIQUE LAMPS CERAMIC HOUSE NUMBER TILES HANDPAINTED POTTERY FROM SPAIN, PORTUGAL & TUNISIA TALAVERA FROM MEXICO

TIERRA FINA 415 Front Street, Beaufort t -504- 9

www.tierrafinanc.com

Police Departments Atlantic Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726-2523 Beaufort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 728-4561 Cape Carteret. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393-2183 Emerald Isle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354-2021 Indian Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247-6700 Morehead City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726-3131 Pine Knoll Shores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247-2474 Swansboro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910-326-3101

See what’s new at

Hurricane Information American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637-3405 EMS, Evacuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 728-8470 National Weather Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223-5327

City/Town Halls Atlantic Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726-2121 Beaufort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 728-2141 Emerald Isle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 654-3424 Indian Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247-3344 Morehead City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726-6848 Newport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223-4749 Pine Knoll Shores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247-4353

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while you’re here Chowder, Cheer & Art

A full range of holiday plans are already in full gear for downtown Morehead City complete with a Christmas Artwalk, tree lighting, a synthetic ice skating rink, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the popular Chowder and Cheer Crawl, lighted flotilla and Christmas Parade.

Art lovers can kick off their holiday celebration from 4-8pm on Friday, Dec. 5 with the annual Morehead City Christmas Artwalk that includes downtown Morehead City galleries as well as participating businesses and restaurants. Carteret Contemporary Art, Gallery Arendell, BluSail Gallery, Carolina Artist Gallery, Arts & Things, Wine and Design and Art Studio 500 are leading this year’s event. There will be “pop-up’ galleries at the Train Depot, 1001 Arendell St. and 728 Arendell St. In addition, the Carteret Community Theater will host free 15 minute Christmas performances.

Guests are invited to participate in a special cell phone photo contest. Winners will be posted on Facebook and receive special prizes and gift certificates. A trolley, the Mullet Line from The Boathouse at Front Street Village, will ferry art aficionados to participating locations around downtown Morehead City.

Each downtown location will offer special demonstra-

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tions, promotions and refreshments. The Artwalk map can be picked up at any of the participating galleries and businesses.

The Morehead City tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6pm at centrally-located Katherine Davis Park.

The Broad Creek Middle School Chorus will perform and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to welcome guests of all ages.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the annual Chowder and Cheer Crawl takes place from 1-5pm with more than 18 restaurants participating. Vote for your favorite chowder, soup, chili or gumbo. In addition to downtown eateries, restaurants that aren’t located right in the downtown district will be serving samples at participating shops and art galleries. Tickets are $20 per person and will be available in advance by calling the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association at 252-808-0440.

At 4:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 6, join Santa and Mrs. Claus at Jaycee Park for Christmas carols by DJ Raymond Rigsbee. Then at 5:30 pm, the colorful Christmas Flotilla will cruise down the Morehead waterfront in a delightful holiday tradition.

For more information, tickets and entry forms, visit www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Birds of a Feather …

Celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the region, Down East is host to two events kicking off the month of December. The 27th annual Core Sound Decoy Festival and Waterfowl Weekend are the perfect events to learn more about the rural region of Carteret County and check out the local artisans.

There is no shortage of talent, food or excitement at the Decoy Festival, held at the island’s only school, Harkers Island Elementary. The festival runs from 9am5pm on Saturday, Dec. 6 and from 10am-4pm on Sunday, Dec. 7. The event features silent and live auctions, raffle tickets, competitions and the reason for the event, about 100 vendors and exhibitors. Youth day will be held on Sunday and all youth will receive free entry and can enjoy door prizes, kids decoy painting and competitions, archery and youth loon calling contests.

The annual festival is sponsored by the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild and more information can be found on its website at www.decoyguild.com.

At the end of the island, the fun continues with Waterfowl Weekend at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. The museum opens its doors for two days of demonstrations, including boat building, decoy carving, quilting and retriever demonstrations, live music, storytelling, artists and exhibitors, educational displays and programs, competitions and Core Sound seafood. For more information about Waterfowl Weekend, call 252-728-1500.

Arts Forum Welcomes Vitale

Soprano Mary Jo Vitale will be performing at the Elks Lodge, 400 Miller Farm Road, Morehead City at 7:30pm on Thursday, Dec. 11. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at www.carteretartsforum.com or at the door. Youth and college students with a valid college ID may purchase tickets for only $5.

Vitale began formal voice training at the age of 15 and won numerous local and state vocal competitions before studying opera and vocal performance at the University of South Florida with a full scholarship. She subsequently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University and performed with the Pinellas Opera Company. Vitale was first soprano for three years with Disney World’s Voices of Liberty at Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla. For the past five years, she entertains regularly at the Villages and the Ocala area of Florida where she performs light opera and Broadway favorites.

“No matter if you’re singing an old song or a new one, you have to stay true to the integrity of the music,” Vitale said in an interview with the Villages-News.com.

“There’s so much music today I don’t like. I think the older songs have stayed popular for a reason- because it’s great music. I think it’s special for audiences to see younger people singing these songs. It makes the songs come alive again and brings back memories.”

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while you’re here (Continued from page 33)

Candlelight and Art in Beaufort

The Beaufort Historical Association hosts its seventh Christmas Candlelight Tour from 5-8pm on Saturday, Dec. 13. The tour showcases Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and provides a rare glimpse into private historic homes, several inns, bed & breakfasts and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season.

Stops on the tour this year include the Front Street Inn, Beaufort Inn, Ann Street Inn, the Inlet Inn and the Beaufort Historic Site’s Josiah Bell House circa 1825, which will all be festively outfitted for the season. Churches include One Harbor Church on Turner Street as well as Ann Street United Methodist Church complete. The private houses featured on this year’s tour include the Jesse Piver House, circa 1825, home of Pat Baker; 34

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the former “In the Spirit” Christmas Shop, now the home of Michele Love; the Roland L. Davis House, circa 1920, home of Paula Stancil; the newly restored home of Eileen Thompson on Marsh Street; and the home of Cindy Carter on Live Oak Street. And back by popular demand, Christmas atop Everest – an 80’ San Lorenzo motor yacht – will be an interesting way to round out the tour.

These private homes represent a wide variety of Beaufort’s unique architectural styles from different periods of the town’s history. The creativity and imagination used to decorate theses residences is a real testament to the gracious hosts opening their homes for this holiday event. The fragrant greenery, dazzling ornaments, colorful candles, glittering tinsel and elaborate trees are sure to bring forth everyone’s holiday spirit.

“We can’t begin to thank these homeowners enough for the time and energy they put into decorating their homes, and then allowing the many visitors to enjoy this special tour,” said Executive Director Patricia Suggs. “It’s a great event for Beaufort as it showcases the small town feel that recently garnered Beaufort another accolade as one of ‘America’s Favorite Towns’ according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.”

Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through candlelit streets or join the carolers aboard the BHA’s 1967 English double-decker bus for a free ride to their destinations. Maps of the tour and information on the homes will be available at the Beaufort Historic Site’s Welcome Center at 130 Turner St. In addition, the Beaufort Historic Site and buildings will be open to guests, all decorated for Christmas, from 2 to 4pm.

An ongoing raffle and silent auction will also be taking place at the Visitors Center, where guests can place bids on a wide variety of items, thanks to the generosity of our Carteret County businesses.

After the tour, head to the Carteret County Library in Beaufort for a special Christmas Concert performed by The Vivaldi Project Trio. The concert, sponsored by the American Music Festival, begins at 8pm Christmas Candlelight Tour tickets are $12; tickets to the Vivaldi Project Trio concert are $27 at the door, and if bought in combination with the Candlelight Tour tickets, event-goers pay a total of $34.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-728-5225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Asso-

ciation Welcome Center at 130 Turner St., or visit www. beauforthistoricsite.org.

Start the Year with a Plunge

Daring enough to brave the cold? Take a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean for a good cause. The 12th Annual Penguin Plunge begins at 1pm on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at the Atlantic Beach Circle. Last year’s water temp was a rousing 54° - a perfect way to get the blood flowing for the year ahead.

Last year, about 570 participants raced to the ocean and took a dip to raise money for Hope for the Warriors.

This year, funds raised will be donated to the Carteret County Humane Society Animal Shelter. Whether part of the rookery or as one of the thousands of spectators who cheer them on, drop by the Circle and kick off the new year in style. For more information, visit www. penguin-plunge.org.

Wedding Planning at the Beach

The Crystal Coast has a variety of options to help you plan the perfect wedding. Carteret County is host to

three bridal events in January, the Crystal Coast Bridal Fair and the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon.

The Crystal Coast Bridal Fair is sponsored annually by Pam’s Specialized Catering and is in its 23rd year. The 2015 event will be held from 10am-4pm on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City. Meet more than 50 of the area’s top wedding professionals, speak with vendors intimately about services and products offered without the pressure of purchasing, sample caterer’s fare, see fashion shows featuring the latest in styles and trends, look at the work of top wedding photographers and florists and enjoy live music, prizes, samples and discounts. Tickets are $7 and available at the door or in advance. For more information, visit crystalcoastbridalfair.com.

The Crystal Coast Wedding Salon is held on Jan. 10.

Organized by Crystal Coast Brides magazine, this annual event puts a new twist on bridal shows by escorting guests, via limousine, of course, to various venue locations around Carteret County. An evening after party is held at the Ocean Club. To learn more visit crystalcoastweddingsalon.com.

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421 Front St., Beaufort, NC 252.504.3000 Atlantic Station, Atlantic Beach 252.240.2825 www.beaufortislandtraders.com

Two locations to better serve you

ATHOM OFFSHORE

Come check out our great selection of clothing and shoes for Men and Women, as well as an extensive selection of Sunglasses and hundreds of graphic T’s in an array of sizes RUGGED SHARK HIGH PROFORMANCE OFFSHORE GEAR

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Tides & times

Tidal Time Difference Between Morehead City &:

Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach Bridge Beaufort Inlet Bogue Inlet Cape Lookout Harkers Island Bridge

HIGH -:41 +:22 -:19 -:13 -:43 +1:26

LOW -:39 +:34 -:17 -:13 -:49 +2:06

December 2014 January 2015

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W

High Tide PM AM 2:54 3:55 4:50 5:42 6:30 7:15 7:59 8:41 9:22 10:03 10:45 11:28 12:06 12:59 1:54 2:47 3:38 4:26 5:12 5:58 6:43 7:30 8:17 9:05 9:55 10:47 11:43 12:26 1:31 2:36 3:38

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3:11 4:12 5:07 5:59 6:48 7:34 8:18 9:02 9:45 10:30 11:16 ----- 12:15 1:04 1:57 2:51 3:44 4:35 5:24 6:12 6:59 7:48 8:38 9:30 10:24 11:23 ----- 12:42 1:46 2:51 3:54

Low Tide AM PM 9:11 10:17 11:16 12:09 ----- 12:44 1:29 2:12 2:54 3:37 4:22 5:10 6:02 7:00 8:02 9:04 10:00 10:52 11:40 ----- 12:10 12:58 1:47 2:38 3:31 4:28 5:29 6:36 7:48 8:59 10:05

9:25 10:19 11:10 11:58 12:58 1:44 2:28 3:11 3:53 4:34 5:16 5:59 6:43 7:28 8:15 9:03 9:50 10:36 11:23 12:27 1:12 1:58 2:45 3:32 4:22 5:13 6:07 7:04 8:02 9:02 10:01

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa

High Tide PM AM 4:38 5:29 6:17 7:01 7:42 8:20 8:58 9:35 10:11 10:49 11:30 12:08 12:59 1:55 2:51 3:47 4:41 5:32 6:22 7:12 8:01 8:50 9:40 10:31 11:25 12:06 1:10 2:16 3:20 3:20 5:14

4:54 5:46 6:34 7:18 7:59 8:39 9:18 9:58 10:38 11:21 ----- 12:14 1:04 2:00 2:59 3:58 4:54 5:48 6:40 7:31 8:23 9:15 10:09 11:06 ----- 12:23 1:26 2:33 3:39 3:39 5:32

Low Tide AM PM 11:05 11:58 ----- 12:30 1:13 1:54 2:34 3:13 3:54 4:36 5:22 6:13 7:11 8:14 9:17 10:16 11:11 12:01 ----- 12:42 1:34 2:27 3:21 4:17 5:17 6:22 7:31 8:42 9:50 9:50 11:43

10:55 11:44 12:46 1:29 2:09 2:47 3:24 4:00 4:36 5:12 5:51 6:33 7:20 8:12 9:06 10:01 10:56 11:49 12:50 1:37 2:25 3:12 4:01 4:51 5:43 6:39 7:39 8:41 9:42 9:42 11:30

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The Winter Beach Shelling on the North Carolina Coast

Little can compare to the peace and serenity found along the North Carolina coast during the winter months. Despite the cooler temperatures, residents and guests are frequently spotted taking a winter stroll along our barren stretch of sand, or sitting in quiet meditation while they take in the crisp blue skies our winter brings.

What few realize, however, is that winter is also the perfect time for another favorite pastime along the beach – shelling.

“Shelling is best in the winter because of the weather,” said Everett Long of Beaufort, vice president of the NC Shell Club. “Cool weather keeps the crowds indoors, and only the dedicated shellers wander out in the cold and wind to find that one shell everyone in North Carolina wants … the Scotch Bonnet. Winter storms bring the shells from the Gulf Stream closer to our shores, and the 40

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likelihood of finding a shell from the Caribbean Sea is very good.”

The early bird definitely gets the worm when it comes to shell hunting, advises the Shell Club. Hitting the beach early in the morning, or immediately following a storm increases your chance of finding the best the beach has to offer. Take your time, they suggest, and look closely. Sometimes the smallest of shells can be the most interesting to add to your collection. But those with keen eyes, a little patience and a tolerance for the cooler weather will find a plethora of olives, sand dollars, whelks, baby’s ears and more.

It’s always important to practice proper etiquette while searching for shells. The NC Shell Club suggests the following: • Collect only what you need.

Do not allow yourself to be caught up in the excitement of the moment and make poor choices about which shells you need to keep.

• Protect the shell population and collect may have additional regulations governing when and conservatively. Do not collect living juveniles. Do where they can be collected and who can do the not take everything you find. Collect specimens only collecting. There are even regulations regarding the from areas where collection of dead many of its kind shells. Be sure are living. Select FACT: North Carolina was the first you know the reone or two rep- state in the country to name an quirements where resentative speci- official state shell. you are collecting. mens. Note: This And, be aware applies also to there may even be group collecting. international reguEveryone in a large group collecting one or two liv- lations that could affect your collecting practices. ing shells has the same effect as one person taking a bucketful!

• Respect private property fronting the waters. The waters are public but the land often • Leave the habitat as undisturbed as pos- is not. sible. Return things to the way they were when you entered the habitat. For example, replace any rocks • Appreciate any gifts of nature that come you turned over. Place the mollusks you decide not your way. A living shell tossed ashore by waves is to keep back into the environment so they can re- dying. There is little chance to return the animal to a cover and continue their life cycle. habitat where it will recover. Hurling these shells into the ocean is not an effective method of returning • If collecting for scientific purposes, take them where they can recover! This process is the careful notes regarding the environment natural death process and provides the occasional and the behavior of the mollusk. The speci- opportunity for a lucky shell collector to add an esmen has little scientific value without this informa- pecially nice shell to his or her collection. tion.

• Recognize there are many reasons to • Learn local regulations. State and na- collect. Aesthetics are what drive the interest in tional parks, as well as marine preserves, shells for many collectors. Choosing a shell because generally have laws against taking live it would look great on your bookshelf or mantle can shells. Collecting commercially important species be a compelling reason for collecting it.

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Holiday Events DECEMBER

Thur. 4: “A Christmas Carol.” 7pm. Ring in the holiday season with Legacy Theater’s annual production of this classic Charles Dickens tale with the Seaside Arts Council. Tickets are $15 for nonmembers, $10 for members and are available at the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Swansboro Recreation Center, Emerald Isle Wine Market and online.

Details: seasideartscouncil.com.

Embers Christmas. The legendary beach music band brings holiday classics to the Carteret Community Theatre stage. Tickets begin at $20. Details: 252-726-1501.

5-7: Model Train Show. The Carteret County Model Railroad Buffs and the Town of Beaufort organize this annual holiday show at the Beaufort Old Train Depot. Runs from 4-8pm on Friday; 9am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Details: 252-728-2259.

Fri. 5: Christmas ArtWalk. 4-8pm. Downtown Morehead City art galleries open their doors for visitors for a night of demonstrations, art and great deals. Non-gallery businesses offer specials as well and the Carteret Community Theatre .

Details: 252-808-0440.

Morehead City Tree Lighting. 5-6pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome friends at Katherine Davis Park prior to the annual Morehead City Christmas tree lighting at 6pm. Enjoy carols and hot chocolate with the Broad Creek Middle School Chorus. Details: 252-808-0440 or www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Sat. 6: Morehead City/Beaufort Flotilla. 5:30pm. The boat parade begins in Morehead City and arrives in Beaufort about 6:15pm. Awards follow in the NC Maritime Museum’s watercraft center. Details: 252-728-7318 or www.ncmaritimemuseums.org.

Beaufort Christmas Parade. 3pm. The town of Beaufort celebrates the holidays with a traditional parade. Santa will be on hand at his waterfront hut, with extended hours during the day.

Holiday Craft Fair. 9am-4pm. The History Place, Morehead City, welcomes an array of regional crafters just in time for holiday shopping. Vendors will feature hand painted wood, 42 www.nccoast.com

sculptures, jewelry, birdhouses, ornaments, pottery, etched glass and more. Details: 252-247-7533.

Gingerbread Houses. 1:30pm. Ragan and Gina at Carolina Home and Garden, Newport, help children (and adults) create their own gingerbread house. Cost is $5. Details: 252-393-9004.

Breakfast with Santa. 8:30am-11:30pm. Floyd’s 1921 and the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association host Santa and friends during three seating times.

Cost is $12, adults; $8, children. Reservations are required.

Details: 252-727-1921.

Chowder & Cheer Crawl. 1-5pm. More than 14 downtown Morehead City businesses open their doors for this special event. In addition to the chowder, guests can expect live demonstrations by artists, musical performances and more. Tickets are $20. Details: 252-808-0440 or www. downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Santa & Mrs. Claus. 4:30pm. The most popular folks of the season visit with guests at Jaycee Park, Morehead City, thanks to the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association.

Atlantic Beach Christmas Parade. 6pm. Participants in Atlantic Beach light up the night with this evening holiday parade. Cars, boats and floats decked out in holiday lights wind their way from the Dunes Club to the Circle.

Fri. 12: Santa and a Movie. 6pm. Children of all ages are welcome to join Santa at the Emerald Isle Recreation Center for a story and a short Christmas classic. Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas and may bring a blanket to cozy up with. Admission is one unwrapped gift per child. Preregistration is required. Details: 252-354-6350.

Santa by the Sea. 5:30-8:30pm. An evening of holiday enchantment await youngsters at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Each child receives a personal visit with Santa a professional 6X8-inch photo. Activities include a magic show, arts and crafts, manufactured snow and more. Tickets are $15 per person, all ages. Details: 252-247-4003 or www. ncacquariums.com.

Gingerbread Gala Preview Party. 8pm. This festive preview officially opens the Gingerbread House Competition at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Music will be provided by Soul

Play and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Seaside Sensations. Winners for the annual competition will be announced. Event supports the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Details: www.cchhnc.org.

13-14: Choral Music for Advent & Christmas. 7:30pm.

Celebrate the holidays with the Crystal Coast Choral Society, under the direction of Finley Woolston. On Friday evening, Swansboro United Methodist Church hosts and on Sunday the choir will perform at Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church. Free to attend; donations graciously accepted. Details: crystalcoastchoralsociety or 910-324-6864.

13-15: Gingerbread House Competition. Creativity reigns supreme at the Crystal Coast Civic Center for this annual event that supports the Crystal Coast Hospice House. Last year visitors were amazed by the interior of a dentist’s office, a Boy Scout camp, a boat, an office building and more – all made out of gingerbread. Special ticketed events include a Gingerbread Workshop with Alex & Brett at 2pm on Saturday and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at 1:30pm on Sunday. All guests are asked to vote for the Best in Show. Free to attend.

Donations are graciously accepted. Details: 252-808-2244 or www.cchhnc.org.

bus with carolers from local churches. Homeowners open their doors so the public can delight in their festive décor.

Details: 252-728-5225.

Morehead City Christmas Parade. 11am. The sights and sounds of the holidays parade down Arendell Street in downtown Morehead City.

Tue. 16: NC Symphony – Holiday Pops. 7pm. A North Carolina tradition, the symphony’s holiday show brings all the joy and excitement of the season straight to the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern. Enjoy yuletide favorites, orchestral masterworks, the ever-popular Christmas carol singalong and more. Cost is $47. Details: 877-627-6724 or www.ncsymphony.org.

13 & 20: Eve of Revolution – A Candlelight Christmas Celebration. 4:30-9:45pm. Merriment, drama and romance fill the air this holiday season when Tryon Palace, New Bern, reaches the Eve of Revolution. Celebrate 300 years of Christmas past through costumed performers, magicians, dancing and a rare glimpse of the Governor’s Palace by candlelight. Cost is $20 per adult; $10 for students. Details: www.tryonpalace.org.

Sat. 13: Beaufort Holiday ArtWalk. 1-5pm. Enjoy a festive day in historic Beaufort, celebrating the season with a variety of receptions and open houses at a variety of downtown locations. Regional artists will be showcased. Maps are available at participating locations and the Beaufort Historic Site. Details: 252-728-5225 or www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour. 5-8pm.

Tour private homes in Beaufort and ride on the double-decker Coaster

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Carolina Chocolate Festival Saturday, Feb. 7 – 9am-6pm Sunday, Feb. 8 – 10am-3pm

Just Add

Chocolate

Vendors from as far away as Tennessee and Virginia will converge on the Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, Feb. 7-8 for the annual Carolina Chocolate Festival – a wonderful reason to indulge in a little sweetened fun in advance of Valentine’s Day. The annual festival brings just about everything chocolate imaginable together under one roof, chocolate diamonds and pears, cakes and tortes, chocolate bars, truffles, fudge, chocolate popcorn, even chocolate cookbooks are mixed in with baking competitions, a cake walk and the alwayspopular chocolate pudding eating competitions, which occur on the hour.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for children 5-12.

Active duty military can enjoy free admission on Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting www. carolinachocolatefestival.com.

The festival extends its reach into January to whet the appetite of chocolate lovers in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. Check the website for details about the Mexicocoa event, a celebration of chocolate featuring wine, beer and food samples.

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The festival kicks off with the Cocoa 5K Fun Run, planned for 8am on Saturday, Feb. 7 beginning at the CMAST Building on the campus of Carteret Community College. The cost is $15 per person or $40 for a family of four. Participants may register onsite prior to the race or in advance by visiting the website. Costumes are encouraged and awards will be presented to the best.

Also on Saturday, the Chocolate Spa, planned from 9am-4pm at Carteret Community College, allows guests to indulge in a massage, facials, make up, hairstyling and reflexology while enjoying chocolates, is always a sellout. Be sure to grab your tickets early.

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a few prizes along the way. Be on the lookout for Chocolate Festival Candy Bars, 10 of which will be stuffed with Carteret County’s very own Golden Tickets.

It is the charitable organizations, however, that truly benefit from the event each year. In the last 10 years, the Chocolate Festival has donated close to $400,000 to its partnering nonprofits.

MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE®

POSITIVELY AUTHORIZED RETAILER

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tee time

Golf enthusiasts rave about how Eastern North Carolina suits them to a tee as soon as they discover the terrific and unique courses of the Crystal Coast. Most courses take full advantage of the area’s natural beauty and are built around maritime forests or near the water.

When your eye’s not on the ball or focused on the hole, the Crystal Coast’s courses and their natural surroundings are sights to be seen.

Spring and fall are considered two of the favorite times for golfing in the area with sunny days and cooler temps, but golfing is truly a year-round attraction in Eastern North Carolina as our terrific climate allows for play almost any time.

Most courses feature clubhouses, resident pros, well-equipped pro shops and are open to the public at great rates. All you have to do is call for a tee time. And if you’re a Crystal Coast resident and golfer, ask about the courses’ benefit tournaments held throughout the year. The community is always looking for teams and individuals for tournament play to benefit local organizations.

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Featured here are some of the best local courses when it comes to North Carolina’s “golf coast.”

Bear Trail Golf Club

444 Harris Creek Road, Jacksonville 910-346-8160

Brandywine Bay Golf Club 177 Brandywine Blvd., Morehead City 252-247-2541

Country Club of the Crystal Coast 152 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores 252-726-1034

North River Club

300 Links Drive, Beaufort 252-728-5525

Silver Creek Golf Resort 601 Peletier Loop Road, Swansboro 252-393-8058

Star Hill Golf Club

202 Club House Drive, Cape Carteret 252-393-8111

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sea & do

Charters, Cruises, Marinas & Tours Capt. Stacy IV

416 Atlantic Beach Cswy., Atlantic Beach 252-247-7501 (Map #21) Docked at the Capt. Stacy Fishing Center on the Atlantic Beach Causeway, 83-ft. air-conditioned vessel, leaves for the Gulf Stream at 6am; 24-hr. trips to the Gulf Stream, call for reservations, MC/V/DC.

Island Ferry Adventures

610 Front St., Beaufort 252-728-7555 252-728-4129 (Map #71) Outer Banks Ferry and Island Ferry Adventures have merged this year, bringing more than 25 years of experience to visitors to the Crystal Coast. Fun, safe and reliable service to view the Lighthouse at Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks, Bird Shoal, Carrot Island and Sand Dollar Island by reservation. Water Taxi Service to Bird Shoal & Carrot Island does not require reservations and runs hourly as well as the Water Bug Harbor Tour – narrated history & wildlife cruise along the Rachel Carson Reserve. Reservations required for the 2.5-hour tour to the lighthouse at Cape Lookout National Seashore, Pirate Treasure Hunt – which will ‘shiver your timbers’ and houseboat rentals, fully furnished, with skiff. Island Ferry 48

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Adventures is the One Stop Shop for Fun Things to Do! Great shelling, wild mustangs, swimming, fishing, hiking and just good old fashioned relaxation await. Visit www.outerbanksferry.com or islandferryadventures.com.

Family Fun

Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club

101 Dolphin Ridge Road, Emerald Ise 252-241-5302 (Map #47) Emerald Isle’s only private beach club. Weekly and seasonal memberships available. Private beach access, swimming pool, tennis courts, shower and changing facilities, game room, full ABC permits and gourmet eatery for the convenience of members. Visit emeraldislebeachclub.com.

Kites Unlimited

1010 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach 252-247-7011 (Map #28) Fly your own kite or watch the colors of other friendly kite fliers 10am Sundays at Fort Macon State Park, hosted by Kites Unlimited, a great place for kites, toys, gifts & more in Atlantic Station Shopping Center, kites-birdstuff.com.

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores 252-247-4003

(Map #32) At Mile Marker 7, dive into adventure at the new NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Explore shipwrecks without getting wet. Look a 350-pound shark in the eye. Touch a stingray. Watch river otters play; 38 exhibits depicting NC’s aquatic environments “from the mountains to the sea.” In the 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck exhibit, fierce-looking sand tiger sharks up to 8 feet in length, schools of fishes & many other creatures glide around a three-quarter scale replica of a sunken submarine. Other highlights include a 32-foot waterfall, cypress swamp, lionfish, jellyfish, octopus & two touch tanks. Fishing lessons, boat trips & other adventures are now available – check the website for the full schedule or see Coaster’s calendar of events for programs & dates. Regular hours, 9am-5pm daily.

Admission, $10.95 (ages 13-61); $9.95 age 62 & over; $8.95 ages 3-12. Children age 2 & under and members of the NC Aquariums admitted free. Annual memberships, $60 family; $40 individual, ncaquariums.com.

& mining train, adventure & thrills galore for the entire family.

At Mile Marker 10.3.

Tryon Palace

529 S. Front St., New Bern 252-639-3500 Vividly educational and affordable, Tryon Palace puts history at your fingertips. From the Governor’s Palace and surrounding historic homes to stunning gardens and interactive exhibits at the NC History Center, a visit to Tryon Palace is a living history experience like no other.

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf & Raceway

976 Salter Path Road, Salter Path 252-247-3024 (Map #46) Features go-carts, mini-golf, bumper boats, arcade

Headboat Bottom Fishing & Sport Fishing Charters

416 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach

www.captstacy.com

252.726.4675

info@captstacy.com Coaster

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good buys

Art, Crafts & Home:

Handscapes Gallery 410 Front St., Beaufort 252-728-6805 (Map #78) Featuring fine arts and crafts on the waterfront in historic Beaufort.

The gallery promotes American traditions in pottery, jewelry and glasswork with an emphasis on North Carolina artists.

Over 200 artists are represented in a full range of work from the traditional to the contemporary in pottery, glass, jewelry, metal, wood and other media www.handscapesgallery.com, handscapes@gmail.com.

Tierra Fina 415 Front St., Beaufort 252-504-2789 (Map #76) Hand-painted pottery from Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Morocco & Tunisia. Open 7 days a week, tierrafinanc. com.

Books & Gifts:

Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books 508 Evans St., Morehead City 252-726-3314 (Map #1) Located on the waterfront, store features a fine selection of greeting 50

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cards, paperback & hardback books, Byer’s Choice carolers, jewelry, toys, nautical charts, original paintings & prints, china, gifts, open every day, free gift wrap, will ship anywhere, 800-DEEGEES (333-4337).

Kites Unlimited & Bird Stuff, Etc. 1010 W. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach 252-247-7011 (Map #28) Located in Atlantic Station, Atlantic Beach, this dual store offers quality kites & windsocks, stunt kites, unique games and puzzles, kite accessories, flags, banners and more, while also catering to the bird enthusiast.

Find bird feeders, pre-mixed or mixyour-own seeds, houses, supplies & more.

Tilley hats, Sloggers and more, all in one convenient location.

Clothing & Accessories:

Fran’s Beachwear 8305 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle.

252-354-3151 (Map #61) Browse through Fran’s collection of over 5,000 swimsuits.

Choose from the finest names – Gottex,

Trina Turk, Beach House, La Blanca, L*Space, Betsey Johnson, Tommy Bahama and many more. Treat yourself to their personalized service. Find mix and match separates, bra-sized swimwear, long torso, control fabric and plus sizes as well as cover-ups and men’s trunks.

Harbor Specialties 437 Front St., Beaufort 252-838-0059 (Map #75) Offers “nautical but nice” fine gifts & clothing. Featuring the Tilley Hat, Vera Bradley bags & accessories with complimentary monogramming, Tervis Tumblers, Dubarry deck shoes, Chelsea clocks & barometers, boat models & ready to embroider Adams Caps. Does custom embroidery & logos in-house.

Visit: www.harborspecialties.com.

Island Essentials Linen & Leisure Supply Co. 208 Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle 252-354-8887 (Map #55) High quality baby & beach gear rental equipment with free delivery & pick-up to your vacation home. Also bed & bath linen service. Visit the new showroom, 8002 Emerald Drive, by

appointment only. Services available year-round, reserve ahead to ensure availability, 888-398-8887, info@ island-essentials.com.

Island Outfitters 431 Front St., Beaufort 252-838-1576 (Map #29) This expansion of Island Traders allows the owners to carry more of the brands you love to wear. Find a great selection of Dansko, Merrell, Mountain Khakis, Collard Greens, Patagonia, Olukai, Smith, Maui Jim, Vineyard Vines and much more. Coming Soon: Island Proper – a ladies boutique brining names like Escapada, Ark & Co., Hobo, Judith March, Sail to Sable, Jack Rogers and many more.

Island Proper 431 Front St., Beaufort 252-504-3000 (Map #71) From “offshore to the dance floor” Island Proper is the only stop you need, whether shopping for vacation or every day. Featuring Escapada, Sail to Sable, Annie Griffin, Hobo, Ellen & Ollie, Julie Brown and much more.

Island Traders 421 Front St., Beaufort 252-504-3000 Atlantic Station, Atlantic Beach 252-240-2825 (Map #29) The store that started it all! Find great names at great prices.

Featuring Costa Del Mar, Reef Sanuk, O’Neill and Keen. Also check out the huge selection of T-shirts and accessories. Visit www.beaufortislandtraders.com.

Sandi’s Beachwear 417 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach 252-726-4812 (Map #27) Emphasizes women’s specialty swimwear, sizes 4-24, long torso, special cup sizes A-G, & mastectomy. Separates by Sunsets, Tara Grinna, Sea Wave. Also swimwear by Trina Turk, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Nautica, La Blanca,

Miraclesuit, Tommy Bahama, Gottex. Just the right suit for every size & preference.

Casual wear by Escapada, Elliott Lauren, Jude Connally, Nomadic Traders, Britt Ryan, Elizabeth McKay, Foxcroft, Miracle Body,Gretchen Scott, Tyler Boe, Hatley, Sail to Sable, Melly M, Mud Pie, Lisette & Wild Palms. Great selection of beach bags, cover ups, shoes & accessories.

Second to None 4370 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-240-2002 (Map #34) In the Pelletier Harbor Shops, Second to None features women’s brand name clothing & accessories sizes 0 to 2X. Casual to formal wear, shoes, jewelry & handbags. Original artwork, also available. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm.

Tassels 4426 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-247-7463 (Map #33) A great place to shop for shoes, handbags, jewelry & gift items; a shoe store plus a whole lot more; now carries a wonderful selection of invitations & personalized note cards for all occasions. Located in the Pelletier Harbor Shops.

Top it Off Boutique 8700 Emerald Plantation, Suite 7, Emerald Isle 252-354-7111.

(Map #62) Experience the difference – offering unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, shoes and much more.

Whimsical and fun gifts for all occasions.

Gourmet Items & Edibles:

Atlantic Beach Seafood Market 211-A Atlantic Beach Cswy., Atlantic Beach 252-247-2430 (Map #24) The only fresh seafood market in Atlantic Beach; fresh daily, shrimp, crabmeat, scallops, lobster tails, crab legs, tuna, grouper, mahi, trigger,

flounder, salmon, special orders & more; locals’ choice for best seafood. Family operated by Sonya Willis, owner. Tackle outlet.

Ginny Gordon’s 1011 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-726-6661 (Map #4) Specializing in cookware, aprons, gadgets, knives, cookbooks & everything else for the cook. Great gift ideas.

Jewelry:

Diamond Shoal Jewelers 4737 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-726-9582 (Map #14) Specializes in nautical 14K & sterling silver jewelry, as well as estate and designer pieces including Scott Kay, Slane & Slane, Hidalgo and Pandora; custom designs, repairs & appraisals.

All work done on premises, Tue.-Sat., 10am-6pm.

Professional Services:

Chadwick Tire 688 Hwy 70, Otway 252-728-6960 (Map #79) Air conditioning service/ repair, alignments, batteries and electrical system, belt & hoses, brake service, commercial roadside assistance, computerized diagnosis, construction tires, state inspection, towing, tune ups and much more. Visit www.chadwicktire. com.

Transportation:

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport 200 Terminal Drive, New Bern (Map #2) Close, convenient & connected – the closest airport to the beach is now offering more airlines for more convenience: US Airways Express & Delta Connection Service provided by Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Visit NewBernAirport. com for more info.

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Coastal Angling The Crystal Coast is home to fishing and boating enthusiasts alike, boasting numerous places throughout the area to launch a boat, do some surf and pier fishing or even charter a boat offshore in search of the big one.

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream provide the Crystal Coast with the longest fishing season on the Atlantic coast. The area is home to one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world for blue marlin; other fish caught along the Crystal Coast include bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, red drum, false albacore, sea trout, striped bass, cobia, sailfish, dolphin and wahoo depending on seasons. Many species, including drum and flounder, are caught surf fishing. There are several private chartered fishing excursions or the more affordable head boat fishing trips that is able to take larger groups of people, alleviating the financial burden to an extent.

Saltwater and freshwater anglers age 16 and older must have a valid, state-issued recreational fishing license to take fish in North Carolina throughout the year.

Specific regulations and restrictions apply depending on local fishing waters including size limit, daily creel limit and closed seasons.

North Carolina offers a variety of fishing licenses from temporary to lifetime. Licenses for recreational fishing can be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org, by visiting the Div. of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City or through many fishing supply stores. It is important to make sure everything is legal when trying your hand at angling the Crystal Coast.

6. Taylors Creek, 2370 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort; handicapped accessible with restrooms and parking for 31 boat trailers.

7. Straits Landing, 1648 Harkers Island Road, Straits; on North River, allows space for 39 boat trailers and is handicapped accessible.

8. Oyster Creek Core Sound, 1300 Highway 70, Davis; on Core Sound with 15 boat trailer spaces.

9. Salters Creek, 200 Wildlife Ramp Road, Sea Level; 15 boat trailer spaces.

10. Cedar Island, 115 Driftwood Drive, Cedar Island; on Pamlico Sound with 16 boat trailer spaces.

11. Moonlight Drive, Atlantic Beach Causeway; access ramp with minimal parking.

12. Emerald Isle, 6800 Emerald Drive; handicapped accessible, has canoe access, restrooms and space for 112 boat trailers and 19 single-vehicle spaces.

13. Cedar Point, 144 Cedar Point Blvd.; ramp access is handicapped accessible, has canoe access, fishing pier, 37 boat trailer spaces and 7 single-vehicle spots.

14. Newport River, 333 E. Chatham St., Newport; boat ramp with nine spaces for boat trailers, handicap accessible with one parking space and a ramp to the dock, canal is shallow and not conducive to larger vessels.

Public Boat Ramp Access

1. Oceanana Fishing Pier, NC Hwy 58, Mile Marker 1; connected to the Oceanana Family Resort Motel in Atlantic Beach, this is a lighted fishing pier where a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License is not required when fishing from the pier. A blanket pass is provided by the pier and equipment rentals are available. Onsite facilities include an arcade and bait and tackle shop with snack bar with grill and ample parking. For more information and rates, call 252-726-4111, 252-726-0863 or visit www.oceanana.com.

2. Bogue Inlet Pier, Hwy 58, Mile Marker 19; a 1,000-foot lighted wooden fishing pier with ample free parking and access to the Emerald Isle beach just steps away. The Bogue Inlet Pier offers bathroom facilities, multiple fish cleaning stations, bait, tackle and snack bar on the premises. For more information and rates, call 252-354-2919 or visit www.bogueinletpier.com.

3. Radio Island Pier, located at the base of the Morehead City-Beaufort Highrise Bridge, the 618-foot fishing pier is free and open daily.

1. Municipal Park in Morehead City, 3407 Arendell St.; several launching areas to the Intracoastal Waterway and parking for 33 boat trailers with additional parking at Marine Fisheries.

2. 11th and Shepard Streets, beach boat launching access strictly for canoes, kayaks and small sailing vessels; parking and two kayak racks available.

3. South 10th St., Morehead City; large parking area, ramp is narrow and not conducive to certain vessels. Town recommended usage is for vessels under 16 feet.

4. Radio Island Boat Ramps & Pier, located on the Beaufort side of the Morehead City Highrise Bridge, the site offers six boat launches, 56 truck/trailer parking spots and restrooms as well as a 618-foot fishing pier.

5. West Beaufort, 298 W. Beaufort Road, Beaufort; launch site on Newport River is handicap accessible, equipped with restrooms and 48 spaces for boat trailer parking.

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Fishing Piers

Winter Fishing on the Crystal Coast

North Carolina is home to a variety of fish species that anglers can pursue throughout the year, including the winter months. Warm Gulf Stream currents provide the destination with the longest fishing season on the Atlantic coast. Some game fish are abundant all year, while other species are more productive during the winter season. Fishing charters target specific species like bluefin tuna during the winter season. Puppy drum, stripers and speckled trout are also found in the Crystal Coast winter waters.

Fishing offshore from Hatteras and Morehead City offers winter anglers some of the most productive fishing for bluefin tuna, which can reach up to 600 pounds. Angling for bluefin tuna is most abundant from December through April. Flounder fishing season is from April to December; this flat fish can be found in shallow waters and lured with flies, especially in the waters off the coastal village of Oriental.

January usually brings lots of bait to the Cape Lookout Shoals area and with it come stripers and red drum schools along the Outer Banks. Speckled trout show up at the rock jetties and along the beaches, and are usually fished into the first week of February. Most, if not all, winter fishing in the Cape Lookout area needs

to have good weather. Mild temperatures with light wind have proven best.

Saltwater and freshwater anglers age 16 and older must have a valid, state-issued recreational fishing license to take fish in North Carolina throughout the year, including December. Specific regulations and restrictions apply depending on local fishing waters including size limit, daily creel limit and closed seasons.

North Carolina has a separate license for people using devices other than fishing rods, and they offer a variety of fishing licenses from temporary to lifetime. Temporary licenses are a good investment for nonresident sportsmen on vacation. Annual licenses are the most commonly issued and they can be for residents or nonresidents. Lifetime licenses are a great cost effective offering for avid anglers.

Licenses for North Carolina recreational fishing can be purchased online via the NC Wildlife site www.ncwildlife.org, by visiting the Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City or through many fishing stores and shops. It is extremely important to ensure everything is legal when trying your hand at fishing the chilly Atlantic.

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local flavor

CITY KEY

AB BE CC CI CP EI

Atlantic Beach Beaufort Cape Carteret Cedar Island Cedar Point Emerald Isle

HI Harkers Island MHC Morehead City NE Newport PKS Pine Knoll Shores SP Salter Path SW Swansboro

The following restaurants are listed alphabetically.

Call to verify hours, especially during off season. Map #’s refer to restaurant locations on our maps, indexed alphabetically by advertiser in each area.

ATLANTIC BEACH & BOGUE BANKS

(Map #31) Features local fresh seafood, homemade dinners of the South, diet fare & daily breakfast, lunch & dinner specials; oceanfront Cutty Sark Lounge has daily drink specials & DJ on weekends, clamdiggerinn.com.

New York Deli Causeway Shopping Center, AB 252-726-0111

Crab Shack 146 Headen Lane, SP 252-247-3444

Port of Call 1160 Salter Path Road, SP 252-222-7677

Crab’s Claw 201 W. Atlantic Blvd., AB 252-726-8222

Resort Grill 1400 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-240-3176

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant 204 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-727-9410

Roma Pizza & Subs 100 Charlotte Ave., AB 252-247-2020

Frank & Clara’s 1440 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-2788 Frost Seafood House 1300 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-3202 Island Grille 401 Money Island Drive, AB 252-240-0000 (Map #25) Serves inventive, creative cuisine featuring fresh local seafood & ingredients, plus signature sauces. Steak, seafood & pasta dishes featured, see the ad for popular Monday & Tuesday specials, extensive beer & wine list, open for dinner daily at 5pm, reservations highly recommended.

Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Hwy 58, SP 252-247-2588

Channel Marker 718 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-247-2344 (Map #18) The only restaurant overlooking Bogue Sound at the foot of the bridge, offers fine hospitality in its waterfront atrium lounge & adjacent dining room, largest outside dining area on the beach, fresh seafood, steamed or grilled, & Black Angus beef, open 7 days a week for dinner at 5pm, lounge opens at 4pm.

Open for lunch Sat. & Sun. at 11am.

Catering available, ample boat dockage. MC/V/D/AE. No checks, no reservations, all ABC. Banquet, business function facilities.

Kelli’s at the Beach 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-773-0022 (Map #19) The newest restaurant on the beach, featuring delectable cuts of beef and fresh local seafood.

An array of nightly specials, including buy one get one free nights.

Open daily for dinner at 5pm, except Tuesday. Open for lunch Saturday and Sunday.

BT’s Bar & Grill 413 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-247-4466

China King 1010 W. Fort Macon Road #23, AB 252-808-3383

McCurdy’s On Moonlight Bay 505 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-808-3663

California Roll 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-240-1364

Clamdigger Restaurant 511 Salter Path Road, PKS 252-247-4155

Monkey Bar & Grill 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-2552

4 Corners Diner 100 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-240-8855

Amos Mosquito’s 703 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-247-6222 Bella Pizza & Subs 311 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-247-4702

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Oceanana Pier House Grill 700 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-0863

Shark Shack 100 S. Durham Ave., AB 252-726-3313 SubTropics 126 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-240-0400 Surfari 2604 Fort Macon Road, AB 252-622-4854 Which Wich Superior Sandwiches 801 Hwy 24, CC 252-354-2379 White Swan 2500-A W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-9607

BEAUFORT & DOWN EAST Aqua 114 Middle Lane, BE 252-728-7777 Beaufort Cafe 817 Cedar St., BE 252-728-4400 Beaufort Grocery Co. 117 Queen St., BE 252-728-3899 Blackbeard’s Grill & Grog 1644 Live Oak St., BE 252-728-3335

(Continued on page 56)

Jackie’s

Your SUNDAY Destination!

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local flavor View our online Dining Guide

@www.nccoast.com

(Continued from page 54)

Blue Moon Bistro 119 Queen St., BE 252-728-5800 Captain’s Choice Restaurant 977 Harkers Island Road, HI 252-728-7122

Old Salt Restaurant 133 Turner St., BE 252-728-2002

Plaza Mexico Bar & Grill 521 Front St., BE 252-728-3702

Cedars Inn Restaurant 305 Front St., BE 252-838-1463

Queen Anne’s Revenge 510 Front St. #1, BE 252-504-7272

Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub 425 Front St., BE 252-728-2133

Ribeye’s Steakhouse 509 Front St., BE 252-728-6105

Cru Wine Bar & The Wine Store 120 Turner St., BE 252-728-3066 Dockhouse Restaurant 500 Front St., BE 252-728-4506 Domino’s Pizza 98 Crescent Drive, BE 252-728-5002 Dragon King 1728 Live Oak St., BE 252-728-2121 Driftwood Motel & Restaurant 3575 Cedar Island Road, CI 252-225-4861 Finz Grill & Eatery 330 Front St., BE 252-728-7459 Fish Hook Grill 980 Island Road, HI 252-728-1790 Front Street Grill at Stillwater Cafe 300 Front St., BE 252-728-4956 George’s Take Out 437 Hwy 70, Smyrna 252-729-7811 No Name Pizza & Subs 408 Live Oak St., BE 252-728-4978 56

Roland’s Barbecue 1507 Live Oak St., BE 252-728-1953 Royal James Cafe 117 Turner St., BE 252-728-4573 Sea Side Galley 311 Island Road, HI 252-728-6171

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant 8802 Reed Drive, EI 252- 354-1120 Angie’s Lighthouse Cafe 833 Hwy 58, CC 252-393-1224 Flipperz 311 Mangrove Drive, EI 252-354-7775 Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries 8700 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-7100 Jordan’s House of Seafood 8106 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-5722 Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar 8002 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-6200

Spouter Inn 218 Front St., BE 252-728-5190

Michaelangelo’s Pizza & Subs 8700 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-7424

Taste of China 1506 Live Oak St., BE 252-728-7733

Mike’s Place Family Restaurant 8302 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-5277

Taylor’s Creek Grocery & Deli 525 Front St., BE 252-838-1495

EMERALD ISLE & SWANSBORO

Bogue House Restaurant 410 Cedar Point Blvd., CP 252-393-3030 Chowdaheads 7801 Emerald Drive, EI 252 354-3700 Church Street Irish Pub & Deli 105 W. Church St., SW 910-326-7572 Circle Pizza 7702 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-8885

Pizza Inn 7902 Emerald Drive, EI Inside BP Convenience Sore 252-354-4468 Jackie’s American Grille 9106 Coast Guard Road, EI 252-354-8111 (Map #57) Offering classic American favorites with a twist in a relaxed dining environment. Great spot for families and meeting up with friends.

Ribeye’s Steakhouse 104 Golfin Dolphin Drive, CC 252-393-2509 Riverside Steak & Seafood 506 W. Corbett Ave., SW 910-326-8847

Rucker Johns 8700 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-2413 (Map #56) Located in the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, the restaurant prepares everything in-house; great sandwiches, salads, pastas, lightly battered & barbecued shrimp, grilled seafood, steaks, chicken & more. Open daily all year for lunch & dinner, outdoor dining available. All ABC, MC/V/AE. Saltwater Grill 99 W. Church St., SW 910-326-7300 The Shark’s Den Sports Bar & Grill 8700 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-3030 T&W Oyster Bar 2383 Hwy 58, SW 252-393-8838 Trattoria 108 W. Corbett Ave., SW 910-326-5001 The Village Market 7802 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-6592 White Oak River Bistro 206 Corbett Ave., SW 910-326-1696 Yanamama’s Restaurant 119 Front St., SW 910-326-5501

MOREHEAD CITY & NEWPORT Akai Hana 909 Arendell St., MHC 252-222-3272

Alex & Brett 4650-E Arendell St., MHC 252-726-2253 Applebee’s 5184 Hwy 70, MHC 252-727-0409 Beach Bumz Pub & Pizzeria 515 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-7800 (Continued on page 58)

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local flavor Bistro-by-the-Sea 4301 Arendell St., MHC 252-247-2777

Fat Fellas BBQ & Grille 133 E. Chatham St., NE 252-223-3299

Buffalo Wild Wings 5136 Hwy 70 Ste. B, MHC 252-727-9191

Five Guys 5136 Hwy 70 W, MHC 252-808-0110

Calypso North 1103 North 20th St., MHC 252-247-9600

Floyd’s 1921 400 Bridges St., MHC 252-727-1921

Capt. Bill’s Waterfront Restaurant 701 Evans St., MHC 252-726-2166

Garden Gate Cafe & Deli 278 Hwy 24, MHC 252-247-4061

Captain’s Table 4109 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-0253 Chef’s 105 105 S. 7th St., MHC 252-240-1105 Chick Fil-A 5156 Hwy 70, MHC 252-247-7281 Circa 81 4650 Arendell St., MHC 252-648-8300 China Garden & Mongolian Grill 3000 Arendell St., MHC 252-808-3398 City Kitchen 105 S. 11th St., MHC 252-648-8141 Cox Family Restaurant 4109 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-6961 Crispino’s Pizza 2900 Arendell St., MHC 252-727-4992 Domino’s Pizza 4917 Arendell St., MHC 252-247-0300 El’s Drive-In 3706 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-3002 El Zarape Mexican Restaurant 5167 Hwy 70 #60, MHC 252-808-3700 58

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Golden Corral 4060 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-1609 Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries 5000 Hwy 70, MHC IHOP 4950 Arendell St., MHC 252-222-0537 The Infusion Café 1012 Arendell St., MHC 252-240-2800 Ioanni’s Grill 4138 Arendell St., MHC 252-808-0008 Kountry Kitchen 5380 Hwy 70, MHC 252-240-0046 Little Caesar’s Pizza 5208-E Hwy 70, MHC 252-240-0027 Longhorn Steakhouse 5120 Hwy 70, MHC 252-222-0396 Los Taquitos 5370-D Hwy 70, MHC 252-773-0480 Luigi’s Pizza 5167 Hwy 70 #120, MHC 252-240-3125 Minoda’s Japanese Steakhouse 5308 Hwy 70, MHC 252-648-8409

Musashi Japanese Steak & Seafood Restaurant 4330 Arendell St. # B, MHC 252-240-3431

Sammy’s Seafood House & Oyster Bar 109 S. 6th St., MHC 252-247-0028

No Name Pizza 5218 Hwy 70, MHC 252-777-4479

Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant 501 Evans St., MHC 252-247-3111

Red Fish Grill 711-B Evans St., MHC 252-648-8269 The Old Siam 4466 Arendell St., MHC 252-222-3098 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 5152 Hwy 70, MHC 252-240-0250 Outback Steakhouse 4937 Arendell St., MHC 252-247-6283 Panera Bread 5176 Hwy 70, MHC 252-222-4990 Papa John’s Pizza 5209 Hwy 70, MHC 252-222-5656 Pete’s Diner 907-A Arendell St., MHC 252-726-5101 Pita Plate 5167 Hwy 70, MHC 252-222-0949 Pizza Hut 3426 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-7117 Pizza Inn 4121 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-0101 Plaza Mexico Bar & Grill 5167 Hwy 70, Ste. 60, MHC 252-808-3700 Ruby Tuesday 5227 Highway 70, MHC 252-726-3144 Ruddy Duck Tavern 509 Evans St., MHC 252-726-7500

Smithfields Chicken N Bar-B-Q 4114 Arendell St., MHC 252-247-7476 Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar 3710 Arendell St., MHC 252-240-1313 Soundside Restaurant 5000 Hwy 70, MHC 252-648-8298 Texas Steakhouse & Saloon 5025 Executive Drive, MHC 252-240-2633 Tight Lines Brewing Co. 709 Arendell St., MHC 252-773-0641 Tsunami Buffet 5167 Hwy 70, MHC 252-222-3202 Twisted Spoon 5000 Hwy 70, MHC 252-240-0080 Waffle House 5060 Hwy 70, MHC 252-240-1980 Windansea 708 Evans St., MHC 252-247-3000

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Crystal Coast Countdown Welcoming a New Year on the Crystal Coast The Crystal Coast Countdown brings neighbors and families together to ring in the new year through nearly a week’s worth of special programs and events. The celebration spans multiple venues throughout the county, including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Pine Knoll Shores and Newport, with indoor and outdoor, daytime and evening events featuring a lineup of musicians, storytellers, scavenger hunts, dance groups, tours, artists and more.

The events leading up to New Year’s Eve kick off with a scavenger hunt at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 11am on Monday, Dec. 29 and continue with tours of the NC State Port at Morehead City on Tuesday, Dec. 30, Art by the Truckload at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores from noon to 4pm on Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Scramble Golf Tournament at 11am on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at The Country Club of the Crystal Coast and the Pirate Plunge at 7pm on Dec. 31 on the Beaufort docks, among other special events. Take a free beach ride, tour Beaufort on the double decker bus, enjoy a Maritime New Year at the NC Maritime Museum or roast marshmallows with the family in downtown Beaufort.

More than 15 activities, most of which are free, lead up to the grand Party in the Park from 9pm to 12:30am at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City on New Year’s Eve. Local band 4EverAll will keep crowds entertained in the hours leading up to the annual Crab Pot Drop and fireworks at midnight.

To learn more about the Crystal Coast Countdown and to view a full list of the week’s events, visit www.crystalcoastcountdown.com.

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Schedule of Events Monday, Dec. 29 10:30am – Children’s Celebration Station.

Teacher’s Pet 11am – Scavenger Hunt. Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation 6-8pm – Bonfire & Reggae at the Beach.

Atlantic Beach Circle Tuesday, Dec. 30 11am & 2pm – Morehead City Port Tours.

Noon – Art by the Truckload. NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores 1pm – Beach Ride. Clamdigger’s Inn Wednesday, Dec. 31 11am – Scramble Golf Tournament. Country Club of the Crystal Coast 11am – Countdown Webb Library Day Camp.

11am – Countdown at The History Place.

Noon – A Maritime New Year. NC Maritime Museum 1pm – Art by the Truckload. NC Maritime Museum 5pm – Marshmallows & Resolutions. Beaufort waterfront 7pm – Pirate Plunge. Beaufort docks 9pm – Party at the Park. Katherine Davis Park Midnight – Crab Pot Drop. Katherine Davis Park Thursday, Jan. 1 9am – Resolution Run. Beaufort 10am – First Hike. Fort Macon State Park 1pm – Penguin Plunge. Atlantic Beach Circle

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perfect stay

CITY KEY

AB BE CC CI CP EI HI

Atlantic Beach Beaufort Cape Carteret Cedar Island Cedar Point Emerald Isle Harkers Island

Hotels, Motels and Resorts Atlantis Lodge 123 Salter Path Road, PKS 252-726-5168

Beaufort Harbour Suites 313 Cedar Street, BE 252-728-3483 Beaufort Inn 101 Ann St., BE 252-728-2600 Best Western Silver Creek Inn 801 Cedar Point Blvd., EI 252-393-9015 Bogue Inlet Motel 120 Bogue Inlet Drive, EI 252-354-3406 Bogue Shores Suites 1918 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-7071 Buccaneer Inn 2806 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-3115 Caribbe Inn 309 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-0051 The Clamdigger Inn 511 Salter Path Road, PKS 252-247-4155 (Map #31) The site offers all oceanfront rooms with full amenities.

Refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards, private balconies, restaurant, lounge, pool, hot tub, summer pool bar and meeting and banquet facilities, clamdiggerinn.com.

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Hollowell’s Motel 108 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-5227

Seahawk Inn & Villas 105 Salter Path Road, AB 252-726-4146

Inlet Inn 601 Front St., BE 252-728-3600

Waterway Inn 160 Cedar Point Blvd., CC 252-393-8027.

The Islander Suites 102 Islander Drive, EI 800-367-3381

Whaler Inn Beach Club 3600 Salter Path Road, AB 252-247-4169

Core Creek Lodge 307 Core Creek Road, BE 252-728-4500

Island Inn 215 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-3780

William & Garland Motel 1185 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-3733.

Driftwood Motel 3575 Cedar Island Road, CI 252-225-4861

Morehead Motor Inn 3300 Arendell St., MHC 252-726-5141.

Windjammer Inn 103 Salter Path Road, AB 252-247-7123

Econo Lodge Crystal Coast 3410 Bridges St., MHC 252-247-2940 (Map #3) Offering clean, spacious rooms with free local calls and long distance, free continental breakfast and free high speed internet access.

Refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. Complimentary fax and copy service, special government and military discounts. AAA approved. Atlantic Ocean only 2 miles away.

Oak Grove Motel 1305 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-3533

Condos & Cottages

MHC Morehead City NE Newport OT Otway PKS Pine Knoll Shores SP Salter Path SW Swansboro

Fisherman’s Inn 200 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-726-2273 Hampton Inn 215 Old Hammock Road, SW 910-325-9000 Hampton Inn 4035 Arendell St., MHC 252-240-2300 Hampton Inn & Suites 118 Salter Path Road, PKS 252-247-5118 Harkers Island Fishing Center 1002 Island Road, HI 252-728-3907 Holiday Inn Express 5063 Executive Drive, MHC 252-241-5001

Oceanana Family Resort 700 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-4111

A Place at the Beach 1904 East Fort Macon Road, AB 252-247-0906

Palm Suites 602 W. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-247-6400

Atlantic Beach Realty 513 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-240-7368 (Map #23) In the Causeway Shopping Center featuring cottage and condo sales and rentals, atlanticbeachrealty.net, call 800-786-7368 for a free brochure or visit www. atlanticbeachrealty.net.

Parkerton Inn 1184 Hwy. 58, CC 252-393-9000

Atlantic Sun Properties 205 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-808-2786

Quality Inn 3100 Arendell St., MHC 252-247-3434

At Wave’s Edge Real Estate and Rentals 700 Arendell St., Ste. 2, MHC 252-808-2903

Oceanview Inn 122 Fairview Drive, EI 252-354-2755

Rusty Pelican Inn 8104 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-3450 Sand Dollar Motel 101 Henderson Blvd., AB 252-726-4106.

Sandpiper Motel 200 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-726-3148 Sands Villas 1400 E. Fort Macon Road, AB 252-247-0519

Beaufort Realty 325 Front St., BE 252-728-5462 Bluewater Real Estate 200 Mangrove Drive, EI 610 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 866-429-2578 (Map #22) Offers more than 900 vacation rental homes and condos on Bogue Banks from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle. Stay with Bluewater for a week, a month, a year or a lifetime with vacation, monthly and

annual rentals available and a fullservice real estate office. Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals has been voted Coaster Readers’ choice since 2006. Vacation rentals, 866-429-2578 and real estate, 888-354-2128. See website for specials or to browse properties, www. bluewatercoaster.com.

Cannon & Gruber Realtors 509 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-726-6600 (Map #20) Beach vacation sales or rentals, user-friendly online booking at cannongruber.com, 800317-2866.

CENTURY 21 Coastland Realty 7603 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-2131 (Map #49) Offers weekly, monthly and annual rentals as well as residential, commercial sales, www.coastland.com or toll-free 800-822-2121.

Colony by the Sea 855 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-3131 Deanna Hull Realty 697 Atlantic Beach Cswy., Ste. 103, AB 252-240-0273 Emerald Isle Realty 7501 Emerald Drive, EI 866-586-6980 (Map #48) Has been handing out keys to vacationers since 1962. Enjoy staying in one of their cozy vintage cottages, a condo resort or an elegantly furnished Sand Castle with a pool or elevator. They offer amenities and adventurous packages to please all family members, including pets.

Going above and beyond the call of duty for customers is an everyday occurrence. Visa/MC accepted, 800-8493315, www.emeraldislerealty.com.

Front Street Village 2400 Lennoxville Road, BE 252-838-1524 Gull Isle Realty 611 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-726-7679

Jo Ann Mangum Coastal Vacation Rentals 222 Pintail Lane, HI 252-728-5013 Realty WorldFirst Coast Realty 407 Atlantic Beach Cswy., Ste. 1, AB 252-247-5150 Shorewood Real Estate 7703 Emerald Drive, EI 888-557-0172 Spectrum Properties 515 Atlantic Beach Cswy., AB 252-247-7610 Spinnaker’s Reach Realty 9918 M.B. Davis Court, EI 800-245-7746 Sun-Surf Realty 7701 Emerald Drive, EI 252-354-2958 (Map #50) Come for a week – stay for a lifetime. Over 300 resort rentals on the Crystal Coast. Rentals, 866-8296849, 252-354-2658; sales, 877-6983194, 252-354-2958. View rental and sales properties at www.sun-surf.com.

Surfside Realty 204 Sandpiper Drive, NE 252-726-0950 Windward Dunes 801 Salter Path Road, SP 252-247-7545 Watson-Matthews Real Estate 9102 Coast Guard Road, RI 252-354-2872

Cousin Martha’s Bed And Breakfast 305 Turner St., BE 252-728-3917 Davis Shore B&B 811 Hwy 70, Davis 252-241-4010 The Langdon House 135 Craven St., BE 252-728-5499

York Properties 4747 Arendell St., MHC 252-648-8167

The Lighthouse Inn 2300 Bridges St., MHC 252-247-3133

Bed & Breakfast

Old Seaport Inn 217 Turner St., BE 252-728-4300

Ann Street Inn 707 Ann St., BE 877-266-7814

Cape Lookout Bed and Breakfast 349 Bayview Drive, HI 252-728-3662 Cedars Inn 305 Front St., BE 252-838-1463

Otway House 68 Hwy 70 East, OT 252-728-5636 Pecan Tree Inn 116 Queen St., BE 252-728-6733

County Home B&B 299 Hwy. 101, BE 252-728-4611 Coaster

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calendar

December S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

9 16 23 30

10 17 24 31

11 18 25

12 19 26

13 20 27

1, 8, 15: Story Time & Pre-K Play. 9-10am. Parents and tots 5 and under enjoy open play in the Blue Heron Park gymnasium, Emerald Isle.

Free. Details: 252-354-6350.

Mon. 1: Flags of the Confederacy. 10am. Meet in the Visitor Center at Fort Macon to learn about flags of the Confederacy. Details: 252-7263775.

Tues. 2: Nature Trek with Hammocks Beach State Park.

5:30pm. Hammocks Beach State Park Rangers are coming to Swansboro Parks and Recreation to offer a Nature Trek Series. Topics include nature hikes, ocean studies, camping safety, sea mammals and much more. Refreshments will be provided.

Open to ages 6-12, free class. The class will be held at the Swansboro Parks and Recreation Center. Details: 910-326-2600.

4, 11, 18: Natural Side of Fort Macon Hike. 10am. Meet in the Visitor Center for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Ma64

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Joseph Wootton photo con. Hike will cover both trail and beach. Details: 252-726-3775.

Thur. 4: Brown Bag Gam – Boatbuilding Past and Present. Noon-1pm. Spend your lunch hour with the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, and Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly for a discussion about boat building, from native American dugout canoes to modern fiberglass sport boats. Free. Details: 252-728-7317, www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

6-7: Core Sound Decoy Festival.

9am-5pm, Saturday and 10am4pm, Sunday. The 26th annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, held at Harkers Island Elementary School, will feature silent and live auctions, approximately 100 vendors and exhibitors, raffle tickets to win prizes and several competitions for adults and youth. Youth Day will be held on Sunday and all youth will receive free entry and can enjoy door prizes, kids decoy painting and competitions, archery and youth loon calling contests. Details: 252-838-8818.

Waterfowl Weekend. 9am5pm, Saturday and 10am-4pm,

Sunday. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center opens its doors for two days of demonstrations, local music, decoy carvers and exhibitors, educational exhibits, competitions, arts and crafts and plenty of food. Associated special events include a live auction full of hunting collectibles at 5pm, Saturday and at 8am on Sunday the Core Sound Community Church will provide a service led by Rev. Kerry Willis followed by a Core Sound breakfast. Details: 252-728-1500.

6, 13, 20, 27: Behind the Scenes: Aquarium Close Encounters.

2-3:30pm. Visit labs and holding areas, and feed the animals in this thorough behind-the-scenes adventure that includes an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Age 8 and up, $15. Details: 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

8, 15: Succulent Seafood. 24pm on select Mondays. Visit the area’s top eateries to find out how expert chefs choose, prepare and serve fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions of this NC Aquarium program include a test taste. The

program will be held at the White Oak Bistro in Swansboro on Dec. 8 and Crab’s Claw, Atlantic Beach, on Dec. 15. Age 12 and up, $15.

Details: 252-247-4003 or www. ncacquariums.com.

Mon. 8: Bird Hike. 10am. Meet in the Visitor Center at Fort Macon and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area. For Macon has an amazing mix of shore birds and songbirds, and there is always something new to see. Details: 252726-3775.

Wed. 10: Merry Time for Tots – Fish Printing. 10-11am. Preschoolers ages 2-5 and their caregivers will try their hands at Gyotaku, or fish painting. Learn about the different fish in North Carolina waters and create art to take home. Free.

Details: 252-728-7317, www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Whales of the North Carolina Coast. 7pm. Targeted for oil or food, whales around the world have struggled for existence. Learn about the whales found along North Carolina’s coastline and the challenges they face today with the NC Maritime Museum. Led by Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster. Free. Details: 252-728-7317, www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Thur. 11: Mary Jo Vitale Performs. 7:30pm. Opera, Broadway, ballads and bawdy, Mary Jo Vitale performs at the Coral Bay Club, Atlantic Beach, thanks to the Carteret Arts Forum. Individual tickets are $35, season tickets are $150.

Details: 252-247-9414.

Brown Bag Gam – Loss of the Tug Marjorie McAllister. Noon1pm. Spend your lunch hour with the NC Maritime Museum and Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly as he discusses the loss and salvage of tug Marjorie McAllister. Free. Details: 252-728-7317 or www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Fri. 12: Our Scaly Friends

– Reptiles of Fort Macon.

10am.

Meet in the Visitor Center for a closer look at some of the most important, but often misunderstood animals in our ecosystem. Details: 252-726-3775.

Stargazing & Astronomy.

8:30pm. Meet at the bathhouse at Fort Macon State Park to view space through a telescope and learn more about the universe.

Details: 252-7263775.

13-14: Contemporary Boatbuilding Carpentry. 9am-5pm.

Learn skills essential for building round-bottomed boats through this NC Maritime Museum program. Cost is $135. Reservations are required.

Details: 252-728-7317 or www. ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Thur. 18: Brown Bag Gam – From Lightships to Light Towers. Noon-1pm. Spend your lunch hour with the NC Maritime Museum and Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly for a talk on lightships and light towers. Learn about early attempts to mark some of the state’s most dangerous shoals and what has happened to the towers since their retirement. Free. Details: 252-7287317, www.ncmaritimemuseums. com.

Fri. 19: American Red Cross Blood Drive. 2-7pm. Carteret County chapter of the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center. Details: 252354-6350.

Fri. 26: Turtle Talk. 10am. Meet at the visitor’s center at Fort Macon

State Park to learn about one of the region’s local treasure – the loggerhead turtle. Details: 252-7263775.

29-31: Holiday Camp. The NC Aquarium is offering one-day holiday camp programs for grades 2-5.

Camp runs from 8:30am-2:30pm.

Cost is $40 per camper. Advance registration and deposit are required.

Details: 252-247-4003 or www. ncaquariums.com.

Mon. 29: Smoke on the Water Bonfire. 6-8pm. The Town of Atlantic Beach hosts reggae band Selah Dubb at the Circle for a bonfire party on the beach. Free.

Tue. 30: Scrap Exchange Art Project. Noon-4pm. Give 2014 an artistic send off with the Scrap Exchange art project, part of the Crystal Coast Countdown, at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Bring the family and make a masterpiece from objects that otherwise would have been trash – containers, plastic fabric, candles and more. Free.

Details: 252-247-4003 or www. ncaquariums.com.

(Continued on page 66)

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calendar

January S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 11 12

6 13

7 14

8 15

9 16

10 17

18 19 25 26

20 27

21 28

22 29

23 30

24 31

(Continued from page 65)

Thur. 1: Penguin Plunge. Ring in the New Year with a chilly dip in the ocean to help raise money for are nonprofits. This year’s beneficiary is the Hope for the Warrior. Details: www.penguin-plunge.org.

Dolphin Dip. 11am. Virtually thousands of people gather at the Roland Avenue Beach Access in Surf City each Jan. 1 for this chilly dip to help raise money for Hospice. The swim is scheduled for noon. Details: 910-526-3788.

New Year’s Day Kite Fly. Noon. Get in a little practice for the annual Carolina Kite Festival by joining local enthusiasts at the Atlantic Beach Circle. Free. Details: 252247-7011.

First Hike. 10am. Meet in the parking lot at Fort Macon State Park for a leisurely hike along the inlet beach to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Details: 252-726-3775.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Behind the Scenes: Aquarium Close Encounters. 2-3:30pm. Visit labs and holding areas, and feed the animals in this thorough behind-the-scenes adventure that includes an overhead view of the Living Shipwreck. Age 8 and up, $15. Details: 252-2474003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Fri. 9: Friday Free Flicks. 7pm.

At Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation on the second Friday of each month.

Movies are family oriented. Popcorn and a drink are $1. Bring chairs or blankets. No outside beverages or 66

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snacks are allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 252-354-6350 one week prior for movie title.

explore what is inside a pirate treasure chest. Ages 2-5. Free. Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Sat. 10: Joe Crookston Performs. 8pm. The artist, writer, singer, guitar picker and believer in all things possible will visit Clawson’s Restaurant in Beaufort, thanks to the Down East Folk Arts Society. General admission is $15; members, $12; and students, $8. Doors open at 7pm. Details: 252-646-4657 or www.downeastfolkarts.org.

Fri. 16: Clam Chowder Cook-Off. 6-8pm. This annual event is held at the watercraft center at the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort. Cost is $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers.

Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Crystal Coast Wedding Salon. This weekend of wedding planning events centers on the Ocean Club, Hilton and the Coral Bay Club and includes limousine tours of the Crystal Coast’s wedding venues. Get all the information you need to plan your Crystal Coast wedding, from cakes to catering. Details: www.crystalcoastweddingsalon.com.

13, 26: Succulent Seafood. 24pm on select Mondays. Visit the area’s top eateries to find out how expert chefs choose, prepare and serve fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions of this NC Aquarium program include a test taste. Age 12 and up, $15. Details: 252-2474003 or www.ncacquariums.com.

Wed. 14: Merry Time for Tots – Pirate Hooks & Peg Legs. 10am.

Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, to explore the world of pirates. Following a story about a boy that joined a pirate crew, everyone will make their own pirate hats and

Sun. 18: Bland Simpson Entertains. 2pm. The Kenan Distinguished Professor from UNC-Chapel Hill and longtime pianist of the Tony Award-winning Red Clay Ramblers brings an afternoon of stories and songs to the Swansboro assembly room thanks to the Seaside Arts Council. Tickets are $15 for nonmembers, $10 for members and are available at the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Swansboro Recreation Center, Emerald Isle Wine Market and online. Details: seasideartscouncil.com.

Mon. 19: Free Aquarium Admission. 9am-5pm. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. enjoy free admission at the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. For those who want to repay the good deed, a food drive will be held to help restock area food pantries. Details: 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Senses in the Sea Camp.

8:30am-2pm. Campers in grades 2-4 participate in activities, games and crafts to discover how animals use hearing, touch, sight, smell, taste and means such as echolocation to find food and avoid predators during this NC Aquarium program. Cost is $40, $36 for members. Advance registration required. Details: 252247-4003 or www.ncaquariums. com.

Tue. 20: Animal Enrichment Camp. Participants in grades 4-6 learn about the science of animal enrichment as they help aquarists attend to various creatures at the NC

Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Cost is $40, $36 for members. Advance registration required. Details: 252247-4003 or www.ncaquariums. com.

24-25: Traditional Boat Building Carpentry. 9am-5pm. Learn traditional boat building techniques in this hands-on workshop offered by the NC Maritime Museum. As a team, participants will construct a traditional “rack of eye” flat-bottomed skiff. Reservations required. Cost is $135. Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Wed. 28: Brown Bag Gam – History of Whaling in North Carolina. Noon. Pack a lunch and join the NC Maritime Museum for a lunch program covering the history of whaling in the region. Harvesting these giants was not a full-time occupation, but when a whale was caught, it could bring in some extra income for fishermen. Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Thur. 29: Marti Peterson Speaks.

10:30am. The former CIA spy and author discusses his experience during this lecture at The History Place, Morehead City. Sponsored by the Carteret Arts Forum. Tickets are $35 plus lunch. Details: Elaine Tempel, 252 247-9414.

Fri. 30: International Film Series. Held at Joslyn Hall on the campus of Carteret Community College, this annual event offers two viewing times and two options for participation. At 6pm, the movie is aired for the first time. Pastries provided by Alex & Brett. Suggested donation is $5. At 8pm, guests can enjoy dinner and a movie, with dinner provided by Seaside Sensations Catering. Tickets are $40 per person. Reservations required. Details: 252-222-6056, taylort@carteret.edu.

Vikings, Basques & Whaling in Medieval North Atlantic. 7pm.

Join professor of history, Dr. Viciki Szabo of Western Carolina University, as she presents information on the populations and methods used to

hunt whales during the Viking ages at the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort.

Free, although a $5 donation is suggested. Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

31-Feb. 8: Nine-Day Boatbuilding. 9am-4:30pm each day. With expert guidance, participants will build their own flat-bottomed skiff or small round-bottomed boat. Class price, $1,770, will include all materials and use of tools. Additional cost for building a sailboat. Boatbuilding Carpentry is a prerequisite. Details: 252-728-7317 or www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Sat. 31: The Carroll A. Deering Mystery. Noon. Pack a lunch and join the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, and Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly to learn about the Carroll A. Deering, a five-masted commercial schooner that was found aground of Cape Hatteras in 1921 with its crew missing. Details: 252-728-7317 or ncmaritimemuseums.com.

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Congrat ulat ions

Audra Smith-Odum

2014 Extends a special thank you to all of our sponsors:

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