CAROLINA shore
Spring & Summer 2016
EXPLORING COASTAL CAROLINA
Spotlight on
summer Fashion Meet a Six Pack of Gentlemen Combating the Invasive Lionfish
Carolina Shore • april 2016
McQueen’s Interiors, a full service interior design store, opened in 1973, on the Causeway in Atlantic Beach, by Danny McQueen, something of a one-man band. He’d sell the furnishings during the day and deliver them in the evening, growing his family business along the way. Now boasting a 12,500 square foot showroom in the Pelletier Harbor Shops in Morehead City, the next generation, daughter Dana McQueen, is at the helm. Deeply rooted in Carteret County, the store and its staff of interior designers aim to reflect the coastal environment – be it shabby chic, transitional or traditional, a second home on the Crystal Coast or a primary residence. It’s not only a mission they take seriously, but one they look forward to providing each day. With some staff members who have been there as long as 30 years, McQueen’s consistently brings its best to the table day after day. Knowing that the most important thing in creating a perfectly designed home is a client’s happiness, the designers at McQueen’s have achieved the pinnacle of success through the satisfaction of their clientele.
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Carolina Shore is published twice per year and distributed at high traffic sites in Carteret, Craven, Onslow and Pender counties and is available in its entirety at nccoast.com. Entire contents, maps, advertisements and graphic design elements copyright 2016 NCCOAST. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without the publisher’s consent. Though every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all advertising and editorial copy contained herein, the publisher may not be held responsible for typographical errors. NCCOAST and its employees, agents or representatives may not be held responsible for any actions or consequences derived as a result of following advice or instructions contained herein. NCCOAST reserves the right to refuse any advertising or editorial content deemed inappropriate, misleading or in violation of the law.
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THE “C” WORD IS NO MATCH
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contents 12 Invading Species
As the lionfish becomes more prevalent, local business owners come together to try to combat the invasive fish.
20 Book Bites
The N.C. Office of Archives and History publishes a definitive look at North Carolina and the Civil War.
22 Carolina Shrimp
An in-depth look at one of the region’s most popular, and most abundant crustaceans.
26 Daytripper: Ocracoke
It’s limited accessibility only adds to the charm of this beautiful island home.
34 Homecoming
After a decade of fundraising, the New Bern Firemen’s Museum moves into the city’s historic fire station.
38 Here Comes the Sun
Coastal fashions are featured from area boutiques as we get ready for the warm days of summer.
52 A Band for all Seasons
A Six Pack of Gentlemen make their mark on the Eastern North Carolina music scene.
58 Spring & Summer Standouts
There’s a lot in the works this season along the coast, but don’t forget these summer staples.
64 Closing View
52
55
USGS photo
Invading Species
“
Local Business Owners Come Together with State Agencies to Combat Growing Lionfish Population
If you can’t beat’em, eat’em!” This is the rallying cry for Libby Eaton, Debby Boyce, and many other people in Carteret County who are tackling a beautiful, delicious, and disturbing invader of North Carolina waters: the lionfish. Libby Eaton is co-owner of Bistro by the Sea in Morehead City. Debby Boyce is owner of Discovery Diving in Beaufort. Together, with the help of the Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association, they sponsor an annual Lionfish Spearfishing Tournament to help get lionfish out of our waters and onto your plate. The goal? To slow down the demise of fish such as grouper and snapper, which the lionfish is rapidly threatening. Picture a video game akin to the classic Pac-Man. Currently, the invasive lionfish is like Pac-Man on steroids, gobbling up native fish and invertebrates from over 70 species along the Atlantic seaboard and in the Caribbean. Libby and Debby, along with the ECARA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
by Elizabeth DeVan
tion, want to switch the game around, so that commercial fishermen take the role of Pac-Man, and the lionfish become the “ghosts” that get gobbled up. How did they get into this project? In 2010, Libby heard about the lionfish problem through Carteret Catch, a partnership of local fishing industry folks, restaurant owners, researchers and concerned citizens who promote Carteret County commercial fishing through public marketing and education. “I started asking food brokers about lionfish,” Libby said, “but was told that they live at least 100 feet deep around here, and there was no way to get them easily.” Libby and her husband, chef Tim Coyne of the Bistro, went to Belize in 2012 and asked to go down with divers to see lionfish. “But Belize had eradicated lionfish there, because they lived in shallow water and could be caught. They had fishing tournaments (Continued on page 14) nccoast.com
13
Owner of Discovery Diving in Beaufort, Debby Boyce, shows off the newly-constructed traps that were placed off of the Eastern North Carolina coast in March in hopes of slowing the invasion of non-indigenous lionfish.
(Continued from page 14)
and restaurant tastings to promote catching them.” “We came back to Morehead City, and started finding out more about lionfish,” she continued. “They consume six to seven fish per day, including young groupers and snappers. They are lazy, hovering in reefs and grabbing their prey. With thousands of lionfish, the other fish are being depleted. There are now restrictions on catching grouper, they’ve become so diminished in number.” Since the 1980s, the Indo-Pacific native lionfish has been showing up in Florida waters and spreading both north and south with frightening speed. There are a variety of theories as to how they entered U.S. waters, including climate change, although one of the most popular ideas is that they were introduced by Florida aquarium owners releasing them into the ocean. Lionfish are incredibly invasive species outside of the Indo-Pacific region, and have no natural predators here. They reproduce rapidly – a single female lionfish can spawn over two million eggs per year. And they eat voraciously – an adult can consume up to 30 times its own stomach volume. A dense population of lionfish can reduce juvenile populations of other species on a reef by nearly 90% in five weeks. In 2013 Discovery Diving and Bistro by the Sea helped sponsor the region’s first lionfish tournament, supported with a tourism grant to promote attendance by people living outside as well as inside the county. Afterward, an invited group of seafood fanciers helped taste test the lionfish caught to determine if a market could be created for this underwater predator.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
Morehead City resident, Barry Nash, with NC Sea Grant, was one of the tasters. “Lionfish is desirable – it is white fish with a mild flavor, and you can season it any way you like. If we can commercially get it, there’s a market for it. In North Carolina’s Triangle area, there are restaurants that are interested in lionfish. Snapper and grouper are getting depleted, so they are looking for new fish.” Libby echoes this idea. “Since the lionfish tasting here at the Bistro, people have been calling us up, asking when we will have it on the menu. Some people think it tastes like sea bass. I got a dealer’s license, but we just can’t get the product.” The challenge now is finding a viable way to catch lionfish commercially. “They are smart,” Libby points out. “They don’t go for line and hook.” Debby Boyce and Janelle Fleming at Discovery Diving applied to NOAA for a grant to work on solving the problem by finding easier, less expensive ways of procuring lionfish for restaurants. Chartering a boat and hiring divers to go down 100 feet costs money, and you get a low yield on each fish because they are small. According to some estimates, you would have to pay $30 to $50 per pound for lionfish to cover the expenses of harvesting it. With the NOAA grant, Discovery Diving helped procure tall cages to use as traps for lionfish. They were first placed in 2015, however, a large storm destroyed them all.
Now there are plans for deploying lionfish attracting devices (LAD’s) constructed by NOAA here and also in the Caribbean. Built in two different shapes, a shorter dome and a taller “Christmas tree,” the LAD’s will be taken by boat beyond the reef to about 100 feet of water, and congregated on a sandy bottom to attract lionfish. Debby explained, “Once a month, we will check the LAD’s, count fish, and spear those that are hanging around. If we can lure them to one location with these devices, then we can start trapping them for commercial fishers.” Spearing the fish involves using pole spears, which work like a slingshot. “You need a fast method to get enough fish to make it worthwhile,” says Boyce. “Divers only have about 10 minutes to stay down, in the depths we’re talking about.” NOAA will be making some modifications to their trap design, and are working on how to get lionfish into the traps, as well as how to attract just lionfish. Why are Libby and Debby willing to put so much effort into this project? After all, it’s a lot more work than a video game, and certainly less predictable. Libby said, “I grew up in the farms of Indiana. Fishermen are a lot like farmers – they work hard, get no holidays, have to work under state and federal regulations. Here at Bistro by the Sea, we have
staked our reputation on local seafood, which is harder and harder to come by. We have to protect our food sources. “The most important thing for independent restaurant chefs is that, they need consistent products, which can be traced to their origin. We educate the public.” On the menu at the Bistro, seafood items which are caught locally are marked with the logo of Carteret Catch. Grouper, flounder, triggerfish and tuna were all marked on the menu Libby shared. As for Debby Boyce: “Well, this is my store – it’s about diving, and it’s important. Lionfish are ruining the tropical fish in this area, which divers seek to see. We can’t eliminate them entirely, but we can lessen their numbers, and hopefully use them for commercial purposes, for food.” This is way more important than any video game. Barry Nash puts it this way: “Carteret County has the highest number of licensed fishermen in North Carolina. We want seafood to be available for future generations.” The 3rd Annual Lionfish Spearfishing Tournament will take place June 410. It begins with an educational forum at Discovery Diving in Beaufort, on Friday, May 29. For more information, or to register for the lionfish tournament, contact Discovery Diving at 252-7282265 or www.DiscoveryDiving.com.
Chef Tim Coyne and wife Libby Eaton, owners of Bistro by the Sea in Morehead City, recently held a taste test for lionfish, finding the light white fish is similar in flavor to sea bass.
USGS photo nccoast.com
15
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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19
book bites
North Carolina and the Civil War
A
s stunning in scope as it is in its presentation, “The Old North State at War – The North Carolina Civil War Atlas,” recently released by the N.C. Office of Archives and History, is a compilation of North Carolina’s role in the Civil War. The oversized 190page volume penned by historian and cartographer Mark Anderson Moore with support from department staffer Jessica Bandel and supervisor Michael Hill comes complete with 99 highlydetailed maps, many spanning an entire 17-inch by 11-inch page The coffee table book commemorates the Civil War sesquicentennial, but it’s much more than a traditional blow by blow look at major battles. Instead, the text highlights the military engagements and analyzes the war’s social, economic and political consequences through tables, images and charts. Manuscripts, enlistment data, election returns, newspapers, census records and a variety of other sources were researched for this decade-long project. The state knew early on that it wanted to do something bold to mark the war’s 150th anniversary, forming a committee in 2004 to begin early outlines of the project. The result is a definitive look at North Carolina through the war years, broken down into seven informative chapters. From the fall of Hatteras and the Burnside Expedition through the fall of Fort Fisher and the Carolinas Campaign of 1865, the state’s Civil War years are examined in a new light. Learn about the U.S. Colored Troops, trace Sherman’s route and explore the Burnside Expedition through Eastern Carolina. How was slavery impacted? What was life like for the women and children left at home? How many of the troops deserted during the war? The many questions Civil War buffs have unanswered are met head on in this definitive compilation, then supported by data, personal accounts, images and artwork of the period. “Maps are the core of the book, but we were encouraged by our advisory board to explore beyond the military confrontation,” offered Michael Hill, administrator of the Historical Research Office. “The home front, dissent, women’s roles and other topics, such as food shortages. There’s a section I spent a particularly large amount of time on that charts inflation. So we did not spend all of our time tracing the battles and campaigns.” Thanks to the maps, battle information is presented as never before. The state’s road network was applied against modern GIS technology and period cartography from map makers that went into the field with Confederate and Union forces. Thanks to that effort, landmarks and wartime events, identified with their contemporary spellings, are given more accurate geospatial orientation than ever before. And Hill couldn’t be more pleased with the result, calling Mark Moore the nation’s premier Civil War cartographer. “The maps are the most accurate and detailed yet produced of Civil War North Carolina. Most of the smaller engagements included in the atlas have never had modern map studies completed on them,” the book’s introduction reads. While Hill notes that the Civil War is the most researched and written about war in history, this book goes a step beyond anything that has previously been published. “To date there is simply nothing else like it, not on this state or any other. “It was difficult to produce, primarily because it’s an unusual size. But in order to give as much scope and depth to the maps it was necessary,” he added. “Small communities, creeks, troop movement simply
20
Carolina Shore • april 2016
couldn’t have been detailed at such a level had it been a smaller volume.” It is not necessarily a book for the masses, but rather one that will surely be found in libraries and universities as well as the homes of avid Civil War buffs. It’s an invaluable resource on the state’s wartime history – one that a recent newspaper article referred to as the “agency’s crown jewel.” It’s a must for any Civil War buff eager to fill in the gaps. The book retails for $85 and can be purchased at www.ncdcr.gov. For those who would like to bypass the $13 shipping cost on the oversized book, will find it at local state museums and historic sites, including the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
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21
Carolina Shrimp
Available nearly year-round, shrimp represent North Carolina’s second most valuable commercial fishery in terms of dollars. Once scorned by fishermen for clogging their nets while trawling for more valuable fish, shrimp came into their own in the 1950s and has been the country’s favorite seafood for decades. It’s small, but it’s versatile, and cooks around the country quickly found a variety of ways to put their own spin on it. Whether you have a friend who comes in with a catch or you visit the local corner fish market for your serving, shrimp is a great addition to a well-balanced, healthy diet. Protein rich and a great source of selenium, the crustacean has no saturated fat, making it a great option for everyone. It is Eastern North Carolina’s diverse estuaries that make it ideal for shrimp. Infants thrive in marsh areas where they are easily hidden from predators and have easy access to plenty of food themselves. They grow quickly, almost doubling in size every few weeks. Three types of shrimp call the state home, brown, pink and white, however, brown are most plentiful along the southern and central coast, accounting for about 67 percent of the state’s overall harvest each year. Whether you’re going to grill, fry, bake, boil or stir fry, the best place to start is with the freshest seafood possible. When shopping for shrimp, they should have a mild aroma of salt water, but shouldn’t have a fishy or chemical smell. The shell should feel firm, yet not slippery. Be sure that there are not any visible black patches on the shell or the meat, which indicates that the less than fresh and beginning to break down. Shrimp come in a variety of shades and can be grayish in color, pink/tan or a very light pink.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
It also comes in a variety of sizes, which are referred to by a number or “count.” This figure represents the average number of shrimp you get per pound. For example, a 16/20 count shrimp is larger than a 26/30. Most markets will handle the dirty work for you, but cleaning shrimp isn’t nearly as tedious as cleaning fish. It can be purchased with heads on or off, with a difference in cost, of course. The task, however, can easily be done at home. Before you begin cooking, remove the heads and shells to discard. Some skip the process, especially for smaller shrimp, but deveining can also be part of the cleaning process. The vein that runs down the back of the shrimp is its digestive tract, and while edible, it can be a little gritty while eating. Special tools are designed to help the process, but it can easily be removed with a paring knife, by slitting down the back and lifting it up with the tip of the knife. Give them a nice cool rinse after cleaning to remove any remaining shell pieces. Shrimp can be cooked in a variety of ways – they’re great in a little garlic butter and poured over noodles, but they’re just as good skewered and grilled. Keep in mind that shrimp cook fast and if overcooked they can become tough and chewy. Regardless of how you’re cooking them, 3-5 minutes is about all it takes. If you plan to grill, keep in mind that dry shrimp take a char better. Pat dry the water from the shrimp before grilling and brush them with a little herbed olive oil. When you put them on the grill, press them down slightly to make sure the entire skewer makes contact with the grill. If grilling isn’t your route – here are a few recipes to try:
Natashaskitchen.com
Spicy Shrimp & Pasta Tbsp. butter 2 eggs 1 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup grated swiss cheese 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed 1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed 9 oz. angel hair pasta, cooked 16 oz. mild salsa, thick and chunky 2 lbs shrimp, cleaned 1/2 cup grated monterey jack cheese
Preheat the oven to 350° and grease a 12 by 8 inch baking pan. Combine the eggs, half-and-half, yogurt, Swiss and feta cheeses, parsley, basil and oregano in a large bowl, mixing until thoroughly blended. Spread 1/2 of the cooked pasta evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Cover the pasta with the salsa. Add 1/2 of the shrimp and then cover it with Monterey Jack. Add the remaining pasta and shrimp. Spread the egg mixture over top of the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry 2 tbsp. canola oil 1 cup sweet peppers, chopped 3 medium carrots, sliced 1 small onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 (9-ounce) packet stir fry seasoning pkt.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat adding peppers, onions and carrots to cook slowly until tender. Add pepper flakes and garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Add the reserved tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add shrimp when hot, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is no longer translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the veggies back to the pan and stir to combine. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the stir fry sauce. Continue to cook about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice.
Coconut Shrimp 1 lb. shrimp 1/3 cup cornstarch 1 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 cup sweetened coconut 3 egg whites, beaten until foamy
Preheat an oven to 400° and spray baking sheet lightly with cooking spray. Rinse and dry cleaned shrimp with paper towels. Mix cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl and place coconut flakes in a separate bowl or plate. Dredge shrimp individually in the corn starch mixture, then dip in egg white and roll in the coconut, being sure to cover it entirely. Place on baking sheet. Bake shrimp for about 15 minutes, flipping half way. They should be bright pink on the outside.
Shrimp Alfredo 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp 2 green onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated 1/3 cup half-and-half
3 tbsp. cream cheese 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
Cook the pasta and drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Combine shrimp, onions and garlic in a small bowl. Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Add olive oil; and shrimp and sauté for until shrimp are done. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add reserved cooking liquid, cheese, half-and-half and pepper. Cook until cheese melts. Combine pasta, cheese mixture and shrimp. Garnish with parsley.
Shrimp Fried Rice 1 lb uncooked shrimp 1 tsp. cornstarch 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp. canola oil 4 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped 5 cups cooked leftover, cold rice, rinsed to avoid stickiness. 1 1/2 cups frozen carrots and peas, defrosted 2 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes. Heat a large nonstick skillet on high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil than add shrimp and spread them out in a single layer. Cook about 1 minute each side, or until cooked through and no longer opaque. Remove to a bowl. Over medium heat, add eggs to the same skillet. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until no longer runny. Remove to a bowl. Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and green onions, cooking until soft. Add rice and mix well, then spread evenly over pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until rice begins to sizzle. Drizzle 2 tablespoon soy sauce over rice and stir well. Add sesame oil and vegetables and mix. Add cooked shrimp and cooked eggs to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook until the rice is hot and sizzles, stirring frequently. Add soy sauce to taste, if desired. (Courtesy of Natashaskitchen.com) nccoast.com
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DAYTRIPPER: Ocracoke
Island P
Life Dive into Ocracoke’s rich history and laid back approach to every day
story & photos by Ben Hogwood
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
eople have a habit of leaving things on Ocracoke. For an example of this, head to the Ocracoke Pony Pen, about a 13-minute drive from the village. Feel free to check out the ponies – they are believed to be the descendants of European horses that were tossed overboard when ships ran aground on the Diamond Shoals around the island. But that’s not my point. Opposite the pen is a beach access, where a wooden walkway crosses over protected dunes. Scores of visitors have carved their names and initials into the railing at the end of the walkway, and despite the best efforts of blasting sand and sea, “Jeannie,” “Wally” and “GMA,” to name just a few, are still there. Sure, people leave graffiti all over the place, but on Ocracoke, it isn’t done to share words of wisdom, or to display any artistic talent, or to share a witticism. Instead, it’s more of a declaration. It’s the same reason European adventurers left their cozy villas, hopped on ships, and stuck their flags on new land. Being accessible by sea or air only, Ocracoke gives visitors the impression that everything here is a secret, and that they are one of the few lucky enough to have discovered it. Others, such as the infamous pirate Blackbeard, left something a little more significant than a name behind, but we’ll get to that later. The island is basically a 16-mile strip of pristine beach protected by the National Park Service, with the Pamlico Sound on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other, and Highway 12 balancing precariously through the middle. The NPS issues both weeklong and annual passes for those who have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and wish to drive on the beach – perfect for surfers or fishermen looking for their own private spot. The NPS also operates a 131-site campground for guests willing to sacrifice some creature comforts for the chance to see an astonishing
night sky with almost no light pollution. But don’t let all this emptiness fool you. While the island’s village has a year-round population less than 1,000, the population swells during the summer months, and the village has a thriving art scene, food scene and bar scene to fit just about anyone’s taste. One of the newest businesses coming to the island is 1718 Brewery, a hybrid brewpub/brewery that opens June 2016. On a surprisingly temperate February afternoon, Garrick Kalna, who co-owns the business with his wife Jacqui, was surrounded by shiny metal tanks partially covered by tarps, trying to get the brewery ready for its opening. The business is located on the site of the former Atlantic Restaurant next to Howard’s Pub, one of the most recognizable restaurants on the island. Garrick learned to brew beer at college in 1992, and while he has always wanted to start a brewery, he decided to first open Ocracoke Coffee Co. on the island with Jacqui – his business partner before they married. The coffee shop was to be the first stepping-stone in a three-year plan that would eventually end with the brewery. Then 18 years went by. “It just turned into a really large stone we had to step over,” Garrick said. However, they finally sold the coffee shop in 2012. Since then, Garrick has learned how to brew on a large scale. While they plan on brewing an assortment of beers – from summer beers made with local figs to sour beers – there will be no shortage of IPAs. Jacqui, Garrick said, is a big fan. “Every third beer I make has to be an IPA,” he said. Along with the beers, the brewpub will feature a small, revolving menu, akin to a food truck. Garrick hopes to start a bottling and canning operation the following year. The beer will carry the image of a heart with a spear through it – a pirate symbol that represents a merciless death. (Continued on page 24)
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(Continued from page 23)
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The symbol is a fitting one for 1718 Brewery; the business is named for the year Blackbeard was killed off the shore of Ocracoke. Blackbeard – real name Edward Teach – is a big deal on Ocracoke. Yes, he once made a cozy home for himself in the town of Bath. And yes, he intentionally sunk his ship, the Queen Ann’s Revenge, just off the coast of Beaufort. But Ocracoke is where this most famous of all pirates met his brutal end. Sadly, it was at a time when Blackbeard was reconsidering his involvement with the whole pirating business. After pillaging Charleston, S.C., Blackbeard decided it was time to put his pirating ways behind him, according to the N.C. History Project. He surrendered to North Carolina’s governor, Charles Eden, promised to give up his wicked ways, and moved to Bath, settling down with his 14th wife. Things were going swimmingly until
Carolina Shore • april 2016
the itch returned, and he set back out on the seas, hiding out in the inlets of the Outer Banks. North Carolinians loved him. They got to buy his stolen goods at bargain basement prices; however, the residents of other colonies, such as Virginia, were horrified by all the stealing, the killing, and, presumably, the swilling of grog. In 1718, Virginia’s governor sent Lt. Robert Maynard to hunt Blackbeard down. Maynard found his pirate in Ocracoke Inlet on Nov. 22 of that year, and after some ship maneuvering, rope swinging and cutlass rattling, Blackbeard and his crew were captured. Maynard cut Blackbeard’s head off and suspended it from the bow of his ship, supposedly to teach other pirates a lesson. Maynard’s crew threw the body into the water. The area of the Pamlico Sound where Blackbeard died is known as Teach’s Hole, and the best way to visit it is by hiking through Springer’s Point Preserve, a 120-acre section of the island filled with gnarled live oaks, wax myrtle, wild olive, salt marsh, and even an overgrown cemetery. There is no parking at the entrance of Springer’s Point, located off Loop Road, but the walk – or bike ride – is well worth it. But that’s not all Ocracoke has to offer nature lovers. For those who want to keep hiking, Hammock Hills Nature Trail is just three miles outside of the village, opposite the NPS campground, and features a .8-mile path through a pine forest with sweeping views of golden wetlands. These trails are available year-round, though the campground is only open from the third Friday in April through the last weekend in November. Many of the businesses here are also seasonal, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do in the winter. Gaffer’s Sports Pub is open year round and offers weekly (legal) poker nights through the Hatteras Island Poker League. It’s also hard to beat sitting on the porch of Zillies, on Back Road, drinking a glass of wine by one of the gas fires as the sun goes down. Of course, the island comes fully to life as the warmer months approach, when there are any number of activities to pursue, from deep-sea fishing, to surfing, to kayaking, to parasailing, to visiting nearby Portsmouth Island. When you’re ready for a break, stop by SmacNally’s Raw Bar and Grill between 34pm and watch the fishermen come into Silver Lake harbor with their daily catch. And of course it’s hard to leave the island without first stopping by the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the nation that’s still in use. While it isn’t open to the public, it’s a must stop for anyone with a camera. For those who intend to stay in the village, the best way to get around is by bicycle or golf cart, and both are readily available to rent. If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places to stay, including Blackbeard’s Lodge, Pony Island Motel, The Anchorage Inn and Marina and Silver Lake Motel and Inn. There are also a number of houses available for rent; just make sure to book ahead. So go ahead: do your best to leave your mark on this island. However, you’ll likely find, as you sit on the ferry, watching the lighthouse recede from view and the gulls squawk for scraps, that the island is the one that has left its mark on you.
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Homecoming
F
After a Decade of Fundraising the New Bern Firemen’s Museum Moves into Historic Station
rom a forest of chimneys – serving as a grim reminder of New Bern’s most destructive fire in history – to an antique American LaFrance fire truck and a loveable horse named Fred, the New Bern Firemen’s Museum serves as a unique experience for visitors. The museum celebrated its sixth decade of preserving the history of firefighting in the city by moving into the picturesque New Bern Fire Station at 420 Broad St. Until recently, the museum was housed in a Hancock Street building that just couldn’t meet the needs of its visitors and growing exhibits. And as the first chartered fire company in the state, there’s a lot to show off. For more than 10 years, the museum’s board has pushed for the move and raised funds for the restoration of the building. Thanks largely to the board’s efforts, antique fire equipment was finally moved to its new home in March. Though the first floor of the renovation project is complete, the work continues on the second floor, which will house exhibits specifically for children. The striking Spanish-inspired building was built in 1928 under the direction of Mayor A.H. Bangert in hopes of quelling a rivalry that
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
by Crystal Garrett
had erupted among New Bern’s two separate fire departments. His notion was that housing the units in one building would create a sense of unity and camaraderie, but the move may have put even more emphasis on the division. Each of the department had one half of the building, including separate staircases to the top floor and yes, separate firemen’s poles. The only shared space, according to reports, was the balcony on the second floor where the firemen would step outside to smoke. Visitors will note a tall tower toward the back of the building, however, it isn’t a smoke stack. Interestingly, the tower was created for the hanging and drying of hoses.
New Bern’s Firefighting History
The original New Bern Fire Dept., the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company, organized in 1845 as a fraternal organization and is noted as the first fire department in the state. The company became inactive after the bulk of its members left to serve the Confederate Army during the Civil War, according to Nancy Mansfield, who serves as president and chair of the board of directors for the Friends of the New Bern Firemen’s Museum.
It left, as one would expect, a hole in the community. Union forces who had settled in New Bern picked up the torch, forming the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 on Jan. 1, 1865. After the war, both of the fire departments continued to serve the growing community kicking off a north vs. south rivalry that would last longer than anyone might have possibly guessed. “The rivalry escalated when Union troops received a hand pump from the north,” according to a history compiled by the museum. “This contraption reached its maximum output when eight men exerted their weight on each end of the pump’s cross-beam lever.” After pulling and pumping the apparatus for about three years, the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company was able to persuade the town council to purchase the city’s first steam fire engine in 1879. A little more than a decade later, the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company received a new Silsby steam fire engine. To compete with the rival fire company, the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company traded its first steam fire engine for a new Button steam engine in 1884 and gained the nickname, the Button Company. Both companies were fierce competitors and set world records at events held across the state. The Button Company still holds the record for running quick steam at one minute and 46 seconds while the Atlantic Company won the state championship for reel racing several times, according to historical documents prepared by the Firemen’s Museum. The rivalry spilled over into daily firefighting as well, with the separate departments racing to fires to see who could get there first and who would extinguish the blaze. Fist fights weren’t uncommon and members of the community would rush to the streets to watch the competitors battle it out every time the fire bell rang. In 1914, the two sides received their first motorized engines – the Atlantic Company’s truck was white, the Button Company’s truck was red. Although the Atlantic and the Button were the most well-known companies in New Bern, they weren’t the only ones. The Excelsior Bucket & Axe Company was a junior unit of young men between the age of 16 and 18. Once the junior firefighters reached maturity, they (Continued on page 36)
Members of the New Bern Fire Dept. were on hand to help replace the ladders on the one of fire trucks after the move to its new home. nccoast.com
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(Continued from page 35)
were absorbed by the Atlantic and Button companies, Mansfield said. Other companies in New Bern included the Independent Colored Fire Company, the Fourth Ward, the Holden Company and the Rough and Ready Fire Company. While the two primary companies were officially combined in 1928 with the construction of the shared fire house, the rivalry persisted well into the 1950s. In 2000, everyone moved into a new central headquarters on Neuse Boulevard and in 2001 a full-time fire chief was appointed to the department. Today, New Bern Fire and Rescue has nearly 70 staff members who work side by side with volunteers and an operating budget of just over $6 million.
The Museum
This rich history is brought to life at the Firemen’s Museum though artifacts, stories and pictures, including those from the Great Fire of 1922 and that loveable horse that served the city for nearly 20 years. “One of our top priorities here is education,” Mansfield said. “While we want to educate people on New Bern’s history, we also strive to get people ready for something we hope never happens.” Children and adults alike can experience the Great Fire of 1922 – which destroyed more than 1,000 buildings left a quarter of the city’s population homeless – through an interactive display that shows the spread of the fire through a model of the city and a forest of chimneys display alluding to newspaper accounts of the fire which left “row after row of ghostly chimneys.” Accounts of the fire collected by the Friends of the New Bern Firemen’s Museum are available to the public. One, published on Dec. 1, 1922, in The Robesonian of Lumberton details the aftermath of the fire: “An army of grimy chimneys, standing as grim sentinels amidst an area of smouldering (sic) ruins which extends for half a mile from the western boundary of the city to Neuse River, tonight, marked the course of New Bern’s two million dollar fire, the worst in the city’s history.” Visitors to the museum can learn about the damage to New Bern and how it impacted the city’s future growth through interactive displays and an oral history collected from survivors of the fire. Guests will also find an exhibit on Fire Horse Fred, who pulled the hose wagon
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
Things to do • Food • Calendar • Real Estate and more...
for the Atlantic Company during the early 20th century. Fred had the ability to recognize tones of fire alarms and reach different locations by himself. Born in 1900, Fred died of a heart attack while answering a false alarm after 17 years of service to the city. Driven by an AfricanAmerican, John Taylor, Fred is said to have known the most frequent locations firefighters were called to. “While we do focus on the history, the children’s programming is at the heart of everything we do,” Mansfield said. “We try to teach people, young and old, that they have to be aware of what to do in case of a fire. It’s instantaneous. There’s no time to think. So, through the children’s programs, we hope to educate.” Hands-on activities are available for children. They can board the Ella Bengel fire truck and pretend they’re in route to a fire as real video footage is shown on a monitor mounted outside the windshield. There are also videos of New Bern firemen answering a call so that kids feel as if they are truly in the driver’s seat. There is a fire safety house and a junior fire station. In addition to the children’s programs, seven historic engines and wagons are on display at the museum as well, all showing off the name of one local company or another. Bright red, polished for display, the engines stand as a stark reminder of New Bern’s place in North Carolina fire history. If You Go: The New Bern Firemen’s Museum is located at 420 Broad St., New Bern. Its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Those under the age of 6 are free. For information, call 252-636-4087. Show Support: To support the restoration of the Central Fire Station building, a Buy a Brick Campaign is underway. Those who wish to support the museum and leave a mark can purchase an engraved brick or paver which will be placed in the “Honor Walk” of the newly landscaped museum courtyard that will house an historic bell from city hall, according to Mansfield.
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Pink Brooks Popover Blouse by Southern Proper, $85, and Whale Embroidered Dayboat Short in cornflower by Vineyard Vines, $98, both available at Island Proper; Large Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, DP Jewelry Designs, $480. Slub Polo in blue grotto, $76, and Cord Shorts in khaki, $72, both by Jarrett Bay Clothing Co.
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Photography: Casey Futrell
Models: Megan Sanders, Kent Pittman & Kaylee Dagnino39 nccoast.com
Britt Ryan v-neck silk charmeuse top in blue mist, $178, Britt Ryan 13-inch cotton sateen short in sugar cane, and Mud Pie natural paper straw hat with a 5-inch brim, all available from Sandi’s Beachwear. Medium Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet with wave design, $355, DP Jewelry Designs.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
Top: Escapada Kate Tank in white and pink, $71, and Renuar Paris Fit Capris in magenta, $86, both from Top it Off, and KGB Black Label leather purse in light bone, $115, The Bag Lady. Sleeveless Julia Dress in coral lattice by Haley & the Hound, $116, haleyandthehound.com. Handcrafted sterling silver and gold filled bracelet, $110, DP Jewelry Designs. Bottom: Regatta Short by Southern Marsh in colonial navy, $59, Vineyard Vines polo shirt in white cap, $75, Logo Belt by J.T. Spencer, $85, all from Island Proper Outfitters. Hudson Jeans Croxley Mid-Thigh Short, $125, Olivaceous Kimono blouse in hyacinth, $51, necklace by Ann Paige Designs, $32, all from Jame’s Clothing Boutique. Barbara Gerwit Pullover with hood in vintage anchor print, $128, French Dressing Jeans Jegging, $96, both from Tassel’s.
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Spaghetti Strap Maxi, $95, Microfiber Board Shorts, $85, and Logo T-Shirt, $34, all from Jarrett Bay Clothing Co., Hatley Beach Tunic from the Starfish Collection, $61, and Scout Uptown Girl Zip Top Tote, $34, both from Sandi’s Beachwear. Boho Beads fringe necklace, $75, Jame’s Clothing Boutique
Vineyard Vines Strapless Fish Eyelet Dress, $198, Island Proper, B.B. Dakota Riley Striped Dress, $79, Jame’s Clothing Boutique.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
Haley & the Hound criss cross dress in blue floral, $116, haleyandthehound. com. Julie Brown Designs’ Annabel romper, $116, and Moon & Lola earrings, $96, both from Dee Gee’s.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
Residential & Resort Sales
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Captain Patrick’s Crystal Coast Waterway Tours Create your family's custom tour with Captain Patrick and search for dolphins and horses. Learn about the history of Carteret County, Blackbeard the Pirate, Shackleford Banks, Morehead City, and Beaufort waterfront! See many local landmarks such as Fort Macon and Cape Lookout Lighthouse! Hear stories of shipwrecks and the Promise Land! Call for Details and book your tour with Captian Patrick!
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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A Band for all Seasons A Six Pack of Gentlemen Make a Mark on the Coastal Music Scene
T
hree members of the band Six Pack of Gentlemen are discussing the number of instruments they need to pull off a show when the phone rings. They are sitting on the “recording studio” side of their new Morehead City business venture, Downeast Bound, where a drawing of Tom Waits hangs on the wall and books about jazz theory and instrument construction sit on a coffee table. A $100 Kay banjo, decades old, leans up against the wall of a corridor that branches off into various rooms used for student lessons, recording, and fixing instruments and amps. But the ringtone chiming through the corridor is not a ditty by Bill Monroe. It isn’t something by Earl Scruggs, the Foggy Mountain Boys, or any other bluegrass act. The phone is playing Vivaldi’s “Spring.” And this is a pretty good indication that Six Pack of Gentlemen is not your standard bluegrass band. “We originally played only bluegrass,” explains Evan FaulknerHayes, a lanky 29-year-old with a beard and spectacles. “What hap-
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
story & photos by Ben Hogwood
pened was, we started to get very, very good at that and wanted to do something else.” Want more confirmation? I met the band – Evan, Peter Pegues, Delancy Loftus, Mike Heeter, and Ryan Kelly – at Downeast Bound during a warm March evening to hear a rehearsal. The store is on 8th Street in downtown Morehead City, between a lawyer’s office and an art studio, and just a couple blocks down the road is Bogue Sound. At first the bandmates toiled around the entrance, apparently in an effort to delay the “La’s” – the vocal warm-ups. While Evan and Delancy are the lead singers, everyone has to harmonize. Eventually they went inside, picked up their brass instruments, and began playing. Yes. Brass instruments. In fact, there wasn’t one blue-grassy element to this music: no boom-chucka-boom guitar rhythm, no clucking banjo, no sweat-dripping fiddle, no nasally singers somberly huddled around a microphone. Instead, I’m listening to a trumpet, a baritone sax, a trombone and drums. Bearded cheeks are straining and eyes are bulging. The song morphs into an original they call “Oopa Loopa,” in which Delancy trades the trumpet for an electric guitar. It is rivet-
ing stuff, with slurring brass lines and slicing guitar chords that climax in an up-tempo frenzy, but the music has more in common with polka than anything Americana. If one were to choke on some knackwurst during Oktoberfest, “Oopa Loopa” is a song that could be played at the resulting funeral. Six Pack of Gentlemen has steadily built up a following since its inception in 2012, when the band played bar gigs for free beer. Since then it has performed at the Beaufort Music Fest, opened for national acts like the Quebe Sisters and the Grammy-award winning Steep Canyon Rangers, recorded an album, and scored a sponsorship from the “folkternative” instrument manufacturing company Gold Tone. The biggest gig is yet to come, however. From Sept. 27 through Oct. 1, the band will be attending the World of Bluegrass, the signature event put on annually by the International Bluegrass Music Association that is now held in Raleigh. The band is there to both represent Gold Tone and to promote the music scene coming out of the Beaufort-Morehead City area. All of this is a long way from where they started. In fact, Six Pack formed mostly by accident. The initial seed was probably planted around the turn of the century, when Evan and Peter (also lanky, also bearded) were 14 and living in the Washington, D.C. area. Peter had been playing that Kay banjo mentioned earlier for about a year. He had paid for it by selling old, broken computer parts, but he was ready to try something different. “You were getting into synths and stuff,” says Evan, sitting with Peter and Delancy – bearded but not so lanky – at Downeast Bound, where the smell of coffee hangs in the air on a Saturday afternoon. “Yeah, synths and drum machines and keyboards,” Peter responds. “The banjo was hanging on the wall and Evan asked if he could play it.” Peter gave him the banjo. About 10 years later, in 2012, Evan took up residence on Peter’s chair in Beaufort. Evan had just moved to the area, but there had been a delay with his intended home. One day, Peter and Evan, along with their friend and guitarist Mike Heeter, went out on the porch and started playing music. Suddenly, they heard the screech of Volkswagen tires. They watched the car come to a stop, then reverse. The driver leaned through the window and asked them, “You guys playing tunes?” They had never met this person before. They looked around, confirmed the obvious – yes, they were playing tunes – and the driver disappeared, returning a moment later with his fiddle. The driver’s name was Jerry Moxley. He introduced the guys to guitarist Jordan Sutherland, who introduced them to bassist Ryan Kelly. Somehow, without really trying, Six Pack of Gentlemen had formed. The guys would play at a couple of local bars in the area for free, but finally on Dec. 12, 2012, Liz Kopf, owner of the Backstreet Pub in Beaufort, gave them their first paying gig. The first album, named “Downeast Bound” just like the store, came out in 2014; it showcases the bluegrass savviness of the band, but also the willingness to create something of its own. “We started off high energy, [but] it actually wasn’t very traditional in a sense,” says Evan. “We played a ton of traditional music untraditionally. We kinda played it more like rock and roll. Very high energy. Not as stoic. Actually moving around and dancing with the crowd, which is very atypical for your traditional bluegrass band.” However, things soon had to change. Jerry left to pursue a PhD and Jordan moved out of the area. Six Pack was down to four, but in 2014 Delancy came on board, adding yet another dimension to the band. Sporting tattoos on his forearms and wide-gauge earrings, Delancy is more punk than his bandmates. He grew up around Harrisburg listening to bands like Rancid, Operation Ivy and the Misfits. He immersed himself in the local punk scene, but he also attended an art school to study music theory and performance. Delancy ran an open mic night in Beaufort, and Evan would often run into him. “I just thought he was a great musician, so I kept trying to kind of troll him, asking him if he wanted to do something together,” Evan said. “Eventually he caved.” They would play together on porches, but soon Evan realized just how good Delancy was and brought him into the band. (Continued on page 54) nccoast.com
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(Continued from page 53)
“All the best music happens on porches,” says Peter. Through all of this Evan and Peter were co-owners of Pete’s Diner on Arendell Street, but they were building a collection of music students. In 2015 they, along with Delancy, decided to rent space on 8th Street to use for lessons, and also stocked up on strings and other paraphernalia that musicians need. Word started spreading, and more people came to the store, expecting the typical retail experience, but the foot traffic started to interfere with the music lessons. Just three months in, Peter, Delancy and Evan decided to rent a second unit on 8th Street, allowing the students to be in one section and the shoppers in another. Unable to meet the high turnover demands of companies like Fender and Gibson, Evan contacted Gold Tone, based in Florida, in hopes of stocking the company’s instruments. Gold Tone had heard of Six Pack, and decided not only to work with the store, but also got behind the band. In fact, it was Gold Tone that told Evan they should add some brass to their sound. “I tell these guys this,” Evan says. “I got the initial impression they were not pumped.” But they did it. Evan took saxophone, Delancy took trumpet, and Peter took trombone. “And now we’re playing all sorts of ska and blues and even big band ’30s music, all mixed together with bluegrass too,” Evan says. “We’re playing Irish traditional and penny whistle and tenor Irish banjo, all in one set list.” “I think we travel with 17 instruments now,” adds Delancy. However, he considers the ability to spread out, as well as the diversity of music that the band members like, to be an important aspect. “We all come from a lot of different places,” he says. “That’s what I think it takes to be a good musician. Give yourself a good spectrum, take elements from everything you learn.” That philosophy is reflected in Downeast Bound. Need guitar strings? No problem. How about a new 8-string slide lap steel? Sure thing. Fancy taking a lesson on guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, violin, trumpet – pretty much any instrument other than French horn, bas-
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
soon or oboe? Or maybe you want to sell your old guitar? Get your amp fixed? Lay down some sweet tracks for that concept jazz/surf album you’ve been thinking about making for years? Maybe you just need a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal? Downeast Bound has you covered. The store’s south entrance leads to the retail area, where electric guitars and basses dangle above amps bearing the names Kustom, Laney, Crate, Peavey, and Bandit. In the middle of the room is a stand-up bass, while a separate room off to the side holds many of the newer instruments, from high-end acoustic guitars to more uncommon instruments like banjitars and Weissenborn slides. The north entrance leads to the student lesson rooms, Peter’s repair workshop, and the recording studio. The studio is still in its infancy, but the owners hope to build it up in the future. The goal is to put together a simple local recording label and have a place where area bands can record affordably. They will be using this space to record their next album, expected to come out later this year. When they think about it, the members are still somewhat surprised by how Six Pack came together. “The number of times I tried to make a band and failed is amazing compared to the one time I didn’t try at all,” says Peter. “And it just congealed. I think the big difference is that once we saw it congeal, we started putting a lot of really serious hard work into the band and we didn’t let it dissolve. There were a lot of times when the band almost completely fell apart. We just put our heads down, powered through, didn’t even think about dispelling the band as an option.” And you can expect more from Six Pack of Gentlemen in the future. While the band’s formation was somewhat of a happy accident, the members are clearly pursuing their future with intent. They see themselves playing in the theaters of North Carolina, hitting the festival circuit and playing at events like the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. Just as important is garnering attention for the music scene here. “I’ll be shooting to get us selected for more events,” says Evan. “Just to say, ‘We’re from Morehead City, North Carolina. Look at what we can do. Because the music scene is awesome here, and nobody knows.”
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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SUMMER 2016
CElEbrating 78 yEars
The Garner Family invites you to come taste what made Carteret County and the Crystal Coast famous; fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Their mission, passed down from their father and grandfather is simple. Provide the highest quality food available in the cleanest environment possible. The name itself supports their dedication and loyalty to excellence and is the foundation of support for their community and patrons. Enjoy the broad range of ever-changing menu items that are guaranteed to satisfy not only the traditional broiled, grilled & fried seafood lovers, but also cuisine created by Chef James Scott that includes Angus beef, chicken, always homemade chowders and homemade desserts.
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spring & summer standouts Keeping the Beat
There’s nothing like a cool sea breeze to carry a melody. Thanks to a variety of active organizations in Carteret County, there are plenty of opportunities along the Crystal Coast to experience just that – and all of them are free. Wiggle your toes off the wall at Fort Macon State Park while keeping time to your favorite beat – or dip them in the water in downtown Morehead City. Whatever your poison, the full slate of free music on tap this summer offers a variety of alternatives. May 20-21 sees the return of the Beaufort Music Festival. After two years as a paid event, the fest returns to its roots and to downtown Beaufort. This year’s performances will be held on two stages, one at the Beaufort Historic Site and another on the recently-paved Middle Lane. Performers include North Carolina favorites L-Shape Lot, Midatlantic, The Paper Stars, Beaufort Blues Project, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Banditos and the Low Counts, who brought the crowd to their feet two years ago. Music runs from 5:30-10pm on Friday, May 20 and noon to 10pm on Saturday, May 21. While Beaufort is rocking and rolling, Atlantic Beach will
Old Woody
The beauty and artistry of traditional wooden boats will be hailed in Beaufort on Saturday, May 7, thanks to the NC Maritime Museum, bringing more than 5,000 visitors to the quiet tree-lined streets of the historic seaport. Iron and fiberglass be gone, at least for a day, as birch, mahogany, oak and teak, all shined and polished to accentuate their style, take over Front Street to the delight of spectators. Annually, about 50-75 vessels roll into town to show off their grown up toys and compete for top honors. Free sail boat rides are offered on Thursday and Friday afternoons leading up to the event. On Saturday, boats are displayed on Front Street from 10am-4pm with an array of additional activities on tap. For those interested in participating in the show, registration runs from 8:30-10am. The museum is located at 315 Front St., Beaufort. For more information, visit www.ncmaritime-
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
unleash its third Beach Music Festival on Saturday, May 21. The family friendly festival is held on the beach at the Circle from 11am to 6pm. John Moore serves as emcee as the Holiday Band, Band of Oz, the Fantastic Shakers and Mighty Saints of Soul bring take to the stage. The festival atmosphere will be enhanced with food and beer vendors along with T-shirts, hats and cozies to commemorate the event. The festivals are just the season openers for the summer music season. Free concert series run throughout the summer from Morehead City to Emerald Isle. The Alive at Five program brings live music to Jaycee Park in downtown Morehead City on select Friday evenings from 5-8pm. Morehead City Parks and Recreation offer concerts at the same venue each Saturday from 7-8:30 all summer long. At Fort Macon State Park, visitors can take in a little music on the parade deck at the fort on select Fridays, and in Emerald Isle, the Western Ocean Regional Beach Access provides the perfect backdrop for a little music each Thursday night. By Sunday, we’ll all be in Swansboro at Olde Town Square enjoying local favorites from 6:30-8pm. Whatever your poison, you’re sure to find a favorite.
Airplugs Optional All eyes turn to the sky April 29-May 1 as Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point welcomes guests for its biennial air show. This year’s undertaking, aptly themed “Celebrating 75 Years!” takes a look back at Cherry Point’s history in Eastern Carolina. Regularly playing host to more than 150,000 guests over its three-day schedule, the air show is one of those great opportunities to entertain the entire family at one venue. Add to that the fact that entry and parking is free – and folks really can’t go wrong. The show starts out with a bang Friday night, with the always-popular night show – a must see for those who haven’t experienced it before. While the Blue Angels do not perform due to safety concerns, the show includes spectacular aerial pyrotechnic displays, roaring afterburners, skydiver demonstrations and a large fireworks display set to patriotic music as well as live music. Gates open at 5pm. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 8am and full days of activities are on tap. for a full schedule of activities. Static displays, ride simulators and a fun zone for kids combine with vendors, live entertainment and plenty of options for food, to create a perfect family day.
Rocking & Rolling with Big Rock
Old Homes and Antiques
Thanks to the folks at the Beaufort Historical Association, visitors have the rare opportunity each year to see inside some of the small town’s most prestigious and historic homes. Doors open for the 56th annual Old Homes & Garden Tour June 24-25, with everything from beautifully restored Victorian homes to small, waterfront cottages on the list. Participants are able to visit historic homes, new construction, gardens, churches and public buildings throughout the downtown district during this popular fundraiser - from small cottages to double-porch homes. Since 1960, this weekend undertaking has become the largest fundraiser for the Beaufort Historic Association, supporting preservation efforts of the agency and its educational programs. For more information, contact the BHA at 252-7285225 or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.
It’s time once again, for Carteret County, and specifically, Morehead City, to enjoy the spotlight as eyes around the world turn toward the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. At 58, middle age by anyone’s standards, the annual tourney hasn’t lost any of its excitement and thrill. Locals still feel a little jump in their heart rate when told that someone has “boated” a marlin. And inevitably, the docks will fill with spectators as the grand fish is hoisted for weigh-in. But who can blame us for getting excited. After all, these anglers aren’t exactly competing for chump change – they’re vying for a stake in the more than $1 million purse. Planned for June 10-18, the tournament will see boats back up to the scales with mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna and the star of the show, blue marlin. The ladies’ competition gets things started on Saturday, June 11, and the big boys drop lines on Monday, June 13. Mixed in with the week of fishing are a captain’s party, awards banquets and plenty of reasons to celebrate – at least for a few lucky fishermen. Stay on top of the action before and during the tournament at thebigrock.com.
Kayaking for a Cause The folks in Pine Knoll Shores, a small residential community between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, have found the ideal way to raise much-needed money for a worthy cause while having a boat load of fun in the process. Kayak for the Warriors, which raises funds for the Hope for the Warrior Foundation, sees service members and residents race through the waters of Bogue Sound on Saturday, June 4. All kayakers are invited to participate no matter age or skill level. The entry fee into the 3.2-mile kayak and paddleboard race is a $45 donation or $80 for tandem kayaks. This serious races is quickly followed by the Family Fun Race, which allows participants to float along a short route on just about anything they think will stay above the water. There are also casual 5K and 10K bicycle rides though Pine Knoll Shores with nominal entry fees. Last year alone more than $75,000 was raised. For more information or to register, visit www.kayakforthewarriors.org. nccoast.com
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nyone who meets Gerardo Rodriguez, owner of Pullmann’s Landscape Associates and the new addition, Seventy West Landscape Supply, can surely tell that he didn’t grow up in Carteret County. But for Rodriguez, it was love at first sight when he arrived on the Crystal Coast. He loved the environment, he loved the people, and he knew this was where he wanted to build a life and carve out his own American Dream. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Gerardo came to the United States at the urging of a local friend, Michael Farrell, who had traveled to Costa Rica to surf. In turn, Gerardo came to the Crystal Coast to visit his buddy and check out the local surf environment and instantly felt at home along our shores. He returned to the United States to attend college in Florida, mowing lawns along the way, like any college student might, to help put himself through school. It was a career choice that stuck with him. It was the Crystal Coast, however, that remained in the forefront of his mind. In 1991 he opened Pullmann’s Landscape Associates – a curious name for a Costa Rican transplant. But Gerardo explains he was having trouble with his American accent during those early years. Some folks would even tease him by calling him Ricky Ricardo, because his accent was so similar to the beloved “I Love Lucy” character. It made him feel that the business name should have a more English ring to it – so, on his late father’s advice, Gerardo opted to use his mother’s maiden name, Pullmann. It was a decision that has worked wonders for this busy landscape company. More than 20 years later, now a proud United States citizen, Gerardo also owns Seventy West Landscape Supply, which offers an array of products for landscapers and homeowners. There were plenty of naysayers at the beginning, he remembers. There were those who said he couldn’t do it. But there were also plenty of people cheering him on. Through it all, he said, he stayed focused and worked to provide the best customer service possible for his client – customer service that would keep his clients coming back for more. And service that allowed him to see his own American Dream come to fruition.
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Carolina Shore • april 2016
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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the North Carolina State Park system this summer by visiting Fort Macon, near Atlantic Beach, which also holds the honor of Park of the Year. (Mimi Guthrie photo)
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Dry Stack | Marina | Ship’S Store | event Menu | real eState
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