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grow your own. Issue 10.3
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startingpoint way or another, and that everyone — everyone — breaks stupid laws. (Or at the very least, makes stupid mistakes.)
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Twenty-five years later, we’re on the precipice of seeing pot prosecutions finally disappear. Right now, a total of 147 million Americans — nearly half the nation — live in a state where adults can legally consume cannabis, full stop. Twothirds of the country allows for some type of medical use.
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I AM A VETERAN OF gosurf THE WAR ON DRUGS. graphiccontent
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On February 26, 1997, I was caught in a Florida speed trap and arrested for possession of 28 grams of cannabis — a felony at the time. I spent one night in the county lock-up, but not before two undercover officers took me aside for “questioning.” Wearing canvas hoods to hide their identities, for close to an hour they bullied me with lies and intimidations. “Say goodbye to that car, buddy.” “You’re gonna do five years.” Or, I could — as they put it — “put someone else in this hot seat.”
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I declined to cooperate.
Roughly five weeks later, on April 4, an armed police squad came through my door. I was gone, but my roommate wasn’t so lucky. They threw him to the ground and put a shotgun to his head before proceeding to toss my entire house, top to bottom. I returned to find my room in shambles. Bed flipped upside down. Posters ripped off every wall. The complete contents of my walk-in closet — shelves to hangers — piled in a heap, a search warrant bearing my name placed squarely on top — half taunt, half threat. Apparently, the authorities had spent the month digging though my curbside trash until they came up with enough for a warrant: a coat hanger poker caked with resin. Their take from all five roomies? Less than three grams and a handful of pipes. That’s because I wasn’t some kilo slinging kingpin. Or even
a low level dealer. Just a self-medicating workaholic who’d just gotten a promotion — and a raise — and figured he’d celebrate (and save $100) by buying in bulk. The whole experience left me rattled for months. But looking back, I was lucky. Lucky I had enough money saved to cover lawyers and court costs. Lucky that my bosses were ex-hippies instead of ex-cops. Even luckier I hadn’t gotten popped back in college when getting caught with an ounce was the least of my worries. How differently my life might have turned out — instead of becoming a self-supporting, semi-contributing member of society, I’d be a convicted felon. Or at least have a record. Just like the more than 500,000 people arrested on cannabis charges in 2020 alone. I don’t tell these stories to brag. I tell them because for 50 years, “the war on drugs” has done outsized damage to everyday people — mostly cannabis consumers. Largely because, for too long, cannabis consumers have hidden their use. Worried they too might be busted for a substance proven to be less dangerous than legal intoxicants like tobacco, alcohol, and pharmaceuticals. As a result, they’ve let the other side control the narrative: if you smoke weed you’re morally flawed, possibly dangerous, certainly lazy. Instead of telling the honest truth: some people burn, some don’t. Some people can handle it, some can’t. That most humans alter their consciousness in some
Why? Largely because citizens there were brave enough to be honest about their experiences. To have conversations about their responsible use with friends, family, and — more importantly — their legislators. As NORML’s Carly Wolf tells us in this issue’s Question Authority, “when people share their personal stories, it helps lawmakers to put an issue to a face and see how it really affects people in their daily lives.” Meanwhile, in North Carolina, carrying up to a half-ounce can still earn a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $200 — and more than 1.5 ounces will cost you 45 days in jail and as much as $1,000.
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MORE THAN 500,000 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED ON CANNABIS CHARGES IN 2020 ALONE.
Here, even a proposed medical bill limits prescriptions to the most drastic of illnesses — but anyone with the right aches and pains can get an opioid script. And if you want to see a real criminal cartel, talk to the Sacklers — billionaire owners of Perdue Pharma — who won’t see a lick of time despite being ground zero for 200,000 Oxycontin deaths. (Instead, they payed a mere $225 million in civil penalties — two percent of their net worth — in order to stay free.)
That’s because the “war on drugs” isn’t about curing society’s ills. Or punishing dealers. It’s about pretending to solve a problem while funding a corrupt system. One that puts poor folks and people of color in jail, while letting people with means buy their way out. All told, it cost me $5,000 to undo the wreckage from my Florida run-in. I’m expunged. Record-free. Instead of a felon, I’m a free man. Thousands of others aren’t so fortunate. Not because they engaged in a truly criminal act, but because they couldn’t afford to pay the consequences of getting caught. — Matt Walker
Thank you for reading Outer Banks Milepost. We hope you enjoy it. If not — before chucking this issue into the nearest dumpster — please consider one of the following equally satisfying ways of expressing your disgust: throw it in your compost heap and feed it to the flowers; stuff a fat newspaper nug in the nearest hookah and burn down Babylon. Or simply toss it on that six-month stack of newspapers you’ve yet to recycle. (Trust us, you’ll feel better.) Then, send any and all feedback — positive, negative or just plain confused — to: editor@outerbanksmilepost.com. We promise to find some way to re-purpose them. milepost 3
CELEB RAT OVER ING 35 YEA RS!
“Thus may we gather honey from the weed, And make a moral of the devil himself.” — William Shakespeare “Life’s a garden. Dig it!’ — Joe Dirt Issue 10.3 Fall 2021 Cover: Homegrown. Photo: Chris Bickford Digital Grafting: Jesse Davis Reader You Brushes & Ink Carnell Boyle, John Butler, George Cheeseman, Marcia Cline, Carolina Coto, Kim Cowen, Cloey Davis, Michael J. Davis, Fay Davis Edwards, Mary Edwards, Laine Edwards, Marc Felton, Travis Fowler, Adriana Gomez-Nichols, Amelia Kasten, Chris Kemp, Nathan Lawrenson, Dave Lekens, Alex Lex, Tim Lusk, Ben Miller, Dawn Moraga, Ben Morris, Holly Nettles, Rick Nilson, Barbara Noel, Holly Overton, Stuart Parks II, Charlotte Quinn, Willow Rea, Meg Rubino, Shirley Ruff, Noah Snyder, Janet Stapelman, Alyse Stewart, Kenneth Templeton, Stephen Templeton, George Tsonev, Bri Vuyovich, Christina Weisner, John Wilson, Mark Wiseman, Mike Zafra Lensfolk Nate Appel, Matt Artz, Chris Bickford, Russell Blackwood, Mike Booher, Don Bower, Aycock Brown, Mark Buckler, Jon Carter, Garnette Coleman, Rich Coleman, Marc Corbett, Kim Cowen, Chris Creighton, Mere Crockett, Jason Denson, Amy Dixon, Susan Dotterer Dixon, Lori Douglas, Julie Dreelin, Tom Dugan/ESM, Roy Edlund, Bryan Elkus, Ben Gallop, Cory Godwin, Chris Hannant, Katie Harms, Bryan Harvey, David Alan Harvey, Ginger Harvey, Bob Hovey, Biff Jennings, Jenni Koontz, Mike Leech, Anthony Leone, Jeff Lewis, Jared Lloyd, Matt Lusk, Ray Matthews, Brooke Mayo, Mickey McCarthy, Nic McLean, Roger Meekins, D. Victor Meekins, Richard L. Miller, Dick Meseroll/ESM, David Molnar, Rachel Moser, Ryan Moser, Elizabeth Neal, Rob Nelson, Candace Owens, Anne Snape Parsons, Crystal Polston, Daniel Pullen, Ryan Rhodes, Terry Rowell, Cyndi Goetcheus Sarfan, Katie Slater, Tom Sloate, Wes Snyder, Aimee Thibodeau, Ed Tupper, Eve Turek, Chris Updegrave, Dan Waters, Kati Wilkins, Cyrus Welch, Jay Wickens
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Penfolk Ashley Bahen, Madeline Bailey, Sarah Downing, Laura Gomez-Nichols, Jim Gould, Steve Hanf, Dave Holton, Sarah Hyde, Catherine Kozak, Katrina Leuzinger, Hannah Lee Leidy, Dan Lewis, Terri Mackleberry, Fran Marler, Matt Pruett, Mary Ellen Riddle, Arabella Saunders, Corinne Saunders, Sandy Semans, Shannon Sutton, Kip Tabb, Hannah West, Clumpy White, Sharon Whitehurst, Natalie Wolfe, Michele Young-Stone Pointing/Clicking Jesse Davis Sales Force Laurin Walker Big Mouth In Chief Matt Walker Blame It All On Suite P Inc. PO Box 7100 • KDH, NC 27948 Office: 252-441-6203 • Sales: 949-275-5115 editor@outerbanksmilepost.com • sales@outerbanksmilepost.com Outer Banks Milepost is published quarterly (sorterly) by Suite P Inc. All contents are the property of Suite P Inc. and do not reflect the opinion of advertisers or distributors. Nor do their contents reflect that of the creative types (who would never, ever sell out). Comments, letters and submissions are usually welcome. Please include SASE for return delivery of all snail mail, however, Milepost and Suite P Inc. still aren’t responsible for any unsolicited materials. And don’t expect much else to move much faster than IST (Island Standard Time). Oh yeah: if you reprint a lick of this content you’re ripping us off. (Shame on you.) To discuss editorial ideas, find out about advertising or tell us we blew it – or just find out what the waves are doing – call 252-441-6203 or email: editor@outerbanksmilepost.com; sales@outerbanksmilepost.com. www.outerbanksmilepost.com
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rearview “Joe Bell” By Barbara Noel @obxbarb “I like to paint before work. It’s a way to clear my mind and get ready for a busy day. But we’ve been so super busy this year that I haven’t had time to delve into anything big. So, I started doing these tiny, 3”x3” magnets. I call them sketches, but they’re all original oil paintings. Basically, whenever I see something interesting — whether I’m stuck in traffic or just sitting on the beach — I take a photo. So I have all these casual Outer Banks images on my iPhone, and they become like these cool little snapshots of living here. I’ve done magnolias, sanderlings, a mom and a kid, two ladies walking. I try to include as much detail as possible, but I also don’t care if I mess up, because they only take a couple hours. It’s such a refreshing challenge. Like the perfect mix of zero commitment — and instant gratification.” — Barbara Noel
03 StartingPoint Puffed and cuffed.
06 UpFront Short supplies, crazy sights, and small town politics.
26 Grow Your Own… Four local farms plant seeds of change. 36 GraphicContent What the hell were we smoking?!
21 GetActive A grassroots solution to coastal erosion.
38 S ecret Sanctuary An illustrated excavation of Elizabethan Gardens.
22 QuestionAuthority NORML’s fired up about our cannabis future.
52 GoDisc You’ve never met golf pros like these.
54 GoPlant Landscapes love that natural look. 56 ArtisticLicense Beth Burns leads the herd. 59 SoundCheck Your ass is grass. 61 OutThere Throwing shade? 62 EndNotes A fresh crop of fall events.
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upfront soundcheck RARE SUPPLY?
Seems like the Outer Banks is “all outta” everything.
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Until this year, “supply chain” wasn’t a regular topic of conversation. But thanks to COVID-19 — what else? — orders on many items are backlogged for weeks, even months. At the same time, demand for everything is through the roof. We’re not talking toilet paper or thermometers — those shortages were last year’s problems. Now we’re seeing limited supplies of important stuff that keeps commerce on the Outer Banks humming and tourists happy.
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Bicycles and t-shirts. Boat engines and kites. Crab cakes and liquor! And while the whole nation struggles to find a solid piece of lumber, we’re worried about getting our next trusty surfboard as every little piece has to come from some place — and none of it seems to arrive when it needs to.
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“It’s just been a difficult time all the way down the supply chain,” says Leigh Ann Britton, a manager at Wave Riding Vehicles. “From blanks to polyurethane foam to resin.”
“There’s just a lot of people buying more surfboards now,” Britton says. “East Coast, West Coast, everywhere is up.”
Who knew that the economy works like the lyrics of the old children’s song Dem Bones: “…The leg bone’s connected to the knee bone. The knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone…”? So, metaphorically, lots of bone connections have been broken, or at least strained, by the pandemic.
It’s not just surfboards. COVID’S boom in outdoor pursuits means Kitty Hawk Kites, the Outer Banks’ largest outdoor recreation retailer, is also working to meet the needs of record numbers of customers looking to buy or rent kayaks, says Luke Baer, COO of recreation.
Add a spike in demand, it takes even longer for the Currituck-based factory to satisfy customers across the country.
Since COVID, he says, supply chain disruptions have impacted availability of nearly every so-called “hard good” outdoor
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recreational item, including stand-up paddle boards, kite boards, and bicycles. Even supplies of the company’s signature product — kites — is less than ideal. “It’s kind of exacerbated right now by an increased demand for the product,” says Baer. Through a combination of seasonal preorders and supplemental orders, as well as tapping numerous vendors, Baer says the company has managed to keep kayaks in stock. But, he adds, premium products from high-end manufacturers such as Hobie
kayaks are backlogged or in short supply, mainly because of the difficulty of getting certain accessory parts. Ditto for other watercraft. According to Allen Brown, sales manager for Manteo Marine, consumers aren’t just buying up new motorboats, there is about a year-long wait for engines. Other marine supplies, however, are delayed for less time — an average of two-to-three months, Brown says. “There’s a lot more interest, and we’re
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According to Britton, the average surfboard will cost you ten percent more. But that’s a fraction of what a wooden board might cost. Jason Koller, manager at Kellogg’s Supply Company in Manteo, says the demand for new builds and remodels led to historically high lumber prices — in some instances three times the usual cost. Although, he notes, as the supply chain normalizes, so are the prices. “It is getting better,” he says. “Slowly.” So, what’s causing all the supply issues? While the virus may be the catalyst, it’s really exposing the downside of a business philosophy that favors lean inventory, dubbed “Just in Time.” According to a July 1 article in The New York Times, roughly 50 years ago, Toyota “pioneered” this manufacturing practice, which delivers parts as needed, rather than stockpiling them. The revolutionary approach has been credited with cutting costs, promoting innovation and customization, and allowing industry to adapt to changing markets. But the numerous and persistent shortages spurred by the pandemic have revealed its vulnerabilities. Once demand spiked, there was no supply on hand — and no way to ramp up production.
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Then there were the impacts of the virus on shipping chains as a whole.
ONCE DEMAND SPIKED, THERE WAS NO SUPPLY ON HAND — AND NO WAY TO RAMP UP PRODUCTION.
“The spread of Covid-19 has sidelined port workers and truck drivers,” the article said, “impeding the unloading and distribution of goods made at factories in Asia and arriving by ship to North America and Europe.”
And it’s not just the virus. This spring saw a Pandora’s box of unrelated troubles, such as storms, power outages, a cargo ship blockade, wildfires, cyber-attacks, and a gas shortage. All of those contributed to the supply chain issues, often creating spin-off crises that leave no industry untouched. Even Taco Bell made headlines for running out of tortillas and hot sauce. And if you think a boring chalupa is a problem for fast food chains, try being an independent Outer Banks eatery that can’t offer signature dishes.
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Whatever the case, the more different items your business needs, the more ways there are for the supply chain to break.
One of the barrier islands’ iconic shellfish, blue crab has been in short supply across the Outer Banks. Again, the cause is a combination of forces, including a collapse in the foreign market, which makes it more profitable for local crabbers to sell elsewhere. Also, there are fewer crabs in the water.
Mike Stokes, owner of Flying Fish Ink, a 27-year-old wholesale screen-printing shop, says that, so far, there’s been an ink shortage and a resin shortage, and now there’s a cotton shortage. Sometimes, the product was gone before the order was completed.
Even if he could get crab, Welch adds, he’d have to charge $24 for a crab cake sandwich just to cover his costs. Furthermore, increased shipping charges add to the bill of just about everything. Chicken has increased about 20 percent, fry oil 100 percent and dairy about 15 percent. When a full container from China increased from $4,000 to $20,000, coupled with a shortage of drivers and cargo crews, even to-go containers and cups started costing more. Meanwhile, Welch can’t even get more than half the hooch he would normally order. “Liquor is really crazy,” he says. “Week to week, we’re just getting what we can.” So is the average consumer. On a recent visit to the ABC store in Nags Head, the shelves were nearly depleted of tequila, with slim pickings of vodka, bourbon and rum. While some reports said the issue was finding glass, a sign in the store blamed shipping issues with Raleigh.
As a result, says sales manager Magan Coats, filling orders for customers is more a matter of timing and luck than planning. “Nowadays, I’m saying, ‘Here’s what I’ve got. You have to order right this second,’” she says. To illustrate how slammed they’ve been, Stokes says that last year, the business was 67 percent down for the second quarter, compared with 2019. But by year’s end, it was only down three percent for the year. “Our influx of visitors is just exacerbating everything,” Stokes says. “Literally every direction I turn, I’m catching a curveball from somewhere — whether it’s supply or demand.” From what Stokes hears, things won’t settle down for another 12-to-18 months. Until then, expect businesses and consumers to keep spinning as they face a perfect storm of supply and demand concerns that — hopefully — are once-in-a-lifetime issues. “I’ve been here since 1987, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Stokes. “It’s just nuts.” — Catherine Kozak
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“This is the first year I haven’t had crab on my menu,” says Richard Welch, co-owner of Tortuga’s Lie in Nags Head.
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“It’s one of the reasons construction companies are having trouble purchasing paints and sealants,” the Times wrote. “It was a principal contributor to the tragic shortages of personal protective equipment early in the pandemic, which left frontline medical workers without adequate gear.”
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CULTURE CLASH soundcheck
Mid-thirties Nags Headers meet the men of the getactive Transient Bureau.
startingpoint roadmap gokite milepost Plugging away on Jockey’s Ridge. Photo: Outer Banks History Center
A national crisis. An influx of new residents. Federal stimulus money. And friction between haves and have-nots. It’s not just a modern scenario. It’s more like repeated history, as told by the March 9, 1934 headline in Elizabeth City’s newspaper, The Independent: “First Unit of 200 Transients On Federal Relief Work About To Move Into Dare County.”
grass to create dunes. They were housed at Parkerson’s Pavilion, a two-story structure in the heart of Nags Head’s well-established colony of summer homes.
Instead of a pandemic, America was in the throes of the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal established many agencies to help struggling folks recover. These programs — often tagged with trendy, initialed identifiers — also gave suffering citizens needing economic assistance a way to earn money, from building infrastructure to staging plays. In this case, the 200 men of the Kitty Hawk Federal Emergency Relief Transient Camp were enlisted to protect the recently constructed Virginia Dare Highway by removing sand — then keep it off by installing sand fencing and planting sea
The article goes on to say that the people moving to Dare would include “school teachers, doctors, lawyers, bankers, engineers, salesmen and others lifted from the ranks of jobless and given work that will enable them to live decently and rehabilitate themselves.” This was mostly true. The bulk of the Bureau’s men were honest, respectable contributors. However, by summer, a few in their ranks were rumored to be ex-convicts, burglars, and a one-time murderer. “Several are under assumed names because of former prison records, or because they are fugitives from justice,” reported The Independent. No matter the makeup, tensions were high. For decades, Nags Headers had spent the
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season in relatively quiet isolation. Back then, wealthy merchants and planters loaded their families, servants, furniture, and even livestock on sloops and steamers to enjoy their own private enclave, where breezes and sea bathing ruled. But all that changed after the Wright Memorial Bridge was completed in 1930 and anyone could drive to the once hard-to-reach locale. The intrusion by Transient Bureau outsiders was met with a resistance that only grew with reports of bad behavior. One unfortunate escapade began when Allen Bell’s new sedan was stolen from Nags Head. Three men from the camp went on a joy ride from Savannah, Georgia to Columbia, South Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina — before Dare County Sheriff D. Victor Meekins apprehended one
suspect and brought the vehicle back. (Two of the three went to prison for their antics.) Sheriff Meekins later issued a tongue-incheek advisory for Nags Headers “to get a good shotgun, and keep it handy, loaded for bear and to use it on provocation.” Meekins, a one-man law enforcement agency, also suggested that if things did not improve, he would “ask (Congressman) Lindsay Warren to see if he can get some policemen from the government for this camp.” An even more troubling incident occurred when the drunken driver of a government truck collided with Frank Dawson’s car driven by a Black chauffeur. One of the men from the transient camp, “organized a mob and immediately sought to attack” the chauffeur. Fortunately, the driver took refuge in Mattie
Midgett’s Store (known now as The Beachcomber Museum) until he could make it safely home.
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A FEW WERE RUMORED TO BE EXCONVICTS, BURGLARS, AND A ONE-TIME MURDERER.
Luckily, community relations improved after Camp Kitty Hawk moved and merged with Camp Weaver at the site of presentday Jennette’s Pier. And negative headlines began to give way to more glowing reports.
Edith Russell, a director in town for the 350th anniversary of the landing of Amadas and Barlowe, lauded the help she received
in a staging of the Pageant of Roanoke. “We found these men courteous and obliging and very faithful to the obligation they had assumed.” (A Mr. Mitchell received extra accolades for his help with the makeup of the pageanteers.) Another account printed in The Independent praised the contributions and talents of the men of the Transient Bureau. “I can honestly say I have never discovered a more decent group,” wrote Skipper Bell (no kin to Allen Bell), who hired the men to help reconstruct Fort Raleigh, “Or one more free of drinking, fighting or indecent language.” Which is more than we can say of many visitors — and even residents — today. — Sarah Downing
Sources: “Bootleggers Must Lay Off Uncle Sam’s Transients,” The Independent, May 1, 1934;“Cutting Up at Kitty Hawk FERA Transient Camp is getting on Nags Head Nerves,” The Independent, Aug. 17, 1934; “Nags Head Protests Against FERA Transient Units Said Based on Misapprehension,” The Independent, April 13, 1934; North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration, J. S. Kirk, Walter A. Cutter, and Thomas W. Morse. Emergency Relief in North Carolina: A Record of the Development and the Activities of the North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration, 1932-1935. [Chapel Hill, N.C.]: Academic Affairs Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2003. <http:// docsouth.unc.edu/nc/emergencyrelief/menu.html>. Accessed May 2,.2021
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upfront soundcheck getactive startingpoint roadmap gokite A cheering, jeering look at recent events and their potential milepost impacts.
BOX LUNCH Can it, GrubHub. The coolest new food delivery option is Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church’s Little Free Pantry. This small wooden box in front of the church stays stocked with non-perishable items for food-insecure families — plus a small selection of baby care and hygiene supplies. Needy residents and visitors are welcome to pop in for a meal at no charge — and no questions asked. There’s also a menu of suggested donations inside, for anyone who wants to offer free refills. HATE THE WAY YOU WOBBLE Lovers of full moons will be a little less enamored in coming years. A recent study by NASA and the U. of Hawaii predicts coastal areas will see more flooding in the 2030s, as sea level rise and a “wobble” in
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the moon’s orbit combine forces to cause record high tides. At worst, some nearshore communities around the planet will be displaced. At best, soundside residents will need to move their cars to higher ground a lot more often.
of labor. Now it’s all easy sailing for fans of ships as the 10,000 square-foot facility features a flotilla of restored boats and family friendly programs. (And you don’t have to fill it with gas or scrape off the barnacles.)
SILVER STREAK While the rest of America obsessed over who’s the world’s fastest freestyler this summer, one Nags Head Ocean Rescue Lifeguard received some well-earned bling for a performance of real swimming heroism two years ago. In July, the US Coast Guard awarded Austin Fallon their prestigious Silver Lifesaving Medal for pulling a man from a powerful rip in 2019; proof that life’s most precious moments don’t require “getting the gold.”
DUKES OF DARE? Are Bo and Luke on the loose? Rascoe P. Coltrane asleep at the wheel? Whatever the reason, we saw a crazy amount of highway shenanigans this summer. In June, two men led cops on a high-speed pursuit from Nags Head to the Lost Colony parking lot. In July, a woman fleeing Currituck police on 158 crashed into an awaiting trooper’s vehicle, while another road rager got popped after flashing his piece at passing drivers. And last we checked, Kitty Hawk’s po-po were still hunting for whoever rooted up the Southern Shores Marketplace drain field — in a stolen pickup, no less. What’s next: jumping the jug handle bridge in the General Lee?
HISTORY, AHOY! It took a lot of the old “heave, ho!” but Corolla’s Currituck Maritime Museum opened its doors in July after 18 months
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A TALE OF TWO FISHERIES Was 2020 the best of times? Or worst of times? Depends on which species of angler you ask. According to the Department of Marine Fisheries, commercial watermen sold 43 million pounds of seafood in 2020 — a 19% drop from 2019 and a roughly 23% decrease from the five-year average. (Largely due to a reduction in restaurant demand.) Meanwhile, recreational fishermen caught close to 25 million pounds of finfish alone — up 4.6% from 2019 and about 4% more than the 5-year-average. Whether it’s more lines in the water or fewer sales on land, we’re sure all longtime local fishermen would welcome a return to heavier nets — and less crowded honey holes. BREAK-IN NEWS! “This just in… Your iPhone’s been stolen.” Or your wallet. Or — God forbid — your handgun. Dare County sheriffs reported
an increase in vehicle break-ins this season. Most were folks who left their cars unlocked overnight, but a few bandits were hitting beach accesses in broad daylight — waiting for surfers to stash their keys, then pilfering goods after they paddled out — making for a bumper crop in small-time crime. TROPICAL TIDBITS Could the “zoomies” replace the “cone of uncertainty”? In Aug., researchers at Colorado State University — the granddaddies of longterm tropical forecasts — released a new idea for tracking storms. With the impacts of systems often moving beyond the predicted eye path’s defined borders, they proposed using colored pixels they call “zoomies.” Each little green, blue, or red dot reflects a range of hazards — rainfall, wind, storm surge, etc. — letting folks gauge the potential threats to a wider degree.
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THIS BLOWS? In Aug., the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) began conducting an environmental review of the Kitty Hawk Wind Project — the first stage of an effort to develop enough energy off NC to power 2.3 million homes and keep some carbon out of the atmosphere. Sounds like a win-win for our coastal community, but you wouldn’t know it from the range of ill-informed local responses. “Don’t ruin our view!” (They’re 27 miles offshore.) “All the power goes to Virginia!” (All our power comes from Virginia.) If only fear, ignorance and fossil fuel propaganda were energy resources — we could power the entire planet.
For detailed reports on these stories and breaking local news on a daily basis — plus plenty of local discussion — visit www.outerbanksvoice.com, www. islandfreepress.org, www.obxtoday.com, and www.thecoastlandtimes.com.
SMART-ASS COMMENT OF THE MONTH “If the windmills take all the wind for electricity, how are we going to enjoy things like kiteboarding and hang gliding ?” — Dirk Kouglas,
“Kitty Hawk Wind Farm takes step forward,” Aug. 1, 2021, OuterBanksVoice.com.
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WHADDYA RECKON?
getactive We got questions — you got answers.
“What’s the nuttiest thing you saw this roadmap gokite season?” startingpoint
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Finn Steward, 23 Recovering Actor Manteo “I play ‘Old Tom’ in The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. We had two kids with a car full of drugs pull into our parking lot, with the police chasing them. They took off into the woods, and the cops had helicopters searching the island, looking for them all night.”
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Gary Cameron, 60ish Wine Wizard Manteo “Being in Downtown Manteo, we have people drive the wrong way down our one-way streets all the time. But we had one group of kids turn on our street and park nose-to-nose with my truck. They took off before I could tell them to flip it around. A few minutes later, here comes the sheriff with his ticket book out.”
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Cotton Gin in TimBuck II, Corolla Cotton Gin in Duck 789 Sunset Blvd., Corolla, NC 1185 Duck Rd., Duck, NC 252-453-4446 252-261-2387 milepost 12
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Eric Mennicucci, 15 Marine Machine Kill Devil Hills “I’ve absolutely seen people standing on the roof of their cars while driving down the street in my neighborhood.”
Kourtney Kowalski, 21 Ice Cream Queen Kitty Hawk “Pretty regularly we have someone drive off-road onto the grass and over the septic field, because they think there’s a Drive Thru tucked behind our store. There’s not.”
Kurt Carter, 18 Capt. Clerk Southern Shores “Coming back from a concert at Festival Park, I saw a group of tourists badgering people about if they had any beer for sale since the bars weren’t open. They ended up paying $40 for a 6-pack of leftovers out of some guy’s cooler.”
Malissa Creamer, 33 Life Saver Camden “We had a guy drive to the restaurant from the hotel across the street, park on the sidewalk, then come in and try to pay for his order. He leaned on our host stand and knocked it, the register, and the tip jar over — shattering glass everywhere — then landed on top of me, trapping me under him. When he left, I made him walk back to the hotel because there was no way I was going to let him get in his car again.”
Taryn Breathwaite, 22 Retail Regent Kill Devil Hills “Take your pick of two. One: I saw a whole family — two parents and five kids — just blast across the bypass on bikes, straight into traffic, in the middle of the day, assuming cars were going to stop. Two: I had a woman come through the door, run straight up to me, and say, ‘I have to settle this argument once and for all: are there sharks in the water here or not!?’”
RGE, A L A R EXT CR A Z Y ! SUPER N EDITIO R E M M SU
Interviews and images by Tony Leone
Jimmy Cerza, 45 Mattress Man Kill Devil Hills “A fraternity from Maryland rented a beach house, emptied the upstairs fridge, and stuffed a keg inside. Then they put plastic down the steps to create a beer slide. Four inches of beer ends up filling the whole downstairs. It destroyed all the carpet and wrecked the floor underneath. They also snapped the 12-person, solid-wood dining table in half, knocked down the fence, and turned the entire pool green — which had to be drained and refilled. All told they did $50k in damage.”
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Visit Duck’s favorite spot for shopping, dining, yoga…
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MADE YOU LOOK
Feelin’ tipsy? Photo: Flip Ferguson
Name this Unidentified Furry Object and win five months of fitness at Outer Banks Sports Club.
You might catch this issue’s puzzler peering over your fence — or sunbathing with friends in someone’s backyard. Isn’t necessarily creepy, but definitely a big stalker. Hates the shade but hangs out with seedy types. Veg-out until you come up with a healthy guess, then send your answer, name and contact info to editor@outerbanksmilepost. com by October 11. We’ll chew on all the correct ones and spit out a winner, who will receive five transferrable one-month passes to Outer Banks Sports Club, to keep for themselves or share with up to four friends. Stay tuned to next issue to see who wins. (PS: congratulations to Stephen Davis for correctly naming last mag’s mystery locale: Avalon Pier.)
What in the hairy heck is this thing? Photo: Stan LeSteele milepost 15
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Odd year elections are oddest of all. No presidential rallies riling the base. Not even a Senate battle to get out the vote. Locally, they’re even more low-key. Only the six municipalities run races, meaning those living in unincorporated Dare County don’t cast a ballot. (Sorry, Colington, Mainland Dare, and Hatteras Island.)
“Vote! Hear?!” Photo: Chad Marker
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NOT SO SUPER TUESDAY?
milepostNov. 2’s elections may not be dramatic —
but they still makes a difference.
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Still, while this fall’s campaigns won’t make major headlines, their impact on daily life looms even larger, as just a single commissioner can determine whether your town’s oceanfront skyline gets bigger (KDH) or your beachfront — and tax bill — grows wider (Southern Shores). Furthermore, municipal elections traditionally see onethird the turnout of national races, which means every vote weighs more. In other words: do not sit this fall out. Instead, read on to see how your town government works — and who’s looking to run the show — then turn out Nov. 2 to put the right butt in the right seat.
TOWN OF DUCK While other towns split-up their boards so that not everyone runs during one cycle, Duck chooses to elect their entire board every two years. Voters cast their ballots for five of those running, and the top five vote-getters are sworn in. The Town of Duck board then chooses a mayor after the election. The current mayor, Don Kingston, has filed to run again for a council seat. Incumbents Monica Thibodeau, Sandy Whitman, and Rob Mooney also filed to run. (Nancy Caviness did not.) The other names on the ballot are James Bartlett, Joseph Blakaitis, Anthony Schiano, and Ben Vorndran, so there will be eight names on the ballot. SOUTHERN SHORES Southern Shores has two open seats — mayor and one council member. Mayor Tom Bennett and councilmember Jim Conners have decided not to run again, thus leaving both seats open. Until the last
few hours of the candidate filing period, no one filed to fill Conners’ seat. But in a sudden flurry of activity, three signed up to run: John Carter, Paula Sherlock, and Ann Sjoerdsma. The mayor’s position is chosen by voters and is separate from the council seats. Southern Shores voters can pick one of the two running for mayor and one of the three to fill the single council seat. Running for mayor are Elizabeth Morey and Rod McCaughey. If Morey wins the seat, she will vacate the council seat she currently occupies. If that occurs, the board would decide her replacement. If she loses the race for mayor, she will remain on the board to serve out the remaining two years of her council seat. KITTY HAWK Kitty Hawk town board has staggered terms for its members. Mayor Gary Perry is not seeking to retain the mayor’s seat. Council member Craig Garriss is seeking the mayor’s
We could all use a little
position and is unopposed.
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Garriss’ council seat is up for grabs, as is councilmember Jeff Pruitt’s. Seeking those spots are Pruitt, Charles Jones, Nick Antonis, and Charlotte Walker.
TOWN RACES NORMALLY SEE ONETHIRD THE TURNOUT.
Voters can cast one vote for mayor and two for council seats. KILL DEVIL HILLS Kill Devil Hills has three openings on the November ballot. One for mayor and two for councilmembers. Mayor Ben Sproul and councilmembers Terry Gray and John Windley are each running unopposed. Voters can cast their votes for all three on their ballots. But because there is room for
NAGS HEAD Mayor Ben Cahoon is running unopposed in his bid to keep his seat. Incumbent board members Webb Fuller and Mike Siers are running in attempts to maintain their seats and are being challenged by Bob Sanders. Voters can cast one vote for mayor and two for the council seats. MANTEO Manteo Mayor Bobby Owens is running unopposed to maintain his seat. Incumbent councilmembers Christine Walker and Eddie Mann have filed to run in attempts to maintain their seats. Richie Burk did not file to get his name on the ballot. Also running are Sherry Wickstrom and Ruth Jane Stetson.
Voters can cast a single vote for mayor and three votes for councilmembers. GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES! The nonpartisan Dare County League of Women Voters will hold forums in each of the five towns with contested races. (There will be no forum in Kill Devil Hills, where there is no contest for seats.) Forum details, including times and places, haven’t been firmed up as of press time, so watch for notices or check on the Dare County League of Women Voters website. For candidate responses to specific questions, and to check voter registration, go to Vote411.org. The League sends out questions to candidates, and those who choose to participate submit bios, photos and answers to those questions. None of the material is edited and instead is presented in the candidates’ own words. — Sandy Semans Ross
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it. It’s actually really relaxing, and you just feel good to do good.”
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Warren says the work is “allowing us to have beach retention, it’s keeping the ocean at bay, basically, and saving some of the houses.” And Schmitz calls the progress in Kitty Hawk “unbelievable.”
gokite milepost These dunes ain’t gonna stabilize themselves. Photo: Paul Atreides
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Sometimes oceanview dining is the picture of paradise. Sometimes it’s a potential catastrophe. Just ask Donny King.
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In 2012, prior to pummeling New Jersey, Superstorm Sandy pushed six- to nine-inches of water across NC 12 and onto the floor of his Kitty Hawk restaurant, Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel’s Category 3 waves didn’t just wash over the street — they crashed into his windows.
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“It definitely wreaked havoc on the restaurant,” says King. “We had 10-foot waves hitting the building.” Concerned patrons sometimes suggested he put his restaurant up on stilts. But, as King notes, “the community would [still] be drowning around me.”
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Seeing how small dunes kept breaking waves away from beach road businesses during Sandy prompted King to dig for solutions. He attended dune preservation classes and created Better Beaches OBX, an organization that increases resiliency in ways that are as grassroots as they come — literally using vegetation to build and stabilize sand dunes. “I started with my cousin and a few of our employees back in 2013, both planting beach grass and putting Christmas trees out to catch sand,” he says. “People donated them to the restaurant. We’ve done it every year since.” Today, Better Beaches OBX has a Facebook page boasting more than 4,000 followers, about 50 consistent volunteers, and an email list of 200 potential participants. Together, they’ve put thousands of holiday evergreens on local
GRASSROOTS EFFORT
Better Beaches OBX uses vegetation to protect coastal infrastructure.
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beaches — and stuck more than a quarter-million sprigs into the sand this year alone. “We’ve had Boy Scout groups to retirees like me,” says 67-year-old board member, Len Schmitz. “And everywhere in-between.”
TOGETHER, THEY STUCK MORE THAN A QUARTERMILLION SPRIGS INTO THE SAND.
It’s mostly a patchwork approach. While the Outer Banks has seen several beach nourishment projects in recent years, the last comprehensive dune building effort was back in the 1930s. As a result, each town takes a different tack to stabilizing sand. Kill Devil Hills hires contractors to plant dune grass; the Town of Duck utilizes both contractors and volunteers. Better Beaches OBX concentrates on fixing the gaps by plugging one hole at a time between Kitty Hawk and South Nags Head.
“It’s easy work,” says Schmitz. “We usually have teams of two, where one person digs a hole and the second person puts the sprig in the ground and covers it.” It’s also enjoyable. “Once I did my first planting, I was hooked,” says volunteer Tamara Warren, who also chairs The Surfrider Foundation’s Outer Banks Chapter. “Since then, I’ve brought my family, I’ve brought my friends to these plantings, and they love
Several storms since 2017’s beach nourishment and subsequent plantings would have had major flooding potential. Instead, King says, “we had maybe a couple puddles in the road.” This year, trees they staked and tied down in January were already covered up with sand by June. And tall sand fences are barely visible beneath the dunes. But there’s still work to do. “FEMA recommends sand dunes be 100 feet wide in order to handle an active storm season and to rebuild,” King says. “In Kitty Hawk, I’d say we’re about halfway there. We never thought we’d get as far as we have though, especially with only one nourishment project.” A combination of town funding and money donated from organization members and fundraisers purchases the sprigs for planting. From there, grass planting parties take place between November and early March on the dunes’ eastern sides. Sea oats plantings on their western sides run from late April to May. Of course, then comes summer, when thousands of visitors cross the beach, some less carefully than others. While signs encourage folks to stay off the dunes — particularly freshly planted areas — people may not see them or, perhaps, ignore them. But that’s when any concerned citizen can do their part. “Don’t be afraid to [say] please get off of the dunes,” Warren says. “Because they are protecting our homes and protecting our environment.” Even better, they can join the cause. Anyone can participate — residents or visitors. Sometimes curious passersby also get to work. “People will walk up and ask you what you’re doing, homeowners will come out and thank you, and they’ll want to volunteer and be a part of it,” Warren says. “It’s all about having that good experience and being able to give back to the community and educate them about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.” — Corinne Saunders
Want to help plant some dune grass this offseason? Find Better Beaches OBX on Facebook, or email bbobxfriends@gmail.com. milepost 21
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What’s the status of legalized cannabis in North Carolina? And will we ever go fully green? We asked NORML to milepost answer our most burning questions. MILEPOST: So how many states have legal weed right now? CARLY WOLF: Seventeen or 18. Eighteen is kind of in flux with South Dakota being legally challenged. That’s fully legal, adult use, regulated access. Thirty-seven states allow for some form of medicinal use.
in November 2020, it wasn’t really official until lawmakers passed legislation to legalize earlier this year.
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If you’d told me 20 years ago that more than a third of the country was totally legalized, I’d never believe it. What would you say was the tipping point? Probably the 2020 election. I know that sounds recent, but in the past year we’ve almost doubled the amount of states that have been legalized. In 2020, out of the ballot initiatives that appeared in front of voters regarding marijuana reform, every single one passed overwhelmingly. And at this point in 2021, there’s already been four states to legalize it through their legislature: New Jersey, Virginia, New Mexico, and New York. I count New Jersey because, even though they legalized via ballot measure
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That’s a pretty diverse group. What’s changed that’s allowed less left-leaning states to come around? I think public support has definitely increased in the past few years. With all these ballot measures we see pop up and pass overwhelmingly, that just goes to show that, especially in the redder states, when lawmakers don’t take up the issue, the citizens of that state will take it into their own hands. What exactly does a ballot measure entail? Essentially, the residents of a state take it upon themselves to draft an initiative — similar to how a resolution is drafted — and it would be either accepted or rejected by, typically, the secretary of state. Once [it’s accepted] they have to collect enough
You can buy a waterpipe — just don’t get high with it. Sell CBD at a corner store — but can’t grow hemp on an unlicensed farm. Get caught smoking a joint without going to jail — but you’ll still have to cough up a hefty fine.
CLAM BAKES
No wonder people are confused about the state of cannabis laws in NC. One place that’s not confused anymore? Virginia. As of July 1, anyone 21 and over can possess less than an ounce, and every household can raise up to four plants. Meanwhile, in March, even more notoriously conservative South Carolina came close to approving medical cannabis for serious illnesses, such as cancer, epilepsy and PTSD.
FULLY LEGAL
MEDICINAL ONLY
BASICALLY ILLEGAL
“The Compassionate Care Act passed the house,” says Carly Wolf, State Policies Manager for The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the legalization movement’s leading voice for the past 50 years. “The Senate never got to it before the end of the session, but it’s my understanding they’ll be taking it up again in early 2022. So hopefully there’s more support to get it over the finish line.”
SANDWICHES
With our two closest neighbors blazing ahead of us on the cannabis issue, many Outer Bankers are wondering: Is NC next? The answer: Don’t start sparking it up just yet. “North Carolina has a lot of potential,” says Wolf. “Bills get introduced every year — which is super important. But they still aren’t moving forward much. So, I think your state has a little while to go.”
One of these states is not like the others. Of the Outer Banks’ top 15 tourism “feeder markets,” only North Carolina has virtually no place for medicinal or recreational cannabis.
signatures based on the population of that state. And assuming they meet all the requirements, then it would qualify for the ballot [for citizens to vote on]. But New Jersey was actually unique, because they don’t have a citizen-initiated ballot process. But they are able to legislatively refer ballot measures. So, the lawmakers passed a piece of legislation that directed the marijuana question to appear on the ballot. I don’t know how many other states do it the way New Jersey does, but there are a couple more. North Carolina is actually in the same situation. So, we’re out of luck in terms of gathering signatures. But I guess, theoretically, voters can pressure legislators to put a measure on the ballot? And they may be more politically inclined to let the people vote than having to cast a “yes” or “no” vote themselves? That’s the idea. And the hope is that
We asked Ms. Wolf exactly where we stand compared to the rest of the country. And how we can avoid ending up as what she calls “an island of prohibition.” — Matt Walker lawmakers have the desire to represent the will of their own constituents. Because there’s no better way to do that than putting it to a vote by the people.
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“STATES WITH LEGAL ACCESS TO MARIJUANA HAVE SEEN DECLINES IN OPIOID USE.”
So, can you tell me more about what the state of cannabis legality is in North Carolina right now? Sure. So, North Carolina has a very limited, low-THC medical program. Right now, if a person has intractable epilepsy (a condition when persons cannot control their seizures by medicine), that’s the only condition that allows for the possession of low-THC medical cannabis oil products. So,
any product that has less then 9/10ths of 1 percent of THC and at least 5 percent CBD. And for folks who might not be familiar with CBD, that’s the non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant — you won’t get high from it. But hemp and CBD are legal, correct? Or is that a gray area? Hemp is legal federally. But in order to produce it, you have to be licensed by the state. CBD is a little bit more of a gray area, because CBD wasn’t specifically included in the 2018 farm bill that legalized hemp. So, a lot of those CBD brands are not subject to state or federal regulations. In fact, we’ve seen a bunch of reports that some of these CBD products that are available in gas stations or grocery stores are not always accurately labeled. So, for that reason, I would personally recommend people purchase CBD products from licensed dispensaries.
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Sounds something like the concerns about fentanyl in opioids and other drugs — you don’t really know what you’re getting. Has the opioid epidemic swayed the debate at all? First, I’ll just say that marijuana is objectively safer than many of the prescription medications, including opioids, that are out there. And there’s a ton of data that shows that, in states that have legal access to marijuana, we’ve seen declines in opioid prescriptions, overdose deaths, hospitalizations — just a general decline in opioid usage. So, I’d say that’s definitely a compelling argument for legal marijuana.
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Another concern that’s brought up by the opposition is that they don’t want it to get into the hands of kids. But that’s actually another great argument for regulating, because there’s been tons of studies and research that shows it’s harder to get it once it becomes legal. So, regulation — bringing cannabis behind counters, checking IDs — is a logical policy change for that reason, too.
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How have the states with long-standing recreational programs fared? What have we seen? It stands to reason that if legalization was going poorly, we’d know and there would be less momentum. I agree that the momentum would not be as strong as it is today if these laws were not working. And surely we’d be seeing efforts to repeal these laws, which hasn’t happened to my knowledge. So, I think those laws have largely been working as voters and lawmakers intended. We haven’t seen a significant increase in youth use. We haven’t seen any increased workplace issues. We haven’t seen increased traffic fatalities, or compromises in public safety. And they’re bringing in millions of dollars in revenue.
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opinion — at least locally. I would assume so. And if North Carolina is literally an island of prohibition, the state and localities will lose out on that revenue.
IT’S LIKE, WE’VE “JUST SAID NO” FOR SO LONG THAT WE CAN’T “JUST SAY YES.”
How much do precedent and proximity make a difference in laws getting passed? We’re literally 45 minutes away from Virginia. When you’re surrounded by states where it’s legal, do legislatures finally just relent? I think that’s why there’s been so much momentum in the Northeast where states somewhat border each other. People realize that it’s not that nobody’s using marijuana in that state, they’re just going elsewhere to obtain it. What about weed tourism. In the past, people would go to Amsterdam to burn. Is that another revenue stream? Do you have any of those numbers? I don’t have specific stats, but I will say Nevada just passed legislation to regulate “cannabis consumption lounges.” And there are other states that regulate those social use venues. So once those become more normalized, I think that will contribute to a huge boom in cannabis tourism.
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Are economics a big part of the argument? It seems like for NC, a tobacco state, it would be a slam dunk. That’s definitely part of it. Especially in more conservative states, and especially as we’re coming out of the COVID pandemic and a lot of states are suffering with revenue.
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So, on the Outer Banks, the big money comes from tourism. And 80 percent of our visitors come from states with some sort of legalization. That has to sway milepost 24
But first, we’d need to legalize. So, are there any active bills in North Carolina? Yes. In North Carolina this year there are definitely medical marijuana and decriminalization bills pending. And the medical marijuana bill (SB 711) is bipartisan — which is super important, because in a Republican controlled legislature, it’s very difficult to get a bill through that doesn’t have at least some Republican support. So, this year the chances are better than ever for medical marijuana, or maybe decriminalization, but I think legalization is probably a few years off. But last year, the governor convened a racial equity taskforce, and they actually recommended that the state decriminalize marijuana, which is notable as well.
madness mentality that was started decades ago is still prominent today. And it’s all due to a lack of education. That’s the overarching issue. It’s like, we’ve “just said no” for so long that we can’t “just say yes.” Will it have to be legalized in every state before the fed finally relents? Really good question. I hope the momentum at the state level will continue to put pressure on the federal government to act. And as more states legalize, that should create some additional allies in congress from newly legal states. So, I think it’s possible for federal legalization to come sooner rather than later, but it’s hard to say which will come first.
Truth is, California’s cannabis industry has been putting green in Outer Bankers’ pockets for years, as locals travel west to work the harvest. Here, an anonymous picker takes a break to read his sub.
That’s a start. What are the incarceration levels right now? How many of these drug offenses are just small weed offenses? I don’t know by state, but nationally there are more than 600,000 marijuana arrests a year. And obviously there are huge racial disparities. I believe [statistics show that] Black people are almost four times as likely to be arrested than white people. And I know in North Carolina that jail time is removed from low-level possession, but there is still a $200 fine. Poorer people are being arrested at a disproportionate rate, and chances are they can’t afford that fine. So, what happens next? They’re arrested for not paying the fine, and that could escalate significantly. Which is why we always advocate for nominal to low fines for decriminalization polices. It just feels like we’re in this bizarro world where everyone burns, has burned, or knows someone who burns — and yet… I know. That dichotomy is so crazy. You have prominent politicians coming out and saying that they tried it — then you have people in other states sitting in jail for smoking a joint. And that only leads to more confusion. Like, in DC, they’re offering “joints for
jabs” to promote vaccinations — but it’s still federally illegal. But didn’t the U.S. House of Reps pass a bill that allowed for the regulation of marijuana — and it failed in the Senate? Yes. Last Congress, the MORE Act — which would de-schedule marijuana from the federal controlled substances act — passed the House of Representatives. Once it arrived in the Senate, it did not receive any more consideration. I don’t expect it to unless Democratic control gets wider. But even President Biden doesn’t want to fully legalize, though his party does. What’s the deal? Is it just personal opinion? To be honest, when you look at stats, the problem is mostly with older people. [Ed note: An April PEW research poll showed that “only 32% of Americans 75 and older supported adult-use cannabis reform; a majority of every other age cohort under 75 support legalization.”] And when I listen to hearings and floor debates, I hear older state legislators spreading all this “reefer madness” — marijuana is a gateway drug; it’s gonna hurt our children; all these people will drive high and cause traffic accidents — which is just not true. The perpetuation of the reefer
Well, North Carolina was the last state to ratify the 21st amendment. You still can’t buy liquor here on Sunday. Do you think we’ll be the last to end this prohibition, too? And what can we do to make sure we’re not? I hope that every state would move forward, especially if the federal government ends prohibition. But it’s super important for people to keep up the pressure and not let lawmakers choose not to act on these issues. So, contact them and let them know you support those legalization and decriminalization bills. Because when people share their personal stories, it helps lawmakers put an issue to a face and see how it affects people in their daily lives. How important is it for the average citizen to just be honest about their use and experiences? I think any awareness is helpful. Meaningful conversations, whether it’s between two family members at a dinner table or a constituent and a lawmaker, it all helps. Those stereotypes about “stoners” are still in people’s minds, so it’s important to show that “stoners” aren’t just lazy people who get nothing done. That people who consume marijuana can also be good parents, can run successful businesses — it can literally be anybody.
Ed note: The preceding interview was edited for length, clarity and flow. To read a complete transcript, please visit www.outerbanksmilepost.com.
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IT’S REALLY JUST A STICK. Literally a long, skinny branch pulled off a tree and snapped in three places. But put this simplest piece of wood in the hands of Gabe Maready, the Farm Steward at Island Farm, and it becomes a most effective tool. Walking a field of freshly tilled soil — some Hayman sweet potato clippings lined up on each row — he presses the forked end down upon each one-foot sprig, so it stands straight up in the soil, vertically. He repeats the process for the next one, then another… and another… barely stooping or stopping once. In five minutes — voila! — he’s completed a whole section. In less than an hour he’s finished the field, using nothing but 19th century ingenuity and a commitment to historical re-enactment that goes well beyond the traditional “dress-up and talk old-timey.” “At other places the interpreters do their thing and will answer questions,” Maready says. “Here, we want people to engage with all of it. And we will put you to work.” Maready leads Island Farm’s entire agricultural operations. The Columbia, NC native grew up with a green thumb. He spent several years in Florida growing produce for regional markets, before moving, in 2020, to the Outer Banks, where he began volunteering at Island Farm — the Outer Banks’ only historic site dedicated to recreating rustic life on Roanoke Island circa 1847. Last winter, Island Farm asked Maready to head the farming practices, which requires learning about the most common vegetables from two centuries ago —including Irish potatoes, corn, field peas, pumpkins and melons — plus one spud that’s particularly special to the Outer Banks’ past. “One avenue we’re traveling more as a living history site is, what did they grow?” says Ladd Bayliss, the Executive Director of Outer Banks Conservationists, the group that manages Island Farm. “And because it’s always been underappreciated and little known, we’ve focused on the Hayman sweet potato.”
Just walking the grounds feels like traveling back through time. A thicket of live oak trees, scuppernong grape vines, fig and yaupon trees surrounds the grounds. Inside, you’ll find a corral of braying sheep, gardens of herbs, and vegetables behind fenced-in enclosures — true to the original design that kept out the freeranging livestock. On the outskirts, more seasonal vegetables and Roxie, the heifer cow, grazing in her pasture. At the heart of the site lies a restored farmhouse, where the original owners, the Etheridge family, once lived, surrounded by various buildings essential to the 100acre farm’s daily operations: the toolshed, chicken coop, cookhouse, smokehouse and slaves’ cabin (a stark reminder that not everyone on this island was always free). And, of course, the blacksmith shop, where they make all the necessary tools. “We aren’t outsourcing any of the work,” Bayliss says. “We do it all ourselves, aside from major repairs.”
These very fields provide all plants and staples that
At any facet of the farm, ask an interpreter what they’re doing, and you’ll likely find yourself banging out a nail in the forge or churning butter in the cookhouse. And you can be sure it’s done to spec. “The research never really stops,” Bayliss says. “We’re very strict about primary resources. Everything we talk about at the farm has been researched by a professional or someone on our staff.”
But Island Farm’s not just designed to accurately preserve history. It’s also geared to actively engage with present-day people. These very fields provide all plants, seasonings and pantry staples that interpreters prepare. Plus, the “what they grew” approach opens educational opportunities for special programs that celebrate the planting and harvest of each crop: Sweet Potato Planting Day! Turn the Irish Potato into Kettle Chips Day! Make Pumpkin Pie with your Favorite Seasonal Gourd Day!
interpreters prepare.
The white flesh sweet potato, native to Barbados, was brought to the States in the 1850s by Master Captain Daniel Hayman of Kitty Hawk. It arrived on U.S. soil via Port Hatteras, where it soon became a staple crop on the Outer Banks and throughout the Eastern Shore. Today, it has an almost-cult following throughout coastal Maryland and Virginia. But, while it’s not as bountiful in these parts, “You can usually find a guy who knows someone who has them,” Maready explains. But just researching and sourcing such “heritage species,” would be too easy. From there, Island Farm uses only 1800s methods to grow all their crops. That means relying on old school gardening tools to plant and harvest, and doing all the actual work in period garb — right down to Maready sweating through long-sleeve shirts and canvas pants in the middle of summer, and using a handmade metal blade to cut the stalks. “I forged this last month in our blacksmith shop,” he says, before sticking it into a fence post. “I still need to add the handle.” Guaranteed that when he does, it’ll be from a piece of wood pulled right onsite. Maready turns last season’s spuds into this fall’s experiences. Photo: Ryan Moser
And, man, do they do it. In a county filled with historic attractions, Island Farm is one of the purest visits to our collective past.
“We are creating a space for people to interact with their history in a hands-on way,” Bayliss says. “And the best way to be it is to do it.”
Furthermore, growing crops in representative quantities allows the site to share the wealth via Wanchese’s Secotan Market in summer, and offer pop-up Veggie Drops in the offseason. (An online store shows availability of seasonal produce for people to order and pick up.) So, is the farm meant for children or adults? Locals or visitors? “That’s a good question,” Bayliss says. “There’s such a diversity of things happening at the farm and we’re working to make it accessible to people at any level. History lets you go so many directions based on your interests.” That can mean getting lost in an old story. Or getting involved in a fresh crop (as every spring, summer and early fall allows volunteers and visitors to join the planting and harvesting activities). So, grab a branch — or a sprig — and press into a piece of history. “We want this to be a place for the community to come and hang out on the dayto-day,” Maready says. “It’s not just about hearing what farm life was like at the time. You can get your hands dirty, too.” — Hannah Lee Leidy milepost 29
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Harrison’s light system fuels a full spectrum of greens. Photo: Chris Bickford
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THINK SMALL milepost 30
YOU KNOW WHEN YOU POP OPEN A BOX OF GROCERY STORE LETTUCE? Holding high hopes of a healthy salad — only to recoil in horror at the slimy greens within? That brief moment of disgust got Brett Harrison contemplating big questions about large-scale, centralized farming. Where does our produce come from? How long does it take to get to me? How much nutrition is even left? He started doing some digging online and found that the solution to all these concerns was surprisingly small. “I didn’t even know microgreens existed before,” Harrison admits. “But I learned they are tasty and nutrient dense and can grow quickly in a small space with little waste.” Today, the co-owner of Corolla Adventure Park has a whole second business, feeding hundreds of families healthy greens made from the tiniest of plants. It took him a couple of years to get there, though. First, he toyed with alternative sustainable growing ideas, like hydroponics. Upon discovering microgreens, he and his wife, Becky, started planting arugula, kale, cabbage, sunflower, radish and other seeds in their greenhouse. Rather than let them get to full size, they cut the tops at just a week old, when their primary leaves are the healthiest — and tastiest. “We put them on everything — eggs, salads, pasta, sandwiches, soups, proteins, smoothies,” Harrison says. “They make everything you cook look more exciting and add more flavor and texture. They also provide a high amount of nutrition.”
Harrison Farms’ tiny microgreens pack major power.
Customers are always surprised at how long the microgreens last, but not Harrison. “It’s because people get them within hours or a couple of days of harvest,” he says. “Instead of eating something that was transported across the country.” In the off-season, customers can even order online for Thursday deliveries. This short window from harvest to plate also leads to a healthier product. The moment you cut a plant, nutrients start decaying, so the sooner you eat it, the more nutrition you get. “I feel so great and have so much energy from eating these every day for the past two-and-a-half years,” says Harrison. While not certified organic, it helps that Harrison Farms follows organic standards — including using all organic potting soil. But only once. After each harvest, they dump the soil in the Harrisons’ vegetable gardens and flower beds, then fully sanitize the trays for reuse.
They cut the tops at just a week old,
when primary leaves are the healthiest.
“I feel protective of each little leaf that leaves here,” he says. “I don’t want people to be disappointed. Maintaining quality is of utmost importance.” That includes constantly fine-tuning his methods. Luckily, Harrison enjoys experimenting with the processes to ensure the best product, the most yield and the most efficient and sustainable practices of growing and distribution. “I have a little background with building systems, like aquaculture systems and other things for work,” Harrison says. “I just like building things. It’s a tragic flaw. I like to create more than I have time to manage.”
Word spread and Harrison began selling boxes of his microgreens to people he knew. Then those he’d never met before. Within a year, he was converting the storage room under his house into a climate-controlled facility with LED lights, shelves, fans, and dehumidifiers — his own little cosmos of chlorophyl. A yearand-a-half later, this 12-by-16-foot space can satisfy 100 orders per week.
Last summer, he asked Sam Sullivan to help streamline operations. The Adventure Park employee/college student needed to do an internship in process engineering. Together, they worked on making everything more efficient.
“It turns everything on its head,” he says. “Feeding people is normally so complicated with a lot of logistics, but this is fairly simple.”
“We looked at seed density, temperature, and every cost,” says Harrison. “We studied every single thing to see if it made sense.”
The microgreens start in trays, which are stacked on shelves in the grow room. When the seeds are planted in the soil, another tray is stacked on top and weighted with something heavy, like a gallon of water, to mimic the compression of soil. As the seeds grow, the collective pressure raises the weighted tray on top, a visual metaphor of their inherent power.
Another key part of Harrison Farms’ business model? Planting a little extra so that they’re able to donate microgreens to the food pantry most weeks.
“They could push up a cinder block,” Harrison says. “It’s the strength of many.”
“Everyone should have the opportunity to eat healthier,” says Harrison, “especially those who are in a place in life where they need that support and positive change.”
It may be a revolutionary operation, but it’s still work. In fact, he hired another green thumb, Elizabeth Bradley, to help out. The plants grow on a seven- to nineday cycle, so they follow the same weekly schedule — plant on Monday and Wednesday and harvest the following Wednesday.
Though it keeps him busy, Harrison says the young business is a labor of love, and he is considering making the leap from a home-based business to a bigger commercial venture. Maybe even partnering with other growers. Always giving small farming some fresh vitality.
They feed some greens through a table-top harvester and cut others by hand. They pack orders in compostable corn-based boxes and refrigerate them before getting them to their customers at Shine On Juicery, Secotan Market, and Dowdy Park Famers Market. Then they start the process of cleaning the trays and replanting for the next week.
“The connection to the community I feel through this is awesome,” he says. “I’m also hoping that I’m part of what I perceive as a movement towards decentralized farming and getting back to small farms versus mega farms. With small farms everywhere, everyone is healthier, happier and more connected to their food and each other.” — Terri Mackleberry milepost 31
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Lewis promotes healthier living, one plot at a time. Photo: Ryan Moser
THE OUTER BANKS CAN FEEL LIKE A LAND OF PLENTY.
OACH Manteo’s Peace Garden Project fights food insecurity by nurturing communities.
There are supermarkets and produce stands. Restaurants on nearly every corner. Not to mention plenty of nearby farmland and abundant fresh seafood. But in truth, Dare County’s food insecurity numbers are close to two percentage points higher than the national average — roughly 4,460 residents, according to the latest Feeding America figures. And while local food banks often overflow with donations, that doesn’t necessarily equate to good health, as most offerings are processed, canned, high in sodium, and overall not the most nutritious. But rather than view food insecurity as just a health concern, Manteo native Michelle Lewis sees it as something stemming from deeper issues. “When you’re looking at low-income communities, you’re looking at communities that don’t usually have adequate access to healthcare,” says Lewis, who is the founder of Manteo’s Peace Garden Project. “So, you’re taking people that are arguably the sickest and giving them the worst stuff, and that is a justice issue. Lack of access to food is a social justice issue — and lack of access to fresh food, especially.” That’s where Lewis’ roots lie. Not only is she both an ordained pastor and a scientist, she was also the first person of color to earn joint master’s degrees from Yale University (environmental science and divinity). She also holds a doctorate from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, among other degrees. Through all of her academic career, however, she never imagined her work including gardening.
Last year, the Peace Garden Project gave out 156,000 pounds of food. Some of it the nonprofit grew; other products, like produce and eggs, were donated from other local growers; and still other products were distributed through the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program. Stephanie McKoy, Peace Garden Project’s program manager, didn’t realize the scope of local food insecurity until she began helping distribute around town. At every distribution, McKoy would witness “the most awe-inspiring but also heartbreaking” sights. Women would come with strollers and several children. They’d take the babies out of the strollers, strap them to their backs, put food boxes in their strollers, and decline any offers for rides home. Garden manager Jillian Pendleton was equally moved. “Food is a basic necessity,” says the 2021 Manteo High School graduate. “I think if you have an easy access to something and you have an abundance of it, then you should be able to provide for people who don’t have instant access.”
Last year, the Peace Garden Project gave out 156,000 pounds of food.
But the program does more than hand out food — it also engages and empowers young people to do more. This summer marked the nonprofit’s second Youth Leadership Institute for ages 12 to 18. Lewis had seen a concerning pattern of local students graduating high school but not always succeeding once they left the “safe and insulated” Outer Banks. “Our hope is that, through the training they get with us, they will be fully functioning young adults and adults,” says Lewis.
But, while living in New Haven, Connecticut, studying the effects of the outdoors on young people from less-advantaged communities, Lewis discovered that kids in one family only ate microwavable food all summer. Their mom didn’t cook because it was too hot, and they didn’t have air conditioning.
Three college interns assist with the program. Besides gardening, students learn to code and build apps with a volunteer who retired from Apple. They also hone their marketing skills with McKoy by helping sell the produce, T-shirts and natural insect repellent at Secotan Market in Wanchese each Saturday. All the money goes back to the program.
“So, we planted some plants; they got to take them home,” Lewis says. “They were really excited that their plants grew, and they had some fresh vegetables.”
“The more we have other revenue streams,” says McKoy, “the more food insecurity we can help relieve.”
Encouraged to do more, Lewis started the Peace Garden Project in 2016 in New Rochelle, New York, to provide people with the freshest, healthiest physical nourishment possible. At the same time, she realized she could educate struggling families about their long — and often troubled — history of farming in America.
This year, the nonprofit started its plants in January in a greenhouse. As of July, gardens held tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, lettuce, peas, peppers, radishes, and beets. Furthermore, five new hydroponic tower gardens inside Waverider’s Deli, Avenue Grille, and the Dare County Children and Youth Partnership boasted lettuce, tomatoes, edible flowers, and herbs. This fall, they’ll have more of a bounty than ever before.
“There was a period of time in this country where if it hadn’t been grown by Black and brown people, people wouldn’t have eaten,” Lewis says, noting that some of her undergraduate friends’ parents were sharecroppers. “When you look at the land history of Black people in this country, the horrors and stories, I think some of what we do with the Peace Garden Project is reframing those stories and reclaiming those stories — reshaping our land history.” In 2020, Lewis brought her project home. Residents and businesses donate space to grow. Community members sign up via the nonprofit’s website or Facebook page to help cultivate food, then show up on any designated volunteer days. When produce is ready, the nonprofit distributes it to families, who may be recommended by community partners (including social workers and church communities) or who self-identify their need.
That means they can always use some extra hands. Anyone can help by visiting the market, volunteering in the garden, or donating funds. (Go to PeaceGardenProject.com for details.) And that means anyone. The project isn’t just for food insecure families or people of color or those from any particular religious background. The project has had volunteers of every faith, race, age, and income level. All working together for a common goal. “We try to maintain space for everybody because that’s how you build real community,” Lewis notes. “Real community isn’t exclusionary.” — Corinne Saunders
milepost 33
Romeo enjoys a chill moment between challenges. Photo: Chris Bickford
HEM AIN’T E milepost 34
HUNTER ROMEO WAS SOAKING WET. Bent in half and borderline broken. Much like the field of small, green plants he stood upon. For a week, the Nags Head native-turned-Creswell-farmer had stuck 3700 seedlings into parched Carolina soil — digging holes in the 100-degree heat, watering each one by hand — only to have Hurricane Isaias rain down destruction three days later. As Romeo surveyed the aftermath in a pool of sweat, he wasn’t sure he could go on. “I was literally out here in tears,” he recalls a year later. “But, luckily, we’d evacuated all the greenhouse plants. And we were blocked from wind on the back field, so we were able to salvage some. In the end, we ended up with a really good harvest.” A harvest of three-hundred-fifty-plus pounds of high-grade cannabis, to be exact. Not bad for a self-professed surf bum. But don’t start salivating yet, Spicoli. This job ain’t for slackers. (Romeo spends more time tilling soil than chasing tubes.) Besides, you’d be disappointed in the final product — while the bags of big, fluffy buds may look super stony, they actually contain virtually no THC.
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“This stuff doesn’t even get you high,” he laughs. “But it will make you feel better.” The mystery ingredient? Cannabidiol — aka CBD. It’s the non-psychoactive element of marijuana, proven to dull pain and soothe nerves. Chances are you’ve tried it already. Maybe you rubbed a salve on sore shoulders. Possibly dropped a tincture of oil on your tongue to help you sleep — or several drops to stop serious suffering. “Out in California, I saw people use it after surgery instead of opioids,” Romeo says. “They were like, ‘This stuff’s a miracle.’ And once you see a product working for people, your heart really gets into it.”
Welch plant them by July, then water and weed them daily ’til roughly October, when they harvest it all. Every bit done by hand. “Some farms use machines, but that cuts down on the quality,” Romeo says. “Plus, we get weeks of rain here, so you really have to watch for mold. There are a lot of elements here that I never worried about in California.” Not just hurricanes. There’s also microbursts. Droughts. The occasional deer. And don’t forget different laws. In fact, last season’s biggest catastrophe nearly came in the form of red tape. “The NC Department of Agriculture has to come out and test it,” says Romeo. “If the THC level goes over .3 percent, you have to burn your whole crop in front of the guy — and we were at .3 on the dot. [Laughs]” After shucking on site, they pay a processor to convert the bulk of the yield into oil, which they can transform into retail product. So, between working the field, the CHS team spends time filling tins, making balms and rolling doobs, all of it packaged with professional labeling and painstaking care. “I’ve got a machine that makes 76 killer pre-rolls at a time,” laughs Romeo. “The bath bombs are harder though. I never thought I’d be wearing an apron and mixing lavender, but I’ve always said, ‘Hempin’ ain’t easy.’”
Bags of big,
fluffy buds look super stony, but contain virtually no THC.
That’s where Romeo learned his trade. He started out “bud tending” in a San Diego grow house in 2009; within a few years he was running the whole show. (He even developed his own crippy strain, a sativa-dominant hybrid named “Wet Dream.”) In 2018, Congress legalized commercial hemp. When North Carolina launched a pilot program, Romeo realized he could transplant back home and help pioneer a $5 billion industry. All he needed was the right business partner. So, he called up his longtime friend, and first sponsor, Steve Hess. “I wasn’t much of a believer at first,” the former owner of Secret Spot Surf Shop admits. “But once I tried it, I realized how effective it is. Besides, we have really good soil here, and it’s basically a weed. It just… grows.” In 2019, the two started Carolina Hemp Supply — a totally organic, locally grown operation that doesn’t just farm the plants, they process the oil into a full range of products, from pain salves to relaxing oils, bath bombs to lip balms. But just ’cause hemp grows like a weed doesn’t mean it’s easy to reap the cash. Start with the manufacturing. Romeo begins in the spring by generating thousands of seedlings under high-wattage lights. He and hired gun Cyrus
The one part that’s a breeze? Selling the stuff. Just one year in biz, and they need three reps to refill slick displays from Hatteras to VB. In fact, at press time, their biggest worry was running out of weed — which is why they planted three times the volume this year. And they’ve still got room to grow. “Our neighbor has 40 acres we can use when we’re ready,” Romeo says. But first, they have a few more goals to meet. Like automating the water system. Increasing potency. Maybe even buying the gear to process their own oil, so they can do everything from seed to store. And down the road?
“We’ve been watching other states closely,” says Romeo. “Because, once NC goes legal, we’ll have a field of dreams out here.” They’ll also face a crop of fresh challenges. With legalization also comes stricter rules — and much larger competition. In many states, industry big wigs and government officials are already working to squeeze out the little guy. “In Florida, they told me it would cost $60,000 to apply for a medical license,” says Hess. “And you might not get it back.” Still, these intrepid entrepreneurs remain optimistic that by getting in early — and doing things right — they can be among the first to blaze new trails. (When that happens, you can bet the next batch of kind bud will, in the words of Tommy Chong, “grab you by the boo-boo.”) ‘Til then, they’ll poke holes in a useless prohibition, end some real pain, and do what they do best. “It’s a lot of hard work,” says Romeo. “Lots of times I come in from a day in the field and lay on my bed, like, ‘That kind of sucked.’ [laughs] But the end result is so rewarding. And I guess if you’re good at something, and you enjoy it, you might as well keep rolling, right?” — Stacy Stedenko milepost 35
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Sculpted beauty, circa 1970. Photo: Aycock Brown
SECRET SANCTUARY Digging up vintage photos — and fresh dirt — from 70 years of the Elizabethan Gardens. It takes serious grit to build on sand. And if you think driving pilings for beach boxes is tough, try laying the foundation for a botanical garden. Planting box hedges and English roses. Propagating camellias and butterfly bushes. Transforming a wild tangle of Roanoke Island maritime forest into a manicured slice of 16th century England. “Sometimes I wonder why they even put a garden here, because of the relentless winds and weather,” says Carl Curnutte, executive director of Elizabethan Gardens. “And when you look at old photos, you can see they took out most of the trees. So this remarkable greenery basically grew from nothing but sand and briars.” Sand, briars and a seed of inspiration. When Ruth Cannon, Hylda Henrietta Brooke, and Inglis Fletcher first saw the Lost Colony in 1950, the three society ladies and avid gardeners were so moved they felt compelled to memorialize the settlers. Before the night ended, they’d had an epiphany. “They said, ‘What if the colonists had thrived here?’” Curnutte says. “‘What would their home estate gardens look like?’ Then they decided, ‘Let’s create a garden to remember them by.’”
All photos courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center
In 1951, the ladies presented their idea to the Garden Club of North Carolina, who agreed to lease two acres from the Roanoke Island Historical Association. Two years later, they began construction. And come August 18, 1960, they opened the gates to a sprawling ten-acre sanctuary of native species and flowery imports that honored both the Outer Banks’ roots and the Elizabethan Age. “The formal structure — the sunken gardens, the statuary — is very much 16th century,” says Curnutte. “Then the native gardens have the oak trees and the indigenous
plants. It’s a blend, because that’s what the settlers would’ve done — tamed the wilderness and brought in exotic.” Since then, the two approaches have only grown more intertwined. They’ve added elements that preserve history. (A gazebo thatched in period style; royal roses sent by Elizabeth II herself.) While also offering up modern perspectives. (The new John White Butterfly Center not only engages young minds, it promotes awareness of endangered pollinators.) But the Gardens’ strongest appeal is what they’re not: another bustling tourist trap for an already too-busy beach. Rather, it’s a place of solace. An escape to a more peaceful time from our not-so-forgotten past. “I love when local families come here in the offseason,” says marketing associate John Buford. “Beach kids are running around getting grass stains instead of sandspurs. It’s a homegrown atmosphere that’s so nostalgic — yet new.” This fall, as the Gardens celebrate 70 years, visitors will discover more nods to days gone by. Outside, the gazebo sports a new roof (using 1500s materials and methods, of course). Inside Odom Hall, centuries of backstory will hang on museum-quality placards. And there’s an even more noteworthy milestone in months to come. “While working on the placards, we realized there was so much material we couldn’t cover it all,” says Curnutte. “And there’s never been a book done about the Gardens, so we’re very excited to begin working on one.” So are we. In fact, we couldn’t wait for a final product. Instead, we asked Curnutte and Buford to share a few discoveries, then dug up images to illustrate the stories. What follows is a small selection of what we unearthed.
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GARDEN OF EVES If there’s a single lesson to the Gardens’ origin story, it’s this: never underestimate a woman with a vision. The second these ladies dug into the project, they labored tirelessly to achieve their goals. Raising funds. Working connections. Making the moves and pulling many levers at a time when men still ruled the world — at least on the surface. “You have to remember this was 1950,” says Buford. “Women didn’t run companies or sit on boards back then. Single women couldn’t even open bank accounts without a male co-signer. But the garden club had connections all across the state. So the ladies would talk to their husbands, who talked to their friends and colleagues, and ultimately things got done that way.” Of course, it helps when your husband is the owner of a major textile company and a noted philanthropist — like Ruth Cannon. Or an influential British statesman. (Hylda Henrietta Brooke’s hubby, Sir Evelyn Wrench, founded the English-Speaking Union of the United States.) It also helps to be a noted North Carolina author and historian, like Inglis Fletcher. Add a network of 17,000 club members — and the associated annual dues — and, before long, these master string-pullers secured a top landscape architect. (The internationally renowned firm of Innocenti & Webel.) And sourced rare 16th century statuary. (More on that later.) As they skillfully managed the project from behind the scenes, these ladies shifted people’s perceptions. So much so that when it came time to dedicate the Gardens, the men couldn’t help but take notice — and give credit. “At the dedication, Senator Frank Graham gave this speech about what these women did here,” says Buford, “and he compares them to all these historic, courageous leaders from Eleanor Dare to Elizabeth I to Eleanor Roosevelt.”
Pitching in Pinehurst, circa 1955. “It’s important to remember that the Gardens’ were really a statewide effort by the Garden Club of North Carolina,” says Curnutte. “And we still receive funding from dues and countless clubs across the state. So, it’s their vision, and their support, that have nurtured us all these years.” Photo: John G. Hemmer
Seven decades later, all but two of the 17 board members are female, and nobody says “boo.” All because a handful of driven ladies forged the path that ultimately helped change the social landscape of the world around them. “It was their vision that built this garden, and made sure it continued on for 70 years,” says Curnutte. “That’s quite remarkable.” milepost 41
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Flower power, 1973. Despite being an “amateur gardener,” Louis Midgette was a true pro when it came to propagating plants. “Here, he’s holding some award-winning lilies,” says Buford. “And in 1976, for our bicentennial, Queen Elizabeth II sent a rose to our garden in a pot of dirt — and that’s still growing today.” Photo: Aycock Brown
FLORAL FATHER
Got a locally grown Leopard Plant? Perhaps purchased an azalea at one of the Gardens’ seasonal sales? Thank Louis Midgette. The Gardens’ first superintendent spent 28 years planting and caring for tens of thousands of specimens, sourcing new finds and sharing the results. “He brought in over 500 different species,” says Curnutte. “Back then, they had a lot more trouble getting plants. There wasn’t a Lowe’s or Home Depot, or even that many nurseries and greenhouses. So it really rested on ladies from the garden club and around the state, helping him to introduce new plants.” A woman in Raleigh brought hydrangeas from France. That leopard plant? It originated in Africa. At one point, Midgette even grew rows of pure Cackalacky tobacco. But the former Coast Guard engineer is best known for the camellia garden that bears his name — and with good reason.
“The camellias were on their way here — and so was a hurricane,” Buford recalls. “The plants made it, but the peat moss — which you traditionally plant with camellias — got held up. Mr. Midgette realized he needed to get these plants in the ground, because the rain from the storm would be perfect to water them, so he improvised by collecting whatever boggy material he could find. A few years later, they were winning awards.” No wonder so many larger gardens tried to lure away the self-trained retiree over the years. But he gladly stayed put. Pouring countless hours of sweat equity into every plant. And while he retired in 1987 and passed in 2000, his memory lives on in every precious seed, stem and flower. “We’re still propagating Mr. Midgette’s plants today,” says Curnutte. “As they mature we cut and divide them and put them in our shop. So whenever you take a hydrangea or camellia home, nine times out of ten, it’s one of his.” milepost 43
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marbled history While plants and trees define the landscape, it’s the statues that shaped the design. After all, in the beginning, the idea was just to preserve a couple acres of open space. Then the Garden Club caught wind of a potentially timeless element: some precious 16th century statues that needed a new home. “The water god font, the sunken garden, the benches, steps that lead to and from — those are all part of the Whitney collection,” says Buford. “And our garden’s architect, Richard Webel, totally changed his plans once he learned about this treasure trove. That’s how we went from two acres to ten acres. That’s how we ended up with a real Elizabethan feel.” To backtrack, the Whitneys were a wealthy New York family who were selling their sprawling Georgia estate. At first, they’d planned to donate the former plantation’s priceless yard art to their Manhattan neighbors, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Then their contractor, E. W. Reinecke, had a suggestion. “Mr. Reinecke was from Fayetteville,” Buford explains. “He was married to one of the garden club members. He said something about the statues to his wife, and next thing you know, Mr. Webel was calling the Whitneys and saying, ‘Hey, we have this project honoring the Elizabethan era and we think your statues would be an amazing addition.’ And Mr. Whitney loved the idea.” The Garden Club of Georgia, however, did not. In fact, they sued to keep the precious art from leaving the Peach State. Fortunately, the suit failed, and, ultimately, all the pieces found their rightful spots here — including a particular balustrade that bears the Farnese mark. Heavy lifting, circa ’54. Louis Midgette and Ed Whitaker (front) and Buddy Jolliff give this 16th century lion couchant a permanent home — with some mechanical help. “It took a dump truck nine trips to carry all the statues here from Georgia,” says Buford. “Then RD Sawyer’s family loaned Mr. Midgette a wrecking truck to place them all in the perfect spot.” Photo: Elizabethan Gardens Collection
“The Farnese family was one of Michelangelo’s patrons,” says Buford. “It might even be one of his ‘seconds.’ But, nonetheless, these fountains and the birdbaths are some of the oldest European artifacts we have in this country. And they’re also the types of pieces that would’ve made their way here back in the 1600s, so they’re a perfect fit.” milepost 45
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ANCIENT OAK Among acres of exotic blossoms and stately greens, one native feature looms larger than life: the mighty ancient oak. Not just because of its impressive size, but its immense history. “This oak was here before the gardens were the Gardens,”says Buford. “And Mr. Midgette said he believed he found an old Native American path nearby — though we can’t say, obviously. But the tree dates back to the 1500s, so we know it was here at the same time the settlers were.” They also know they’re determined to keep it alive. In the 60s, the board added airplane wiring to brace the branches against heavy winds. And when the tree came down with a mystery illness, they called in NC State for a most experimental treatment. “It was like chemotherapy for the tree, basically,” says Buford. “They drilled holes in it and poured in the chemicals, like an IV. They even had to get permission from the Department of Agriculture, because these chemicals had never been used in the United States before. They also bricked it up — which we know not to do now. But it all worked out, because it’s still there.” Not only is it there, it continues to thrive. Today, families take selfies in its shade – or play by its roots. Just like they have for generations. Looming large, 1970. “It’s not the oldest live oak on the island, but it’s definitely one of the tallest,” says Buford. “In the early days of automobiles, locals used to hitch ropes to the branches and pull the engines out.” Photo: Aycock Brown Papers. 1970
“We like to think maybe even Virginia Dare played underneath it — you never know,” says Curnutte. “But people love this tree. It holds a special place in the community’s heart. In fact, every time we have a storm, it’s the first place I check to make sure it’s still standing.” milepost 47
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Dreamtime for actors, circa ’71. “Who knows what was going on in Morrison Grove back in the 70s?” laughs Curnutte. “And Terrence Mann — who went on to do Cats — remembers a pretty wild performance of Alice in Wonderland in the 80s. Now, we’re more likely to do blood drives, or art classes, or host the Girl Scouts for sleepovers, so the Gardens are used more by the community at large.” Photo: Aycock Brown
As a public site, the Gardens play a prominent role in bringing people together. Colorful Easter egg hunts gather families each spring. Potato sack races and hay rides thrill kids each fall. Winter Lights give the holidays some extra glow. But some of the most eye-popping displays date back to its original roots and ties toThe Lost Colony. “During Joe Layton’s time as director, he created a program called the Professional Theater Workshop,” Curnutte recalls. “It was a way to allow actors to immerse themselves in other plays and studies during the summer.” Between 1964 and ’84, all sorts of theatrics filled the Great
Lawn. There were children’s plays. String concerts. Manteo’s 400th birthday celebration drew in the likes of Walter Cronkite and Princess Anne. But some of the craziest spectacles occurred in the swinging 70s and 80s, when spirits were high and the actors ran wild. “This picture looks like A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” laughs Curnutte. “And Shakespeare in the Gardens certainly makes sense. Besides, in Elizabethan times, they tried to make the gardens as eccentric as they could. Not just with different plants. Sometimes they had huge parties where they’d bring in exotic animals. It was everyone trying to outdo the other, so this image is actually pretty appropriate.”
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INTRODUCING THE
A DARING VISION The Gardens’ most impressive statue isn’t from the 16th century. But, in many ways, the iconic Virginia Dare sculpture best embodies the Gardens’ classic form and timeless appeal. All thanks to a woman with true determination — and uncharacteristic vision. “It’s a remarkable piece because it pictures Virginia Dare as a woman who assimilated with her surroundings — instead of conquering them,” says Curnutte. “But then Louisa Lander was very ahead of her time.” Born in Salem, MA, in 1826, not only did Lander learn to sculpt in an era when most women wouldn’t dare — she expatriated to Italy as a single, twentysomething to learn from the masters. While stopping over in England, Lander visited the British Museum and was captivated by John White’s sketches of 1500s native culture. She wondered, ‘What would a grown-up Virginia Dare look like? Upon arriving in Rome, she cut a marble pillar into a stately blend of classic form and Algonquin style. “She’s topless, like a classic sculpture,” Buford explains. “But she’s clad in a fishing net from the waist down. Also, they put a heron at her side, instead of a dog. So she has these native elements, but she still looks very Greek.” Fitting, when you consider the statue’s impending odyssey over the coming decades. While sailing home, she sank in a shipwreck off the coast of Spain. She was later salvaged and sold to a New York collector — only to survive a fire and be sent back to the sculptor. Upon Lander’s death, the statue was bequeathed to the state of North Carolina, who hid her topless form in a basement for years. Finally, they gave her to Lost Colony playwright Paul Green as a celebratory honor — only to have him send her to Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, where she suffered still more isolation. “She sat backstage in a crate forever, because the play didn’t have a use for her,” says Curnutte. “But one night Paul Green had a dream where he saw her in the Gardens. And he said, ‘I’ll donate the statue to you, but I get to pick out the spot.” Immortal beauty, 1997. “From the beginning, people realized there are two elements to our garden,” says Buford. “It’s not only in honor of the lost colonists and the Elizabethan era, it’s also in honor of the people who helped build the Gardens over 70 years by donating plants, statuary, benches, fountains. It’s a collection of gifts — which is then a gift to all of us.” Photo: Mike Booher
That was 1955. A half-century later, Virginia Dare still sits where Green placed her. Shadowed by live oaks, surrounded by greenery, she remains a centerpiece of natural beauty — and a constant reminder of the ceaseless efforts that’ve kept the Elizabethan Gardens thriving for 70 years — with more breathtaking creations to come. “She’s kind of like our own Venus De Milo,” says Curnutte. “Elegant. Natural. Immortal. And much like this beautiful garden, she persists.”
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Basket cases. McCall and Crossman put in crazy hours at our KDH course. Photo: Ryan Moser
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OUT OF THE WOODS Two local teens chase disc golf dreams. Five years ago, it was still just a chunk of woods at the base of Run Hill. Lots of trees, a few dunes — and a single wrecked car. Today, Kill Devil Hills’ Casey R. Logan Disc Golf Course is one of the most popular recreational outlets on the whole Outer Banks. A place where athletes of all ages come to stretch their legs and sink a few baskets — and probably clunk a few branches. Where two young teens, Beckett Crossman and Owen McCall, threw their first serious discs just a few years back and now send them soaring across courses all over the country.
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“I didn’t know about disc golf until this course,” says KDH’s Owen McCall. “Now, this has the potential to be my future, my
career — and I wouldn’t even have known if this course had never been put in here.”
boasts more than 120,000 members in 54 countries.
Disc golf, which has been around since the 1970s, involves getting a flying disc from a tee box to a basket in the fewest number of throws. It shares terminology with “regular” golf — birdies and bogeys, putts and pars — but is more accessible to the masses. Anyone who has ever tossed around a Frisbee can pick up an inexpensive flying disc and give the game a try.
“The one thing that stood out at our last tournament was probably how big the sport is growing all over,” says Crossman, who traveled to Kansas this July for a national comp. “Almost all the stores in Emporia had signs welcoming the players, and restaurants throughout the town sold discs, as well.”
As a result, more than 8,000 municipalities have installed disc golf courses around the globe, leading to a recreational craze — and bonafide professional sport. In fact, the Professional Disc Golf Association currently
The appeal is easy to see. No greens fees. No carts. All you need is a disc, a couple of hours — and maybe some patience. On a recent summer excursion, a handful of players — both first-time tourists and longtime locals — walk through Logan’s
shady woods, from one tee box to the next. Holes take three-to-four throws as players navigate doglegs left and right with different styles of forehand and backhand tosses. There are no water hazards, but novice players can expect to battle endless branches on their way to the basket. Scratch that — even Crossman and McCall can experience plenty of “clunks” before hearing the satisfying “clang!” of a disc hitting the basket. “People think [an Outer Banks] course must be all wide open and sandy,” says Crossman. “No. It’s wooded — and tough.”
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At least there are no heavy clubs to haul. Instead, Crossman and McCall carry a special bag stuffed with roughly 20 discs, each with slightly different characteristics.
THIS JULY, THEY TOOK ON 251 PLAYERS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
There are ‘drivers’ for distance. Midrangers. Putters for up close. Each costs between $8 and $20. But most of theirs come free thanks to sponsorships. McCall is part of Team Prodigy, and Crossman is with Team Discraft. Crossman is also sponsored by Teebox, a content creation and social media strategy outfit for disc golfers. “That’s another thing that really made me think that I actually have a chance to make something out of this game,” says McCall, who has six tournament wins under his belt. “When you have a big company supporting you, it’s definitely a confidence thing, like, ‘They believe in me, so I must be doing all right.’” They both are. At Kansas’s PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championships, they took on a field of 251 players from all over the country. Crossman finished tied for seventh and McCall landed in 26th after six rounds against the nation’s best 18-and-under disc golfers.
“It was an awesome experience and a super well-run tournament,” says Crossman. The two generally travel together to cut expenses and are already earning a reputation as the “Outer Banks kids.” Back home, they stay sharp putting in countless hours of practice — especially during the pandemic — while also helping the Outer Banks Disc Golf Club with course maintenance and running tournaments. Since Crossman has to finish high school, he’ll maintain his amateur status a while longer and see if he can add to the three wins on his resume. He wants to attend college to be a financial planner. “Have a steady job, play disc golf on the side, and just see if it works out,” says Crossman. McCall, meanwhile, shifted to the professional ranks after Kansas. The best disc golfer in the world, Paul McBeth, is a five-time world champion with 133 career wins, $554,000 in career earnings — and a recent $10 million sponsorship deal. McCall estimates that the top 50 players in the world are making a “nice living” off the sport, with the next 50 scrambling to live their dream and make ends meet. But the sport continues to gain followers thanks to social media and other promotions. Famous PGA golfers — you know, the guys who hit balls — were sharing highlights from the recent disc golf world championships, and an amazing ace at a big tournament was the No. 1 play one night on the SportsCenter Top 10, generating huge interest from casual fans. And as long as there’s a shot, McCall says he’ll keep swinging — or soaring. “I’m just gonna chase the dream, try to make a living off disc golf,” McCall says. “If it doesn’t work for two or three years, maybe I’ll try and find something else and just do this for fun on the weekends. But for right now, I’m young enough and I just want to go all-out. If I work hard now, it could pay off big-time later.” — Steve Hanf
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Goldenrod brightens yards — and brings in butterflies. Photo: Ray Matthews
THINK GLOBALLY, PLANT LOCALLY Mindful landscaping can do a world of good.
Coastal flooding. Carbon footprints. Dying bees. Rising seas. The list of environmental issues only seems to grow by the day. And while it feels like these planetary woes are too large for any one person to tackle, the opposite is actually true. Every individual can make a difference on their own piece of soil — even when those chunks are disappearing daily.
native plants as possible, because they all play important roles.”
“While land may be in short supply in our area,” says Town of Nags Head Engineering Technician, Kate Jones, “people can still offset our impact going forward.”
For those yet to build, the more mature trees you can save, the better. Why? First of all, they provide natural habitat for birds and wild animals. Second? For those dealing with standing water, a thirsty tree is your yard’s best friend.
As part of the town’s Planning and Development team — and a certified Landscape Architect — Jones looks at local properties and helps owners manage potential problems like flooding, either by saving existing plants and trees before development happens, or adding vegetation after the fact. “I help people see what they can save on their property before it is developed as far as trees, shrubs and vegetation are concerned,” she explains. “The objective is to think through how to save or use as many milepost 54
In both cases, Jones recommends approaching your yard one section at a time. And in both cases, she says there’s one clear way to begin. “Start with the trees.”
“A big reason to keep trees, especially in an area such as ours, where shallow coastal flooding is an issue,” Jones explains, “is because they are so effective at soaking up water.” And if some careless contractor clear-cuts your lot, it’s never too late to plant fresh solutions. Cedar, holly, pine, and magnolia are all options that thrive in our area. So do hearty, native varieties like Yaupon and Wax Myrtle, Yarrow or Coreopsis. (Avoid palms,
which aren’t indigenous and rarely do well.) And while you’re waiting for them to grow, there are quicker ways to keep your yard less soggy. “If you notice areas in your yard holding water, a rain garden is very effective,” Kate says. “You basically want to dig the area out so that it will hold water but also drain well.” Down spouts, gutters and rain barrels can also help redirect water to your garden. Then fill the soil with native grasses, shrubs and flowering plants. Switch grass, beautyberry and milkweed are all great options and are also perennials. “It will not only look great,” she explains, “but will also be low maintenance, tolerant of moisture and drought, help absorb runoff and provide food for pollinators.” As the Conservation Horticulturist with the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Rachel Veal is also a big fan of using native plants. When she’s not maintaining the grounds and exhibits at the aquarium, she provides information to homeowners to help them
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“NATIVE GRASSES PROVIDE VALUE FOR POLLINATORS.”
“We really are at an advantage with where we live,” Veal says. “If we slow down and really take a look, there are so many cool, native plants that can not only have our yards looking great all year, but thrive in sandy, low nutrient soil and don’t require fertilizer or pots.”
The service berry tree is one such example. (“It’s one of the first to bloom in the Spring, the berries are actually edible, and they also provide food for birds.”) Dotted horsemint is another wonderful addition, as its beautiful purple flowers attract all sorts of pollinators. It also thrives in sandy soil. And what if your yard is basically pure sand? “Whatever you see growing in the dunes should be your landscaping guide,” says Jones. “Native grasses not only look great but also provide value for pollinators. They can also help stabilize sandy yards and prevent that sand from blowing everywhere.” In the past, homeowners might have carpeted over their sandy lots with palettes of sod. But while they may look pretty, lawns require frequent watering, which in turn only creates more problems. “When you heavily irrigate a yard,” Jones says, “you add water to our water table, which only exacerbates a larger problem — shallow flooding. But if you absolutely have to have irrigation, then a rain sensor is a great addition. Drip irrigation is also very effective as the water is supplied straight to the roots.” In every case, be sure not to over fertilize. Because all the water that runs off our driveways and roads flows back to the sound and the ocean, leading to water pollution on both sides. “This runoff,” says Jones, “carries with it
BE READY. hydrocarbons from fuel, fertilizer and every other commercial product we use and put down.” That’s why Jones suggests that anyone adding or replacing driveways use a permeable option as opposed to traditional concrete slab. Pea gravel and permeable pavers both allow for the water to pass through so it can be absorbed back into the ground — instead of pooling on streets. Of course, all this flies in the face of decades of traditional landscaping. Fortunately, local yard specialists are doing more to promote less manicured, easier-to-maintain solutions. “I actually try to steer folks toward plants that are native to our region and specific microclimate,” says John Rountree of J. Appleseed Landscapes. “Using plants that are drought tolerant and provide some forage for birds, insects and animals is first priority when going ‘native.’ These types of plants also provide stabilization and weed retention benefits.” Another good rule of thumb: right plant, right place, right time. “Timing is crucial,” explains Roundtree. “Planting in the fall — instead of summer — gives plants the time they need to establish roots before the heat sets in. Instead of wasting money on annuals that end up in the trash, it’s better to go with perennials that don’t waste time, money or resources.” That carries over into maintenance. Come fall, all those trees you planted might start
shedding leaves. The best thing you can do? Leave them alone. “Instead of clipping and raking everything away it’s a good idea to leave everything in its place,” Veal says. “The fallen leaves actually provide an over-wintering habitat for moths and other pollinators while hollow stems provide a habitat for the bees in the fall.”
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Ditto for springtime, when live oaks start to lose foliage. And when the grass really starts to grow, let your lawn get good and shaggy before firing up the John Deere. “And you know those little purple flowers that bloom on your lawn in the Spring?” Roundtree notes. “Maybe wait to mow because the bees are just waking up and need these for food.” Sure, your yard might look a little less sharp for a week or two. But the environmental benefits outweigh any perceived loss of curb appeal.
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“The overall goal,” says Veal, “is to begin treating our properties as more than just decorations.” And if every homeowner is just a little more mindful of how they improve their own piece of the Outer Banks, the whole ecosystem can totally thrive. “If we all collectively think about what we are putting out there,” says Roundtree, “plants, chemicals, et cetera, then we stand a chance at making a positive impact and reducing our footprint.” — Fran Marler
ROOTS OF CREATION
Try this 3-step guide to a healthier landscape.
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1. Check the Town of Nags Head’s website (www.nagheadnc.gov) for Vegetative Planting Guidelines, tips on rain gardens, and more.
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2. Go to Dare County’s Master Gardeners page (dare.ces.ncsu.edu) and find “Plants That Survive & Thrive on the OBX” for photos, images and tutorials. 3. Get to work! The NC Aquarium will have monthly native plant sales at Wanchese’s Secotan Market. See their Facebook page for updates.
Questions? Master Gardener volunteers will answer them at KDH’s Baum Center every Wed. through November, 9-11am, weather permitting.
Kill devil hills
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1202 Swan Street • Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 milepost 55
artisticlicense Eight sheep — and constant care — keep Beth Burns flush with fresh material. Photo: Ryan Moser
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farmstead behind her. “And today, it’s Island Farm.” The field belonged to John Wilson, founder of Outer Banks Conservationists, to whom the deep-rooted Etheridge family donated the land and 1845 homestead for restoration and preservation in 1997. When Burns spoke to Wilson about keeping her sheep on the site, she discovered they shared a common bond: Ferne Winborne.
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Winborne, who lived and kept a weaving studio in Atlantic, NC, before her death, was a teacher, mentor, and friend to Beth. She was the woman who introduced Burns to weaving — and also the reason she was driving through town scoping out grassy fields.
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“Ferne actually told me, ‘Don’t get sheep, you’ll never leave home again!’” Burns says. “But I did. With this circle of people who all knew Ferne attached to this place, I really feel like she had something to do with us all coming together. I know she would’ve just loved that.”
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The sheep arrived at their new home in 2001, just as restoration work was beginning. Twenty years later, the heritage site remains home to eight woolly creatures: Fiona, Vivi, Iris, Ellie May, Millie, Lilly, Mamie, and, of course, Ferne.
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With a degree in Zoology, the retired NC Marine Fisheries scientist now focuses on her animals and fiber arts full-time. Her sheep are a mix of Merinos and Romneys, each known for different qualities when it comes to processing their wool.
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on Sunnyside Road and was desperate to find somewhere to keep them. The vacant land was a surprisingly perfect choice — in fact, livestock first grazed there as far back as the mid-1800s.
In the world of wool, Merino is considered fine because of its tiny diameter — or low micron value (human hair has about six times as many microns as merino wool fibers). It’s highly sought after for having a soft feel against the skin. And though sheep are often pictured with curly tufts, Merino wool actually has superfine crimps, giving it an unexpected angular quality when viewed closely.
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“Before any of this work was done, there was just a big, white house at the back of the field,” Burns says, gesturing to the restored
“Merinos are the best of the best,” Burns explains. “I love their wool; it’s super soft but nearly impossible to shear by hand.”
Fiber artist Beth Burns is half seamstress — half shepherd.
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It was twenty years ago that an overgrown field on Roanoke Island first caught Beth Burns’ eye. Most people would pass the empty plot without much interest. But where others might just see a yard that needs mowing, the local fiber artist recognized a way to keep feeding her passion project. milepost 56
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“It looked like a big piece of property that sheep would like to graze on,” she laughs. For 25 years, the warmhearted Burns has
shawls and wraps made from sheep she’s raised and sheared herself. Back when she first noticed the plot on Roanoke Island, she needed to move her herd from their home
The wool that comes from Romneys has a higher micron count, which makes it looser and wavier. While not quite as fine, the fleece is still very smooth and comfortable to wear. It’s easier to spin and can also be sheared twice a year, versus just once, yielding more wool for Burns to work with.
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“I spin my wool as needed, but to have it be strong enough for the loom, I send it away to a mill and have it come back as yarn,” she says. “In order to do that, I have to have 100 pounds of each kind of wool, so it can take a long time to get 100 pounds of each kind and each color.”
THE SUBTLE VARIETY OF TEXTURE AND COLOR EVOKES THE ORGANIC BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD.
From there, she turns it into any number of pieces of functional art, each of which can take days to make. “It all depends on the size of yarn I’m using and the size of the piece,” she says. “If it’s cotton hand towels, and the loom is set up and ready to weave, it takes me an entire eight-hour day to weave one towel. If it’s a wool wrap made from thicker yarn, it can take two-to-three days to set up my loom and two-to-three more days to weave. For a Tencel shawl, it takes three-to-four days to wrap my loom and seven days to weave. And none of this includes dying times or sewing time, all of it by hand.” Burns’ handwoven shawls and wraps can combine commercially spun yarn, which provides structure and strength, along with handspun yarn, which adds texture and interest. Her sheep range from white to gray, dark brown to jet black, and she’s observed that their wool lightens in the sun and changes color with age — just like us. The subtle variety of texture and color in her woven creations evokes the organic beauty of the natural world.
“The brown wool is really the most popular,” she says. “I like the white because I can dye it whatever color I want.” Besides weaving, Burns also learned how to make and use natural dyes as Ferne’s protégé. Her eco-dyed scarves are made with leaves collected from Roanoke Island — dogwood, maple, aspen and blackberry to name a few. While Ferne favored onion skin dyes and cochineal (made from an insect of the same name), Burns has an affinity for indigo. Made from the leaves of plants indigenous to Roanoke Island, her dye produces a rich, deep blue color and is featured in her shibori silk scarves and popular organic cotton kitchenware.
Ki tty Hawk’s Favorite L egend serving lunch and dinner year round
Panoramic ocean views from our dining rooms and outdoor deck
“In the beginning, I did a lot of natural dyes,” she says. “And then I went to commercial dyes and now I’ve kind of gone full circle and I’m back to natural dyes.” She also works with other natural fibers, like linen, Tencel and bamboo. All that handmade labor adds up to a lot of work and a limited supply. In fact, Burns stopped putting her work in galleries and instead features it on her website for interested buyers, as well as once a month at Secotan Market, along with her handmade soaps. The rest of the time, you’ll find her weaving. Or dyeing. Or, more likely, at the farm. Twice a day, the self-described introvert finds peace and solitude while caring for her animals when the site is closed to the public. But she does enjoy the occasional moment when the opportunity for others to engage with her sheep arises. “What I like about them being here the most is being able to share them with everybody,” Burns smiles. “A little family came up and watched as I was feeding them here the other day. You see people smile as they go by. That makes me feel good.” — Hannah West
Learn more about Beth Burn’s old school methods when she teaches an “Indigo Dying” class at Island Farm, Sept. 24-26. (Details at www.obcinc.org.) And see more of her work at www.watersideweaver.com.
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Duck Jazz Fest attracts a Technicolor crowd of music fans. Photo: Anita Pearson
startingpoint roadmap gokite milepost graphiccontent DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL • Oct. 9-10 • Duck Green/Duck Amphitheatre gosurf
www.duckjazz.com • PRICE: Free
WHAT IT IS: A special Sat. night introductory concert starring La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet, followed by a full Sun. of jazz across two stages, starting at 11am.
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WHAT’S NEW: This year, the Town Green stage highlights international artists’ global impact — while the amphitheater lets Outer Banks’ rising artists toot their own horns. “Our main stage features international jazz artists who’ll be displaying the role their country plays in the world of jazz,” says Public Information & Events Director Christian Legner. “So, we have a hot club and gypsy act, a Cuban percussionist, an Army field band, a Latin quintet, and a Chicago sound jazz band led by a Syrian artist. Then the amphitheater will feature local standouts Eric Williams and Devon Frazier — and, of course, the First Flight High Jazz Band.”
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WHAT ELSE? Sat. night’s concert also coincides with a special tent party for sponsors and VIPs — and usually segues into an after jam for all at a nearby restaurant. Plus, area businesses fill their decks with live tunes all weekend long. (Find the latest updates on DuckJazz.com.) And for the kids? “Friday morning we do a special music themed Story Time for young children,” says Legner. “And on Friday night, we’ll be showing the movie Soul on the Town Green. So, the whole weekend is really family friendly.” REMEMBER TO: Get there early on Sun. This free event always fills fast. So while the gates open at 10am — and music starts at 11am — you’ll wanna get there in “cut time.” SUCH A COOLER EVENT: Not only is Sun.’s event totally free, you can bring just about anything in — within reason. “No umbrellas or tents are allowed,” says Legner. “But bring coolers. Bring chairs. Bring food. Bring blankets. Even well-behaved dogs are welcome. All we ask is that nobody video tapes.”
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Fall’s the best time for two favorite music festivals. Fresh air. Open spaces. Smiling faces. Flowing notes. For live music fans, nothing beats fall on the Outer Banks. Especially this year. After 18 months of shutdowns, backyards continue to brim with local acts — and top outdoor venues open their lawns to larger names. This October, both the Duck Jazz Festival and the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival are set to deliver two weekends of homegrown American genres. As the events dust off their stages, we asked organizers to tell us what to expect — and what will surprise us.
OUTER BANKS BLUEGRASS ISLAND FESTIVAL • Festival Park, Oct. 21-23 www.bluegrassisland.com •PRICE: $99 (or $55 per day) WHAT IT IS: Two twangy days of regional and national acts inside Festival Park on Fri. & Sat.— plus a special free Thurs. night concert at Downtown Manteo’s Bluegrass Island Trading Company. WHAT’S NEW: Lots of cutting-edge acts, like Raleigh’s award-winning Sideline, who will play host both nights, performing live and emceeing activities such as Sat. night’s “Boograss” themed costume/pumpkin carving contest. “Not everyone’s into twangy stuff,” says founder Cory Hemilright. “So this year we have Scythian headlining Friday night. They’re an amazing Irish band out of DC that gives off a big party vibe. Plus, Hogslop String Band is gonna play the porch at Bluegrass Island for free on Thursday night.” WHAT ELSE? Tons of good ol’ fashioned fiddle and banjo, of course. Think the Dillards and the Lonesome River Band. And don’t forget returning perennial crowd pleaser Rhonda Vincent. “She’s been here every single year,” says Hemilright. “And that’s ’cause she always draws a crowd. People love her.” REMEMBER TO: Eat your Wheaties. Festival Park shows open at 10:30am — and music goes to 11pm. But there’s plenty on site to keep up your stamina: hot food, cold beer, even impromptu jams. “We’ll have nine restaurants serving everything from seafood to burgers,” says Hemilright. “And a lot of people bring their own instruments to play between acts.” SHADY ACRES: A soundside setting, ample lawn, and plenty of trees already make Festival Park the Outer Banks’ coolest venue. But this show takes things a step further. “We put up a couple 150-foot tents, so there’s plenty of rain and sun protection,” says Hemilright. “But we’ve been fortunate — in all these years we’ve only had to cancel two days. Hopefully, the weather stays kind for our 10th anniversary.”
Ed note: both festivals will be following latest COVID guidelines; monitor their respective websites for any updates. milepost 59
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TRANSPLANT
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I’m an Outer Banker trapped in an outsider’s body A non-native species caught between grounds I identify as “OG” — but still nobody knows me So I sprout fresh, florid features each time I’m in town. One sticker says “OBX” Another screams “Stuck” But is that ever really enough? Better add “INDABNX” to my outta state plates Stick “252” onto my lid My favorite new hoodie touts “Life on a Sandbar” An “NC 12” tatt adds some Hatteras grit. Shout out my address in hopes of a discount Then yell at the server for dropping my card Call the cops when the college kids party past nine Sneer at that beach box with the overgrown yard. But I drown in saltwater once it goes past knee-high And I shudder in winds that gust over ten So I’ll leave in November, then come back in May And put down my roots all over again. — C. White
The sea, the sound, and a world of possibilites in between. Find it all in
Year after year, visitors have enjoyed our walkable village, top-notch restaurants and remarkable shops. Discover community events, walking trails, a kayak launch, and the boardwalk at the Town Park in the heart of Duck.
townofduck.com • 252.255.1234 Jaz z is back!
R 9-10 OCTOBE Town Green On the Duck
Scheduled to appear
BASSEL AND THE SUPERNATURALS JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET BANDA MAGDA LA FIESTA LATIN JAZZ QUINTET
Art by Stuart Parks II
and more! Visit duckjazz.com for info and updates milepost 61
endnotes Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the grocery… As we were headed to press, spiking COVID numbers were giving local decision-makers, businesses and governments serious chills. Many were already requiring masks indoors, and plenty more were worried we might see more restrictions to come. Be sure to check online for updates on all events. More importantly, please get vaccinated, wear a mask, and do whatever else it takes so we can get back to normal. • All this talk about plants got your green thumb itching? Still not sure how to proceed? Head to KDH’s Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden every Wed. through Nov., 9am-11am — weather permitting — and Ask a Master Gardener! Bring your questions, samples and photos or pick up a soil sample kit. Can’t make it? Just call the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Dare County at 252-473-4290 any Mon., 9am-12pm. Or fire an email to greenlineobx@gmail.com. • But first, go plant yourself in the sand at Jennette’s Pier, Sept. 1-5, as the WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico delivers a hybrid of top athletes looking to qualify; regional underdogs looking for an upset; and stoked fans looking for free swag from Dragon Eyewear and Future Fins — and maybe an eyeful of the WRV Model Team. Action runs 7am-4pm, with raging afterparties at local watering holes. Watch www.wrvobxpro.com for updates, lay days and a live webcast courtesy of the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau. • Come Sept. 2-25, peer inward at Glenn Eure’s Ghost Gallery when Tracey Howard’s “Looking and Being” exhibit explores the transcendent self. And stay tuned for an installation and dedication of a sculpture Remembering the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 by ECU professor Hanna Jubran. More at www.glenneureart.com. • Never forget to hit up First Friday! Downtown Manteo’s monthly celebration of community spirit and later shopping unveils Dare County Arts Council’s newest works, Sept. 3, with 6-8pm receptions for two exhibits: Jan Southard and Valerie Johnson, who turn fiber and glass into pieces of “Natural Whimsy,” while Travis Fowler’s “Wayward” pushes the limits of painting, metalsmithing and other media. Both hang through Sept. 25. Find colorful deets at www.darearts.org. • Come back Sat., Sept. 4, as Manteo’s Downtown Market prepares a colorful palette of green produce, goldenbrown baked goods, and a full spectrum of handmade crafts — with two more servings, Sept. 11 & 18. 8am-12pm. More at www.manteonc.gov. • Work off some calories all week long when the Historic Old Manteo Candlelight Walking Tour relives 400 years of history — from salty pirates to aviation pioneers, the Underground Railroad to a fictional Mayberry. Evening strolls occur Mon.-Sun., through Dec. 30. (Weather permitting.) Step to www.manteowalkingtour.com for times and updates. • Ready to pick up the pace? Outer Banks Running Co. offers a range of 5k events through Sept., including Kitty Hawk’s Labor
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graphiccontent gosurf outthere gohunt Outer Banks Pro afterparties serve up cold Pacificos between heat days, Sept. 1-5. Photo: Patrick Ruddy
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Day Dash 5k & 1-Mile (Sept.6) and two more installments of Corolla’s Lighthouse 5K (Sept. 8 & 15). Plus, Sept. 25’s 12th Annual Walk Against Addiction 5k/1m does laps around Kill Devil Hills’ Aviation Park to help stop substance abuse one step at a time. Prices and registration at www.theobxrunningcompany.com. • Jonesing to Surf Fish With a Ranger on Cape Hatteras? Can’t wait to hear about the Freedman’s Colony at Fort Raleigh? Rather relive the Wright Legacy at Wright Bros’ Memorial? Better act fast, ’cause most National Park System Educational Programs end Sept. 6. Good news? You can score a natural high every Mon.-Sun. though Oct. 11 with a Bodie Island Lighthouse Climb. Day-of tix and deets available at www.recreation.gov. Even better, download the NPS mobile app and put info on every single national park in your pocket. • Hatteras health nuts be warned: Sept. 7’s the cut-off for the Avon Farmer’s Market. Be at Avon Pier, 9am-1pm, for your last chance to find more than 50 vendors of homegrown food and handmade goods in one small square of the village. For deets and a future sched., follow their Facebook page. • But don’t fret. Nags Head’s still hosting one more Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market on Sept. 9, (9am-1pm). And Wanchese’s Secotan Market will continue every Sat. through Sept., 8am-12pm, before shrinking their hours to 9am-12pm from Oct. to Thanksgiving. Plus, find them at Island Farm every Wed. through Sept. 29, 9am-12pm. More at www. secotanmarket.com. • Pucker up, bag tossing fans! It’s time to kiss the Corolla Cornhole Tournament series goodbye on Sept 8. But that also means they’ll be awarding the top prize to one weekly winner: a beach vacay from Brindley Beach. Limited to 16 teams; $20 per team. 4:15-7pm. (Call 252-453-9040 to pre-register.) Or just toss a few back at the final installment of Wed.’s Corolla Cork & Craft, where $15 buys 2 oz. samples of wine and beer, a tour of the Whalehead, live music, and a 10% off from participating art vendors. (No charge for non-drinkers.) 3-7pm. Find all the tasty tidbits at www.visitcurrituck.com. • As long as you’re in Historic Corolla Park, you might as well poke your head inside the Currituck Maritime Museum. This 10,000-square-foot self-interpretive, family friendly experience focuses on restored boats that have defined Currituck waters — plus stunning photography, breathtaking videography, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs. Open Mon.-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. More at www.visitcurrituck.com. • Wanna throw wild horses a financial life ring? Set sail for Grandy’s Betsy Dowdy Equine Center, Sept. 8 & 15 for Mustang Mornings at the Farm, where $10 per car buys a chance to meet members of the Outer Banks’ famous feral herd and helps support the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. 10am-2pm. For strict rules and more, trot over to www. corollawildhorses.com. • Then, on Sept. 8-9, gallop over to Kitty Hawk’s Hilton Garden Inn for the OBX Arts & Craft Festival, where folks can peruse works by 25 local artists featuring painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber arts, collage, wood, and more. Plus, a portion of artist fees benefit two local charities, N.E.S.T. and Beach Food Pantry. 10am-5pm. Get the latest on their Facebook page. • Your kids get a kick out of defacing public property? Head to Duck Town Hall, Sept. 9, for Chalk Art Fun, where every participant gets their own square of sidewalk canvas — plus a box of color to work with — and the town shares all the pieces on their social media walls. (Totally free; starts at 9:30am.) Then, come back on Sept. 10 at 10am for Story Time — where Duck’s Cottage and Island Books introduce young minds to the joy of spitting words. Kids of all ages can enjoy a wellearned morning breather with Town of Duck’s Yoga on the Green, every Tues., Sept. 7-28; and Dynamic Flow every Wed., Sept. 8-29. (Both start at 7:30am.) And the Rotating Art Show will keep turning heads through Oct. 27, with paintings by Christina Forte and Meg Rubino. Details at www.townofduck.com. • Then add a splash of swash to your visit Down South when the Hatteras Village Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament returns Sept. 9-11. Deets were still TBD at press time, so find the latest on their Facebook page. • Express your undying love for fishing by helping the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. The long-standing group needs volunteers for both their Bingo Nights and fall’s CHAC Annual
9/18/21
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endnotes Fishing Tournament. Learn more at www.capehatterasanglers.club or call 252-995-4253. • Rhetorical hooks and tight lines rule the day, when the Dare County Arts Council Literary Open Mic Nights land at Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery, Sept. 9, Oct. 10 & Nov. 11. Writers of all genres are invited to read and give feedback in an open, supportive setting. Starts at 6:30pm. Ends when the last word drops. Deets at www.darearts.org. • Got a family member with dementia? Need a little support? Join Gentle Expert Memorycare at KDH’s Baum Center every second Fri. — Sept. 10, Oct. 8, & Nov. 12 — for Harmony Café, where patients practice memory and communication skills in a safe, engaging environment, and caregivers can lean on community members for input. 2pm. No charge, but please register three days in advance by calling 252-480-3354. For a thriving family of community events, check www.obxcommongood.org. • Wave that flag! Outer Banks Pridefest returns, Sept. 10-12, promising everything from family-friendly afternoon events to sassy nighttime affairs. Three-day pride passes are already gone, but you can still celebrate our LGBTQ community with standalone events, such as Secret Island Tavern’s Pride and Joy Drag Show on Sept. 10 ($10 at the door; 10am-2pm), and an ’80s Dance Party on Sept. 11. (Charge TBD; 10pm-2am). Just make sure you can get up in time for Sept. 12’s Drag Brunch at Avenue Grill. (11am-3pm.) Or, just show up to Sept. 11’s Sat. Pride Festival at Downtown Manteo’s Creef/Davis Town Park, where Delightedtobehere will MC a free afternoon of concert bands, craft beers, wines, local restaurants, vendors, and entertainers. 1:30-6:30pm. Find a full rainbow of info at www.obxpridefest.com. • The next pint’s on you, Sept. 11, when the YMCA hosts a Blood Connection Blood Drive from 10am-3pm. Then offer up another round, Oct. 6, when Outer Banks Hospital taps veins from 8am-1pm. All donors receive a $20 gift card — and free COVID antibody testing. See www.
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thebloodconnection.org for more. • Let Elizabethan Gardens help transition your landscape from summer to autumn at Sept. 11’s Fall Container Gardening Workshop and Sept. 15’s Plant a Tree or Two Workshop (both run 10am-12pm, and both require registering online at least one week early.) And, come out Sept. 18 for Peace, Love and Dogs’ mix of Fido-loving exhibitors and activities, doggie photos, and contests — with 1st place prizes for pooches. 10am-2pm. Standard admission for not-yet members; free for canines. Get all the hairy details at www.elizabethangardens.org. • The sky’s a bouquet of color when the Outer Banks Kite Festival returns to Jockey’s Ridge, Sept. 11-12. Enjoy massive show designs fluttering high above the sand dunes, synchronized performances by expert pilots, and participate in stunt and power kite lessons given by pros. More at www.kittyhawk.com. • And the sea swirls with red drum, speckled trout, and southern flounder — or at least we hope it does — when Kitty Hawk Surf Co.’s Fall Kayak Fishing Tournament targets all three species, Sept. 11-19. This photo, catch-and-release style tournament covers all coastal Outer Banks waters — and unloads big prizes for top anglers. Find complete rules and boundaries at www.kittyhawk.com. • Endless bubbles buoy the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 14, when their Masquerade and Mimosas Reverse Raffle pours into Jennette’s Pier. A $100 ticket buys a shot at $10,000 — plus guaranteed beer, wine, food, and prizes for Best Dressed and Best Mask. ($40 tix if you just want to party.) And come Sept. 23, the Babes and Bubbly Women’s Luncheon fills Basnight’s Lone Cedar with effervescent females for a keynote speech by Amazon bestseller Dyanne Kelley — author of Soulfire Woman: How to Torch Your Past, Ignite Your Present, and Set Your Soul on Fire — while sizzling local radio voice, Lisa Brickhouse Davis, emcees the dessert auction. 12pm. $40 for chamber members; $50 for non-members.
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ncbba.org. • One man’s trash is another’s treasure when Sept. 18’s Ocracoke Island-Wide For more info or to purchase tix, visit www.outerbankschamber.com or call 252-441-8144. • Yard Sale fills driveways and curbs with rare finds. From 8am-5pm, head south and scour Drop the mike, hop a bike, and roll over to Roanoke Festival Park any Tues.-Sat. before yards and bizzes for crafts, jewelry, furniture and artwork, tools, toys, Sept. 14 if you want to see the latest traveling exhibit, N.C. History and decoys. (Rain date Sept. 19.) Detailed maps highlighting each on Two Wheels. 9am-5pm. Full deets at www.roanokeisland.com. • participating yard sale location will be available the Tues. prior at the Focus, dammit! The cut-off for the Graveyard of the Atlantic Ocracoke Variety Store, the Post Office and online at www. Museum Photo Competition is Sept. 15. Find the full rules and visitocracokevillage.com. • Put down the chotchkes — and pick entry form at www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com, then fire in your through some jimmies — when the one-and-only Crabdaddy favorite local shot of a local image. You might win $100 and be returns to Sanctuary Vineyards, Sept. 18. From 12-6pm, enjoy featured in a future exhibit. • In more developing news, Outer AYCE crabs and sides (while supplies last), live tunes, local beer, and Banks Surfrider is getting back to meeting in-person. Come out to wine — all served up with a souvenir glass — plus games like the Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, Sept. 15 at 6pm, to learn more about Great Currituck Grape Stomp, Crab Pot Shotput, Crab Crawl the latest effort — or bring your own issues. And be ready to Races, and other family fun. Crack into www.sanctuaryvineyards.com beautify Hayman Street in a hands-on way, Sept. 25, when friends, for all the tasty deets. • Paint Dowdy Park red — and cure bored family and businesses team up for the First Annual Sand Sculpture young’uns’ blues — when DCAC’s Artrageous Kids Art Contest. 10am-2pm. $25 per team. Follow their Facebook page for Festival returns, Sept. 18. From 10am-3pm, families enjoy art more details and official rules. • First it was Dorian. Then it was activities, live music, creative vendors, and a variety of local COVID. But, after two years of delays, nothing will stop the Day at restaurants with proceeds benefiting DCAC cultural arts the Docks Festival from celebrating Hatteras life, Sept. 17-18. programming and the Artrageous Youth Scholarship Fund. Info at Deets are still TBD but you can count on chowder comps, concrete marlin battles, the Blessing of the Fleet, and many more displays of The Great Grape Stomp lets fams squeeze all the fun www.darearts.org or call 252-473-5558. • Surfers spray Jennette’s out of Crabdaddy, Sept. 18. Photo: Brooke Mayo Pier like a Jackson Pollack painting, Sept. 19-25, when competitors never-say-disaster community spirit. Get a full sched at www. from Maine to Miami converge for the Eastern Surfing Association hatterasonmymind.com or find their Facebook page. • Do your part Eastern Championships. This granddaddy of amateur events features rippers of every age to keep things pristine Down South by joining NC Beach Buggy Association’s Operation and discipline, turning the sandbar into a watery canvas as they battle to determine the Beach Respect event, Sept. 18. Find an ORV ramp after 8am, grab a bag, fill it with litter, and leave it on your way out. Or, even better, then hang out for a picnic. Learn more at www. coast’s true masters. Get heat sheets and live feeds at www.surfesa.org. • Meanwhile, surf-
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ROANOKE ISLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
endnotes stoked creativity hits big screens across the beach, Sept. 22-25, as the 10th Annual Surfalorus Film Festival premieres vids and film at a range of locals — plus hang-gliding lessons, underwater camera workshops, and the best waves of the year. Complete sched at www.surfalorus.com. • It’s never too soon to start thinking Christmas! Help the Dare County Motorsports Charity Group provide holiday gifts for our area’s underprivileged children by attending two fall events, Sept. 23-25. Start with the Outer Banks Jeep Invasion, which features a Fri. Meet & Greet at Dirty Dick’s (5:30-8:30pm) followed by two full days of food and tunes at the Soundside Event Site, plus scavenger hunts and poker runs. (Action starts at 9am.) And on Sept. 25, the Dare County Motorcycle-Jeep Toy Run will meet at 10am in the Wal-Mart parking lot for an escorted parade to Vertigo Tattoo. Roll over to their DCMCG Facebook page for details. • Rather just kick the seat back and groove? Join the Alternate Routes Getaway Music Festival at Avon’s Koru Beach Klub, Sept. 24-25, for a chill weekend of live musical rumblings by Nick Fradiani, Amy Gerhartz, Dave Borne and Meaghan Farrell. Limited to 240 tix. Learn more at www.alternateroutesgetaway.com. • Or fish round the clock, Sept. 24-26, as the Annual Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge turns the swash zone into a non-stop battle zone for bluefish, spanish, sea mullet, and pompano, with hefty checks as the heaviest prizes — plus awards for junior, senior, and lady anglers, too. Get full rules at www. fishermanspost.com. • Come Sept. 25, Southern Shores’ 13th Annual Throwdown Surf Classic will gather local surfing families — and top names, from groms to masters — for a stoke-filled day of camaraderie and generosity, all to benefit the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Find their Facebook page for ways to register and support. • Ears and brains enjoy a stimulating treat, Sept. 28, when Dare County Arts Council’s Courthouse Speaker Series presents writer and musician, Tom Maxwell — founding member of Squirrel Nut Zippers. Time and place is still TBD, but you can certainly find the live stream on DCAC’s Facebook Page. More at www.darearts.org. • Dare County Arts Council just keeps gushing creative vitality, beginning Oct. 1, when First Friday features two opening receptions from 6-8pm: the Great Art Heist Art Auction, where a silent auction filled with top local talents keeps the funds flowing (closes Oct. 29); and Susannah Sakal’s diverse range of mixed media showcases “The Energy That Creates Worlds” (hangs thru Oct. 30). Plus, stay tuned for deets on Oct. 1’s Courtyard Grand Opening and a date/location for the latest Courthouse Speaker Series featuring Latinx artist/activist Rosalia Torres Weiner. More at www.darearts.org. • Can’t find Fay Davis Edwards? Maybe ’cause the beloved Manteo artist’s Water Street Studio has moved to a new space at 107-F Budleigh Street — where she’ll keep powering out paintings while offering classes for kids and adults. Call 252-423-8878 for directions. • Help fertilize local flower beds when the Master Gardeners’ Garage Sale posts up at KDH’s Baum Center, Oct. 2. From 8am-1pm, dig through piles of other peoples’ stuff — and pinch some favorite finds — to help fund the Outer Banks Arboretum & Teaching Garden and other outreach programs. Call 252473-4290 for all the fertile info. • Orange turns to green, Oct. 2, when the Nags Head Elementary PTO Pumpkin Fair raises cash by filling the grounds with the sellable gourds, Halloween games, rides, and raffles — all to support young minds. Meanwhile, boogying down leads to big bucks for First Flight Elementary PTO as they host their first ever Rock ‘N Roll Back 2 School Concert the same afternoon. (Find their Facebook pages for updates.) • You get four shots at future jack-o-lanterns and fall activities when Island Farm’s Pumpkin Patch returns October 2, 9, 16, & 23. Spend your Sat. sipping cider and making candles, or join in the Pumpkin Chunkin, where launching pumpkins into last century is the brand new tradition. 9am-3pm. More at the www.obcinc.org events page. • Or go carve a few waves — and appreciate innovative foam sculptures — when the Whichcraft Surf Gathering returns to Kitty Hawk’s Byrd St., Oct. 2. Competitors ride a range of unique surfboard designs by a wide variety of shapers with a singular goal: to raise money for local charities. Rain date of Oct. 3. Follow @which_craft_surf on Instagram for a list of participants. • Then see what NC craftsmen can do with real trees, Oct. 4-29, when the
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BENEFITTING THE ROGALLO FOUNDATION Bryan Cultural Series 2021 Invitational Art Show focuses on “Wood” in all its forms: sculpture, furniture, figurines, and more. Come out to an opening reception, Oct. 7, to buy works and bid on the silent auction. Lumber over to www.bryanculturalseries.org for the latest. • Oyster knives and BBQ forks help cut cash to good causes, Oct. 9, when the First Flight Rotary’s 2021 Oink & Oyster Roast returns to Longboards Grill. This local favorite’s already raised more than $100k for area non-profits, by serving up plates of delicious steamed bivalves and genuine Carolina BBQ, plus all the fixins. Get the latest at www.oinkandoyster.org or visit their Facebook page. • Looking to seamlessly segue your yard into the offseason? Maybe add a holiday bloom to your mantle or save some flowers for next spring? Try an Elizabethan Gardens Workshop, such as Seed Savings (Oct. 9, 10-11:30am), Christmas Cactus, (Oct.11, 10am-12pm), or Fall Transitions, where lessons include phasing out spent annuals, soil amendments, and fall annual planting schemes (Oct. 13, 10am-12pm). Get pricing and pre-register at www.elizabethangardens.org. Then come stock up on supplies for the Big Fall Plant Sale, Oct. 18-24, which trims 25% off all items grown for the fall. • Freestyle arrangements take center stage, Oct. 9-10, when the Duck Jazz Fest delivers a range of local, national and international acts, like La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet, Bassel & The Supernaturals, Ambassadors Jazztet, Pedtrito Martinez Group, and John Jorgenson Quintet — plus the Outer Banks’ own Modern Jazztet, Devin Williams, and the First Flight High School Jazz Band. And come out Fri. to fire up future fans with two styles of ear candy for kiddos: an 11am Jazz Story Time, featuring a musical theme; and Movie on the Green’s 7pm showing of Soul, 2021’s Oscar-winning, animated tribute to improvisational tunes. Find the full score at www.duckjazz.com. • Take a walk on the wild side — and stroll with a brainy biologist — when Town of Duck’s Nature on the Boardwalk series gives educational soundside tours, Oct. 12 (9-10:30 am), Oct. 19 (6:308pm), Nov. 4 (6-7:30 pm), & Nov. 9 (9-10:30 am). No charge, but pre-registration is required. (More at www.townofduck.com.) And come back for Oct. 22’s Movie On the Green, when Hocus Pocus will get little monsters of every age in the Halloween spirit, starting at sunset. • Fill your brain with cultural nuggets — and your tummy with tasty maritime tidbits — when Oct. 16’s Outer Banks Seafood Festival returns to the Soundside Event Site. This celebration of our rich watermen heritage features real fishing demos and rocking live music — The Southern English Band, Johnny Waters Band, No More Room Band, and The Patriot Band — plus freshly prepared items by top local restaurants. 10:30am-6pm; $15. Free ages for 12 and under. Price includes $10 in “bucks” for bevvies and food; additional “bucks” may be purchased inside. More at www. outerbanksseafoodfestival.org. • Rather savor some delicious German atmosphere? Be at
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endnotes favorites like Fri.’s Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, this year reveals the fresh styles of the Oktoberfest at Trio, Oct. 16-17, for a smorgasbord of sausage, lederhosen and a scheisseHogslop String Band (Thurs., Oct. 21) and Scythian (Fri., Oct. 22). Plus Sideline hosts load of craft beers, 11am-10pm. And you get seven days to toast a decade of deliciousness as Trio’s Ten Year Anniversary Celebration chugs from Oct. 25-31. More at www.obxtrio. every night, and Sat.’s Boograss competitions award prizes for Halloween costumes and pumpkin carving. Get the latest at www. com. • Whether you want to savor Fried Green bluegrassisland.com. • Not enough slack-jawed action Tomatoes — or just flip through a few Peanuts for ya? Beers fly, bands jam, and spectators stand — collections — there’s a buffet of readable nuggets to with mouths agape — when the 6th Annual Outer digest when Dare Literacy Council Book Sale Banks Brewtag returns to the Soundside Event Site, returns to the KDH Recreation Center, Oct. 22-24. Oct. 23. This annual aviation wonder asks teams to And if you’re looking to unload some of your turn empty kegs into soaring gliders, then flings them library’s leftovers, they’re happy to add them to their for distance — all while folks watch and yell, “Dang!” menu and use the proceeds to fund educational Register your team and learn more at www.kittyhawk. efforts. For more info, call Lynn Blackburn at 252com. • As long as your mouth’s hanging wide, you 305-5375. • Sample the sweet musical diversity of might as well stuff it with food. From Oct. 23-31, Fall Molasses Creek — with a super-tender side of Restaurant Week features local chefs offering Coyote — when Bryan Cultural Series delivers two 3-course dinners for fixed prices, so diners leave with of Ocracoke’s stringiest acts to First Flight High on full bellies — and fuller pockets. ( Just be sure to Oct. 23. 7pm. $15. (If a live audience is allowed; if empty that wallet when it comes time to tip.) Find a not, they’ll stream it for free.) Find details and tix at list of participants at www.outerbanksrestaurantweek. www.bryanculturalseries.org. • Wanna fish for free com. • Feast your eyes on handmade pottery, arts and — and get a shot at $10k in prizes? Volunteer to help crafts when the 7th Annual Cody Dough Show judge the 12th Annual NCBBA Red Drum Molasses Creek fills First Flight High with sweet sounds on Oct.23. comes to Island Farm, Sun., Oct. 24. 1-4pm. Find Tournament. This yearly favorite runs for 60 hours, updates on Facebook. • Starting to feel a little spooky? On Oct. 29-30, head south to the Oct. 22-23, but they need judges to max out the miles they can cover. Find details at www. Hatteras Village Haunted Trail, where Sea Breeze Trail’s eerie marshland mutates into a ncbba.org. • Celebrate ten years of twanging good times when the Outer Banks Bluegrass haunted adventure based on local legends. For this year’s terrifying theme, check out the Island Festival returns to Roanoke Island Festival Park, Oct. 21-23. In addition to annual
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Hatteras Village Facebook Page. • Or pay tribute to Carolina’s favorite decapitated ne’er do well, when Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree invades Ocracoke, Oct. 29-30. Spend a swashbuckling weekend enjoying a historically accurate pirate encampment, interactive living history exhibits, sea chanteys, music, and a shopping marketplace of seafaring fine arts — plus a reenactment of the infamous pirate’s last stand on Silver Lake. Head over to www. visitocracokenc.com for updates. • Fight disease and stay fit, Oct. 30, when the Outer Banks Hospital’s Get Pinked! and More Cancer Walk comes to Dowdy Park. From 9am-12pm, locals commemorate lost loved ones, support local care with a healthy one-mile stroll. All of the proceeds stay on the Outer Banks in the form of free cancer screenings and educational programs — plus, free flu vaccines for anyone over 18. For info or to become a sponsor, call 252-449-5933. • Get a heathy dose of fall fever when Elizabethan Gardens hosts the Harvest Hayday, Oct. 30. From 10am-2pm, the colors and flavors of fall converge into a single day of hayrides and bale mazes, bake sales and apple rolls, face painting and scarecrow stuffing — plus educational stations, a bon fire, and concessions of traditional fall foods. Tix sold online at www.elizabethangardens.org. • Hold on to your mast! One of the nation’s biggest windsurfing events — the annual OBX-Wind Competition — sails into Avon’s Ocean Air Sports, Oct. 30Nov. 6. Slalom, distance and freestyle events stoke and challenge all skill levels, while a raffle party ruffles with post-race activities. Find a full sched at www.oceanairsports.com. • Ruffles won’t even begin to cover the costume ideas — or much else — at the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s Exotic Erotic Ball on Oct. 31. This Halloween favorite is the liveliest undead party of all, with prizes for both categories of eye-popping fashions. Get an eyeful of info at www.obbrewing.com. • Think those are some exotic looking sets? Wait ’til you see
Audrey II! That’s right, Theatre of Dare opens their 31st season with Little Shop of Horrors sometime in Nov. Watch for deets on all show dates, auditions and future performances —then buy season passes — at www.theatreofdareobx.com. • Nov. 2’s Municipal Elections may not be sexy, but they don’t mean you can’t end up getting screwed. Bone-up on all the issues and players via League of Women Voter’s Candidate Forums — dates and locations TBD — then go pull that handle on Nov. 2. Learn more at www.lwvdarenc.org. • Take a blast through the past, Nov. 3-6, when the First Colony Foundation’s OBX History Weekend: Searchers of New Horizons celebrates the questors, inventors, dreamers, and pioneers whose paths included the Outer Banks. Presentations include new information about Roanoke Colonist Thomas Harriot and his remarkable discoveries; English and Native views of the Carolina Algonquians; new finds about the fate of the fabled Lost Colony; a fresh view of Sir Walter Raleigh; and groundbreaking aviators like the Wright Brothers, General Billy Mitchell and Francis Rogallo. Plus take part in archaeological digs, aircraft flyovers — and a special show at the Dare County Arts Council, Nov. 4-13. A complete map of weekend events awaits at www.firstcolonyfoundation.org. • Wanna help illuminate young minds? Head to Nov. 5’s Kitty Hawk Elementary’s Friday Night Lights Carnival, where a dazzling display of games and activities will power the next generation of geniuses. 4-8:30pm. Find their Facebook event page for high-watt deets. • Taunya Moore’s oil paintings light up Duck Town Hall’s walls with flowery color as we enter the next phase of the Town of Duck’s Rotating Art Show Series, Nov. 5-Jan. 26. Come see for yourself any Mon.-Fri, 9am4:30pm (excluding holidays). Even better, come out Nov. 6 from 3-5pm and meet the artist. More at www.townofduck.com. • Come Nov. 5, step inside DCAC’s Manteo gallery for the
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endnotes opening reception of Nancy Louise Shore Harvey’s “Flora and Fauna” (6-8pm; hangs Ocracoke Community Park. (More at www.runocracoke.com.) Or just burn some pre-feast through Nov. 27). Plus, Outer Banks Veterans Week returns with writing workshops and calories on Thanksgiving by jogging in the Annual 5K Turkey Trot, Nov. 25. Find a full live music, Nov. 5-14, and there’s a Courthouse Speaker Series event featuring field of events at www.visitocracokenc.com. • Come Nov. 19-20, Southern Shores’ All Saints interdisciplinary artist Sherrill Roland set later this month. Go to www.darearts.org. for the Episcopal Church runs amok with a crazy range of top local artists and artisans for the 2021 latest. • Saddle up and ride west, Nov. 6, when the Currituck Bulls & BBQ competitors Holly Days Bazaar & Arts Festival. Be there at 9am to get first pick of the prize-winning corral inside Currituck County Rural Center. From 12-6pm enjoy the KCBS BBQ works, or show up in the final hours to put in top bid in the silent auction. (Ends 4pm Fri.; Competition, where the People’s Choice proceeds benefit Currituck Backpack for Kids. 3pm Sat.) Keep tabs on their Facebook page for updates. • And Rob Snyder performs Then enjoy bull riding, live music, crafts, cornhole contests, local food vendors — all feats of artistic skill in every style when the Dare County Arts Council displays his exhibit of culminating with a real-life rodeo. For tix, call 252-435-2947 or visit www.bullsandBBQ.com. eye-popping seascapes and surreal perspectives, Nov. 19-Jan. 22. Visit www.darearts.org for • Or watch the annual stampede of humans race into town, Nov. opening reception info. • Feeling the pressure to perform this 6-7, for the 2021 OBX Half Marathon Weekend. This year, holiday party season? Come test drive a range of wine, beer, they’re taking a bit of a breather by cutting the big race in half, ciders, bubbly, cheese, cured meats, and more at Trio’s but there’s still plenty of fun, including a Sat. fun run and 5k. Sign Harvest Fest Saturday, Nov. 20, 2-4pm. Eats deets at www. up and learn more at www.obxse.com. • More of a crawler? Love obxtrio.com. • Then practice staggering home from the tasty crustaceans? Sweet! The Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff/ impending month of holiday shindigs, Nov. 24, when the Crawl returns Nov. 6-7. All weekend, local chefs compete over Outer Banks Brewing Station’s Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile fills who can make the most creative shrimp appetizer, while patrons the backyard with 99 other lithe lushes willing to mix 1/4 mile pop in to sample their efforts. $25 tix feed the Outer Banks runs and 10 oz. chugs. 11am start. Prizes for the fastest male Center for Dolphin Research. A pod of info awaits at www. and female — plus costume contest awards for most creative obxdolphins.org. • Winter is coming. Make sure your Godswood holiday attire. Register at www.theobxrunningcompany.com or don’t end up looking god-awful with one of Elizabethan sign up on site from 10-10:45am. • And come Nov. 25, preGardens’ classes, such as a Winter Transition Workshop (Nov. burn that turkey drumstick by stretching your legs in Corolla’s 6, 10am-12pm), Winter Container Gardening (Nov. 13, 10am8th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5k. 8am start. (Find deets and 12pm), and Dormancy Workshop (Nov. 20, 10-11:30am). Then registration at www.theobxrunningcompany.com.) Or celebrate come back Nov. 23, when two lessons in flower arrangements will 25 years of Duck’s fav pre-feast racing festivity: the Advice 5k make your table the talk of the season: from 10am-12pm, a Turkey Trot, which supports a range of Outer Banks nonHoliday Centerpieces Workshop will take a more serious profits. This one usually stuffs itself way in advance, but a virtual approach, while the Sip ‘n Snip Centerpiece Workshop adds option may be available. Head to www.advice5kturkeytrot.com delicious wine and fine cheeses to the fun. 1-3pm. Prices and for the latest. • Or just sit your lazy rump on the dock and pre-registration at www.elizabethangardens.org. • Colington watch pretty lights do laps around Silver Lake, Nov. 26, when Yacht Club arranges for would-be boaters to hit the sound at Ocracoke’s Harbor Parade of Boats rings in the holidays with the first Sunday Sail of winter, Nov. 7. This monthly event is a a glowing display of yuletide vessels. More at www. way for captains to congregate — and introduce landlubbers to visitocracokenc.com. • Add some sand to your stockings, Nov. a love of the sea. 1-3pm. More at www.colingtonyachtclub.com. 26-27, when Kitty Hawk Kites’ Hangin’ With Santa brings • Salt and foam support cleaner water, Nov. 7, when Buffalo kiddos’ favorite North Pole benefactor to their Jockeys Ridge City Jug Shop brings Hopvemberfest to the new Swells’a location for photos and wish lists. And on Nov. 27, Kites With Brewing. The two beer outlets serve their finest craft suds, while Lights electrifies the night sky with fluttering flare from 4-7pm, Cousins’ Oysters cooks bivalves, and proceeds benefit the NC with a special 5pm illumination of the State Park Solar Coastal Federation. Follow their respective social media feeds Christmas Tree. Plug into www.kittyhawk.com for deets. • for times and pricing. • Then see what other deliciousness can Meanwhile, Nov. 26’s 6th Annual Whalehead Christmas come from a can, Nov. 13, when the 2021 Beach Food Pantry Craft Village fills Historic Corolla Park’s waterfront grounds Holiday Chefs’ Challenge pours into The Pavilion at Pirate’s with locally made gift ideas, while festive folks serve up hot Cove Marina. From 6:30-10pm, local restaurants compete for cocoa, carols and community spirit. Plus, Kris Kringle pops in top honors by creating scrumptious dishes from a pantheon of for selfies and requests, 11am-4pm. (Find updates on Nancy Shore Harvey’s “Flora and Fauna” dresses up Dare Co. unperishable items — and proceeds help local food insecure Facebook @CurrituckOBXevents.) And from Nov. 26 to Dec. Arts Council, Nov. 5-27. families get stocked with fresh meals. Tix and deets at www. 18, every Fri. & Sat. features a Christmas Candlelight Tour of beachfoodpantry.org. • Live tunes and freshly shucked bivalves rock Mimi’s Tiki Hut, Nov. the Whalehead. Revisit the holidays of a hundred years back via 1920’s decor and customs. 15, at the Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar’s Annual Oyster Roast.12-5pm. $25 in advance; 5-6pm; $20. Tours fill quickly, so register in advance at 252-453-9040. Learn more at www. $30 at door. Follow their Facebook page for tasty deets. • Cookin’ up a cool craft item for visitcurrituck.com. • Take oyster stuffing to the extreme, Nov. 27, when The Big Curri-Shuck the festive season? Apply to be part of Dowdy Park’s Holiday Markets, where seasonal delivers all you can eat bivalves, crabs and BBQ to Sanctuary Vineyards (while supplies goodies and handmade gift ideas fill the park, Nov. 13 & 27, and Dec. 11 — 9am-12pm last). Top it all off with local wine and beer served in a souvenir glass, then dunk it in the — plus a night market on Dec. 2 from 3-6pm. Find an application link on the town’s buttery sounds of live music. 12-5pm. Full line-up awaits at www.sanctuaryvineyards.com. • Facebook page in Oct. And call 252-489-8551 with questions. • Enjoy a double-dash of do- And, finally, whet your appetite for the holidays with a visual feast of festive evergreens and goodery in Ocracoke, Nov. 13 & 14, when Sat.’s 10th Annual Scallywag 5K/10K and Sun.’s glowing displays when Elizabethan Gardens’ Winterlights 2021 electrifies Christmas 6th Annual Blackbeard’s 1/2 Marathon race around the island to raise dough for fans nearly every Tues.-Sun. from Nov. 28-Dec. 30, 6-9pm. Find pricing, deets, blackout Ocracoke Community Radio WOVV, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and the dates, and timed entry tickets at www.elizabethangardens.org.
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