OUTER BANKS MILEPOST: ISSUE 11.2

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PERSPECTIVE IS A FUNNY THING. outthere Just look at this picture. Could be a mountainside lake. Could be Mars. But flip the page upside down and what looks like a foreign, frozen floe becomes a familiar Nags Head tidal pool.

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Same thing goes for real life. Just flopping your point of view opens new worlds. For example, your 600th straight beach day becomes a water park just by floating on your back a few yards offshore. Then, what begins as a fun, relaxing lazy river turns into raging rapids the second a wave comes crashing over your head. In either case, a single simple shift in perspective can be the difference between boredom and discovery, bravery and fear. Maybe even life and death.

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And when that happens, is it the world around that changes? Is it you? Or is it both?

Maybe it’s this kind of dynamic energy that pulls people here. The weather, the coast, the people — it all shifts, all the time. All that volatility keeps people engaged. Alive. You might even argue that’s what vacations are

“

about: altering reality for a period of time, whether it’s a dip in the sea or a drink at a dive bar. (We’re big fans of both.)

IS IT THE WORLD THAT CHANGES? OR IS IT YOU?

But what about those of us who live here year-round? It’s hard to stay bored when there’s a storm on the way or a crowd on the rise. But after a few years, even the endless rotation of heaving seas and raging seasons can quickly feel like the same-ol’, same-ol’. Especially in summer.

Often, we get so busy that, between working overtime — and forcing in free time — we get hung up doing the same damn things day after day. Before long, life ends up looking like the dunescape we love so much: marked by stark, sandy patterns from here to the horizon. Still beautiful, but, in so many ways, predictable.

That’s why, even in a place that’s as

volatile as ours, it’s important to break up those grooves. To actively shake up your surroundings and try to see the Outer Banks from a whole new vantage point.

For folks who are here for the first time, that means doing something quintessentially Outer Banks, like rolling down Jockey’s Ridge or fishing offshore. For repeat visitors, maybe check out the swampy backside of the barrier island or hop in a biplane for a peek from above. And if you live here, force yourself to break an old habit. Pick a new beach access. Test-drive a strange board.

Eat someplace you never have — or at least order the special instead of the usual.

Whatever opportunity comes along, consider your first instinct — then do the exact opposite. Or at least tweak it slightly.

With enough little twists, those once familiar moments can rearrange into breathtaking experiences. Your whole world might even change colors. Warning: you might just be the one who turns out different.

— Matt Walker

Thanks 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: shred your copy into confetti-sized pieces, then throw all the colors in the nearest metal can; roll-up a paper cylinder and fill it with sea glass, then twist it until the whole thing shatters. 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 to: editor@outerbanksmilepost.com. We promise to find some way to re-purpose them.

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“The twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn.” — Tim Rice “Be loud. Let your colors show.” — The Avett Brothers

Issue 11.2 Summer ’22 Cover: Refracted reflections Photo: Daniel Pullen

Reader You Brushes & Ink Carnell Boyle, John Butler, Ginger Che, Love Che-Howell, True Che-Howell, 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, Andy Howell, Amelia Kasten, Chris Kemp, Nathan Lawrenson, Dave Lekens, Alex Lex, Tim Lusk, Elisa McVearry, Ben Miller, Dawn Moraga, Ben Morris, Holly Nettles, Stella Nettles, Rick Nilson, Barbara Noel, Holly Overton, Stuart Parks II, Charlotte Quinn, Willow Rea, Meg Rubino, Shirley Ruff, Noah Snyder, Rob Snyder, Janet Stapelman, Alyse Stewart, Kenneth Templeton, Stephen Templeton, George Tsonev, Christina Weisner, John Wilson, Mark Wiseman, Bri Young, 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, David Thomas, Ed Tupper, Eve Turek, Chris Updegrave, Dan Waters, Kati Wilkins, Cyrus Welch, Jay Wickens

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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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06 U pFront Prepping summer, pumping sand and plummeting airplanes.

THE ORIGINAL Since the 60’s

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22 There Goes The Neighborhood The Che-Howell family colors way outside the lines.

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28 How Days Become Decades Meet the Outer Banks’ original short-term rental option.

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“First Light”

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62 E ndNotes Say “hi” to the high season.

“I’ve lived in a lot of cities. And I actually think there’s a higher concentration of creativity on the Outer Banks than most metropolitan areas, because it attracts people who are a little bit fringe. A little… on the edge. For this year’s Frank Stick show, I wanted to create something that spoke to that idea, so I started with the lighthouse, because as a kid driving the beach with my dad, the goal was always to get down south as far as you could. Then I wanted to add my own flair and some graffiti backbone while still stretching my limits. The stencil was a new challenge, but I love using the spray can technique of barely holding down the nozzle the tiniest bit for a splatter-and-spatter effect. So, I did that to create the glow of the lighthouse. Then I carried it all the way onto the frame to reflect all the people here who live ‘outside the box.’” — Andy Howell

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means “a lot” more law enforcement issues in Outer Banks parks. Hallac says of 2500 documented calls, most were related to drugs, DWIs, fights, speeding, traffic issues, resource violations, ORV permit issues, and one kidnapping.

How does the Outer Banks prepare for the coming, startingpoint crazy season? Depends on who you ask.

Plus, in what seems to be a trend since COVID, vandalism of public bathrooms has been a problem, especially in Ocracoke.

Another summer. Another season of record visitation. At least if recent history’s any indication.

to drive on designated seashore corridors in 2021 ballooned to 54,000, compared with 27,000 in 2012.

Starting in June 2020, according to Outer Banks Tourism Bureau figures, Dare County occupancy taxes broke records for 17 consecutive months. In November 2021, the trend dipped. But it picked right up again, with the highest ever occupancy revenue figures in December 2021 through February 2022. And at last count, visitors to Dare County spent a whopping $1.4 billion.

“There’s been a lot of wear and tear on our ORV ramps,” says National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent Dave Hallac.

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But with those major crowds come big logistical challenges. More trash cans to wrangle. More swimmers to rescue. As we head into the busiest months, municipalities and other community leaders are working overtime to prepare for the full range of consequences.

And there’s been a lot more litter. Last year, Hallac says, the park service, with help from community volunteers, collected about 350 tons of trash, compared with 250-300 tons in a typical year. It’s costing $500,000 a year just for a dumpster contract.

Meanwhile, they’ve got fewer people to work onsite — like any business, there’s more competition to fill the seasonal staff vacancies. But, unlike local restaurants and retailers, at least they can ask for free help.

“We are really lucky to have a lot of volunteer support,” Hallac says.

They’re also embracing automation, online services and other technologies for fee collections and ORV permits, which has really helped fill the staffing gap.

Still, lighthouse climbing at Bodie Island this season will be cut back to five days a week because of shortages. On the other hand, the seashore’s seasonal lifeguard service since COVID had been expanded into October, though details for this year have not yet been finalized.

Of course, beach safety’s always a number one priority for our coastal communities.

And, as Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue supervisor Dave Elder notes, the number of offseason swimmers in the ocean keeps increasing. In fact, he says no matter the month, when the weather is pretty, somebody’s going into the water.

He says just this April, despite water temperatures in the 50s, there were a couple dozen people “here and there,”

Not surprisingly, more vacationers also

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore has had some of the most intense tourism impacts, with the number of visitors since 2020 surging to about 3 million — a million more people than seven years ago. That’s a lot of feet trudging on 75 miles of beaches — and a lot of vehicle traffic: ORV permits issued

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splashing around in the ocean and wearing no protection from the cold.

In addition to extending some ocean rescue service until the end of October, the Town of Nags Head has also tweaked its beach driving areas and is considering adjustments in the schedule to reduce conflict with pedestrian use.

They weren’t in trouble, but as Elder put it, “you’re only one breath away from drowning.”

In response, for the first time ever, Kill Devil Hills budgeted to add two roving lifeguards on five miles of town beaches during weekends starting in mid-April. With roving lifeguards, Elder says, it’s easier to keep an eye on beach activities.

“You can’t be everywhere,” he says. “But it’s good to be close to where you need to be.”

In mid-May, the service will add more lifeguards to the beach as needed. Then, on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the 21 lifeguard stands will be staffed. Some roving lifeguards will also be held over through mid-October and will continue to respond as appropriate.

“It’s my hope that we will look at what we’ve done and make adjustments as we move along,” Elder says.

According to Elder, currently about 20 percent of calls are for “blowouts”— people using floatation devices who are pushed away from the beach by offshore winds.

For close to ten years, he says less than one percent of rescues in Kill Devil Hills have needed any medical support.

“The ocean is pretty much doing its thing, so hazards exist,” Elder says. “I’m trying to keep people walking off the beach with a smile.”

They’re also adding pedestrian safety measures to the Beach Road. At heavily trafficked areas by the Village at Nags Head, Bonnett Street, and Jennette’s Pier, a person can push a button that flashes a light to alert drivers that they’re ready to cross. The town is also looking into installing digital signage in an effort to improve crosswalk compliance and education. It is also considering ways to improve the confusing intersection at Whalebone Junction.

But that’s not the only Beach Road mess Nags Head’s looking to tackle. Town Manager Andy Garman says the increased amount of trash from weekly rentals was getting out of control.

“

From May 1 through October 31, a vendor will go to every house fronting both sides of the Beach Road and pull out carts the night before the twiceweekly pickup, then go back the next day and roll it back.

The cost will be paid out of the property owners’ fiscal year 2023 tax bill, based on the number of bedrooms.

AT LAST COUNT, VISITORS TO DARE COUNTY SPENT A WHOPPING $1.4 BILLION.

“We’re hoping this works,” Garman says, adding that rental companies have been very supportive.

This spring, the Dare County Tourism Board started work on a long-term management plan that Nettles says will look ten-to-15 years ahead and “be more intentional of where we want to get to.”

The plan will include predictive measures and help flesh out the data that measures occupancy and meals revenue.

“What we have right now is based on dollars, and it’s not considering the impact on the environment, or our social and cultural (assets),” says Nettles.

Housing and workforce stress, for instance, may not be reflected in tax revenue figures.

As part of the planning process, Nettles says the board will engage the community as early as this fall to get a vision of what they want to see visitation look like in the future.

Nettles says one idea may be that, rather than maximizing our summer numbers, marketing could target interest groups with passions, such as aviation, birdwatching, lighthouses, kiteboarding, shell collecting, deep sea fishing, wreck diving, and more, which could foster a more year-round economy.

Carts are overloaded, leaving lids unable to close. Bags filled with garbage are put next to the cart and often break apart. Or visitors roll out carts on the wrong day, then wind and storms knock them over, scattering contents.

In each case, local decision makers are doing their best to handle the immediate challenges. But what about the years to come? That’s the kind of long-term thinking that the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is working on now.

“It’s just been overwhelming,” Garman says.

In fact, Executive Director Lee Nettles says that the intense disruption caused by the influx of visitors during COVID has provided a valuable opportunity.

“When 70 percent of your annual revenue comes from three months, it makes you completely vulnerable,” says Nettles. “By flattening out that curve, we’re protecting ourselves.”

“It’s caused us to rethink what we’re doing and how we’re doing it,” Nettles says.

Let’s hope a flatter curve also makes for a saner high season. — Catherine Kozak

In response, the town has added more sanitation truck drivers and more routes.

One significant change this year is a new cart rollback service for weekly rental properties.

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In the summer of 1936, Fourth of July fell on a Saturday. At the time, Independence Day was considered the unofficial kick-off of the summer season, and things were shaping up for a memorable weekend at the beach. George Fuller, manager of The Nags Header Hotel encouraged guests to call, write, or wire for reservations. The Nags Head Beach Club was throwing a bash with music by the Royal Campbell Orchestra, plus confetti, noise makers and streamers. Meanwhile, at the Pirate’s Den — “Nags Head’s Newest Dance Center” — partiers could sway past midnight to the sounds of Dave Brown and his 13 Rhythm Boys.

But the weekend would be marred by a tragedy, one not easily forgotten by those who witnessed it. Barely three decades after the Wright brothers ushered in the era of modern aviation, a plane crashed behind Jockeys Ridge just past daybreak on Sunday, taking the life of the pilot and

two local men, stunning holiday vacationers, and bringing out the seamy side of human nature.

George Spence was eight years old at the time of the mishap. The airplane wrecked dangerously close to his family’s soundfront Nags Head cottage, and he remembered souvenir hunters skulking around and scavenging the ill-fated aircraft.

As Spence later put in his memoir: “From the very final minutes of the crash, people were seen to be stealing parts of the plane, tearing off a piece of fabric, etc.”

The debris remained in place for two weeks, until aviation officials were able to inspect the site, much to the chagrin of the youngster.

“It also became somewhat eerie for me at night,” he wrote. “The wreck or skeleton of the airplane was right outside of my secondstory bedroom. All I had to do was look out

the window and I could see it, dimly by the light of the moon.”

At the time, local historian David Stick was a fledging journalist, working as a reporter for the Daily Advance and as a stringer for the Associated Press. He later recalled the event as his first major story.

“That was one of the most exciting days of my career as a newsman,” he wrote in his 1990 memoir. “I interviewed people who had actually seen the plane dive nose first into the shallow water at the edge of Roanoke Sound just after it had taken off from the flats back of Jockey’s Ridge.”

He immediately phoned telegraph operator Alpheus Drinkwater to send the AP a short blurb about the crash, before he set out to interview witnesses. He spoke to those who saw the plane go down—as well as holiday revelers who reported seeing the pilot and his passengers at the Nags Head Beach Club in the early morning hours.

“Then I went back home, wrote my first big story and was able to put both the story and film on the later afternoon bus to Elizabeth City,” he recalled.

“

REVELERS REPORTED SEEING THE PILOT AT THE NAGS HEAD BEACH CLUB IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS.

Meanwhile, the local populace mourned the victims. The pilot, Garrett H. Tonkin, 36, of Ocean View, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers Albert Murray Gard, 24, of Manns Harbor, and Melvin D. Sawyer, 23, of East Lake were driven by ambulance to Norfolk for medical care. But Sawyer died near Great Bridge

and Gard succumbed to his injuries two blocks from the Norfolk General Hospital.

While a military airport was constructed on Roanoke Island during World War II (today’s Dare County Airport), promoters of the region used the incident to draw attention to the need for a modern air strip closer to the beach. A front-page article in an Elizabeth City paper railed:

For several years barnstorming pilots have been taking their planes to Nags Head during weekends in the summer and taking up passengers. All of these pilots have had to use unmarked Sand Flats for taking off and landing. With a fine landing field at Kill Devil Hill, just 5 miles north of Nags

Head, the sand flats would undoubtedly be abandoned. It is hoped that the next Congress will make an appropriation for landing field at Kill Devil Hill.

As a result, a small private airstrip near the Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head border was created in time for the aviation enthusiasts who flocked to the area to celebrate the golden anniversary of flight in 1953.

Ten years later, the current airstrip adjacent to the Wright Memorial was constructed as part of the National Park Service’s Mission ’66 initiative to modernize parks. Today, the landing strip documents an average of 18,750 successful landings per year.

— Sarah Downing

Sources include: “Crying Need For Airport at Kill Devil Hill,” The Independent, July 10, 1936; “Headquarters Set up on N.C. Coast for Mammoth Flight Anniversary, “December 10, 1953, The Daily Times-News (Burlington, NC); “Landing Strip at K.D. Hills Considered,” The Coastland Times, April 4, 1952; My Boyhood at the Beach : A Memoir by George Spence, unpublished manuscript, 2013, Outer Banks History Center; Musings of a Maverick, David Stick, unpublished manuscript, 1990 Outer Banks History Center.

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SMILE! YOU’RE ON CANDID CAMERA! Keep those bathing suits cinched tight if you’re on the beach in Corolla. Currituck announced a series of NOAA web cams will be filming our shores this summer.

The goal is to help scientists document flooding and monitor water quality, but the general public can also get a sneak peek at current conditions — along with the occasional sandy butt crack.

HOUSE OF CARDS For 30-plus years, Theatre of Dare’s portrayed witty characters, from kings to queens to plenty of jokers. And yet, they’ve never had a castle to call their own. That all changed this spring when

they leased a Kitty Hawk venue. Not only do they have a real stage, with real lights, but they’ve had really good turnouts — selling out most shows — and laying a solid foundation for future seasons.

NUMBERS OF THE BEAST Talk about “devil winds.” In Feb., we learned that Florida International University received a $12 million grant to update its “wall of wind” research lab so it can one day test houses against potential “Category 6” hurricanes up to 200mph. Two months later, global scientists warned that the number of intense tropical cyclones — rated Cat 3 and more — will double by 2050. Put the two together and it adds up to some hellish meteorological math for coastal residents.

FLAVOR SAVER Everyone loves salty oysters. Shitty ones, not so much. Luckily, a new online tool called ShellCast crunches predicted rainfall

numbers to tell shellfish farmers when the state might shutdown their beds due to stormwater pollution. Now, if someone will only design an app that alerts consumers when a fresh batch of crab sloughs comes to market.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK ON THE INTERNET What’s scarier than front row seats for Baby Shark Live? Watching OCEARCH’s global shark tracker online. Especially this spring, when it showed a couple of juvenile white sharks ping inside the sound. Crazy?

Maybe not. Because in Mar., a group of Florida researchers revealed that our favorite apex predator forms friendships, often patrolling in pairs, particularly when it comes time to hunt. So let that sink in while you zip up your wetsuit — or step into your waders.

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locals smile like celebrity sightings. We ain’t seen too many Hollywood types the past two years, so when legendary child actor-turned-Oscar winning director Ron Howard tweeted from Manteo in April, folks freaked over possibly crossing paths with “Opie” from Andy Griffith or “Richie Cunningham” from Happy Days. So, what was little Opie Cunningham’s take on our version of Mayberry? “Great for fishing and family adventure.” And he ain’t just whistling Dixie.

BOMBS IN THE ’HOOD Southern Shores’ street cred took a bit of a beatdown in Mar. Long recognized as one of the Outer Banks most desirable zip codes, a town meeting revealed that parts of the neighborhood were once a bombing test site during WWII. And while the risk of exploding flat tops may be low, 2015 tests revealed surface waters held traces of lead and other carcinogens.

In fact, it found these waters “held a high

risk to human and ecological health due to the contaminants.” Worse? Defense officials don’t plan to do more testing until 2040. Suddenly, a couple summer gunshots off “West Third” don’t sound so dangerous.

SUNKEN TREASURE For nearly two decades, history buffs have dived down to Hatteras Village’s Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to learn more about the Civil War’s Monitor, Battle of Atlantic, and other cool maritime wreckage. Soon, there will be more reasons to stay down even longer, thanks to an infusion of state cash — $4.2 million clams to be exact — that will finally finish the museum and allow staff to update exhibits and display even more artifacts.

Let’s hope they can convince Outer Banks families and dive enthusiasts to crack open their own treasure chests and donate more historical gold from our shared past.

HELTER SHELTER Towns, developers and employers threw out a dizzying array of ways to attack our housing shortage this spring. On Roanoke Island, SAGA leased rooms in their recently purchased “Friends of Elizabeth II” guest house to CSI for student dorms, and the aquarium for employee housing.

Kill Devil Hills approved building another eight Run Hill apartments for local teachers. And Dare County tapped a company to build up to 400 units, all designed to stay affordable in the future.

They also allowed for more long-term ‘Accessory Dwelling Units’ in low density residential zoning districts on Roanoke Island, Colington, Avon, and Buxton — but only for long-term use. None are a silver bullet solution, but at least they’ll make a few dents in the problem.

For detailed reports on these stories and local news on a daily basis, visit www.outerbanksvoice.com, www.islandfreepress.org, www.obxtoday.com, and www.thecoastlandtimes.com.

SMART-ASS COMMENT OF THE MONTH “Here’s a thought, and I’m just spit balling here…Why not give these educators a raise?”

– Mike Honcho,

“KDH Board Paves Way for Additional Teacher Housing,” Jan. 28, 2022

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WHADDYA RECKON?

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We got questions — you got answers.

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Natalie Kavanagh, 47 Rod and Gun Goddess Frisco “I support it on Hatteras, because it’s an infrastructure project. It’s more about keeping Route 12 in one piece so our villages stay connected.”

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John Maloney, 70 Style Guy Southern Shores “Ultimately, I think it’s in vain. That sand is going to move. Nags Head nourished a few years ago and the first storm that came through swept a lot of that sand south.”

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Karen Didion Originals Hollywood Nutcrackers Disney Ornaments LED Lights

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gosurfBryant McLaughlin, 34 Cooker of Crustaceans Corolla “I’m glad they’re doing it. It keeps the beach around which in turn keeps people coming, and that keeps our businesses going.”

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Kevin Cary, 67 Puppy Treat Purveyor Southern Shores “It’s great for expanding the beach.

But it costs a lot of money, and figuring out how that cost gets dispersed fairly is a difficult process.

Then, once you start, you have to keep doing it and that gets expensive.”

D I N N E R D E L I V E RY O R P I C K- U P • E V E N T C AT E R I N G

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON BEACH NOURISHMENT? Betty Hollowell, 65 Duchess of Home Decor Manteo “I’ve been here since 1968, and I’ve seen this beach change quite a bit, so I think anything that keeps the beach wide is great.”

Betsy Buchanan, 61 Professional Fashionista Kill Devil Hills “I think nourishment is a great idea.

Without it, we’d have a beachfront of homes falling into the ocean. I spent time down in Florida in the offseason, and it’s a yearly project for them down there.”

Shaun Belangia, 41 Man of the People Point Harbor “I like it in town, but Duck shouldn’t be able to get any. If they aren’t going to let people actually access the beach, they shouldn’t be allowed to nourish it.”

photo credit: Jeff Bellantine

Call 252-441-4116 or go to:kellysobxcatering.com Shawn Davenport, 59 Jerky Treat Titan Currituck “I’m for nourishment. It’s natural sand, which comes and goes anyway. So, we’re just putting it where we need it instead of waiting on nature.”

Interviews and images by Tony Leone

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MADE YOU LOOK

It’s gonna be one hairy summer.

Photo: Chris Bickford

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Identify this species of blurry beach fodder, win a t-shirt tie-dye party from Tye Dye It Yourself.

startingpoint roadmap gokite milepost graphiccontent gosurf outthere gohunt rearview Holy hairball, what is this thing!? That’s what you gotta figure out. We’ll help by telling you what it’s not.

It’s not a ratty old t-shirt — or a tattered, terry cover-up. Ain’t a blonde sunbather’s white-hot eyelashes — or the fraying fringe of her bikini, either. But it is a natural wonder — and a thing of real beauty. And you’ll find plenty fine specimens planted across local beaches all summer long.

Think you got the golden answer? Foward it along to us at editor@outerbanksmilepost.com, along with a name and phone number. We’ll pile up the correct guesses outdoors on a windy day, then pull one winner out of thin air. That lucky soul wins a six-person, t-shirt tie-dye party from Tye Dye It Yourself.

PS: Congrats to Jeanne Brook for guessing last issue’s headscratcher: a treadmill. milepost 15

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Join A Great Team!

We are currently hiring vacation rental home housekeeping teams, inspectors, and outdoor cleaners.

Supplies and training are provided.

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MORE BEACH TO LOVE? Dare County’s summer nourishment getactive looks to plump up local shorelines from Duck to Buxton.

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Learn more and apply in minutes:

CarolinaDesigns.com/employment Voted “Best Place To Work” in the 2021 Outer Banks Best of the Beach Contest

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For people, swimsuit season is a reason to get skinny. But when it comes to beach nourishment, summer’s the time to pack on those extra pounds — at least on the Outer Banks — as a less active ocean makes sure all that fresh sand weight sticks around as long as possible. And this year’s operation will add more volume than ever, as they beef up Southern Shores and parts of Hatteras Island, pumping tons of fill from offshore deposits onto Dare County’s littoral zones like some sort of coastal engineering collagen injection.

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Of course, like any cosmetic surgery, it won’t come easy. (Expect weekly bouts of visitor soreness around the affected areas.) And it definitely don’t come cheap. The 2022 total is estimated at $78,728,341, funded almost entirely by county, town and occupancy tax dollars. In fact, project managers call the collective effort “one of the largest non-federal beach nourishment efforts in the country.”

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The good news? By November, the most painful parts should be over. All the dozers and crews will move onto some other chubby-chasing coastal town, leaving the ocean’s natural processes to smooth out any scars and wrinkles. Before long, everyone will be talking about how Outer Banks beaches “never looked better!” (Or at least that’s what they’ll say to our faces.)

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Read on to see time and cost estimates for each town as of May 6.

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TOWN OF DUCK Expect Duck to start staging pipelines and heavy equipment in August, with the actual work starting in Mid-September. All told, the project is estimated to take 20 to 30 days as they cover approximately 1.6 miles of shoreline, from the Army Corps Pier north to Skimmer Way, at a cost of $7,394,516.

SOUTHERN SHORES Southern Shores will start staging gear in July and begin pumping sand in mid-August. It will take 35 to 40 days to blanket the town’s entire beachfront for a total of roughly 3.8 miles and approximately $11,457,602. milepost 16

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South Nags Head needs to pack on more pounds than most; this will be the third round of nourishment since 2011.

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T-SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS

KITTY HAWK Kitty Hawk should begin staging equipment in June, with the project starting in early July.

All told, it’s estimated to take 35 to 40 days to cover the town’s approximately 3.97 miles of beach at a cost of $9,638,244.

KILL DEVIL HILLS Staging for KDH should begin by mid-May, with plans to start pushing sand by early June. The project will take 25 to 35 days to fix approximately 2.58 miles of shoreline from the Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills town line to 270 feet north of Prospect Avenue, with an estimated cost of $6,373,451.

NAGS HEAD Only the beaches south of Jennette’s Pier will get juiced in Nags Head this round. Look for staging to start Mid-July. The actual work should begin in early August — and take roughly 30 days — as they cover approximately 4.45 miles of shoreline from around Milepost 16 to the end of South Nags Head, at a cost of $13,952,137.

AVON Equipment staging should start in Avon sometime in May, with construction estimated to begin in early June. All told, it should take 40-60 days to fix approximately 2.5 miles of shoreline from 3,000 feet north of Avon Pier to the National Park Service Station/Avon Boundary, for a construction cost of $11,730,962.

BUXTON Buxton will start staging in June before beginning actual work in early July. Expect the project to take 40 to 60 days as they buffer 2.9 miles of shoreline from the Haulover Day Use Area to the third groin at a construction cost of $18,106,674.

Ed. note: Costs and schedule will change over the course of the project. For the most current info on specific construction dates and locations — and to sign up for email alerts — check out MoreBeachToLove.com.

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FIRST TIME’S FATAL startingpoint

Just In Case wants to keep drug curious teens roadmap from making a deadly mistake.

Forget cats. Curiosity kills kids. Especially when fentanyl’s involved.

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Our community learned that heartbreaking fact firsthand on January 8, when beloved local high schooler Ryker Clark passed away from an accidental overdose just three days shy of his 18th birthday. Not because he was a hardcore drug user. But because he was a normal teenage kid experimenting with what he thought was an FDA-approved prescription drug but turned out to be something entirely more sinister.

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fentanyl-laced Percocet pills,” says his mother, Carolyn Clark. “And the EMTs said that if I had reached him sooner, and had Narcan on hand, I could have saved his life. I wondered: how many other kids and parents could use this knowledge?”

Of course, the dangers of fentanyl are no secret these days. With a potency that’s 50-to-100 times that of morphine, this synthetic opioid has spiked overdose rates from coast-to-coast. But it’s become even more dangerous, as it’s increasingly found in counterfeit pills, cocaine, MDMA (aka ‘molly’ or ecstasy), and other illicit substances.

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“According to law enforcement, he ingested fentanyl-laced Xanax or possibly

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As a result, police and first responders all carry naloxone, or Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose in seconds. Additionally, Dare County Health and Human Services, PORT Health, and the Saving Lives Task Force are working to educate users and help get them the tools to stay safe, including access to the free Narcan. But, sadly, it’s not a perfect process.

Most of these programs are geared to help addicts — not recreational or first-time users. And certainly not teenagers.

“The availability is there [for kids],” Clark explains. “But you have to have your parents’ permission if you’re under 18.

And if you’re over 18, you fill out a lot of paperwork. I felt like a lot of teens in our area would not go through that.”

So, Clark started her own group: Just In Case. The goal is to put life-saving kits in discreet, opaque bags and leave them in

“

places where kids can pick them up, no questions asked. Each kit will have two Narcan cannisters, harm-reduction information from the Saving Lives Task Force, plus testing strips that can tell a wouldbe user if fentanyl is present in any pill or powder.

FENTANYLLACED PILL SEIZURES INCREASED 50-FOLD BETWEEN 2018 AND 2021.

“The fentanyl is in so many different products now,” says Clark. “If they could test the quote-unquote ‘molly’ they bought at a party instead of just taking it, there’s a possibility the Narcan won’t even be needed.”

already a Just In Case GoFundMe page); volunteers to put in hours making bags and manning booths; and more businesses willing to put the bags out.

But Clark’s not just waiting for curious teens to come to her. She set up a booth during spring’s Bike Week and ShredFest to hand out kits. And she plans to do the same at three Vusic OBX shows this summer: June 12’s Good Times Summer Tour; July 13’s Dirty Heads Concert; and July 14’s Umphrey’s McGee. Clark’s also working with the county to start an educational outreach program in schools, emphasizing the real risks of fentanyl.

“Some teens know the dangers, but not all do,” she says. “Maybe their parents think the issue is too sensitive to discuss. But we need to get the idea into these kids’ heads — into everyone’s heads — that you may think you’re eating Xanax but it’s highly likely you’re consuming something else.”

But whether she receives a million more dollars and thousands of man-hours, or not a single penny, she’s not gonna stop as long as she knows she might be able to save one child’s life.

Now more than ever. According to a recent study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, fentanyl-laced pill seizures increased 50-fold between 2018 and 2021. And, just this March, Ohio police seized fentanyl pills that had been stamped with a Tylenol logo for smuggling purposes.

“That blew my mind,” Clark says. “That’s how much it’s changed. So, we need to be on

top of the issue and make these supplies available, because otherwise there will be more deaths. Deaths that could’ve been prevented.”

So far, the county’s been helping Clark with resources, but she still needs more aid from the community. She’s asking for assistance on three main fronts: financial donations to buy more Narcan and test strips (there’s

“People ask me all the time, ‘How can you do this?” she admits. “And I say, ‘I’m doing this in honor of my son.’ I had a hyper needy teenager who required a lot of my time. I can sit on the couch and say, ‘Woe is me,’ or I can move and shake and use some of that extra time to help keep other families from going through what me and my family are having to deal with.”

Want to help the Just In Case cause? Need a free kit? Email Carolyn at Justincasebycarolyn@gmail.com.

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THERE GOES THE

They came. They saw. They created. The Che-Howell Family adds a whole ne

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Ginger Che is sitting on the floor in the foyer of her house, petting the family dog. It’s just after lunch, but she looks dolled up for a big night out in LA or some other major city. Certainly not for a visit to the Southern Shores CVS. Full makeup.

Heels. Two kinds of sparkly earrings — a frosty cascade of faux diamonds on the left; a shiny, sequined flower on the right — all topped off with a floral print turban.

As one hand of long, silver fingernails strokes the Tibetan terrier’s dark gray fur, the other points out all the colorful works of art that fill her living room, which — in addition to her eye-popping jewelry — includes wildly abstract paintings, wee little barrettes, wild resin rings, and at least one window-sized dream catcher.

“I like things to be one of a kind,” she says. “I don’t like to repeat myself.”

Just peek at her hat collection. There are feathery, wild-brimmed westerns. Flapper-style cloches, circa 1920. One floppy leopard print is covered in handscripted messages, etched into the felt with burnt sage — plus a crystal strategically placed to rest on the wearer’s “third eye.”

But whether it’s a twinkling necklace or a funky fedora, they all share an approach that blends the organic and the metallic. Glamour and grit. Hippie instincts and haute couture.

“She loves Chanel as much as she loves chakras,” adds her husband, Andy Howell. “I’ve never met anyone like Ginger.”

And that’s saying something. As a legendary pro skateboarder and street artist, Andy’s rubbed shoulders with all kinds of creative geniuses across the past 35 years. He’s busted moves and branded video games with skating’s master inventor, Tony

Hawk. Shared studio space with legendary graffiti artist Shepard Fairey, the proud papa of ubiquitous pop-culture imagery like Obey’s infamous “Andre the Giant” sticker and Barack Obama’s “Hope” poster.

He’s also helped launch products for some of the worlds’ biggest companies — Coca-Cola, Scion, Xbox — and pioneered game-changing digital tech, from customized shoes to makeup that matches different skin tones. All without losing his boardsports street cred — he’s got a line of DC snow gear arriving this fall — or his trademark mohawk.

“I guess one project just leads to the next, so I don’t get stuck doing the same thing,” Andy explains. “And as an artist, I’m always looking to see what’s missing. Because creativity isn’t supposed to be comfortable. You’re supposed to stretch and grow.”

That same inventive drive pulses through the whole Che-Howell family. Their 14-year-old son, True, can write music, draw anime-inspired portraits with a zombie twist, or edit montage videos of his gaming exploits. His 12-year-old sister, Love, makes homemade slime dishes that look like real food — butter-topped pancakes, lattice crust apple pies — then films herself squishing the results back into a pile of primordial ooze. Both upload their works to Twitch pages and YouTube channels with still more dramatic flair.

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It’s like an artistic Addams Family: just when you think you’ve met the craziest example, a hand pops out covered in goo.

So, what gives? Is it nature? Nurture? Both?

“The people we are surrounded by influence us tremendously,” muses Ginger. “But, then there is the

ew look to the Outer Banks art scene.

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drive of your soul. It’s just there. Nobody told you or taught you. You have a voice, a wish. And I think that comes with birth into this world.”

You can find support for both theories in this very house. Ginger grew up in Taipei watching her mom sew clothes for Chinese celebrities — then filled shoeboxes with dresses for her own paper dolls. As a little girl, she moved to Germany — the home of “abstract expressionism” — a term she learned later while attending UC San Diego and studying under the likes of Faith Ringgold, Barbara Kruger and Elanor Antin.

Ginger made bold works in everything from portraits to sculpture, but upon graduation found it was her fashion sense that struck a chord — ultimately, she opened a successful boutique in San Diego’s posh coastal town of La Jolla.

the old-school brands felt out of step. When his sponsors wouldn’t let the team design their own graphics, a core crew rebelled to form New Deal Skateboards, where Andy’s streetwise graffiti fonts and characters immediately began gripping young minds.

“We were the number three company within a few months, because we answered the call of what was missing for all the kids getting into street skating at that time,” Andy remembers. “And skateboarding is all about being unique. When you step on your board and go outside, it’s like, ‘What are you going to create on your skateboard that day?’”

One day, in 11th grade, he heard about art school and graphic design. He went home and told his parents that he wanted to be both a pro skateboarder and a professional artist — and quickly ended up in a psychiatrist’s office.

“You have to remember that those paths in art and skateboarding were uncharted territory that couldn’t amount to anything in the older generation’s minds,” Andy says. “But luckily, the doctor said, ‘Your son is one of those rare people who has a vision of what he wants to do at a young age. Let him follow the path that he wants to go on.’

And that changed my whole life.”

In 1986, Andy went off to the Atlanta School of Design. Two years later, he was skating professionally for Schmitt Stix. But by the early 90s,

“Basically, we curated the best of the best artists and gave them each a store,” Andy explains. “So, the artists weren’t making the products, but they were extending their product range. And the companies could reach new markets and then make those custom products to order. Today, they call it ‘drop shipping.’ But from there, I got really deep into the idea of customization and personalization” So, once more, Andy took a radical leap. In 2012 he and his tech guru from ArtsProjekt split off and began chasing the concept of personalized makeup. They met with giants of the beauty industry.

(Sephora, Estee Lauder, etc.) Sat down titans of Silicon Valley (Amazon, Apple, etc.) Ultimately, they created a phone app that matched a person’s skin tone just by taking a photo, then sent the formula to the factory, where a specialized printer mixed the perfect hue of foundation, spat it into a bottle, and shipped it out within 24 hours.

“I had a few art shows in museums and galleries,” she recalls. “People were more interested in the jewelry I’d made for myself, so I started making things for friends. And then the store. But just like my paintings or my sculptures, I like to mess with the conventional ideas and bring together unexpected fabrics or objects. And I use those things that are surrounding me to express what I’m feeling.”

Andy? His dad was a respectable Virginia Beach dentist. Mom was a favorite first grade teacher at a local private school. But Andy had a different set of ideas and talents. By fifth grade, he was winning state-wide art competitions. As an adolescent, he began building and shredding backyard ramps among the burgeoning VB skate scene. By the time he hit high school he was already mashing the two passions together, using the heat from his desk lamp to screen-print skulls and such onto t-shirts for skate buddies and punk bands.

from across a spectrum of creators, so they could customize everything from shoes to bikes. By 2012, that company was called Zazzle, and Howell’s ArtProjekt channel had 1500 contributors that linked consumers with street artists, comic book illustrators, fashion designers and rock stars. Kids could put a George Clinton painting on a mountain bike — moms could add a Marvel hero to their messenger bag.

“That was the biggest challenge of all,” Andy says.

“But once we did it, it blew up. We got hundreds of thousands of downloads in the first month.”

And thus began a lifelong pattern of sensing gaps in the market — then launching clear over them to the next big thing.

When he felt skateboarding still wasn’t fully reflecting the culture’s growing urban appeal, he started a streetwear brand called Underground Element. (That later became the boardsports giant, Element.) When Corporate America came sniffing around skate, surf and snow in the late 90s, he and a partner formed an ad agency called Imagewerks to help major companies crack the market, working with brands from Activision to Converse, Levi’s to McDonald’s.

In 2017, their company, MATCHco, was bought by Shiseido, Japan’s leading luxury skincare brand.

Through it all, Andy always kept a sneaker in the boardsports world. In 2005, he went to Vegas’s Magic tradeshow to promote Hawk shoes.

Meanwhile, Ginger was shopping new lines for the boutique. They met, hung out for six hours — and were married within seven weeks.

They’ve been together ever since, moving from So Cal to San Francisco and back again. By 2019, Ginger and Andy were raising the two kids in the Malibu hills. They seemed to have it all — until a week or so before Christmas, when an electrical fire burned it all to the ground.

“We made a whole Happy Meal collector series of ramps and finger boards using a lot of my early graffiti designs,” Andy laughs. “That one did 73 million units in six weeks.”

“In an instant we lost everything,” says Ginger.

“The children’s toys, photos, memories. We had nothing. Only the clothes on our backs. It’s hard to imagine. It’s like waking up in a nightmare.”

Before long, working in boardsports was just one of his many tricks. In the early 2000s, he tapped his connections with auction houses and museums to help a burgeoning tech company curate art works

Among the casualties were hundreds of art pieces Andy had collected by bartering with colleagues, including paintings by street artists like Fairey and David Choe — not to mention works

Top to bottom: Love’s star child looks like an airbrush — but was born on an iPad; the bones are solid behind Ghost Ship’s t-shirt designs; True’s characters are often a mutation of monsters and anime. milepost 25

IN THE BACKYARD

THUR. - SUN. MEMORIAL DAY ‘TIL LABOR DAY

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by the likes of Banksy and Andy Warhol. It was all supposed to be the basis for his next big dream: a street art museum. Now it was ash.

“It was absolutely devastating,” Andy says. “But it was also an opportunity for a reset.”

That reset was a reconnection to his youth. His roots. Which happened to run straight back to the Outer Banks.

Like many VBers, Andy’s family had a beach cottage here. He spent his summers in Kitty Hawk, racking up timeless childhood memories. Running a tab at Wink’s. Riding waves and exploring nature.

Driving on the Hatteras beaches and working the CB in his dad’s Jeep CJ-5.

“My dad’s handle was ‘the Kitty Hawk Kid,’” Andy says. “That’s always been in the back of my mind, and, in a sense, calling me back.”

expression,” she says. “So, everything I love about the planet is right here.”

For Andy, after years creating whole companies, he’s back at his desk kicking out logos and graphics for t-shirts and stickers. Some of it’s for the boutique, but he’s also digging into a whole new brand. One that channels an old-school indie feel for his favorite stomping grounds. A culture he feels is as unique and compelling as any big city, yet remains underrepresented.

“After traveling all over the world and living in California, I came back here and was like, ‘This is one of the coolest places ever,” Andy says. “And it was the epicenter for me, for everything I love about surfing, fishing, wildlife, nature. All that stuff I grew up on. And I thought, ‘What if there was a brand that came from here?’ One that was focused on how rad and underground and gnarly it is?”

So, last February, Andy and Ginger decided to move east while they figured out what to do back west. They moved into Andy’s mom’s Kitty Hawk cottage — right across from where he used to help commercial fishermen pick the bycatch from their nets. The family spent the first winter stock-piling seashells and other flotsam. Come summer, they were camping in Ocracoke. Andy fell back into surfing and fishing like never before, and rediscovered a sense of community he hadn’t felt since he was in high school.

“This place is so beautiful,” she says. “It’s coming in very handy because nature is the biggest inspiration. And there’s less noise, so you can hear your inner artist.”

A year later, the whole family’s inner artist is bursting with energy to create something new. For Ginger, that means opening her first boutique in more than a decade — Love Shack OBX — where she offers a mix of standalone jewelry and fashion designs, along with some small production clothing that captures the same sparkle and spirit.

“I like to combine the things I love about nature with the city, with people, and with human

“My company is called ‘Moshii — with two ‘I’s,’ Love explains. “Moshi is Japanese for ice cream, but we added an ‘I’ because the logo has two eyes.

And my slime shop is different, because I don’t use borax. I use contact lens solution and baking soda.

It’s better for your hands.”

True? He’s segued from songwriting and zombie art into video editing. His YouTube Channel is a mosh pit of first-person gaming exploits with cool soundtracks and pop-culture send-ups, where he visually modifies cartoons like “Peppa The Pig,” like a digital graffiti artist tagging some cheesy public display. And he taught himself how to do it all.

“I saw people posting some of the games I played and thought it would be cool to learn,” he explains. “And my dad has all the Adobe stuff, so I asked if I could use After Effects and Premiere Pro, then I watched some videos on how to do it. Right now, it’s still a hobby but I’m trying to get better.”

Meanwhile, the whole family is embracing their new home in all its artistic forms. Andy recently collaborated with local artists, James Perry and Dawn Moraga, on a mural outside Ashley’s Espresso Parlor. And all four submitted pieces to the Dare County Arts Council’s long-running Frank Stick Memorial Art Show.

“Here, you’re connected to people,” he explains.

“People you meet on the beach one day remember your name the next. Kids can ride bikes around the neighborhood. Back in California, that stuff literally didn’t exist.”

And with that, “Let’s post up while we rebuild” became, “Let’s stay right here.” They bought a house and began meeting neighbors and began settling in. Even Ginger, who’s spent most of her life in bustling cities, found herself smitten by the slower pace — and open space.

that look and feel like the real thing. Her whole product line comes with a compelling logo and a whole lot of brand identity and market awareness.

All at age 12.

Already GHOST SHIP Supply is cranking out killer designs that channel skater-graphics with a coastal feel. Eventually, he wants to bring in other Outer Banks artists to submit designs — and possibly even surfboard shapers and fishing rod builders for a foray into hard goods. But rather than manufacturing on a massive scale, he plans to mix online sales with a rolling trailer to do pop-up events, rolling up on unexpected situations like a sloop rising out of the mist.

“There’s so many possibilities here,” he says. “I feel like you can do anything you want against this backdrop that’s beautiful, mysterious, wild, and free. But mainly, I just want to make stuff and collaborate. I’m not looking to take over the world.”

No. But if you are looking for the next business mogul, look to Love. She’s already selling pint-sized slime ice creams in the Love Shack and online. But her mint chocolate scoops aren’t the only creations

True’s “Ecstatic Cactus” is an anthropomorphic succulent, sporting rosy blooms and a big smile.

Love’s is an other-worldly girl floating in stars that looks like an airbrush yet is entirely digital.

Ginger’s is — quintessentially — an abstract swirl of color and sparkle on a piece of natural wood.

While Andy’s is a street-art inspired stencil of the Hatteras lighthouse.

None of it looks like anything else in the room, but, then again, neither do they. So, if you’re looking for this family to full-on assimilate, think again.

Andy’s gonna keep rocking his braided ponytail mohawk. Ginger’s gonna still look just as dolledup at mid-day. Wanchese slippers won’t be sitting in either kid’s closet any time soon. But it’s that sincere sense of self — that fierce individualism — that makes them fit in.

“I’m drawn to things that have authenticity,” says Ginger. “That’s why I love it here. Because people are truly themselves. That’s the most attractive thing ever — and the most inspiring, too. We come in all kinds of shapes and forms, we have different ideas and expressions. And that’s what makes life interesting.”

Top to bottom: New Deal Skateboards made a really big deal out of their 30th anniversary; Andy’s art’s appeared everywhere from gritty streets to glossy mags; each of Ginger’s hats has its own killer look. milepost 27

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A cozy living space. A kitchen. A couple of beds, and a beach nearby. Plus, a happy host who lives within earshot.

To many, that description conjures visions of AirBNB and VRBO, the revolutionary short-term rental platforms that’ve changed the way vacationers book summer lodging — and disrupted year-round communities in the process. But on the Outer Banks, the idea of opening your home — or at least your backyard — to summering strangers is nothing new.

It’s actually an echo of our earliest roots.

“It’s in our bones,” says Renee Cahoon, who grew up in the Nags Head cottage court

A half century later, life at the Sea Kove still never gets old.

Photo: Ryan Moser

Days

When

Decades Become

Cottage courts and small motels are the Outer Banks’ original short-term rental. Meet three families who keep them running week after week. Year after year. that her parents bought in 1962, when it was already ten years old. “We have families who have been coming here for 56 years. They send us Christmas cards and notify us about deaths, and we do the same. It’s like one big family with extended members.”

In many cases, it’s those deep connections that keep them alive.

Between the pressures of million-dollar lots — and the profit margins and luxuries of multistory motels and mega-homes — few of the quirky seaside cottage courts and momand-pop motels, once a hallmark of Outer Banks architecture, remain. But a handful of the old-school places linger, as younger generations serve up the same warm-and-fuzzy feeling, even as the pressure to sell or modernize increases. Each and every room ties our culture back to its earliest days, when all visitors wanted was a nearby beach and a soft place to put their heads. And local families were happy to open their homes — even if the sign out front says it’s more of a business.

“WE CALL IT A MOTEL,” says Shea Foreman, who helps his family run Kitty Hawk’s Sea Kove. “But it’s more like a cottage court. All the rooms are efficiencies with kitchens, and in the summer, it’s all weekly rentals.”

Sea Kove was built in stages between 1952 and 1955 and run by the Shannon and Beacham families for the first couple decades. Bill and Kari Foreman bought it in 1976 and lived onsite, raising their two children, Brooke and Shea, over the years.

Shea eventually left for college, thinking he’d be gone for good but came back to Kitty Hawk in 2008 to help his parents run the business. Now his sister has returned as well, so the two could take over for good, working alongside their parents and reconnecting with the people and memories of their shared past.

“Everyone comes back the same week, every year,” says Brooke Foreman Scarborough, who left her job as a web designer last year to help take the reins. “We have people staying milepost 29

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know .

It’s just “This is what we

what we

do.”

here now who were staying here before my parents owned it. It’s such a little community.”

“There are Kovers that I am closer with than some family members,” Shea adds.

The siblings say that growing up at the Sea Kove was an idyllic childhood: playing with a different set of kids every week; freely roaming the playground, pool and beach; running up to Wink’s Grocery for snacks; playing fort and hide-and-seek under the elevated building; and roasting marshmallows at Friday night bonfires on the beach. And, of course, making lifelong friends along the way.

In fact, Brooke came back to the Kove in hopes of giving her twin boys a similar childhood.

“I want them to have the whole experience,” she says. “Shea and I grew up with our parents always around. Our family was always together.”

The Foremans still like being together, and the motel provides a nice livelihood and lifestyle, with four months off every year to boot. Bill and Kari are retired “in name only,” as Brooke says. She and Shea are taking on more work around the motel so their dad can do what he loves: walk around, talk to people, and putter.

“We don’t have to do it,” Brooke says. “We want to do it. I want to be a part of how I remember the Outer Banks. This is what we know. It’s just what we do.”

The biggest challenge of running the Sea Kove, the siblings say, is the constant maintenance of the aging pool and buildings. Luckily, their trusty handyman, Randy Kelley, is good at fixing everything. As a result, the grounds are pretty much the same as they’ve always been — at least in concept. On the west side of the beach road, there are 20 rooms total in two long red buildings with the original 65-year-old pool in between, plus an oceanfront cottage across the street.

The main thing that’s changed from the original Sea Kove is that there used to be

two additional cottages to the east of the current cottage, then a bulkhead and stairs to the beach. So, yeah, the beach has eroded quite a bit.

There’s a bit of push-and-pull between keeping the Kove exactly the same and modernizing. Shea handles the Sea Kove’s “Booking Book” — a big handwritten ledger that helps him and his dad keep track of which guests are in which room and when, complete with notes in the margin — while Brooke is bringing in a new system of online booking to appeal to new visitors. They’re keeping both systems in place for now.

Likewise, as they celebrate their 70th season, the vibe of the rooms is largely the same.

Of course, they’ve added conveniences like microwaves and WiFi. But the curtains still mimic striped beach towels. The walls are wood panel. And that’s the thing about the Sea Kove — many visitors come specifically for that old-school simplicity. They come because they don’t want to have to deal with the internet to book or pay. They get the same room every year, and, often, they pay with a check in the mail.

“This isn’t for everybody,” Shea admits. “Not everyone wants or can afford a big beach cottage. But for those who want this, we are here.”

Brooke couldn’t agree more.

“With the current booming real estate market, there have been more than a few offers to purchase the motel,” she says. “But we know this is something special, and we want to preserve it for future generations.”

THEY’RE NOT ALONE. Down at Cahoon’s Market and Cottages in Nags Head, the second and third generations of the Cahoon family are symbiotically running a simple cottage court and a small grocery store and deli on prime property next to Jennette’s Pier.

And they keep turning down offers to sell because they like their family business and way milepost 31

Find Your Way to Corolla, NC A Land of Legendary Wild Horses The legendary wild horses of Corolla roam the beaches just north of where paved roads come to an end on the northern Outer Banks.

Descendants of Spanish Colonial Mustangs, these local icons were deposited here almost five centuries ago, and many visitors book a tour with one of several local guides to see them.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse A beacon helping guide travelers for well over a century, the Currituck Beach Light towers over the Outer Banks landscape. Still serving to aid navigation its light can be seen for over 20 miles. For a small fee, visitors can climb the winding staircase for a wide-open view of both the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Currituck Maritime Museum Located across the park from Whalehead, the new Currituck Maritime Museum tells the integral story of the history of wooden boats on the northern OBX and those who crafted them, with interactive exhibits and artifacts illuminating their legacy.

Summer is upon us and many visiting families are simply planning to head north and find their way here. It is nice to know that the legendary Wild Horses of Corolla, iconic sites like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead and the new Currituck Maritime Museum await you and yours here, in Corolla.

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Cahoon’s is built on a foundation of family. Robert, Renee, Charlene and Ryan keep everything solid.

Photo: Ryan Moser

“People are always trying to

buy it.”

of life.

“People are always trying to buy it,” says Renee, the elder sister — and Nags Head Commissioner — who manages the business with her sister, Charlene, as well as her brother-in-law, and their son. “This property is in demand. But this is a family business.

Charlene and I are too young to retire, and we have the third generation working here.”

The property was called Evans Place in the 1940s and 50s, and Ray and Dorothy Cahoon of Swan Quarter bought it in 1962, the week before the Ash Wednesday storm.

Miraculously, the cottages were unscathed in the storm, even as the neighboring pier and cottages were destroyed.

At first the Cahoon family ran the store in Nags Head only in the summer, but by 1971 they had moved over to the beach full-time, residing in one of the cottages in the court. Renee went off to college and was planning to go to work in Raleigh, but soon after, her father had a heart attack, and she came home to help and never left. Her parents were fixtures on the site until her father passed away in 2006 and her mother in 2017.

Now Renee handles the front of the market, while Charlene started and manages the deli. Charlene’s husband, Robert Heroux, is the butcher, and their son, Ryan Heroux, runs things out front with Renee. Ryan’s wife Charlotte helps with social media, and their two little girls play in the store just like Renee and Charlene used to do fifty years ago.

Everyone has to work on the cottages, because they’re old and need a lot of care. The challenges of vintage buildings and rising salt water — and the rewards of a cash influx — aren’t enough to prompt them to change anytime soon.

They say their longtime employees, from the cottage cleaners to store helpers, are like

family. It’s a source of income for a lot of people.

“We all have to have jobs,” adds Charlene Cahoon Heroux on why they won’t sell.

“We’d just as soon work for ourselves as someone else. We all need salaries, and this pays our bills.”

Renee says some of her staff have been there 25 years. And they’re just as committed to their longtime customers “who come and love it. And we love them.”

“Granted, we might get a good sum of money, but I don’t want to just sit in the house,” Renee continues. “This is what we do. We’re not just going to change that for money. We eat well. There’s a lot of social life here, too. This business is the last of its kind. At some point it will end, but not now.”

BUT WHEN? That’s a question nobody can answer.

On Hatteras Island, Dave Dawson’s been manning the desk at the 37-room Cape Hatteras Motel for the last 51 years. He’s hosted generations of repeat visitors who think of his motel as a home away from home. He’s also made a great living on an island he deeply loves. And yet, he says, he’d sell it today.

“Quite honestly, I’ve tried to sell it for a long time, off and on,” Dave says. “When you’re sitting so close to the ocean, it’s a double-edged sword. I’m concerned about the encroaching ocean, but, at the same time, I’m making a good living at what I do.”

Cape Hatteras Motel is located on either side of Highway 12: four buildings overlooking the Atlantic; three across the street, posted up on the Pamlico.

The motel dates back to the 1940s, when it was known as Cape Hatteras Court. Dave’s milepost 33

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wildride.”

“It’s been a

father bought the motel in 1971, and in 1972, at age 18, Dave began working there and was eventually able to purchase it from his parents. He hired a manager to cover the offseason while he studied at Campbell College and spent his summers at the motel. After earning his degree in business administration, he came back to Buxton.

“I didn’t plan on making this a career,” Dave says. “One year just rolled into the next, and 51 years later, here I am.”

The motel has had families who’ve been coming for 20, 30 years and longer. They send in photographs and messages thanking Dave and his staff for the memories.

He says his oceanfront location has been a blessing for its ability to make visitors happy. But it’s also a curse. As the northernmost motel in Buxton, the beach is a constant “hot spot” for overwash. (Although the area is getting renourishment again this year).

Then again, Dave’s biggest challenges have always been weather and beach erosion.

He remembers Hurricanes Emily and Isabel as two of the most damaging storms, but even after those, he just did what had to be done and got back to work. Like the rest of the Outer Banks, cleaning up and rebuilding from storms is just part of the business model.

But not everyone’s so familiar with Hatteras life, which he says explains why buyers aren’t scrambling to scoop up his property like the places north of Oregon Inlet.

“We’ve got a lot of things stacked against us,” he explains. “It’s what they call in the market ‘a high barrier to entry.’ It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to invest in an area like this.

But it’s been absolutely satisfying; it’s been a wild ride.”

At the Cape Hatteras Motel, guests share a porch with Poseidon.

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Dave has the help of his wife, Jan, in running the business. And he’s stepped back a bit, overseeing the big picture items of the motel and turning over the day-to-day tasks to their dedicated staff.

“We are very fortunate that we have a phenomenal, loyal local staff who work here all year round,” Dave says. “Which makes a huge difference.”

He says the next generation of Dawsons have no interest in taking over. So, after half a century, he and Jan and the team continue the tradition.

“It’s a great experience to see the same people come year after year,” he says. “They love the experience of staying right on the ocean. When they leave happy, I’m happy. And that’s why we continue doing it.”

THAT’S WHY THEY ALL CONTINUE DOING IT. Cahoon’s or Sea Kove.

Cottage court or motel. No matter the name, these little niche businesses allow all families to live by the beach — be it for seven days or sixty years. So, as the Outer Banks changes around them, they’ll carry on, shoveling sand, fixing plumbing, watching the sea creep ever closer — as they connect new generations to a slowly fading fabric of the original Outer Banks.

As Shea says, “We deliver nostalgia. The Outer Banks has changed so visibly the last 15 years. I feel like we owe it to the Outer Banks to stick around for as long as we can.”

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o be a vacation. But how much of your lazy end chasing photos? Sunrise shots of the kids with the adults. World wonders. Wild critters. ghthouse…lighthouse! All to fill your Insta phony smiles and fuzzy backdrops. Why lace the back of your noggin between the out that rictus, and press “click.” Then drop ick up your feet, and get back to making fe memories. (PS: If you do post, be sure terbanksmilepost. Best expression gets a free iPhone lens cap.)

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Some of the shooters have lived here for half a century — others less than a decade. Some fly high-tech drones and hire helicopters.

Others prefer iPhone hipshots. At least one still works in film. All come at their craft with a distinct eye and a different angle. Mix them together — add a few unique reflections — and you get a whole new twist on an ever-changing Outer Banks.

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“IT’S AMAZING HOW FAST AN IMAGE GOES FROM BEING A SCARY MOMENT TO A HAPPY MEMORY. I took this photo when the pandemic was just beginning. I got a job to shoot an oceanfront house in Rodanthe. When I flew the drone, I saw the campground next door was nearly empty. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s incredible.’ Normally, this place stays packed — and there were maybe four cars in the whole place, total.

At the time we were scared to death. We were on lockdown.

They’d shut down the island to non-residents. We didn’t know if we’d have a season. It seemed like the economy was going to bottom out. Then we opened back up, and the beach went from a

ghost town to booked solid —boom. We’ve had record visitation for two years. Home prices doubled. We’ve basically been “Go! Go! Go!” ever since.

It’s ironic, but those first two months of the pandemic were a real magical time to live here. Because the offseason used to be like that — empty. Everyone just shut down for the winter.

You could catch up, breathe and enjoy some time alone. And for a lot of us, that’s what we moved here for: to get away from the craziness. So, when I look at it now, I’m not frightened at all.

Now, I wish I could have that time back. At least for a week or two.” — Cory Godwin

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PEA ISL AN “IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO GO TO PEA ISLAND AND GEEK OUT ON ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY. You’re never going to get the same shot twice, or anything close to it, because no two days are the same.

To me, this photo is almost like a Japanese painting. It’s got really simple lines. It’s abstract but at the same time you can tell what it is. It’s also got a little moonscape vibe to it. You have the black sands and white sands, so you get these cool striations and patterns from the wind blowing. You can’t make this stuff up or even plan for it; you just have to be ready when you see it.

But that’s why I love shooting on this convergence between the giant land mass of America and this spit of sand. It’s very elemental — you’re working with water, sand and sky. And very ephemeral. The landscape is changing all the time. Everything from the clouds to the ocean to the dunes — none of it lasts very long. So you have to chase it while you can get it, because the next minute it’s gone. Kinda like the people who spend their lives chasing fish or waves or whatever their passion is. It’s the metaphor for Outer Banks living. We’re all just temporarily on this shifting sandbar, and we’re riding it out for as long as we can.” — Chris Bickford

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DOU BLE EXP SURE “I GUESS YOU COULD SAY I GREW UP IN THE ARTS COMMUNITY DOWN HERE. Although, back then, it wasn’t so much ‘the arts community’ as ‘the community.’ A place where a lot of creative people did other stuff to survive.

My parents owned a couple of galleries over the years, and my dad’s been an artist here since the 70s — he also built houses and commercial fished. A lot’s changed since then — a lot of the places I remember growing up are completely gone. But that creative energy still remains. Something about the ocean stirs the soul.

I’ve been lucky to turn a lot of my artistic outlets into work. I play music. Build surfboards. Even fishing charters. But photography’s different because I don’t have to worry about making money. I don’t have to please anybody. It’s something I do just for fun. Usually, I don’t shoot anything specific. I’ll just go out and take pictures of whatever I think looks cool. But every time I shoot film, there’s a couple of frames leftover. So, I’ll try something I’ve never done before.

This time, I was experimenting with double exposures, so I was looking for a neutral, lit sky, so I could shoot something dark against it. The sky and her shirt were perfect for that. Then there happened to be some sea oats just a couple steps ahead to fill in the void. I didn’t have a clue if it worked or not, so when it came out that way, I was happy. It doesn’t always work out like that. Plus, it’s my girlfriend and Jockeys Ridge — two things I can count on sticking around.” — Ed Tupper

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“I TRY TO FORCE MYSELF TO SHOOT SOME ASPECT OF LOCAL LIFE EVERY SINGLE DAY. That makes Cape Point my creature-of-habit spot, because there’s so much going on. In the summer, it’s like a water park with all the families and tidal pools. In the offseason, it’s shoulder to shoulder to shoulder with salty fishermen. And as a documentary photographer, I’m always trying to tell the story. But I feel like, a lot of times, I’m almost too literal: I have to freeze this moment, and it has to be perfectly sharp and technically right. It’s like, how many times can you photograph a dude standing there with a rod in their hand?

So, this day, I decided to loosen up and shoot a speed blur. Then I moved the camera vertically, up and down, as I pulled the trigger. That gives it that streaky feel with the vertical straight lines.

The second I looked into the viewfinder, I knew I had something. Because there’s more movement to it — there’s feeling to it. It’s more like an impressionist work of art than a picture. And it’s clearly not from 1950, but I feel like someone from 1950 could look at it and it would totally resonate. Or someone who has never even fished could hang it on their wall, and it would totally work. Because it’s less like a photograph and more like a dream state.” — Daniel Pullen

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“I’M A COMPULSIVE PHOTOGRAPHER. It doesn’t matter if I’m on a professional assignment or at home with the family; I just see the world a little better when I’m looking through the viewfinder.

And for just spontaneous photography, my first camera is always my phone. So, my iPhone is basically my diary — it tells me where I was, and when I was there, which is great, because nobody remembers life the way it really happened.

Especially the past couple years.

COVID was a weird time for everyone. But I think it was easier on the Outer Banks than most places. For my friends in New York and Europe,

it was a real crisis. Life, for me at least, didn’t change that much. I work from home already.

And most days I just wake up and go out with my camera and explore. I think a lot of people here are pretty similar. Even if we don’t all work for ourselves, we find a way to get outdoors and do our own thing. So it really felt like were living inside a bubble.

That first summer, my family and I spent a lot of time at the beach. This one was one of those lazy 3-foot days everyone loves. Perfect for paddling out on a longboard then drinking a beer.

I was lounging under the umbrella-tent when my

granddaughter walked up. As I saw her through the screen, I noticed the skimboarder coming out of the water. So I said, “Hey, darling, hang there just for a second,” then I leaned up on one shoulder and casually shot a few photos as he walked behind. And, of course, any picture of my granddaughter is already a good picture, but when you add the skimboarder and the screen you get three different layers that balance out beautifully.

And what is otherwise a normal day at the beach becomes a completely different image. A look from inside the bubble, as it were.”

— David Alan Harvey milepost 49

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DOWN S UTH “I SHOT THIS A FEW YEARS AGO OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Me and some friends went down south for the day. Just a pull-off-andhop-in-the-water sort of thing. At the time, I was shooting as much as possible to get my name out there, so I brought my camera with me. We were all just taking turns, passing it around, and this was a happy accident that popped out. But I love it, because those legs are attached to my friend Emily. She was the one who introduced me to the Outer Banks. She grew up spending her summers here. In college, she came here to lifeguard and brought me along. I’ve been here ever since.

Now, I do a lot of work for different brands. I shoot for their catalogs or for marketing, or their websites and Instagram content.

So normally, there might a bikini in this photo. Or a sun dress.

Or some lifestyle product. But this is totally different. There’s no clothes, no labels, not even a whole person. It’s just a split-second in the ocean. And whenever you’re splashing around in the water — whether you’re an adult or a kid — it feels very cleansing and purifying. That whole “wash away your worries” cliché. So, when I look at it now, I feel the same way I did back then — I don’t know if you’d call it youthful or naïve or carefree; it’s just so present and inthe-moment. It reminds me that, no matter how busy summer gets, I can always go south and hop in the ocean. And that I need to do it a lot more often.” — Katie Slater

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“THE OUTER BANKS ARE NOT AS OUTER AS THEY USED TO BE. Even Ocracoke is getting to the point of gridlock in summer. But it’s still an amazing place. And if you want to look for the beauty here, it’s not hard to find.

Prior to the Civil War, Portsmouth Island was the biggest village on the Outer Banks.

Heavy ships used the inlet to offload to shallower-draft vessels that could get across the sound. But then the Hatteras and Oregon Inlets opened up in the Hurricane of 1846 and allowed more commerce to go to Manteo. The Civil War drove a lot of people off the island.

By the time I first saw it in the late 70s, the

village was abandoned, another casualty of nature taking over. But it became part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and they’ve restored and maintained the prominent buildings. Walking around, you get a sense of what it was like 100 years ago to really be on the outer edge of the continent and constantly at the whim of weather.

When Hurricane Dorian went by, the island got 59 new cut-throughs from the sound to the ocean in the span of about 20 miles.

They’ve all closed up since — except this one.

Last October, I took a helicopter up to 6,000 feet, and I was just amazed at the colors and

the patterns that these cut-throughs were making. The shallows, the sandbars, the marshes — it was a beautiful combination. It looks like an acid wash to a degree.

All those subtleties and delicate shades of color are a function of the depth of the water.

So, you have deeper ocean on one side and then the shallower sound on the other. But the transitions between the two is what this picture depicts. You’ve got a sandbar, but it’s a tenuous sandbar. It can be breached at any time. So, I would simply urge everybody to appreciate what we have here, and let’s all take care of it.” — Ray Matthews

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questionauthority upfront HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT? soundcheck

Chief Marilyn Berry Morrison discusses the struggle to get official recognition for our Indigenous tribes.

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From federal parks to symphonic dramas, local history buffs keep missing the point. The most pressing question isn’t where did the so-called “Lost Colony” go; it’s what happened to the Indigenous peoples who first welcomed them ashore?

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“We were never gone,” says Marilyn Berry Morrison, chief of the Roanoke-Hatteras Indians and chair of the Algonquian Indians of North Carolina, Incorporated, Council. “We are still here today. Our family still lives right on this island.”

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Not according to the powers that be. The federal government currently recognizes only one Indigenous tribe in North Carolina, which is the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. And the state only recognizes that tribe, plus seven more — Cohaire Intra-Tribal Council, Inc., Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, Lumbee Tribe, Meherrin Nation, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan.

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“THEY TRIED TO KILL US ON PAPER. BUT NATIVE PRIDE CONTINUED TO RISE.”

Morrison, 72, has been leading efforts to add the Roanoke-Hatteras Indians to the list since before her election in 2003. Clearly, it’s not easy. The NC Commission of Indian Affairs requires that any tribe must be able to trace their origins beyond 1790, among other criteria. But for centuries, America’s treatment of Native peoples was designed to eliminate them, using tactics that ranged from outright war to political subterfuge.

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“For years, there was no place for Native Americans or American Indians [on the Census] and so they told us we were Black,” Morrison explains. “They tried to kill us on paper. But Native pride continued to rise; we held onto what little we remember.”

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Now, Morrison is working to reinvigorate the Outer Banks’ Indigenous identity. She’s encouraging local families of color to revisit their roots while asking the community to celebrate our collective history. (The public’s invited to a Manteo powwow the second week of August.) Meanwhile, she works tirelessly to see that federal and state agencies finally recognize the first peoples Europeans ever met.

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We sat down with Chief Morrison to get more insight on our Indigenous peoples’ ongoing struggle — and enduring history.

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For more on the August powwow — or to learn how you can help the Roanoke-Hatteras Indians achieve recognition — go to NCAlgonquians. com. Also, any state officials or groups are invited to mail statements of support to: North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, 1317 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1317. milepost 54

was tremendously impacted by the statement of [former President Theodore] Roosevelt in a speech in New York, January 1886. He stated that the only good Indians are the dead Indians. In 1901, he became the 26th president of the United States. And, so, after 20 years of living in fear, then that generation just accepted that they were Black and then they told their children they were Black and then they told the next generation they were Black, and so it just got lost. But in my family, it wasn’t a secret, because they spoke freely about it.

Did you grow up practicing any of the Indigenous ways?

For me, it was mainly herbal remedies, because in Manteo years ago, they had to go all the way over to Currituck to [see the doctor]. So, you had a lot of midwives and medicine women in the community. And my dad continued to trap for muskrats. Hunting continued — and fishing; we are a fishing family. We continued making nets. My grandfather continued the custom of fishing. Also, in the book The Mullet Roar, by William C. Brown, he describes the trapping that was taught to him, and he was taught by my grandfather, Josephus C. Berry, who was a commercial fisherman. He also knew that my grandfather read the winds and read the clouds in order to decide whether they were going to go fishing or how far.

Wow. What are some more noteworthy stories from our Indigenous past that modern Outer Bankers may not recognize?

Ben Golden — or Ben Tillett — assisted [Union] General [Ambrose] Burnside in being victorious in [Battle of Roanoke Island] during the Civil War. Zion Hall Berry founded Haven Creek Baptist Church in Manteo, along with seven other churches on the East Coast of North Carolina. He was instrumental in helping the slaves escape into freedom.

Portrait of perseverance.

Art: Dawn Moraga. Photo: Ed Tupper

MILEPOST: What exactly is the Roanoke-Hatteras Tribe of the Algonquian Indians of North Carolina?

MARILYN BERRY MORRISON: The Algonquian Indians of North Carolina, Incorporated, is a council that unites two historic tribes: one being the Roanoke-Hatteras Indians of Dare County, and the other being the Mattamuskeet Indians of Hyde County. We are part of a group of Indians known as the Carolina Algonquians. So, our linguistics style, our nation, would be Algonquian. We are also known as “The people of the coast.”

Is this effectively the same tribe that the Lost Colony would’ve had contact with?

I would say yes. In early transcripts, they referred to our people as tall, tawny, bronze people standing on the shore. When I read that, I said, “Well that sounds like me.” And Algonquianspeaking people took the brunt of the English exploration and colonization, beginning at Roanoke Island in 1584, continuing to Jamestown and Plymouth and all the colonies along the mid-Atlantic and the northeastern coast of North America.

What does being “recognized” mean for a tribe?

State tribal recognition does not confer the same benefits as federally recognized. It acknowledges tribal status within the state but does not guarantee funding from the state or federal government. The main thing that you have to understand is that tribes who seek state recognition seek it because we want our historical and cultural contributions acknowledged.

Our culture has fallen through the cracks.

How so? Clearly you didn’t disappear — at least not literally. At what point was the tribe considered “gone?”

I would say too much power was given to the Census-taker to determine who we are. The codes they used [at the turn of last century] only had two categories, Black or white. It’s nothing but paper genocide because they wrote what they wanted to.

And [in years past] if you claimed that you were Indian, then frequently your children were carted off and sent to boarding schools or you were sent to a reservation. You were treated less than a third-class citizen, and so people feared this. The fear of my people

Mark Scarborough was a Hatteras Indian and the last yaupon tea harvester. And he also served on the board of commissioners for School Number 2 in Buxton. And when the school closed, he broke down his house, put it on a boat, and he sailed from Hatteras to Roanoke Island. Then he rebuilt the house. One of my cousins lived in it.

And Joseph Hall Berry, he wrote a letter to [former First Lady] Eleanor Roosevelt, July 6, 1939, asking that the Pea Island [Life-Saving] Station, an all-colored crew, not be placed under white command. I know no white commander came in after Richard Etheridge [the first Black keeper of a life-saving station]. One of them, the officers in charge, was my greatuncle Maxie M. Berry, who was the last officer in charge at the Pea Island Station when it was decommissioned in 1949. We are proud to say that Joseph Hall Berry started our legacy at the Pea Island Life-Saving Station, and we now have over 420 combined years of service in the life-saving station and the U.S. Coast Guard.

How do you interact with other tribes in North Carolina?

We’ve interacted more with the southern coastal tribes of Virginia, because they are closer.

And that hasn’t just been recent, but if you look at history, you have the Chesapeake Indians who we worked with — the Nansemond — and we still support them today, [along with] the Nottoway, the Chereonhoka, the Meherrin [of North Carolina], [and] the Chowanoke [of North Carolina]. We support them with any sponsored event, and we also attend their powwows. We share our history, our culture, our heritage, because we want to make sure we create visibility as well as to make sure people are aware of our existence.

So, what’s your plan moving forward?

Our plan is to obtain state recognition. That will help our people with housing and land conservation and scholarships for our children. We would also like to purchase land [in Manteo] so that we can host powwows, as well as possibly establish a culture center. Most importantly, if we get state recognition, we are going to be able to secure our rightful place in history. But whether or not we are approved for state recognition, it does not change who we are. When we look in the mirror each morning, we’ll still see Roanoke-Hatteras Indian or Mattumuskeet Indian. That’s never going to change. We are who we are, and we know it. So we need to help others realize who they are and know their true identity.

—Corinne Saunders

The preceding interview was edited for length, flow and clarity. Find a full transcript at www. outerbanksmilepost.com. milepost 55

Come Tye Dye Yourself Before Or After The Beach!

fooddrink Ocracoke takes preserving figs very seriously.

Photo: Daniel Pullen

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Was there really a fig tree in the Garden of Eden? Maybe. They are certainly among the first fruits cultivated by humans — and among the most widespread. Over 700 varieties can be found around the world, from Jordan Valley fossil records — which pre-date the cultivation of wheat and rye — to the present-day Outer Banks.

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“We actually have over 16 varieties here on Ocracoke,” says native historian and fig expert, Chester Lynn. “In fact, a sugar fig tree still grows at a house that dates back to the Revolutionary War.”

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A member of the Ficus family — and native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia — fig trees made their way here during the 1700s after the first settlers arrived. Civil War soldiers who stayed at the hospital on Portsmouth Island were even rumored to have traded their provisions for watermelons and figs.

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to modern pressures — perhaps an allegory for the Outer Banks itself.

“Because of houses, septic issues and hurricanes, many of these trees are disappearing,” he says. “In an effort to keep the trees going, I began rooting some of them and gave them to the Ocracoke Preservation Society.”

Thanks to Lynn’s efforts and his neighbors, up to 400 hundred fig trees are propagated and sold on the island each year — and two Ocracoke specimens currently reside inside the White House greenhouse.

But why so much effort for a tree that literally only produces fruit one month out of the year?

“When I was a kid,” says Lynn, “my grandmother used to can them. She would keep a bowl of sugar or chocolate in the ice box, and we would dip the figs in it. There were no candy stores back then, so this was our treat.”

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The oldest varieties are referred to as the “O’cocker trees” (a term of endearment for natives of Ocracoke Island) and include the Pound, Turkey Brown, Sugar, Celeste, and Blue fig trees.

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Lynn’s goal now is to see that the fig trees not only survive but thrive. While the tree can withstand the most arid and saltiest of environments, it’s increasingly susceptible

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That makes the build-up to fig season extra exciting. And once the fruit starts to ripen, everyone clamors to collect and preserve the precious flavors. Tree owners gather and share baskets of figs; neighbors gather recipes to cook, jar or can. (The local brewery, 1718, will even use them in their seasonal wheat beer, Notorious FIG.)

The festival also features cutting-edge, celebrity chefs. This year it’s Ricky Moore of Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint, serving it up at the Savory Side Dinner and judging the baked goods. With a degree from the Culinary Institute of America — and experience cooking all over the world — the North Carolina native is just the person to put the fig to the fork.

FIRST IN FRUIT Figs just might be man’s original sweet.

“

In fact, every August, Ocracoke hosts an annual fig festival, making sure they use every ripe morsel before it goes to waste.

THE TREE CAN WITHSTAND THE SALTIEST ENVIRONMENTS.

“The festival began as a way to celebrate the end of summer,” says Sundae Horn of the Ocracoke Preservation Society, “August is perfect because the figs are ripe, and the preserves are ready!”

This year, Ocracoke’s 9th Annual Fig Festival runs from August 4-6th. All weekend, vendors and chefs will serve and sell their figgiest efforts and compete for bragging rights in two bake-off contests: the traditional category is a nod to the old-school style of putting the preserves in the middle; the innovative category allows participants to push the limits.

“We’ve seen everything from fig tamales and fig pizza, to last year’s award-winning fig crab cakes,” says Horn. “We even had vendors selling fig roasted coffee, figgy lemonade, and tea made from fig leaves.”

“Growing up in New Bern, you would only see fig trees if someone planted one on purpose,” says Moore. “So, from a regional standpoint, it seems that because their season is so short, figs are often showcased for a special dish or dinner. But on a more global standpoint, with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, figs are definitely a staple.”

In those regions, pairings traditionally juxtapose sweet and salty — such as pairing figs with goat cheese or feta, ham and prosciutto. Moore plans to harness such an inspired approach for this year’s Savory Side Dinner, as he tries a modern take on “ham and jam.”

“I’m going to have to let my menu evolve between now and then,” he says. “But my thoughts are to take a Swordfish loin, cure it like a ham and serve it with some sort of fig confiture.”

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Why stop there? The fig and tree itself really offer limitless options.

“You could definitely figure out how to incorporate the entire plant,” says Moore.

“You can use the leaves to cook with or make a salt or vinegar out of them; dehydrated fig chips could be a thing or even fig gnocchi. I mean, you could go on forever.”

Still, Moore cautions us not to discount the fig’s simplicity. Some of Moore’s favorite dishes act more like a simple burst of sweetness — much like the fruit itself.

“I enjoy highly ripened figs with caramelized onions and fresh herbs,” Moore suggests.

“And I once made a fig newton that was more like a large Pop Tart. The fig is here to savor for such a short time. The pleasure of eating them comes from not over manipulating them.” — Fran Marler

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Umphrey’s McGee fans will drive for hours to get lost in a light show.

Photo: Tara Gracer

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Vusic OBX aims to turn Festival Park into a concert mecca.

“If you build it, they will come.” Scratch that for Festival Park. Bands and fans have loved the Roanoke Island amphitheater’s spacious soundside setting and open-air vibe since day one. And yet, the venue’s never quite packed in the concerts, partially because of those same aspects. (Most venues that hold 3500 people are also somewhat weatherproof.) That’s why the most successful shows require constructing a special kind of concert bill. Picking artists that will make folks race to buy tickets,

drive miles to attend — and then brave a torrential rainstorm to revel in the tunes.

“We were so excited when Sublime and Stick Figure sold out,” says Rebecca Meyers, who founded the upstart production company, Vusic OBX, with her husband Brad in early 2021. “When it started raining, we were worried, but the place was still packed.

Actually, a lot of people said the rain made the concert; and the bands said the energy was amazing.”

Those are the types of bands Vusic knows how to book — because that’s the kind of fans they are. Committed. Ravenous. Willing to chase favorite acts from the Caribbean to Colorado. So, nobody was more hurt to see the Outer Banks concert scene take so many hits the past few years. First, Mike Dianna’s Mustang Music Festival went away. Then, even more tragic, local promoter, Ravann Rachelle, died in a housefire, along with her son, Sebi. And, of course, COVID shut down large gatherings altogether.

rain be damned. And in August, Michael Franti and Spearhead played their first show in 18 months, giving a largely Outer Banks crowd their first chance to musically commune in nearly two years.

issues. Just In Case will be on-site to fight fentanyl deaths. Ravann Rachelle’s mom, Kelley Horton, will promote fire prevention.

And June’s Love Like Ledsome Benefit will remind fans to “look twice and save a life.”

“If Sublime was like a frat party in the rain, then Franti was like going to church,” says Brad. “It was spiritual. And I think Sublime and Dirty Head’s manager basically started telling people, ‘If you get a chance to go play [Festival Park], do it.’”

“It’s basically a memorial concert for a big music fan from VB who died in a motorcycle accident,” says Brad. “We figure we have this platform, why not use it?”

“Really, we just missed the hell out of live music,” says Brad. “And pretty much anytime a band came through, we’d text Mike or Ravann. We weren’t able to do that anymore, so I guess we wanted to fill that gap. But it wasn’t our goal to start a production company. It just sort of happened.”

Less than a year later, Vusic OBX has unleashed what is arguably Festival Park’s strongest summer calendar ever, featuring 30-plus bands across eleven dates, and covering a full range of genres.

It all started in summer of 2020. With COVID in full swing, Rebecca asked Kyle Rising to come back to the Outer Banks and play Brad’s socially distanced outdoor birthday party. Shortly after watching the Sensi Trails frontman rock his second-floor porch, Brad saw a video of a larger rooftop concert at a European hotel.

“The first thing that came to mind was doing something similar at the Hilton,” he recalls.

“Because they have that courtyard with the balconies. And it seemed like a way to get a bigger band and stay physically distanced.”

Come April 2021, their first Vusic on the Banks Festival rocked the Hilton for two days with the rasta-infused rhythms of The Movement, Sensi Trails, Little Stranger, and more. And the balconies weren’t a bunch of Kitty Hawkers on staycay — these were reggae aficionados from across America.

“We had people from Seattle, Colorado, California, Maine, and everywhere inbetween,” says Rebecca. “And it was only a couple hundred people, so it’s like this little Vusic family came out of it. It really touched peoples’ lives.”

Especially the Meyers’. So, with the help of Dianna — and his list of contacts — they lined up more shows at Festival Park, both of which ended up being smash hits. Sublime nearly broke attendance records in July —

“

THIRTYPLUS BANDS AND ELEVEN DATES COVER A FULL RANGE OF GENRES.

Big on banjo?

Greensky Bluegrass comes in August.

Into Americana?

They got Shakey Graves and Whiskey Myers. Dig guitar driven jams? Try Umphreys McGee or Gov’t Mule. And if you really love reggae, then you’re really in luck — between five concerts, you can catch everyone from Steel Pulse to SOJA, Slightly Stoopid to Stick Figure.

A lot of it has to do with a pent-up demand on both sides of the stage. Post-pandemic, everybody’s eager to tour. But they’re not booking just any old band. Every act must be able to draw a regional crowd — and put on a stellar performance.

“We know a good show, because we’re fans,” says Rebecca. “So, we put the word out that we want the best in sound and production.

In fact, the light guy for Rebelution is also the guy for Umphrey’s. And he’s insane.”

It’s more than the music. Each event has topnotch food trucks and one-of-a-kind vendors, like the Muse Originals Art Bus, plus select shows will work to raise community awareness on a full range of

They’ll also be helping Mustang Outreach Program. Not only will youth bands get to feel the spotlight on select dates, but each concert will feature Backstage Music Lessons, so young players can sign up for lessons from real rock stars.

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Of course, it’s not easy making all this stuff happen. There are logistics to sort. Tickets to sell. Shuttles to arrange. But that’s where all the other Outer Banks’ diehard music lovers come into play. They’ve tapped Boss Lady Productions to run the stage, and a grip of volunteers are pitching in to help park cars and hand out wristbands.

“Vusic OBX is not just us at all,” says Rebecca.

“We’re just reaching out to all the best people at doing concerts, corralling them together, and saying, ‘Go do what you do.’”

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But they’re not taking chances on attendance either. Every show is being fully promoted on and off the beach. And every show is rain or shine — no refunds.

In time, they think seeing a show at Festival Park could be on every concert buff’s “bucket list.” Maybe even folks will fly in for multi-day events, the way hippies converge on Tulum for “Panic in La Playa.” But they also know the best way to make that future happen is to focus on the present and take it one gig at a time.

“I can totally see the Outer Banks becoming a music destination like Red Rocks or Austin,” says Rebecca. “That’s what we would love.

But right now, our goal is to just make sure every show is awesome.” — Leo Gibson Find tickets, show descriptions and other details at www.VusicOBX.com.

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Mildred was beautiful. Like a painting abandoned, all whites and marigold except for her bright pool-blue eyes. In the right light, her limbs were iridescent like the hummingbirds that gathered in their backyard, what he imagined an angel would look like.

Mother and son were devoted to the birds; a dozen feeders filled with nectar, strung along taut wires. Two cups of sugar for every eight cups of boiling water. The yard landscaped with lemon and coral honeysuckle, trumpet flowers, salvias, and columbines.

According to Mildred, the whirring, ruby-throated hummingbirds carried fairies on their backs. They arrived in vibrating droves each July.

George and Mildred built fairy houses out of sticks and twine with tiny twig chairs and beds. They decorated the roofs with pink and red starflowers and dandelions. Mildred spoke of magical mountains raining emeralds and butterflies and little girls romping with wild beasts in piney forests and lush jungles. She spoke of fortunetellers and strong men, of sword swallowers and knife throwers—the characters from her books.

Fantastic stories inhabited George’s day-to-day world, and he believed every word.

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When George was twelve, one of the hummingbirds built her ping-pong ball size nest from spider silk on the kitchen windowsill. They watched the babies crack from their shells: blind and bald, dime Art by sized. The mother fed the hatchlings, Noah Snyder her pointed beak thrusting deep inside their tissue paper throats.

George was afraid the mother might hurt them, but Mildred explained, “She knows what she’s doing. It’s instinctual.” His mother he understood to be the same.

By early August, the babies were plumper than their mother.

They flew at her side as she led them flower to flower and feeder to feeder.

SHIMMER

Then, one day, the babies left the crowded nest, each on their own. The mother preened, her wings flickering. She hummed and waited. George and Mildred waited, expecting the babies’ return.

The leaves turned gold and red, dropping to the grass. The mother hummingbird flew away. The spider silk wafted in the breeze.

Mildred removed the nest, cleaning the window. A north wind whipped through the kitchen, lifting her hair off her neck.

Mildred sucked in her lip, tears pooling in her blue eyes, and said, “It’s over.” George hugged her and said what she’d taught him years earlier. “They’ll come back. They’ll remember.”

— Michele Young-Stone Ed. Note: Excerpted from Michele Young-Stone’s fourth novel, Shimmer.

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endnotes questionauthority The Beach Klub at Koru Village’s 2022 Summer Concert Series: *Season Pass available for purchase *These shows typically sell out

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Don’t be fooled by blue skies and calm seas. Both can turn treacherous in seconds. Text “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295 to sign up for beach related alerts from the National Weather Service. And find ocean safety lessons at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean. com. • Keep an eye out for Jim Cantore. Not only is June 1 the start of Hurricane Season, but researchers are calling for an above-average run of 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major ‘canes of Cat 3 or more. So, gas up that generator, pick up some plywood, then go to www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep for more hurricane preparedness tips. • Then brace yourself for a typhoon of word-nerd-approved events, courtesy of Downtown Books. On June 1, Dare County Arts Council will host An Evening with John Railey, author of Andy Griffith’s Manteo. On June 3, Adrienne Palma will be in the store signing copies of Lola the Loggerhead and Shalim the Shark from 6-8pm. On June 7, there’s A Toast to Kimberly Brock’s The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare at NouVines Wine Bar. On June 10, Charles Oldham will be in the shop from 11am-1pm to sign copies of Ship of Blood and The Senator’s Son, while Willis Sanders will autograph up to ten novels on June 17. Then it’s back to DCAC for two more ticketed events: James Charlet discusses Shipwrecks & Lifesavers on June 23; and Jamie Brenner talks with Mary Kay Andrews on June 27. Find times, deets and — where applicable — tickets at www.duckscottage.com. • While you’re shopping for reads, pick up a copy of Remarkable Women of the Outer Banks — the debut book by beloved Milepost staffer, Hannah Bunn West. And surfers will want to order North of Nowhere, a 200-page collection of ripping photos by top NY lensman Mike Nelson, edited by sharp, local surf scribe Matt Pruett. (Or just pre-order a copy at www.northofnowherebook.com.) • Don’t let a lack of health insurance keep you from getting preventative care. On June 1 it’s Outer Banks Hospital’s policy to offer Free Screening Mammograms for Dare, Hyde and Currituck residents in need of better coverage. 7am-7pm. Pre-screening and appointment required. Call 449-5918 for details. • Green thumbs get free tips all summer long thanks to The Outer Banks Arboretum & Teaching Garden Summer Programs. On June 1, learn about Garden Tool Sharpening and proper use. July 13 takes on Container Gardening. And Aug. 10 goes over Ground Covers for the Outer Banks. (11am-12pm.) And come back any Wed., 9am-11am, and Ask a Master Gardener for free advice on a topic of your choice. More at www.dare.ces. ncsu.edu. • Wanna see how our ancestors got their hands dirty? Head over to Roanoke Island Festival Park by June 18 for NC Digs!, a free exhibit featuring all five types of archaeological sites in North Carolina — Native American, battlefield, plantation, trash pit, and industrial — plus artifacts and interactive stuff for kids. Tues.-Sat., 9am-5pm. Discover details and other daily events at www.roanokeisland.com. • Meanwhile, on Hatteras Island, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum’s Maritime Crafts for Kids keeps groms busy every Wed. into Sept., while Crafting Sailors’ Valentines cuts-and-colors on the first

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THE BEACH KLUB AT KORU VILLAGE 41027 HIGHWAY 12 AVON, NC GATES OPEN 7PM TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WWW.KORUVILLAGE.COM milepost 62

“Hurricane season started June 1, and all we got was a lousy t-shirt…” (Let’s hope.)

Photo: Ian Tsonev

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presents Thurs. of June, July and Aug. Both run 10:30am-12pm and are free for all ages — but children must be accompanied by an adult. And come in Mon.-Sat., 10am-4pm, to vote for your favorite entry in the Facebook Followers Photography Exhibition. Dive deeper at www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com. • Jockeys Ridge State Park piles up a sandy heap of summer educational programs, such as Sunset on the Ridge talks, Discovery Table exhibits, nature hikes, Soundside Explorer aquatic programs, plus self-guided tours with themes like Tracks in the Sand Trail and Year of the Tree Scavenger Hunt. Trek to www. ncparks.gov for times and complete descriptions. • The summer footrace season is picking up speed, as Corolla’s Lighthouse 5k Series runs every Wed. at 7am from June 1 to Sept.

14 — except for July 6. And Nags Head’s Sunrise 5k circles Jennette’s Pier June 9 at 8am, with a Little One’s Crab Crawl scurrying at 8:45. Dash over to www.obxrunningcompany. com for more. • Don’t forget to stretch! Corolla’s Whalehead hosts Yoga On the South Lawn, June 2- Sept. 1 at 7am. BYOBTOYM. (Bring your own beach towel or yoga mat.) Get the latest at www.visitcurrituck.com. • Then boogie down to Rodanthe, June 2-3, for the return of the Dare County Art Council’s Rock The Cape Concert & Art Show. On Thurs., be at Kitty Hawk Kites’ Waves Village Water Sports for an art show and acoustic musicians like Rory Kelleher and Eli Thompson, followed by a soundside concert starring VSTLTY, JULIA, Higher Education, and Safe Space. (Starts at 12pm.) And Fri.’s Arts on the Island composes a tour of Hatteras’ finest galleries. Both events are free and family friendly. Lineups and details at www.darearts.org. • On June 3, Downtown Manteo’s First Friday fills the streets with live music, late shopping and other shenanigans. Meanwhile, the Dare County Arts Council hosts receptions for two new exhibits: the Vault Gallery will showcase ceramics by Celtic Pottery, while the Courtroom Gallery will feature work by students from Fay Davis Edwards and Munroe Bell’s workshops. 6-8pm. Both shows will be on display through June 25. Learn more at www.darearts.org. • Keep the community feel-good times rolling as Dare Days 2022 celebrates our county’s rich culture and history, June 3-5. Starts Fri., when the new College of the Albemarle Dare Campus shows off its high-tech interior, while food trucks and live bands decorate the grounds with tasty food and jams. 6-10pm. On Sat., the fun continues inside Roanoke Island Festival Park, as families enjoy food, crafts, music, live entertainment, lawn games, and a great kid’s corner.

10-5pm. And finish things off on Sat. with a gospel concert at the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, featuring an old-fashioned lemonade stand, bake sales and sweet music from local churches. 2-4pm. Get the latest at www.manteonc.gov. • Locals can turn canned goods into cheap seats at Lost Colony’s Dare Nights. On June 3, 10 & 17, just bring your Dare or Currituck County ID and three non-perishable items for local food pantries and you can see the beloved symphonic drama for free! Don’t live here? Allergic to Spam? No worries.

Anyone can consume our longest running cultural attraction, every Mon.-Sat. through Aug 20, simply by forking over $25$40. Score seats, deets and a couple of key discounts at www. thelostcolony.org. • Don’t try shopping at Manteo’s Downtown Market on June 4 — they’re closed for Dare Days — but head to George Washington Creef Park on any other Sat. this summer, and you’ll find a fresh selection of homegrown produce and handcrafted items. 9am-1pm. More at www.manteonc.gov. • Then double-up on your delicious, locally produced fare with a visit to Wanchese’s Secotan Saturday Market. From 8am-12pm, you can score everything organic, from meats to ’maters, home baked bread to local jams. (You can also find them at Island Farm any Wed., 9am-12pm, through Aug. 31.) Find a full list of vendors at www.secotanmarket.com. • Did someone say, “local jams”? On June 3-5, Ocracoke overflows with aural sweetness as the annual Ocrafolk Festival gathers musicians, storytellers, artisans, and local characters for one incredible weekend. Details and tix at www.ocracokealive.org. • Is the blaring horn of a heat starting like music to your years? Good. ’Cause the Eastern Surfing The Best Bankers. Hometown Banking. Association’s Outer Banks district season is fixin’ to rock all summer, with events in Kitty Hawk ( June 4), Buxton ( July 16), and Rodanthe (Aug. 6). To sign up, tune into www.surfesa.org. • On June 5,

The Best Bankers. Hometown Banking.

Upcoming Events

Juneteenth

June 19, 2022 Presented by The Pea Island Preservation Society Inc. with support from the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series

Surf and Sounds Chamber Music Series August 22-26, 2022 Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Buxton and Manteo

6th Annual Invitational Exhibition

September 2022 Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery

For additional information about these events visit bryanculturalseries.org

Thanks to our generous sponsors Our endowment managed by the The Best Bankers. Hometown Banking.

The Best Bankers. Hometown Banking.

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endnotes find out how Jesse Hines went from local grom to surf mag coverboy, when lensman Mike Leech’s new biopic, Hines, becomes the first of Dowdy Park’s Fri. Movie Nights. Series continues through Aug. Follow the park’s Facebook page for times and titles. • And as long you’re in Nags Head, duck into Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery before June 16 for Black… to Living Color, which features paintings and drawings by freshly retired magistrate and court justice, Doug Brannon. More at www.glenneureart. com. • On June 5, the Colington Yacht Club invites local captains to remember a beloved local commodore with the George Kendall Remembrance Sail/Race from 1-4pm. Then come back June 15 — and every second hump day through Sept. — as Wednesday Night Sails lets skippers polish their regatta skills from 6-9pm. A full calendar awaits over at www.colingtonyachtclub.com. • Fans of classical music can look forward to the week of June 5, as concert pianist and Elon college professor, Dr. Vicky Fischer Faw, plays alongside Ascension Music Academy guitarist Gordon Kreplin. (Technically free, but donations suggested.) Wish your kiddo could master a concerto? The academy will also be offering summer camps in group piano, guitar and flute on Mon-Thurs. mornings. Get the full score at www.ncmusicteachers.com. • The Town of Duck puts physical health front-and-center via a series of summer morning workouts: Yoga with A Lifeguard stretches limbs and minds every Mon., June 6- Aug. 1 (excluding July 4); and Fitness on the Green gets bodies moving on Tues. and Wed. through Sept. 28. Both start at 7:30am. More at www.townofduck.com. • Meanwhile, Manteo’s Peace Garden

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Project puts dietary wellness first by offering classes on plant-based eating, starting midJune. They’re also taking applications for this year’s Youth Leadership Institute. Email Peacegardenprj@gmail.com for more information. • Got a partner or relative living with dementia? Need a few hours to get things done — or just take a nap? Dementia Friendly Coalition’s Caregiver’s Day Out will watch over your loved one every Mon., from 9:30am-1pm at KDH Rec Michelle Lewis’ Peace Garden Park. It’s totally free, but please sign up in advance by Project offers plant-based emailing obxdfc@gmail.com or calling 252-489-9508. eating tips starting mid-June.

• Or make the Baum Center your support center Photo: Ryan Moser every second Tues., as Gentle Expert Memorycare’s Harmony Café gives caregivers a tender ear and strong advice. Starts at 2pm. Organizers request clients register three days in advance; just email gsonnesso@ gmail or call at 252-480-3354. • Outer Banks Hospital is posting up yoga events on both sides of the island — and the timeclock. Namaste at the Beach meets every Tues. morning at Jennette’s Pier, June 7-28, from 7:30-8:30am; and at Ocean Bay Blvd.

Bath House every Fri. from 6:30-7:30am, June 3-24.

And Namaste on the Sound will meet just twice at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, June 8 & 22. 5:45-6:45pm. Please bring your own water bottle and yoga mat or towel. To reserve your spot, call 252-449-4529. • Monarchs rule all summer at the Elizabethan Gardens’ Butterfly House Releases. Every Tues. from June 7 through the end of Sept., watch the colorful winged critters take their first flights, and leave with a handheld feeder, to boot. Two sessions per day: 10:30am and 1:30pm. $20 includes admission to the gardens. Tickets must be reserved online seven days in advance.

Learn more at www.elizabethangardens.org. • Wanna give your kid a taste of culture? Try one of Theatre of Dare’s modernized takes on three children’s plays: The Tortoise & The Hare ( June 8 & 29); The Three Goats Gruff ( July 6 & 27); and RAPunzel (Aug. 3 & 17).

(Children: $10; Adults: $6.; shows start at 10am and 2pm.) Even better, give them a taste of the spotlight with a full range of weekly Theatre Camps. June 13-17’s Not Your Grandma’s Fairy Tales explores building characters and narratives (with a second session Aug. 8-12); June 20-24’s HAM Radio delves into on-air dramas and old-school sound effects; July 11-15’s Musical Theatre Mania mixes live dancing steps and singing; July 18-22’s Special FX Makeup for the Stage focuses on history of special effects and theatrical makeup. Of course, all camps let the tykes show off their newfound skills on the final day. Get more details and pricing at www. theatreofdareobx.com. • Pick up a doggie as you make a deposit when OBX SPCA’s Bark at the Bank brings adoptable pooches to the KDH First Bank, June 10 and Aug. 12. 2-4pm. Or, support the cause by sinking a cold one at Swells’a Brewing’s Mutt Mondays, where a dollar of every featured pint sold goes straight to the cause. All the hairy details are at www.obxspca.org. • On June 10, the Hobots, The Wet Boys, and The Nerve will mosh into the Outer Banks Brewing Station to say One Last Goodbye to local punk rock legend, Chris “Bucky” Clemmons. (Find the Facebook event for times and links.) Next, the Brew Pub serves a double shot of 90s nostalgia, beginning with alt-metal fixtures, Helmet on June 11 and backed up by Sublime-tribute bros Badfish on June 15. Tix and deets at www. obbrewing.com. • Yo-ho-ho! On June 11, bottles of rum help fight food insecurity when the Beach Food Pantry presents the Inaugural Outer Banks Rum Festival inside The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina. The day starts with a $35 Spirits Industry Session from 3-4:30pm, which gives bartenders, chefs and servers a chance to sample and share knowledge. Then, the general public can choose from two chances to enjoy special editions

Jazz is back!

8-9 R E B O T C O wn Green

and meet distillers: a VIP Tasting Session (3-8pm; $100) and a General Tasting Session (5-8pm; $85). Everyone gets a souvenir glass — and delicious apps by Mama Kwan’s, NC Coast, Cousins Oysters, and more — and all the profits go to keep local fams from going hungry. Designated drivers get in free, but prices go up $25 at the door, so buy tix early at www.beachfoodpantry.org. • And a fiery selection of reggae fills Festival Park, June 12, when Vusic OBX delivers the Good Vibes Summer Tour’s lineup of Rebelution, Steel Pulse, Denm, and DJ Mackie. (5:30-11pm.) And come back June 16 when Shakey Graves takes the stage with Bendigo Fletcher. (7-10pm). Find tix and deets at www.vusicobx.com. • Hanging in Hatteras? Koru Village’s Summer of Music rocks the stage with killer tribute acts every Thurs., starting with Badfish on June 16, while Breakfast Club channels 80s hits on June 23 and Southern Accents takes on Tom Petty, June 30. More shows carry on through Aug. 18. Get tix and season passes at www.koruvillage.com. • Guess now’s as good a time as any to plug local clubs’ music line-ups. Let’s start on Hatteras Island where Sea Sharp Music is turning Turner’s Raw Bar into the CBGBs of Avon, drawing regional acts like: Space Koi ( June 7); DJ Robbie Love ( June 18); Rebekah Todd Band ( June 24-25); Kyle Smith w/Dale & the Z-Dubs ( June 6); Redman & The Dixie River Rebels ( July 9); Arise Roots ( July 17); Rigatta 69 w/ Christina Chandler ( July 28); Abby Bryant & The Echoes (Aug. 6); NY Jazz Ensemble (Aug. 15); Adwela & the Uprising (Aug. 19); Grateful Jed (Aug. 20); and Baked Shrimp (Aug. 24). Plus, every Thurs. & Fri. feature resident local acts like Home Dude, Hot Sauce w/Sam on Sax, Rory & Brian Surratt, and After School Surf.

And every show features the pro sound and lighting of Secret Island Productions. Find Turner’s Facebook page for details and cover charges. • Staff shooter and bad-ass bass player Ed Tupper’s dropping his bottom end all over town, every week. Come out to The Roadside on Tues. for Tommy V. and the Boys; Wed. with Matt Wentz and Josh Martier;

2022

On the Duck To

Join us for the Duck Jazz Festival!

This FREE event features jazz artists known locally and globally. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, coolers, and dancing shoes to the Duck Town Park on Saturday evening and all day Sunday. For more information, visit duckjazz.com.

No tents or umbrellas, please.

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KITCHEN

upfront soundcheck Indoor & Outdoor seating Take Out available • Fresh Daily Specials BRUNCH • TACOS • SALADS • BOWLS • LOCAL SEAFOOD • POKE Check FB or IG for updated hours | 252-715-0089 | 5000 S. Croatan Hwy.

Woocasakitchen.com

Jolly Roger Karaoke howls at the moon every night, all summer long. Photo: Ed Tupper

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and Fri. with the Yacht Dogs. (All run from 7-10pm.) On Thurs., he’s bumping Jazz Night at Art’s Place with Joe Mapp & the Coordinates from 6-9pm. And most Sat. evenings, he’ll be playing the Brew Station Backyard with Litmus, featuring John Saturley, Devin Frasier, and Ted Tucker. 5:30-8:30pm. Follow each club’s social media feeds for updates and changes. • We already got one Brew Pub line-up shuffle: quirky rock quartet, Anchor Blazer, will drop their mix of originals and covers on the backyard, June 18, July 16, Aug. 6, & Sept. 3. Find clips and updates on Facebook. • Nags Head Hammocks in Duck will swing with live local bands and performers from Birddog to Sinker to Shelli Gates, every Thurs. from June 2 to July 28. 4-6pm. Keep tabs on their Insta page for updates. • Cole & Maryann turn harmonica and guitar into good o’l Delta Blues at Duck’s Village Table & Tavern every second and fourth Thurs., from June 10-Sept. 2. 6pm. Or catch them at Dowdy Park on July 13 (6pm) and the Tap Shack on Aug. 21 (6pm). Facebook has the latest. • Meanwhile, Swells’a Brewing will pour on the live tunes every Wed. and Fri. all summer long. Sanctuary Vineyards will pair local bands with tasty food trucks every Thurs.

(5:30-8:30pm) and Sat. (12-3pm). And Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint will serve fat jams every damn night. Follow their respective websites and social media feeds for a full, musical menu. • Prefer to butcher your own tunes? Head to the Jolly Roger Karaoke after dinner, where the stage is a pressure-cooker of killer performances, and the general public’s invited to hop up and do their wurst. More at www.jollyrogerobx.com. • Check yourself before you wreck yourself! On June 15, the Outer Banks Hospital will be offering Free Wellness Screenings at Manteo’s Virginia S. Tillett Center. From 8:30-12pm, get a reading on your blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, BMI, and more. Walk-ins are welcome. Or, to reserve an appointment, call 252-449-4529. • On June 15, anglers 16-andunder get hooked on a healthy habit when the Fritz Boyden Annual Youth Fishing Tournament descends upon Avalon Pier, Nags Head Pier, Jennette’s Pier, and Outer Banks Fishing Pier. All the kids fish for free in two divisions. Starts at 7am. Find deets at www.nagsheadsurffishingclub.org. • Whole families have fun in spades — and with spuds — at Island Farm’s Tater Day on June 15. From 10am-2pm, help harvest the crop of Irish Potatoes with Farm Steward Gabe Maready, then sample freshly kettle-cooked chips.

And come back June 25 for a Sauerkraut Workshop with Haypoint Fermentation’s Owen Sullivan. Get pricing, age recommendations and other details at www.obcinc.org. • From June 15-Aug. 19, find every species of educational program at the Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges, from Pea Island Turtle Talks (2-3pm, Tues. & Fri.) and Bird Walks (8am, Fri.) to Alligator River’s Red Wolf Wonders (10am, Thurs.) and Bear Necessities (5pm, Fri.) Or, if you want to pay $10 — and register in advance — the Alligator River Open Air Tram Tour will deliver you to all sorts of flora and fauna. For meeting times and locations, call 252-216-9464. • Meanwhile, the National Park Service was still finalizing plans for education programs at Fort Raleigh, Wright Bros. Memorial,

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and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For the latest deets, try their respective channels at www.NPS.gov. Even better, sign up for general park updates by texting NPSOBX to 333111. And you’ll get beach access updates by texting CAHAORV to 333111. • How did lifesaving crews reach stranded vessels back in the day? What the hell’s a Lyle Gun? Find out at The Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, which runs Rescue Drill Reenactments every Thurs. at 2pm, now ’til Sept. Deets at www.chicamacomico.org. • It’s the adults’ turn to wine when Cork & Craft Wednesdays return to Corolla’s Whalehead, June 15-Sept. 14.

From 3-7pm, sample breweries and vineyards while enjoying live tunes and perusing cool art. Weekly musicians include Tommy V., Phil Watson, Mercy Creek, Scott Sechman, Brad Privott, and Gypsea Souls, while Fork’Et Me Not and other trucks serve up the food. $15 buys a souvenir wine glass and two 2 oz. tastings of both beer and wine, 10% off participating vendors, and free admission to the historic home on a future date. Slosh over to www.visitcurrituck.com for more. • Between sips, check out the Corolla Cornhole Tournament, which also runs June 15-Sept. 14. From 4:30-7pm, 16 teams do battle in a double elimination format for a shot at weekly prizes. $20 per team. Advance registration is highly recommended — call 252-453-9040 — but you can also sign up from 3-4pm, space permitting. Rules and prizes at www.visitcurrituck.com. • Wanna step back in time? Check out the Historic Old Manteo Candlelight Walking Tour. Meet at the Bluegrass Trading Co. any night at 6pm for a personal take on the town and region’s deep history, from salty pirates to soaring pilots. Tix are just $24 (without the tip). For more, head over to www. manteowalkingtour.com. • Nags Heads’ Dowdy’s Park is a weekly run of healthy fun. Enjoy Tuesday Fitness at 7am, June-Sept. Thursday Summer Markets offer fresh produce and festive goods, June 16-Aug. 18 (9am-1pm). And a Wednesday Night Concert Series puts local acts on the band stand from 6:30-8pm starting June 25. Follow their social media pages for updates. • The sky’s the limit on locally made items when KDH’s First Flight Markets lands at Aviation Park every Tues., June 16-Aug. 9, from 10am-2pm. Get a full itinerary at www.kdhnc.com. • Or race north to Duck, for an ultra-marathon’s worth of diverse family entertainment, such as: Story Time and Chalk Art at Duck Town Hall every Thurs., June 16-Sept. 1 (9:30am); Live Animals with the NC Aquarium at the Duck Amphitheater on June 21, Aug. 2 & 23 (10am); Nature Out Loud Children’s Concerts on June 29, July 27 & Aug. 10 (10am); OBXtreme Magic Shows on June 22, July 6, 13, & 20, and Aug. 3 &17 (shows at 9:30am & 11am); and Aug. 24 & 31 (9:30am). Plus, the Thurs.’ night Concerts on the Green features the likes of Full Plate ( June 16); Will Overman Band ( June 23); Jarreau Williams ( June 30); Blue Crab Boys ( July 7); Mo-Rons ( July 14); Dan Rosnato Trio ( July 21); Daniel Jordan Band ( July 28); Spare Change (Aug. 4); Wayne Graham (Aug. 11); Mama’s Black Sheep (Aug. 18); BUMP (Aug. 25); Troy Breslow & the Company Band (Sept. 1); Uphill (Sept. 8); and USAF Full Spectrum (Sept.

15). Shows start at 6:30pm. More at www.townofduck.com. • Peruse paintings and pottery amongst the flowers and sculptures when Elizabethan Gardens hosts Art in the Garden, June 17 (5-7pm) and June 18 (9am-1pm). Then take home rock-bottom deals on your favorite flora when the End of Spring Plant Sale runs June 24-26, 10am-6pm. More at www.elizabethangardens.org.

• And the sky fills with colorful fabric, June 17-19, when Kitty Hawk Kites’ 50th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival flies over Jockeys Ridge. This tribute to the NASA inventor’s “flexible wings” features hang-gliders and stunt kites, plus plenty of oversized floating options — from 100-foot octopi to 30-foot guitars — with free stunt kite lessons and kite coloring for the kiddos. Fly over to www.kittyhawk.com for an itinerary. • On June 19, revisit our nation’s troubled past — and rejoice in a new chapter — when The Pea Island Preservation Society hosts a Juneteenth Celebration at the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, starring Manteo native-turned-Metropolitan Opera House performer, Tshombe Selby. Many details to come; stay tuned to local media for more. • Corolla’s Under The Oaks Art Festival colors the Whalehead grounds with vibrant artwork, June 21-22. From 10am-5pm, discover paintings and prints, photography, pottery, jewelry,

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endnotes woodworks, and much more. Free for all attendees, plus local food concessions and a silent Kinnakeet Shores, July 1-Aug. 12. 8am start. Light breakfast and refreshments provided at auction. Find the CurrituckOBX Events Facebook page for updates. • Ready to really mix the finish line. Sign up at www.obxrunningcompany.com. • Or quench your thirst between things up? Town of Duck’s Variety Shows inside the Duck Amphitheater are a quarter-mile laps when the Independence 1-Mile Beer Run chugs around the Outer smorgasbord of sensational entertainment, such as: the juggling Banks Brewing Station, July 3. Check in at 10am for the 11am race. antics of Ivan Pecel ( June 28); Flexible Comedy with Jonathan Be sure to wear your star-spangled spandex for a shot at the costume Duck’s July 26 Variety Show features the wacky rhythms of RePercussion.

Burns ( July 5); the eerie powers of Hypnotist Dale K ( July 12); the prize. Limited to 100 competitors. More at www.obbrewing.com. • rumbling rhythms of RePercussion ( July 26); and the magical And come July 4, sweat bullets for America’s birthday — and help a comedy of Doc Swan (Aug. 9). Starts at 10am. Get your free tickets local charity — when the Freedom 5k/1Mile & Little Sparkler 1/4 at Urban Cottage. More at www.townofduck.com. • Saving lives is Mile Fun Run rocket around KDH Town Hall to help support Outer no laughing matter. On June 29, drop everything and head to Banks Giving Tree. Dash to www.obxrunningcompany.com for deets.

Jennette’s Pier for an American Red Cross Blood Drive. 10am• Like lazier Independence Day traditions, like stuffing your face, 3pm. Get the gory details at www.jennettespier.net. • And on June feasting on fireworks, and watching others act foolish? We’re happy to 30, The Tap Shack gets tappier than ever when dexterous guitar report that all the towns are lining up the usual favorites. Start with god, Stanley Jordan, plucks groovy tunes at 6:30pm. See their the Town of Duck’s July 4th Parade, where locals, businesses and Facebook page for more. • On July 1, Manteo’s First Friday even bands kick off the day by strutting one mile from Scarborough festivities kick off the month with a 6-8pm opening reception for Lane to Ocean Way to the end of Christopher Drive. Starts at 9am, Dare County Arts Council’s newest exhibits by abstract painter but get there early for best viewing. Updates at www.townofduck.

Ken Wright and photographer Jennings Mitchell. Works hang com. • At 5pm, head to Historic Corolla Park’s Independence Day through July 30. Find a full calendar at www.darearts.org. • Show up Celebration for food trucks and non-alcoholic refreshments, a early on July 1, and you can also catch Suzanne Tate signing her 12-piece musical performance by The Black and Blue Experience, famous kids’ stories at Downtown Books (3-5pm), followed by a and a fireworks show starting at roughly 8:40pm. No coolers, alcohol, second book signing with Ray McCallister from 6-8pm. More at on-street parking, or boat docking permitted — but leashed dogs are www.duckscottage.com. • What’s Tate’s illustrator, James Melvin, been up to? Find out at allowed. Get the full list of rules at www.visitcurrituck.com. • Town of Manteo’s Concert & Glenn Eure’s Ghost Gallery, when he teams up with Jefferson Glover for a July/August Fireworks Celebration takes over Roanoke Island Festival Park from 3-9pm, with live exhibit called Brothers. Call 252-441-6584 for details. • Cure your case of the Mondays tunes through the afternoon and an eyepopping pyrotechnic show come nightfall. Blast over with a fast jog — and a quick bite — when the Run Hatteras 5k Race Series cooks around to www.manteonc.gov for details. • Meanwhile, back on the beach, expect Avalon Pier,

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Online Ordering Large Craft Beer & Wine shop gohunt Large Market with Snacks for the Beach or Home MP 11.25 on the bypass in Pirate’s Quay (252) 715-1880

www. Wav e r i de r s O BX .com

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ACAI BOWLS SMOOTHIES MILKSHAKES CHOCOLATES MP 5 KDH | CALL YOUR MOM (252-441-MOMS)

Nags Head Pier, and Avon Pier to blast fireworks shortly after dark. But you’ll want to park and post up way in advance to ensure a good view. (Pro tip: head to Jockeys Ridge, where you can watch both Manteo and Nags Head’s shows.) • And the Ocracoke Independence Day Celebration couldn’t wait to see the rockets’ red glare, so they’re doing fireworks on Sat. July 2, then raging right on through July 3 & 4. Get the latest — and all the other important island news — at www.ocracokeobserver.com. • The Outer Banks Brewing Station keeps rocking the free world with three epic July shows: on July 1, Ballyhoo brings their groovy blend of pop-punk-reggae; on July 21, Dean Ford and the Beautiful Ones pay tribute to Prince; and fans of Phish and Goose won’t wanna miss the latest species of jam band, Dogs in a Pile, on July 28. More at www.obbrewing.com. • Back at Elizabethan Gardens, kids can learn about the lives of backyard critters almost every morning from July 5-Aug. 25, with programs like Fun With Frogs (Tues.), Butterflies! (Wed.), Helpful Bugs (Thurs.), and Backyard Birds (Mon.) 9:30-10:15am. Free with admission but advanced sign up required. For more details, explore www.elizabethangardens.org. • Up in Duck, a flickering screen attracts film buffs for Movies on the Green, July 12 & 19, and Aug. 16, 23 & 30. Shows start around sunset. Go to www.townofduck.com for titles. • Meanwhile, concert fans crowd into Koru Village for more Summer of Music tributes. On July 7, Talking Dreads puts a Caribbean twist on David Byrne and co. On July 14, Band of Oz busts out the best beach music. July 21 sees Zoso get the Led out. And July 28’s Fortunate Sons co-opts CCR. Get tix and season passes at www.koruvillage.com. • And Vusic OBX keeps bringing top national acts to Festival Park. On July 12, it’s the southern rock stylings of Whiskey Myers, plus Shane Smith & The Saints (6:30-10pm); on July 13, reggae runs amok with Dirty Heads, SOJA, Tribal Seeds, and Artikal Sound System (6:30-10pm); on July 14, it’s the blistering jams of Umphrey’s McGee (7:30-10:30pm). And

July 21, the Vusic on the Banks Music and Arts Festival features The Movement, Little Stranger, Jonny Waters, and five more bands across two stages, starting at 2pm. Get tix and details at www.vusicobx.com. • Snag a front row seat on the shorebreak’s most extreme boardsport when the OBX Skim Jam posts up at Jennette’s Pier, July 16-17. Starts at 8am.

More at www.skim-usa.com. • Or just kick back and watch the sky crawl when the 44th Annual Wright Kite Festival floats over Wright Brothers Memorial, July 16-17. Once more, Kitty Hawk Kites busts out the soaring, oversized sea critters. Plus, there are free stunt and power kite flying lessons, and kids can make and color their own paper designs. Admission to the park is $10 for ages 16+, but the festival itself is free as the wind. 9am-5pm. Float over to www.kittyhawk.com for the latest. • Flashback to the golden days of the Atlantis, July 28-29, when 90s Mid-Atlantic hit-makers, everything, take over the Tap Shack for two nights of Everything on the Banks, July 28-29. 6-10pm. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 6-10pm. Follow their social feeds for updates.

• On July 30, Manteo’s 19th Annual One-Design Regatta pays tribute to the town’s sailing traditions. Two divisions — one adult, one kids — do battle in Optimist, 420, Sunfish, and Topaz sailboats, all while landlubbers cheer from nearby George Washington Creef Park. 9am-5pm.

For more details, call 252-475-1750. • Then take the little minnows on a 4-hour adventure when the Miss Oregon Inlet Kids Fishing Tournament returns Aug. 1.

Kids ages 6-14 enjoy a half-day fishing charter to catch the biggest pigfish, croaker, sea mullet, grey trout, pufferfish, spot, and sea bass, with an awards ceremony and cookout to follow. To register, set a course for www.missoregoninlet.com. • On Aug. 4, Kitty Hawk Kites’ 16th Annual OBX Watermelon Festival helps make our streets a little bit safer by hurling fruit — and spitting seeds— all to support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition. From 10-4pm, post up across from Jockeys Ridge, as kids

THE

Elizabethan Gardens

LOVE

Butterflies?

Enjoy them up-close at our Butterfly House Release 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Tuesdays thru September.

Reservations required.

SUMMER FUN 9:30am FREE with admission M

Backyard Birds

T

Fun with Frogs

W Butterflies Th Helpful Bugs

July 5 - Aug 25, 2022

FOR KIDS!!

Manteo, NC | Eliz a bet ha nG a r d ens .or g

OPEN DAILY 252-473-3234

the elizabethan gardens

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endnotes 5-figure checks. (Both feature legendary nightly parties, too.) And on Aug. 20, the 5th take part in a field of wild competitions, while parents check out the Muse Arts Bus, and Annual Sheep Dog Veterans Challenge celebrates our military and first responders with a everyone enjoys food trucks and tunes by Nature Out Loud. Free to hang, but you gotta day on the water and an evening luau. Full scheds at www.pcbgt.com. • And Vusic OBX buy tix to eat or compete. Details at www.kittyhawk.com. • Or enjoy three full days of sweet continues to hook-up the killer tunes at Festival Park. On Aug. 14, Greensky Bluegrass and fun, Aug. 4-6, when the 9th Annual Ocracoke Fig Festival serves up bake-offs, bands and the Wood Brothers twang around from fig-infused menus — plus a book signing 6-10pm. And come Aug. 26, it’s a trifecta and special dinner with Chef Ricky of reggae with Slightly Stoopid, Pepper Moore. Learn more at www. and Common Kings. 5:30-10pm. More at ocracokepreservation.org. • Koru Village’s www.vusicobx.com. • On Aug. 16-17, the Summer of Music finishes the season with Manteo waterfront teems with artists from three different types of jams. On Aug. 4, all over the East Coast — working in Cosmic Charlie channels The Dead. Aug. everything from paint to photography, 11 sees On the Border honor The Eagles. ceramics to sculpture, wood to Tuesday’s Gone brings back Lynyrd fiber — when the 40th New World Skynyrd, Aug. 18. Get tix and season Festival of the Arts honors late founders passes at www.koruvillage.com. • The final Claire Grieves and Edward Greene. Find First Friday of summer fills Manteo with a schedule at www.darearts.org. • On Aug. good times, Aug. 5. From 6-8pm, head to 18, celebrate the oldest baby in the world Dare County Arts Council’s Courtroom — and our county’s namesake — when Gallery and enjoy the opening reception Virginia Dare turns 435. In remembrance for a multimedia exhibit by Lynne Scott of the first English child born in the New Constantine and Suzanne Scott World, Elizabethan Gardens knocks $2 Constantine. (Show hangs through Sept. off the entry fee, while the Virginia Dare 24.) And The Vault will feature work by Birthday Plant Sale & Gift Shop Sale Charlotte activist and community reduces prices on items and seasonal leader Rosalia Torres-Weiner, who will plants. 10am-6pm. Visit www. offer a 2-week “art-reach” residency elizabethangardens.org for details. • That program. Find all the details at www. night, the Lost Colony Virginia Dare darearts.org. • On Aug. 8, the Shake Birthday Performance features live local Hatteras Music Festival takes over Tina’s infants playing the role. Think your kiddo’s Tavern in Salvo, with a ragtag band of cute enough to take the stage? Keep tabs regional and local acts. Bring your for auditions sometime in July. More at donations, then rock to the wee hours. www.thelostcolony.org. • Get an education Find their Facebook event page for in classical music, Aug. 22-26, when the updates. • Would-be buccaneers pretend Bryan Cultural Series brings the Surf to be Blackbeard when Kitty Hawk and Sounds Chamber Music Series back Kites’ Pirate Festival invades Nags Head, to Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Buxton, and Aug. 10-11. For two days, the shop across Manteo. Enjoy the full score at www. from Jockeys Ridge becomes a living bryanculturalseries.org. • Then the world’s history encampment that channels shady, best surfers play the Jennette’s Pier’s 18th century seafaring life, while a sandbars like a frothy fiddle, when the Scallywag School teaches maritime WRV OBX Pro returns Labor Day history, sword play and other scurvy skills Weekend, promising a masterpiece of to 20 lucky students — plus live cannon daily battles and nightly parties with fire, photos with mermaids, and more.

Pacifico. Deets and live heats at www.

Registration required. 10am-4pm. Get the wrvobxpro.com. • On Sept. 2-3, take a scoop and schedule at www.kittyhawk. break from the surf dogs — and go help com. • On Aug. 13, experienced anglers some real pooches — by dropping in on ages 4-17 battle for trophies and bragging Charlotte artist, activist, and community leader, Rosalia Torres-Weiner, joins the Dare County Arts Council for a two-week “art-reach” residency beginning in August.

Barr-ee Station’s Labor Day Tent Sale at rights at Manteo’s 9th Annual Kids the Waterfront Shops. Not only are they Fishing Tournament. Register at 8am at stocked with killer fashions and great deals, but proceeds go to support the OBX SPCA. the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum; lines hit the water at 8:15am. Awards at 11:45am.

Visit www.barreestation.com for more. • And finally, from Sept. 7-8, help a starving artist — Bring your own rod and reel, bucket and bait, and — if you’re 16+ — a current saltwater and a couple core local charities — by shopping this year’s OBX Arts & Craft Festival at the license. For info call 252-475-1750. • The big kids go chasing bigger fish offshore, Aug. 1314, when the 33rd Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament sees all-female Hilton Garden Inn, Sept. 7-8, where 25 local creators share pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber arts, collage, wood, and more, and a portion of fees benefit N.E.S.T. and Beach crews reel in huge catches to raise cash for cancer research. Come Aug. 15-19, the 39th Food Pantry. 10-5pm. Follow updates on Facebook.

Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament draws captains from across the coast for a shot at

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eat ... l a c o l p sho ! l a c o l s t r i h s t hu g gies

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s w eats h irts 252.441.7889 • MamaKwans.com

Lunch 11:30 AM & Dinner 4 PM • Call for Closing Times milepost 71

SUMMER 2022 SERving LUnch & DinnER DaiLy LIVE MUSIC In ThE

MOndays:

Brew & Arts

STARTING JUNE 6 – ThRoUGh LAboR DAy • 5:30-8 PM

5:30-8:30 PM • EVERY NIGHT

Rotating Local Artists Offering Jewelry, Pottery, Art & More in the Backyard. (Weather Permitting).

Dance hIP hoP

uNcompRomISING AlTERNATIVE HARdcoRE mETAl

Sat 6/11

with Special Guests

Wed 6/15

FRI 7/1

Wednesdays: LOCaLs nIGHT WITH

A TRIbuTE To SublImE

A Rock Band with Punk Energy and Pop Reggae Grooves

Sun 7/24

a tRIbute to PRInce

thuRS 7/28

with Special Guests

A pSYcHEdElIc mIx of fuNk, jAzz, ANd Rock ANd Roll

check Website For ticket details

All Show TimeS 10:30 PM ‘TIL 2 aM (Unless otherwise indicated) all shows 21 & Up w/ ID at the Door The Outer Banks Brewing Station is dedicated to bringing the best local, regional and national music, of all shapes, colors, sizes and genres into a comfortable, energized, acoustically extraordinary space. milepost 72