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Outer Banks restaurants navigate soaring demand
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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3 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Locally Sourced Seafood Steamer Dinners Salads, Sides, and Dips Steamed Shrimp & Crabs (252) 441-8808 | 101 Grey Eagle St. | Nags Head whaleboneseafood.com
Ami Hill is surrounded by crafts inside the 252 Bus. MARY ELLEN RIDDLE PHOTO
A gallery on wheels When the pandemic forced an art gallery to shutter, owner Ami Hill took to the streets … with a school bus full of treasures. PAGE 18
From the Den to the Backyard Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro transition to backyard concerts from their home in Ocracoke after losing the Coyote Music Den. PAGE 5
We could all use a little
beach time.
OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES
Whether you are looking for the perfect place to vacation or seeking to invest in your own Outer Banks beach house, we offer unprecedented service in making your experience the best it can be. Kick off your shoes and stay a while!
Restaurants across the Outer Banks are short-staffed for the biggest tourist season yet. Why? Post-COVID, the nationwide housing crisis poses a new challenge for local restaurants. PAGE 8
ABOUT COAST COAST covers the people, places and characteristics that make the Outer Banks a beach destination for families, surfers and anglers from around the world. For more than 30 years, this publication has featured individuals making a difference in the community, highlighted the latest happenings and shared events that shouldn’t be missed – from live music to theatrics, food festivities, art shows, fishing, surfing, and more. All local. All the time. This is COAST.
joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com • 800-552-6257
EDITOR Hannah Lee Leidy hlleidy252@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie Brothers, James Charlet, Dave Fairbank, John Harper, Sam Harris, Daryl Law, Maggie Miles, Mary Ellen Riddle, Scott Sechman, Jessica Taylor ADVERTISE WITH US Find out how you can engage more readers with an integrated marketing program. John“Ski”Miller, media sales manager, ski.miller@ virginiamedia.com; Elizabeth Catoe, senior account executive, elizabeth.catoe@ virginiamedia.com
THINGS TO KNOW During the summer season (May-August), when Coast is a weekly publication, information must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of an event. During the shoulder season (September-October), when Coast is a monthly publication — with the exception of November-December and January-February, when two months are combined —information must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of an event. WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, visit coastobx.com; facebook.com/CoastOBX
ON THE TOWN
5 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
By John Harper
Correspondent JUNE 15-16
Backyard Concerts “It’s a return to old Ocracoke.” During a recent morning phone call, Marcy Brenner, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, was buzzing about the new backyard concert series on the tiny island south of Hatteras. The brainchild of her and her husband Lou Castro, who’s also a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, the free shows take place in the backyard of the couple’s home. “This is the way it’s been on Ocracoke for more than 100 years,” Brenner said. “People have gone to houses to listen to music.” Brenner and Castro make up the acoustic duo Coyote and will perform in the new series every Tuesday this summer. The last two years have been tough on the island’s musicians, who were hit with a double whammy: the devastating Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020. Brenner and Castro lost their Coyote Music Den in Ocracoke Village, where they had performed for several years, to the storm. But they’re back to where they once belonged, playing music for an audience. (Coyote streamed shows on the internet during the pandemic’s shutdowns.) Today about 75 chairs are set up in the backyard, but Brenner said these concerts can accommodate about 100 people. “You can bring a blanket or a chair,” she said. “And you can bring food but no alcohol.” Brenner (guitar, mandolin and vocals) and Castro (guitar, Dobro, bass and vocals) are musicians with a sense of humor and adventure. They skillfully reimagine songs by rock, folk, blues and jazz artists ranging from Joni Mitchell
Macy Brenner and Lou Castro host the Backyard Concert series from their yard in Ocracoke. COURTESY MARCY BRENNER AND LOU CASTRO
to Led Zeppelin and Randy Newman (the theme from the TV series “Monk”). “Expect the unexpected,” Brenner said. “But we’re always true to The Beatles.” The duo also has a rich catalog of folk-rock originals. Wednesdays in the backyard bring sounds from Ocracoke native Martin Garrish (guitar) and Friends. Their repertoire is made up of Americana and old-timey country artists like Merle Haggard, John Prine and Doc Watson. The backyard concerts will run about an hour. And how does Brenner describe the feeling of playing live shows again? “It’s magical.” When: 8 p.m., with seating starting at 7:45 p.m. Where: 13 Cabana Drive, Ocracoke Cost: Free but donations are accepted Info: coyotemusic.net
Derek Smith performs at Trio’s backyard on Thursdays. JUNE 17
Derek Smith
Fans of ’70s singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Cat Stevens will find much to love about Portsmouth, Virginia-based
musician Derek Smith. With a voice that recalls Stevens at his most aching and shades of Taylor’s finger-style guitar playing, Smith traffics in original music that features lilting melodies and direct,
insightful lyrics. “The Best Years,” from Smith’s 2020 self-titled EP, is a prime example. With a Dave Matthews-style groove, the singer-songwriter recalls a teenage love affair.
“I took a gamble on this thing called love/But I got what I paid for/Not what I dreamed.” His subject matter includes life, family and traveling. Smith plays outdoors every Thursday this summer at Trio Restaurant & Market in Kitty Hawk. For club shows, where Smith presents fresh takes on familiar sounds, he arms himself with a Taylor acoustic guitar and looping device and remakes tunes from artists that include The Beatles, Brett Dennen, Pink Floyd, The Band, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, Talking Heads and, of course, Cat Stevens and James Taylor. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Trio Restaurant & Market, 3708 N. Croatan Highway, milepost 4.5, Kitty Hawk Cost: No cover Info: Derek Smith Facebook page
Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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TOP 10 EVENTS JUNE 11-17 By Dave Fairbank Correspondent
MUSIC: RUTH WYAND | JUNE 1 1 Cravings Tap Shack, 1209 Duck Road, Duck, 6:30-9:30 p.m. ART: PHYLLIS WELLS EXHIBIT: “SOME LIKE IT HOT”| JUNE 1 1, 12 , 15-17 Dare County Arts Council, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo, Noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday THEATER:“THE LOST COLONY” | JUNE 11, 1 2 , 1 4 -1 7 Waterside Theatre, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, 1409 National Park Drive, Manteo, 8:30 p.m. MUSIC & FUNDRAISER: HOOFSTOCK: AN EQUINE BENEFIT | JUNE 12 Corolla Wild Horse Foundation Fundraiser, Sanctuary Vineyards, 7005 Caratoke Highway, Jarvisburg, Noon to 5 p.m. SPORTS: COASTAL SOCCER CAMP | JUNE 1 4-1 7 Family Recreation Park, 602 Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills, three sessions each day, 9 a.m. to Noon
Daily Breakfast Specials 7 am - 2 pm
Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market happens Thursdays in Nags Head.
DANIEL PULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF TOWN OF NAGS HEAD
CLUB LIVE BAND KARAOKE | JUNE 1 4 Secret Island Tavern, 504 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. MUSIC: STEVE HAUSER | JUNE 1 5 Miller’s Waterfront, 6916 S. Croatan
ENTERTAINMENT: COCONUT
$3.99
The Lost Colony performs at Waterside Theatre in Roanoke Island. Hwy, Nags Head, 5-9 p.m.
MUSIC: JEREMY AND THE GENERATIONS | JUNE 1 6 Fish Heads Bar and Grill, 8901 S. Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, 6-9 p.m. Info: fishheadsobx.com/fishheads. html
ART & MUSIC: COROLLA CORK AND CRAFT | JUNE 1 6 Whalehead Club, 1100 Club Road, Corolla, with music by Mercy Creek, 3-7 p.m.
Look what Jolly’s doing this season!
June
2021 Events and Specials!
SHOP: DOWDY PARK FARMER’S MARKET | JUNE 1 7 Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: facebook.com/DowdyPark/
Karaoke Nightly with Hambone from 9 pm - midnight! RESTAURANT & BAR
Gov’ment Cheeze on Thursday, June 3rd and 25th and Saturday, June 12th and 19th from 6 pm - 9 pm!
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC
CALL FOR GREAT SPECIALS NIGHTLY
Pub Menu Specials Daily 4:00 - 6:30 (Dine In Bar Only)! 25¢ Shrimp • 99¢ Ribs • 79¢ Wings Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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Watch NASCAR with US Great Drink Specials NTN Poker Tournament 5 pm
in the Visitors Guide and Restaurant Guide Wii Bowling Tournament 6 pm
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Wednesday
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ITALIAN SPECIALTIES
Veal Marsala $17.99 • Oysters $19.99 Fettuccini Alfredo with Shrimp $21.99 Catch Of The Day (Market Price) Chicken Saltimbocca $17.99 Lasagna $15.99 • Manicotti alla Bolognese $17.99 Ravioli $13.99 • Chicken Parmesan $15.99 Spaghetti & Meatballs $15.99 Blackened Chicken Carbonara $18.99
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Wright Brothers Were Here MP 4.5 Beach Road, Kitty Hawk 252-261-3171 - blackpelican.com
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This Week at Downtown Books... Audra Krieg Book Signing Friday June 18 2-4pm The Parker House is book one in Outer Banks Mom Audra Krieg's fantastic new OBX mystery series for young readers!
The Bird Store
The Outer Banks Wildlife Art Gallery We carry over 75 artists, and specialize in Outer Banks wildlife! Pelicans, shorebirds, herons, ducks, songbirds and wildlife carvings, seashore paintings and prints, lighthouse art, gifts, cards, and all styles of decoys - antique and decorative. Our 35th year!
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MP 8.5 ON HWY 158 BYPASS (1/2 MILE SOUTH OF WRIGHT MEMORIAL) KILL DEVIL HILLS
If you’re looking to whip up a delish dish, try The Daily Meal today. From popular recipes to seasonal and simple ones, you’ll find the perfect mix of delightful discoveries every time you cook. You can also dig in and explore handy tips, how-to videos and our “best of” restaurant guides.
TheDailyMeal.com
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
Oceanfront & Open Year Round at 11:30 AM
Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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The housing crisis brings unexpected consequences for Outer Banks restaurants. COURTESY OF LORI DOUGLAS
Housing crisis brings unexpected consequences for Outer Banks restaurants
Visitors to Avalon Pier’s bar patiently wait for service. COURTESY OF LORI DOUGLAS
By Maggie Miles Correspondent
R
estaurants have been on the front line for more than a year. Employers and staff have dealt with adhering to COVID-19 restrictions, increased responsibilities and precautions that magnified employees’ to-do lists during already-busy shifts. Many adapted by inventing new — oftentimes less efficient — ways of doing things. With restrictions lifting and widespread availability of vaccines, you’d hope that restaurant workers could finally take a breath, catch a break and see a little light at
the end of the tunnel. But as the nationwide housing crisis implodes on the Outer Banks, this hope is little more than wishful thinking. Lack of affordable housing has induced a staffing crisis in restaurants across the country. On the Outer Banks, this coincides with an increasing number of full-time residents and record number of vacationers. This summer, more people than ever are coming to wine and dine at local establishments. Anyone eating out on the Outer Banks right now might see this issue materialize Turn to Help, Page 10
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
HELP WANTED
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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Help
from Page 9
as longer wait times, limited take-out, one or two extra days closed a week. Employees often work the job of two to three people, including additional responsibilities due to CDC guidelines. Summertime volume began unexpectedly early in 2021, bringing many workers to the brink of burnout and pure exhaustion by summer’s typical start. “The housing situation for the service industry is like this secret monster under the bed who cuts your ankles while you’re getting ready before each shift. We are walking, with a limp, but no one is running,” Michelle Winters says, server at Trio Restaurant and Market in Kitty Hawk. What is causing this extreme staffing crisis that forces restaurants to serve a record volume of customers with a percentage of the workforce they’d usually have? “It’s a perfect storm,” Karen Brown says, President and CEO of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. From her perspective, there are three main issues at play: First, the housing crisis itself. The increased ability for people to work remotely allowed an influx to buy a home on the Outer Banks and live here full time. The sustained demand subsequently drummed up the average house’s price between 15-130%. This increased cost of living outprices the labor force that supports the islands’ tourism-driven economy, particularly within the restaurant industry. Second, the record number of tourists this season ups the demand for vacation rentals, which many locals have decided to meet by turning their long-term rentals into short-term Airbnbs and VRBOs. This effectively eliminates housing for seasonal workers, such as college students coming to work here for the summer. Worse, it pushes out local restaurant workers who can no longer afford to buy or rent homes in the area. On the other side of the situation, select businesses do offer housing, yet they still struggle to find employees. The national halt on the J-1 International Student Program is part of this. The program annually gives international students the opportunity to travel to the United States to work service jobs, earn money and experience American culture. Many Outer Banks restaurant owners depend on them in the summertime. The program typically brings 1,700 to 1,800 international students to work on the Outer Banks. They work as dishwashers, bussers and line cooks, often holding two to three jobs throughout the season. This year, travel bans and restrictions in other countries, ranging from similar travel bans to embassy shutdowns, has brought the Outer Banks less than 10% of the usual number of international student workers, leaving 3,000 to 4,000 jobs unfilled. This has become the next phase in
Hospitality businesses in the Outer Banks have increased starting pay rates and benefits in hopes of recruiting staff. COURTESY OF LORI DOUGLAS
restaurants trying to survive in an abnormal reality. It’s hard to see what goes on behind the scenes when you walk into a restaurant. The food, the décor, the faces running the show may all look familiar, but the hidden reality is things are far from normal on the Outer Banks. “As customers, you may notice longer ticket times, you might sit at a dirty table or wait longer for service,” Winters says. “I guess we all ask for grace […] every shift is missing pivotal people, kitchen staff especially, no hostesses, no dishwasher. Each person is doing the job of one-and-a-half people or two, not to mention the majority also have two or more jobs. Please remember kindness and patience, we are all working exponentially harder than usual.” Diane Hamilton, a cook at Beachcombers Wood Fired Grille & Tiki Hut echoes the sentiment, saying, “We are doing our best. We can’t wait for our season to start, but we are worried we can’t give our customers what they expect. […] If the food comes out a little late, it’s not that we are slacking, it’s that we have 25 tickets hanging and only two people cooking.” Brown says it best: “We as people just need to take a breath. Everyone is doing the best they can,” she says. “I just hope we can get through the summer, end on a high note and not disappoint our tourists. We really do want them here, and we want them to have a great experience, because we want them to come back, but we would love to ask them to be patient, kind and generous.”
DINING TIPS Now that we know what’s going on behind the scenes, here are a few suggestions from restaurant owners to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining-out experience while on the Outer Banks. 1. Consider visiting or ordering during non-peak times — generally noon-1:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30-7:30 p.m. for dinner. Switch things up with a lunch or early dinner instead. 2. Place take-out orders before the dinner rush, then reheat when you are
ready to eat.
3. Look over the menu before visiting or phoning in a to-go order. Having an
idea in mind of what you want to order helps improve efficiency and moves the line along. 4. Send in one person from your family or group to check on availability. If
there’s space, then everyone else can follow. This can help get a table a bit faster and keeps your party a bit more comfortable — not pressed together while you wait.
5. If there’s an issue during your dining experience, consider calling restaurants directly instead of leaving a review online. Mistakes happen, and no one wants you to have a bad experience. Calling over the phone can give them a chance to fix it.
11
BEYOND THE MUSIC
By Scott Sechman
Correspondent
I am a pushover for a worthy cause, whether it’s assistance for someone who has suffered a familial loss, a social cause that’s close to my heart such as food insecurity or my main Achilles Heel: animals. Like cats ... and horses. In years past, my columns have featured several events that raised funding for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Although I have never seen one of the wild mustangs, I have firsthand witness testimony from family members. They live in the Hampton Roads area but visit The Banks annually, and their words of wonderment and joy upon the horse sightings (in conjunction with their photos and videos) have spurred me to put seeing the wild ones on my sand bucket list. I’ve lived on the Outer Banks for over five years now. I have never seen a wild mustang. What’s wrong with me? Be that as it may, I am happy to publicize and support any fundraising efforts that allow the herd’s manager Meg Puckett and her associates at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) to educate the public as to why it’s critical to protect the horses’ freedom and the land they live on. To share the horses’ stories and history. To allow my family and the families of others to continue to enjoy these magnificent creatures. Most of the locals and frequent Outer Banks visitors are familiar with Mike Dianna’s annual Mustang Music Festival, which donates a portion of the revenue to the CWHF (as well as the music-related Mustang Outreach Program, which creates opportunities for musically inclined children to learn and perform). This year, a new event calls for attention and support: Hoofstock 2021. On Saturday, Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg is hosting its first live music event in collaboration with the CWHF. It will feature two full-size mobile stages provided by Currituck County for performances by local and regional musicians. I was invited to perform, and I’m honored to have been asked. Not only will I get to share the stage with the likes of Monte Hooker and Shelle Gates, Tidewater’s own Paul Urban and Bern N Pipes, but I also get to listen to them. I should also mention that the sound will be provided by veteran sound man, Matt Hoggard, whose work is known and appreciated by musicians and listeners alike throughout the beach. Mind you, this is happening on a Saturday, turnover day for people checking in/ out of accommodations on the beach. These performing musicians will likely be hustling back to nighttime gigs on the beach following Hoofstock. Yet, they are
Musician Monte Hooker opens the Hoofstock musical fundraiser. COURTESY OF SCOTT SECHMAN
more than happy to donate their time to supporting this cause, despite knowing they’ll probably be spending more time trying to get back onto the beach than they spent playing their set at the fundraiser. In my somewhat imperfect world, I’d do my bit, pack up my gear and head home as quickly as I can. Yet, I have a feeling that after my set, I will be hanging around to enjoy the vibes, the food and the music. Oh yeah … among the mix of wild horses and live music, why not add a little award-winning wine? During the event, Sanctuary Vineyards will donate 25% of all wine sales to the CWHF. What better reason to load up on a few cases before you head home or to your vacation house? I suspect this Hoofstock may be the beginning of something that benefits all of us.
Want to go? Here is the projected music lineup, subject to change: Monte Hooker and Friends, 11-11:45 a.m. Paul Urban and Flat Third, noon to 12:45 p.m. Scott Sechman, 1-1:45 p.m. Janet Martin, 2-2:45 p.m. Bern N Pipes, 3-3:45 p.m. More to be announced. For those who like food with their wine and music, food trucks onsite include Dank Franks and Fork’et Me Not. A minimum $10 donation is requested upon entry. All ages welcome. Sanctuary Vineyards is located at 7005 Caratoke Highway in beautiful downtown Jarvisburg, North Carolina.
Local musicians benefit Corolla Wild Horse Fund. COURTESY SANCTUARY VINEYARDS
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
Wine, warbling and wild mustangs
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12 Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
The perfect place to start or end your day!
Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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What we’re drinking
Local bartenders share their favorite early summer drinks
By Hannah Lee Leidy Editor
Early summer ushers in a season of backyard hangouts, grilling, evening boat cruises and waterfront sunsets. These activities call for good company and a cold drink in hand. It’s warm again, which means breaking out the clear spirits and shelving the dark stuff for the next round of bonfires and nor’easters. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to grow comfortable — complacent even — making or ordering the same drink at every evening gathering I attend. Restaurants with knowledgeable bartenders, however, open the gateway to a world of new beverages and variations. They see what sets well with other people — from classic drinks to trending concoctions — and expand my palate with new, refreshing choices. With summer setting in and countless opportunities for outdoor gatherings, it’s the season to get creative as we uncork bottles and tinkle ice in our glasses. Bartenders at Outer Banks restaurants happily shared favorite seasonal cocktails as late spring transitions into early summer. Better yet, you can easily recreate these minimalist drinks right at home.
Rosy Cheeks on the rocks. HANNAH LEE LEIDY/STAFF
Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar’s Rosy Cheeks
Ocean Boulevard serves the Rosy Cheeks martini year-round for good reason — it won the Outer Banks’ 2018 Martini Games. This lemon-rosemary cocktail traditionally gets served up, but bar manager Christina Stiff offers a personal recommendation: Try it on the rocks. The ice balances the booze, and it feels almost like sipping grown-up lemonade. 3 oz. Absolut Citron 1 oz. Rosemary syrup ½ oz. Lemon juice Shake ingredients and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and rosemary sprig.
Trio Restaurant & Market’s Trio Lemon Lavender Fizz
A French 75 elevates outdoor sipping. COURTESY OF SIMON KAUFMANN
The Blue Point’s French 75
When choosing between wine and cocktails, the French 75 fuses the best of both worlds. Sparkling wine lightens the nature of this gin cocktail, making it an appropriate beverage for early evening.“It’s sophisticated! The bubbles feel like you’re celebrating spring weather and being outside again,” Simon Kaufmann says, beverage director at The Blue Point. No need to reach for the good Champagne with this drink. Crémant or Cava work wonderfully. 1 oz. Gin 1 oz. Lemon juice ½ oz. Simple syrup (sweeten to taste) Cava or any dry French sparkling wines Shake the first three ingredients in a tin with ice, and strain into a champagne flute or martini glass. Top with bubbles, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Trio springs to many minds for its extensive by-the-glass wine list and tap beers, but they shake up the standard wine bar scene with a menu of mixed drinks. “Wine cocktails and mocktails have been very popular for us,” Kenny Hyman says, owner and managing partner of the restaurant.“Our pick for our favorite nonalcoholic drink is our Trio Lemon Lavender Fizz.” Serve these at brunch or a picnic for a classy beverage that Trio Lemon Lavender Fizz (right) doesn’t require naptime is one of Trio’s most popular afterwards. mocktails. COURTESY OF HALEY 1 ½ oz. Lemon juice WINSLOW 3 oz. Lemonade ¾ oz. Blueberry-Lavender Syrup Combine all ingredients in Collins glass and stir. Top with ice and soda water. Garnish with frozen blueberries.
The Kill Devil Dune Shine. COURTESY OF MATT JOYNER
Outer Banks Distilling’s Kill Devil Dune Shine
If you could only have one spirit in your Outer Banks bar cart, why not choose local rum? It emanates summertime vibes and gives a nod to the area’s pirate history. Outer Banks Distilling’s bartender and cocktail coordinator Matt Joyner brings fresh additions this summer that can easily be recreated at home. The new Kill Devil Dune Shine, in particular, excites him. This kombucha cocktail uses JuneShine, an organic, low-sugar hard kombucha brand. “It’s simple enough to where it’s just rum, mint and lemon, and then it has this artisanal edge with the craft kombucha.” Booze and probiotics! What more could we want! 1 ½ oz. Kill Devil Silver Rum (or any silver rum) ¾ oz. Mint syrup ½ oz. Lemon juice JuneShine Blood Orange Mint Kombucha Shake the first three ingredients with ice, and strain into a highball glass. Top with kombucha, and garnish with fresh mint. *A note about simple syrup: While you can find plain and flavored simple syrups to buy, they come together easily at home with few ingredients. Combine equal parts sugar and water (by volume) in a pot over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. If you want a flavored syrup, add your choice of herbs or fruit to the heated syrup, cover and steep. Let cool to room temperature, then strain out the additions before using.
15 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
Welco me Aboard! Half Day Inlet, Sound Fishing, & Cruises
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Year after year, visitors have enjoyed our walkable village, top-notch restaurants and remarkable shops. Discover community events, walking trails, a kayak launch, and the boardwalk at the Town Park in the heart of Duck. While you’re visiting Duck find all the ways to Shop, Play, Dine, and Stay at doducknc.com.
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
16
First flight, then might
Wright brothers built first military aircraft not long after iconic effort in Outer Banks By Jeff Hampton
Staff Writer
The Wright brothers soared over Outer Banks dunes for about a minute in 1903 and, within five years, built the world’s first military airplane that could travel 125 miles. The 1908 aircraft would be the first in America to carry a passenger and could cruise 40 mph, about as fast as a good racehorse. The Wrights’ success began a frenzy of flying experiments in Europe and America, quickly improving the “heavier-than-air flying machine.” “The advancement between 1903 and 1914 when the war began is enormous,” said Tom Crouch, retired senior curator of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and author of three books about the Wrights. The First Flight Foundation is funding a reproduction of the 1908 aircraft, to be built by vintage airplane builders Rick and Sue Young of Chester. The couple has constructed several Wright models over 40 years, Rick Young said in an email. Their work has helped them uncover some of the brothers’ methods, he said. “While we know much about what the Wrights accomplished, how they accomplished it remains largely unknown,” Young said. The replica will be donated to the North Carolina Museum of History after it is completed next year, he said. After their historic flights on Dec. 17, 1903, the Wrights kept improving their aircraft in a pasture near their Dayton, Ohio, home until 1905, when they flew the world’s first “practical” aircraft, Crouch said. The plane could take off, maneuver and fly until the
The Wright brothers built this 1908 airplane for the U.S. Army. It was the first plane in America to fly a passenger and the world’s first military aircraft. COURTESY
fuel ran out, he said. The U.S. Army contracted with the Wrights to build one “heavier-than-air flying machine” for $25,000 that could carry a passenger, fly at least 40 mph and travel 125 miles, according to a copy of the original contract provided by Young. The U.S. Army wanted it for surveillance rather than aerial dogfights. The Europeans would build those later. The pilot and passenger would need to sit upright. Until then, the Wrights
had flown by lying prone on the aircraft, believing it was better for aerodynamics. As it turned out, sitting upright did not bother flight. The Wrights returned to the Outer Banks in May 1908 to test the remodeled 1905 machine. They made 22 flights over eight days. Then, Orville flew with their mechanic, Charles Furnas, seated next to him on May 14, 1908. Furnas was the first powered-airplane passenger in America. The Wrights also sold a plane to French inves-
tors. Wilbur Wright flew in Europe to demonstrate the latest model for the first time publicly. The flights were a great success before thousands of spectators, including royalty, Crouch said. Later in 1908, Orville was flying a plane with a passenger at thenArmy base Fort Myer in Virginia when a propeller snapped and it crashed. Army Lt. Thomas Selfridge died, becoming the first powered-flight fatality. The Army realized it was a part failure, not a design flaw, and purchased
a Wright plane anyway, Crouch said. Later, Wilbur Wright taught three Army officers to fly, making them the first American military pilots in history and among the first in the world, Crouch said. As war approached, European countries invested heavily in powered flight and were far ahead of the Americans by 1914, he said. When the United States entered war, American pilots flew mostly European aircraft. The new 1908 replica is being donated in honor
of the late Willard “Will” Gathings Plentl, Jr., a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, the first director of North Carolina Aviation and former president of the First Flight Foundation. The 1908 model will join the museum’s reproductions of the Wrights’ 1903 airplane and the 1902 and 1911 gliders, the release said. The Youngs also built the 1911 glider displayed in the museum lobby. Jeff Hampton, 757-4462090, jeff.hampton@ pilotonline.com
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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
C v ve MarinA Buxton Village Books Pirate’s HOME OF THE OUTER BANKS FINEST CHARTER FISHING FLEET
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
18
Businesswoman shifts gears with art bus By Mary Ellen Riddle Correspondent
A freshly painted coral and white school bus has been making the rounds across the Outer Banks. Called Bus 252 for the local area code, the vehicle is jam-packed with art and gifts created by local and regional folks. Starting this mobile business and updating another creative endeavor were silver linings in the COVID-19 cloud for former art gallery owner Ami Hill. The 40-year-old businesswoman with a corporate marketing background was successfully running Muse Originals in Kitty Hawk when the pandemic hit. “I was sitting there worrying about how I was going to pay rent with the beach closed down,” Hill said. So, she nixed the brick-and-mortar setup and went mobile. After letting go of big items such as large paintings—Hill, her husband, Jason Dietz, and a friend gutted and remodeled the interior of an old school bus, added a roll-out awning and a set of stairs to the rear of the vehicle. They splattered the floor with paint and installed sand fencing to hang art from new and past Muse Original artists. The school bus became a trove for art and gifts, with everything in the mix from small paintings, ceramics, jewelry and repurposed art to local jams and skincare products. Hill’s next step was finding somewhere to park her gallery-on-wheels. “I drove around looking for businesses with a big parking lot or big fields,” she said. Run Down Café fit the bill, so she contacted them to see if they would allow her to set up at their site. The restaurant quickly called her back with a “yes,” and Hill was out of the gate. Her intent was to set up the art bus and also invite other artists to join her to create what she has dubbed
Ami Hill is surrounded by crafts inside the 252 Bus. MARY ELLEN RIDDLE/CORRESPONDENT
Muse Market. The first event in 2020 featured the art bus and six other artists selling their creations in pop-up tents. The number of participating artists has since grown to average between 10-20 creative vendors. On Wednesdays, you can find Muse Market at Jimmy’s Seafood in Kitty Hawk. And on Fridays, the weekly market is in
full swing at Longboards, also in Kitty Hawk. “Kitty Hawk has been good to us,” says Hill about working with the town to host the market that features a wide array of goods including jewelry, candles, paintings, skin care items, resin art, shell art and functional art. From mid-June through early September, Bus 252 will journey solo to Corolla and set up at the Cork and
Craft. Hill advises that you check her Facebook page to get all the info you need, including any schedule changes. The art bus was not the only idea up Hill’s creative sleeve last year. She invented the OBXOXO Box a few years back, but added a new twist to the successful business in January 2020 before COVID-19 hit. The original idea was to
fill gift boxes with locally made products from food to beauty products and provide them seasonally via a subscription service. But the new twist opened the business up to allow individuals to order them without a subscription and even choose what they want to fill them with instead of Hill doing it. This taste of the Outer Banks has gone gangbusters.
“A rental company bought 300 boxes for guests,” Hill said. “I am thankful for the box. The box and the bus got me through.” Keep an eye out for that smiling woman behind the wheel of the coral and white bus. She’s got something special for Outer Banks lovers, and she’s on the move! Contact: ami@ museoriginals.com.
19
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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
TUESDAY
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
20
CURRITUCK COUNTY Small Business Spotlight
Taking the Worry Out of Worst-Case Scenarios
Triton Insurance offers clients personal attention and freedom of choice Why did you choose Currituck? I grew up in Portsmouth, VA. My grandparents had land in Hertford. I spent many summers in Hertford cane pole fishing and playing in the woods. The Outer Banks were where the family vacations happened and I called them home for a short time while my wife and I built a house in Currituck. The small town charm and rural nature drew us in. Our kids attended elementary school here and graduated from Currituck High.
will require of you. Don’t be afraid to approach a business owner and ask questions. It makes us feel important and what is shared can help you with unknown hurdles you may face.
Triton Insurance 2870 Caratoke Hwy #3 Currituck, NC www.tritoninsservices.com
What are the biggest challenges?
Doug Jennings is an owner/agent with Triton Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Currituck, NC Can you describe the business? Triton is an independent insurance agency. We write all lines of insurance (home, auto, life and commercial). We provide access to many insurance companies that would not normally be offered by a captive agent. Why start your own business? My insurance journey started as an adjuster. I traveled to storm hit areas of the country to help companies settle property claims. I enjoyed meeting the clients and helping them get their lives back to normal after storm losses, but I got tired of the travel. The logical thing was to change my licensing from an adjuster to an agent. I started my agent career as a captive agent. Captive agents sell their company’s insurance products only. I quickly realized that I could do better by my clients if I had the freedom
“By starting my career as an adjuster, I got to experience how insurance makes someone whole again after a loss.” of choice to place their coverage with companies better suited to the client’s needs. In 2012, I wrote a business plan and consulted my wife, Carolyn. We agreed, freedom of choice was a benefit to the client but it also freed me from corporate dictates. Why do you do what you do? I grew up in an insurance household. My mother, Gayle, worked in the industry for decades. I knew of insurance growing up. It just seemed awfully boring (still can be). By starting my career as an adjuster, I got to experience how insurance makes someone whole again after a loss. Yes, there’s always the mental scar but at least I could see and touch the physical repairs that were impacting people’s lives.
Having an entrepreneurial mind is a blessing and a curse. Your achievements are yours as are your failures. The biggest challenge for a small business is being able to grow without losing touch with the reason you started the business. I’m responsible for every facet of this business. It’s time consuming and stressful. What are the biggest rewards? The biggest reward is being successful. My clients have blessed me with a local business that protects their most valuable possessions. I return the blessing by shopping, dining and sponsoring local. It’s a great feeling. What sets you apart? They get personal attention. They’re not handed off. The one that would be affected negatively if a client would go elsewhere is on the other end of the phone. It’s motivation to provide our clients with spectacular service. Any advice for someone starting a business in Currituck County? Do your homework. Know who your clients will be and what services they
CALL LARRY Larry Lombardi Currituck County Economic Development Director
(252) 232-6015 Larry@ThinkCurrituck.com www.ThinkCurrituck.com
21
COROLLA CORK &CRAFT Weekly Wine, Beer & Craft Mixer
WEDNESDAYS, ALL SUMMER LONG In Historic Corolla Park
LOCAL WINE & BEER, CRAFT ARTISANS, FOOD TRUCK & LIVE MUSIC: June 16 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 11 August 18 August 25 September 1 September 8
Mercy Creek Phil Watson Steve Hauser Doc Perkins Troy Breslow & the Company Band Mercy Creek Bobby Plough Doc Perkins Mercy Creek Scott Sechman Phil Watson Bobby Plough Steve Hauser
3 – 7 pm. Every Wednesday, June 16th through Sept. 8th • $1500 to Enter • For More Info. Visit CorollaEvents.com
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
Join Us at Whalehead for
Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
22
HATTERAS HOT LIST
Oceana’s Bistro is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CARRIE BROTHERS PHOTO
By Carrie Brothers
Correspondent
Oceana’s Bistro This popular year-round spot built an addition for canopy-covered outdoor seating last year, expanding the alwayslarge demand for seating and giving diners the chance to soak up a bit of Hatteras Island sunshine. Open seven days a week and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Oceana’s has long been an Avon staple. With daily specials available and a diverse menu, there is sure to be something for everyone in your group. Where: 40774 NC Highway 12, Avon Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Info: 252-995-4991; www.oceanasbistro.com
Gidget’s Pizza and Pasta
Tavern on 12
Tucked away in the Hatteras Island Plaza shopping center, Gidget’s Pizza and Pasta is easy to overlook but shouldn’t be skipped. They offer more than 40 toppings to cover their fresh, homemade pizza dough and cauliflower pizza crust. Open since 1997, Gidget’s casual environment offers a large, sophisticated wine list, a matching beer list including a selection of North Carolina microbrews, and a menu full of house made offerings. Seating is limited, but takeout is available. Gidget’s is exclusively takeout after 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Where: 41934 NC 12, Avon Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (takeout only 4-9 p.m.); closed Sunday Info: 252-995-3109; gidgetspizza.com
A little originality and playfulness inspire every item on this Southern-inspired menu. Daily specials routinely feature fresh, locally caught seafood. The menu is packed with crowd pleasers like pizza, sandwiches, build-your-ownburger and vegetarian options. House originals, like Pimento Mac & Cheese and the Soul Roll, a pulled pork and collards take on the spring roll, pair well with the covered porch. Where: 53060 NC 12, Frisco Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Monday; closed Tuesday Info: 252-986-5368; www.facebook. com/Tavern-on-12
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
Hatteras Sol is perched overlooking the Teach’s Lair Marina at the tip of Hatteras Island. Diners can enjoy priceless views of the Pamlico Sound while savoring items from the skillfully crafted menu. Approachable elevation graces the fresh seafood-focused fare. Enjoy live music with a well-crafted cocktail on the deck as you watch the renowned Hatteras sunset over the water. Where: 58646 NC 12, Hatteras Hours: 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday Info: 252-986-1414; hatterassol.com
23 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, June 11, 2021
oaks Under The
ARTS FESTIVAL June 22nd& 23rd 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fine Art Auction and Curated Crafts from Local and Regional Artists • In Corolla A T W H A L E H E A D • U N D E R T H E O A K S A R T. C O M • 2 5 2 . 4 5 3 .9 0 4 0
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Friday, June 11, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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