July 23rd, 2021

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Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

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3 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

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HATTERAS 58848 Marina Way Ferry Docks in Hatteras Landing

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Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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!

TheTomato Shack in Duck appeals to a fanbase that spans generations. TOMATOSHACK/COURTESY

joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com • 800-552-6257

Your guide to the Outer Banks’ hidden gems Abolition history, miniature monuments and picture-worthy produce stands on these islands.

PAGE 14

Pour a cuppa’ joe on Hatteras Hot coffee, homemade pastries and handcrafted art at Hatteras Island’s coffee shops. PAGE 6

Story-worthy creativity What do Hatteras Island artist Rhonda Bates and Picasso have in common? A creative moment few ever experience. PAGE 18

Locally Sourced Seafood Steamer Dinners Salads, Sides, and Dips Steamed Shrimp & Crabs (252) 441-8808 | 101 Grey Eagle St. | Nags Head whaleboneseafood.com

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.

EDITOR Hannah Lee Leidy hlleidy252@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie Brothers James Charlet Dave Fairbank Maggie Miles Mary Ellen Riddle Scott Sechman, 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

5 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

OUTER BANKS ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SHOP...SINCE 1967

It’s not just a store...It’s an experience!

Voted #1 Christmas Shop in North Carolina

Seasonal Nightly Entertainment!

Old World Glass Byers’ Choice Carolers Possible Dream Santas Ginger Cottages

Christopher Radko Snowbabies Jim Shore Fontanini

Karen Didion Originals Hollywood Nutcrackers Disney Ornaments LED Lights

Visit Our General Store Candy, Fudge, Coffee & Delights Galore • Remember your visit to the Outer Banks with a personalized ornament • Browse among our Thousands of Ornaments Table Top - Home Decor • Jewelry - Engraved Gifts Halloween Haunted House On the way to the NC Aquarium, Festival Park & Lost Colony.

Hwy 64 in Manteo on Roanoke Island

252.473.2838 • OuterBanksChristmas.com OPEN DAILY AT 9:30 A.M.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner!

Happy Hour Steamed Shrimp from 4 pm – 6 pm 901 S Oregon Inlet Rd, MP 18 ½, Nags Head, NC 27959

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Enjoy fishing on our 600-foot pier, then relax at fish heads!

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6 Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

THE HATTERAS HOT LIST COFFEE SHOPS

By Carrie Brothers | Correspondent

Isla Coffee Shop

Recently opened, Hatteras Island’s newest coffee shop specializes in coffee, plant-based treats and gifts from La Isla, Puerto Rico. Sink your teeth into delicious treats like fresh, gluten-free blondies or picture-perfect vegan strawberry shortcake in between sips of locally roasted coffee. The menu also features cold pressed juices and plant-rich wellness lattes.

Where: 39774 N.C. Highway 12, Avon Hours: 8 a.m-1 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 a.m-4 p.m.

Friday-Saturday; Closed Sunday Info: 757-231-1824; Isla Coffee Shop on Facebook

The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop

Treat yourself to a warm pastry and cappuccino from The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DANCING TURTLE COFFEE SHOP

Thislocallyownedandoperatedshopoffers upamenuwithalargevarietyofspecialty coffeeblendsfromaroundtheworld.Fresh bakedgoodsandgiftsfilltheshop,including artfromlocalartists.Along-timefavorite,The DancingTurtleCoffeeShoplocatedacross fromtheharborinHatterasVillage,making itperfectlysituatedforgrabbingcoffeeand bakedgoodsbeforeastrollbythewater.

Where: 58079 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday; Closed Monday Info: 252-986-4004; www.thedancingturtle.com

Beads and Beans OBX

Come for the caffeine and treats but stay for the beads and art. The menu features coffee, tea, real fruit smoothies, baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream. This family-owned and operated spot includes a gift shop and working studio with a selection of beads where visitors can create their own masterpiece.

Where: 24202 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe Hours: 7-11:30 a.m. Wednesday-Monday; Closed Tuesday Info: 252-619-2028; Beads & Beans OBX on Facebook

Samantha’s Coffee Smoothie Inside of Studio 12 lies a gem that roasts their own beans, bakes their own pastries and blends fresh smoothies. Stop in when you come to paint pottery, for breakfast or just a caffeine boost. Smoothies are always made with just fruit and no added sugar.

They also offer sugar-free chocolate flavors for blended coffee drinks that your dentist would approve of.

Where: 41008 N.C. Highway 12, Avon Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; Closed Saturday-Sunday Info: 252-995-7899; www.samanthascoffeesmoothie.com

TOP 10 EVENTS JULY 23-29

By David Fairbank Correspondent

Music: Barefoot Wade | July 23 Ocracoke Oyster Company, 621 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, 6:30-9:30 p.m. facebook.com/ ocracokeoystercompany Music: Mo Lowda and The Humble | July 23 Album release tour, Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, 10:30 p.m. obbrewing.com Aquarium: Shark Exhibit Tour | July 23, 26, 28, 29 Behind scenes tour, advance tickets required, NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island, 374 Airport Road, Manteo, July 23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; July 26 and 28 10 a.m.; July 29 11 a.m. ncaquariums.com/roanoke-islandtours-and-adventures Music: Monte Hooker | July 25 Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600

S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, 6-9 p.m. obbrewing.com Surf fishing: Fish with a Ranger | July 27 Hatteras Island Visitor Center, 46375 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, pre-registration required, 8:30-10 a.m. nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/ calendar Shop: First Flight Market | July 27 Local produce, art, vendors, Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. kdhnc.gov Shop: Makers Market | July 28 Local food, jewelry, art vendors, The Village Table & Tavern, 1314 Duck Road, Duck, 3-6 p.m. villagetableandtavern.com Music: Jeremy and the Generations | July 28 FishHeadsBarandGrill,8901S.Old OregonInletRoad,NagsHead,7-10p.m.

Catch Jeremy & the Generations playing at Fish Heads Bar & Grill. PHOTO CREDITS TO LORI DOUGLAS fishheadsobx.com Music: Mercy Creek | July 29 Acoustic Sunset, Sanctuary Vineyards, 7005 Caratoke Highway,

Jarvisburg, 5:30-8:30 p.m. sanctuaryvineyards.com Music: Derek Smith | July 29 Trio Restaurant & Market, 3708

N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, 5:30-8:30 p.m. www.obxtrio.com

7 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

Oceanfront & Open Year Round at 11:30 AM

Specializing in Catering Services for Weddings & Events Fresh Seafood

Steaks

Vegetarian

Kids Menu

Sandwiches Wood Fired Gourmet Pizzas Homemade Desserts Full Service Bar

Outside Dining with Ocean Views

Wright Brothers Were Here MP 4.5 Beach Road, Kitty Hawk 252-261-3171 - blackpelican.com

Oceanfront, Kitty Hawk • NC

This Week at Downtown Books...

Wes Snyder Friday July 30 2-4pm

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!

Don't miss this chance to get a signed copy from the Outer Bank's most popular photographer!

252.480.2951

WWW.THEBIRDSTOREOBX.COM THEBIRDSTOREOBX@GMAIL.COM

MP 8.5 ON HWY 158 BYPASS (1/2 MILE SOUTH OF WRIGHT MEMORIAL) KILL DEVIL HILLS

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Daily Breakfast Specials 7 am - 2 pm

Look what Jolly’s doing this season!

July

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Karaoke Nightly with Hambone from 9 pm - midnight!

RESTAURANT & BAR

KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC

CALL FOR GREAT SPECIALS NIGHTLY

Gov’ment Cheeze on Thursday, July 1st and 29th and Saturday July 10th, 17th and 24th from 6 pm - 9 pm!

Pub Menu Specials Daily 4:00 - 6:30 (Dine In Bar Only)! 25¢ Shrimp • 99¢ Ribs • 79¢ Wings Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Bill & Friends every Sunday on the deck from 6-9 PM

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$2 MUG

Temporarily Closed...

Help Wanted

1/2 PRICE BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSAS

Great Drink Specials All Day! Watch NASCAR with US Great Drink Specials NTN Poker Tournament 5 pm

Breakfast

Discounts and

Free Dinner Coupons in the Visitors Guide and Restaurant Guide Wii Bowling Tournament 6 pm

AND

$2 Wine ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT TILL CLOSING!

BRING YOUR OWN MUG!

UP TO 16OZ

Live Trivia and Musical Bingo 6-8:30 pm

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Thursday

Live Music with Joel on Friday nights from 6 pm - 8 pm on the deck, weather permitting.

NTN Poker

Tournament 5-7 pm Visit our Gift Shop!

Locals Sign up We also sell for Birthday Club homemade italian, Complimentary Dinner the month of your Birthday Also, a free Dessert!

Friday

chocolate chip, and peanut butter cookies!

Live Music 6-8

10oz Prime Rib

$15.95 w/seafood $19.95

Best on the Beach!

Shrimp & Grits $15.95

Saturday

Lobster Mania!

APPETIZER

Lobster tail or claw

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Macaroni and lobster smothered in a 3 cheese pancetta sauce topped w/sliced tomatoes and seasoned bread crumbs served with 2 lobster claws

$19.95 TWO 1LB LOBSTERS

served with baked potato and cole slaw

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JOIN JOLLY’S ON THE DECK TO WATCH FIREWORKS ON SUNDAY, JULY 4TH!

441-6530 • www.jollyrogerobx.com • MP 6 3/4 Beach Road, KDH

Dinner Specials Start at 4 pm

Locals! - Nightly 20% OFF Dinner w/ Local ID

Locals! - Mon-Fri 20% OFF Lunch w/ Local ID

Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

8

A DAY AT OREGON INLET

Activities and attractions not to miss

JAMES CHARLET PHOTOS

9 Correspondent

Dare County — the centerpiece of North Carolina’s iconic Outer Banks — is divided by the Oregon Inlet into two vastly different parts. Even though the northern part has most of the population and all of the cities, the southern part accounts for one-third of the entire economy of the county.

Oregon Inlet is the largest of the Outer Banks’ numerous inlets. It was formed on Sept. 7, 1846, when a major hurricane ripped a huge void between Bodie Island to the north and Pea Island to the south. At the time, a nearby sailing vessel, the Oregon, was nearly wrecked by the storm. It passed through the new inlet in search of safer waters, and the inlet became known locally as the Oregon Inlet. This broke the tradition of naming inlets from the island they separated, like Hatteras Inlet is named from the gap between Hatteras and Ocracoke and the Ocracoke Inlet is named for the water between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island.

Cross that Great Divide of Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Island today, and it immediately transports one to a different sense of place and time.

Hatteras Island remains a picture of the Outer Banks of yesteryear. Even the weather changes at Oregon Inlet!

This often-overlooked, remarkable daytrip destination offers priceless fishing opportunities, isolated beaches, historic landmarks and more. Go for the day, an overnight camping trip or simply drive by for a change of scenery.

Whether you travel down from Nags Head or you come up from Hatteras Island’s communities or Ocracoke, here are a few favorite locales not to miss at Oregon Inlet.

The Bodie Island Life-Saving Stations Bodie Island Lighthouse Road leads westward from N.C. Highway 12 to the restored, historic U.S. Life-Saving Service Stations and farther on to the striped Bodie (pronounced “body”) Island Lighthouse.

The Life-Saving Stations at the entrance are from the United States Life-Saving Service, one of America’s most inspirational and lesser-known histories. During the nationwide operation from 1871 to 1914, the Life-Saving

Coquina Beach is a great escape from the crowds found on the northern beaches.

servicemen responded to more than 178,000 lives in peril and saved around 177,000. In 1915, the United States Life-Saving Service merged with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and renamed the United States Coast Guard.

Fun Fact: The building on the southside (left) is the 1879 Life-Saving Station. It is the only 1876-type design that still exists in North Carolina. The building on the right side of the street is the 1923 station, only one of two Chathamtype designs remaining in the state.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Continue along Bodie Island Lighthouse Road to reach the 1872 Bodie Island Light Station and Keepers’ Quarters. You can visit the grounds and climb the black-and-white striped lighthouse during its seasonal operation. The park is managed by the National Park Service, and you can plan your visit by checking the information and updates on the NPS website.

Fun Fact: Light flash sequence is 2.5 seconds on, 2.5 seconds off, then 22.5 seconds before back on.

Turn to Page 10

Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

By James D. Charlet

Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

10

Charter boats lined up on one side of the marina at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. JAMES CHARLET from Page 9

Coquina Beach Recreation Area Directly across the highway from the Life-Saving Station is the public access to Coquina Beach Recreation Area. This is one of the most popular beaches on the entire Outer Banks — and for good reason.

It features a spacious, well-maintained area with several large parking lots, a complete bath house with multiple indoor showers and flush toilets, outside shower stations, changing stations, trash cans, water fountains and a beautiful boardwalk to the beach. Lifeguards attend this beach in season.

Fun Fact: The area is named for the minute, colorful coquina clam that burrows into the sand when the tide washes away from the shore.

Oregon Inlet National Park Oregon Inlet Fishing Service Campground Center

This National Park Service campground is uniquely situated between the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Atlantic Ocean and the Oregon Inlet. The 120 sites are arranged in three loops, each with tent and RV sites, paved pads, picnic tables, charcoal grill and bath houses (flush toilets and hot showers). Some electric hookups are available. The large site has dump and water-fill stations, cell phone service, beach access and a Ranger station.

Reservations: recreation.gov/camping/ campgrounds Fun Fact: From your campsite, you can watch the charter fishing boats come and go from the ocean heading for Oregon Inlet and the marina during the day, and then you can watch the lighthouse’s rotating beam flash over you at night.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is home to the largest and most modern charter boat fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. The full-service marina has a fleet of almost 50 gorgeous charter boats. Their sight alone is worth the stop. The luckiest visitors will find themselves at the fishing center when the boats return with the day’s catches — usually between 4 and 6 p.m. Watch them unload their prizes — a spectacular photo-op!

Fun Fact: All-day fees for the charter boats range from $450 to $2,200. There is no fee to visit the marina.

Bonner Bridge

When completed in 1963, this sweeping bridge connected Hatteras Island’s

communities to drivers coming from Nags Head and the northern beaches. Prior to then, the southern island could only be reached by a small ferry. Not much was available when those first few cars trickled over the bridge, then development exploded. By the time the Bonner Bridge was replaced in February of 2019 (see Marc Basnight Bridge section), Hatteras Island’s growth and popularity earned it the name “Crown Jewel of the Outer Banks.”

Fun fact: Designed to last 30 years, the bridge made it well over half a century.

Marc Basnight Bridge

The 2019 bridge that replaced Bonner Bridge is a work of art and a tourist attraction in itself. The 2.8-mile bridge is designed to endure 100 years of harsh Turn to Page 11

11

coastal conditions. … not to mention traffic!

It had over 2.6 million visitors in 2020 and is setting records in 2021.

Fun Fact: The cost in millions is the same as its phone area code: 252!

Bonner Bridge Fishing Pier

Expected to open in the summer of 2021, the 1,046-foot long pier is two lanes of the old bridge, preserved as a fishing and sightseeing pier. New railing is being installed for the 28-foot-wide span that towers 19 feet over the inlet’s waters.

“There are dozens of very vocal fishermen anxious to get this open,” Pablo Hernandez, resident engineer with the North Carolina Depart-

ment of Transportation, said. This spot is also great for watching boats, birds, water currents and taking in this singular environment.

Fun Fact: One of the longest fishing piers on the Outer Banks and the only one over the Oregon Inlet.

The Old Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station It was one of North Carolina’s first seven of 1874-style life-saving stations. Even though built on Pea Island, the northern end of Hatteras, this station somehow received the name the Bodie Island U.S. Life-Saving Station No. 16. … despite Bodie Island being on the other side of the inlet.

1878 brought another crop of Life-Sav-

The fishing pier is the lower structure below the Marc Basnight Bridge. COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

ing Service stations to North Carolina. One of which, Tommy’s Hummock, was built 1 ⅛ miles north of the Station No. 16.

In 1883, the Tommy’s Hummock was renamed as the Bodie Island Station. With two Bodie Island Stations now in the picture, the original building became the Oregon Inlet Station. New stations were built around Oregon Inlet in 1888 and 1898, and in 1990, the U.S. Coast Guard established their current station as the Oregon Inlet Station. In retirement, the original, 1874 station became known as the Old Oregon Inlet Station.

Fun Fact: The many names and locations definitely make this station’s history the most confusing.

Not to miss: Ramp 4 and beach driving Four-wheel-drive vehicles only. National Park Service Beach Driving Permit required.

Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

from Page 10

13

12 Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

15 + varieties of New York Bagels

Hatteras Island Pirates ~ Puzzles ~ Games ~ John Deere

Homemade soups and lunch specialties Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more Cozy coffee shop Custom cakes and pies

Salt Water Taffy ~ Truffles ~ Fudge ~ Chocolates Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm Hwy 12 in Buxton right before the turnoff to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 252-995-7171 • 46928 NC 12 Buxton NC

Build your own breakfast sandwich

A Hatteras Island Tradition

ALL MADE FRESH DAILY

Avon, North Carolina Dine-in Seating (Including Larger Patio) or Carryout!

Ice Cream & Coffee Drinks

We offer a great family friendly dining experience, lively pub and unforgettable food from our scratch-made kitchen.

Our patio is dog friendly!

Our private dining rooms are perfect for large parties, special events and wedding receptions!

3 pm - 10 pm daily

Hatteras Island’s favorite brunch - Sunday’s from 10 am - 4 pm

Hawaiian Shaved Ice • Italian Ice Shakes • Sundaes • Smoothies

252-995-5550 • www.froggydog.com Open Year Round

Custom Ice Cream Cakes!

Call (252) 986-5109 | Open 6 AM - 4 PM

40146 N.C 12 in Avon

Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

The perfect place to start or end your day!

Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

14

Keep your eyes peeled for the Wright Brothers Garage Monument on Moor Shore Road. PHOTO BY HANNAH LEE LEIDY

Hidden gems of the Outer Banks

By Maggie Miles

W Correspondent

e all know about the Wright Brothers, Jockey’s Ridge and the Lost Colony, but what other cultural nuggets rest on the Outer Banks? While those sites should definitely not be missed, the Outer Banks is filled with a history of lesser-known history — interesting people, brave people, movers and shakers, crusaders, innovators and everyday people who have made our islands a more, colorful, rich and fascinating place.

We’re here to tell you a few places you can go to learn about them.

NC Black Heritage Tour Sites

The NC Black Heritage Tour, launched by the African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina (AAENENC) on Juneteenth of this year, encourages a deeper understanding and recognition for the contributions of the Black community in the history-rich corridors of the Outer Banks, the Dismal Swamp, Elizabeth City, Edenton and Hertford. It connects dozens of visitable points of interest and African American influence. We suggest starting in Manteo: Learn about the Freedman’s Colony, a property Union forces developed for escaped enslaved people seeking refuge on remote Roanoke Island. Then head

over to the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum to learn about the nation’s only all-black lifesaving crew. Follow along the map to find many other sites in Manteo and others throughout the Outer Banks, a total of 11 places. For more information, visit ncblackheritagetour.com/county/dare/

Frisco Native American Museum The Frisco Native American Museum is a great place to learn about the Outer Banks’ abundant Native American history.

Founded in 1987 by Carl Bornfriend, this museum not only features a gallery filled with thousands of artifacts from around

the country and local tribes, but it also opens to several acres of nature trails through the maritime forest. The onsite dance circle has been the location for the 12th annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, Journey Home, the 1st annual Living History weekend and Dancing Moccasins. The museum has multiple events and programs going on; up-and-coming ones include a lecture from Bill McConnel, whom you may know from “Dual Survivor” on the Discovery Channel. He’ll discuss Survival Skills of the Carolina Algonquins on Aug. 6. They also have a Meet the Artist series that features different Native American artists every Friday evening.

Turn to Page 16

15 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

The sea, the sound, and a world of possibilites in between.

Find it all in i

Welco me Aboard!

Half Day Inlet, Sound Fishing, & Cruises

The Crystal Dawn HEADBOAT FISHING, CRUISES & EXCURSIONS

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OCEAN BOTTOM FISHING AND GULF STREAM CHARTERS

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.

• OCEAN BOTTOM FISHING

TICKETS SOLD IN ADVANCE. 7:00am - 4:30pm

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Call for rates & schedules. 5:00am - 4:30pm

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Save the date! The 2021 Duck Jazz Festival is coming October 9-10. Visit duckjazz.com for info and updates. townofduck.com 252.255.1234

Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

16 from Page 14

Ikey D’s Grave in Ocracoke In Ocracoke’s Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, you’ll find the gravesite of the famed Ikey D. But Ikey D. might not be the gentleman you expect. In fact, Ikey D. was a horse — the beloved horse and friend of Sam Jones, an eccentric character who lived on Ocracoke and now shares the small cemetery with his horse. Jones, born in 1893, grew up on a farm in Swan Quarter before moving to Norfolk, Virginia, to seek his riches. He led a very colorful life, collecting art, building all kinds of eclectic homes and undertaking many quirky crusades. Among them was a nationally recognized campaign against daylight saving time and also a battle with famous artist Alphaeus Phelemon Cole. It led to a syndicated CBS interview in which Jones, on television, swatted the interviewer and production crew with a broom when he didn’t like the line of questioning. At The Castle, his mansion on Ocracoke, he hosted parties where he would famously gather his friends, including Ikey D., around the piano to sing songs. You can visit the cemetery or even stay at The Castle, which is today a bed and breakfast on the island.

Moor Shore Road

We all know about the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the enormous, striking monument you can see while driving down the Bypass. But did you know there is another tiny monument that looks exactly like it tucked away in Kitty Hawk? The Wright Brothers Garage Monument sits on a front yard along the quaint residential street, Moor Shore Road. It includes a placard that reads, “On this site, the Wright Brothers flew their first glider.” Blink and you’ll miss it. It marks the site of Bob Tate’s house, the Kitty Hawk Post Master who housed the Wrights during their visit. His original home is no longer there, and the new house is a private residence. You can check out the monument by walking or driving down the road.

The Tomato Shack in Duck, NC Get a taste of the area’s food history by visiting the turquoise and orange produce stand located off of Duck Road in the heart of town. Owner Carlton Winslow is the son of Howard Winslow, whom locals remember as a dedicated salesman who sold fresh produce door to door the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Winslow grew up immersed in eastern North Carolina agriculture. Today he sells produce along with meats, milk, eggs and cheeses from friends’ farms around the area. If you want to try region’s freshest fruits and vegetables (he’ll let you sample anything you want), while Winslow regales you with his legendary anecdotes (his stories are the best!) walk up to the picturesque vegetable stand to experience Tomato Shack’s magic. Winslow and

Sam Jones and Ikey D. gathered around the piano. OUTER BANKS HISTORY CENTER/COURTESY

his shack strike a chord with both young and old visitors — so much so that parents share stories of their children building their own Tomato Shacks back at home, inspired to sell their “produce” and tell stories.

Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla The Whalehead Club sports an almost “Great Gatsby”-esque history. Back in the day, the site held a hunting club for tourists seeking waterfowl. Edward Collings Knight, a wealthy industrialist from New York, and his wife Marie-Louise, a fashionista and fierce women’s rights advocate who loved to hunt, visited the area and fell in love with Whalehead. The club wouldn’t allow women — Marie-Louise included. Not many years later the club went under in the 1920s. In the ultimate heroic revenge, Collings Knight bought the property and built a grand, Art Nouveau mansion where he and his wife could both hunt to their hearts’ content and receive visitors for their lavish parties.

Intrigued? Good. Get out there and explore these lesser-known gems of the Outer Banks.

The Tomato Shack in Duck appeals to a fanbase that spans generations. TOMATO SHACK/ COURTESY

17

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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

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Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

18

Rhonda Bates beside her landscape“Marsh Home.” MARY ELLEN RIDDLE

COASTAL CULTURE

Get lost in the creative flow with Rhonda Bates

By Mary Ellen Riddle Correspondent

Rhonda Bates brims with creativity. She makes pottery and creates paintings, grows vegetables and stunning orchids, makes healthy bread and plays the stand-up bass.

The 67-year-old woman’s love of nature drives her. Add in her dreams — a subconscious spring that feeds her creativity — and you have an intoxicating concoction that is inspirational, colorful and life affirming.

This year alone, the self-made woman completed 30 oil paintings. She creates landscapes using contrasting colors that make her images shimmer. Reds pop against greens. Purples and oranges vibrate as do blues placed next to yellows. She is inspired by colors on the horizon, cloud formations and water reflections. “I love the darkness of the waves and the sparkling of the light,” she says. Bates can paint on location, from photographs, from memory and from her dreams.

She regularly exhibits her paintings at Red Drum Pottery in Frisco, which she and husband Wes Lassiter run. For years her focus has been working in clay, but she has been longing to focus more on painting, her first love.

“I started painting probably when I was 5,” she says. “By the time I was 13, I knew I was an artist.” In time, she found herself living near Ocean City, Maryland, in what she describes as “an old farmhouse at the end of the earth, painting up a storm.”

Bates grew up right outside of D.C. and spent time at the Corcoran Gallery. She had no formal art training and wondered if her work was any good. So she loaded paintings into her Volkswagen and drove to the affiliated Corcoran School of Art to find out. After having it viewed by staff, she was surprised to receive an invitation to attend the prestigious school where she earned a BFA in painting.

It was there that she experienced an astounding creative burst that influenced

the rest of her life.

With a goal to understand the creative process and provoke it, she found a theory that one painting could inspire a dozen.

One night, she set up three pieces of paper alongside the original painting and began filling the blank sheets a little at a time.

“The whole image changed,” she says. She took the one that changed and re-did it 10 times. “I did 12 paintings in 11 hours,” she says. “I stayed at school most of the night.”

The following day, her instructor was amazed by the work. Students, staff, the dean and the Corcoran Gallery director were called in to view the paintings and have Bates explain how she created them within the timeframe. The room was packed with people. Bates was informed that what she had experienced was rare, and that Picasso might have had 5 such creative experiences in his lifetime.

“I’ve had a couple of other times where maybe I was coming close to that again,” Bates says. She encourages other painters

to give the technique a chance. While not all achieve an 11-hour creative high, it is common to visit that wordless state while creating.

“When I paint, I am not really aware,” she says. “I am responding. There is a period of time, and it can go on for hours where I am totally unselfconscious. I can’t see what I am doing until I get done, and I step away from it.” It is not always about focusing on a subject, she says, but about “being” in nature.

Frisco painter Linda Browning invited Bates to join her and Raphael Robinson, another Frisco painter, at a show of their artwork at the Dare County Arts Council in August. Their nature-inspired exhibit, called Journeys, is on display Aug. 6-28.

There, visitors will see the recent fruits of Bate’s creative state: nature paintings that range in sizes from 12-by-16 inches to 40-by60 inches. And in Frisco, they can visit a brand-new 800-foot painting gallery and musical theater (and possible yoga studio) under Red Drum Pottery this summer.

19

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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

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20

CURRITUCK COUNTY Small Business Spotlight

Corolla Pizzeria Serves Pies in Paradise

Lucky’s Pizza and Sub House is a family restaurant with all the toppings Why did you choose Currituck?

What better place than Currituck County? Its natural beauty and wild horses are truly one of a kind.

Currituck County is a little piece of paradise we are grateful to enjoy!

Are you from Currituck or did you relocate here?

We’ve been coming to Currituck since the 80’s and relocated in 2009.

Did you consider other locations for your business?

We have run businesses in other places and states. Currituck is a very small business-friendly place.

What are the biggest challenges?

In our current line of work, seasonal staffing and housing is our biggest challenge.

Kerry and Flo Vornadore are the owners of Lucky’s Pizza and Sub House located in Corolla, NC How long have you been in business in Currituck County?

We’ve had a long line of business endeavors in Currituck County, starting in 2005 with home building, then building and running Bubbie’s Burgers in Tim Buck II and now with Lucky’s Pizza.

Can you describe the business?

We’re a family owned and operated pizza shop. As a family, we love new challenges and make it work by sticking together.

Talk about the decision to start your own business...

“Currituck County is a little piece of paradise we are grateful to enjoy!”

As we mentioned, we’re family owned and operated. We have five children that have all worked with us throughout the years. Having such a big family, we figured the best way to keep us altogether was to be our own employers!

Why do you do what you do?

We love meeting people and making people happy. We’ve combined the two in our pizza shop. We strive to always deliver a high quality product and to engage with our customers, and people appreciate that!

What are the biggest rewards?

Meeting new people and reuniting with return customers. We have also really enjoyed getting to know the locals in Currituck.

What sets you apart?

Our customers will always be welcomed and leave with a high quality product.

Any advice for someone starting a business in Currituck County?

Study the business you are interested in, save money, and be prepared for the ride of your life!

Lucky’s Pizza & Sub House 815 A Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

www.luckyspizzacorolla.com

Larry Lombardi, Director (252) 232-6015 M: (301) 237-8951 Larry@ThinkCurrituck.com www.ThinkCurrituck.com

21

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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, July 23, 2021

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22

BEYOND THE MUSIC

Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

Art for art’s sake

By Scott Sechman Correspondent

Monte Hooker takes the stage at open mic night. SCOTT SECHMAN

Working musicians are, if they are competent and a tad lucky, working. As a result, they don’t get to go out and hear others’ live music much. When a working musician is out doing gigs, most of the plethora of players you find on this beach are working, too.

Except in the off season. That’s when the rubber hits the road and for the best all-around players, the playing season just eases off and really never ends.

That’s what I found when I came to the Outer Banks from Southern California at the end of 2015.

As I tried to get my musical foot in the door, my first stop was Art’s Place in Kitty Hawk for the weekly Wednesday night open mic hosted by one Monte Hooker.

Here’s this guy, with his white beard and ever-present hat, reigning over, what appeared to me to be, a fairly chaotic situation. A little tiny room, packed to the gills with patrons and musicians and the only access to the bathroom for everybody in the room being right through the “stage.”

And he pulled it off like it was nothing. That’s what years of experience coupled with his love of music bring.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro dropping by to showcase a newly written song or two, or an aspiring artist dipping your toe into the vast musical ocean for the first time, Monte Hooker will give you respect and whatever help you might need to get up in front of that packed room and do your thing. That’s a rarity in the open mic industry. As a result, some of the top artists in the region and beyond drop by to partake in his efforts from time to time. He’s been doing this almost every Wednesday for the better part of six and a half years. Except, of course, during the darkest days of the pandemic.

Recently, Mr. Hooker eschewed his longtime “straight job” (that’s what members of our music tribe call it) working for “The Man” and went into business for himself, as an electrician. He calls his own shots now. That leaves him more time to do what he loves. He plays, and he sings. His love for music drives him everyday and year round, sending him out and spreading what’s in his heart. It’s a heart that holds nothing short of

a massive catalog of some of the best songs written over the past 60 years and a desire to share them.

Talking to the Elizabeth City native is like talking to an old friend or a family member. It’s easy. … because he’s real. Nothing made up or fake. He doesn’t put on airs.

I asked him how he’s faring this season, as in years past, he’d be working seven nights a week.

“I’m doing OK,” he said. “I’m back at Art’s on Wednesdays, weather permitting. … [Editor’s note: Art’s has a new stage in the backyard and hence, all musical performances are no longer inside] Because of the staffing issues at most Outer Banks restaurants, a lot of places aren’t open seven days a week. I’m working at least four nights. Besides Wednesdays at Art’s, I’m splitting time doin’ solo and band gigs.”

“Several venues that I’m working at besides Art’s [notably, Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint and the Outer Banks Brewing Station] have new stages that they built during COVID to present live music to customers taking advantage of the outdoor seating,” he said. “It’s really good that they did it. It shows they understand that live music is an important asset to their business.”

When asked about the coronavirus that is still lurking about, Monte said, “Most places I play are outdoors. Because the vaccine is available, the management knows that’s helping to keep their doors open. They are mostly all for it, and I feel safer because of it.”

“I’m not playing at a lot of indoor spots, but when I do, I take precautions. I will wear a mask, if I feel I need to, and maintain distancing on breaks. I’m hoping by next summer things will be back to normal,” he said.

So, after you read this, thumb back a few pages in this issue of Coast OBX and look at the events listings. Seek out Monte Hooker and give him a listen. It doesn’t matter if it’s one of his solo gigs or with his band The Mo-Rons.

If you love what he does half as much as he does doing it, he’s done his job.

I might also suggest that if you are one of the aforementioned seasoned or aspiring artists, here on vacation or a resident like me, you’re welcome to try your hand at Monte’s open mic at Art’s Place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.

23

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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, July 23, 2021

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Friday, July 23, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast

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