Tag Archives: Outer Banks History

02/24/13

Stroll Down Memory Lane at the Outer Banks History Center

Located in Manteo within the Roanoke Island Festival Park complex is the Outer Banks History Center, a true gem for anyone who reserves a special place in their heart for the Outer Banks. The center came to fruition in 1986 when local writer and historian, David Stick, author of Graveyard of the Atlantic: Shipwrecks of the North Carolina Coast and several other works, donated his personal library and research materials to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.

The History Center is home to many collections including manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, personal and organizational papers, natural history, environmental sciences and so much more. Spend a day in the reading and reference room of the center where you have access to several worktables, an online catalog, audio-visual equipment, a microfilm reader-printer, and a photocopier. Each year the center responds to thousands of research requests from the general public to national media outlets, such as the History Channel, so contact them today!

During your upcoming vacation, make plans to attend the exhibit, “Dare County in the 1930s: Decade of Determination,” starting March 1st and running through October 14th!

The History Center is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm (excluding state holidays and weather emergencies) and be sure to visit the Outer Banks History Center Gallery 7 days a week from 9am-5pm. (Check with Roanoke Island Festival Park for up-to-date information and hours concerning the gallery).

Visit the Outer Banks History Center for a true understanding of the Outer Banks culture and its people!

03/22/12

Community Events at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum located in Rodanthe village on Hatteras Island is hosting two community events. We hope you can make it to these events and that the Life-Saving station is a stop on your upcoming Hatteras Island vacation. It is rich with history and the summer programs are fun for all ages!

Special Off-Season Coast Guard Historic Drill Reenactment

A very special “pre-season” performance of the popular Beach Apparatus Drill, aka “Breeches Buoy Reenactment” will be held at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum on Thursday, March 29th.
The program will start promptly at 10:00 am. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for seniors (62+) or youth (6-17). This historic reenactment will be performed by area Coast Guardsmen who are about to be promoted to the rank of Chief, which is a big step forward and is considered by the service to be a very big deal.


This exercise is part of what the U.S. Coast Guard calls the “Chief’s Indoctrination.” What is that you ask? The answer from the official Coast Guard website: The purpose of the Chief’s Call To Indoctrination (CCTI) is to prepare Prospective Chief Petty Officers (PCPO) to perform their roles and responsibilities as a chief petty officer. In addition, this event recognizes the achievement of a significant career milestone. CCTI reinforces the responsibility of all Chiefs as leaders and mentors.

Chicamacomico and Coast Guard History
The Beach Apparatus Drill, first used by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and continued when that organization was reformed and renamed the U.S.Coast Guard in 1915, was used to save hundreds of thousands lives from 1871 until 1962 when it was last used. Now helicopters and powerful lifeboats do the same. Thus, the prospective Chiefs get some direct and first-hand experience of what their predecessors went through, although they won’t be pulling a 1,000 pound Beach Cart three miles up the beach… in a storm.

Visiting Hatteras Island this summer? The Drill is regularly scheduled for every Thursday at 2:00 PM during June, July and August. This also gives attendees some pretty strong bragging rights: this is one of only two places in the entire country to perform the full drill regularly. And the ONLY one done by the Coast Guard!



Free Community Shredding Event & Family Activities

Saving Lives and Safeguarding Security, the Tradition Continues. The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum will be hosting a secure document shredding event on Saturday, March 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm as a fund-raiser for the Historic Station.

But wait, there’s more! Also free that afternoon are presentations by the Dare County Sheriffs Department about Identity Theft and deputies will also offer fingerprinting and ID kits for whoever wants them, including children. Free refreshments generously provided by Island Convenience will be available on the porch of the 1911 Station, inside the fence.The icing on the cake is free self-guided tours of the 1911 Life-Saving Station (the rest of the Site will remain closed). Please browse the Gift Shop while you are there.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum, in cooperation with the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, its Hatteras/Ocracoke Island Council, Shred X of Manteo, the Dare County Sheriffs Department, and Island Convenience of Rodanthe, is proud to announce this free and valuable event for the Outer Banks community to be held at the Chicamacomico Site in Rodanthe.
There is no limit of documents to bring. Mercifully there is also no need to remove staples, clips, spirals, hanging file folders because the machine will shred them all EXCEPT cardboard. What should you bring to destroy securely? The Shred X website says any and all old, outdated or expired payroll records, marketing plans, human resources documents, design ideas, legal briefs, medical records, personal and business information, confidential correspondence, canceled checks, trade secrets and blue prints or whatever you like. You will witness your own shredding being done right in front of you.

This event is a fundraiser for the Life-Saving Station which is still suffering the effects of Hurricane Irene. Chicamacomico wants to offer these valuable services to the community with the hopes that this generosity will be returned with donations and/or purchases in its unique Gift Shop. All are welcome.Questions about the event can be directed to Sara at the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce at 252-441-8140 or to James at Chicamacomico at 252-996-0493.


About the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum is one of the many sites on the Historic Albemarle Tour and the National Outer Banks Scenic Byway. The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is only 30 minutes south of Nags Head or the same 30 minutes north of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. All are welcome. It is located in Rodanthe, the northernmost village of Cape Hatteras Island, oceanside at 23645 NC Highway 12, or MilePost 39.5, or GPS 35 35 737N, 75 27 981W.
It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm mid-April-Thanksgiving. To learn more about Chicamacomico, its exciting activities and offerings, visit www.chicamacomico.net, email at clss@embarqmail.com, call 252-987-1552, and now on Facebook.

05/26/11

Memorial Day Weekend On Hatteras Island

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer on Hatteras Island! It’s a hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, toes in the sand kind of weekend filled with family, friends and fun. More importantly, it is a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense and honor of our freedom. As you hit the beach for Memorial Day weekend, we hope you have a wonderful vacation and join us in taking a moment to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

To keep the kids of all ages entertained this weekend, here’s a guide to help you plan your visit and enjoy all of the unique events and attractions the island has to offer!

Events & Entertainment

• May 27 -30 Endless Summer Weekend at REAL Watersports
These family friendly events include: Delicious food and beverages available at MOJOs Sunset Café, Daily Surf Sessions , FREE Robert August Surfboard and SUP Demos .

LIVE Music on the soundfront back deck:
Thursday, May 26th 6-10pm : Mojo Collins
Saturday, May 28th 6-10pm : The Wilder Brothers.

Sunday, May 29th, 7-9pm Endless Summer Movie: Watch the original Endless Summer Movie with Robert August as he narrates the behind the scenes events, comedy and session stories. This is a truly amazing night! For more info, visit http://www.realwatersports.com/news/endless-summer-weekend/

• May 28 -30 Hatteras Island Kite Expo at The Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort, Rodanthe village. Bring the whole family and check out the first ever East Coast KiteExpo! This is the largest Kite/SUP Demo Event East of the Mississippi! In the inaugural edition of this to-be annual event, dozens of Kiteboarding & SUP companies will come out to show off their products and gear at one of America’s top Kiting Destinations! Kiteboarding clinics, product presentations, photo shoots, nightly entertainment, great food & great kiting, along with the proximity to so many East Coast Kiters & SUPers should make this THE Memorial Day Weekend Event to attend for years to come. For more info, visit www.thekiteexpo.com

• May 28 Live Music at Sandbar & Grille
Hwy 12, Buxton Soundfront. For the adults in the group, Sandbar & Grille is featuring a reggae band “Donovan and The Posse” From 10pm to 2am. For more info, visit http://www.sandbarandgrille.com/ordereze/Default.aspx

Attractions

• Nothing beats a great round of miniature golf, and there are plenty of locations to show off your skills!
1. Avon Golf: Hwy 12 at the Avon Pier (252) 995-5480
2. Uncle Eddy’s Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf: Hwy 12, Buxton (252) 995-4059
3. Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts: Hwy 12, Frisco (252) 995-6325

• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – One of the most innovative maritime facilities in the nation. FREE admission to the public! (252) 986-2995

• Chicamacomico Life Saving Station: – One of the oldest life saving stations in the U.S., celebrating their centennial this year!

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – The tallest lighthouse in America!

Hatteras Island is a great place to shop and discover truly unique treasures! Sport your red, white and blue in style by checking out these area shops. Many are having Memorial Day Weekend Sales!

• NEW to the island!! Beach Diva – Beautiful Clothing for the beach goddess in all of us! Stowe on 12 Shoppes in Hatteras Village
• FOX Watersports – Mens and Womens clothing and a huge selection of flip flops! Now with TWO Locations: Hwy 12, Buxton and Stowe on 12 Shoppes in Hatteras Village
• REAL Watersports Flagship store – Biggest selection of mens and womens clothing and accessories on the island!- at Real Watersports, Waves Village
• Frisco Rod & Gun – Hwy 12, Frisco – huge selection of mens, womens and kids clothing featuring Salt Life, Guy Harvey, Pelagic and more – everything you need for a day at the beach or on the boat!
• Bella Boutique – full line of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories – hwy 12, avon, next to Nino’s Pizza

There are also plenty of things to do if you arrive early on check in day. Get a head start on experiencing Hatteras Island and start having fun!

• Beat the heat and grab some ice cream at a nearby shop!
1. Cool Wave -Buxton Back Rd, Buxton
2. Village Conery Ice Cream & Yogurt -Hwy 12, Salvo MP 42
3. Hatteras Sno-Balls -the only snow cone stand on the island! Hwy 12, Frisco

• Check out and browse through some surf/skate/SUP/beach gear. These two locations carry a wide variety and selection of everything you will need for the beach!
1. Kitty Hawk Kites – Offering gear, rentals and tours! Waves, MP 40, 24502 Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968; (252) 987-2528
2. REAL Kitboarding – REAL Flagship Store in the Village of Waves – Everything you need to kiteboard, surf, standup paddleboard or just enjoy the beach! Waves, 25706 Highway 12, Waves, NC 27982; (252) 987-6000

• Too tired and hungry to explore? Enjoy the AC and atmosphere at one of these great nearby restaurants!
1. Mojo’s Sunset Café – Located on the back of the REAL Flagship Store in Waves, about half a mile from the Salvo office. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the beautiful views right on the sound! Family friendly atmosphere with grab and go meals. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. http://www.realwatersports.com/mojos/

2. Café 12, located near the Avon office – locally owned and family operated restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Try one of their famous Hatteras Flats! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-12/87506210255

3. Atlantic Coast Café – two convenient locations! One in Avon, across from the Avon office, and one in Waves, just down the street from the Salvo office. Offering everything from wraps, burgers, salads, seafood and BBQ! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. http://www.atlanticcoastcafe.com/

4. Good Winds Seafood & Wine Bar – Located at the Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort in Rodanthe, NC, the restaurant offers fine dining at a reasonable price. http://www.goodwindsrestaurant.com

5. Ninos Pizza, located just down the street from the Avon office – A slice of Sicily on the beach! (252) 995-5358

• Of course – the salt air, sand and ocean may be too tempting, so if you can’t wait to hit the ground running, make sure you pack your bathing suits, towels, and cooler last. That way they are easy to find and grab once you arrive!

Like most Memorial Day Weekends, traffic is heavier than usual. If you are driving from the north, are you aware of the alternate route to arrive on Hatteras Island? Highway 158 can become pretty congested, leaving you at a stand-still, and the alternate route lets you bypass hwy 158 completely.

Need directions? We’ve got that covered!

Alternate Route 1 From the North
(Red Route on map) From I-64 in Chesapeake, take exit 291B for US-17 South, VA 168 South. Take exit 15B for US-17 South, keep right on US-17 South. Follow US-17 South into North Carolina. Take US-17 South by-pass around Elizabeth City. Continue on US-17 South to NC-37 South. Turn left on NC-37 South. NC-37 South becomes NC-32 South. Follow NC-32 South. Make left onto 94 South. Make right onto Benson Road. Turn left on US-64 East. Keep going east to Roanoke Island and The Outer Banks. (Make note – the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge bypasses the towns of Manns Harbor and Manteo.) Once across the Causeway, Turn right onto NC-12 South onto Hatteras Island.

Alternate Route 2 From the North
Follow I-95 South to North Carolina and take Exit 138 for US-64 East toward Rocky Mount. Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC. From Plymouth, NC keep going East to Roanoke Island and The Outer Banks. (Make note – the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge bypasses the towns of Manns Harbor and Manteo.) Once across the Causeway, Turn right onto NC-12 South onto Hatteras Island.

If you are taking the Chesapeake Expressway, the toll fee has increased:

    Toll is now $3 on weekdays and $6 on weekends.

To bypass the toll:

From the North: Take VA-168 South to Exit 8B. Take the clover to Hillcrest Parkway and turn right onto Battlefield Blvd. Turn right onto VA-168 South.

From the South: Take VA-168 North to Battlefield Blvd. stop light. Turn left onto Battlefield Blvd. Turn left onto Hillcrest Parkway and take Ramp on right to VA-168 North.

Don’t forget – when you arrive on Hatteras Island and get out of the car, take a deep breath and inhale the fresh ocean air. Aaaahhhhh…you’ve arrived!

From everyone at Surf or Sound Realty, we are wishing you a very safe and happy Memorial Day!

05/23/11

BBC Features Ocracoke's British Cemetery

Many know Hatteras Island best for it’s beautiful beaches and relaxing environment. Another thing Hatteras Island is known for is its rich history.

BBC World News recently did a story on the British cemetery on Ocracoke Island. Not familiar with it? Check out the short video below, explaining the history of the cemetery.

The next time you take a trip to Ocracoke Island, make sure you add this attraction to your list of places to visit!

05/17/11

Outer Banks Fishing & Family Fun at Jennette's Pier


Celebrate the Grand Opening of Jennette’s Pier on Saturday, May 21st and enjoy fishing, family and fun! The newly constructed, 1,000 foot concrete pier is part of the North Carolina Aquariums system and comes complete with a 16,000 square foot pier house with snack bar, tackle shop and gift shop. There are also classrooms and educational displays and programs that explore the North Carolina Aquariums’ mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of the state’s aquatic environments.

It is all about fishing, family and fun at the new Jennette’s Pier, located in south Nags Head near Whalebone Junction. Be sure to stop by on the way to your Hatteras Island vacation! Admission is free on Saturday, May 21st for the grand opening celebration. Free fishing will be available all day and night following the opening ceremonies. Bring your fishing poles or just stop by for a stroll on the pier, with unbelievable views overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Parking will fill up fast, so look for satellite parking with shuttle service at designated places nearby, such as the town of Nags Head municipal complex and the grass area south of the Dunes Restaurant.

On Sunday, May 22, Jennette’s Pier will launch the summer season with fishing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are also working on summer programs and activities for all ages. For more information, visit Jennette’s Pier online or call 252-255-1501.

Jennette’s Pier and the North Carolina Aquarium- a New Chapter of Outer Banks History

Originally built in 1939, the pier was 754 feet long and 16 feet wide, with a 28-foot-wide “T” on the end. From the deck of the pier anglers cast their lines for more than sixty years, though numerous hurricanes and nor’easters battered the structure and caused it to be repaired and rebuilt from time to time.

The pier house was reconstructed on several occasions, later becoming a much larger facility with a restaurant, tackle shop, and arcade. Eventually, the Jennette family sold their interest in the pier. Years later in 2003, the pier was sold again to the North Carolina Aquarium Society so that it might be developed into an educational outpost for the Aquarium. But in September 2003, Hurricane Isabel swept the North Carolina coast, knocking down about 540 feet of Jennette’s Pier and practically shutting down an Outer Banks institution. It then became time to rethink the fishing pier concept, with the Aquariums taking the lead to rebuild Jennette’s as an all-concrete, 1,000-foot-long, educational ocean pier. On May 22, 2009, Governor Beverly Perdue led a gathering of legislators, local officials, and Aquarium leaders for a “sand-breaking” on the site of the new $25 million Jennette’s Pier, seventy years to the day from the first construction. Now, two years later, the pier will be opened to the public and an Outer Banks history lives on for many more generations to come.

05/11/11

Celebrating Tourism on Hatteras Island

National Tourism Week is May 7-15 and is celebrated each year by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and the U.S. Travel Industry Association as a way to show the importance of travel.

“The Visitors Bureau is fortunate to have so many great travel partners working with us every day. We were pleased to invite our partners to stand with us on National Travel & Tourism Day, celebrate tourism and thank our visitors for choosing the Outer Banks,” said Lee Nettles, Managing Director for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. Governor Beverly Perdue has proclaimed May 10th as North Carolina Travel & Tourism Day, in conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week, a collective effort to promote the power of travel through customized events in communities nationwide.

This year, Surf or Sound Realty participated in the U.S. Travel Rally Day as a way to celebrate tourism on the local level as a salute to the power of travel and its importance to our community on the Outer Banks and Hatteras Island.

Surf or Sound Realty company representative and Marketing Director, Jessica Epping, took the opportunity to greet visitors at the Hatteras Welcome Center, located in the restored U.S. Weather Bureau Station.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting our visitors and speaking with them about all of the wonderful historic sights and unique attractions on Hatteras Island and throughout the Outer Banks,” said Jessica. “I met visitors from Indiana, Texas and West Virginia, all in one afternoon and they each shared a mutual excitement about choosing to travel here.”

On your next visit to Hatteras Island, or on your way to catch the ferry for a daytrip on Ocracoke Island or to visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village, stop in the Hatteras Welcome Center.

It offers an abundance of area information and you will surely enjoy the historical tour and local significance of the U.S. Weather Bureau Station, restored to its 1901 time period.

03/17/11

2011 Land of Beginnings Festival

The 2011 Land of Beginnings Festival is an annual celebration of Outer Banks and its community by preserving its past and promoting its future. The festival events cover interests for all ages and are located throughout Dare County:

Monday, April 4, Ramada Plaza Hotel Nags Head, 12pm- Community Luncheon: Presentation of the Living Legend Award to Suzanne Tate, the author of numerous educational children’s books in the Nature and History Series. Reservations Required. Cost is $25.

Tuesday, April 5, Black Pelican Restaurant Kitty Hawk, 7pm – Storytelling Session: Tales about “good ole days”. Free.

Wednesday, April 6, Dare Center in Manteo, 7pm – Storytelling Session: Tales about “good ole days”. Free. Old fashion pot luck dinner starting at 6pm.

Thursday, April 7, Fessenden Center in Buxton, 7pm – Storytelling Session: Tales about “good ole days”. Free.

Friday, April 8, Russell Twiford campus of the College of the Albemarle-Dare Campus, 9am – “Footprints in the Sand” – a presentation of the area’s historic sites. Free.

Saturday, April 9, Wright Brothers National Memorial Pavilion Kill Devil Hills, 7pm – The Lost Colony Fire and Ice Gala. Reservations Required. Cost is $100.

05/5/10

British and Canadian World War II heroes honored in Outer Banks ceremonies

In ceremonies this week, communities on the Outer Banks will pay honor to World War II British and Canadian sailors who gave their lives to defend the coast of the United States.

The British War Grave ceremonies take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, at the World War II British Cemetery in Buxton, and again at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7, at the World War II British Cemetery in Ocracoke. Receptions follow both events at 1 p.m. The ceremonies honor the 63 foreign sailors who lost their lives just off the coast of the Outer Banks during World War II, when German U-Boats hugged the coast of Hatteras Island.

Continue reading →

04/13/10

Festival gears up with local Hatteras story telling

The fifth Land of Beginnings Festival gears up this week with a series of story-telling sessions. This week will also feature the Living Legend Luncheon honoring artist Glenn Eure and a community conversation that will examine the economic future of the Outer Banks. Continue reading →