The Beach Road to Manteo and Marshes Light

Sounds of Africa at Roanoke Island Festival Park

2009-07-10T06:49:00.005-04:00

The outdoor pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park is a very special venue.

Surrounded by the Roanoke Sound and in the heart of downtown Manteo, the Park offers something for people of all ages, including children's theater productions, summer concerts, the Outer Banks History Center, the Elizabeth II and other interesting exhibits and gift store.

Walk or drive over the bridge to the Park, it is very picturesque and the views are incredible!

Tonight at 8 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion is Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa. Here's a sample of their talent: http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eDrP7uxtOU.

Dockmaster Joe featured on the Tarheel Traveler

2009-07-07T15:54:00.005-04:00

Marshes Light dockmaster, Joe Chambliss, was recently featured on Raleigh's WRAL television on the "Tarheel Traveler" section.

Click here to view the video on WRAL's website.

Joe welcomed the Chesapeake Cruisers to the marina this past week. They have taken in the sights, including the Lost Colony and last week's First Friday celebration in downtown. It's easy to get around, just hop off the boat and stroll the docks and boardwalk and be downtown in just a few minutes. Except for a bit of rain on Sunday, the weather has been incredible!

It's a Mayberry kind of holiday!

2009-07-04T15:07:00.005-04:00

It's a Mayberry kind of 4th of July in downtown Mante! The sun is shining, the wind is blowing gently from the east and the sky is Carolina Blue!

There are a lot of people in town for the holiday; they're browsing the Farmers' Market and listening to the live music at center stage beneath the old Courthouse.

Marshes Light Marina welcomes the Chesapeake Cruisers, and everyone, including their boats, is decked out in red, white and blue finery. They're cooking out under the tent and strolling the Marshes Light boardwalk over to Manteo to shop and dine and see the sights.

Bridge to Festival Park

Happy 4th of July and other Great Things to Do in Manteo, NC

2009-06-25T07:09:00.008-04:00

Manteo is jumping with lots of great family fun this July! Here's the "short" list of activities. I've highlighted some special events!

History, Arts and Fun – All Rolled Into One! July 1 - 31, 2009 Enjoy daily programs aboard the Elizabeth II, in the Settlement Site and in the interactive Roanoke Adventure Museum. A docudrama, in The Film Theatre, entitled “The Legend of Two-Path.”

Visit the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum nearby features a working boathouse and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.

Summer Youth Sailing July 1-31 - Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Open to youth 8 and older. Basic and intermediate instruction taught. Students sail Optimist and 420 sail boats. http://www.outerbankssailingacademy.com/.

Adult Sailing Program July 1- 31 Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. The instructors are all American Sailing Association Certified.

Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band Summer Children’s Performance Series

July 1- July 3 at 10:30 a.m. Film Theatre“Very enjoyable. Upbeat, catchy tunes, excellent lyrics with great messages.” Winner, Best Song For Children from The Independent Music Awards. $5.00 adults; children 5 and under – free.

Alex and the Kaleidoscope Concert Pavilion Twilight Series July 1and 2 at 8 p.m.

Boardwalk Marsh Exploration July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. RIFP Visitors center. Enjoy a free guided walk around Roanoke Island Festival Park. NC Coastal Federation at

First Friday Celebration in Downtown Manteo July 3rd beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Stop by the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum and shop downtown merchants.

America Celebrates/July 4th Fireworks July 4 at 8 p.m. Outdoor Pavilion: Music performed by Western Carolina University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts as part of the Fourth of July celebration at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Town of Manteo will be providing the fireworks.

Dixie and Linda Browning Reception July 6-23.

Open Sail at Roanoke Island Maritime Museum July 7,14,21,28 6-7:30 p.m. This open sail is available to sailors that have completed our sailing programs, weather permitting.

Shallowbag Bay Sail About - July 7, 14, 21, 28 6-7:30 p.m. Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. Sail Shallowbag bay in a traditional style work vessel, weather permitting.

Ray McAllister Book Signing July 7 from 11:30-2:30 p.m. Museum Store. Hatteras Island: Keeper of the Outer Banks.

Kinobe Soul Beat Africa Summer Children’s Performance Series

July 7-10 10:30 a.m. Kinobe and “Soul Beat Africa,” take on Uganda’s ethnic sounds and fuse tradition with modern instrumentation. The price of admission is included in the general admission ticket.

Kinobe 1st US/ Canadian Tour Concert Pavilion Twilight Series

July 7, 8,9,10 at 8 p.m. - Outdoor Pavilion Adults, $5; Children 5 and under-free; Friends of Elizabeth II, free.

Anna Davis Creef Book Signing - July 8 and August 5 11:30- 2:30 p.m.
Museum Store. Sixteen Sandpipers: And Outer Banks Counting Book

Renaissance Kids Camp
July 13 – July 17; ages: 5 – 7. 9am – 3pm (after-care provided if necessary). Campers will explore music, the arts and games of the Renaissance world with members of the Guilde of St Andrew as we commemorate the 425th anniversary of the English Colony. Members $120/week and non-members $140/week.

425th Anniversary of the Roanoke Voyages

July 13, 6-8 p.m. Outdoor Pavilion- Opening Ceremony. Lots of great activities planned to commemorate this historic event!

Magic Show for Children Summer Children’s Performance Series

July 14-17 : 10:30 a.m. Film Theatre. The show features some of the most incredible magic and illusions performed by world renowned illusionists Clive Allen and Tracy! The price of admission is included in the general admission ticket to the park.

Elizabeth Wiegand Booksigning - July 15 from 11:30-2:30 p.m. Museum Store. The Outer Banks Cookbook: Recipes and Traditions from North Carolina’s Barrier Island.

Build a Boat in a Day - July 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Roanoke Island Maritime Museum: Build an 8 foot plywood boat. Teams will build a boat using the stitch and glue method. Cost: $275 Friends members /$300 non-members. Minimum age is 8 years old with adult.

Las Vegas on the Banks -Xtreme Magic Show Pavilion Twilight Series

July 17 at 8 p.m.Outdoor Pavilion- Adults, $5; Children 5 and under Free: Friends of Elizabeth II- Free. (2... Laura Long Concert - July 19 at 4 p.m. Film Theatre. The annual concert is performed by a member of the Lost Colony Choir.

Camp Smolken - July 20 – 24
9am – 3pm (after-care provided if necessary) Ages 8 and up Travel through the major moments of military history from the Hundred Years War to World War II with Roanoke Island Festival Park’s favorite mercenary soldier, Smolken. Members $120/week and non-members $140/week.

Jeremy Bliven Book Signing July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Museum Store. Children’s books, The Search for Tiggie Pants and Captain Stumpy the Pirate Cat.

CelloMan Summer Children’s Performance Series

July 21-24 at 10:30 a.m. Film Theatre. A compelling and magical performance with music and masks—The price of admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

The Cello/Piano ProjectPavilion Twilight Series

July 23, 24 at 8 p.m. Outdoor Pavilion. Featuring Eugene Friesen and Tim Ray - Musical passion, sweeping melody and rocking rhythm mark one-of-a-kind evenings. Adults, $5; children 5 and under, free; Friends of Elizabeth II, free.

Simple Rigging - July 23 from 10 a.m. to noon Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. Learn basic rigging techniques, including whipping and splicing and three strand line. Students can bring dock lines to splice in this workshop Cost: $25 members / $50 non-members. Workshop limit is 10.

Annual One Design Regatta Optimist

Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, 420, Sunfish – adult and youth and Laser.

“Voices of the Earth and Sea” Concert

July 26 at 4 p.m. 4th Sunday at 4 p.m.

Composer/ Cellist, Eugene Friesen. Film Theatre. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

Rumgagger Pirate Show Summer Children’s Performance Series

July 28-31 at 10:30 a.m. July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Film Theatre ($5 adults; children 5 and under-free; Friends of Elizabeth II, free) Entertaining and educational for all ages!

Margaret Hoffman Booksigning July 28, 29 and 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Museum Store Blackbeard A Tale of Villainy and Murder in Colonial America and Dead in the Water.

Molasses Creek Pavilion Twilight Series

July 31 at 8 p.m. in Concert at Outdoor Pavilion. Based in Ocracoke,this high energy acoustic folk-fusion band delights their audiences with foot-stomping bluegrass, ballads, and a bit of wacky humor. For information on booking, ordering recordings or the touring calendar use the links to the side. $5.00 adults; children 5 and younger - free; Friends of Elizabeth II, free.

For more detail, check out http://www.roanokeisland.com/index.php?name=calendar#July or call 25... .

Recent Visit to Marshes Light

2009-06-16T16:32:00.004-04:00

Today's blog is by one of our Discovery Weekend Winners - Peter & Becky from Raleigh, NC. As you can see, they really enjoyed their visit!

The boardwalk was what got us from the first. Is it really this easy to walk into town from the condo? This is so much more fun than driving and parking. That’s a great view of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. These built-in benches are great!

And then we wondered: with all the twists and turns when walking on the boardwalk, would it be quicker by water?
Becky and I had already hoped to rent some kayaks, even before we headed from our home in Durham for a weekend in a Marshes Light condo. Some years before, we had kayaked around Manteo and looked forward to another adventure.

So Saturday morning we walked along the boardwalk to the waterfront and rented a couple of single kayaks. It was a beautiful April day, and there were lots of other folks with the same idea, even an experienced paddler from San Diego.

Should we immediately head right toward Marshes Light? No, first we just had to turn left and go up that little creek we remembered from years before. It starts out wide, with lots of boats and activity, but soon narrows to where there’s barely room to turn a kayak around. There had been a solitary cabin at the end of the creek. Would it still be there?

The creek was just getting narrow when Becky slowed her boat and pointed silently ahead to an egret in the shallows. I stopped my boat, put down the paddle, and fumbled to get our little camera out of its protective plastic bag (Kayaking usually involves at least a little water dripping inside the boat!) to try to snap the egret before it flew off. As you can see, it worked!

A tree fallen across the creek just a bit farther on cut off any more paddling in that direction, so we turned back toward town. We would never find out if that cabin was still there.

Why go straight when you can take the scenic route? We turned left into one of those long straight cuts through the marsh grass, then into the open water of Roanoke Sound. We skirted the back of Festival Park, stopping to wave at a family with kids in strollers. I think the little ones were amazed to see people floating in the water so close to shore.

Back by the town waterfront and a look at the Queen Elizabeth II, it was time to head for Marshes Light. In no time at all we were floating just outside our marina-view condo. We were looking up to the balcony where we’d had breakfast just that morning.

Sunrise on the Coast and Marshes Light

2009-06-10T06:33:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful morning! The birds are chirping and the sun is rising on a perfect spring day at Marshes Light!

This photo was taken by one of our new villa owners from her balcony in the Bayberry at Marshes Light. Thanks Joan!

Please feel free to send me your best photos and I'll be happy to post them.

Setting up for Summer Sailing School at Marshes Light

2009-06-07T15:49:00.003-04:00

Right in the heart of Manteo, along the boardwalk, is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the maritime history and culture of Roanoke Island and offers a variety of educational programs and interpretive exhibits through out the year.

During the summer months sailing, traditional boat handling, and boating safety courses are offered as part of the museum’s Outer Banks Community Sailing Program.

For more information on the sailing program, visit: http://www.obxmaritime.org/programs.htm.

Relaxing in the sunshine Outer Banks Style

2009-06-02T16:39:00.003-04:00

After an afternoon at the beach, there's nothing more refreshing than coming home to relax in the backyard by the pool - with Buster the Lab of course!

Record Sales at Marshes Light

2009-05-29T07:33:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy month for us at Marshes Light! We welcomed two new marina villa owners and sold four homesites. We look forward to watching new construction of a permanent residence within the next few months.

My friend and talented co-worker, Ann, has created a story-board featuring the Carolina, a craftsman style bungalow with 4 bedrooms and three baths. This home was designed to the Manteo Way of Building, which preserves and promotes the historical details of the architecture found in Old Town. Home packages anticipated to start at $450,000.

Stroll along the boardwalk and stop by our model home at 326 Fernando Street in Manteo and check it out. We're open from 10-5 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday.

Elizabethan Gardens Home & Garden Tour & Upcoming Events

2009-05-19T13:33:00.004-04:00

May 28
The Elizabethan Gardens Home and Garden Showcase
The Elizabethan Gardens and Roanoke Island Garden Club invite you to The 2009 House and Garden Tour, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Your ticket will provide access to island gardens, "Tablescapes" at 108 Budleigh and special programs at The Elizabethan Gardens. Lunch will be available for purchase at The Elizabethan Gardens. All proceeds benefit The Gardens.

June 10, 17 & 24
Wild Wednesdays
Join nature photographer, Jeff Lewis, as he shows stunning photos of the flora and fauna found in The Elizabethan Gardens. Located in our air-conditioned theater.

June 11, 18 & 25

Discovery Thursdays
Discovery Thursdays will include up to five interactive activities that families will enjoy together. These activities will focus on a specific aspect of The Gardens. Participants will gain further understanding and appreciation of The Gardens and Elizabethan Times which they can apply as they later tour The Elizabethan Gardens. Located in our air-conditioned theater.

Marshes Light Discovered by Durham Couple

2009-05-07T13:46:00.005-04:00

A beautiful weekend at Marshes Light was enjoyed recently by some folks staying in one of our three bedroom marina villas (pictured right).

Beautiful weather presented a great opportunity for a kayak trip and a trip to the nearby beaches of the Outer Banks.

Bird watching and enjoying all the sights of Manteo, including the Elizabeth II, Festival Park and Marshes Light, from the water were great fun!

Meet our Newest Resident at Marshes Light

2009-05-02T10:52:00.003-04:00

This is the second year we've had a new resident living in the grapevine above the front door of the Marshes Light Model Home on Fernando Street.

Does anyone know what type of bird she is? She wasn't frightened when I opened the door to take her picture and she didn't fly away.

We are looking forward to more new residents at Marshes Light as four recent homesite sales will result with at least one new home under construction estimated to begin within 60 days!

Here's another photo of our new feather'd friend.

Marshes Light Marina getting ready for Spring

2009-04-21T05:44:00.002-04:00

Our dockmaster, Joe Chambliss (lower left), has been hard at work readying the marina for the Spring and Summer season.

A recent visitor to Marshes Light. Dock your boat and stroll over to the Manteo waterfront for a fun day of shopping, sight-seeing and dining.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2009-04-11T08:37:00.002-04:00

DAY 5 - Saturday, April 11th
Unfortunately the time has come for the Nelson Family to return to our home in Maryland. But one thing is certain—we will return soon! We've vacationed along the Outer Banks in years past, but our week in Manteo offered so many wonderful family activities (in addition to the beach) that it is safe to say we have found the our perfect North Carolina vacation spot. The Aquarium, Festival Park, downtown Historic Manteo, fishing, and all the wonderful shops and restaurants provided a new adventure each day, while each night was spent watching the sunset from our condo balcony at Marshes Light (the view from the Marshes Light Marina is spectacular). It's been a GREAT week and we have some wonderful memories of a perfect family vacation.

Save our seat...we'll be back soon!

Fun in the Sun at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC

2009-04-11T08:22:00.003-04:00

DAY 4 - Friday, April 10th
The Nelson Family spent Good Friday on the beach. It was a great day for the kids and an opportunity to relax for Mom and Dad. Full of sand castles, shell collecting and ice cream, today was the perfect day here at Marshes Light.

What a way to spend the day!

Perfect weather and perfect beach = perfect family day.

The Nelson Family at the condo in Marshes Light.

It Keeps Getting Better at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC

2009-04-10T14:59:00.005-04:00

DAY 3 – Thursday, April 9th
Another day of family fun here at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC. This morning we visited Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. We had a great time climbing the dunes, watching the hang gliders, and just rolling around in the sand. We continued our “fun in the sand” with an afternoon on the beach. A truly delicious dinner at the family-friendly Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

Erin and Tom at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Conquerors of the dune!

King (and Queens) of the mountain (in this case, dune)!

Now that's a climb!

Wide open spaces

It doesn't get any better than this.

Great afternoon on the beach.

Another Great Day of Family Fun at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC

2009-04-09T20:53:00.004-04:00

DAY 2 - Wednesday, April 8th
Today we visited the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and it was unbelievable. While the family favorite was the “ocean tank” complete with Mako sharks, being able to touch the sting rays was pretty memorable. From alligators to turtles, the Aquarium kept all of us engaged for hours. We then had a great lunch at the Full Moon Café and spent the rest of the day visiting the many shops in downtown Manteo. We closed the day by watching several boats come into the marina from the balcony of our condominium at Marshes Light. Another great day for the Nelson Family at Marshes Light. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

Yes, that a man inside the shark tank!

Mom finally gets in a picture.

The alligator tank...what's cooler than that?

Lucy gets an up close look!

A Week of Family Fun at Marshes Light in Manteo, NC

2009-04-09T10:57:00.008-04:00

The team at Marshes Light have been gracious enough to allow me to document our family vacation on the Beach Road to Manteo Blog. Over the next several days, the Nelson Family will post our daily discoveries and experiences in Manteo, NC.

Our family has always loved North Carolina and this year we wanted to spend our spring break in the historic heart of the Outer Banks. Manteo is just what we were looking for—a great combination of history, beach, boating, dining, and plenty of family entertainment.

DAY 1 - Tuesday, April 7th
We spent the morning at Roanoke Island’s Festival Park. Between the museum, the demonstrations at the “settlement,” and the tour of the Elizabeth II (a working replica of a 16th century sailing vessel, the kids were having so much fun, they didn’t realize how much they were learning about the local history. The lunch conversation at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop was focused on the Outer Banks rich history.

A first hand look inside the Elizabeth II

Libby and Lucy wearing 16th century dresses

The Nelson Family (minus Mom aka the photographer) aboard the Elizabeth II

Ben, Lucy and Libby on top of a log used for canoes by island's Native Americans

Check back tomorrow for more of the Nelson Family's "Daily Discoveries" at Marshes Light!

John Hammond Concert & Other Events in April on the OBX

2009-04-06T07:04:00.005-04:00

April 9, 8 p.m., John Hammond at the Sea Ranch on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills.

April 1 - May 4 - Rhythm and Roots - Southern Music Traditions
Glen Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery, Nags Head. Utilizing text panels, artifacts, fieldwork, photographs and sound recordings, the exhibit features an audio component that allow gallery visitors to experience the voices and music of Southern Music Traditions. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org

April 3 – 28 - Martha Johnson and Julie Moye - Collage and Mixed Media
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, downtown Manteo. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org

April 9 - Full Moon Madness...Tag Till You Drag
(8pm-11pm) Every full moon Gearworks goes crazy and opens up the arena for a great All You Can Play session. $16...3 games guaranteed. 6-7 games are typical in a 3 hour session. Space is limited. Reservations encouraged 252-480-8512. More info at obxgearworks.com.

April 9 - OBXtreme Magic
Outer Banks Music Showcase. Featuring World-renowned Illusionists Clive Allen & Tracy, Outer Banks Music Showcase, Milepost 4.5 in Kitty Hawk. Incredible Illusions, Mind-Bending Magic and Comedy Audience Participation Live on Stage! 7:30 pm. Tickets $19.95 Adults, $18.95 Seniors, $7 Children. (252) 261-7505. outerbanksmusicshowcase.com

April 10 - Easter EGG-stravaganza
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Easter Bunny & the Currituck Duck for the Easter Egg-stravaganza with an Egg Hunt (bring your own basket); Duck Pond & Bunny Petting Zoo; Face Painting; Coloring and Temporary Tattoos; Jellybean Counting Contest; Rock Climbing Wall; Bake Sale, Snow Cones & Popcorn; Fabulous Prizes! Admission & Parking is free. For more information call (252) 453-9040.

April 10 - Knight Magic
10 am - noon. Experience the wonder and learn the secrets of magic with magician, Clive Allen. Take home a trick to impress your friends! Only $15 per participant. Reservations encouraged. Please call 252-453-9040 ext 3.

April 11 - Kitty Hawk Kites Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Largest Easter Egg Hunt in the Outer Banks! Over 2,000 candy and toy-filled eggs to be collected. Chalk coloring contests, kite making, games and surprise visits from Wil-Bear and friends. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com

April 11, 15, 16, 17, 25 – Live at the Outer Banks Music Showcase
Shows nightly at 7:30 pm. (252) 261-7505, outerbanksmusicshowcase.com

April 17 – 18 - REAL Spring Swap Meet
Kite, Surf, Standup. Buy, Sell, Trade. At the REAL Swap Meet you will find TONS of new and used gear, have the ability to sell your own used gear to other interested buyers, plus find the deals of the century on all the new gear in the REAL Flagship Store. Looking for the best prices on used gear from every sport? The REAL Swap Meet is Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, 10am to 4pm daily. For more information: (252)987-6000 or REAL Events.

April 18 - Tour de Cure Cycling Event
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. A benefit for the American Diabetes Association. A 100-mile ride from Chesapeake, VA to Roanoke Island Festival Park where participants will end their fundraising journey. (757) 455-6335, Ext. 3276 or (888) DIABETES, Ext. 3281.

April 18 - Earth Day
(252) 473-3494, (800) 832-3474 or ncaquariums.com

April 23 – 26 - 7th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week
Packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Poker Run, bike show, live music, scenic rides, official night-time party sites. outerbanksbikeweek.com

April 24 - Frisco Museum to Offer Pine Needle Basket Workshop
As a means of preserving pine needle art, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center will present a pine needle basket workshop on April 24, 2009. The workshop will be taught by two master artists, Loretta and Herman Oxendine, elders in the Lumbee nation. 252-995-4440 or visit the web site at nativeamericanmuseum.org.

April 25 - 3rd Annual Antique Appraisal Fair
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. St. Andrews-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Nags Head. $10 per item or 3 items for $25. (252) 473-2655 or obhc@ncmail.net

April 25 - 2nd Annual Up in Arms Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Arm Wrestling Tournament. All funds raised will go toward Hotline's domestic violence and sexual assault programs. (252) 473-5121 or obhotline.org

April 25 – 26 - 11th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, Journey Home
Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center, Hatteras Island. Traditional Powwow set in a beautiful maritime forest with activities for the entire family. Drumming, singing, dancing, native crafts, exhibits, storytelling, native food and more. (252) 995-4440 or nativeamericanmuseum.org

April 26 - Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa
Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 4 p.m. Kinobe and his crew, “Soul Beat Africa,” take on Uganda’s ethnic sounds and fuse tradition with modern instrumentation. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com

Along the Beach Road in Nags Head

2009-04-01T15:40:00.006-04:00

These homes have weathered many storms and have withstood many changes and rapid growth along the Outer Banks.

Rustic charm, wrap-around porches and the beach bring families back year after year. Even on cloudy days, finding a spot to read a good book or take a stroll searching for shells and sea glass are treasured past-times.

Fresh Rockfish makes January-February worth living!

2009-03-13T07:09:00.010-04:00

According to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, rock fish is also known as striped bass and is regulated according to the five coastal areas where it is found. I am only interested in ocean rockfish - this is buttery, white meat that to me is better than lobster! It is fortunate that my husband is a great cook as we have rock fish once to twice a week when it is in season. Tuesday evening, he made pan-seared rockfish, roasted asparagus and cheese grits - delish!

When he's not in the mood to cook, we love dining at the Kill Devil Grill, located near Eighth Street on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills. Yesterday, my friend Stephanie and I enjoyed lunch there. It was a beautiful day and she had the fried rockfish sandwich with fries - she's skinny, she can get away with it- and I enjoyed grilled salmon over salad. It was excellent! Two other specials looked good - the beer battered flounder and the crab cakes! All so good!

Paintings Portray a Charming and Simple Lifestyle of the Outer Banks

2009-03-06T06:27:00.008-05:00

The Beach Road to Manteo and beach scenes of the Outer Banks are portrayed beautifully in the art work of Kenneth Templeton. You can preview his work at his website at http://www.kentempleton.com/. Better yet, visit one of these galleries for a closer look:

The Greenleaf Gallery - Duck, NC
Glave Kocen Gallery - Richmond, VA
Carteret Contemporary - Morehead City, NC

His paintings are little snapshots of ordinary life here that I sometimes take for granted or take the time to stop and smell the salty ocean air or search for beach glass.

A glimpse of warmer weather makes way for rain, Spring is around the corner

2009-02-28T07:10:00.005-05:00

We are making things ready at Marshes Light for another wonderful season. Boaters are checking the batteries and fuel lines on their vessels when they are not out fishing for ocean rock (better than lobster, yum). The crack of the bat heralds little league in practice, daffodils are blooming, buds are forming on trees, and the sounds of birds chirping in the early morning brings a smile to our faces. Spring is my favorite time of year!

Next weekend March 5-8 hosts the Taste of the Beach Event. This Event showcases the best in food, wine, restaurants and music along the Outer Banks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/home.htm.

There are incredible values at Marshes Light Marina Villas right now - call Ann or Lee for more information at 888-319-3557. See you soon!

2009-02-07T07:43:00.003-05:00

MARSHES LIGHT IS COMING TO THE RICHMOND BOAT SHOW FEBRUARY 20-22, 2009!

The Richmond Boat Show is recognized as one of the best boat shows in Central Virginia. Covering nearly 160,000 square feet in seven buildings, with all type of boats and boating equipment on display. Additional exhibits include boat lifts, floating docks, marine electronics, water sports and safety equipment. Experts will be on hand to give information and answer questions about marinas, financing, insurance, boat maintenance and repair and boating safety.

Richmond Raceway Complex600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA
Adults: $7. Ages 6-16: 2. Under 5: Free.

Parking is FREE

Visit the Marshes Light booth and register to win a two nights stay in a beautiful waterfront villa at Marshes Light in historic downtown Manteo.

There’s a whole lotta activity along the outer banks right now!

Marshes Light Marina’s plans to be a full-service marina is becoming a reality. The Manteo Board of Commissioners recently approved our request for a fueling operation. Next step is to obtain necessary CAMA permit. Boat slips are currently for sale or lease with power and water. Contact Dock Master Joe Chambliss for more information at 252-327-9803.

Captain George’s Restaurant from Virginia Beach is under construction and will be open in time for the 2009 Summer Season. Enjoy fresh seafood and other specialties at their new location on 158 Bypass in Kill Devil Hills.

Major earth moving is going on a 10 acre site between the highways in Nags Head, rumor has it that a retail shopping village with a new Food Lion grocery store is coming.

Dare County's new Community Center on Roanoke Island is designed to benefit property owners and will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, kitchen and theater.

College of the Albemarle’s new building has started construction on their campus adjacent to Marshes Light. This new building will house their arts and crafts curriculum, small boat building and other non-academic courses.

More Photos by Quinn Capps

2009-01-21T07:01:00.003-05:00

Marshes Light Sailing Center.