Lookout THE FIRST COAST
your guide the Crystal Coast Living
FORT MACON 2015 NC STATE PARK OF THE YEAR WELCOME 2016
NEW HOME IN THE NEW YEAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
FORT MACON HIGHLIGHT UNDER THE UMBRELLA
VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY, 2016
BRING IT ON 2016 WE’RE READY FOR YOU. It’s that time of year when we take all our memories, slide them into plastic sleeves or organize them on our computers and place them on the shelves or folders next to the memories of years past. We hope that you and your family had some amazing experiences, made great memories and that in that photo album, there is a little bit of sand, salt and sun from the Crystal Coast.
While we remember the year that was, let us prepare for the new opportunities that come our way.
As the new year begins, we can expect it to carry hopes of new beginnings, new challenges and new resolutions. We are all prepared and excited to have a clean slate, welcome any challenges and create resolutions that, if kept, pave the way for how our new year will play out. While diet, exercise repeatedly top the list of New Year’s Resolutions, we know that among the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the ever-growing digital world, family-time is climbing higher in the ranks. There’s no better time or (in our opinion) place to provide that resolution than here along the Crystal Coast. Life is paced just a tad slower here, and family comes first. With most local businesses being family owned, even working seems like a family event, and it’s a highly treasured commodity. Our residents appreciate the need for time away from the ordinary and enjoy a good conversation from the vacationers who travel over the bridge to escape the world, even if it’s just for a little while.
Our vacation homeowners along the Crystal Coast know that having that special family retreat to spend the holidays, or a great day in splashing in the waves, produces the perfect place to build new memories, year after year. Starting out our Winter, we, like much of the Eastern U.S. have enjoyed a mild winter, but our beauty is unmatched. Take a walk on the beach during sunset and feel the bursts of yellow, purple, blues and oranges splash across the sky. Try planning your walk on a receding tide and the sunset reflection will make you feel like you are walking in the sky.
photo: Christine Chadwick
While most people think of the beach as a Summertime destination, our residents and vacation homeowners alike know that there is no such thing as an “off-season” along the Crystal Coast. Living along the Crystal Coast allows us to experience everyone else’s vacation on a yearround basis. The only rush hours are during fishing season, when the boats rush through to the waters for the best fishing spot and traffic
jams consist of friends and family enjoying the temporary sandbar that pops up at low tide. Visit any business or just take a stroll along the waterfront and all you will experience are the smiles and friendly hello’s from happy people who live here. We all have great hopes and dreams for 2016 and we hope to see you and your family here at the Crystal Coast.
UPCOMING EVENTS Friday Free Flicks January 1–November 11 Emerald Isle Community Center - Emerald Isle Call 252-354-6350 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC
Free Admission to NC Aquarium on Martin Luther King Day January 18 Pine Knoll Shores Call (252) 247-4003
Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1.00. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks. Call (252) 354-6350 for movie title one week prior to showing. _____________________________________________
Free admission for all, sponsored by Transportation Impact. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores _____________________________________________
Crystal Coast Bridal Fair January 9 Crystal Coast Civic Center - Morehead City Call 252-240-3256 You’re invited to the largest bridal event on the coast of North Carolina. Over 50 of the area’s top wedding professionals will be on-site. Enjoy fashion shows, sample foods from a variety of caterers and view the work of top wedding photographers, videographers, and florists too. Live music, prizes, samples and discounts available. Don’t miss on this event! For more details go to: www.crystalcoastbridalfair.com _____________________________________________
5th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off January 19 NC Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516. Call (252) 728-7317 Four volunteer guest clam chowder cooks will compete at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. Participants enjoy a tasting-sized portion of each of the four chowders and then vote for their favorite. In addition to clam chowder, the event will host a cornbread taste-off. Tickets go on sale December 11. They are available at the Museum Store or online at www.museumfriends.org $35 Non-Members and $30 Friends Members. Proceeds help support the operations of the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. 252.728.7317. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
Down East Folk Arts Society Concert January 9 Clawson’s Restaurant 425 Front Street, Beaufort, NC Call 252-646-4657 General admission $15, Active duty military and Down East FolkArts Society Members $12, Full-Time Students $8. Doors open at 6:30 pm, shows start at 7:30. To reserve tickets, please call or text (252) 6464657 or send email to: folkartsenc@gmail.com. Visit the Down East Folk Arts Society website for detailed information on performers: www.downeastfolkarts.org/Concerts
To keep up with area events, be sure to visit us online at: RealtyWorldFirstCoast.com/ Calendar-Of-Events
New Year
NEW HOME in the
Really. It’s a great idea.
A number of factors are coming together, making 2016 a great time to buy.
4 1
Home Prices Will Finally Calm Down
Real estate values have been on the rise for a while, but are likely to slow their pace in 2016. Prices are expected to rise 3.5% according to Zillow’s Chief Economist. Buyers who’ve been stuck behind the wave of rising prices may finally get the chance to jump in. And that could lead to a flood of buyers, said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Realtor.com
2
More Homes Will Hit The Market
3
Dirt Cheap Mortgages Could Disappear
Rentals Will Still Hurt
Rental prices are still expected to continue to climb in the new year, which means, buying will be cheaper than renting. Even though mortgages could get more expensive, buying might still be a better deal.
The slowdown in home prices will prompt more home owners to list their homes, giving buyers more choices. The new home market is expected to grow in the coming year with builders focusing on starter to mid-range homes, which will also boost inventory and make it easier for buyers. With more homes on the market, bidding wars will become less common and prices should ease even more.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to increase interest rates soon, which means the window for record low mortgage rates is closing. While rates are expected to grow gradually, higher rates push up borrowing costs and monthly mortgage payments. You are likely to get the best rate you will probably see, perhaps in your lifetime through the majority of next year.
Information provided from Realtor.com & Zillow
Congratulations FORT MACON. WE KNEW YOU WERE #1 ALL ALONG.
Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach has recently been named the 2015 North Carolina State Park of the Year by the North Carolina division of Parks & Recreation. North Carolina’s rich history has been showcased at Fort Macon since it was first established as a state park in1936. Fort Macon has long held the designation of North Carolina’s most visited State Park. In 2015 more than 1.2 million visitors enjoyed The Fort. Fort Macon offers a glimpse into history with its display of life at The Fort during its many active periods. A couple times each year visitors can be in the middle of the action with a civil war
reenactment. Fort Macon also offers displays of coastal life, nature trails, special events with the park rangers, star gazing, musket and canon demonstrations. You can take a self-guided tour or better yet, a FREE guided tour with one of the knowledgeable volunteers. Open year round for the publics enjoyment, it does not charge an admission or parking fee. In addition to the actual Fort, you can enjoy some of the areas best beaches with life guards, bath houses and concessions. If it’s not already, Fort Macon is certain to become one of your favorite places to along the Crystal Coast.
In 2015, more than 1.2 million visitors enjoyed Fort Macon.
photo: Christine Chadwick
under the
Umbrella
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The vacationers insight to the Crystal Coast
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us during our vacation, August 5-12. Ocean Club 303G was the most unique place we have ever stayed during our many years of summer vacations in the Atlantic Beach/Emerald Island area.
As novice piano players, we enjoyed the beautiful baby grand piano - what an amazing sound comes out of it! Possibly worse than our piano playing is our pool shooting! We had a great time challenging each other to games that we thought might never come to an end since we struggled with getting balls in the pockets! By the end of the week, though, we were definitely improving & had so much fun!
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Rachel, our 22 year old daughter, studied for her NCLEX test at the desk overlooking the beautiful ocean throughout the week. Happy to report - she PASSED her test upon returning home & is now a licensed RN!
Melissa, our 19 year old daughter, spent many happy moments in front of the huge vanity & loved the gigantic showers & heated towel racks! The deck & comfortable furniture, the kitchen, the wrap around couch & TV, & everything else gave us a week spend together & truly enjoy being a FAMILY at the BEACH! Doesn’t get much better than that! Neil, Karen, Rachel & Melissa Harlock Akron, OH
ExperienceTheCoastNC.com • RealtyWorldFirstCoast.com Beaufort: (252) 728-6455 • AB (252) 247-0077