Lookout THE FIRST COAST
your guide the Crystal Coast Living
FOR THE LOVE OF FEBRUARY BEST TIME TO BUY HOUSING & THE ECONOMY UPCOMING EVENTS
COASTAL FLAVOR - CREME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST UNDER THE UMBRELLA
VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY, 2016
FOR THE OF
love
February
It's the official month for focusing your attention on the one you love. For us, we are completely, and utterly in love with the Crystal Coast.
So, in honor of February, we're sharing some of our favorite things about the Crystal Coast. What about the Crystal Coast do you love?
-photos: Christine Chadwick
RIGHT NOW MIGHT BE THE BEST TIME TO BUY Are you one of the many who sees our friends and family driving head first into the real estate market and are wondering if now is the time for you to do the same? Well, provided the information below, now might be the best time to buy.
4.01% INTEREST RATE
4.80% INTEREST RATE
S YEAR THI
T YEAR NEX
$250,000 HOME PRICE
$1,194.98 MORTGAGE PAYMENT
$263,250 HOME PRICE
$1,381.18 MORTGAGE PAYMENT
The Cost of Waiting to Buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interests rates were to increase over a period of time.
THE TOTAL COAST MONTHLY ANNUALLY OVER 30 YEARS
$186.20
$2,234.40 $67,032.00
At age 61, you would have spent an additional $67,032 on your home. At that time in your life, hopefully retirement is in your future.
UPCOMING EVENTS Coastal Culture and Waterfowl Watching Trip February 3–February 4 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC (252) 728-7317
Carolina Chocolate Festival February 6–February 7 (all day) 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC (252) 393-2011
Observe the migration of wintering waterfowl at Wildlife Refuges and National Seashores in Eastern North Carolina. Learn about the unique history of our coastal communities as well. Museum staff will lead you on a tour through the remote but beautiful regions of Pamlico, Hyde and Dare Counties for this annual trip. This is an overnight adventure and requires pre-registration. Reservations: $75. Hotel reservations and meals not included. Space is limited. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. ___________________________________________
Chocolate lovers indulge! The annual Carolina Chocolate Festival takes place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City and is packed with activities from tastings, demonstrations and bake-offs to golfing and relaxing at the spa. Check their website for details about each activity and to purchase tickets for any one of the ten main events. All the proceeds from the Carolina Chocolate Festival benefit local charities. This festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Carteret County charities. www.carolinachocolatefestival.com __________________________________________
Build Your Own Skin-on-Frame Boat February 6–February 9 The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC (252) 728-7317 Participants will build their own Skin-on-Frame ultralight boat in the Inuit style. These versatile and time tested boats can be fashioned in a myriad of styles including the North Alaska Retrieval Kayak, Greenland Style Sea Kayak, Pram Dinghy and Canadian Canoe. After the frames have been pegged and lashed together from fir and steam bent white oak frames, the skin of 12-ounce Ballistic Nylon is sewn over the frame and coated with either varnish or paint to produce a light, tough and beautiful boat. This 4-day course runs for four straight days. Students also have the option to take the course on two consecutive weekends February 6 & 7 and February 13 & 14). Course fee: $1,500. Minimum age: 16 yrs. old. All courses are limited in size. Advance registration required. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
BHA Membership Drive Valentine Party February 7 (2 pm–4 pm) 130 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC (252) 728-5225 In an effort to increase membership, the Beaufort Historical Association opens the buildings of the Beaufort Historic Site (100 block Turner Street) for current and prospective members to explore, which allows them to see how the BHA uses membership dollars to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Beaufort and Carteret County. For more info, email: pr@beauforthistoricsite.org __________________________________________ Succulent Seafood Series February 8 (2 pm–4 pm) Island Grille 401 Money Island Drive, Atlantic Beach, NC (252) 247-4003 Local chefs demonstrate how to prepare fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions include a taste test! Ages 12 and up, $15. www.ncaquariums.com.
Merry Time for Tots: Boats that Float February 10 (10 am–11 am) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC (252) 728-7317
The Heart of the Sea February 14 (4 pm) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317
Preschoolers and their caregivers will learn to judge different items (cannon balls, toy boats, spoons, etc.) and decide if they will float or sink before testing their hypothesis with a VERY scientific experiment in a pool of water. Students will also learn about some of the different boats that frequent our coast before making their very own blow boats from kits supplied by the Museum’s Watercraft Center. Ages 2-5. Free. Space is limited, pre-registration required. 252-728-7317. Program by School & Group Coordinator Christine Brin. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. __________________________________________
Come for a Valentine’s Day presentation about our beloved whale Echo (the 33.5-foot long sperm whale skeleton at the Museum) and his heart. Learn about putting together his skeleton and preserving his heart. This presentation covers the story of Bonehenge, a massive volunteer effort that culminated with the skeletal display of a sperm whale and its heart. When the adolescent male whale came ashore at Cape Lookout in 2004, his bones and heart were preserved for study and display. During the process, his heart was sent to the University of Tennessee for plastination. You will have the opportunity to touch and photograph the heart. Free Admission. No advance registration required. Walk-ins welcome. 252.728.7317. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. __________________________________________
Bistro By the Sea’s Valentine’s Weekend Event February 12–February 15 (12 am) Valentine’s Day Weekend! Happenings at the Bistro on the Piano Bar! • David Robinson, Jazz Sax, Fri., Feb. 12 • Bill Alexander, Pianist, Sat., Feb. 13 • Regular Menu offered on Friday & Saturday. Limited Reservations Accepted by calling 252-247-2777. Ask for Libby! • Bistro’s Valentine’s Day, Sun., Feb. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. • Bonny Morden, Violist performing from 6 to 9 p.m. • Special Valentine’s Day Menu ________________________________________ Friday Free Flicks February 12 (9 pm) 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC (252) 354-6350 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
Summer Science School Registration Opens 02-15-16 (all day) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317 Summer Science School investigates the coastal environment and North Carolina’s rich maritime history. The North Carolina Maritime Museum offers students the opportunity to learn about the natural and maritime history of coastal North Carolina through creative, hands-on experiences. Courses are offered from June through July. Emphasis on small class size. Students travel with instructors by van or boat to field sites. Only registered children may attend classes. Lodging facility not available; parents/guardians provide transportation to/ from class daily. 252.728.7317. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
Junior Sailing Program On-line Registration Opens February 15 (2 pm) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317 The Junior Sailing Program uses sailing to teach boating safety, seamanship, navigation and sailing techniques. The program promotes self-reliance, awareness of safety, adaptability to the forces of nature, developing selfconfidence, sportsmanship, and respect for others, boats, and the sea. The Junior Sailing Program at the North Carolina Maritime Museum offers two week sailing sessions starting in early June for youth ages 8 and older. Using the fun of sailing, the program teaches seamanship, from basic to more advanced, and competitive racing culminating in Regatta Week. If you have questions, please call, 252.728.7317. Online registration is available 24 hrs. a day until the sessions are full. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. ________________________________________ Volunteer Appreciation Lunch February 15 (1 pm) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317 Volunteers new and old are invited to enjoy this delicious luncheon as we prepare for another successful season at the museum. If you are interested in joining the volunteer staff, contact Christine Brin, Volunteer Coordinator (ext. 21) during normal business hours. Visit the volunteer section of website www.ncmaritimemuseums.com to learn more about the different opportunities available to Museum volunteers. Advance registration required. 252-728-7317. ww.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
Down East Folk Arts Society Concert February 16 (all day) 425 Front Street, Beaufort, NC (252) 646-4657 Location: Clawson’s Restaurant (425 Front Street, Beaufort) General admission $15, Active duty military and Down East Folk Arts 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) 646-4657 or send email to folkartsenc@gmail.com. Visit the Down East Folk Arts Society website for detailed information on performerswww.downeastfolkarts.org/Concerts.html ________________________________________ Empty Bowls Luncheon February 17 (1 pm) 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC (252) 240-2359 Empty Bowls Luncheon. Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, NC. Event to raise funds for local soup kitchen & pantries. Choose unique handmade pottery and two delicious soups with cookies, beverage, roll or crackers. Purchase $20 ticket beginning January 4 from Cape Carteret Aquatic Center, Handscapes Gallery in Beaufort, Hope Mission in Morehead City. For more information call Hope Mission, 252-240-2359
Brown Bag Gam: Cold as the Night the Crissie Wright Came Ashore February 17 (1 pm) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516. (252) 728-7317 Pack a lunch for the Brown Bag Gam at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort during your lunch hour. Enjoy an informal presentation by Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly on the night the Crissie Wright came ashore. Gam is defined as a friendly conversation between whalers or to visit with another ship while at sea. Free Admission. No advance registration. Walk-ins welcome. 252.728.7317. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. ________________________________________ Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course February 20–February 21 (all day) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317 In this two-day hands-on course, students will explore the art of boat building from start to finish. They begin with the design and lofting of boats, and move on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the back bone of small boats. In addition, they will learn how to make planking systems, both carvel and lap strake and all the appropriate fastening systems. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skill to choose a design and style of boat to build on their own and the confidence to take on the job. Course fee: $135. Minimum age: 16 yrs. old. All courses are limited in size. Advance registration required. 252-728-7317. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
Build your own Stand-Up Paddle Board February 27–March 1 (4:30 pm) North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-7317 Participants have the opportunity to build their own Stand-up Paddle Board constructed from cedar and Plywood. These boards will be custom fit to your size, and be a source of pride and enjoyment. These are fun to build and fun to paddle. Once the course is over, the builder will be responsible for varnishing or painting their new boards at home. This four-day course runs for four straight days. Students also have the option to take the course on two consecutive weekends February 27 & 28 and March 5 & 6). Course fee: $1,000. Minimum age: 16 yrs. old. All courses are limited in size. Advance registration required. www.ncmaritimemuseums.com. Additional dates include: October 8 – 11. ________________________________________ American Music Festival Series February 27 (8 pm–10 pm) The History Place 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City 28557 (252) 728-6152 American Music Festival presents a stunning array of distinguished artists and ensembles in five dazzling evenings! Explore a vibrant musical spectrum and reconnect with some of the world’s greatest classical music and favorite composers, most especially quartets from Beethoven’s early, middle and late periods. Feb 27 features Magnolia Baroque (All Bach) www.americanmusicfestival.org,
To keep up with area events, be sure to visit us online at: RealtyWorldFirstCoast.com/Calendar-Of-Events
HOUSING & THE ECONOMY
Housing’s Impact On The Local Economy
The Impact of New Homes ___________________________
_______________________________ When you buy or sell a home, you not only build on your financial portfolio, you benefit your local economy as well. Typically, there are 26 services involved in a single real estate transaction in the 30 days before and after a real estate transaction has closed. Buyers and sellers may use services such as movers, painters and contractors during and after a transaction has closed. Additionally buyers may continue to use these services and more while they own the home.
While the true economic impact of new home building varies by community, the National Association of Home Builders calculated the figures for a typical metro area.
The Impact of Remodeling ___________________________ Renovations contribute to the economy through the use of local labor and businesses, as well as permitting and other government-related fees. The National Association of Home Builders also conducted a study on the one-year impacts of residential renovations on the local economy. Spending one million in remodeling generates an estimated $841,000 in private income and an estimated $71,000 in government revenue*. It also creates an average of 11 local jobs.2
Information provided by Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
Coastal Flavor
Creme Brûlée French Toast
Total Time: 8 hr 55 mins: Prep: 15 min Inactive: 8 hr Cook: 40 min
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) unsalted butter
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Cut 6 inch slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in
1 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1 (8–9) inch round Chattah bread 5 large eggs 1-1/2 cups half and half 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier 1/4 teaspoon salt
baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day. Preheat oven to 350° F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered in the middle of the oven until puffed edges are pale golden, 35–45 mins.
under the
Umbrella
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The vacationers insight to the Crystal Coast
Wonderful Condo!! Felt like home.
I stayed at Colony by the Sea 119 with a group of
friends in the summer. It was the nicest beach condo
“
we had ever stayed in. We found it very difficult to leave at the end of our stay because it felt more like a home
away from home than a rental property. Would definitely recommend this rental and plan to stay there again! April, Virginia
ExperienceTheCoastNC.com • RealtyWorldFirstCoast.com Beaufort: (252) 728-6455 • AB (252) 247-0077