North Beach Sun Summer 2016

LOOKING FOR

THE LOST COLONY ON HATTERAS ISLAND

LOCAL

TREASURE HUNTERS SHARE THEIR FINDS

SUMMER 2016 | VOLUME 117

MAGAZINE INSIDE!

THE

OF ALL

GRAPEVINES

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM 400-YEAR-OLD VINE FLOURISHES ON ROANOKE ISLAND

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Take in stunning waterfront views of downtown Manteo while enjoying fresh paninis, hand-crafted sandwiches, pizzas, hot dogs and more!

Serving beer and wine too!

The Waterfront Shops, 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo 252-423-3133 • hungrypiratecafe.com

Nothing says summefr like a big scoop o

Let Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream cool off your taste buds with a frosty milkshake, fresh fruit smoothie or a banana split. Treat yourself to their selection of decadent handmade Belgian chocolates. Need a caffeine boost? You’ll love their frozen mochas.

Hankering for fudge? They make that, too.

Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream is the best on the beach, and it’s because they make it all fresh daily. Come in and try a scoop to see why the Outer Banks voted Big Buck’s “Best Ice Cream” on the beach!

m SHOP best ICE CREA shop la best choco te

Our new location!

106A Sir Walter Raleigh St. Manteo 252-423-3400

Waterfront Shops Manteo 252-423-3118

Buccaneer’s Walk MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk 252-715-0779

Timbuck II Corolla 252-453-3188

bigbucksicecream.com • distinctdelights.com 2

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER Like us2016 on Facebook

for updates, store hours, specials, and more.

Love it.

Find it. Rent it.

Drive-thru Express Check-in • No Security Deposits No Credit Card Fee • Complimentary Starter Kits in Every Home Visit OuterBanksRentals.com to browse hundreds of cottages and condos from Corolla to South Nags Head! Receive live-chat assistance, view guest ratings, submit last-minute bids and more!

888.635.4223

Serving Outer Banks Vacationers And Homeowners for over 35 Years

Tired of being told how to rent YOUR house?

We offer flexible management options tailored to your needs.

property management

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Our competitive commission rates include cleaning costs.

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“Your staff was incredibly helpful on the phone when I was trying to make a decision not only on where to be in the Outer Banks but which home would work for us.”

– Lisa H.

OUTERBANKSRENTALS.com

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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4 Linens by Bella Notte, Clothing by CP Shades and Wilt, sophisticated accessories and fragrances for you and your home!

Magnolia Lane 252-473-5141

Sleeping In, Ltd.

Laughing Lollipop

Roanoke Island Running Company 10

5 Enjoy candies from the 40s to today. We also carry candy by the pound and specialty sodas.

101 Budleigh Street laughinglollipop.com

Sam & Winston 1 A Southern family-owned shop with fine art, books, gourmet kitchen goods, and high design gifts for ladies, gentlemen, children, and dogs.

105 Fernando Street 252.475.9764 • samandwinston.com The Lost Colony Brewery

nest

Full Moon Cafe 2

The smallest, coolest brewpub on the OBX. Full menu, tasting room, 9 English-style ales brewed on premise.

Pet-friendly outdoor terrace.

208 Queen Elizabeth Street 252-473-6666

Ortega’z

3 Fresh cuisine with a southwestern flair, Ortega’z Grill brings spice to downtown Manteo. Open for lunch and dinner. It’s where everyone gathers!

201 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-473-5911 • ortegaz.com

6 Creative Cuisine served for over 20 years!

LOCAL BEER, local seafood, great sandwiches, quiche, pasta and more.

Outdoor, pet friendly dining.

208 Queen Elizabeth Street 252-473-6666 • thefullmooncafe.com

The Hungry Pelican

7 Fifteen years of serving extra-ordinary sandwiches, soups and salads in Manteo.

Visit us at our new location next to the Pioneer Theater.

205 Budleigh Street 252-473-9303 • thehungrypelican.com 8 Chic comfortable artistic clothing.

Imaginative, creatively inspired handmade jewelry and accessories. Not YOUr ordinary, but extraordinary handmade art.

Magnolia Lane 252-473-3050 • facebook.com/YOUofManteo

Younique Boutique

FIRST FRIDAYS

First Friday of every month, 6-8pm Stroll the streets of Manteo enjoying food, live music at Avenue Grille, local art, and more.

Starts April 1.

MANTEO FUN RUNS

Roanoke Island Running Company hosts "fun runs" every Tuesday (2 Miler) and Thursday (3 Miler) - Open to both runners and walkers, starting at 5:30 at their store. Fun for all ages and free!

FARMER’S MARKET 4

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Saturdays 8am - 12pm Local vendors can be found at Creef Davis Park on the waterfront.

AVENUE GRILLE SUMMER EVENTS Every Friday in June & July Live music on the waterfront patio.

June 25, July 23, Aug 27 Sip & Dip with artist Mari Larose

ISLAND OPRY SHOW

Thursday, June 2 Collin Raye headlines with Dave Adkins, Lonsome River band, Tim Cifers, and Croatan Highway at Festival Park.

THE HUNGRY PELICAN’S NEW LOCATION SUMMER KICKOFF

Friday, June 3 Stop by for a streetside cookout from 4-8pm.

9 The boutique with “a little touch of a lot of things.” Chic apparel, Jack Rogers shoes, sleepwear and fine linens.

101B Fernando Street 252-475-1971 • Like us on Facebook

Running shoes, apparel, nutrition and hydration products, post run pampering products and more!

Phoenix Shops, Magnolia Lane 252-305-8343

The Coffeehouse & Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream 11

Piping hot coffee and espresso, teas, fresh baked muffins, croissants and pastries. Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream and more!

Open from morning til late.

106A Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-423-3400 • bigbucksicecream.com

Charlotte’s

12 Full service ladies’ boutique specializing in fashions that are traditional with a contemporary flair.

103A Fernando Street 252-473-3078 • shopcharlottes.com

HUNGRY PIRATE WATERFRONT CAFE GRAND OPENING

Friday, June 3 Take in waterfront views of the Elizabeth II and enjoy live music from The Crowd from 3-6pm with an official ribbon cutting at 4pm.

SUMMER BOOK SIGNINGS

Contact Downtown Books for more info 6/4 Elvin Hooper Chicamacomico and Gull Island 6/6 Matthew Quick Every Exquisite Thing 6/16 Philip Gerard Dark of the Island 8/5 Kristy Woodson Harvey Lies & Other Acts of Love

Avenue Waterfront Grille

13 Local seafood, all natural proteins, specialty burgers & pizzas. Craft beers, wine, OBX cocktails. Gluten free, vegetarian & vegan selections. Outdoor waterfront patio.

207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-473-4800 • avenuegrilleobx.com

Bluegrass Island Store

Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream 14

Coastal Carolina Kaleidoscope 18

17 The one stop shop for eveything Bluegrass: CDs, clothing, hats & more! Box Office for local music events. Andy Griffith Show collection & Buffalo City exhibit, too!

Phoenix Shops, Magnolia Lane 252-423-3039 • bluegrassisland.com

Muzzie’s

22 European style paninis, hand-crafted sandwiches, pizzas, hot dogs and more!

Fresh, healthy ingredients. Beer, wine & sangria. Stunning waterfront view.

207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-423-3133 • hungrypiratecafe.com

Downtown Books

19 Putting the right book in the right hands at the right time. Books- spirited giftscreative toys- greeting cards- author events & more!

105 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-473-1056 • duckscottage.com

Sisters Boutique & Gifts

15 Generational goods for women of every age and shape.

207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-305-8582 • sistersboutiqueofmanteo.com

Red Drum Pottery

16 Specializing in hand made pottery, relief tiles, ornaments, original paintings and hand made jewelry. We’re always creating something new!

207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-473-4747

21 Muzzies features exquisite estate and fine jewelry as well as designer costume jewelry, Glenda Gies purses, French linens, and garden art. Since 1999.

101 Budleigh Street 252-473-4505 • muzziesantiquesobx.com

Hungry Pirate Waterfront Cafe

An ever changing array of beauty and creativity by local artists and craftsmen. #unique #original #funasalways!

104A Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-473-8811 • cckobx.com

57 homemade ice cream varieties, frozen yogurt, smoothies, shakes, sundaes, handmade Belgian chocolates, fresh fudge, Italian espresso bar.

207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-423-3118 • bigbucksicecream.com

Muzzie’s Estate & Fine Jewelry

1587

23 Fresh local seafood, prime meats, fowl, game and vegetarian dishes.

405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-473-1587 • 1587.com

His Shells by Brenda

20 Taking nautical art to the next level.

Beautiful handcrafted, one of a kind shell art, sea glass jewelry and fabulous women’s boutique. The crown jewel of the OBX. Magnolia Lane 252-473-4000

ELIZABETHAN GRADENS

THE LOST NY O L O C

ISLAND FARM FESTIVAL PARK

AQUARIUM

MANTEO WATERFRONT

ROANOKE ISLAND

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DARE DAY

Saturday, June 4 An outdoor celebration of all things Dare County: food, games, arts & crafts, kid’s activities and more.

MAGNOLIA MARKET CRAFT FAIR

Tuesdays 10am - 5pm Come enjoy our open-air market and shop for quality handmade items including local art, crafts and home baked goods.

SHAD BOAT RIDES

Every Tuesday Departs from the Maritime Musuem from 6pm - 8pm weather permitting.

YOUTH SAILING CAMP

June 13 - August 5 Open to kids ages 8-16. Fourteen different 5-day sessions offered (morning or afternoon). Call 252-475-1750 for details.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Monday, July 4 Festivities start at 3pm, fireworks at dusk.

ISLAND OPRY SHOW

Tursday, July 7 Emily West headlines with Love Canon, Malpass Brothers, Boot Rooster, and Johnny Waters & Co. at Festival Park.

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14TH ANNUAL ONE-DESIGN REGATTA

Saturday, July 30 This regional regatta is open to Optimist, 420, and Sunfish boats.

ISLAND OPRY SHOW

Tursday, August 4 John Michael Montgomery headlines with Sideline, Flatt Lonesome, and more at Festival Park.

OUTER BANKS BEER MILE

Tuesday, August 16 The inaugural OBX Beer Mile sponsored by Lost Colony Brewery and Roanoke Island Running Company.

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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BUT FIRST...

10 SPRING EVENTS CALENDAR

feature 14 The mother vine: rooted in history

Caring for the oldest cultivated grapevine in North America

lifestyle 18 combing for the past

Treasure hunters share their favorites

18 32

22 b.s. in parenting

The frightening truth about children’s stories

LOOK BACK 24 pieces of a puzzle

The Croatoan Society digs for clues to the Lost Colony

R1 REAL ESTATE food & beverage 27 amanda’s kitchen

How to make pineapple relish on jerk pork loin

outdoors 28 a beautiful threat

Lionfish proliferate off the southeast coast 30 adventure awaits

Challenging ropes courses gain popularity 32 The ground from above

A first-timer tries aerotow hang gliding

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36 shallow graveyard

Nearshore wrecks offer convenient exploring 40 A pier review

A look at the piers of the Outer Banks

arts & entertainment 42 setting the stage

Tony award winner William Ivey Long 46 the trout, the farthing, and sammy

Salty Outer Banker Sammy Thornton

everything else under the sun 50 your list is on my list!

this page: Photos top to bottom courtesy of K. Wilkins Photography (vine, jewelry); Kitty Hawk Kites, William Ivey Long.

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NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Gotta feed the whole farm?

Pigman‛s

Picnics To-Go AFFORDABLE PACKAGES FOR 8, 12, OR 16 PEOPLE

The Waterfront Shops • Duck

252-255-0600

252-441-6803 OPEN 7 Days a Week from 11am til 9pm!

Milepost 9.5 • 1606 S. Croatan Hwy, KILL DEVIL HILLS www.pigman.com

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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Publishers Adam & Cathy Baldwin EDITOR Cathy Baldwin Art Director Dave Rollins Graphic Design Adam Baldwin Writers Cathy Baldwin Amelia Boldaji Dawn Church Lindsey Beasley Dianna Katrina Leuzinger Amanda McDanel Kip Tabb Michelle Wagner COPY EDITORS Amelia Boldaji Michelle Wagner

Photography Brooke Mayo Photographers Cory Godwin Productions John McCord / Coastal Studies Institute K. Wilkins Photography Sales Manager Helen Furr Account Executives Sue Goodrich Tori Peters Distribution Bob & Glen Baldwin

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FO R THE FALL ISSU E

NORTH BEACH SUN 115 West Meadowlark St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252.449.4444 phone 252.715.1303 fax

807 Ocean Trail Corolla, NC 27927

1177 Duck Road Duck, NC 27949

3919 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959

252-453-4423

252-449-2271

252-449-6465

AUG. 5

The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun and/or its contributors. Opinions, responses, and inquiries are always welcome. You can email us directly at editor@northbeachsun.com or sound off at NORTHBEACHSUN.COM.

Lunch & Dinner just like Grandma’s.

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Name: Address: City: CC #:

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NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

NORTH BEACH SUN

115 West Meadowlark St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

State:

Zip: Exp.

BUT FIRST...

Aggie, the beloved white horse who greeted people coming to the Outer Banks for the last two decades, passed away this winter.

We’ll miss you, Aggie!

From the Publisher If you’re reading this right now and you’re a local, please keep reading. We haven’t put any watered-down, generic Outer Banks stories in here just because it’s the summertime.

If you’re reading this and on vacation, you will want to keep reading, too. We’ve put a lot of cool stuff in here that shows you where to go and what to do, according to us, the ones who live, work and play here 12 months of the year. You already know that the Outer Banks has pretty beaches and is the birthplace of flight. I bet you want to know more. I know I do.

I’m fascinated by the lesser-known tales of the Outer Banks, and there are a LOT of them. Like finding a piece of beach glass, it’s a real treasure to uncover the stories that have been here all along—just waiting to be told.

In this issue we meet Jack and Estelle Wilson, the elderly caretakers of the Mother Vine, reportedly the oldest cultivated grapevine in the United States, which happens to be right here on Roanoke Island. When I think about that grapevine, I’m in awe. That vine was growing before the Civil War, before my great-great-great grandparents were born, before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Jack and Estelle’s legacy as caretakers of the Mother Vine for almost six decades is extraordinary, and I’m honored that we can share it here.

We also had the chance to sit down with Maggie and Scott Dawson of the Croatoan Archaeological Society, who are digging trench upon trench in Buxton to try to understand more about Hatteras Island’s early history and possibly discover where the Lost Colonists really went. Their findings may be raising more questions than answers, as some of the items they’ve uncovered suggest that at least some of the colonists assimilated with the native tribe on Hatteras Island and others show that native cultures may have inhabited the island for thousands of years.

Only time—and more digging—will tell.

And speaking of the Lost Colony, one of the area’s most prestigious residents—six-time Tony Award winner and The Lost Colony Production Designer William Ivey Long took the time to meet with the North Beach Sun and give us a little insight into what it’s been like to be a part of the longest running outdoor drama for four decades. His caliber of talent is rare to find in a big city like New York and even more precious to find here in our little community.

This is also the time of year when we publish our Outdoor Outer Banks magazine. It’s the only local magazine dedicated to all things outdoors with a comprehensive calendar of outdoor events, a guide to finding the right surfboard for your size and ability, a map for boaters that includes where to dock and what to bring, a gear guide with recommendations from local surf and skate shops, an interview with underwater photographer John McCord, and so much more. Check it out.

I’m really excited about this issue—not just because it’s done and I can finally breathe again—but because we put a lot of thought, hard work and love into it. I hope you enjoy reading it and that you learn a little bit about this amazing place in which we live, love, play and vacation.

Photo by Cory Godwin Productions

the “must” checklist

Want to know what the locals love to eat, see and do? The writers and staff of the North Beach Sun compiled this handy checklist to make sure you have the best possible Outer Banks experience. Please check off all that apply.

Must Eat/Drink A milkshake from John’s Drive-In—I prefer strawberryblueberry-banana but my hubby likes chocolate-peanut butter-banana – Amanda McDanel The Avalon Acai Bowl at The Spot – Sue Goodrich The Brie LT from Coastal Provisions – Dave Rollins An ice cold beer from one of the piers because you can enjoy it while watching the ocean – Helen Furr Mahi fish tacos from Mama Kwan’s – Cathy Baldwin A Bushwacker from Bonzer Shack – Lindsey Beasley Dianna The pork belly taco with garlic fries at Bad Bean – Jesse Fernandez Buy a bushel of local blue crabs and a case of beer and make a great big delicious mess with all of your friends – Dawn Church FORM 2016.WM.115

Must see Sunset on Bay Drive—Local sunset aficionados flock to Avalon whenever a good one is happening – Dave Rollins The Corolla wild horses – Tori Peters

Must do Run the Freedom 5K or Storm the Beach obstacle course – Sue Goodrich

Spend a day in downtown Manteo exploring the sights – Helen Furr The Little Red Mailbox at the Glenmere beach access—leave a note of hope while you’re there – Sue Goodrich Pea Island—Its unspoiled beaches are a little piece of paradise – Cathy Baldwin Check out the graffiti license plates at Tortuga’s and Goombays while you have a cocktail – Adam Baldwin Visit Sandy Run Park with its loop trail circling a pond, kayak lauch, wetland and marsh – Kip Tabb

Catch and release ghost crabs on the beach with flashlights after dark – Glen Baldwin Catch free music at Duck Town Park on Thursday nights and then walk across the street to Red Sky Cafe and check out acoustic music from Hello Robot – Jesse Fernandez Take a helicopter ride to see the Outer Banks from the sky – Adam Baldwin Take a walk on the Duck boardwalk for breathtaking sunsets over Currituck Sound and lots of places to eat, drink, and shop – Kip Tabb

The maritime forest of Nags Head Woods – Michelle Wagner

Try a tandem aerotow hang gliding lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites – Amelia Boldaji Go beach glass hunting on the first low tide after a full moon – Kati Wilkins

KEEP WHITE COPY / RETURN GOLDENRO

D COPY TO ADMINISTRATION

-Cathy Baldwin NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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Summer 2016

Events For a more detailed list of outdoor events and activities, check out the Outdoor Outer Banks calendar!

First Friday First Friday of every month

Downtown Manteo comes alive on the first Friday of each month from 6–8 PM. Magnolia Market Craft Fair Tuesdays throughout the summer

Browse an open-air market in Downtown Manteo and shop for quality handmade items including local art, crafts and baked goods.

19th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show May 1 – 30

Talented local artists display their works in this annual art show at Dare County Arts Council Gallery in Manteo. darearts.org Manteo Farmer’s Market Starts May 7 and goes through the summer (Saturday mornings only)

Buy fresh local fruits and veggies at this farmer’s market every Saturday in downtown Manteo.

Ghost Tours of the Outer Banks Tuesday - Friday throughout the summer

Get spooked by local legends and lore during these 90-minute walking tours in Manteo. ghosttoursoftheouterbanks.com Acoustic Sunsets May 26 – Late September (Thursdays)

Sip local wine and listen to great acoustic bands on the north lawn of the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg. sanctuaryvineyards.com The Lost Colony May 27 – August 20

This fascinating historical drama—the longest running outdoor historical drama in the United States—brings to life the mystery of the first English colonists that happened right here on the Outer Banks. thelostcolony.org Run-A-Muck in Currituck May 28

Join runners on this muddy obstacle course that culminates in the Spring Wine Festival at Sanctuary Vineyards. theobxrunningcompany.com

Thanks to the generosity of our community, Food for Thought is celebrating 10 years of helping to feed more than 5300 children healthy meals, building strong minds and bodies on the Outer Banks.

Join us for the

1st Annual FFT “Back to School” Beach Party Sunday, August 28th • 5pm to 9pm Duck Woods Country Club • Southern Shores For tickets and additional information, visit our Facebook page (Food for Thought Kitty Hawk).

Contact Linda White at whitelin@mindspring.com

northbeachsun.com

Memorial Day Beach Blast May 29

Shake a leg on the lawn of the Whalehead Club to the music of Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band, DJ Harvey Taylor and Aquarium Big Band in this free outdoor concert. visitcurrituck.com Shallowbag Shag Beach Music Festival May 30

Spend your Memorial Day at the Shallowbag Shag at Roanoke Island Festival Park dancing to today’s top beach music artists, including Jim Quick and Coastline, The Embers, The Tams and Band of Oz. obxshag.com Inaugural Outer Banks Craft Beer Week May 30 – June 5

This week-long festival celebrates all things beer and culminates in the OBX Brewfest at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. obxbeerfests.com Whalehead Wednesdays June 1 – September 14 (Wednesdays only)

Sample local wines and listen to live music on the lawn of the Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com Summer Bridal Mixers June – August (Wednesday evenings)

Tour wedding venues, sample local cuisine and meet professional wedding vendors at the Outer Banks Wedding Association’s 2nd Annual Summer Bridal Mixers. obxwa.com Outer Banks Island Opry Presents Collin Raye June 2

Together Let’s Help Feed Our Children.

Celebrating 10 Years GHOST TOURS OF THE OUTER BANKS PRESENTS

GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC Ghost Ships, Pirates, Legends & Lore

THE 90 MINUTE TOUR DEPARTS TUESDAYS AT 8PM Meeting at Manteo Town Kiosk Corner of Budleigh St. & Queen Elizabeth Ave. in Manteo RESERVATIONS REQUIRED • 252-573-1450 ADULTS $13 • CHILD 10 & UNDER $8 ghosttoursoftheouterbanks.com No credit cards accepted Visit us on Facebook Active Military Discount with Proper ID

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Get more info on events at

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

New this year at Festival Park in Manteo, the Outer Banks Opry will have a series of shows that feature at least four bands from a wide range of musical talent including chart-toppers and country music legends. islandopry.com Dare Day Festival June 4

Dozens of vendors and artisans line the Manteo waterfront during this outdoor, family-friendly festival. townofmanteo.com

Wind Voyager Triple S Invitational June 4 – 10

World class men and women kiteboarders compete in this multi-day event at REAL Watersports, complete with bands and parties. triplesinvitational.com OBX Brewfest June 5

This beer festival at the Soundside Event Site will feature more than 80 craft brews, an adult game zone, chef pairings and more. obxbeerfests.com Brew & Arts June 6 – August 29 (Mondays)

Kids can make crafts or play on the pirate ship while adults shop the artisan booths in the backyard of the Outer Banks Brewing Station at this free event to benefit Children at Play Museum. obbrewing.com Faire Days Summer Festival Series June 8 – August 31 (Wednesdays only)

Enjoy live music, book signings, glitter tattoos, face painting and more in the tree-lined courtyard of Scarborough Faire Shopping Village. scarboroughfaireinducknc.com Rock the Cape: Island Art Show June 10

Local artisans and crafters are featured in this free art show at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center. facebook.com/ spinfinitedesigns Rogallo Kite Festival June 10 – 12

This free kite festival at Jockey’s Ridge honors Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing, and features stunt kites, kite displays, kite instruction, kite making and more. kittyhawk.com Storm the Beach June 12

Outer Banks Sporting Events presents this team-oriented race full of obstacles and adventures on the beach by Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. stormthebeach.org

Paint in the Park June 14 – September 6 (Tuesdays only)

Talented local artists lead 2-hour painting classes outdoors in Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com Movies on the Sound June 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16

Bring the whole family for an evening of movie watching under the stars on the Duck Town Green. townofduck.com 5th Annual Outer Banks Sunrise 5K and Little Kids Crab Crawl June 15

Rise and shine for this early morning, family-friendly running event at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. theobxrunningcompany.com Joan’s Way Tour June 16 – September 8 (Thursdays only)

Tour Whalehead in Historic Corolla through the eyes of a child—one who lived there in the 1920s. visitcurrituck.com The Live Fleetwood Mac Experience June 19

Rock out to the Fleetwood Mac tribute band World Turning at the Waterside Theatre in Manteo. thelostcolony.org Children’s Interactive Theater June 21 – August 13 (Tuesday mornings)

Bring the kids to these weekly interactive shows at the Duck Amphitheater, featuring the North Carolina Aquarium, The Lost Colony and more. townofduck.com Under the Oaks Arts Festival June 21 – 22

This 2-day art festival features more than 100 artisans on the waterfront grounds of Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com 5th Annual Sunset 5K and Carolina Pig Pickin’ June 22

Outer Banks Runcations presents this family-friendly running event at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. theobxrunningcompany.com

Proceeds benefit Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the Mustang Outreach Live WoodProgram Grill • Natural Meats

• USDA PRIME Beef • The Freshest Seafood Award Winning Wine List • Great Kids Menu • Sunday Brunch

1pm - 10pm • MAY 22nd • 2016

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room | Timbuck II Shopping Village | Corolla, NC

TICKETS $15 Advance $20 Day of Show

mustangmusicfestival.com

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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Summer 2016

Events

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival August 4

Independence Day Celebration July 4 Wet and Wild Wednesday June 22 – August 17

Village of Nags Head 5K Series June 30; July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18

Cool down at the Elizabethan Gardens with water slides, squirt toys, water cannons and more. elizabethangardens.org

Vacationing runners will enjoy this fun 5K series through the Village of Nags Head. theobxrunningcompany.com

Storybook Thursdays June 23 – August 11

Children are invited to story time at the Elizabethan Gardens where they’ll enjoy a garden-inspired story and activity. elizabethangardens.org Concert of the Duck Town Green June 23 – August 25 (Thursday evenings)

Bring a blanket to the Duck Town Green every Thursday evening and enjoy live music ranging from reggae to bluegrass. townofduck.com Knotts Island Peach Festival June 25 – 26

Family Magic Show June 29 – August 17 (Wednesday mornings)

Illusionist Clive Allen of OBXtreme Magic performs incredible illusions and mind-bending magic at the Duck Amphitheater. townofduck.com

This four-piece group takes the stage at Waterside Theatre for a night of Americana folk rock. thelostcolony.org Annual Town of Duck 4th of July Parade July 4

New this year at Festival Park in Manteo, the Outer Banks Opry will have a series of shows that feature at least four bands from a wide range of musical talent, including chart-toppers and country music legends. islandopry.com Children’s Story Time July 7 – August 11(Thursday mornings)

The little ones will enjoy story time at the Duck Amphitheater.

Geared towards children ages 3 – 7. townofduck.com

Cheer on this festive parade in downtown Duck. townofduck.com Freedom 5K, 1-Mile Run and Fun Run July 4

24th Annual Festival of Fireworks Independence Day Celebration July 4

Lighthouse 5K Series July 13, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Vacationing runners will enjoy this fun 5K series through the Historic Village of Corolla Light. theobxrunningcompany.com Wright Kite Festival July 16 – 18

Marvel at fireworks on the lawn of Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com

Learn to fly stunt kites and watch large kite displays during this kiting event at the Wright Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil Hills. kittyhawk.com

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY

LIVE MUSIC

Two For Tuesdays 2 meals for one price including 2 salads, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and live music

Tuesdays Pair o’ Docs

k!

Bac e r ’ We

LARGEST MARTINI LIST ON THE BEACH!

Craft beers & boutique wines

MP 2.5 on the bypass Kitty Hawk argylesrestaurant.com 252-261-7325 12

Outer Banks Island Opry Presents Emily West July 7

Dawes July 3

Get the whole family into the race with these three events at the Town Hall in Kill Devil Hills. theobxrunningcompany.com

Enjoy live music, crafts, antiques and—of course—peaches! visitcurrituck.com

Commemorate this national holiday with day-long festivities and fireworks at dusk in Manteo. townofmanteo.com

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Cocktails and Conversations Networking in a casual atmosphere.

Free appetizers! Fridays from 4-6pm Sunday Ribeye steak night salad, entree, and dessert for $21.95

Wednesdays Jazz w/ Wayne James Fridays Greg Shelton and Co. Open Mic Night

Exceptional Food in a Casual Atmosphere

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13

feature

caring for the oldest cultivated grapevine in north america— right here in manteo Photos by K. Wilkins Photography Story by Amelia Boldaji

“that’s how quickly things can change,” in the mid ‘50s, and the Wilsons bought their lot in 1957, nine years after they

says Jack Wilson as he stands beside his house on northern Roanoke Island’s Mother’s Vineyard Road. He’s talking about the history behind the flourishing scuppernong grapevine located in his front yard that’s become known as the Mother Vine since it’s reportedly the oldest cultivated grapevine in North America — but he’s also talking about the 91 years he’s lived on the island as a whole. It’s inevitable that the two are often intertwined as Jack and his wife Estelle have been caring for the Mother Vine for more than half their lives.

Jack remembers the Mother Vine being close to four times the size it is now when he was growing up on nearby Etheridge Road — though he didn’t necessarily call it by that name then. “When I was a boy there were grapevines all over the island,” Jack recalls. “At least half the people who lived here had one in their yard, so I don’t know that I thought much about it.”

Back then there were only three houses and a winery in the area now known as Mother’s Vineyard, according to Jack. The area was subdivided 14

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

got married and not long before the winery closed.

“We didn’t buy it because of the vine,” Jack says with a laugh. “It was just always my dream to have a brick house by the water, and Estelle refused to move any farther north on the island.”

In fact, Jack cut the vine back substantially in order to build their home, reducing it to its current half acre, part of which spills into their neighbor’s yard. “At first it didn’t mean that much to me,” he says. “That changed as I got older and I started to see how much value it has to history.”

The Wilsons have heard all the lore about the Mother Vine, of course.

Accounts differ, but the vine is believed to be at least 400 years old. Some stories suggest that the first permanent English settlers — famously remembered as the Lost Colony — planted and cultivated the vine after their arrival in 1587, while others argue that the vine could be the much older work of local Native American tribes who reportedly made wine from the grapes.

According to the North Carolina History Project, however, documented evidence of the vine’s existence only dates back to the 1720s when Peter continued on page 16>

(Top) The Mother Vine puts down its roots on Northern Roanoke Island. (Left) A view of the Mother Vine’s full half acre. (Above) Jack and Estelle Wilson have been caring for the vine for almost six decades. (Following page) Closeups of the Mother Vine.

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Baum received a land grant for that portion of Roanoke Hill, North Carolina. At more than 40 years old, Duplin is Island. In the 17th century, one of his descendents re- the state’s oldest winery and the world’s largest produccalled that “the vine was the biggest on the island” when er of muscadine wine. They’ve been making a delicioushe was a boy, and also remembered hearing his father ly sweet, white scuppernong wine “with a wee bit of the and grandfather talk about how large the vine was when Mother Vine” mixed in since 2008 after they first harthey were young as well. vested grapes grown from cuttings of the vine.

No matter how you look at it, scuppernong grapes — This is just another way that the Mother Vine conwhich are part of the muscadine family — are undoubt- tinues to contribute to a longstanding part of North edly native to this area. In 2001 the General Assembly Carolina’s history. Though award-winning wine might named the scuppernong grape the North Carolina state not be the first thing that comes to mind when people fruit, quoting reports made to Sir Walter Raleigh from think about the state, the truth is that North Carolina early British explorers on the Outer Banks in 1584 and was one of the nation’s most productive wine-produc1585, which mention the grapes several times and note ing states by the mid-19th century (fueled primarily in part that they had discovered a bounty of “grapes of by the abundance of scuppernongs) until the advent such greatness, yet wild, as France, Spain, nor Italy hath of Prohibition, and is currently ranked among the top not greater.” The official act also references the Mother ten for both grape and wine production in the United Vine in particular, declaring that the vine is indeed more States with more than 100 wineries and 400 vineyards. than “400 hundred years old and has a trunk over two Historians even note that Thomas Jefferson was a huge feet thick.” Even the state toast, which was written in fan of scuppernongs, once ordering 30 gallons of “the 1904 and formally adopted in 1957, includes a reference pure juice of the grape” in 1823.

It’s an enviably rich tradition for such a small grape, to North Carolina as the place “where the scuppernong perfumes the breeze at night.” and the Wilsons want to ensure that the Mother Vine But for the Wilsons, it ultimately doesn’t much mat- continues to thrive for future generations. This is a large ter how the Mother Vine originated — or at least it part of the reason why they decided to leave the propdoesn’t matter as much as the vine’s future does. When erty to their son, John, who was five years old when they a power company mistakenly sprayed one of the vine’s built their current home, and who grew up selling grapes tendrils that was growing along a nearby power line from the vine by the side of the road in front of the house with herbicides in 2010, Jack almost immediately no- for his pocket change. ticed an alarmingly rapid change in the vine. Luckily, in a In turn, John plans to leave the property to the Outer swift group effort that included experts from the North Banks Conservationists, a private, nonprofit organizaCarolina Department of Agriculture and a number of tion that he helped found in 1980 in order to preserve the other specialists, they Currituck Beach Lighthouse were able to save the vine where his grandfather on largely by cutting it back Estelle’s side of the family was “at first it didn’t before the poison had once the light keeper. The mean that much to me. spread too far. That tragConservationists’ mission that changed as i got edy, and the vine’s road includes the protection of older and i started to to recovery under the “natural, cultural, and historsee how much value it Wilson’s watchful care, ic resources through preserwas widely covered by vation and conservation” — has to history.” news outlets such as the an admirable goal which they Los Angeles Times and have achieved over the past NPR. several decades by restoring, The experience shook the Wilsons up. Jack vividly maintaining, and operating the Corolla Lighthouse, while remembers when he lost the vine on his grandfather’s also contributing to interpretative efforts at Island Farm, property — which he describes as once being at least as a living historical site located on Roanoke Island. large as the Mother Vine — partially because he wasn’t An established architect by training, John has a deep there to give it the attention it needed for awhile. “My appreciation for historic preservation in general and the grandfather was the man who made me who I am today, Mother Vine in particular, and the Wilsons are happy that and he used to say that everyone makes mistakes,” Jack he will carry on the legacy of their family’s role as caretaksays. “Just make sure that when you do, you turn it into ers of the vine. an educational one.”

“Whatever happens next, John will be in the driver’s Jack took that advice to heart. His grandfather, Adam seat,” laughs Estelle.

Etheridge, a former surfman with the U.S. Lifesaving Next year Jack and Estelle Wilson will have been carService who once assisted the Wright brothers in their ing for the Mother Vine for exactly six decades. It’s an alflight experiments, taught Jack how to care for grape- most unbelievable length of time that speaks volumes vines from the beginning—passing down some old tricks about their dedication to the vine…and the extraordiof the trade such as the benefits of mixing crushed oys- nary life they’ve led right beside it. ter shells and a bit of salt into the fertilizer.

“I think there are just as many roots below the “Scuppernongs are hardy, and I was always told that ground as there are vines on top,” Jack says as he surveys they like the wet, sandy soil here,” Jack explains. “Storms, his front yard with a note of affection. And that’s preciseeven hurricanes, don’t affect the vine much, but you do ly how roots work: they burrow deep, and deeper still as have to trim and watch over it and maintain the scaffold- the years go by, tangling together in order to hold firm ing so it doesn’t bunch up too low to the ground. This through all the types of storms — and, yes — all the many past year I put in some extra scaffolding to let the vine other changes that life invariably throws in the way. It’s a stretch out a little.” He laughs and says, “I don’t want to quiet, often unseen kind of strength that people also lose my whole front yard, but I’m willing to give the vine develop throughout their lives as they grow, fall in love, back some of the space it lost before.” raise families, create homes and continue to take each The Wilsons have also invested in the Mother Vine’s passing moment as they come. future by freely giving cuttings to anyone who’s shown “I’m aware every day how wonderful our time here an interest in keeping up the tradition of the vine — in- is,” Jack says as he gestures toward the shaded expanse cluding several wineries such as Duplin Winery in Rose of the Mother Vine. “Life is truly great.”

16

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

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17

LIFESTYLE

Combing for the Past Local treasure hunters share their favorite finds

Photos by K. Wilkins Photography Story by Katrina Leuzinger

“I can remember as a kid at recess one of the things I loved to do was go underneath the swings and scrape my foot in the sand for coins,” says Ray Midgett, who has been combing the beaches of the Outer Banks for decades.

The thrill of finding treasure on the sands of the Outer Banks is one that’s familiar to our locals and visitors alike.

Almost everyone is a least a casual beachcomber, hunting for shells or sea glass. But forsome people it’s an obsession.

These dedicated hunters each have a small pile of treasures, many of them rare, old, and valuable. It’s a hobby that can be quite lucrative, but for most of them it’s more about finding that little piece of history.

“You find coins, buttons, belt buckles, and any number of things and you wonder, what happened to this person? Who held this?” says Roger Harris, an avid beachcomber. And

18

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of course, nothing beats that thrill of finding something. “When you dig that hole and you’re going through the dirt and you hit a ring, it’s like finding a $100 bill,” says local treasure hunter Clyde Joyner.

Here’s a sampling of some of the more unique treasures uncovered on Outer Banks beaches.

French Silver Dollar While her daughter was napping and her husband was listening to the Redskins game on the radio, Sandy Hawley was on the beach in the middle of a storm in Corolla looking for treasure. She spotted this coin peaking out of the sand. The face on the coin is Louis XIV, which makes it about 330 years old. Hawley doesn’t use a metal detector like most of our treasure hunters. “After I found this, my husband he says, ‘Oh, my God, a coin!

We’ll go back up there and we’ll find all kinds of stuff.’

Got a metal detector and have never found a dang thing. Never. I’ve found more just looking.”

Algonquin Pottery Hawley would like to see this find make it into a museum some day. Based on the char marks and the little bits of rock and shell embedded in the clay, it’s at least 500 years old. “I found this about two months ago in Corolla after a storm. The Algonquins used to hunt up in that area.”

Turlington’s Balsam of Life In 1744, Robert Turlington patented a mixture of herbs and chemicals purported

to cure all ills. He sold it in distinctive pearshaped bottles to discourage copycats. “I found this a couple miles out in the sound.

When I found it in the mud, I just saw a little piece of the color and I thought it was just a little hunk of broken glass.

I was shaking when I found it,” says Hawley.

200-year-old Diamond Ring Clyde Joyner likes to use his metal detecting hobby to spoil his wife. He found this ring hunting in Corolla. “I took it to a jeweler, and he dated it to back in the 1800s. He said he could tell by the way they cut the diamond. I think that’s the best thing I’ve found. My wife, she lit right up on that. It makes her happy,” says Joyner.

Continued on page 20>

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Lost Engagement Ring When Ashley Nance dropped her $10,000 engagement ring in the surf in Kill Devil Hills, she was devastated. “My fiancée was in disbelief. My mother saw the look on my face from 30 yards away on the beach and came running over. We both started crying. I looked for the ring in the sand until my knees bled,” says Nance. Heartbroken, she returned home to San Francisco, where she remembered seeing a blog on beachcombing

by Ray Midgett, and, as a last ditch effort, emailed him and asked if he could take his metal detector out.

“I said, ‘I will try to find it for you, but it doesn’t look good,’” says Midgett.

Midgett had found and returned plenty of lost jewelry before, but he never expected to find Nance’s ring since it went in the water. So he was quite surprised when he found it almost immediately.

Nance was overwhelmed. “I Courtesy of Ray Midgett.

Photo by Katrina Leuzinger.

cannot even explain the disbelief and awe of fate that I felt—to drop your ring in the Atlantic Ocean and have it found? It was so surreal.” After he sent her ring back, she mailed him a thank you card along with a check for $2,500.

“I wouldn’t take it. I told her, ‘Your card was nice enough.’ It was the nicest card you could ever want to get from anybody. I tore up the check,” says Midgett.

“I continued to send checks for incrementally smaller amounts. The checks came back every time,” says Nance.

Later, another package arrived, this one full of Ghirardelli chocolates and a souvenir San Francisco trolley car, which Midgett was happy to accept. “For the next two Christmases, I would get little boxes of Ghirardelli chocolates. She has not forgotten,” says Midgett.

Native American Spear Point “It was laying in the gravely sand up in Corolla, right in the wash, and I saw it as I was walking along the edge of the shore with my detector,” says Midgett. The ovoid shape and quartzite composition puts it in the middle of the Archaic period, between 5,000 and 6,500 years old.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Though he can’t prove it, Midgett believes this 1714 British gold guinea might have been a piece of Blackbeard’s treasure. “During the period when I found that, we found some more gold guineas between Duck and Corolla.

They were all within 20 years of each other. We were finding Spanish cobs up there, too. This was just about the same time that they found Queen Anne’s Revenge in Beaufort. The reason they haven’t found any treasure on Blackbeard’s ship down in Beaufort is because, prior to that ship sinking, Blackbeard supposedly moved all his booty off of that ship and put it on another one of his ships.

It sailed north up the coast. There’s no record of whatever happened to

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that ship. So here we are finding these guineas at the same time they’re diving Queen Anne’s Revenge. The newest is from 1714. Blackbeard was beheaded in 1718. That’s one of my favorite stories. I don’t know if it’s true, but I love that story.”

Richard Etheridge’s Buttons This is another story Midgett can’t quite prove, but it seems likely that the U.S. Lifesaving Service buttons in his collection belonged to Richard Etheridge, the keeper of the first all-black lifesaving station in the late 1800s. Etheridge and his family are buried at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. “Right before they started building that aquarium, Clyde Joyner and I got permission to hunt there. We got back to the edge of the woods and it was obvious that there was an old house there. I’m certain it was Richard Etheridge’s house. I found three U.S. Lifesaving Service coat buttons right there and Clyde found one. There is no doubt in my mind that those buttons came off Richard Etheridge’s coat, because he’s buried less than 200 feet from there on his home property.”

Civil War Cannon Ball Roger Harris found this cannon ball while metal detecting with Midgett a couple miles north of the Currituck Club. Midgett’s detector indicated that it was iron and he decided to pass it up, but Harris dug down and pulled the then unrecognizable hunk of metal out of the sand. “We’ve learned to look for things that are encrusted,” says Harris. It was only after extensive cleaning that he realized it was a cannon ball that belonged to a ship’s cannon.

Courtesy of Roger Harris.

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FIVE

GENERATIONS OF FAMILY FARMING AND FISHING AT DOCKSIDE ‘N DUCK

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b.s. in parenting

Once Upon A Time...

By Lindsey Beasley Dianna

White, Rumpelstiltskin, the list of terrifying tales goes on and on.

Disney’s interpretation may have softened the blows a bit, but I cannot think of a single one that doesn’t involve tragic loss and unspeakable trauma once you look past the music and cartoon artistry.

While I never read the original version of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, I watched and re-watched the film adaptation Oliver with pickpockets, orphans and a hooker with a heart of gold who happened to be beaten by her burglar boyfriend pimp on a regular basis.

I have pictures of my brother and I dressed as Bill Sikes and Nancy at fairly young ages, and I don’t think my early obsession with the Artful Dodger ever really went away.

As my kids get older, I’ve been introducing them to the stories on page and film that I remember loving as a child. The books are easier to monitor, but as with the movies, there comes a time when you need more variety than the Swiss Family Robinson and Mary Poppins can offer. Maybe it’s the old mom brain, but even when I think I’m picking non-scary crowd pleasers, HOLY. BLEEPING. BLEEPS. There have been awkward moments during unedited versions of Back to the Future, The Sandlot, A Christmas Story, E.T. and even Annie. In the first two minutes of the kids’ movie Casper, we heard “son of a bitch” and “hell” and “damn” and my son was hollering at me that this is inappropriate for his younger sisters before I can even hit the pause or volume buttons. This kind of thing makes movie nights interesting around here.

As I typically end their nights with books, and some of the aforementioned tales are sometimes the last words they hear, suddenly the bedtime struggle makes a tiny bit more sense. I posit a slight correlation between the reading material and children climbing into their parents’ beds. Sweet dreams, indeed.

Lindsey Beasley Dianna is a full-time mom to three who currently resides in Kitty Hawk. She’d like to be a writer when she grows up.

Once upon a time, we serenaded our children to bed with sweet, soothing melodies thinly masking disturbing images of violence, disease, starvation and more.

Still now, parents recite fairy tales, nursery rhymes and other kids’ classics of an incredibly macabre nature, all while trying to cushion their kids’ intake with wimpy characters like Caillou, who would crumble in the face of a hangnail. Ironic, no? Let’s take a quick look at the some of these not so sweet tales of yore that stand out.

The cradle rocking part of Rock a Bye Baby sounds sweet and relaxing right up until the part where the bough breaks and that poor thing comes crashing down in a situation that cannot possibly end well. I have amended the last line to “down will float baby, safely and all” because I just can’t take it anymore. My youngest just loves that song, and I don’t think she’s going to take the real ending particularly well. Reality can throw some harsh truths at you, but I think a few details can wait. That is, of course, if big brother and sister don’t spell it out for her first.

I really would like to know what was UP with Mother Goose. We have Three Blind Mice who run because their tails just got chopped off, so it’s not that sweet. Humpty Dumpty—splat. London Bridges—take the key and lock her up? No wonder my lady was “fair”; I think they call that Vitamin D deficiency. After I did a little internet sleuthing, you can imagine my relief to find that this little ditty was not about child imprisonment, but about child sacrifice, based on an old superstition that burying children 22

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

alive under a bridge would prevent it from collapsing. So, ya know, no big deal. In Goosey Goosey Gander they actually throw an old man down the stairs by the leg for not saying his prayers. An old man? Why? Just why?

But wait, there’s more! Ring Around the Rosie: “…Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!” Because of THE PLAGUE. THE ACTUAL BUBONIC PLAGUE. Yes, everyone dies from it. No, you’re not going to get it.

Night-night, sweet dreams, baby. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe? I can identify sometimes, but even on my worst days whipping the children and shoving them into the “shoe” without dinner for bedtime is not on my list. You’re welcome, children.

Mother Goose didn’t corner the market on made-for-children horror stories. The words “fairy tales” conjure up magical innocence; the two greatest influences are Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimm brothers.

In Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl, the title character is orphaned, poor, suffers neglect and exposure, begs for death and gets her wish. Most of his stories aren’t much cheerier, including The Little Mermaid, who, in the original version, longs for a taste of life on the other side and so agrees to have her tongue cut out. The ending involves being rejected by the one she loves, and she plunges into the sea where she disintegrates into foam.

The Grimm brothers apparently felt a strong need to fulfill the literal interpretation of their surname. Hansel and Gretel spawned my only memorable recurring nightmare. Rapunzel, Cinderella, Snow

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23

LOOK BACK

One of Governor John White’s iconic watercolor sketches of the New World, circa 1585. (Right) Dr. Horton examines minute findings from the 2016 dig.

University of Bristol students and other volunteers chip in on excavations.

Lost Colony Found?

Pieces of a Puzzle Photos courtesy of the Croatoan Archaeological Society / Story by Amelia Boldaji

Hatteras Island native, Scott Dawson, has been fascinated by stories about the Lost Colony for more than a decade — but, for him, there’s a radically simpler way to look at things. “The mystery isn’t necessarily about what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island,” Scott explains. “The mystery is actually more about what happened to the abandoned colony of Croatoan.”

The story behind what’s largely known today as the Lost Colony — the first permanent English settlement attempt in the New World — has been memorialized in Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Paul Green’s outdoor drama at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre since 1937. In short, those early English colonists put roots down on Roanoke Island in 1587, yet when reinforcements arrived with additional supplies three years later they were confronted with what appeared to be a ghost town. The original settlement group of at least 117 men, women and children was nowhere to be found, and the word Croatoan was carved in a palisade, along with the letters CRO inscribed on a nearby tree.

As Scott explains, the Native-American Croatoans who lived on present-day Hatteras Island were friendly with the early colonists, and reason would suggest that the colony simply moved south to live with them. Scott said he doesn’t think their move would have surprised Governor John White when he returned in 1590, particularly because the messages the colonists left behind didn’t include the prearranged symbol of a cross that would have warned others that they fled because they were in danger.

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NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

A storm reportedly prevented White from exploring further at the time, and now, more than 400 years later, there’s still no clear consensus about what happened to the socalled Lost Colony — though many have sought answers to the question of the colony’s fate for almost as many centuries. And while Green’s production of The Lost Colony has captivated audiences for close to eight decades now, the theatrical elements of his story might not completely portray the reality of those early settlers’ lives. “Certain parts of history often get romanticized,” says Scott. “Green’s play is like that, and I have no problem with it, but people shouldn’t get their history from fiction.”

In efforts to understand more about the colonists’ fate, and the history of Hatteras Island in general, Scott and his wife, Maggie, founded the Croatoan Archaeological Society (CAS) in 2009 with the full support of Dr. Mark Horton, a respected archaeologist who teaches at the University of Bristol in England. The CAS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to explore and protect Hatteras’ early history by conducting annual archaeological digs that also draw on the involvement of the island’s modern-day community at large.

Under the supervision of Dr. Horton, a team composed of CAS volunteers and archeology students from Bristol has been conducting full-scale excavations for two to three weeks each year on Hatteras Island since 2010, and they’ve dug at least 78 trenches at several different sites. The artifacts they’ve uncovered are startling in their implications, including the handle of an Elizabethan rapier and a piece of a writing slate (similar to a larger one found at the Jamestown settlement) that was recently analyzed by NASA to see if they can determine what was written on it.

Other items, such as several sewing needles, sheets of copper off cuts, and peach pit fragments further suggest evidence that at least some of the Lost Colonists assimilated with the Croatoans, sharing skills such as European dressmaking, metallurgy and the ability to grow non-native fruits well into the 17th century.

These findings have sparked the interest of many. Details about the CAS and Dr. Horton’s work were included in an online 2015 National Geographic article on newly surfacing clues to the Lost Colony’s fate, and a longer print article is forthcoming after National Geographic reporters returned to Hatteras during the most recent dig in early 2016.

But while the “mystery” of the Lost Colony may have

Continued on page 26>

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been the initial spark behind this project, it has grown into something much larger over the years. In the CAS and Dr. Horton’s efforts to explore Hatteras’ history more generally, plenty of other fascinating things have come to light, such as the suggestion that native cultures have likely inhabited the island for thousands of years. Findings of this nature raise more questions than answers, but according to Dr. Horton, that’s largely the point of the archaeological process.

“It’s not that we’re just going and looking for one thing,” says Dr. Horton. “What we’re trying to create is an understanding.” He laughs and says, “We’re not looking for the holy grail of the Lost Colony — we’re here to tell the story of the human habitation of Hatteras Island from the Archaic period to the 19th century.”

It makes sense then that this has become a project that truly takes a whole village. Many of the digs have been made possible by working with private landowners, and all “We’re not looking the artifacts they’ve found for the holy grail so far continue to remain of the Lost Colony on display at the Hatteras Village Community Building.

— we’re here to They’ve also been worktell the story of the ing with students at Cape human habitation of Hatteras Secondary School Hatteras Island from for the past several years, the Archaic period to allowing the kids the opporthe 19th century.” tunity to be involved in the excavations and providing ways for teachers to integrate archaeology into the local curriculum.

“When you put this material on public display, it benefits Hatteras and remains part of the island’s heritage,” Dr. Horton says. “Likewise with the work we’re doing at the schools. That’s an absolute key part of what we’re doing.”

“We’ve accomplished something that may seem so easy, but really it wasn’t,” adds Maggie. “To institute a community archaeology program and then to see it come so far is amazing — everyone’s just been overwhelmingly supportive.”

So although we may never definitively know the fate of all the first English settlers on our shores, that’s only part of the larger puzzle that the CAS and Dr. Horton are piecing together on Hatteras Island. “There’s never going to be a ‘oh good, we solved it, now we can go home’ moment,” says Dr. Horton with a laugh.

“Archaeology is a very painstaking process, and we’re in this project for the long term.”

26

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Another of White’s illustrations depicting native culture. (Right) A piece of decorated shell-grog pottery found during a recent dig; Dr. Horton in the trenches.

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Pineapple Relish on Parade

By Amanda McDanel

I’m one of those old souls, I suppose, because I prefer actual books over Kindles, iPads and Nooks. While I resisted for years, I did finally break down

and purchase a device because 1) I do like the convenience of books on demand, and 2) I cannot carry on four hardback novels for a vacation getaway as it takes away valuable packing space for my shoes. That being said, if I read a great book in electronic form, I immediately go out and purchase the same book in hard copy so that I can store it happily in my library. I like the idea of being able to pick up a book, feel its weight in my hands, smell the pages, and turn back and reread passages to remember characters’ names. Hence, we have quite the collection of books—for adults and groms—here at the McDanel manor, but I’m learning new and creative ways to store them (hello...custom corner bookshelf, suspended driftwood board in the kitchen…).

The same goes for cookbooks and recipes as well. I have many a handwritten recipe from my mother and grandmother—oleo anyone?—and prefer to have a paper copy whether it is an original or a printed version of a favorite recipe. Pulling it out and seeing it splattered with batter or oil and seeing the small notations written in the marHaving a recipe gins gives me a certain sense of peace and place. It’s like splattered with batter welcoming an old friend to dinner. The more stains the or oil and seeing the better, because it certainly means it is well loved in the small notations written kitchen and around the table. in the margins gives About 15 years ago, I discovered this recipe while me a certain sense of reading Parade magazine on a Sunday morning, after I read the Extra and Funnies pages of course. I loved the peace and place. It’s simplicity of it and cut out the page to add to my evlike welcoming an old er-growing stack of recipes. friend to dinner.

A few years later I hosted a backyard barbeque, and I pulled out this Golden Pineapple Relish recipe to prepare for my guests. It is easy, requires only a few fresh ingredients, can be made ahead and—sit down ya’ll—is made in the microwave. Yes, the appliance that all hard copy book reading, newspaper perusing, print purists purchased to cook their meals in the 1980s. And it is DELICIOUS. I have served it as a dip on its own, but you could spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers, or one of my favorite ways, as a condiment to spicy sweet jerk pork.

I encourage you to rip out this recipe, step outside this summer with a cold beverage, fire up the grill and indulge in the simple sweet pleasures of summer—golden pineapple, barbeque grills and a good book. Even better if you happen to get a little splatter on this recipe in the process.

amanda’s kitchen

Simply Delicious Golden Pineapple Relish For the best consistency, do not double this recipe. Rather, microwave two separate batches.

3 cups diced (1/2 inch) fresh ripe pineapple 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/3 cup diced (1/4 inch) red bell pepper 1/3 cup diced (1/4 inch) white onion 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup minced crystallized ginger (or fresh ginger) 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Pinch of ground cinnamon Salt to taste Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe casserole dish.

Cook uncovered on full power (650–700 watts), 8 minutes.

Stir, return to microwave, and cook another 8 minutes on full power. Cool.

Refrigerate covered for at least 6 hours. It gets even better over time!

Jerk Pork Marinade: 1/2 cup chopped scallions 4 serrano or jalapeño chiles, chopped with seeds 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons ground allspice 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 teaspoon coarse salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 lb boneless pork loin 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus extra for brushing Purée marinade ingredients in a small food processor or a blender and transfer to a sealable plastic bag. Put pork in bag, turning to coat, and seal bag. Marinate pork, chilled, turning occasionally for 8 hours.

Brush a well-seasoned grill lightly with some oil and warm to moderate heat. Grill the pork loin, turning occasionally, until cooked through and it reaches 145-160 degrees F, approximately 20-30 minutes. (You can also roast uncovered in the oven at 450 degrees until it reaches 145-160 degrees F, approximately 20-25 minutes). Allow pork to rest 15 minutes before slicing. Top with pineapple relish.

Amanda McDanel has lived on the Outer Banks for over 15 years, is married, has two beautiful daughters and a dog that walks backwards. A collector of the unique and different, she has an MS in Child and Family Development, has taught cooking classes and loves to create new recipes.

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

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outdoors

A beautiful

threat

Lionfish Proliferate off the Southeast Coast

By Michelle Wagner

After years of lionfish being dumped from aquariums into the Atlantic Ocean, the non-native species is becoming more established off the coast and posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems as well as commercial fisheries.

Native to the coral reefs of the South Pacific, the colorful and popular aquarium fish population continues to increase along the southeast coast of the United States, the Caribbean and areas of the Gulf of Mexico.

Their range is expected to spread to waters off South America.

The first lionfish was reported in south Florida in 1985.

What impact these venomous ocean dwellers will ultimately have is still unclear, researchers say. Lionfish have few, if any predators in the Atlantic Ocean and as carnivores, they eat large amounts of crustaceans and fish, including snapper and grouper, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

James Morris, an ecologist with NOAA’s National Ocean Service in Morehead City, N.C., said the lionfish’s likely impact to the hard bottom and coral reefs is alarming.

“It’s a top reef fish predator and is taking 28

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

over the ecosystem,” said Morris, adding that NOAA along with other partners is working on a number of control strategies. Morris wrote a manual in 2012 on the invasive species.

Lionfish can live for several decades and reach sizes of more than 47 centimeters.

According to NOAA researchers, the lionfish is thriving off the North Carolina coast in water depths of more than 120 feet.

Females can release as many as 30,000 eggs every four days per spawn, which can occur up to three times a month.

According to recent NOAA estimates, lionfish densities have exceeded those of some native species, and in some highly affected areas, estimates reach as many as 1,000 lionfish per acre. Researchers say that while the fish can be controlled, the species cannot be eliminated.

In his book, Morris writes, “The invasion of the lionfish may prove to be one of the greatest threats of this century to warm temperate and tropical Atlantic reefs and associated habitat. As the first marine reef fish

invasive species to this region, lionfish are changing the culture of how reef managers view invasive species, the regional connectivity of marine reefs, and their vulnerability to marine invasions.”

According to NOAA, the fish have the potential to significantly and negatively impact native reef fish communities, affecting stock rebuilding efforts and coral reef conservation measures.

“While these invasive fish may be beautiful, lionfish are voracious eaters that are destroying populations of young native fish and shellfish. And with their venomous spines to protect them, they have few known predators outside of their native habitat,” according to NOAA literature.

NOAA works closely in its research of the lionfish with the Reef Environmental and Education Foundation (REEF) and the United States Geological Survey. The partners have been working to create lionfish response plans as well as train resource managers and dive operators in proper collection, research and handling.

REEF also recruits divers to participate in

projects to remove the lionfish and works to engage and educate the public.

Morris has been working on issues relating to the invasion since the lionfish was first discovered off the southeast coast. He said that while researchers agree that the species cannot be controlled in the entire ocean, removal strategies and lionfish harvesting can decrease their numbers in key areas.

Lionfish, he said, are becoming increasingly common on restaurant menus in the Southeast, but sourcing the fish is a challenge. “They can be difficult to catch,” he said. Lionfish have been compared in texture and taste to hogfish and black sea bass.

Lionfish have red, maroon and white vertical stripes and are often harvested by pole spears and hand-held dip nets. While they are not poisonous, their spines are venomous and can cause extreme pain if stung. If stung, it is recommended that the wound is immersed in hot water and medical attention is sought.

Lionfish catches and sightings can be reported to NOAA at 252-728-8714 or by emailing reportlionfish@noaa.gov.

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

29

outdoors

s t i a w A e r u t Adven

Photo courtesy of First Flight Adventure Park / Story by Katrina Leuzinger

Brad Carey and Brett Harrison, designers of First Flight Adventure Park in Nags Head, did not expect to win when their course was nominated for “Outstanding Structure Design” at the Association for Challenge Course Technology’s international conference in January.

“The people we were up against were all my role models when I was coming up in the business. They’re the guys who have been doing it 20 or 30 years, since the beginning,” says Brad.

Judged on “creativity, design excellence and for innovation beyond the current industry offerings,” First Flight Adventure park was up against eight other courses when it won the prestigious “Outstanding Structure Design” award.

“That was a big honor. That’s the industry we work in, so to get an award within that industry, that’s huge,” says Brett.

That “outstanding” design started out as a napkin doodle that Brett made while he and Brad were discussing how to best utilize their rather small plot of land in Nags Head.

“We were having a beer and just hit on that. I wanted to do the Golden Spiral, you know, the Fibonacci sequence. That was the first concept. But that spiral is too tightly wound to actually work in this area. So we relaxed the spiral out and simultaneously realized, ‘Hey, that looks like a hurricane symbol!’” says Brett.

From there, they ran with the hurricane theme. The single center tower became the eye of the hurricane. The levels of the course, rated from Tropical Storm all the way to Category Five, spiral outward from the eye and allow participants to zipline back to the tower after completing each obstacle-filled course.

The local theme was a big part of why they received the award, but another important factor was the way the course flows and fits into a small area.

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NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Now they’re taking those ideas and innovations and applying them to a brand new course in Corolla, which is slated to open in early June. Corolla Adventure Park will be located in northern Corolla, and from the top of the course participants will be treated to a spectacular view of the ocean, the sound, and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This time Brad’s brother, Alex Carey, will also be a part of the project.

Instead of a hurricane, Corolla Adventure Park will be shaped like a three-leaf clover. It will be three levels high, with three courses available on each level. A fourth level is slated to be constructed next year, and when complete the park will be able to accommodate more guests than the First Flight Park. They’re also opening this park up to ages four and up, offering easier obstacles with a lower guide cable.

Corolla Adventure Park will have all new obstacles, completely different from the ones at First Flight, including giant letters spelling out C-O-R-O-L-L-A that participants have to climb across.

“We’ve gotten pretty creative in some of the brain storming sessions. It should be fun,” says Abby, co-owner of First Flight Adventure Park and Brad’s wife.

All four partners say they are thrilled to see this new park coming together and anticipate that it will live up to the award-winning design of First Flight.

“You spend a year envisioning and planning and trying to figure out how it’s all going to come together. Watching that process and anticipating what it’s actually going to look like, that’s what I’m most excited about right now,” says Brad.

Come early June, Hatteras Island will also have a brand new ropes course, thanks to Kitty Hawk Kites. The course, which can accommodate up to 20 climbers, will have 15 challenge elements on three different levels. Kitty Hawk Kites Marketing Director Jeff Schwartzenberg says the course will likely be open by mid-June at the Waves Village Watersports Resort.

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outdoors

the

ground from

e v o b a tishall. It’s g instructor, Mike Pa

din strapped calls out my hang gli “Wind me upls,”that we’re ready to fly. Did I mention that I’m cocoon har-

aji

By Amelia Bold

signa a vertical tandem one of his signature iously it seems — in ar ec pr t ha to tow us up 2,000 ew m so of us is getting ready above him — nt fro in dly lou ing ne idl ness? And that the pla ? air e feet in th gely calm. at the beginning. nd 9 a.m., I feel stran ou ar t Maybe I should start or rp Ai ty un Kitty Hawk Currituck Co gliding lesson with ng When I arrive at the ha w to ro ae em r me, that’s a my first tand nce is necessary. Fo rie pe I know I’m here for ex ior pr no at e through a small assured th r instructor, walks m certifies me as Kites, but I’ve been he ot an , on ps om dy Th that really good thing. An and before I know it he hands me a card tion for the next k or cia rw so pe As g pa din of mountain ng and Paragli idi Gl ng Ha S. U. e th et’s get started!” a student member of Andy jokinghe says cheerfully. “L t,” se all ’re ou “Y . too nervously when ys gh lau 30 da to t no try I e , as a “go-kart rt wher known as a Dragonfly ound, they Fast forward to the pa aft cr air ht lig ra ult plane, an temperate on the gr ly describes our tow up. Though it’s pretty ing ar ge I bundle up a little ’re we ile wh with wings” the higher we get so me strap snugr ole co bly ra ide ns d be co e time they’ve helpe warn me that it will delaying tactics by th of flight. t st ou fir ly ric ite to fin his de y) I’m more. t to record (m se is o Pr Go r ou d an heights? ly into the harness second or two at I’m not a big fan of — and fast. In a split Did I also mention th off ’re we d an l na the sig we’re at 2,000 feet Too late. Andy gives and climbing. Surely g, bin m cli d an g… climbin worry, there’s still so we’re in the air and with a laugh. “Don’t ys sa ike M 0,” 50 e e lik by now, right? “Mor other ine.” se to t that — against all e or fac m e th th much wi e gu ar e is surprisingly , and I can’t He’s right, of course ally falling away the higher we get. The rid are actu stincts — my nerves

Kites hang ht and a Kitty Hawk (Top) Candy Wrig Sanctuary e ov ab enjoy the views r cto tru ins g din gli Thompson and bottom) Andy Vineyards. (Above rrituck ji soar over the Cu and Amelia Bolda injock Bay. mainland and Co

aller, it’s une quickly getting sm ar low be s ing th gh ou e’s a low haze smooth, and even th is still rising and ther n su e Th e. tim life a see a landscape deniably the view of -eye position we can d’s bir r ou m fro t bu uth to the Wright over the horizon, arby Knotts Island so ne m fro g hin yt er , the North River zig that includes ev tty Hawk. Beneath us Ki o is int th g At din d. lea lan e sh idg ar Memorial Br g fields and m ely thin rough the surroundin zags spectacularly th ter Banks for exactly what it is: an extrem e Ou and the relaaltitude, I can see th ning Atlantic Ocean ur ch e th n ee tw be strip of land poised ide waters. ys as he prepares tively calmer sounds ng gliding,” Mike sa ha t ou ab rt pa st be nd from a different “This is the ou get to see the grou “Y . ne pla e th m fro to release us ce again. perspective.” everything shifts on en wh t en om m e th d everything And, for me, that’s ck down past us, an ba ps oo sw ne pla e th that it’s just Mike, The towline drops, al. Real in the sense re ly ing rtl sta d an and truly flying on becomes quieter al, as in we are really Re . re he up y wa r de me, and the gli giddy. but I suddenly feel our own. e, rib sc de to rd ha ’s that. The It’s a sensation that ? This is nothing like ne pla air an on ht t flig nd us without Remember your las the wind rushes arou d an ce on at all re y I never could horizon is everywhe and exposed in a wa ated at the d de en sp su e e’r W any interference. ore calm and exhilar I’ve also never felt m have imagined, but page 30 continued on

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NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

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back down to the slowly ride the wind we As e. tim e m sa t exac ch. dy preparing my spee landing site, I’m alrea lmet is off and I’ve he y m ce on y sa I !” ain ag ty much the “I want to go laughs. “That’s pret ike M . up ck ba rm begun to wa says.” y turn, but even first thing everyone so I have to wait m e riv ar s nt de stu r Othe perience as they m the ground is an ex em — includfro s ht flig eir th g hin watc e of th e, and every single on all ages — comes take off in the distanc of ily fam ge lar girls and a ths every th ing two 11-year-old thing out of eir mou st fir e th y all rtu Vi . back beaming ain. ’re all ready to go ag r tow plane pilot time? You got it. They on nny Thomps , ou Jo s, ht flig n ee tw In be g pilot since 1975 mplished hang glidin co ac an en be o als who’s e about the appeal of ce 1977, chats with m sin or ct r to adtru ins an d an eryone from beginne ev r fo y ilit ab e th d do a tandem aerothe sport — an vanced students to ’s not really about tow in particular. “It ough it can be,” he adrenaline, even th e actually control says. “Most of us ar e being in the air.” freaks. We simply lov great sport beAndy agrees. “It’s a room for creativcause there’s a lot of n be a thrill ride if ity,” he explains. “It ca t up there and y to ge can also be an easy wa you want that, but it y.” just enjoy the scener en Andy takes me up some butterflies wh t ge the day.

Though I still sh it wasn’t so late in tand wi t bu lp he n’t ca I a second time, I suddenly unders this on repeat, and get hooked on I could keep doing nces to people who re fe re ing jok lfha e is all it takes.” their only Jonny said, “One tim As . ay aw ht rig g din off, and Andy sughang gli ning haze has burned or m rly ea e th of e Som her this time. you were gests going a little hig a full mile (in case it e ak m ite qu n’t is hovering While we do re at this altitude tu ra pe m te air e th se just above wondering, Andy pulls the relea injock Bay , y) da to s ee gr de around 37 ther over Co gin to soar even far s 4,000 feet. As we be number of duck blind a e se und, we can So ck g tu hin rri yt Cu er e ev th es rd towa w includ below us, and the vie in the water directly ea beaches south to -ar va ro Ca e th d an t as co a et. Two fighter from the Virgini water at Oregon Inl ite wh e th d an ge neither of us can Jockey’s Rid by on our right, and se clo bly ka ar m re jets pass ent. e to let Andy give contain our excitem d up a bit, I also agre Now that I’ve loosene l thrill rides on our way down with optiona me a taste of those lls and hard turning ed tricks such as sta you’re coming off nc va some more ad u like ound rush up at yo k your headfirst dives. To see the gr with nothing to brea r ste oa rc lle ro a of um, perspective. the apex provides a different, ly ite fin de at th w plan to see you up fall? No Absolutely. In fact, I’ll But will I do it again? there.

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outdoors

The Triangle Wreck as seen from the sky (photo courtesy of Coastal Helicopters). (Below) Sealife and history just off shore at local beach wrecks (photos courtesy of John McCord / Coastal Studies Institute and Pam Landrum of Roanoke Island Outfitters & Dive Center).

Metropolis COROLLA

By Michelle Wagner

Shallow Graveyard Beach Wrecks Offer a Glimpse into the Graveyard of the Atlantic

DUCK

SO. SHORES

K I T T Y H AW K Mountaineer

Kyzickes / Carl Gerhard KILL DEVIL HILLS

NAGS HEAD

Diving the shipwrecks of the Outer Banks doesn’t always have to mean chartering a dive boat. For some, it is as easy as walking into the shore break and disappearing under the crest of the wave.

With a handful of wrecks just 100 or so feet offshore and in relatively shallow water, wreck diving from the beach can be a great way to explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Whether free diving, spearfishing or scuba diving, there are close to 10 frequented wrecks about 100 or so yards just offshore from Corolla to Hatteras.

“The Outer Banks is the most popular spot in the world for diving shipwrecks other than Truk Lagoon, an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean,” says Pam Landrum, owner

Huron

of Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center. And these nearshore wrecks are among those that draw divers from around the world.

Landrum has been diving Outer Banks wrecks for 22 years and says the ones close to shore offer some unique opportunities and a chance for people to explore wrecks who otherwise may not.

Her favorite nearshore wreck is known as the Triangle Wreck off of the Second Street beach access in Kill Devil Hills. Perhaps the most popular of the shipwrecks accessible from the beach, it is made up of two ships that ran aground in the late 1920s and formed a triangle shape. The Kyzickes, an oil tanker, went down in 1927 and was followed in 1929 by the Carl Gerhard, a freighter that struck the Kyzickes, cut it in two and then sank.

Landrum guides groups of scuba divers out to that spot and other wreck sites so that they can experience the

Oriental

36

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

H AT T E R A S I S .

Graveyard of the Atlantic without much fuss. And, she said, the experience is unforgettable.

“I never get bored with that wreck,” Landrum says of the Triangle wreck. “It is always changing and to be under the water, compressed and weightless and hear only my breathing – there’s nothing like it.”

Nags Head resident Trey Simmons has been free diving and spear fishing wrecks close to shore for the past five or six years. Not only are the wrecks great places to dive, he says, their proximity to shore is so convenient.

“You can just drive up and park at an access,” says Simmons. “You’re not paying someone to take you in a boat and you can really do it spur of the moment. It’s kind of like finding out the surf is good and grabbing your board. I see that conditions are good and I grab my gear and go.”

He typically spears triggerfish, sheepshead and tautaug at the wrecks.

Continued on page 38>

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Simmons says that while there are mostly free divers out on the wreck unless conditions are really clear, the close-to-shore wrecks provide visiting and local scuba divers and those in training a unique opportunity.

Many in the scuba groups Landrum takes out to the wrecks have been certified inland and have never had the opportunity to dive in the ocean. These wrecks, she says, offer them a different kind of dive. “We see sea turtles, fish and other sea life out there, and it’s a new experience for a lot of people.”

Divers should be aware that conditions and visibility vary greatly. Calm conditions and less wave action are always desirable when diving the wrecks. Wreck conditions will also vary from year to year.

Just because these ships sit in shallow water doesn’t mean that standard diving precautions don’t need to be taken while diving them.

The boiler of the Oriental. Photo courtesy of Coastal Helicopters. (Inset) The wreck of the Huron.

Photo courtesy of John McCord / Coastal Studies Institute.

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The Wrecks The Triangle Wreck at milepost 7 in Kill Devil Hills is composed of three pieces and sits in about 20 feet of water. It’s a popular option among newly certified divers. But there are others that sit in between 15 to 20 feet of water and are perfect for exploring.

One is the Metropolis, a 120-foot freighter that went down in 1878 and is located about three miles south of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and about 100 yards off the beach.

The Winks Wreck, identified by diver Marc Corbett as the Mountaineer, a British steamer that went down on Christmas Day in 1852. It is located just south of Luke Street between milepost 2 and 3 in Kitty Hawk. It is often referred to as the Winks Wreck because of its proximity to Winks Grocery Store on N.C. 12 at Eckner Street.

The Huron is another popular wreck for spear fishing and diving.

Located at milepost 11.5 in Nags Head, it is close to the Bladen Street beach access and is typically marked by a buoy. The Huron was a 541ton federal gunship steamer that sank in 1877 with 98 crewmembers on board. It’s 150 feet off the beach and in 20 feet of water.

Another popular wreck is the Oriental, which is three miles south of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge and adjacent to the Pea Island Visitor’s

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Center. It’s often referred to as the boiler wreck because of its steam engine that extends above the surface. Built in 1861, the iron-hulled transport ship was lost in the fog less than a year later and was grounded at the spot.

Taking Precautions Because of their proximity to shore and the convenience of getting to them, these wrecks often attract less experienced divers. But just because these ships sit in shallow water doesn’t mean that standard diving precautions don’t need to be taken while diving them, Simmons says.

“I cannot express more passionately my belief that you should always be with a buddy. One person should watch while the other person dives,” he says. “You should always be in contact with one another.

It’s so important.”

Landrum says she uses a buoy when she takes groups out who are either certified or in the process of getting certified with her.

Simmons agrees that a buoy and dive flag should always be used to alert boats and others that a diver is below.

Simmons says divers tend to be more cautious in deeper water, but many things can go wrong at a beach wreck and shallow water blackout is a very real concern for free divers. “I follow the one up, one down rule, meaning that one of us is diving while the other is watching. There are tons of stuff that can go wrong – there are fishing hooks, lures and ropes hanging off the wrecks and a lot of things that can get snagged or caught.”

A full wetsuit and gloves are always recommended because of the jagged edges of the shipwrecks. Currents can push divers close to dangerous spots on the wrecks.

So while diving the wrecks right off the beach can offer many a firsthand glimpse of the Graveyard of the Atlantic and the beauty of the underwater world, safety is a key component of ensuring the adventure ends with many good memories of what lies below the surface.

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outdoors

duck research pier

A

1840 feet

PIER REVIEW Whether you want to cast a line, take a stroll, dine on fresh seafood or sit and enjoy the view, the Outer Banks has plenty of piers along its coast for visitors to spend time at the edge of the sea.

From north to south, here’s the inside scoop on the piers of the Outer Banks.

kitty hawk pier 300 feet

avalon pier 696 feet

nags head pier 750 feet

jennette’s pier 1000 feet

outer banks pier 600 feet

rodanthe pier 700 feet

By Michelle Wagner

avon pier 665 feet

frisco pier 40

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

Indeterminate

Duck Research Pier Location: North of Duck, N.C. along Highway 12 Owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hours: Not open to the public.

Amenities: N/A Fees: N/A Parking: N/A Point of Interest: The pier is an internationally-recognized coastal observatory. It was established in 1977 and equipment at the field research facility is used to record changing waves, winds, tides and currents.

Kitty Hawk Pier Owner: Hilton Garden Inn Location: Milepost 1 Hours: Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, year round.

Amenities: Bait and tackle shop, 2,200-square-foot Pier House for private events like weddings or company parties.

Fees: $2 for walk-ons who are not hotel guests; $10 a day to fish; $15 for rod and reel rental.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Point of Interest: Kitty Hawk Pier was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 shortly after $300,000 in renovations was put into it. The Hilton Garden Inn purchased it in 2006.

Avalon Pier Owner: Dare Resorts, Inc. Location: Milepost 6 Hours: Open from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the summer months and 6 a.m. to about 10 p.m. during the spring and fall.

Amenities: Bait and tackle shop and arcade.

Fees: $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 12 and under per day; $33 for a 3-day pass; $69 for weekly passes. $7 a day for rod and reel rental.

Parking: On-site parking is available for pier customers Point of Interest: Avalon Pier is the newest of the northern beach piers, built in 1958.

Nags Head Pier Owner: Andy McCann Location: Milepost 11.5 Hours: Open 24 hours in the spring, summer and fall.

Amenities: Pier House Restaurant and Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar; bait and tackle shop.

Fees: $2 sightseeing; $12 day pass; $30 3-day pass; $70 weekly pass; $300 season pass; $390 season pass for two adults; kids under 12 are half price; $24 for pin rigging.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Point of Interest: Originally built in 1947, it is the second oldest pier on the northern Outer Banks.

Jennette’s Pier Owner: N.C. Aquariums Location: Milepost 16.5 Hours: 5 a.m. to midnight May through August; fall hours vary; Dec. to Feb. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Amenities: Daily education programs; science-based exhibits; several large aquariums; bait and tackle shop with souvenirs, snacks and drinks; public beach access with showers and a 3,500-square-foot banquet room for private functions.

Fees: Walk-ons are $2 a day for adults, $1 for children; fishing day pass is $12; $30 for a 3-day pass; $65 for a 7-day pass; $275 for an annual pass; $400 for a two-adult annual pass. Children under 12 are half price.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Point of Interest: Jennette’s Pier was constructed in 1939 and is considered a historical landmark. Battered by many storms, it was purchased by the N.C. Aquarium and opened up in 2011 as an educational ocean pier.

Outer Banks Pier Owner: Garry Oliver Location: Milepost 18.5 Hours: Open 24 hours a day Memorial Day through September.

Amenities: Fish Heads Bar & Grill, live music, tackle shop.

Fees: $9 a day; $50 for a weekly pass. Children are half price.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Point of Interest: This Outer Banks pier is touted as being the closest to the Gulf Stream.

Rodanthe Pier Owner: Terry Plumblee and partners Location: Hwy. 12, Rodanthe Hours: 7 a.m. until dark. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, 6 a.m. to midnight.

Amenities: Pier house and tackle shop.

Fees: $12 a day for ages 11 and older, $7 for 10 and under; weekly passes are $60; weekly passes for family of four are $180; pin rigging is $15 a day; sightseeing is $2.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Point of Interest: The end of Rodanthe Pier collapsed into the ocean during a series of strong storms in February of 2015. It was rebuilt and open for business this season after a significant community fundraising effort.

Avon Pier Owner: Koru Village Resort and Spa Location: Koru Village, Avon Hours: 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Amenities: Pier house and tackle shop, The Spoon Coffee Shoppe.

Fees: $10 a day for adults, $7 for children under 12 and $9 for seniors 62 and over. Rental and rod program is $10 a day.

Point of Interest: Avon Pier is the only functioning pier in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is world famous for many records.

Frisco Pier (also known as Cape Hatteras Pier) Owner: National Park Service, previously owned by Tod and Angie Gaskill Location: N.C. 12 in Frisco Hours: Closed to the public.

Point of Interest: Built in 1961, the pier was destroyed as a result of several hurricanes—the last of which was Hurricane Earl in 2010—and is slated to be demolished.

NORTHBEACHSUN.COM

41

Arts & Entertainment

William Ivey Long in his studio (Photo by Kate Pollard).

(Right) Actress Lynn Redgrave gets fitted by Long for her Queen Elizabeth costume (Photo courtesy of William Ivey Long).

Setting the Stage Six-Time Tony Award Winner William Ivey Long Returns to The Lost Colony Each Summer

By Kip Tabb

There’s a saying that goes, “One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.” If that’s the case, then William Ivey Long is throwing nothing in the recycling bins.

Creative, energetic and personable, Long has fashioned a career filled with awards and accolades.

He has won six Tonys and has been nominated more than a dozen times. He has seven Drama Desk awards, has been inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of The American Theatre Wing. He’s designed costumes for Mick Jagger, Siegfried and Roy, Joan Rivers and The Pointer Sisters. And he has a list of Broadway credits too long to name.

He’s also the production designer for The Lost Colony.

For Long, being involved with The Lost Colony is a family tradition. His father was first prop master and then director—directing his wife and Long’s mother, Mary, as Queen Elizabeth. Long’s theatrical career began at age eight, when he performed as a colonist boy in the production.

According to Long, his father’s history with the production

dates back to the very beginning. “My father worked with the play the first year in 1937,” he says. “He was a graduate assistant.”

Lessons from Summer Nights in Manteo Long’s background includes an undergraduate degree in history from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Fine Arts in stage design from Yale University School of Drama, yet when he talks about his profession he goes back to the early lessons he absorbed during his summers in Manteo.

“I learned how to design at The Lost Colony,” he says. And those lessons, he notes, are still relevant to the productions he designs today.

“We did the costume design for The Merry Widow at The Met,” he explains, noting that the stage at The Metropolitan Opera is huge. “You could always find the principal. I learned that at The Lost Colony. You learn storytelling at a distance.”

Bringing a distinctive set of skills to his costume and stage design, Long’s fascination with history and his understanding of theater production has helped him create the onstage image of an Elizabethan time for the play Paul Green wrote.

“It couldn’t have dovetailed better,” he says referencing his education and his early years with The Lost Colony.

That combination of skills, however, is not limited to The Lost Colony. “I’m known on Broadway for my historic detail and references,” he says. “I know that’s added to what I bring to the production.”

The Lost Colony is a remarkable cauldron for learning stagecraft and design. His own experience dates back to time he spent with the first costume designer for the production.

“Irene Smart Rains, she’s the reason I’m a costume designer,” he says.

He learned important tricks from her—techniques he still uses. For example, the heavy Elizabethan costumes the actors wear are too heavy to be washed and cannot be dry cleaned because they can’t withstand harsh chemicals. “We turn the costumes inside out and bake them in the sun. She taught me that,” Long says. “We clean them with toothbrushes and Oxi-Clean.”

The stage creates its own set of challenges.

“We have a permanent set. It was the stage that was built

by Skipper Bell in 1937,” Long says of The Lost Colony.

“We have sand and wind and rain. We tried putting the sets on tracks and they clogged up in a week, so it’s all done manually,” he says. “We have college kids lifting the sets.”

The Lost Colony stage is larger those on Broadway, and

Continued on page 44> 42

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because the play is “very pageant driven,” Long says the production is skilled at focusing the audience’s attention on the action. This trick of the trade is one he has used successfully in his award-winning stage productions.

“

You’ve got to want to make it authentic.

We have a responsibility to make it authentic.

Long’s sketches for colonists compared to the real-life versions from The Lost Colony show an incredible attention to detail. (Photos courtesy of William Ivey Long.)

44

NORTH BEACH SUN SUMMER 2016

The Excitement of Live Theater His company, William Ivey Long Studios, is involved in a number of different projects, from Broadway to movies to television. Yet, perhaps because of his early years, his preference still lies where it all began. “I definitely prefer live theater,” he says.

It is the immediacy and the unpredictability of it that seems to drive him. When the wind blows at Waterside Theatre, no matter how strong the college kids are, they can’t move the scene because the sets become giant wooden kites.

The experience of working with the unpredictability of weather and was on full display recently. Long was the costume designer for the production of Grease: Live on Fox. Filmed live, the production was in some ways a throwback to the early years of television. However, filming outdoors in front of an audience created a hybrid of live theater and television—and it had great entertainment value.

“Things can go wrong and you have to think on your feet,” Long says with enthusiasm in his voice. Although Grease: Live was filmed in sunny California, it rained.

They were able to squeeze in the acts between intermittent showers, but Long, with his history at The Lost Colony, knew it would all work out.

”

Rising from the Ashes Including his time as a child performing as a colonist, Long will begin his 46th season with the play this summer.

He has seen some of the triumphs and tragedies of The Lost Colony.

When a fire destroyed every costume in The Lost Colony wardrobe after the 2007 season, Long went to work.

“After the fire, I helped with fundraising. So many people rallied to it,” he recalls. He laughs a bit and adds, “I still owe speeches from that.”

In discussing rebuilding the wardrobe, Long stresses the importance of historical accuracy. “You’ve got to want to make it authentic,” he says. “We have a responsibility to make it authentic.”

Because nothing could be salvaged after the fire, all the costumes that are now used in the production are William Ivey Long originals. That has become an unexpected draw. Would-be costume designers have made the trek to Manteo to work with Long and associates from his studio.

“Everyone is interested in Shakespeare, and The Lost Colony is from that period. The interns all come because of the training they can get from me and my associates,” he says.

To Long, The Lost Colony is a labor of love. As the 2008 season was about to begin, there were reports of him staying up all night aging brand new costumes with cheese graters and rasps—anything he could do to make the look more authentic.

It is important, he says, to understand what the play means to generations and to appreciate the significance of its history.

“We’re a heritage site,” he says. “People have seen it as a child, then as a parent and now as a grandparent. It’s important to see how it stacks up against your memories.”

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Arts & Entertainment

Photos by K. Wilkins Photography Story by Kip Tabb

Sammy Thornton sits in the downstairs room of his Nags Head home. The room is maybe a man cave

or an artist’s studio. Along two of the walls are hand-carved fish, sitting on some shelves along another wall are some of the findings from his metal detecting adventures.

Sammy is talking about . . . well, just about everything. He starts with the fish carvings, but pretty soon he’s talking about metal detecting with some biographical information thrown in and then there’s the story of the 10-pound trout he caught.

“I just like fishing, and man, I got to do something to make some extra money,” he says to explain how he started carving fish.

“I could just carve fish,” he goes on to say—but that was only half the battle. “I’ve got a good friend, Hudson Williams. He’s a carver. He helped me out with the airbrush painting.”

Sammy has gotten better at carving fish—actually really good, and people come to him wanting their catch immortalized.

“Somebody might say, ‘Hey, man, I caught this 30” fish.’ That’s about as big as I’ll go,” he says.

He points to a beautiful pompano on the wall that looks like it’s ready to jump in the surf and swim away.

“Now, you know, this two-pound pompano— that’s a great seller. I can get the loudness of it,” he explains as he talks about the vibrant colors of the fish.

“It’s hard to copy Mother Nature,” says Sammy.

“Some people are a lot better at it than I am.

“It’s hard to copy Mother Each fish changNature. Each fish changes es color. It’s recolor. It’s really hard ally hard to copy to copy exactly, but I’m exactly, but I’m getting better and better.” getting better and better.”

He nods to a shelf filled with the knickknacks from his metal detecting excursions.

“Treasure hunting, it’s when the weather is right, when the wind is right,” he says. “When the northwest winds blow out of Canada, that’s the time to go. A northeast wind piles sand on the beach. A northwest wind pushes it away.”

He’s done pretty well with his treasure hunting.

“I’ve found a couple of diamond rings, one with five or seven distinct diamonds. But the wife’s wearing that,” he adds.

Continued on page 48>

A Salty Outer Banker Carves Out Happiness One Fish at a Time

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Sammy Thornton surrounded by his carved creations. Each is modeled after a specific fish that’s been landed.

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The metal detecting predates the fish carving, and there’s a story behind that.

“Back in the late 70s, I lived in Portsmouth and I saw in the papers how some little kid was walking along Avon Pier and he found several gold coins. I thought I’m going to get me some someday,” he recalls.

It didn’t happen right away. There was a trip to Texas, some time learning how to operate a bulldozer, but by the mid-1980s he was back in the area, splitting time between the Outer Banks and Virginia.

He came upon one of his best finds soon after he began metal detecting.

“It was a 1660 farthing,” he says. “Found it in a farm field up there in Suffolk.

It was still so crystal clear; it had just been sitting in that field for 400 years. It was 1988 and it was so shiny. I think I have it locked away.”

Then we’re back to fish and fishing. He shows me a huge carved trout.

“That trout right there, I caught January the third, 2000. Ten pounds seven ounces,” Sammy says. “I hooked him and he took off down the beach like a puppy drum and he come up out of the water and I’m thinking holy crap.”

It wasn’t the only trout he caught that day, but it was the one that mattered.

“I caught a four-pounder right behind it, and it looked like a two-pounder.”

He’s been fishing for some time. “I’ve been fishing really hard since 1986,” he confides, then gives a quick history of conditions. “Fishing was real good. Then it slacked off, but it’s picking back up again.”

He works for Jennette’s Pier, but he still finds time to fish, hunt for treasures and do some carving.

He sells his carvings, although he’s not real fast about turning them out.

“If I sat down and did them, probably take me three to four days. I’d say 24 hours, maybe 30. I’m selling them for $350, maybe $400. I spread it out. I do it on my own time,” he explains.

He tends to be his own worst critic, although he admits there is pride in knowing someone appreciates his work.

“It feels good,” Sammy says. “I don’t think it’s all that great. I know I can do better. I could paint better . . . but it does feel good.”

While many of his carvings are life-sized, Sammy prefers to scale down larger fish, such as this marlin.

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EVERYTHING ELSE UNDER THE

Sun

Your list is on my list!

(Or 8 great lists that LOVE the OBX)

With all the Outer Banks has to offer, it’s no surprise we end up on the top of lists of all kinds, from the best vacation spots to the most dog-friendly beaches. These lists are always fun, and each source discovers a different nugget of our beach-y goodness. Since we all love a list, here is OUR list of the top online lists where the OBX tops the list!

By Dawn Church

Hidden Outer Banks is the lovechild of longtime local Dawn Church. She reminds locals and visitors alike to explore the rich history and local color that exists beyond the bright lights of the Bypass. Find HOBX at hiddenouterbanks.com and facebook.com/hiddenouterbanks.

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Coastal Living Ocracoke Island made its latest list of 21 Best Beaches (Shocker, NOT).

“Combine your sun and sand with arts and crafts on this funky island in the Outer Banks. The 16-mile-long beach stretches east toward Cape Hatteras, accessible via Highway 12 or, for those with a nose for adventure, by kayak along Pamlico Sound. Swimming, shelling, kite-flying, and wild-horse watching count among the beach activities.”

– Coastal Living

7

Dr. Beach

Dr. Beach (who is actually is a real-life scientist) releases a list of America’s Best Beaches on Memorial Day weekend. Since 1991 his ratings, created using 50 different criteria, have become a regular feature of morning TV shows, newspaper and magazine articles and, of course, the internet.

In 2015, Cape Hatteras was rated #5 out of 10, and the Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach has been a past winner.

6

Travel Channel

Cape Hatteras National Seashore made the Travel Channel’s list of Top 10 US Beaches.

“Stretching for 72 miles along the Atlantic coast on the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a skinny strip of barrier islands from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island. The beach’s hallmark high, sandy dunes front frothy surf perfect for swimming, beachcombing and bodysurfing. Visitors can climb up 248 steps to the top of the nation’s tallest lighthouse—towering at an impressive 196 feet—for a spectacular view of the seashore.”

– Travel Channel

5

Family Vacation Critic

Family Vacation Critic is a Trip Advisor company that helps parents find the best family destinations, accommodations and activities. On its list for 2016, you’ll find Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

“There’s a reason so many families head for the Outer Banks year after year, sporting OBX stickers on cars packed with beach gear and kids.

Many of them head for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 70-plus mile shoreline preserved by the National Park Service and widely known for its pristine beaches, water sports, boating tours, and vacation home rentals (more like mansions) galore.”

– Family Vacation Critic

4

USA Today

Heavy hitter USA Today asked its readers to choose their top 10 National Park Service beaches, and of course, Cape Hatteras National Seashore made #8 on this beautiful photo gallery list. “…America’s first national seashore offers 70 miles of sandy beaches running between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound.”

– USA Today

3

Destination Wedding Magazine

Destination Wedding created a great list exclaiming, “These are the Best Places to Get Married in Every Single State!” Both Hatteras Island and Corolla were chosen for their best Small Town Beach section.

“The Outer Banks town of Corolla Beach has multiple venue options, including the beach, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the century-old Corolla Chapel. Or head to Hatteras Island for a wedding at the Love Boat (rental home)—a soundproof event space with a pool, cabana and deck perfect for nuptials.”

– Destination Wedding Magazine

2

Bring Fido

Nags Head and Oregon Inlet’s 4WD beach both turned up on Bring Fido’s list of Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States. Bring Fido serves as a destination guide for the best hotels, dog parks, beaches, and restaurants that allow pets in the United States. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round in Nags Head, as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet.

“Dogs are very welcome (at Oregon Inlet)! There are no lifeguards on duty here.

Fish and Game and/or the Coast Guard make occasional sweeps of the beach. It is a very open atmosphere— beach goers are not squished together, so there is plenty of space for some off-leash fetch and swimming with your pooch! Make sure to bring your own fresh water as well since there is no shower/ spigot at this beach. Be sure to stay off the turtle nesting areas which are clearly marked and as always, pooper scoop after your pooch!”

– Bring Fido

1

U.S. News & World Report

Topping the list at #1, the Outer Banks rules the roost on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Family Vacations in the USA.

“History drips from the Outer Banks: Here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright took their famous first flight (at Kitty Hawk), the pirate Blackbeard fought his last battle (at Ocracoke) and the mysterious Lost Colony disappeared (where is anyone’s guess). But this chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina—affectionately dubbed OBX—isn’t just for history buffs.”

– U.S. News & World Report

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