North Beach Sun Real Estate Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

Life on Frying Pan Tower

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REAL ESTATE

Winter 2023

22

18

8

FROM THE DESK

11

BUT FIRST...

12

WINTER EVENTS CALENDAR

14

TOWN REPORT

16

BUSINESS BRIEFS

18

TOWN HOUSE The homely history of the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall

22

FAR OUT Life at sea on Frying Pan Tower

26

FOUR IF BY SEA #RetroChildhood

28

DESIGN SNAPSHOT By the fireside

34

30

SUN SALUTATIONS

34

FIVE FACTS The Elizabethan Gardens

ABOUT THE COVER: A full remodel in Duck transformed an exterior porch into a cozy family space with designs by Erin Handron. Photo courtesy of Michaela Kelly.

THIS PAGE: Images courtesy of Elizabeth Neal, FPTower.org, and The Elizabethan Gardens (top to bottom).

Parade of Homes

WINNERS Year after year!

SEVEN REASONS TO WORK WITH A REALTOR® Buying and selling a home can be stressful. You need an agent who is a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, by your side. Here’s why:

1 3 5 7

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP.

Real estate professionals have access to exclusive neighborhood and property information to make you a smarter buyer or seller.

NAVIGATE A COMPLEX PROCESS.

A real estate professional can guide you on forms, disclosures, and the lending process to help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

BE UP-TO-DATE.

You may have bought or sold a home before, but markets and transaction processes are always changing.

DO THE RIGHT THING.

2 4 6

SIMPLIFY YOUR SEARCH.

An agent can educate you on current market conditions and help you find homes that match your criteria using local broker marketplaces— known in the business as multiple listing services.

NEGOTIATE LIKE A PRO.

An agent has the expertise to negotiate terms, from price to repairs, on your behalf.

HAVE A TRUSTED ALLY.

Your agent can talk you through the pros and cons behind big decisions and share their network of trusted home inspectors, lenders, remodelers, and more.

Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® are bound by a strict Code of Ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection, and the golden rule.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND A REALTOR® IS REAL. realtor.com/thats-who-we-r

Visit: www.outerbanksrealtors.com to start your REALTOR® search TODAY! REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 7

F R OM THE DESK

staff PUBLISHERS Adam & Cathy Baldwin A scene from the Bonner Bridge Pier at Oregon Inlet. Photo courtesy of Robert Chestnut.

EDITOR Amelia Boldaji ART DIRECTOR Dave Rollins

The Space In-Between.

THERE’S A MOMENT RIGHT BEFORE THE START OF ANY PROJECT when it can be fairly easy to let doubt creep in. No matter how big or small the undertaking is – maybe you want to write a novel, or maybe you’d just be happy if all the clothes were folded for once – that final step up to the starting line is where many of us stumble. Before we even begin, we think our way too far into the future, then overcorrect and think, “Maybe I’ll just tackle that later….”

Beginnings aren’t just scary all on their own, though – it’s more about the weight we tend to give them.

And we often do a similar thing with endings, too. We have a hard time letting go, we memorialize, we second-guess our choices in light of crossing a threshold where we can’t turn back and simply erase them.

We stall, and think, “Maybe I’ll just wrap that up later….”

What we can lose sight of amid all this is not just that an intervening period exists between those two poles, or that it’s “easy” or even that it “counts the most” (the internet is full of various platitudes to this effect), but that, very practically speaking, an active middle stretch – the only part of a process we don’t seem to fear – is where we spend the vast majority of our time.

Think about this: On July 21, 1933, artist and conservationist Frank Stick published an article outlining his desire to form a protected seashore on the Outer Banks. Four years later, in 1937, President Roosevelt signed a bill authorizing the creation of what would become the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Due to numerous complications, however, the United States’ first national seashore wasn’t established until 1953.

But it didn’t quite end there either. Lacking much of the infrastructure necessary to fully support the park, the seashore wasn’t formally dedicated until 1958. And even that was somewhat symbolic since the majority of the park was largely inaccessible to the public until the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge became the first roadway to Hatteras Island in 1964.

It’s an extreme example, to be sure, but excluding even some of the events tied to that project, its opening bell rang nearly two decades before it became official. Frank Stick, who was unquestionably tied to the plan from start to finish, spent at least that long in the “middle” of his venture before he passed away in 1966.

If we strip away all our doubts and delays, our apprehensions over what comes next, and our vague notions that we might get around to whatever it is “later,” the truth is that we’re always in the middle of something – a small journaling exercise, perhaps, or a quick trip to the grocery store for some laundry detergent – and the idea that there’s a fixed beginning or an end to any of the varied projects we undertake over the course of our lives is mostly just that: an idea.

So, if you’re approaching this holiday season and the new year with a thought – however big or small – that you might like to try something new, do it. Be bold, and see what happens – you might just find that there was nothing to fear in the first place.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue!

CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Baldwin Dianne Beard Amelia Boldaji Robert Chestnut Cory Godwin Steve Hanf Catherine Kozak Amanda McDanel Elizabeth Neal Outer Banks History Center GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dylan Bush SALES MANAGER Helen Furr ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Faith Turek The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun. The views expressed in the articles contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or Access Media Group. The published material, advertisements, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Access Media Group and North Beach Sun cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by errors, omissions or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

NORTH BEACH SUN 115 West Meadowlark St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252.449.4444 editor@northbeachsun.com

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but first...

making waves

Hot to Trot ALTHOUGH IT WAS FORMED THOUSANDS OF

YEARS AGO, one of the first historical references to the East Coast’s largest living sand dune was a 1753 land grant dubbing it “Jockey’s Hill.” Accumulating plenty of colorful lore over the centuries since then (including an enduring legend that wedding bells are in store for single ladies who climb to the summit with a suitor), the origins of the dune’s original moniker still remain shrouded in mystery – though many believe it was inspired by an old local practice of rounding up wild ponies to race on the flat sound-side banks at the base of the ridge.

Ready, Set…Go!

A need for speed caught on in a big way in Manteo during the 1930s as hydroplane technology began to flourish – bolstered, at least in part, by innovative Outer Banks boatbuilders who were always up for a new challenge.

Despite a dip in popularity during World War II, the local craze for boat racing persisted well into the 1960s, particularly in Shallowbag Bay where area families gathered to cheer racers along an oval-shaped course established near the downtown Manteo waterfront (pictured here circa 1968, photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center).

WHILE MANTEO NATIVE George Washington Creef Jr. built and raced the

first speedboat in Dare County (the Dodger) during the 1920s, it was his son Herbert Augustus Creef who really brought home the trophies in the 1930s.

According to family descendant and historian LeVern Davis Parker, Herbert purchased two boats designed by Adolph and Arno Apel of Ventnor Boat Works in New Jersey – the Miss Manteo and the Miss Manteo II – both of which went on to set records and win acclaim across the Eastern Seaboard.

8 min, 35 sec 1936 The time it took Miss Manteo to complete the 7.5 mile course in the Pasquotank Cup Regatta’s Free-for-All, shortly after arriving on Roanoke Island in 1935.

53.7 mph The top speed for Miss Manteo when she placed second in Washington, D.C.’s 1935 President’s Cup Regatta – though the vessel reportedly clocked speeds as high as 63.6 miles per hour in hometown test runs.

The year in which the Apels unveiled a revolutionary three-point boat design, with the debut of Creef’s Miss Manteo II – which became the first modern three-point style vessel to win a sanctioned race in hydroplane history.

800

The point total earned

by Miss Manteo II at the 1936 President’s Cup Regatta, where its formidable 175-horsepower motor propelled it to first place in several races. The closest competitor’s score was 427.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 11

winter events 2023-2024

The Outer Banks is always full of fun things to do! Some of the following events were still being modified or added as of press time, so please don’t forget to check individual websites for the most current information.

WINTERLIGHTS PRESENTED BY SOUTHERN BANK November 17 – December 30 (selected dates) Stroll through an illuminated winter wonderland at The Elizabethan Gardens this holiday season. Check the website for dates and times. elizabethangardens.org

HANGIN’ WITH SANTA & KITES WITH LIGHTS November 24 – 25 Take the kids by Kitty Hawk Kites across from Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head on Friday or Saturday for pictures with Saint Nick. While you’re there, watch the night sky light up on Saturday as enormous kites with festive lights soar above Jockey’s Ridge. kittyhawk.com

8TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT VILLAGE November 24 Kick off the holidays at this craft market in beautiful Historic Corolla Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, too, so bring the little ones for a photo op! visitcurrituck.com

ICE SKATING IN HISTORIC COROLLA PARK November 24 – December 31 Skate into the season at the outdoor ice-skating rink in Historic Corolla Park between the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and the Currituck Maritime Museum. visitcurrituck.com

12 | W I N T ER 2023

WHALEHEAD’S CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR November 24 – December 16 (Fridays and Saturdays) Step back in time to the 1920s during this tour of the lushly decorated Whalehead mansion. Enjoy Christmas carols around the Steinway piano and a holiday treat at the conclusion of the tour. visitcurrituck.com

COROLLA VILLAGE CHRISTMAS November 24 – December 30 (Fridays and Saturdays) Historic Corolla Village transforms into a wonderland that delivers holiday season spirit. visitcurrituck.com

DOWDY PARK HOLIDAY FARMERS’ MARKET November 25, 30 & December 9

CHRISTMAS ON THE NORTH END December 1 – 2 On the first Friday and Saturday in December, costumed interpreters at Island Farm will share how Roanoke Island families celebrated the Christmas holiday in the mid-1800s. Guests will enjoy sweet treats, crafts and a visit from St. Nicholas.

WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY December 17

CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN MANTEO December 1 – 2

firstflight.org

obcinc.org

On Friday evening, watch the Grand Illumination in front of the historic Manteo courthouse, and then enjoy the Christmas parade through downtown Manteo on Saturday. manteonc.gov

CURRITUCK ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL December 2 – 3 Shop goods made by local artisans at this two-day craft festival held at the Currituck County High School. coinjockruritanclub.com

DUCK’S YULETIDE CELEBRATION December 2

This milestone will be celebrated at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the same place that first flight history was made.

MIDNIGHT MAGIC IN MANTEO December 31 Celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Manteo with fireworks, live music and family-friendly children’s activities. manteonc.gov

2024 WEDDING WEEKEND & EXPO March 2 Meet local wedding professionals, take a tour of venues and restaurants, and register to win wedding giveaways at this expo. obxwa.com

EASTERTIDE IN THE GARDENS March 30

Stock up on locally made Christmas gifts at this holiday market in Nags Head. Check the website for times.

The town of Duck invites everyone to “Keep the cheer here” by shopping and celebrating in Duck this holiday season.

Visit the website for current details regarding the annual Yuletide Celebration.

CURRISHUCK OYSTER FESTIVAL November 25

SOUNDSIDE HOLIDAY MARKET December 3, 10 & 17

Enjoy all-you-can eat steamed oysters, steamed crabs, local beer and wine, and live music from 11:30 – 4 p.m. at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg.

More than 50 artisans, food trucks, Santa and the Grinch will be on hand during this market at The Soundside event site in Nags Head.

Eat and drink your way through the Outer Banks by taking part in any number of delicious Taste of the Beach foodie events. Check out the website for an event schedule and tickets.

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS November 30 – December 31

WINGS OVER WATER WILDLIFE FESTIVAL December 8 – 10

LOST COLONY WINE FESTIVAL April 13

Start a new Outer Banks tradition by visiting these 12 festive pop-up bars, fully decked out in holiday cheer.

This encore session of the Wings Over Water Festival focuses primarily on migratory birds and waterfowl.

Sip, savor and support The Lost Colony during this wine festival at the Waterside Theater on Roanoke Island.

nagsheadnc.gov/dowdyparkevents

sanctuaryvineyards.com

12barsofchristmas.com

townofduck.com

soundsidemarket.com

wingsoverwater.org

Hop into the gardens for this Easterthemed event on the Great Lawn complete with egg hunting, contests, games and vendors. elizabethangardens.org

TASTE OF THE BEACH April 12 – 14

obxtasteofthebeach.com

tlcwinefest.com

s

Happy

Holidays!

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town report What’s happening in your town?

Here’s a report from all over the Outer Banks.

Currituck County A ribbon-cutting was held this past September at Currituck County’s new public works building. Located next to the county’s regional airport in Maple, the facility provides offices for public works staff, as well as maintenance and storage space. Garage bays are located on each end of the building, which also includes meeting rooms and a customer service area. In Currituck County, the public works department maintains 57 county buildings, numerous beach access ramps, walkways, and other infrastructure, and is responsible for managing services such as the county’s solid waste and recycling centers.

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Kill Devil Hills Southern Shores In response to a town council motion passed in February 2023, Southern Shores has relinquished its jurisdiction over 10 commercial Martin’s Point properties to Dare County. The properties were all fully developed at the time, and the owners of the commercial operations made no public objections to the change, which transferred authority over planning and zoning regulations from the town to the county.

According to Southern Shores Planning Board Chair John Finelli, the town maintained extraterritorial jurisdiction over the then-unzoned Martin's Point area when the town incorporated in 1979, though residential extraterritorial property was released from town oversight in 2001. As of September, the Dare County Planning Board voted to recommended approval of a new zone for Martin’s Point to the Dare County Board of Commissioners going forward.

Duck

Kitty Hawk

Construction of Duck’s Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project began in mid-October along an approximately quarter-mile stretch of land between the former Resort Realty building and Sunset Grille. The project was selected in late 2021 as one of about two dozen community proposals funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A new online tool that provides detailed property-level information about flood risk is now available in Kitty Hawk. As part of a partnership between the town and a floodplain management platform called Forerunner, the town says that the public resource makes it easier for residents to access relevant data and documents about properties in terms of flooding. The town has also suggested that Forerunner could help streamline the process for increasing discounts under the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System, which incentivizes higher standards of floodplain management.

According to information provided by the town, the project will include solutions such as near-shore sills and marsh restoration in an area that’s particularly vulnerable to flooding. Road elevation and stormwater management improvements will also be addressed within a 1,500-foot section of NC Highway 12 from Cook Drive to Barrier Island Station. While work is underway, daily lane closures along NC 12 should be anticipated until the project’s estimated completion date in May 2024.

14 | W I N T ER 2023

The web-based resource allows users to type an address and be taken to an aerial map of the property that can zoom in to show closer details. It also includes current information about a property’s value and flood elevation certificate, as well as flood zone designations, flood insurance, and the annual chance of flood-related hazards.

In a demonstration of Kill Devil Hills' continued support for affordable teachers’ workforce housing, the town’s board of commissioners has unanimously agreed to waive planning and development fees for a proposed expansion of the area’s existing Run Hill Ridge project. The motion approved waiving $72,331.80 for a site plan, building permit, and system development fees to construct a new Run Hill Ridge-located building with up to 10 more units.

The Dare Education Foundation (DEF) – a nonprofit that partnered with Dare County Schools to build the original three-building Run Hill Ridge complex in 2008 – is seeking the construction of a fourth building with both one- and two-bedroom units to meet the growing needs of the local workforce.

In July 2023, the Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment allowing $1 million of the county’s fund balance to be put toward the construction of additional teacher housing. The DEF is still working on details surrounding a Run Hill expansion, but the proposed project is not expected to require additional parking since the site was originally developed to accommodate four buildings.

Nags Head With the September approval of the Nags Head Board of Commissioners, 12 new license plate readers will be installed at town entrances in 2024. As part of a three-year, $151,8000 lease agreement with Atlanta, Georgia-based Flock Safety, the board revised its prior approval of a measure to buy the readers outright since leasing will allow for quicker camera equipment installation during the first year of the agreement.

According to information shared by Nags Head Police Chief Perry Hale, the technology – which is already used by Dare and Camden counties – can help police identify vehicles and share data with other law enforcement groups, as well as government and private entities

that contract with Flock Safety. The cameras will be placed on NC 12 at Whalebone Junction, Old Oregon Inlet Road at Gulf Stream Way, Old Oregon Inlet Road on the south end of Nags Head, and on the Nags Head side of the Washington Baum Bridge, with additional readers located at the NC 12 and Eighth Street intersection, and the intersection of Eighth Street and U.S. 158.

Manteo After much back-and-forth discussion with Dare County, the Manteo Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to reject the county’s request to hook a proposed 46-unit essential housing project up with the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Town commissioners and Mayor Bobby Owens were in agreement that Manteo residents are opposed to the project, saying it would overtax the sewer plant, and could create water quality issues in addition to increased traffic congestion.

Dare County Dare County officials say they did not request a provision in the recent NC budget bill that affects local towns’ abilities to regulate affordable housing developments if they’re utilizing the $35 million in state funds that was previously awarded to the county for that purpose. Per the provision, affordable housing projects using that allocation in Dare County would be exempt from certain zoning and other regulatory controls, unlike other types of property developments.

In response to strong public opposition to the provision during the Dare County Board of Commissioners’ October 2 meeting, the board created an affordable housing taskforce that includes representatives from each of the county’s municipalities. A few days later, the boards of all six Dare County towns signed on to take legal action against the state of NC, claiming that the provision is an unconstitutional restriction of their local control and authority.

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 15

business briefs COMPILED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ AK PH OTO BY CO RY G O DWI N

Homeowner Insurance Complications The NC Department of Insurance recently confirmed that Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company will not renew homeowner insurance policies for thousands of NC residents, which will affect more than 800 customers in Dare County alone.

Nationwide cited the impacts of weather disasters and economic pressures to explain the cuts. Data from a hurricane hazard assessment tool contributed to the company’s decision, according to their official statement, which added that “a measured view was taken to assess and rebalance its portfolio based on risk.” With 18 weather and climate-related incidents in 2022 totaling losses of $1 billion or more in the U.S., Nationwide’s move follows similar choices made by other insurance providers in California, Louisiana and Florida.

Policy holders with Nationwide have been advised to contact their insurance agents to check the status of their homeowners’ coverage. In some cases, the NC Insurance Underwriting Association’s Coastal Property Insurance Pool may be available for coastal property owners who are unable to find coverage in the standard market.

In another homeowners’ insurance matter, the NC Rate Bureau that represents insurance providers is seeking to raise the average statewide rate by 50.6% for dwelling policies, which covers nonowner-occupied properties with four units or less, including rentals. The NC Department of Insurance has scheduled a hearing on the proposed increase for April 8, 2024.

Assisted Living Director Honored Lindsay Potter, the executive director of the senior living facility Spring Arbor in Kill Devil Hills, was selected for the 2023 Community Leader Award on October 4 by the NC Assisted Living Association.

Potter, who is a registered nurse, has served as the center’s executive director for two years. “Lindsay is a leader who has positively impacted the lives of a great many seniors and their loved ones in NC,” said Spring Arbor President Greg Fox via a press release. “Lindsay truly embodies our mission to enable residents to live their life to the fullest.”

Grants Boost Range of Community Programs In September, the Outer Banks Community Foundation announced that enrichment grants totaling $94,873 were awarded to eight local nonprofits. Recipients include the Community Care Clinic of Dare, the Surf Pediatrics Foundation, the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, Dare to Care OBX Heart 16 | W I N T ER 2023

Health, the Outer Banks Forum, the Saving Lives Task Force, and the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.

Funds for each of the nonprofit organizations have been earmarked to support specific programs ranging from healthcare-related assistance to community concerts and even a new public playground.

An additional $40,000 was awarded to Interfaith Community Outreach for substance abuse prevention and recovery. Interfaith has collaborated with the Outer Banks Relief Foundation and the Dare County Health and Human Service Department to provide increased access to mental health services as part of a new program called Sound Minds.

New Head of Dare County Libraries After being promoted from library assistant to reference librarian in 2021, Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley has now been named the new Dare County Librarian.

Leenaarts Beasley’s appointment will allow her to fill the shoes of Jonathan Wark, who served as county librarian and director of the East Albemarle Regional Library System for 24 years until his retirement this past August.

Real Estate

market snapshot High mortgage rates and low inventory have impacted real estate sales nationwide, and the Outer Banks Association of Realtors’ (OBAR) September 2023 MLS Statistical Report indicates that the Outer Banks market has been similarly affected by the downturn.

Existing homes sales have mixed pictures across the Midwest, the Northeast, the South, and the West, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. The OBAR report added that “all four regions have recorded year-overyear declines in sales and inventory,” including a year-over-year decline of 9% in residential sales on the Outer Banks. Lot/land sales have also dipped locally by 31%, while commercial sales have reportedly fallen by 44%.

Total inventory on the Outer Banks has also decreased overall by 16%, with residential inventory down 4% and lot/land availability down 29%. While nearly all Outer Banks-area communities have experienced a decrease in year-to-date sales percentages from 2022 to 2023 – ranging from -23% (Currituck) to -56% (Ocracoke) – the OBAR report noted that two towns still retained positive median sales prices, including Kill Devil Hills (+10%, from $485,000 to $535,000) and Roanoke Island (+6%, from $450,000 to $475,000).

Leenaarts Beasley earned a master’s degree in library science from NC Central University in 2021, and she initially began her career with Dare County as a volunteer at the Kill Devil Hills Library in 2019. As part of her new responsibilities, she will serve as the administrative head of Dare County’s three library branches, and work closely with other members of the larger East Albemarle system, which includes libraries in Currituck, Camden and Pasquotank counties.

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TOWN

HOUSE Kill Devil Hills Town Hall is a welcoming place for many folks. You could say it's due to the fact that the place was once an actual home.

BY STEVE HANF

OFFICE BUILDINGS HAVE EARNED something of a bad rap over the years: Harsh fluorescent lighting.

Antiseptic rooms lacking personality. Cramped cubicles.

It’s little wonder, then, that many Kill Devil Hills officials take pleasure in their professional digs, which feature architectural comforts that defy more traditional administrative setups. But if their town hall headquarters feels homier than most, that’s largely because it is: Behind the building’s standard façade lies the not-so-secret resting place of an old residential beach house.

Housing multiple divisions, including the Kill Devil Hills’ police station and planning departments, there’s often no shortage of traffic in and out of the administrative hub located just south of Colington Road near the bypass. And although the structure’s shiny blue metal roof certainly stands out, the rest of its exterior is

18 | W I N T ER 2023

fairly nondescript – so when folks arrive for events like early voting, they almost never suspect that the west wing of the building is perhaps the Outer Banks’ most extreme recycling project.

One clue to its history is an aerial photograph that hangs on a second-floor wall. Dating back to the 1980s, it depicts a few modest cottages sprinkled directly east of the Wright Brothers National Memorial during an era when a growing population boom was fueling the demolition of older houses to make way for larger units – which, in turn, enticed some families to take advantage of tax credits by opting to donate their homes rather than tearing them down.

The town of Kill Devil Hills still utilizes a pair of those donated homes. The smaller of the two now sits nestled among a grove of live oaks beside the town dog park, and functions as the public services department. The larger crown jewel of the pair – and one of the cottages captured in the town’s historical photo display – is part of a more familiar structure across the street, which opened for administrative business in the fall of 1988 after undergoing a slow but steady trip eight-tenths of a mile west toward the sound.

“It would be almost impossible in today’s world to do what we did then,” remarks Kill Devil Hills Town

The west wing of town hall in Kill Devil Hills hasn’t completely shed its residential past. Photo by Elizabeth Neal.

Manager Debbie Diaz, whose nearly 40-year tenure with the town allowed her to witness the repurposed home’s transformation.

Since the original house was constructed on pilings, the town chose to keep them intact after the home was moved, and then built out the first-floor meeting space – visited by many during early voting periods – around them.

“They are perfectly in the way, and everybody wants to move them, but we cannot,” observes Town Clerk Michael O’Dell with a laugh.

The fact that those seemingly oddly placed columns were originally pilings is a detail that’s relatively easily overlooked – but a quick trip upstairs to the building’s renovated second floor is another matter entirely.

There’s a nook in one hallway for an icemaker.

The kitchen and its bathrooms are simply not typical cookie-cutter office fare. And the main high-ceilinged administrative conference room – which was once a residential great room – is possibly one of the most telling spaces of all with its wood-paneled walls, corner shelves, and built-in bookcases filled with leather-bound tomes.

“It can be a very imposing room,” Michael says of the space, which also includes a bricked-over fireplace that

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The main conference space in Kill Devil Hills Town Hall was once a family great room, and it still retains many of its ‘80s-style residential touches (top left, photo by Elizabeth Neal). A historical photograph depicts the home’s original location in the bottom righthand corner, circa 1980; in 1988, the house was moved from its oceanfront lot to its present spot on the west side of the bypass (middle, photo courtesy of Kill Devil Hills Town Hall). The top office space in the town hall’s west wing was originally an attic, and it now boasts a spectacular view of the nearby Wright Brothers Monument (bottom image, photo by Dave Rollins).

didn’t survive the move as well as officials initially hoped. “We’ve had people walk in and say, ‘I feel like there should be lit torches on the walls.’”

The mood lightens considerably as you traverse the home’s original hardwood floors from one room to the next. Debbie’s office – which used to be a master bedroom – is located just off the conference room, while Michael works out of a space that was once an oceanfront porch. Other former bedrooms are occupied weekly from nine to five by the town’s public information officer and the deputy town clerk.

One narrow stairway even leads up to an old attic that’s jokingly referred to as “the intern’s office.” The room’s low clearance comes with some When folks arrive perks, however, such as an unparalleled view of the for events like early Wright Brothers Monument right across the street. voting, they almost Moving from one wing to the other, it can be virtually impossible to tell that the town hall’s east never suspect that (which was built in 2003) and the repurposed the west wing of the wing west wing weren’t constructed at the same time. building is perhaps It’s all part of what the town officials call “visionary the Outer Banks’ planning,” which has been credited to numerous individuals, including those who were instrumental most extreme in purchasing the land town hall sits on to begin recycling project. with.

Known as the former “Baum tract,” the full 322-acre site was sold well below market value by former commissioner and mayor Diane Baum St. Clair during the early 1980s – and, in addition to the town’s administrative offices, that land continues to house important community infrastructure such as Dare County’s northern beach parks and recreation facilities and the First Flight school system.

“She sold the tract to the town for the interest of public use, but it was controversial,” explains Kill Devil Hills Planning Director Meredith Guns, who has been with the town since 1996. “When you read the [board meeting] minutes, the public comments were, ‘Why would you EVER need land there on the west side? No one will go there!’ It took leadership to buy the land and decide that this would end up being the center of town.”

And now, at the heart of it all, is a beloved beach house that – as Michael puts it – embodies the Outer Banks’ spirit of a “use what you’ve got” ethos.

“It has its squeaks and bumps, and doors that stick…and we value this structure tremendously,” he says. “It has character, and old house charm.”

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 21

Out to sea at the nearly 60-year-old Frying Pan Tower near Southport, NC. Photo courtesy of FPTower.org.

Frying Pan Tower soldiers on amidst efforts to preserve the former light station.

BY STEVE HANF

SEPARATED BY SOME 400 MILES and a nearendless stretch of waves, it’s not as though folks on the Outer Banks can really call the famed Frying Pan Tower a neighbor.

More often than not, though, the same winds that blast our local beaches during hurricane season have been there, done that, a day or two before at the old Coast Guard light station 32 miles off the North Carolina coast near Southport. And, in some very neighborly gestures over the past few years, several storm-battered American flags that once flew atop the tower have been sold at auctions to benefit those impacted by coastal storm damages.

About $10,000 was donated to the Red Cross after Hurricane Florence in 2018, and nearly $6,000 in aid went directly to Ocracoke following Dorian in 2019. The story of those wind-shredded flags being sent ashore to raise sizable funds for good causes was both unusual and heartwarming enough to garner national media attention “We’ve done that each hurricane,” says the tower’s executive director, Richard Neal. “Dorian didn’t hit us very much, but it really got you guys up there. So, when

our flag got torn up, we auctioned it off and sent [the proceeds] to families to help them rebuild.”

If it seems odd that people would pay money for a tattered flag they watched over a webcam during a hurricane, you’re not entirely wrong. Then again, what’s not a little odd about Frying Pan Tower? From its origins as a cutting-edge piece of navigational technology to its current-day second life as a volunteer getaway spot, the structure is a compellingly unique piece of maritime history.

From the 1700s onward, the Graveyard of the Atlantic claimed plenty of vessels in the shallows of Frying Pan Shoals – an area so treacherous and difficult to monitor that the United States Lighthouse Service stationed a lightship there for more than a century starting in 1860. By the mid-1900s, more cost-effective light towers had largely replaced lightvessels, however.

Modeled after Texas-style offshore oil drilling platforms, these stations – which were merged under U.S. Coast Guard supervision – included more permanent quarters for crews who operated the lights.

Frying Pan Shoals Light Station was one such post after the 80-foot-tall tower was installed in 1964, and it

remained operational until it was decommissioned in 2004. Though the Coast Guard considered dismantling the tower to create an artificial reef, it eventually went on the government auction block – which is where Richard Neal comes into the story.

A Charlotte resident, Richard’s winning bid of $85,000 made him the first private owner of the tower in 2010. After turning it into a bed and breakfast for a few years, he briefly considered selling the tower outright before eventually divesting his ownership interests in 2018 to create FPTower Inc. – a nonprofit organization with a mission that’s both simple and vast.

“Restore the tower. That’s pretty obvious,” Richard says as he ticks off several key points of the company’s mission statement. “We also want to protect mariners, the people out there in boats, free divers and scuba divers, and fishermen. We’ve seen boats catch on fire, or people have heart attacks [and] nearly drown, and we’ve been instrumental in saving a few lives, so I’m grateful for that.”

When it comes to the third part of the organization’s mission, simply tuning in to their undersea cameras makes things as clear as the tower’s surrounding waters.

CONTINUED>

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“Showing what’s going on under the ocean’s surface,” Richard explains enthusiastically. “There are all kinds of creatures down there. A barracuda’s next to a fish that’s next to a shark that’s next to a sea turtle – all within 10 feet of each other, and they’re not just going crazy eating each other.

They’re just living.”

But the last part of FPTower Inc.’s mission is perhaps the simplest one of all: to preserve.

“Let’s pass on this message and get involved,” Richard adds.

“I decided several years back that the best way to go forward was to give [the tower] away and have other people participate and enjoy it. And it’s been great. This is a crazy world we live in.

So, let’s learn more about it. Let’s take care of each other. Let’s do some research.”

Visitors arrive in small groups to fulfill this mission about every other week. While guests can elect to pay outright for an eco-tour adventure, many sign up as volunteers who provide a donation to cover expenses for things such as travel – which requires taking either a “There’s nothing boat or a helicopter ride – and like being on the then trade their individual ocean without labor for room and board being rocked once they’re onsite. and made sick."

From welding to electrical work, painting, sewing curtains -Richard Neal, and even cleaning or providing Executive Director expertise as a project manager, volunteers can do a bit of everything since it truly takes a village to keep the 5,000-square-foot living area shipshape – particularly with its communally shared kitchen, dining, and common rooms, plus its eight bedrooms situated 135 feet above the ever-rolling Atlantic.

No matter what, though, plenty of time remains for everyone to soak up the stunning sunsets and the starsplattered sky.

“There’s nothing like being on the ocean without being rocked and made sick,” Richard says with a laugh. “You can’t see any lights on land at that point. You may or may not see any ships. It’s just you and the wind and the fish and the birds.”

Guests range in age from mid 20s to upper 70s. The adventurers are everyday folks – teachers, retired firefighters, grandmothers. Richard estimates that visitors track about 55 percent male, with some families opting for a trip to Frying Pan Tower in lieu of a more conventional excursion to places such as Disneyland or Las Vegas.

“We don’t have any dancers here, though,” Richard jokes about the latter option.

He notes that about a dozen people from the Outer Banks and Hampton Roads have made the trek out there over the past 10 years. But they also come from all around the globe: Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Germany, and Canada. Earlier this summer, they even had their first visitor from India.

“How do they find out about us? I don’t know,” Richard admits. “Mostly, they just show up.”

Pictured here, from top to bottom: Divers explore the waters surrounding Frying Pan Tower, which is located 32 miles off the coast of NC; A solar-powered recreational room offers tower visitors a place to relax; Visitors who arrive by boat are greeted by a sign for the tower on the southside of the structure (bottom left); A group of volunteers contribute to their stay by tackling a tower painting project (bottom right). Photos courtesy of FPTower.org.

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 25

F OU R IF BY SEA

#RetroChildhood

By Amanda McDanel

IF YOU’VE EVER SEEN ME ONLINE, then you likely know that my favorite hashtag is #retrochildhood – not only because I enjoy reminiscing about my own childhood (shout out to Xennials ‘77-83), but also because I’ve taken it upon myself to educate my daughters using many of the same principles I was parented with. Don’t eat any berries or mushrooms you find in the woods. Come home when the streetlights turn on. If you’re bored, let’s find you something to do.

In my personal experience, this type of parental instruction has manifested in three ways: through sharing childhood toys, foods, and descriptive memories.

Toys are a given, since we’re often drawn to the things we played with during our formative years. From the debut of Barbie in the 1950s and G.I. Joe in the 1960s to 1990s' Tamagotchis, every generation has an affinity for the toys we played with as kids. And, as all great trends do, what goes around, comes around – as evidenced by today’s resurgence of classic toy lines in 2.0 versions. With reimagined figurines, animation series, and full-fledged blockbuster films, we can’t seem to get enough of Trolls, Legos, and Transformers. I even bought my husband a Green Machine one Father’s Day so he could skid his way back to the good ol’ days.

The flavor of nostalgia rings sweet – even if the actual taste of a thing doesn’t. One bite of a McDonalds’ hotcake can evoke Saturday mornings spent trying not to puncture a Styrofoam to-go container before whirling your guts out on a metal merry-go-round, while Friday nights will always smell a bit like Blockbuster and taste like canned Planters Cheez Balls. Even my grandfather’s guilty pleasure of snacking on orange circus peanuts will forever make that marshmallow scent irresistible – although the actual indulgence may be mixed with a little revulsion.

My favorite way to indulge/placate/torture my own children is by diving deep into my childhood memories, and recreating them as accurately as I can. During my younger years I LIVED for a visit to Virginia’s Lakeside Amusement Park, a small site featuring a wooden roller coaster, paddle boats, and bumper cars. And a road trip south was never complete without a visit to Wet ‘n Wild, where you could spend countless hours cycling through the park’s five waterslides until your nose and the backs of your thighs were burned to a crisp. Though small in footprint, those parks were larger than life to a little girl who just wanted to expend energy while chasing a cotton candy-fueled high.

Sadly, outings like those have been the hardest to replicate for my daughters here on the Outer Banks – though it’s not because those types of childhood refuges never existed here.

In years past, Nags Head was the place to be for younger set, and at its center was Dowdy’s Amusement Park. Situated on a plot of land that now hosts a similarly named community recreational area, the original amusement park first opened in the 1960s featuring a carousel, go-karts and various rides such as a Tilt-a-Whirl, the Scrambler, and a small roller coaster named the Tornado.

The site’s pièce de resistance was a Ferris wheel that offered a glimpse of the ocean once you reached the top, while the park’s grounds were dotted with an arcade, ticket booths, midway games, and snack shops. Beneath a twinkle of lights on muggy summer evenings you could hear the delighted screams of children being flung around in circles as you inhaled the aroma of fresh popcorn mixed with hints of diesel fumes and salt air. On a visit to a local salon many years ago, I even remember seeing a bridal party getting their hair done for a Halloween Eve wedding at the iconic park shortly before the family-owned operation closed down for good in 2005.

Nearby stood Diamond Shoals Family Fun Park – located where the Kill Devil Hills Harris Teeter now stands – and I swear you can still hear the echoes of baseball bats cracking in batting cages, the triumphant cheers of mini-golfers scoring a hole in one, and the shrieks of waterslide-induced wedgies. A little farther south stood the older Surf Slide, which boasted four parallel waterslides along with a simple selection of games that provided much-needed respite from jellyfish or rough tides for kids from all over.

Waterfall Park in Rodanthe. Nags Head’s long defunct Funland. Surf Slide.

Diamond Shoals. Dowdy’s. In retrospect, they were all a bit homespun, with an old school rough-around-the-edges quality, but that only added to their allure. From funnel cakes to fast tracks, first kisses to eventual marriages, these parks solidified thousands of precious childhood memories, and helped numerous generations grow up with a sense of wild abandon.

And isn’t that the pure definition of #retrochildhood? While we appreciate safe, modern amusement parks, the secure tethers of a professional rock wall, and the all-weather-friendly confines of movie theaters and UV-hued laser tag courses, isn’t it time for some of the more vintage activities to come back around? Batting cages.

Sliding boards. Treehouses. Unplugged enthusiasm.

Sometimes progress doesn’t have to dictate exactly what sorts of entertainment we offer – or at least encourage – our kids to try today. But don’t just take my word for it. Next time you see a child on a Ferris wheel, take a minute to notice the way their eyes light up – that’s retro fun at its finest.

Prior to its demolition, the Surf Slide in Nags Head was under the careful watch of King Neptune. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 27

D E SI GN S NAPSHOT WHAT GOES IN TO INTERIOR DESIGN when the

blank spaces of a project aren’t exactly blank? For Erin Handron of Surfside Home Co., the opportunity to reimagine an exterior porch as an enclosed great room – in a year-round family home, no less – was a welcome full remodel challenge. And when it came down to the finishing touches, incorporating a variety of thoughtfully selected elements that represented her clients’ values and tastes – while also highlighting items the family already owned – Erin was able to create a comfortable open-area space that’s both functional and fabulous.

White Oak Details There’s a reason why white oak was once used almost exclusively for shipbuilding. This dense, durable wood not only looks attractive, it also stands the test of time – making it ideal for flooring, and, in this case, adding an unexpected touch to the ceiling that puts traditional drywall to shame. For a subtle tie-in, this cool-toned wood was also used to fashion the room’s locally crafted mantlepiece and a double set of floating shelves in the nearby kitchen.

Low-Slung Leather Couches With the goal of encouraging a sense of relaxed comfort, many of the furnishings were kept fairly low-profile in order to amplify the open floorplan and set the stage for informal social activities. A pair of cozy NC-crafted leather couches cements this aesthetic by establishing a central gathering point that doesn’t feel cut off from the room’s adjoining areas – and they earn extra points for providing the best fireside seats in the house.

Woven Rope Chandelier While nautically inspired décor is common on the Outer Banks, keeping that motif fresh isn’t necessarily easy – which is why savvy designers like Erin tend to think outside the box with items like this room’s distinctive chandelier. In addition to being an exquisite – and essential – lighting fixture, the chandelier’s soft circular shape and texturally rustic fibers suggest a hint of coastal flair without going completely overboard.

By the Fireside Compiled by Amelia Boldaji / Photo courtesy of Michaela Kelly

2 8 | W I N T ER 2023

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sun salutations Beach Realty & Construction Beach Realty Recognizes Top Q3 Producers Beach Realty & Construction announces that Jackson Dixon, Nancy Bailey, and Joanne Kepler are the top-producing agents for the third quarter of 2023. All three agents are longtime Beach Realty brokers with the combined experience of more than 70 years in the business. “Nothing trumps experience in this business,” says Beach Realty Sales Manager Beth Urch. “These three agents have seen several market fluctuations and changing industry trends during their careers. Through it all, they learn and adapt, and focus on providing top-notch customer service for their clients.”

Beach Realty & Construction is a full-service real estate company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals and new construction and remodeling. For more information, contact salesteam@beachrealtync.com.

Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales Catherine Strachan and Edith Rowe Named the Top Two Year-to-Date Sales Agents An Outer Banks resident since 1988, Catherine Strachan has been a fulltime broker and realtor for 17 years. She’s passionate about her job, working diligently to see that all her clients are satisfied whether they’re buying or selling. Contact Catherine at (252) 489-9540 or obxproperty@gmail.com.

Edith Rowe has won the Top Sales Agent Award based on closed sales volume for the past six years.

She holds a broker’s license and has been in sales on the Outer Banks since 2000. She brings to the table a degree of sales acumen and a familiarity with the area found in few agents. Contact Edith at (252) 202-6165 or at edithroweobx@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Brook Sparks Named Top Q3 Listing Agent Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is pleased to announce that Brook Sparks in the company’s top listing agent for the third quarter based on listings from January 1 through September 30, 2023. “Brook made the transaction seamless. She is professional and personable. She was able to answer questions and resolve any issues along the way,” said a recent five-star review. Brook can be reached at (252) 619-7082 or brooksparks@cbseaside.com.

3 0 | W I N T ER 2023

VanderMyde Group Named the Firm’s Top-Producing Team Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is pleased to announce that the VanderMyde Group is the firm’s top-producing team in listings, sales volume and units based on production from January 1 through September 30. “I discussed the sale of my home with four agents before choosing Heather Vandermyde and her team. Heather is a calm presence in a highly competitive field, and her years of experience are a valuable asset to any seller. She has my highest recommendation,” said a recent five-star review. Team leader Heather VanderMyde can be reached at (252) 202-2375 or hvandermyde@gmail.com.

The Sandman Team Named the Top-Producing Team in Kitty Hawk John Leatherwood, along with team members Lisa Walters and Debbie Knieper, have once again been named the top-producing team at the firm’s Kitty Hawk office based on closed sales volume for January 1 through September 30. “John Leatherwood was an excellent agent for us. He gave us great advice throughout the process of selling our home. He is always extremely responsive and very knowledgeable,” said a recent five-star review. Team leader John Leatherwood can be reached at (252) 202-3834 or john@sandmanteamobx.com.

Sunny Berle Named the Q3 Top-Producing Agent Sunny Berle has earned the Top-Producing Agent Award for the firm, leading in both sales volume and units based on closed production from January 1 through September 30, 2023. Sunny can be reached at (813) 480-0445 or sunny.berle@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Welcomes New Agents Courtney Brown and Bill Albertson Courtney Brown has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty in the firm’s Kitty Hawk location. An experienced agent from northern Virginia, Courtney relocated to the Outer Banks several years ago. She is passionate about marketing and understands the pivotal role of a strong social media presence in today’s digital world. Emphasizing video-first marketing, she leverages her expertise to ensure that your property leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers. Courtney can be reached at (703) 581-8110 or courtney@brownteamsells.com.

Bill Albertson has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty in the firm’s Kill Devil Hills location. After being longtime vacationers, Bill and his family relocated from Pennsylvania to Nags Head. “My mission is to demonstrate the highest level of integrity and commitment to every client I work with, educating them on their journey toward purchasing their dream home and creating friendships along the way,” says Bill. Bill can be reached at (252) 489-6957 or balbertson@cbseaside.com.

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Sun Realty Joe Lamb, Jr. and Associates Joe Lamb, Jr. Recognizes Agents Shelley O’Grady and Bobby Williams Outer Banks native Shelley O’Grady has more than a decade of real estate experience. With a focus on exceptional service and communication, she’s dedicated to helping clients achieve their buying or selling goals. Contact Shelley at shelley@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721.

With more than 40 years of Outer Banks experience, Bobby is your go-to expert for buying or selling property. His deep knowledge, transparency and strong negotiation skills ensure a seamless real estate experience. Contact Bobby at bwilliams@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721.

Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty Brad Beacham Continues to be an Outer Banks Top Performer Brad Beacham has continued to be one of the top producers in the Outer Banks real estate market in 2023. With 22 years serving area buyers and sellers, Brad combines his experience and local knowledge as he works to help each and every client achieve their goals. Contact Brad today at (252) 202-6920 or brad@bradbeacham.com.

Melanie Day is a Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty Top Producer Experienced, passionate and dedicated, Melanie Day is a top Outer Banks realtor with sales of more than $128 million since 2021. Melanie continues building upon her 20 years of experience to help clients achieve their goals of buying and selling homes on the Outer Banks. Contact Melanie today at (252) 207-6138 or melanie@melanieday.com.

The OBX Homes Team Continues to Have Strong Sales The OBX Homes Team had a strong first year with Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty in the company’s new Duck office. Since the beginning of 2021, the OBX Homes Team – led by broker-in-charge Heather McLay and assisted by Mandi Jones – has generated more than $162 million in sales. Serving the Outer Banks since 1996, this dynamic team offers buyers and sellers top-notch customer service. They can be contacted at team@obxhomes.com or (252) 202-3409.

Southern Shores Realty Mike Ross Named October 2023 Agent of the Month Mike Ross has excelled in real estate on the Outer Banks since 1987. If you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling a home, let Mike Ross help. Mike can be reached at (252) 261-2000.

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Sun Realty Announces Agents of the Month for July, August, and September Sun Realty’s top sales agent for July was Michael Davenport. A longtime resident with more than 35 years of real estate experience, Michael is very knowledgeable about the Outer Banks market.

With consistently high sales volumes year after year, Michael upholds an impeccable standard of service and professionalism as designated by the code of ethics set by the National Association of Realtors.

Michael can be reached at the Kill Devil Hills office or by calling (252) 202-6113.

For August, Joe Staten took top honors as Sun Realty’s Agent of the Month. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Joe fell in love with the beauty of the Outer Banks and was determined to call it home. His experience with residential and commercial properties sets him apart from other brokers, which gives his clients an advantage whether they’re buying, selling or leasing. Joe can be reached at the Duck office or by calling (252) 261-4183.

Rounding out this quarter, Karen Etheridge earned Sun Realty’s Agent of the Month award for September. Karen is a senior associate broker with more than 30 years of real estate experience, and has been with Sun Realty since 1992. Karen is a graduate of the Realtor Institute and also holds an Accredited Buyer Representation designation. Her personal philosophy is simple: “I treat customers the way I want to be treated.” You can find Karen at the Kitty Hawk office or by calling (252) 202-3073.

Twiddy & Company Premier Sales Rob Ladd Celebrates a Milestone Year with Twiddy Rob Ladd, broker-in-charge of Twiddy & Company’s Duck sales office, is celebrating his 25th anniversary with Twiddy this year. Twiddy Premier Sales would like to thank Rob for his dedication to the firm, and, most importantly, to his clients over his tenured real estate career. Contact Rob at (252) 202-8311 or rladd@twiddy.com.

Jason Summerton Sales Top $21.5 Million in 2023 As Twiddy’s number one agent in the 4x4 beaches, Jason’s determination, coupled with his 18 years of experience, make him an expert choice for any potential client. Twiddy Premier Sales congratulates Jason on more than $21.5 million in sales this year alone. Contact Jason at (252)202-0105 or jasonsummerton@twiddy.com.

Twiddy Premier Sales Recognizes Ashley Ladd With a family steeped in local Outer Banks real estate, Ashley has an unparalleled understanding of the area, and she’s an excellent advocate for her clients because she enjoys helping others realize their goals. Contact Ashley at aladd@twiddy.com or (919) 592-7346.

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The Elizabethan Gardens

By Dianne Beard

FROM A SMALL SEED

of original inspiration more than 70 years ago to The Elizabethan Garden’s welcoming wroughtiron Great Gate – which once guarded the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. – the stories behind numerous elements of the Outer Banks’ most ambitiously cultivated plot of land are almost as varied as the plant specimens it contains.

Situated on a sprawling 10 acres along the sound-side north end of Roanoke Island, The Elizabethan Gardens changes with the seasons just like any coastal resident must – whether that means being decked out with frosty Christmas lights or a springtime bonanza of tender new buds. But no matter what time of year it is, the gardens are always quietly inviting to visitors both big and small, animal or insect…and even some favorite four-legged companions, too.

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Photo courtesy of The Elizabethan Gardens.

Humble Beginnings

During a showing of The Lost Colony in 1950, four ladies came up with an idea to memorialize the area’s early English settlement attempts by constructing a modest two-acre garden with vegetables, grains and other colonial-era staples. After the Garden Club of NC agreed to sponsor the undertaking, a chance connection with the landscape firm of Innocenti & Webel resulted in the donation of some valuable statuary that had been previously destined for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The gift completely transformed the site’s original concept into something much more elaborate, and after seven years of construction, The Elizabethan Gardens opened its doors on August 18, 1960 – a day which also marked the birth of New World-born Virginia Dare 373 years earlier.

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Flowers and Felines

In addition to hosting dozens of seasonal flowers such as azaleas and hydrangeas, the gardens also feature one of the internationally finest collections of camellias.

Sometimes referred to as the South’s “winter rose,” camellias are particularly well-suited to the Outer Banks’ acidic soil and mild winters, and they’re surprisingly easy to hybridize in order to create a variety of blooms in all shapes, sizes and hues.

Thanks to the talents of staff horticulturists, The Elizabethan Gardens currently boasts more than 120 novel cultivars, 90 percent of which are unique to the site. But the most beloved version of the gardens’ collection is a cat named Camellia, who stole the hearts of staff and guests alike when she wandered onto the grounds a decade ago.

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Acorns to Oaks

Blossoms aside, the gardens are also home to a magnificent array of oaks, including about two dozen specimens that are more than 180 years old. One of the site’s most ancient examples is located in a protected area near the butterfly garden, and it’s estimated to be approximately 500 years old – meaning that it would have been a mere sapling when the gardens’ namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, took the throne in 1559. Measuring 13 feet in diameter, the oak has

miraculously survived centuries of powerful local storms, but a bout with Hurricane Donna in 1960 almost proved fatal. Thanks to a prompt $600 donation and the heroic interventions of a skilled University of NC horticulturist, however, the tree was saved in the nick of time.

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Fit for a Queen

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Native Roots

Within a few hundred feet of the gardens’ entrance stands a perhaps surprising record holder: The world’s tallest sculpture of Queen Elizabeth I. The nine-foot-tall bronze figure was created by renowned artist Jon Hair, whose resume includes a six-year stint as the official sculptor of the U.S. Olympic Committee. After conducting a massive search for his commission’s perfect model, Hair selected Barbara Hird, a Manteo resident who played Queen Elizabeth I in The Lost Colony from 1986 to 1996. In 2004, Hair met with the actress to take 380-degree photographs of her using specialized camera equipment before getting started on his masterpiece. The work took about 18 months to complete, and the likeness was unveiled in May 2006 to a crowd of 200-plus visitors.

This past spring, the nonprofit First Colony Foundation made a fascinating archeological discovery in the gardens. With the aid of groundpenetrating radar, experts believe they’ve finally located a Native American Algonquian village known as Roanoac, which is also thought to be the site of first contact between the island’s indigenous tribes and the first group of English colonists sent by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584.

Subsequent diggings unearthed an even more significant find: a small copper ring buried three feet underground.

According to the First Colony Foundation, copper was an extremely rare commodity in the region, so the prized metal – which was often awarded to native warriors for exceptional acts of valor – was almost certainly acquired from a colonist as an Elizabethan-era trade good.

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