North Beach Sun Winter 2023 by North Beach Sun

FREE! Winter 2023 • volume 146

Photographers capture unposed Outer Banks experiences N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 1

2 | W I N T ER 2023

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Winter 2023

FROM THE DESK

BUT FIRST...

WINTER EVENTS CALENDAR

THE STRONGEST LINK Jewelry maker Carson Davis

JUMPING AT THE CHANCE Local skydivers take the plunge over Antarctica

DREAMS OF FLYING MACHINES A bold new course for First Flight high schoolers

STOLEN MOMENTS Capturing unposed Outer Banks experiences

FAR OUT Life at sea on Frying Pan Tower

FOUR IF BY SEA #RetroChildhood

BEYOND THE BIRD Elevating turkey leftovers

TOWN REPORT

BUSINESS BRIEFS

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

DESIGN SNAPSHOT By the fireside

SUN SALUTATIONS

FIVE FACTS The Elizabethan Gardens

ABOUT THE COVER: Perspective is everything when it comes to capturing life in motion. Photo by Elizabeth Neal. THIS PAGE: Images courtesy of Jenni Koontz, Ryan Moser, Elizabeth Neal, and The Elizabethan Gardens (top to bottom).

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F R OM THE DESK

staff staff PUBLISHERS Adam & Cathy Baldwin

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

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!

EDITOR ART DIRECTOR Amelia Boldaji Dave Rollins ART DIRECTOR WRITERS Dave Rollins Cathy Baldwin • Dianne Beard EmmyCONTRIBUTORS Benton • Amelia Boldaji Steve Hanf • Catherine Cathy Baldwin Kozak Amanda DianneMcDanel Beard

Amelia Boldaji PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Chestnut Lauren Nassetta Bell Cory Godwin Robert Chestnut • Cory Godwin Steve Hanf Jenni Koontz • Ryan Moser Catherine Kozak Elizabeth Neal • Peter Stout Amanda McDanel Outer Banks History Center Elizabeth Neal Outer Banks Center GRAPHIC History DESIGNER Dylan Bush GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dylan Bush SALES MANAGER Helen Furr SALES MANAGER HelenEXECUTIVE Furr ACCOUNT Faith Turek ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Faith Turek DISTRIBUTOR Clint Trice The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun. The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by The views expressed in the articles contained herein Access Media Group. All works contained herein are do notthe necessarily refl ect the views of the publisher, property of the North Beach Sun. editor or Access Media Group. The published Thematerial, views expressed in the articles contained herein advertisements, editorials and all other docontent not necessarily reflect the views the publisher, is published in good faith.ofAccess Media editor or North AccessBeach MediaSun Group. Theguarantee publishedand Group and cannot material, advertisements, and all other accepts no liability for anyeditorials loss or damage of any content is published good faith. Media of kind caused by errors,inomissions or Access the accuracy Group and North cannot guarantee and claimsBeach madeSun by advertisers. 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

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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

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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

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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

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Shop local and Keep the Cheer here! Arrive early to stroll around the village. Our shops and restaurants are open and have something for everyone on your list.

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 13

The winding path of life has led jewelry maker Carson Davis right where she wants to be.

The

Strongest

Link BY AMELIA BOLDAJI

14 | W I N T ER 2023

THERE’S A PRECISE COMBINATION of two things Carson Davis will always swear by: fried chicken and energy drinks. That doesn’t mean she thinks her dietary choices are terribly healthy in the long term, but she does believe that taking deep pleasure in something – anything, really – can be similarly banal and equally transcendent. It simply depends on how much enjoyment you want to get out of your life. “Life isn’t an if/then proposition. That’s just not how it works,” Carson says as she describes a turning point during her brief tenure as an environmental engineering student at North Carolina State University. “You really have to take a conscious step in a joyful direction.” Carson is a bit of an expert on this subject. After the Roanoke Island native realized that a path in traditional academia wasn’t for her, she zigzagged her way through several other options. There was a sailing trip from Virginia to the Bahamas with a Facebook executive and a French sea captain, which gave way to a season dancing with The Lost Colony as the New World’s first ever hula-hooper. She even wrote a book of poetry (that she’d prefer now to forget), took up fire breathing, and enrolled in an associate’s degree program at Manteo’s College of the Albemarle. “It’s never a straight line,” Carson says with a laugh. “I wake up every day expecting to be surprised by something.” Needing a couple of art classes to fulfill her degree, Carson soon found herself studying two- and three-dimensional design – the latter of which involved making an item for the

Carson Davis is a force of nature in her Wanchese studio (pictured left, photo by Ryan Moser). Carson’s eclectic designs incorporate everything from jeweled settings to vibrantly patinaed metals (bottom left and middle, photos courtesy of Carson Davis). With a steady hand, Carson cuts a precise metal shape for her next wearable creation (bottom far right, photo by Ryan Moser).

community college’s annual fashion show. After a fair amount of procrastination, Carson landed on the idea of assembling a full-sized umbrella. The only catch was that she wanted to make it entirely out of reading glasses. Armed with $300 worth of dollar store eyewear, it took Carson seven months to construct her signature piece – utilizing eyeglass lenses to form most of the umbrella’s convex canopy – and besides her sense of satisfaction with the final result, she learned something entirely more valuable along the way: She had found her thing. “I’ve always been weird on the inside,” Carson says not-quite-jokingly as she describes the fabrication techniques she began perfecting with that assignment. “And I remember thinking, ‘This is it – this is the tank I want to sit in.’ It was a lightning bolt moment.” These wonderfully Her initial jewelry class came next – even after ridiculous she accidently lopped adventures just off one of her fingertips seem to fall into my with a hatchet two nights before the semester began lap, and I’m always (“That wasn’t the perfect day,” Carson acknowledges open to them. dryly) – and the rest was pure momentum. She pieced together a functional studio, gave birth to her daughter, and started tinkering with various approaches to metalwork until she developed an original method for producing vibrantly colored heat patinas on the surface of her wearable creations. And then Hollywood came calling. After an industry insider saw some of Carson’s jewelry online at the beginning of 2020, an invitation to a pre-Oscars showcase had Carson packing her bags for Los Angeles – even though that meant turning her then virtually nonexistent inventory into a nearly 100-piece collection over a span of 12 days first. While her designs were an instant hit with the West Coast set – and she was beyond grateful for the somewhat head-spinning opportunity – Carson largely took the celebrity event in stride. “These wonderfully ridiculous adventures just seem to fall into my

lap, and I’m always open to them,” she explains. “But I also know that’s not going to be the climax of my story.” With someone less curious about the world and its nearinfinite possibilities, a declaration like that could be dismissed as bravado. Carson’s not so easily characterized, though. In addition to making jewelry, her lifelong passions include dance (she still moonlights as a hip-hop instructor at the Island School of Dance in Nags Head), statistics tutoring, and being on the lookout for unexpected palindromes everywhere she goes. She’s also a consummate storyteller who comes from a family of Outer Banks boatbuilders and fishermen, and she can deploy a wicked sense of humor that’s refreshingly unfiltered. It might, actually, be easier to explain the name of her jewelry business, Dvandva Designs. In Sanskrit, the word dvandva literally translates to “pair,” but in practice there’s a little more nuance to it. As a noun, a dvandva is a particular group of compound words in which the two parts contribute equally to the creation of a larger meaning. “Grandmother” is a very simple example of a dvandva, as is the word “bittersweet.” These linguistic oddities fit right in with Carson’s tactile approach to the art of jewelry making, which often draws on techniques that have been around for millennia. From her natural eye for stone-setting and her fascination with mixed metals to her work with custom commissions and repairs, Carson tries not to pigeonhole her talents – and she’s keenly aware of the sentimental side of her profession. This is perhaps particularly true when it comes to Carson’s permanent jewelry, which involves welding an item – typically a necklace or a bracelet – onto an individual with the expectation that they’re unlikely to remove it. Carson usually provides this service by special group request or during scheduled pop-ups at local boutiques – but no matter what the circumstances are, she’s frequently struck by the number of people who seek her out because of how symbolic the experience feels when it’s shared with close friends or romantic partners. “I don’t really know why I’m so driven to work with metal – or even where the human desire to adorn our bodies comes from,” she adds thoughtfully. “But I think jewelry will always transcend time because it’s a physical representation of the bonds that exist between us.”

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 15

Jumping at the

A skydiver prepares for landing near Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions' extensive tent city during the southernmost continent’s icy summer season. Photo courtesy of Sue Flood.

16 | W I N T ER 2023

Chance For local skydivers Sven Jseppi and Heather McLay, the opportunity to trade warm tropical skies for chilly antarctic ones was too good to pass up. BY STEVE HANF

hen it comes to bucket list items, skydiving is a pretty common adventure people want to check off. For the slightly more ambitious, visiting all seven continents definitely ups the ante. In Skydive OBX owner Sven Jseppi’s case, combining his professional sport with a trip to the world’s most remote continent was a no-brainer. “That was on my bucket list, absolutely!” he exclaims. Sven loved his first experience skydiving in the extremes of Antarctica so much, in fact, that he went back for a second year in a row last winter, and he’s planning a third straight trek in December 2023. He was a tourist during his initial voyage to the southernmost continent, but now he’s part of a crew that helps others navigate a journey that – for most – is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s just the vastness of the landscape…there’s no civilization, there’s nothing, as far as you can see,” Sven explains of Antarctica’s allure. “It’s just mountains and snow, and it’s breathtaking.” Inside Skydive OBX’s headquarters at the Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, a massive world map fills one wall from counter to ceiling. There are few places on that map where Sven hasn’t jumped over the course of an 18-year career that’s allowed him to amass a mind-boggling 17,000-plus skydives. Certificates, photos, magazine covers, and other memorabilia plaster the building’s opposite wall. Some items, such as the slip of paper commemorating his first-ever jump, have faded with age. But a pair of more recent credentials proclaim the following for Sven and his wife, Heather McLay: Certificate of Achievement, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, Dec. 17, 2021. “The concept of not only going to Antarctica, but also getting to jump there, that was the most powerful thing,” Sven says. “Only about 25 to 30 people have ever done that.” It all started a few years ago when the couple was discussing plans for Sven’s 40th birthday celebration. When he mentioned Antarctica, Heather was a bit surprised – normally, they enjoyed getaways in tropical climates like Bora Bora – but the details quickly won her over. In addition to the fact that they could both skydive, the trip would also be her first chance to step foot on her seventh continent. Sven contacted Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), a private, Utah-based company known for arranging various outdoor adventures from November through January during the glacial southern hemisphere’s summer season. When Sven signed up, he described his extensive skydiving background, and was told that two staff instructors would also be on hand during the trip to perform tandem jumps and help with other organizational matters. That number boiled down to zero by the time Sven, Heather, and a handful of others were ready to embark on the December 2021 trip. One instructor passed away in October, while the other tested positive for Covid-19 a day before the group’s scheduled flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica. The company called Sven to explain the bad news and ask if he and Heather still wanted to come, but there was no question in the couple’s minds about finishing their journey. Their first day in Antarctica was filled with great meals and settling into the company’s comfortable tent city located approximately 700 miles from the South Pole – which operates in 24-hour daylight during the region’s summer months. The next nine days were either too snowy, cloudy, or windy for skydiving, so Sven and Heather simply enjoyed other excursions. They rode fat-tire bikes, climbed mountains, hiked, and took everything in stride. “They were absolutely blown away by the fact that the weather wasn’t bothering us. But we know we can’t do anything about the weather here [on the Outer Banks], so there was no point in getting mad,” Sven explains. “And when the beautiful weather came, we did our jump.” ALE allows experienced jumpers like Sven to do solo skydives, but Heather – with “only” about 600 jumps under her belt – decided to do her inaugural Antarctica jump in tandem with her husband. On their final day, they both completed solo jumps. “We free fell for about 40 seconds, and then the parachute opened, and I wasn’t even that cold,” Sven recalls. “Everything went perfectly.”

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 17

With the two of them at the helm, Skydive OBX opened its doors in 2011, and they assist about 20 jumpers a day during the summer. Without fail, those same customers regularly ask Sven about the coolest place he’s ever jumped, and his answer is always the same: Antarctica. As he explains how the trip works, interest is piqued. When he warns that it’s expensive, there’s generally a “how expensive could it be?” sort of mindset. When he shares the price, however – approximately $33,000 to start – the conversation tends to veer off in another direction. “It’s just such a niche thing. Everyone who goes is there for their own reasons. ‘I want to be the first person in my community to…,’ that sort of stuff. And I had the same sort of thinking,” Sven says. “I’m glad I did it, and it turned into something even cooler. Now I get to go back.” The way Sven sees it, each time he returns as an employee, it offsets the cost of his initial trip a little more each time, and he’s currently scheduled to return in December 2023 for his second round as an ALE instructor. But that doesn’t “It’s just such a niche leave him with a lot of thing. Everyone who downtime. As the busy summer season cools off goes is there for their here on the Outer Banks own reasons. ‘I want to – but before Antarctica’s kicks into gear – Sven is be the first person in my also headed to Arizona to community to…,’ that defend his title as a worldsort of stuff. And I had the champion parachutist. In the professional same sort of thinking,” realm of competitive Sven says. “I’m glad I skydiving, canopy piloting involves maneuvering a did it, and it turned into skydiving parachute along something even cooler. a designated course while being graded on things Now I get to go back.” such as speed, distance, and accuracy – and, at the ninth annual Féderátion Aéronautique Internationale World Canopy Piloting Championships in October 2022, Sven ranked number one out of 76 competitors from more than a dozen countries. Those accolades also hang on the wall at Skydive Skydive OBX owners Heather McLay and Sven Jseppi enjoy their glacial getaway on the world’s OBX, alongside Sven’s first jump certificate from his fifth largest continent in 2021 (top, photo courtesy of Sue Flood). The view from above at Antarctic hometown of Alexandria, Ontario. He smiles as he Logistics & Expeditions' base camp, which serves as a launching point for a number of organized recounts the moments right after that jump, when he outdoor activities from November through January (bottom, photo courtesy of Sven Jseppi). looked back at his tandem instructor and asked, “You can do this for a living?” Sure, replied Dean McDonald, who went on to become Sven’s mentor and lifelong friend. “You just While their return flight to Chile had about 70 Warmer weather does, on the other hand, help explain need 499 more jumps!” people onboard, one of ALE’s owners spent part of the how Sven wound up living on the Outer Banks. During Sven quickly reached that milestone, and he’s never trip chatting with Sven and Heather, and said he’d be in a skydiving trip to Florida in 2009, he met Heather, and looked back. Having skydived now on six continents, touch. Sure enough, a few months later, the company they immediately hit it off – though a geography/history he’s looking forward to new adventures – with Australia reached out to ask Sven if he wanted to come work for lesson ensued shortly thereafter. at the top of his list in order to reach his personal goal them on their next trip. That expedition took place in “‘Where do you live?’ ‘The Outer Banks.’ ‘Where’s of a magnificent seven. But there’s also a nice warmJanuary of 2023, and Sven was able to rack up four more that?’” Sven says, recalling their conversation with weather spot Heather’s been wanting to explore, and he jumps alongside mostly experienced solo skydivers. He amusement. “‘You know, Kitty Hawk, the Wright brothers.’ just happens to know there’s a skydiving event off the also got to ski and take advantage of other activities from And I was like, ‘Who are the Wright brothers?’” African coast this spring…. the company’s base camp. At the time, Heather had been an Outer Banks realtor “‘Heather! You still want to go to Seychelles?’” Sven Ground temperatures were around 27 degrees, while for years. But on a subsequent visit to the area, Sven says humorously, practicing his pitch. “We’re both super the air temps for jumpers exiting the plane averaged noticed the Roanoke Island airport and popped the really adventurous with traveling. We like to check places off.” about 14 below. But the cold doesn’t bother Sven, who big question: “Do you want to open a skydiving center? If Clearly, some bucket lists are a little longer than was born in Switzerland and grew up in Canada. I’m going to move here, I’ll need a job….” others. 18 | W I N T ER 2023

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 19

Dreams of

Flying Machines In the shadow of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, an ambitious new program has students building an entire aircraft.

FFHS AIRPLANE BUILDERS

PH OTO BY CORY GODWI N STO RY BY EMMY BE N TO N

IN THE FALL OF 1903, the New York Times famously declared that it would take between one to 10 million years for humankind to develop a working “flying machine” – about nine weeks later, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history as the pioneers of aviation on the windswept dunes of Kill Devil Hills. Precisely 120 years later, a group of 22 First Flight High School (FFHS) students are on course to disprove that ill-timed prophesy once again as they embark on an academic project to build a modern airplane in nearly the exact same location as the Wright brothers. The dunes may be a little more grass-stabilized now, but the basic concepts of aerodynamics are still the same – and, like their Wright forbearers, the students who complete this feat of engineering will also get to ride high above the Outer Banks in the aircraft when it’s complete…and FAA-certified, of course. The spark that set this new course in motion happened when Dare County School’s Assistant Superintendent Steve Blackstock mentioned an educational nonprofit called Tango Flight during a meeting with some of his administrative colleagues. Dr. Shannon Castillo, who serves as the county’s director of administrative services and career and technical education, immediately went home and researched the organization, which collaborates with school districts to offer an engineering-based curriculum to build a functional airplane. Dr. Castillo contacted Tango Flight, and a company representative flew out to Dare County in October 2022. Established in 2016 with the express purpose of encouraging the next generation of mechanics, pilots, engineers and aerospace technicians, Tango Flight was able to explain how they partner with big names like Delta Air Lines and Garmin to provide top-tier program instruction – including everything from lesson plans and in-class activities to quizzes and videos – to approximately 30 schools nationwide. If FFHS was on board, it would become the first North Carolina school to invest in this innovative approach to fostering student STEM skills. It seemed like the perfect fit for the Outer Banks in particular, and Tango Flight was certainly impressed by the school’s administrators’ eagerness to get the program off the ground, but a few issues arose at the start. The first concern was the overall responsibility that comes with building a plane as part of a high school-sponsored course of study – but that was easily addressed. While Tango Flight’s curriculum and the aircraft kit it provides are completely funded by Dare County Schools, Tango Flight retains ownership of the craft to alleviate any potential

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liabilities of a school district owning a private plane. The other hurdle was a bit more complicated: They had to find a place to put it. Finding a space to assemble the two-seat, all-metal Van RV-12iS model aircraft prompted the start of a partnership between Dare County Schools and the National Park Service (NPS) – at no place other than the grounds of the first flight itself. “I knew we had to make this happen,” says Dr. Castillo. “This is the birthplace of aviation, and these are our local students building the first modern plane here since the Wright brothers.” As luck would have it, the NPS had a storage shed available at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which they transformed for the students’ use by paving the floor and installing electricity, air conditioning and lighting. In September 2023, the aviation lab’s grand opening was announced with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by a slew of school administrators, NPS staff, and a special new Dare County teacher: Rear Admiral Joey Tynch. Admiral Tynch grew up in northeastern NC, and had a 33-year career as a distinguished U.S. Navy commander and aviator who clocked more than 43,000 hours in the sky before retiring in 2021. Not long afterward, however, he was offered a new assignment. The mission? High school students. “To have the chance to give back to kids [in the region] where I grew up, to get them interested in aviation and help them be successful?” Admiral Tynch says of his appointment as Dare County School’s first aviation instructor. “I just couldn’t pass it up.” A mixed group of 22 honors-level junior and seniors enrolled in the two-year aviation course when it was first announced during the 2022-2023 academic year. Starting in the fall of 2023, that group began meeting for three-hour blocks every other day, spending half their time in a FFHS classroom and the other half in the NPS-sponsored aviation lab just a short walk away from school. Inside the classroom, students dive into the mathematics and physics behind flight, while studying directly from the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook to learn about aircraft hardware and engines. As part of the hands-on training component of the course, the students initially delved into shop safety classes before undertaking a manufacturing project to practice techniques such as riveting and cutting aluminum with a bandsaw. The actual assembly of the model aircraft began in the lab this past

Instructor Admiral Joey Tynch (at right) leads an honorslevel class of First Flight High School students in a newly revamped aviation lab located at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

October with work on the plane’s fuselage (the main body of the plane) and its empennage (the craft’s rear structure). For many involved, these skills will be useful well beyond high school. One student, junior Ricky Williamson, would like to build his own personal plane one day, and fellow junior Michael Eaton has plans to go into an aerospace or aeronautical engineering career. A number of others hope to become pilots or airplane mechanics. For now, with the project’s estimated completion date set for the spring of 2025, Tango Flight experts will visit the school at least three times a year, while also providing all the necessary construction materials and 24-hour technical support. And because Tango Flight believes so strongly in the power of local mentorship, Admiral Tynch won’t be the only person standing in front of a blackboard. Alongside the admiral, four community members were also selected to lead small mentor groups on various topics related to the project. Two such mentors are Peter Fynn and Jim Davis, who are also members of the Dare County Radio Control Flyers, a club that promotes radio-controlled model aviation. Their advanced knowledge in fields such as contracting and engineering make them the perfect consultants in areas such as technical measurements and aerodynamics, while their fellow mentor and former Navy pilot Tony Bruno can provide a thorough perspective from the cockpit with his extensive flight experience. The group’s fourth student mentor, Judith Fearing, is a retired Dare County teacher and the education director of the First Flight Society, a local nonprofit that works to preserve the Wright brothers’ legacy. Not coincidentally, Judith is also the granddaughter of Elijah Baum, who was the first person to greet Wilbur Wright when the pre-aeronautical bicycle mechanic landed on the shores of Kitty Hawk in September of 1900. That rare family connection makes Judith especially passionate about working as a mentor because it presents an opportunity to teach upcoming generations about more than simply the nuts-and-bolts of flying machines. It also opens a historical window on the real-life visionaries and dreamers who were determined to prove that the impossible was, in fact, possible. “I want these kids to have a real sense of pride,” Judith says. “It’s a tremendous honor, and they’re going to have a tremendous sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.” N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 21

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S PE TE R S TO U T

As a father of two, Peter Stout’s accustomed to the nearly all-hours energy of his children – but that’s also why he finds it much harder to frame glimpses of their quieter sides. On this unseasonably chilly Memorial Day, however, a thick fog rolled through as Peter watched his son slowly slip into a world of his own creation. “I don’t think kids live in that moment all the time where they’re comfortable just being themselves,” Peter says. “But it has a familiarity; you can see yourself in that situation, happily digging holes by the sea.”

Stolen Moments WHILE SCENIC SUNSETS AND POSED PORTRAITS tend to dominate popular Outer Banks

imagery, those themes don’t always capture what it’s really like to live on this barrier island stretch. But shedding light on the experiences of such a diverse population isn’t easy either, which is why we often rely on the skills of this area’s most talented visual artists to produce pictures that make us stop and think – and tell stories that are worth so much more than just a thousand words. COMPILED BY AMELIA BOLDA JI

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 23

L AU R E N N A S S E T TA B E LL Children are Lauren Nassetta Bell’s favorite subjects because they often can’t (or won’t) cooperate with anything less than a crystal-clear view of their present emotions. It’s a state of unguarded honesty that also shines through a photograph Lauren took of her own son, Noah, at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island in 2020 – which actually mirrors a similar image she has of him as a toddler eight years earlier. “That’s the magic of childhood,” she says. “It helps you remember what it felt like to be that small in such a very big world.”

R O B E R T CHE S TN U T In addition to his camerawork, Robert Chestnut is also Ocracoke Island’s only designated art teacher for grades pre-K through 12 – and he credits his day job for helping him think about composing photographs a bit more like paintings. With this picture of his wife, Rachael, though, Robert readily admits that nothing about it was planned. “I usually think photos are more interesting if something’s in motion,” he explains of the image, which was taken only a few days before their wedding. “But I like the ambiguity of this…and how intimate it feels.”

2 4 | W I N T ER 2023

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S J E NNI KO O NT Z If Avon resident Jenni Koontz is out and about with a camera, chances are there’s a story to cover. And in the first few weeks of 2018, the rare sight of snow sticking around on Cape Hatteras was definitely headline news – but instead of documenting a barren icy landscape, Jenni went straight for the heart of diehard local surf culture, where well-below-freezing temperatures only means donning a little extra neoprene. “We’re on a two-lane road in the middle of nowhere,” she says with a laugh. “Living here year-round is a total lifestyle, and that can be challenging.”

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E LI Z A B E TH NE A L For Elizabeth Neal, depicting a true slice of Outer Banks life means being completely aware of your intended perspective – and, more often than not, that requires taking other views into consideration. While the main tension in this image comes from the storm brewing on the horizon, the lifeguards’ casual postures undercut any real sense of urgency over the approaching summer squall. “It’s about figuring out what story you want to tell,” Elizabeth says. “You’re not always going to stumble onto a perfect moment just because you’re looking for one.”

S 2 8 | W I N T ER 2023

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 2 9

! e ur t n e v d a d an l is an on o G

Town of Manteo

Join us this winter with these fabulous town events: First Friday on December 1st, a Christmas parade on December 2nd, and Midnight Magic in Manteo on New Year’s Eve. 4 407 Budleigh Street 252-473-2133 manteonc.gov

Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream

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Dozens of homemade ice cream varieties, smoothies, shakes, sundaes, handmade Belgian chocolates, fresh fudge, ice cream cakes, delicious espresso drinks and holiday gifts. 1 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-423-3118 bigbucksobx.com

Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop Poor Richard's has been a Manteo icon since 1984. You won’t want to miss it as we transform our pub-style restaurant into a North Pole Watering Hole for the month of December! Join us for Christmas themed food and specialty beverages at your favorite local hangout. 2 303 Queen Elizabeth Ave 252.473.3333 poorrichardsmanteo.com

Downtown Books

Books for all ages and genres, the best selection of Outer Banks titles and the biggest collection of greeting cards on the OBX. Join us on First Fridays for author signings, book launches, and all sorts of literary shenanigans. Voted best bookstore on the beach four years & counting. 103 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 3 252-473-1056 duckscottage.com

DISCOVER

3 0 | W I N T ER 2023

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Distinctive clothing by CP Shades, Frank & Eileen, Juliet Dunn, Wilt and other niche brands. Sophisticated accessories, jewelry and fragrances for you and your home. 5 Magnolia Lane 252-473-5141 nestobx.com

The Wheel House Lounge

We invite you to Deck The Hulls by Outer Banks Distilling! Experience the nautical heritage of Roanoke Island at Christmastime. Sip on hot and cold cocktails featuring our silver, pecan, and Winter Spice rums. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 6 510 Budleigh Street 252-423-3011 outerbanksdistilling.com

Sam & Winston

A family-owned lifestyle shop featuring home and garden goods, fine art, books, jewelry, and high design adornments for ladies, gentlemen, children, and pets. 7 108 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-475-9764 @shopsamandwinston

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Bloom Boutique

Celebrating 23 years in 2023! Fashion, sleepwear, jewelry, home textiles and more! It’s a “gotta have it” kind of place. 8 101B Fernando Street 252-475-1971 Like us on Facebook

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Sisters Boutique & Gifts

Charlotte’s

Full-service ladies’ boutique specializing in fashions that are traditional with a contemporary flair. Seasonal makeup events with Trish McEvoy and designer trunk shows. Check website for details. 13 103A Fernando Street 252-473-3078 shopcharlottes.com

For your wardrobe + home. Secondhand luxury scores + more. 9 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-305-8582 sistersofmanteo.com @sistersofmanteo

Laughing Lollipop

Take a walk down memory lane in this little mom and pop sweet shop! Ice cream, throwback candies, chocolates, homemade cotton candy, fun gummies, bulk candy and more! 10 101 Budleigh Street 252-473-2579 laughinglollipop.com Like us on Facebook

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 31

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>

32 | W I N T ER 2023

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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. 3 4 | W I N T ER 2023

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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.

3 6 | W I N T ER 2023

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Think your turkey flew the coop because your holiday feast is finished? Don’t be too hasty. While you can always share, store, or even sneak a few bites straight from the fridge, figuring out how to rehash your leftovers doesn’t have to be a chore – particularly if you can start thinking about them less like scraps and more like smart-thinking meal prep. From an all-in-one breakfast to a one-pan wonder, here are a few ideas that prove there’s plenty more to do with a culinary round two than just pressing reheat.

TURKEY BENEDICT

Put down that cold sandwich! If you can poach an egg, it’s time to step up your post-holiday brunch game – and go the extra mile by clearing out your fridge, too. In this version, you’ll simply substitute stuffing for muffins – just form your leftover stuffing into patties before browning them in a skillet with a bit of butter – and trade turkey slices for Canadian bacon. Finish it all off with some gravy, and add a side of cranberry sauce if you’re feeling extra festive! Pictured here: A pair of poached eggs served over pan-seared stuffing patties and thick-cut slices of turkey. The dish is smothered with turkey gravy – though purists can skip this in favor of traditional hollandaise sauce if preferred – and a pinch of fresh thyme to garnish. N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 39

TURKEY GUMBO & TURKEY NOODLE SOUP

Anyone can slice and dice their way to a basic bowl of soup – just chop up some of your favorite root vegetables with a bit of leftover turkey and let everything simmer in broth until tender. If you’re after a bigger culinary challenge, though, you’ll want to roll out the roux for a dark Creole-style gumbo. While it requires a bit of patience, the trick to a perfectly nutty roux is to cook it in the oven until it’s the color of milk chocolate – anything darker will start to turn bitter. Pictured here: A helping of dark roux-thickened turkey gumbo cooked with bacon, smoked sausage, tomatoes and okra before being served with a scoop of basmati rice and a handful of chopped scallions (top). A bowl of classic turkey soup slow simmered with celery, carrots and onions – to avoid soaking up the broth with starch, the bucatini noodles were cooked separately and added to individual servings along with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley (bottom). 4 0 | W I N T ER 2023

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TURKEY TETRAZZINI

42 | W I N T ER 2023

Winner, winner, turkey dinner! For something extra hearty, try a new take on an old-school pasta bake. Thought to be invented and named in honor of a famous Italian opera singer back the early 1900s, tetrazzini is more typically made with chicken as a slightly elevated casserole – and that’s not a bad thing (unless you’re counting calories). While most tetrazzini recipes call for a buttery béchamel or cream sauce to start, you can always cut corners a little by using a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup instead. Bonus points if you already have an extra can handy! Pictured here: A skillet full of cream-based turkey tetrazzini baked with bucatini noodles, sliced mushrooms and peas before being topped with a generous portion of shaved parmesan cheese.

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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. 4 4 | 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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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 4 6 | 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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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 47 15

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

4 8 | 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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Renovations

*Based on information from the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® MLS for the period 1/1/22 through 10/16/23.

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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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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

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Eco-Friendly Essentials One of the biggest drivers behind this project was the family’s desire to embrace organic and eco-friendly designs – which played a part in selecting staples such as the natural, nontoxic leather couches and the fireplace’s genuine tumbled limestone façade. Since being environmentally aware is often equally about sustainability, however, many of the room’s more neutral aspects were also chosen to complement, rather than replace, the family’s eclectic existing décor – proving that a well-cherished home is, above everything else, the most priceless treasure of all.

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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. 5 4 | 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. 56 | W I N T ER 2023

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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FI V E FA CTS

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.

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.

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.

Fit for a Queen

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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