As I've talked with friends and acquaintances over the past few weeks a consensus seemed to develop that 2013 has been a long year, and for some folks, quite a challenging year. But, finally, the holidays have arrived, bringing with them all their glad tidings and good will, and a brand new year full of hopeful anticipation is right around the corner. We here at OuterBanksThisWeek.com want to take this opportunity to wish all of you the very best this holiday season and peace, prosperity and good health in the New Year!
Holiday Feasting
By the time Christmas Day is done, the cook of the house may have had quite enough of being the cook of the house. Give that saintly person a break Friday, Dec. 27 and bring them to Basnight's Lone Cedar Café on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway from 4 to 9 p.m. for the Holiday Feast Buffet. Featuring 100% fresh local seafood, fresh vegetables and all-natural pork and poultry, there is something for everyone. And best of all, no dishes to wash afterwards. Visit the Lone Cedar website for a complete menu. Prices are $28/adults, $14/children younger than 12 with children younger than 5 eating free.
Speaking of feasts, this time of year what could be better than the 8th Annual Oyster Roast and Shrimp Steam on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ocracoke Fish House on Ocracoke Island? Hosted by the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association, the event will feature Van O'Neal's famous fish stew in addition to steamed shrimp and oysters. The price is $12-$15/person depending on selections. All proceeds help support the nonprofit Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association and its efforts to ensure the livelihood of the island's working waterfront and commercial fishing industry. For more information call (252) 928-5601 or visit the Watermen's Association website.
Holiday Lights and Tours
There's still time to get your holiday "bright and sparkly" fix. The Elizabethan Gardens WinterLights celebration continues from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 4. An extravaganza of holiday lights and music transform The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland for all ages. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Admission is $10/adults, $8/youth ages 6-17, $5 youth age 5 and younger. On Saturday, Dec. 28 young folk can drop off their "thank you" notes to Santa. On this night admission is dropped $1 for all age groups. For more information call (252) 473-3234 or visit The Gardens' website.
At Whalehead in Corolla the Christmas In Corolla holiday celebration continues through Saturday, Dec. 28 with daytime tours, holiday musical performances, the Holiday Candlelit Tour and more! Call (252) 453-9040 ext. 223 for more information, or visit the Whalehead website. Pre-registration is required.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Ocracoke Island
New Year's Eve kicks off with a bang down in Ocracoke at 9 p.m. with Big Daddy Love playing at Gaffer's Sports Pub and servings of light appetizers, a champagne toast and 1,000 balloons dropped from the ceiling at midnight to ring in the New Year.
Roanoke Island
On Roanoke Island local band The Break will keep the celebration lively at Poor Richard's from 9 p.m. to 12 p.m. There is no cover charge.
Nags Head
The Brine and Bottle is hosting its 3rd Annual New Year's Eve Prix-fixe Dinner on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Consisting of 7 courses (+ champagne toast), the meal is $75/guest and $105/guest if paired with wine. The full menu is listed here. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call (252) 715-1818 or e-mail {encode="ashley@thebrineandbottle.com" title="ashley@thebrineandbottle.com"} to reserve your seat.
It's going to be an evening of dinner and dancing at Basnight's Lone Cedar Café on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway! Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and local favorites Old Enough To Know Better will play from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., providing the soundtrack for the evening's dancing. There is no cover charge.
Hats and noisemakers will be provided at Kelly's Annual New Year's Eve Party beginning at 9:30 p.m. The cover charge is $10/person, $5 if you eat dinner at Kelly's. Visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
Kill Devil Hills
The New Year begins with good things at Trio in Kill Devil Hills beginning at 7 p.m. with the Special Grand Reserve Wine Tasting. Join the folks at Trio as they open the bottles everyone's had their eye on all year - a little bubbly and a few whites, but mostly reds paired with cheeses and cured meats. The price is $50/person. Call (252) 261-0277 to reserve your spot. At 9 p.m. Mosquito Net will bring the party tunes and play until 1 a.m., ringing in the New Year along the way. Visit the website for more information. As always there is no cover, just good music, good friends, good times and plenty of bubbly!
At Kill Devil Hills' Beachside Bistro the festivities begin with a three-course dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. The party gets started at 9 p.m. with SOULone providing the music. Party favors will be provided, and an Hors D'oeuvres Buffet will be offered from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. At midnight, tip a glass of bubbly during the Champagne Toast! If you do the full package you can then just head upstairs to your overnight accommodations at the Sea Ranch Resort! Then get up the next morning to a New Year's Day breakfast from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. and a late check-out of 1 p.m. (upon request). Call (800) 334-4737 for package options, details and reservations! Pre-registration is required.
Peppercorn's Ocean View Restaurant in the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Beach hotel is featuring a five-course gourmet wine dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (reservations required) with the Wilder Brothers providing musical entertainment. From 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. join the party and dancing in the Grand Ballroom where you'll find lots of party favors, light snacks, a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. End the evening safely with an overnight stay in one of the Ramada's comfortable rooms and enjoy brunch in Peppercorns on New Year's Day from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Contact Eileen Smith at (252) 441-2151 ext. 709 or (800) 635-1824 for more information or to make reservations.
Kitty Hawk
In Kitty Hawk foodies will want to check out Ocean Boulevard's exclusive New Year's Eve five-course menu featuring some of the most upscale products available prepared with exciting new culinary techniques by the restaurant's talented chefs. The focus of the evening is on dining well. At midnight, count down to the New Year with a glass of bubbly, watching the ball drop and making a lot of noise with the help of noisemakers and party favors. A sample menu is currently posted and will be finalized by Friday, December 28th. The price is $75-$105/person depending on selections. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.
This week you still have a chance to win a 1 night-stay to Cameron House Inn & a $35 gift certificate to Trio - Wine, Beer & Cheese!
For more information about Cameron House Inn, check out their website.
For more information about Trio check out their website.
About the Author Michael Lay
Michael Lay is a local graphic designer, artist, photographer and writer. He lives in picturesque downtown Manteo, NC, and is the manservant of two beautiful and willful feline princesses, Sophie and Sassy. You can contact Michael at mike.lay@oneboat.com.
