Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 10: Spring 2016

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Outer Banks This Week - Spring 2016 - Issue 10Though as I write this, spring has not yet arrived on the Outer Banks, there are hints of it. Last night as I walked around Manteo, the Blue Star Creeper, the groundcover with the fragrant blue flowers, was already blooming in several yards, emitting its sweet oniony aroma that is such a harbinger of warmer days to come. It seems early for that, but then again with the weather as crazy as it’s been lately, who knows? Perhaps it’s right on time! We’re almost used to weeks that start out in the 70s then end in the 30s. But I have so many friends here who are literally counting down the days to spring, dreaming of their first non-wetsuit dive into Mother Ocean.

But let’s not hurry things. This time of year on these islands is a lot of what probably keeps many locals here. We prepare for the coming summer season with its influx of thousands, but we revel in the empty beaches, the less-crowded restaurants, the trips from Nags Head to Corolla that take 40 minutes instead of more than an hour. We take time to see friends at local night spots and spend some extra time with our workouts. We visit art galleries and get out into nature more.

We know the warmth that brings all our visitors is coming, though. The restauranteurs we worked with  for this issue are busy with their menus, the shopkeepers are making sure the right merchandise is on its way, the Y staff is helping clients get swimsuit ready, the vacation rental companies folks are constantly on the phone taking summer reservations, the accommodation owners are getting everything perfect. It’s a busy time!

Even more, then, to say again…let’s not hurry things. We can be busy but not hurried. Let’s keep our off-season state of being for as long as possible — of noticing the gaps between the actions, the pause amidst the achievements. There will be plenty of time to work and play hard under a hot sun.

VIEW A DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS ISSUE

Growing Something Great

By Amelia Boldaji
Tomato Patch Pizzeria is a family affair. Inspired by his parents who opened one of the first pizza shops here in the ‘80s, Lambros Vlahos and his wife, Linda, scouted a spot in Corolla’s Monteray Plaza and unveiled Tomato Patch 23 years ago. Now their three boys work right alongside them, and the restaurant has a... Read More

Summer of Country

By Anonymous
Outer Banks locals and visitors who like country music have a lot to look forward to this summer. Hemilright Entertainment — the same company that brings you the Shallowbag Shag Beach Music Festival over Memorial Day Weekend and the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival in September — has come up with an incredible new... Read More

Cruising in Corolla

By Lexi Holian
Two wheels on the pavement, that constant coastal breeze at your back and the scent of the nearby ocean —there’s no denying that cycling the Outer Banks is a thrill.Locals and visitors who choose to see Corolla by bike are especially captivated by the scenic paths that meander alongside the town’s historic attractions... Read More

The Secrets of Scallops

By Lexi Holian
Succulent and sweet with a crispy, golden finish, seared in a skillet or ... expertly threaded between shrimp and grilled vegetables on a skewer, scallops can be a gift to the senses when prepared with a knowing hand.They’re the highlight of the menu at many Outer Banks restaurants, considered among the choicest of... Read More

Great Food, Great Works

By Amelia Boldaji
When Perry and Kiki Kiousis first came to America from Greece, the Outer Banks was a very different place. They didn’t know that at the time of course, having first settled in Pittsburg before they took a chance vacation to Kill Devil Hills in 1968 with their two young sons, Steve and Nick. On the last day of their... Read More