Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 19: Spring 2019

Publisher's Letter

Hi folks.

Happy Spring.

Have you ever pondered the many uses of the word spring in our vernacular? As always, writing these Publishers letters gives me think time. Here goes:

Spring up. Spring forward. Spring back. Spring green. Spring chicken. Spring to mind. Spring a leak. Spring into action. Spring for. Spring to life. Spring to attention. Spring in your step. Spring from. Spring clean.

Then there’s Spring Fever.

That’s the one that rolls off everyone’s vibes that I’m around these days. I, being the cold-weather lover that I am, secretly roll my eyes and internally stomp my foot over the horrible slight that we got no snow this year. But I know I’m out-numbered. All the “Only ___ more days til Spring” posts of Facebook, all the “Man, I can’t wait for 80° days” comments. Whatever.

But I will acknowledge that it’s exciting to see the Outer Banks coming back to full functioning status during Spring. Many beloved restaurants open back up after a winter hiatus, and those that sustained us through the cold (thank you!) entice us in with new Spring menus. Shops extend their hours and display the marvelous new warm weather merchandise on their shelves. Lots of outdoor adventures begin anew. Reservations for our hotels, rental homes, B&Bs and campgrounds start pouring in. And, yes, the warming breezes and all the flowers that start popping out of the ground are very nice.

Ok, ok … seeing friends emerge from winter hibernation is great too. So is going walking or running without four extra layers. And I have to give a nod to being able to get back out on the boat or onto the golf course. Then there’s the ability to throw open the windows and stop seeing power bills that make you want to faint. Spring gardens. Spring yard work. Spring beauty.

You got me. Hope springs eternal … even for a winter diehard.

Welcome back, Spring. We appreciate all you bring.

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Spring into Action on Ocracoke Island

By Hannah Lee Leidy
Nature slows and quiets during the winter, but as the longer, warmer days return with springtime, it revs back to life. The same goes for Ocracoke Island.   The islanders have a way of listening to Mother Nature and following her lead (hey, you have to if you want to live on an island!), and spring ushers in the... Read More

Looking Forward After 30 Years

By Beth P. Storie
In the restaurant world, once you’ve hit the 10-year milestone, you’re considered a success. So what does it mean when you get to 30? There’s no questioning your value to loyal diners at that point, no wondering if you’re doing it right, absolutely no worries about whether your concept of good food and drink is... Read More

Currituck Boat Museum

By Molly Harrison
Coming soon, a new museum in Corolla will tell the story of Currituck’s legendary boat builders. Surrounded by sound and ocean waters and interlaced with rivers and creeks, Currituck County is defined by water. And where you have water, you have boats. Whether for work, recreation or transportation, boats are an... Read More

Tonight It's the Paper Canoe

By Molly Harrison
Over the course of your vacation, you’ll eat many different restaurant meals. There will be full sit-down breakfasts and grab-and-go coffee and bagels, lingering lunches and take-out sandwiches for the beach. You’ll probably order pizza one night and check out the new place in town on another.  And then there’s that... Read More

No Two Tours are Ever the Same

By Molly Harrison
Bouncing over the cattle grate that separates the paved road from the sand road north of Corolla, I have one of those heart-stopping, hashtaggable moments of elation: #LoveWhereILive! I’m riding shotgun in a 13-passenger, open-air Hummer as part of a Wild Horse Adventure Tour of the northernmost Outer Banks, the... Read More