Outer Banks This WeekArticles & Shorts

Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 29: Fall/Winter 2022/23

First, pause and take a deep breath. Now another. I’m betting you haven’t had a lot of time for that these past three months, whether you’re a local or a visitor. Anymore, I think it’s probably only kids younger than 15 who see summer as the slow time of the year.

And now, wherever you are, take a moment to notice the trees around you. When I look out my office window, I see a two huge pecan trees, and this year they’re full of nuts (hoping a storm doesn’t knock them down before they’re ready!). When we decided to write the feature for this issue on Outer Banks trees, I think there were some skeptics in our office. It’s probably not the first thing you think about when you consider this area, right? But, as much as I was absolutely for the idea, and as much as I am personally someone who loves trees, I must say that my trees eyes, so to speak, were opened up with this feature.

For instance, I didn’t know there was actually a Live Oak Society and that several local trees are registered for their age and size. And I didn’t know that there was a live oak here that pre-dates the 400+-year-old specimen found at The Elizabethan Gardens; it’s estimated to be more than 500 years old, so it was already a centenarian when the 1587 colonists arrived!

When you think of trees that you see at the beach, what comes to your mind? A fun thing to do is to drive around and note every variety you find, even if you don’t know the official name for them. Maybe sketch them to create your own, cool Outer Banks nature guide.

One of the points of the feature this time is to invite you to see beyond the obvious here. Yes, the beach and sound are our crown jewels. But if you look past the water to these providers of shade, leaves, flowers and beauty, you’ll broaden your appreciation for this place and for the untouched and protected parts of the Outer Banks that look exactly like they did hundreds of years ago. Maybe you can add treebathing (basking under one that particularly calls you) to your sunbathing routine. And, at any rate, we definitely encourage you to Look Up!

Beth

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Building the Community Love

Outer Banks Brewing Station
By Molly Harrison
When four friends founded Outer Banks Brewing Station in 2000, their concept was to create a restaurant serving exceptional house-brewed beer alongside a chef-driven menu that went well beyond basic pub fare. But the owners also had something else in mind. “The original idea was to be a pub in the sense of the... Read More

A Peek into the Homes of Manteo

Manteo Preservation Trust
By Beth P. Storie
The holidays settle like a cozy blanket around the waterfront town of Manteo. Slowly but surely, signs of the coming celebratory days show up. First, the Town puts up the sparkly snowflakes, reindeer, boats and other seasonal images on the streetlight posts. Then, the weekend after Thanksgiving, locals are busy... Read More

Where Wine and Good Times Pair Perfectly

NouVines
By Beth P. Storie
The island town of Manteo is becoming known, more and more, as the center of arts and entertainment on the Outer Banks. Nationally known music groups play in the waterfront outdoor amphitheater, art shows bring vitality year round and other cultural events, such as parades, festivals, holiday-centered celebrations and... Read More

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund shares The Secret of Corolla

Corolla Wild Horse Fund
By Leah Wingenroth
Tucked away in the quiet, untamed dunes of the northern Outer Banks beaches, the village of Corolla is home to a special herd of residents that roam amongst the scattered sea oats. The wild Spanish mustangs wander freely up and down the shoreline of Corolla and Carova, a living reminder of the rich history that... Read More