For Valentine’s Day dinner my girlfriend and I went to Riverside in Swansboro. This was my first visit to the Riverside restaurant. I had been hearing from several locals that it was the place to go for a really nice dinner. So I thought this occasion would be perfect to try it out.
I was in need of getting my wonderful new girlfriend some roses for Valentine’s Day. I have sent flowers in the past using proflowers.com. While they were usually nice I kind of felt they were a bit impersonal arriving in a box via UPS. So I decided to use a local flower shop this time around. I called Petal Pushers of Emerald Isle. I ordered a dozen roses and had them delivered to my gal’s workplace.
Category: Emerald Isle
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Ex-Governor Mike Easley and some of his aides have found themselves in a real quagmire lately. Among a lot of corruption scandals and other shenanigans financed by the people of North Carolina is a sweetheart land deal provided to the ex-governor. Its no secret that waterfront land in Carteret County is very valuable and will likely continue to appreciate in value over the long term.
Category: Carteret County, Politics
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That’s right, the U.S Supreme Court, our “guardians” of the constitution, defenders of liberty, and all that jazz turned out to be nothing but a bunch of fakes. As spineless and ridiculous as it sounds its true. They pretty much sold the next elections to the highest bidder.
Category: Politics
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A managed deer hunt is taking place in Emerald Isle. City officials voted to allow the town to apply for a hunting permit to thin the over-crowded deer population around the Coast Guard Road area. There will be only two hunters allowed to participate. These hunters will only be allowed to use bow and arrows and must hunt from elevated positions i.e. tree stands.
Category: Emerald Isle
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Morehead City – Its that time of year again. The Crystal Coast welcomes the 8th annual Carolina Chocolate Festival. I first went to this event 5 years ago. Needless to say it’s something I look forward to each and every year. This year it will be held from February 5th-7th.
Category: Morehead City, Upcoming Events
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This Friday, January 22, 2010 at Ballyhoos in Emerald Isle get ready to laugh your winter blues away. They’re pulling out all the stops to help all of us forget about the cold weather that has kept many of us shut indoors. Join the crew at the ‘hoo for some good drinks, good company, and plenty of good laughs as they present “Suicide Jimmy”, John McQueen, Michelle Gagliano, and emcee King Rich.
Category: Emerald Isle, Upcoming Events
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The town of Beaufort’s Police Department may be applying for a grant to purchase a boat and hire a part-time officer. The $130,000 grant would require the town to match it with $32,495. After one year, the town would be required to shoulder the annual salary and boat maintenance costs in full and on it’s own.
Category: Beaufort, Politics
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At about 4:45am this morning an accident at the NC State Port in Morehead City resulted in a chemical spill. The chemical was PETN, a potentially highly explosive substance. Authorities claim the chemical is stable and not even explosive until mixed with other chemicals. The spill was caused by a forklift puncturing barrels of the chemical while they were being offloaded.
Officials closed the bridge from Morehead to Beaufort for most of the day, but have re-opened it.
Category: Beaufort, Morehead City
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I don’t know why I didn’t think to post this out here before. But around the Fourth of July last summer, my kayak was stolen. It was left by me next to some boat slips at The Flying Bridge in Cedar Point. I know I am partially to blame since I left it unattended for so long. I even saw that someone had moved it, and never retrieved it.
more…
Category: Cedar Point
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Crystal Coast fishing usually doesn’t slow down too much in the winter, and this year has been no exception. Anglers have been enjoying some excellent trout fishing this winter. I always check out Capt. Jeff Cronk’s blog. If there are fish biting anywhere on the Crystal Coast, you can bet he knows where they are.
Category: Fishing
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One of my favorite events that help to usher in the holiday season here on the Crystal Coast is the Swansboro Flotilla. Last year I caught it from my backyard. In years past I watched it go by from the wildlife ramp in Cedar Point. No matter where you view it from, it is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. UPDATE: FLotilla has been postponed until November 28th, 2009 due to the high winds.
Category: Upcoming Events
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Like many Carteret County residents likely do, I read the paper regularly. However I don’t read the actual paper, I read it online, as in my opinion print is for the most part dead. Plus its more convenient and better for the environment. Its readily apparent I’m not alone in my feeling that the Carteret News Times is losing more and more credibility every day.
Category: Carteret County, Politics
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Well what is left of Tropical Storm Ida has really whipped up on Carteret County. We’ve had pretty much non-stop rain for the last 2 days. The wind really kicked up today as well. I’m thinking we had some winds of up to 40mph. The rain and wind has really taken a toll on the area. Many people were without power, roads have been flooded, even schools were delayed this morning.
Category: Carteret County
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Atlantic Beach – This morning before heading offshore for a fishing trip my father and I had some time to kill. We decided to head to the 4 Corners Diner for a cup of coffee. Both of us have been living here on the Crystal Coast for quite some time. But neither of us had stopped in this restaurant before. My dad even works in Atlantic Beach so I was surprised to hear he’d never been here.
Category: Atlantic Beach, Restaurants
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This past Tuesday was election day for many communities in North Carolina, including Carteret County. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the fact that on non-presidential election days, hardly ANY voters turnout. I guess voters in Carteret County just don’t feel like participating in local elections is important. When in fact it’s quite the contrary. Our local officials are the part of government that can and will affect our lives much more directly than anyone in Washington.
Category: Carteret County, Politics
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The Quiznos in Cape Carteret has been open for a good while now, so I felt they would be ready for one of my Crystal Coast restaurant reviews. They’re actually old pros at making awesome sandwiches now. And they’re even better at making each and every customer feel especially welcome in their establishment. I’m not sure if its just part of the job for them, or if the folks that own it are just that friendly. But every time I go in there no matter who’s working I’m always greeted with a big smile and genuine welcome.
Category: Cape Carteret, Restaurants
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Man, I’m pretty bummed out about this last election. I really didn’t care for either Elizabeth Dole or Kay Hagan. I mean out of all the people that could be senators, I get to choose between these two numb skulls? One launching personal attacks on the other’s religious beliefs, and the other wasting her time and supporter’s money responding to them. I mean come on, let’s focus on the issues facing our country, not how you feel about religion. Personally that is the least of my concerns at this juncture. Our country is broke (financially and fundamentally), we’re fighting a couple wars, and unemployment is skyrocketing.
Category: Politics
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Well my parents had been telling me about this place in Emerald Isle they frequently eat dinner at. Its called Chowdaheads and is right next to the Willis Seafood Market on Emerald Isle drive. Mom and dad ranted and raved about how good the fish tacos were at Chowdaheads. So I had to see for myself.
Category: Emerald Isle, Restaurants
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Yesterday Scott Taylor a photographer from Beaufort was in a helicopter on a shoot. While airborne between Fort Macon and Shackleford Banks they flew over hundreds of sharks gathering along the Crystal Coast.
Category: Uncategorized
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My sister and her fiance did some fishing the other day on the sound side of Emerald Isle. Somehow whenever she decides to throw a line in the water lady luck smiles upon her and she hooks up some nice fish. Even when she’s not actively fishing just having her around can bring you some good luck. Just ask my dad who had her on board when he landed that whopper 142 pound yellowfin tuna a few years back. Emerald Isle has been holding some nice fish this year. I’ve not had much time to personally get out and catch many of them though. Work has been keeping me pretty busy as of late. But this weekend, I’m going to try and get out there to catch something, maybe a nice flounder or trout.
At any rate my sister landed a nice trout that I thought my readers may like to see. I think it was like a 15 incher or more.
Category: Emerald Isle, Fishing
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Saturday and Sunday July 25th & 26th will be the 10th Annual Buddy Peletier Memorial Longboard Classic. This surfing event and competition will be held in Atlantic Beach at the Oceanana Resort. The surfing competition was started 10 years ago by the Buddy Peletier Surfing Foundation.
Category: Atlantic Beach, Upcoming Events
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I’m sad to report that the otherwise perfect fourth of July on the beach and pier was rudely interrupted by a large and unruly crowd. Apparently after drinking on the beach all day some of the beach goers migrated to Bogue Inlet Pier’s property and began using a lot of vulgar language, fighting, and just acting out of control.
more…
Category: Emerald Isle
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The town’s fireworks display this year is not taking place at Bogue Pier as it has in years past. Instead this year Emerald Isle’s Fourth of July Celebration will take place at McLean Park. It’s set to get going at 9:30pm.
more…
Category: Emerald Isle, Upcoming Events
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Onslow Beach – Wildlife officials were called to assist an alligator spotted swimming in the surf just off of Onslow Beach. Alligators are quite common here in coastal Carolina. Though reports of them swimming in the ocean are not very frequent they do occur.
Alligator swimming - Onslow Beach, NC
Category: Uncategorized
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Bogue Inlet Pier – Well it is officially summer time, maybe not officially, but it sure feels like it and looks like it to me. I just checked the fishing report over at Bogue Inlet Pier and they are really racking up some nice catches of a variety of fish.
Category: Emerald Isle, Fishing
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This year is the 51st Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament. Saturday June 6th is the first day of the tournament, and is reserved for lady anglers. The tournament goes on until the following Saturday, June 13th.
Category: Fishing, Upcoming Events
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It’s been the standard practice since I moved to the Emerald Isle area. The town’s police department receives all the keys for rentals that have not checked by the close of business each day from the management companies. But here’s what I don’t get…
Category: Emerald Isle
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For almost two decades now, the Town of Emerald Isle hosts one of the Crystal Coast’s most exciting events. The Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival is one event you don’t want to miss. There’s a lot to do and see at the festival.
Category: Emerald Isle, Upcoming Events
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Well it’s that time of year again. I usually get a nice layer of fat to insulate me through the winter months, but come February, its time to shed my winter coat if you will. Beach time is right around the corner. One of the best ways to get in shape that I know of is running. Last year I trained a little bit for the first Crystal Coast Half Marathon.
Category: Morehead City, Upcoming Events
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Emerald Isle – The other night a friend and I decided to go out for dinner in Emerald Isle. After a short debate we decided on Jordan’s House of Seafood. If you’ve ever been here in the summer, you know this is a popular restaurant, and it is not uncommon to see a huge line of people waiting to be seated on any given summer evening.
Category: Emerald Isle, Restaurants
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2010 Carolina Chocolate Fesitval Feb 5th-7th
Morehead City – The Crystal Coast plays host to the 7th Annual Carolina Chocolate Festival. Today there was a charity golf event at Brandywine Bay Golf Course. Tonight there was an Evening Wrapped in Chocolate at Shepard’s Point in Morehead City. This tasty event benefited the Girls and Boys Club of Coastal Carolina.
Category: Morehead City, Things to do
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Today the beached Atlantic right whale stranded on a shoal just off Cape Lookout was euthanized. NOAA’s fisheries service said the animal was in too bad of shape to be saved. The whale had been stranded for several days.
Category: Uncategorized
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My favorite place to eat and drink on the Crystal Coast is having another Super Bowl Party this year! This is good news, because I missed most of last year’s festivities. Oh yeah, they’ll be grilling out again too.
Category: Emerald Isle, Restaurants
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I had to go to court today in Beaufort. But let me warn you, be prepared to hunt for a parking spot there if you have a court date. It’s hard to believe they expect all these people on the docket to find a parking place anywhere near the courthouse.
Category: Beaufort
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Cedar Point – Bogue House Restaurant is an excellent Crystal Coast dining choice. If you’re looking for some eastern Carolina style food this is the place for you. Its a small place with big taste.
Category: Cedar Point, Restaurants
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Emerald Isle - I went on a date Saturday night and decided to head to Rucker John’s for dinner. This is one of the most popular restaurants on the Crystal Coast. It’s reasonably priced, the serivce is usually decent, and the food is consistent.
Category: Emerald Isle, Restaurants
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The Emerald Isle Wine Market caught fire on Sunday January 18th at about 5:30 am. The market is attached to a gas station and convenience store located at the intersection of Coast Guard Road and Hwy 58 in Emerald Isle.
Category: Emerald Isle
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Well today ushered in a cold snap that will bring two nights of hard freeze to the Crystal Coast. And after the hard freeze, I guess the next few days are soft freezes? Its going to get down to 18 and 19 degrees tonight and tomorrow night. After that the night time temperatures will be in the 20’s.
Category: Crystal Coast Weather, Emerald Isle, Fishing
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I am in need of an author who checks the surf regularly in Atlantic Beach, and would like to provide daily, or near daily surf reports. I really can’t pay much for this, so i know it is going to be hard to find someone willing to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day posting a report. But there is money to be made in this.
Category: Atlantic Beach
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Well today it got pretty windy along the Crystal Coast. I saw this morning they were calling for winds of 40 to 45 MPH. Then just a minute ago, I heard there was a strong storm cell moving through the area that could produce winds up to 65 MPH.
Category: Crystal Coast Weather
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I have wanted to develop a rental by owner site for Emerald Isle, and the rest of the Crystal Coast for about a year now. Well a few weeks ago, I quit slacking and actually started programming in the evenings and weekends. And now I’m proud to say that there is a new Emerald Isle Rental by Owner site available for use by those seeking a rental property, and owners looking to list a property. While working on this project I received a lot of positive feedback from rental owners and other people seemed to think it was a good idea.
Category: Emerald Isle, Rentals
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One of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic Beach is now a total loss after a fire on Christmas Eve morning. Atlantic Beach Police responded to a burglar alarm and discovered the building was on fire.
more…
Category: Atlantic Beach, Restaurants
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The Crystal Coast was blessed with an extremely mild day, considering it is December. But then again, that’s probably why I’m still here. There’s not too many places in North America where you can where short sleeves outside at night, or in the early morning in mid-December.
Category: Crystal Coast Weather
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Indian Beach – The new fire chief in Indian Beach is stirring up quite a commotion for only being appointed chief little more than a week. Apparently he retired from his last post right in the middle of an investigation regarding abuse of his power and allegations of improperly touching firefighters. The town had thirty applicants for the job and interviewed eight of those thirty. And their final choice was Bernie Becker who retired from Clearcreek, Ohio who retired from there in July during the investigation.
Category: Indian Beach
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Yesterday Bogue Banks Water Corporation detected Total Coliform bacteria in the Emerald Isle water supply. The bacteria is generally not a health concern, but their presence can indicate other more harmful pathogens may be in the water. The Town Manager, Frank Rush issued the boil order until further written notice.
Category: Emerald Isle
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Okay, I’m in the holiday spirit and have decided to give those looking to book a week at the beach in an Emerald Isle oceanfront rental an early Christmas present! I’m not giving away a free week or anything that cool, but I did go ahead and do the hard part for you. I went shopping and found some good deals on rentals for this week.
Category: Emerald Isle, Vacation Rental Specials
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The town of Emerald Isle had scheduled their Fifth Annual Holiday Parade for November 29th, but alas, the Crystal Coast weather reminded us just how much we are at the weather’s mercy. The parade was rained out. A major bummer for the Emerald Isle Business Association, the town, as well as the Crystal Coast visitors that planned to make it out.
Category: Emerald Isle, Things to do
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An area of troubled beach in Emerald Isle known as the point is not so troubled anymore. The project to move Bogue Inlet has proved to be successful thus far. They moved the inlet further away from the western end of Emerald Isle and beach that had been washed away is now returning rapidly. For a long time the ramp at the end of Inlet Drive had been closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Category: Emerald Isle
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This Saturday December 6th, The 2008 Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla will take place along the Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts. I never had the pleasure of witnessing a flotilla of any kind really until I moved to Carteret County. The first flotilla I watched go by was the Swansboro flotilla several years ago.
Category: Things to do
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Saturday I was fortunate enough to get out on Bogue Sound and do some kayaking along the sound side of Emerald Isle. My good friend Steve and I were mainly looking for shrimp, but I think both of us needed a good upper-body workout so we paddled from Cedar St. to Kelly St. before taking to throwing the cast nets.
Category: Emerald Isle
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Today it was so nice today. I had the day off from my job in Jacksonville. Usually the weather craps out on my days off and I am unable to enjoy a day at the beach. But today the moon and stars must have been aligned in my favor because late this morning it turned really sunny and warm.
I went down to the Bogue Inlet Pier to catch some rays and enjoy the scenery. It was pretty busy down there for a week day, but none the less it was a good day. If you’ve never been to Emerald Isle and checked the beach out for yourself, you’re missing out!
Category: Emerald Isle
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