Every year the Carolina Chocolate Festival is held in February in Morehead City at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. This year there are several noteworthy events and attractions. One great fundraising idea is selling chocolate bars. If you buy the bar that has the golden ticket you will win a trip for 4  to Hershey. It’s straight out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The best part of this event is it generates alot of funds for charity. So it’s a doubly sweet event, no pun intended. There’s also so many interesting events before, during, and after the festival. Emerald Isle Wine Market is hosting an event “Chocolate Uncorked!” on the second floor of the civic center Saturday February 4th from 2-5pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Another event I always thought interesting was the Carolina Chocolate Festival Spa. This is a spa, obviously, but with some interesting twists. For instance there is chocolate facials. hmmmm.

The festival opens at 9am on Saturday Feb. 4th and is open until 6pm. The tickets are $8.Sunday from 10am to 3pm the Carolina Chocolate Festival gives its finest offerings of sweet chocolate.

Just a little insider tip: A few years ago I worked a booth at the festival. I noticed on the second day (Sunday) many things were sold out. However, what was left was sold at great prices. So if you have something in particular in mind, arrive early. If not I would go the second day and try to score some great chocolate at a discount rate.

 2010 Carolina Chocolate Festival

2009 Carolina Chocolate Festival

Monday July 4th, 2011 Bogue Inlet Pier will once again host the fireworks for those visiting Emerald Isle on the holiday. For a couple years the relationship between Mike Stanley (owner of the pier) and the Town of Emerald Isle kind of went south. It all started when the town made Mike remove his long standing sign at the end of Bogue Inlet Dr. and replaced it with a sliver of a sign.

Well this didn’t sit well with Mike, and I can’t say I blame him. The sign had been there for what seemed like forever to me. But a storm (I forget which one) badly damaged the sign. When Mike put it back up, the town said it was “non-conforming” and forced its removal. unfortunately for Mike the old saying “You can’t fight city hall” rings true.

Nonetheless, I’m glad to report Mike and the Town of Emerald Isle have reconciled and the fireworks will be returning to Bogue Inlet Pier. Its so much better to watch the fireworks display on the beach vice McLean Park.

Fireworks will be at 9pm on the end of the pier. Hope you enjoy.

Being that Ballyhoos is one of my favorite restaurants in Emerald Isle, I get in there often enough to know any night is a good night there, however, Surf Night is totally off the hook.

The festivities kick off at 9:30pm Saturday night. Selah Dubb will be throwing down some hot tunes. Of course don’t forget to get there early and get your raffle tickets. Each Surf Night there are plenty of sweet prizes given away.

Ballyhoos is the perfect venue for an event such as this. I’m sure they will have some kind of drink specials and of course good food. Ballyhoos is a great example of some quality Emerald Isle nightlife.

There’s not too much to do this time of year, and Surf Night really helps make for a fun evening on the town even in the off-season. So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend mark Saturday at 9:30 for Surf Night and come win some stuff or at least listen to good music.

The parade is set to start at 3pm on Saturday November 27th. The route is the same as in years past. Below is a map of the parade route to assist you in finding a good place to view the parade from. I believe this will be the 7th year of the Christmas parade. Entry forms for the parade are available on the town’s website. There is no fee to enter your float. It may be a good idea to promote your business by making a float. I will try to make it to the parade and gather some photos of the various floats.

View Emerald Isle Holiday Parade in a larger map

www.beaufortseaport.com

For Immediate Release

May 23, 2010

Ready A-A-Aarrgh Not!

BEAUFORT, NC – Never ever duplicated, the Beaufort Pirate Invasion is scheduled for August 13 and 14, 2010.

For the 2010 Beaufort Pirate Invasion, the oldest North Carolina seaport is authentically transformed while reliving the actual invasion of its Colonial past. It becomes 1747, and the streets bustle with activity as news spreads of Spanish privateers stealing command of supply ships in Beaufort Harbor. Beaufort and its people can expect to be targeted next!

At the Beaufort Historic Site in the center of downtown, an authentic Pirate Encampment is active on Friday evening and all day Saturday with Brethren of the Coast and a fascinating variety of wenches. Shrimp baskets, hot dogs and grog are served here Friday night to anyone with the coin of the realm starting at 5:00 PM

Saturday (August14), beginning at 1:00 PM, the Beaufort Pyrate Invasion occurs!

It begins with the Pirates Procession along the downtown waterfront to Pollock Street where, in 1747, the town militia met the long boat of Spanish pirate invaders set on pillaging the town. Around 1:30 PM, cannons will be firing on the town, muskets on land will be countering, and the melee will begin!

History records that nearly 100 local farmers and townsfolk joined the small band of militiamen in defense of the town. The result was victory over the invading pirates! It is said that some of the pirates were buried in the Old Burying Grounds where they remain today.

Following the Invasion, there will be a public trial and other occurrences appropriate for a 1747 Pirate Invasion. The day concludes with a celebration of the town’s victory at the Beaufort Historic Site starting at 5:00 PM. Barbecue and grog is available for purchase, and everyone celebrates like pirates!

Summon your crew for August 13-14 in Beaufort. It’s great excitement and fun for all. No disappointments, Matey!

The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is an annual event of the Beaufort Business Association. Tickets to food events will be available at the Beaufort Historic Site. For more information, call 252-728-3988. For a taste of things to come, visit www.beaufortpirateinvasion.com. Accommodations and complete information are on the web site.

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.

• On Friday February 5th at 11:00am there will be a Tee off FORE Charity and Chocolate golf event at Brandywine Bay Golf Course in Morehead City. I’m not much of a golfer, so I’ll likely be sitting this one out. Cost is $45 and includes lunch, chocolate desserts, and a golf cart.
• Then at 6:30pm prepare for An Evening Wrapped in Chocolate at Shepard’s Point. This will feature a chocolate dinner from Chef Charles Parks. Tickets are $160/couple or $80/person. Proceeds benefite Boys and Girls Club of Coastal Carolina.

• Saturday February 6th at 9am the Carolina Chocolate Festival opens its doors at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. The festival runs until 6pm. Tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 are free admission.
• Also on Saturday from 11am to 3pm is the Chocolate Spa at the Sheraton in Atlantic Beach. Get a facial or mini massage and enjoy champagne and gourmet chocolates. Reservations are required and tickets are $60 and include admission to the Chocolate Festival.
• From 2pm to 5pm stop into the Chocolate Uncorked event on the 2nd floor of the Civic Center. Emerald Isle Wine Market will have some decadent wines to sample and a silent auction.

• Sunday February 7th is the second day of the Carolina Chocolate Festival in Morehead City. The hours are from 10am to 3pm and the ticket prices remain the same except for free admission to Active Duty service members with I.D.
• From noon to 3pm check out Potters for Parkinsons Bingo on the Civic Center’s 2nd floor. There is going to be prizes and surprises for all.
• The Carteret County PAWS sunday brunch will run from 11am to 3pm at Floyd’s 1921. Costs $20 per person and reservations are required. Call (252) 727-1921 or (252) 726-7925 for reservation/ticket information.

So I hope to see you out at one or more of these wonderful events that all support great charities in our area. Just remember not to eat too much chocolate.

2009 Carolina Chocolate Festival

So if you’re in need of a good laugh as much as I am, come on out for a great time at one of my favorite Emerald Isle night spots. It’s sure to be a good time full of good laughs and great people. If you have never been to Ballyhoo’s man you’re missing out on one of the best night spots on the entire Crystal Coast. Trust me, I’ve lived here for quite some time, and have been a resident fixture at just about every bar, restaurant, and club at one time or another.

This is a non-smoking event, so bring a jacket if you think you’ll need to step outside for a smoke. I know I’ll be going out a couple times here and there. If you’re upset about having to go outside to smoke at a night club, join the club and let your legislators know how you feel. Inform Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, Representative Joe Hackney, and Governor Bev Perdue how much you dislike the idea of them stepping on not only your personal liberties, but the rights of the small business owners they claim to defend.

Other than that I hope to see you out there for a great night.  And to get a brief introduction of some of the comics you’ll be seeing contact the Justice League of Comedy.

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.

This year after the flotilla makes it way by my place I may run into downtown Swansboro for the other festivities. Maybe I’ll even get an early start on my Christmas shopping. I know most of the shops will be open so it may be a good time to get started. Plus there is going to be food vendors and cider being served on the sidewalks.

I’ve never actually wen into Swansboro for the full flotilla experience and festivities that follow. So I’ll try to get some photos to document all the fun for those of you that can’t make it. The 2009 Swansboro Christmas Flotilla will take place on Friday, November 27th. Its set to begin at 5pm and the good times will continue until 9pm.

Whatever you do, be sure not to miss this event. It truly is one of the Crystal Coast’s most entertaining events in my opinion. You will really be in the Christmas spirit after this. There are plenty of places to catch the flotilla. One of the easiest places from my experience is the Wildlife ramp in Cedar Point. There are also many good places along the water in downtown Swansboro.

The event helps raise money for the Buddy Peletier Surf Foundation. The foundation was started after world champion surfer Buddy Peletier passed away from cancer in 1995. The event has grown into one of the most popular and fun filled surfing events in the country.

The competition is limited to 24 surfers per division. If you need more information about the competition please contact the event director, Mike Holleman at 252-726-2314.

Come out to the Oceanana in Atlantic Beach and watch one of the best surf competitions around. I’ll try and get out there for some photos and a report as to how the event unfolds. There is no cost for spectators to sit on the beach and watch the action.

Champion surfers from all around the globe will be in attendance for the 10th anniversary. Be sure to arrive early, the competition will start at 7am on Saturday. So come out cheer the competitors on, learn about the Buddy Peletier Surf Foundation and their mission. Most of all just have a good time. Be sure to stop by Atlantic Beach Surf Shop to pick up “The Buddy” t-shirt.

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.

If you’re not sure of where McLean Park is in Emerald Isle its near mile marker 18.

Just a reminder in North Carolina many fireworks are illegal. This includes anything explosive or aerial, roman candles, and rockets or similar devices.

You can and will likely get a ticket in Emerald Isle for igniting these types of fireworks. Don’t ask me how I know this. I’m unsure about watching the fireworks in Emerald Isle this year though, since they won’t be at Bogue Inlet Pier.

I always thought that was a wonderful way to celebrate the Fourth of July. It is unfortunate the town and the owner of the pier couldn’t come to an agreement on their sign at the end of Bogue Inlet Dr. Instead they forced Mr. Stanley to remove his sign.

While it is saddening that the Emerald Isle fireworks won’t take place at the pier, I really don’t blame the pier owner for his decision. Why work with them, if they can’t work with you?

I hope you make it out to this year’s fireworks. I’m sure I’ll find somewhere to watch them. Happy Fourth of July!