North Beach Sun Real Estate Summer 2025

Find Something Unexpected

You never know what you’ll uncover at The Cottage Shop! From Tidewater Sandals for exploring the shore to handpicked coastal décor, gourmet treats, and unique gifts, every visit is a new adventure.

Sip, Serve & Celebrate Coastal Living

Stock up for the season with a huge selection of drinkware, that keeps your beach-side drinks chilled, and cocktail glasses that elevate your summer soirées. Hosting this year? Fiesta Tableware brings vibrant color to your home, while coastal-inspired serveware adds the perfect mix of elegance & ease.

What’s New? A Boutique You’ll Love!

This season, The Cottage Shop in Nags Head is turning up the style with a brand new boutique, and trust us, it’s worth the visit. Featuring Umgee clothing, this collection is all about breezy, boho-inspired fashion that is effortlessly chic and perfect for those sun-soaked days and breezy Outer Banks nights.

Build your villages.

THESE DAYS, THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF EXTRA ATTENTION to the goal of being “connected.” But what exactly does that mean? It might just depend on who you ask.

For self-help gurus it can be largely metaphorical, while professionals of all different stripes may be more focused on career advancement. In more specialized terms, it could refer to the functionality of certain machines or data sets, and even frequent flyers might simply be debating their ability (or lack thereof) of making it from one side of a terminal to the other.

Connections – or, at least, the possibility of them – are everywhere.

Perhaps one of the biggest things pushing us toward this idealized notion of being connected, is, of course, our gadgets. Without unnecessarily vilifying our devices – technology can be wonderfully beneficial in a lot of ways – it can start to feel as though everywhere we turn there’s a new product or appliance that purports to let us stay connected like never before. Our phones are probably an overly obvious culprit in this department, filled as they are with a tantalizing array of apps that go well beyond placing calls to making videos, taking and sharing photos, organizing group chats and surfing virtually endless waves of social media.

We’re often told that “it takes a village,” so why – with all of this innovative technology available at the touch of a finger – are so many of us left wondering where those proverbial community safety nets are exactly?

The truth – as plenty of others have been quick to point out – is that villages, very often, are not ready-made, and they certainly don’t exist in a vacuum. Building a village takes work and the energy of active participants who show up for each other even (and maybe especially) when it isn’t terribly convenient.

That our gadgets are useful tools is undeniable, but interacting with – and supporting – each other deeply requires more than screen time. It takes being there, present in the moments and prepared to both listen and learn about others who can regularly seem different than ourselves. It’s the type of work that can feel uncomfortable at times, confusing even, but it can also open our eyes to surprising new ideas and approaches that we might not have realized otherwise. That, too, is where connections begin. And villages don’t have to be singular. Friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and fellow travelers can form all sorts of cooperative spaces that resist isolation and reinforce our sense of what it means to be a part of something larger in this world. Even the people who you meet in the pages of this magazine can become part of that experience, particularly if their passions and motivations resonate with you in unexpected ways, offering you the opportunity to reflect on your own normal patterns and desires – and giving you the chance to imagine a future where truly anything is possible.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue!

Editor Publisher

STAFF

PUBLISHERS

Adam & Cathy Baldwin

EDITOR

Amelia Boldaji

ART DIRECTOR

Dave Rollins

CONTRIBUTORS

Cathy Baldwin

Amelia Boldaji

Steve Hanf

Catherine Kozak

Jessica Manack

Ryan Moser

Arabella Saunders

Emmy Trivette

Michelle Wagner

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dylan Bush

SALES MANAGER

Helen Furr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jessica Beaman

Ron Chamberlayne

The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun

The views expressed in the articles contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or Access Media Group. The published material, advertisements, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Access Media Group and North Beach Sun cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by errors, omissions or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

NORTH

editor@northbeachsun.com

Timeless Family Vacations Since 1968

BUT FIRST...

Heal Thyself!

Fact or Fiction?

OUCH, THAT HURTS! Although no one wants to get stung by something swimming nearby, it’s not an uncommon occurrence when we’re sharing the seas with jellies, rays and urchins – and contrary to that one episode of Friends, urine will not help you out in a pinch (it could even make it worse!).

The likely origin of this enduring myth is the idea that urine contains compounds like ammonia and urea, which can be helpful for some stings if used alone – the only problem is that your urine’s too diluted to do much good. Other things to avoid? Fresh water, alcohol, baking soda, shaving cream and meat tenderizer – all of which have been touted in the past, but debunked by medical science. Your best bet for most stings is to gently wash the wound with saltwater and carefully remove any visible spines or tentacles with tweezers before soaking the affected area in hot water for about 30 minutes – oh, and find your nearest lifeguard!

Talk Therapy Maritime Medicine

APPROXIMATELY 71 PERCENT of the Earth’s surface is covered in water – mostly thanks to the world’s oceans – but according to some estimates, we’ve only fully explored around five percent of what lies beneath those depths. When it comes to scientific developments, this could very well mean that many important medical breakthroughs are swimming, crawling or floating just off our shores.

While most marine-derived medicines currently being studied are tied to cancer-fighting research, there have already been several promising advances in experiments using everything from microscopic bacteria to sea sponges and phytoplankton, and a clotting agent found in horseshoe crab blood has been in use to develop safe vaccines since the 1970s.

In more recent news, a pain reliever that’s potentially 1,000 times stronger than morphine has been identified through work with venomous cone snail species, while many scientists believe that sea stars and jellyfish could eventually deliver a wider variety of antiinflammatory options – and some groundbreaking new research using sterilized tilapia skin on burn wounds suggests that your whitefish entrée may one day double as a band aid. Welcome to the future!

PRIOR TO THE WIDESPREAD USAGE of electricity in rural areas of the southern U.S., burns were a highly common ailment, which gave rise to faith healers known as “fire talkers.” According to lore, practitioners of this old country cure were individuals who could communicate with a burn – typically by reciting a set of secret scriptures – in order to extinguish the flames that remained inside the wound and banish the pain.

While the custom has been around for centuries – and is even believed to date back to the Middle Ages in Europe – the practice really took hold in the Appalachian areas of North Carolina, where it wasn’t viewed as magic but rather as a more divinely inspired gift that could only be passed down to members of the opposite sex. It was also believed that the cure wouldn’t “take” if a fire talker was paid for their services or even simply thanked, and that a healer would lose their gift forever when and if they revealed the process to others, creating a culture of secrecy that makes it difficult to know how prevalent this tradition is in modern times – though rumors persist that a few conjurers still possess these talents in some more isolated communities around mainland Dare’s Alligator River.

SUMMER EVENTS

SOUNDSIDE FUNFAIR

June 5 – 8

BUTTERFLY RELEASES

Wednesday and Fridays through September

Discover butterflies up close as they take flight from the grounds of the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens. elizabethangardens.com

DOWNTOWN MARKET

Saturday mornings throughout the summer

Buy fresh local fruits, veggies and crafts at this farmers’ market every Saturday in downtown Manteo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. manteonc.gov

VUSIC SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Selected dates throughout the summer Rock out on Roanoke Island with the Vusic summer concert series, which features major national and regional performers. livefromobx.com

MUSTANG MORNINGS ON THE FARM

May 28 – August 27

Meet rescued wild horses up close and hear their stories at the Wild Horse Fund's farm in Grandy. corollawildhorses.org

THE LOST COLONY

May 29 – August 23

This fascinating drama – the longestrunning outdoor historical drama in the United States – brings to life the mystery of what happened during the first permanent English settlement attempt right here on the Outer Banks. thelostcolony.org

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK

June 5 – 8

This four-day celebration of the iconic state park’s 50th anniversary includes live entertainment, educational and recreational programs, a sunset toast and more. facebook.com/friendsofjockeysridge

Kick off the summer at this festive carnival to benefit Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County at The Soundside event site. darekids.org

43RD ANNUAL ROGALLO KITE FESTIVAL

June 5 – 6

This free kite festival at Jockey’s Ridge honors Francis Rogallo, inventor of the flexible wing. Festivities include stunt kites, kite displays, kite instruction, kite coloring for kids and more. kittyhawk.com

FIRST FRIDAY

June 6, July 11 (changed for the holiday) & August 1

Downtown Manteo comes alive on the first Friday of each month from 6–8 p.m. darearts.org

DARE DAY

June 7

Spend the day celebrating Manteo’s rich history with music, crafts and food vendors. manteonc.gov

DOWDY PARK FARMERS’ MARKET

June 12 – August 21 (Thursdays)

Stop by Dowdy Park in Nags Head between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. each Thursday during the summer for fresh fruits and veggies. nagsheadnc.gov

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

Every Thursday from June 12 –September 11

Enjoy a free live concert with music ranging from country to covers on the Duck Town Green. townofduck.com

UNDER THE OAKS ARTS FESTIVAL

June 17 – 18

This free two-day art festival features talented artisans on the waterfront grounds of Historic Corolla Park. northernobxevents.com

FIRST FLIGHT FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Tuesday morning, June 17August 12

Shop more than 65 local vendors and food trucks as you stroll around the pond at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. kdhnc.com

SOUNDSIDE SUMMER MARKET

Every Wednesday from June 18 –August 20

Buy one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artisans at the Soundside Market in Nags Head every Wednesday through the summer.

soundsidemarket.com

ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

July 4

Cheer on this festive parade in Duck followed by a celebration with live music at the Duck Town Park. townofduck.com

TOWN OF MANTEO’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July 4

Celebrate the national holiday with festivities in downtown Manteo. manteonc.gov

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 4

Marvel at fireworks on the lawn of Historic Corolla Park while listening to free live music and enjoying family-friendly activities. northernobxevents.com

47TH ANNUAL WRIGHT KITE FESTIVAL

July 18 – 19

Learn to fly stunt kites for free and watch large kite displays during this event at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. kittyhawk.com

OBX SKIM JAM

July 25 – 27

Watch talented skimboarders glide across the shoreline as they compete in this regional tournament at Jennette’s Pier. skim-usa.com

19TH ANNUAL OUTER BANKS WATERMELON FESTIVAL

August 1

There’s plenty for the kids to do during this summery event at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head, including face painting, crafts, watermelon-themed competitions and more. kittyhawk.com

COROLLA CORK & CRAFT

August 6

Enjoy local beer and wine tastings, live music and curated craft artisans in the scenic setting of Historic Corolla Park. northernobxevents.com

OUTER BANKS PIRATE FESTIVAL

August 14 – 15

Learn pirate lore, take pictures with mermaids and enroll the little ones in Scallywag School during this fun festival at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. kittyhawk.com

WRV OUTER BANKS PRO

August 27 – September 1 (Tentative)

Top-rated surfers from around the world compete in this Men’s Qualifying Series event at Jennette’s Pier. wrvobxpro.com

OBX ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

September 3 – 4

This annual show at the Hilton Garden Inn features paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass artwork and more. A portion of artists’ entrance fees are donated to local charities. facebook.com/obxartfestival

BEER GARDEN AT THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

October 4

Savor a few brews on the lawn of The Elizabethan Gardens in this inaugural event this fall. elizabethangardens.org

DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL

October 11 – 12

This free, all-day event features national, regional and local acts at the Duck Town Park.

duckjazz.com

OUTER BANKS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

October 18

Enjoy fresh local seafood, cooking demos, mullet tossing, live music and more during this family-friendly event at The Soundside event site in Nags Head. outerbanksseafoodfestival.org

ROANOKE ISLAND OYSTER SHELLABRATION

November 2

Slurp down a few salty oysters at Safe Harbor Marina in Wanchese during this inaugural fundraising event for The Lost Colony

thelostcolony.org

TOWN REPORT

What’s happening in your town? Here’s a report from all over the Outer Banks.

COMPILED BY CATHERINE KOZAK

Currituck County

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 25 at the Maple Commerce Park, which is adjacent to the Currituck County Regional Airport. Through a partnership between Currituck County and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), a classroom facility and airplane hangar will be constructed at the commerce park as part of ECSU’s new Currituck Flight Training Center.

According to a press release, the venture establishes the first hub for the university’s popular Aviation Sciences Program outside of Elizabeth City. ECSU is the only school in the University of North Carolina system to offer a four-year aviation sciences degree.

The project – which is expected to be complete in 2026 – includes a 4,800 square-foot classroom and office facility, a 6,600 square-foot airplane hangar and a direct taxiway for its airplanes into the airport property.

Duck

The Advice 5K Turkey Trot, an annual run held for 25 years in Duck on Thanksgiving morning, will be revived in 2025. Originally organized by Nancy Caviness, the informal philanthropyfocused race was retired after the 2021 event, but the Turkey Trot’s permanent charitable endowment to help local nonprofits – which was established in 2013 – is still being managed by the Outer Banks Community Foundation, and donations are still accepted on the

Advice 5K Turkey Trot Fund’s Facebook page.

Gray Berryman, representing the First Flight Track Club that launched in 2024, told the town council that the club would like to build on Caviness’ success, and run a similarly family-friendly race through parts of Duck. On March 5, the town council agreed to co-sponsor the renewed race this November, and to provide both fire and police support for the event.

Southern Shores

At its April 1 meeting, the Southern Shores Town Council authorized the town to move forward with renovations on the community’s town hall, which is located on Virginia Dare Trail.

The proposed project will convert the conference room into a receptionist area, remodel the planning and administration entrances, and install three new interior doors as well as a new front door equipped with recently replaced electronic access equipment, according to town documents.

The original bid was lowered by removing square footage for file storage, and a contract with Sussex Development Corporation and KDH Fire & Security for the renovation work calls for the amount not to exceed $231,690. Separate work covered by the total $380,000 budgeted by the town for the renovation includes the construction of a new front porch and additional electronic door equipment replacement, leaving about $16.4 million unspent.

Kitty Hawk

According to a March announcement from the town, new solar lights have been placed at 12 beach road crosswalks in Kitty Hawk. The lights, located at Byrd, Maynard, Bennett, Luke, East Eckner, Wilkins, Bleriot, Hawks, Balchen, Starfish and Lillian streets, as well as at Kitty Hawk Road and the Kitty Hawk Bath House crossing, were installed to enhance safety and visibility along NC 12.

The town explained that the lights are set to dim at 11 p.m. in order to minimize light pollution. They will remain on a dimmer setting until motion sensors detect a person approaching, at which point the lights will automatically brighten. “These lights are designed on shorter poles with directional light in order to not interfere with wildlife including turtles and birds,” the town said. The project was made possible with a Tourism Impact Grant from the Dare County Tourism Board.

Kill Devil Hills

The Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners has agreed to apply for a grant through the North Carolina Land and Water Fund that could allow town-owned land in Nags Head Woods to be permanently protected for passive recreation. If the grant is approved, the town could receive funds in exchange for a perpetual conservation easement for The Nature Conservancy, which would manage the property on the town’s behalf. The town’s land in the Nags Head Woods Preserve – one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast – and the adjacent Fresh Pond area are currently under conservation management through a memorandum of understanding between Kill Devil Hills and The Nature Conservancy.

Nags Head

A $500,000 grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund was awarded in late February to the town of Nags Head in order to finance the repairs and replacement for about 400 malfunctioning residential septic systems, the governor’s office announced. It is the first award from the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Pilot Program, and Nags Head was one of 203 eligible applicants.

“This funding aligns with our Todd D. Krafft Septic Health Initiative, which has helped Nags Head residents maintain their septic systems for over 20 years,” the town said. “By offering free septic inspections, low-interest pump-out loans, and financial assistance for system repairs, this initiative plays a vital role in protecting our water quality.”

Manteo

An application for a special-use permit for Dare County Schools’ Early College was approved by the Manteo Board of Commissioners on April 2 after a quasi-judicial hearing. Plans for the new 26,000-square-foot structure, to be built at the existing College of the Albemarle Dare campus in Manteo, will include an additional 92 parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the fall of 2026.

The Early College program provides local children the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and a college associate degree simultaneously.

Dare County

Updated property appraisal notices that were mailed to all Dare County property owners by the county Property Appraisal Department in late March reflected an eye-popping increase in the tax base. According to a presentation by the county assessor at the Dare County Board of Commissioners’ March 3 meeting, the 2025 county-wide revaluation totaled $27.5 billion, a 67% jump in the 2024 assessed value of $16.4 billion. In the prior 2020 revaluation, the county’s tax base was $15.9 billion.

County officials later said that the new county tax rate for the annual budget will be “revenue neutral” when it’s officially set in June, with the current rate of 40.5 cents per $100 of value expected to drop 35% to 26.32 cents per $100 of value.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

COMPILED BY CATHERINE KOZAK

New Leader of Park Service Fundraiser

Outer Banks Forever, a nonprofit fundraising partner for the local National Park Service locations, has announced the selection of Bryan Burhans as its new director.

Burhans has more than 30 years’ experience with nonprofits, including executive roles with The American Chestnut Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation, according to a March press release. He has also worked for wildlife agencies in Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania, and as a researcher and wildlife instructor at The Pennsylvania State University.

Burhans succeeds Jessica Barnes, who led the organization since its founding in 2019 by Eastern National, the nonprofit that supports the parks through gift shops and educational services. As its philanthropic branch, Outer Banks Forever is focused on supporting the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Changes at the Chamber

Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Brown intends to retire by the end of May 2026 according to an announcement made by the chamber’s board of directors in April.

The board will develop and release a plan by June for filling the position, and Brown will work with the search committee in that process. “While this is a bittersweet time for me, I am looking forward to assisting with plans for a successful transition in mid-2026,” said Brown, who has served as president for the past 12 years. “My time at the Outer Banks Chamber has been the highlight of my 25-year Chamber of Commerce career and I know the future is bright for this outstanding organization.”

Local Aquarium Recognized Nationally

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has been chosen for a top award by Newsweek magazine, according to an April announcement by the aquarium.

After a public vote on nominees from across the United States, the top 10 winners were named on April 3, which is when the Roanoke Island facility learned it won the 2025 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards contest for best aquarium.

“Known for its stellar sea turtle rehab center, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has something for everyone, from the alligators and turtles of the Outer Banks to the Atlantic’s sharks, jellies and of course, sea turtles,” the panelists of magazine contributors and travel experts said, as quoted in the news release. The nationally circulated magazine also lauded the aquarium’s “impressive” 285,000gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit that features a model of the American Civil War–era USS Monitor and the sharks and other fish that inhabit it. Aquarium Director Larry Warner said the award is a validation of the Roanoke Island team’s “pride and passion.”

Luxurious Update for Classic Resort

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, The Sanderling resort in Duck, beloved for its private setting alongside the Currituck Sound, has undergone a “top-to-bottom transformation,” featuring updated interiors, bespoke furnishings and a new restaurant from award-winning North Carolina chef and author Vivian Howard, according to its website.

Accommodations are available at six residences with vacation rental homes for up to 16 guests that provide spectacular views, a private beach access and exclusive resort amenities.

The revamped onsite restaurant is now called Theodosia – in honor of Theodosia Burr, former Vice President Aaron Burr’s daughter who was lost at sea off the Outer Banks –and it offers refined coastal cuisine with a Southern flare reflecting Howard’s roots.

“With a focus on fresh locally sourced ingredients and the rich traditions of eastern North Carolina cooking, her menu speaks of salt marshes and fishing boats, of recipes passed down and flavors inspired by the Outer Banks,” The Sanderling’s website says.

Real Estate MARKET SNAPSHOT

Data from the Outer Banks Association of Realtors First Quarter 2025 MLS Statistical Report, which was released in March, reflects lukewarm news for the local market, with total residential sales down 3% and lot/land sales down by 9% in the first quarter compared with 2024.

Meanwhile, the total active inventory in the same period climbed 23% over last year, the report said. The median sales price for first quarter single family residential homes in 2025 increased 13% over 2024, up from $550,000 to $621,250.

Residential unit sales in Outer Banks communities were a mixed bag, with Ocracoke village spiking 800% in year-to-date sales, from one unit sold in 2024 to nine in 2025. The town of Nags Head followed suit with an 87% increase, from 23 units sold in 2024 to 43 in 2025.

Corolla saw the largest percentage decrease in year-to-date sales, from 66 units sold last year to 39 in 2025, a 41% drop. The Currituck County coastal community also saw the largest decrease in median sales prices, from $887,000 in 2024 to $780,000 in 2025, and that 12% drop was only marginally lower than several other communities.

Hatteras Island, however, not only had the highest increase in median sales price, from $515,000 to $655,000 – a 27% spike – it also saw a healthy 19% increase in year-to-date sales, from 47 units sold in 2024 to 56 units in 2025.

The historic Midgett House has hosted generations of visitors to Hatteras Island.

Home Away from Home

PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION of helicopter technology within the United States Coast Guard, a shipwreck off the coast of the Outer Banks meant that a small team of surfmen would launch a 3,000-pound rescue boat into treacherous waters, when necessary, in order to venture forth and save a crew in peril.

Those surfmen were – and still are – regarded as heroes. But like most Outer Banks residents in this modern century, those early surfmen faced everyday issues that still plague several parts of this sandbar. One of the most prominent? Where to house out-of-area visitors.

Enter: The Midgett House at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.

“As a rule, out-of-town visitors did not stay with the surfmen at the station,” explains the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site Manager Dinah Beveridge. “They had to stay in a different facility, so Cornelius Midgett [the brother of station Keeper John Allen Midgett, Jr.] built a house in 1907, which we call the Midgett House.”

The Midgett House is one of five structures located at the Chicamacomico historic site in Hatteras Island’s Rodanthe. The site also features the original 1847 lifesaving station alongside the updated 1911 station. But the Midgett house – with its original furnishings, decorations and kitchen items that can transport one to the days of yore – is a favorite amongst visitors.

“It’s a point of curiosity about how local families started out with their little homes and then expanded to lifesaving stations and making provisions for out-of-town visitors,” Dinah says.

The Midgett House was assembled from a Sears, Roebuck and Company kit, meaning that it’s one of approximately 75,000 homes Sears sold to families around the country from around 1908 to 1940. The company advertised the prefabricated houses in their widely popular catalogs and then shipped everything needed for the build – from nails and screws to staircases and mantelpieces – to the railroad station located closest to the buyer.

The two-story Midgett House features four bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room and both a front and side porch. Also still intact is what Dinah refers to as a “man cave” – the back room where guests hung their fishing gear, rods and nets.

In 2006, nearly a century after the home was built, local residents Bette Gray and Trish Midgett paid to have the home moved from its original location near a Rodanthe beach access to the Chicamacomico

“It’s an ongoing project. We use volunteers to help us get out there and tackle each room, one at a time.”

-Dinah Beveridge, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site Manager

Life-Saving Station Historic Site. The house was then donated to the Chicamacomico Historical Association.

The Midgetts continue to have a rich family history on Hatteras Island. Since the 1800s, 200 members of the Midgett family have served in the U.S. Coast Guard or in its predecessor, the U.S. Life-Saving Service. One of the most prominent rescues in maritime service history was even led by John Allen Midgett, Jr., who was the keeper of the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station during the first decade of the Midgett House’s existence.

In 1918, Captain John Allen Midgett, Jr., oversaw the rescue of 42 British sailors after the Mirlo was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Hatteras. Despite the waves breaking nearly 20 feet high, surfmen serving under his command repeatedly launched rescue boats until the majority of the tanker’s crew was safe ashore. In recognition of their service, the U.S. and British governments awarded Captain Midgett and his crew –many of whom shared his last name – medals of honor.

“We have a lot of descendants who live down here and abroad, and that is the history of their lives, their ancestors and what they did to serve,” Dinah says. “During World War I and World War II these men had to go out and save lives because of all the ships sinking.”

But the complications of that history – and the structures left behind – didn’t end there. On a July evening in 2017, the Midgett House was struck by lightning during an otherwise unremarkable summer

storm. The effects were felt throughout the building –the face plates on all the electric sockets were blown off and scattered across the floors, the painted walls were chipped, and the original brick chimney was completely destroyed.

The Chicamacomico Historical Association worked quickly to repair the damage as best they could, which included installing a new roof, in order to reopen to the public as fast as possible. Years later, however, the effects of the lightning strike are still evident, and the association is in the process of completely restoring the home. Because the house is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and therefore can’t receive federal grant money, the association has been focused on private donations to finance the repairs.

“It’s an ongoing project,” Dinah explains. “We use volunteers to help us get out there and tackle each room, one at a time.”

Some of those volunteers come from the same crop of maritime service members that the Midgett family has a proud history with. A few times a year, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary out of Elizabeth City and the Chief’s Mess out of Chesapeake, Virginia, visit the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site to help with restoration projects.

“We’re fortunate to have a really great group of volunteers,” Dinah says, “and we just want to continue fixing it up so people can enjoy touring it.”

Your

The

Disaster

The

Outer

Our

Shine On

BY STEVE HANF

Most people who have spent decades working as an engineer at Walt Disney World would be viewed as having one of the coolest and most interesting jobs in the world.

Then there’s Dan Spinella. Turns out helping millions of people have a good time at an iconic theme park is – just maybe – the second-coolest and most interesting thing he does. That’s because Dan’s developed a truly one-of-a-kind hobby that’s grown into a fulltime job of its own: He reproduces and restores the Fresnel lenses that appear in lighthouses across the country.

His current undertaking is the lens that will once again serve as a beacon over the Graveyard of the Atlantic in the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

In a phone conversation this spring from his Florida home, Dan was able to take a break after completing work on several prisms that will make up the massive reproduction. When asked how someone gets started with such a specialty, he laughs.

“I get that question a lot, because it’s a very unique hobby/business, and I don’t think there’s anyone else who really does the exact thing I do,” Dan says. “There are lampists who restore historic lenses, but building full-scale reproductions? I don’t think there’s anyone else who does that.”

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the nation at 198 feet and perhaps the best-known lighthouse in the country, visited by some 500,000 people annually. The National Park Service began a restoration project of the site last year and will cap it all off with this spectacular new light modeled after the Fresnel lens used when construction was completed in 1870.

“Cape Hatteras National Seashore is pleased with the progress being made to fabricate a replica first-order Fresnel lens as part of a largescale project to restore the inside and outside of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,” says Mike Barber, spokesman for the National Park Service’s Outer Banks Group. “We look forward to having the finished product placed atop the nation’s tallest lighthouse near the end of this multi-year project. Once activated, its beam will be visible from roughly 20 nautical miles.”

Lighting up the inky blackness of a seashore has never been an easy job, but the exacting details needed to recreate the style of lens created by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in 1819 certainly appeals to an engineer. Dan grew up in Wisconsin, and earned his degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering without having any kind of connection to coastal lights.

After moving to Florida to look for work, Dan found himself exploring the state and discovering the historical wonders of St. Augustine. He had friends who were restoring the city’s lighthouse grounds so he started volunteering as well, and one day they let Dan climb to the top of the lighthouse so he could take a look at the lens.

“I do mechanical design, so I have to know how things work. I got up there and I stood inside that huge lens – it’s 10 feet tall, six feet in diameter, and has about a thousand prisms in it,” Dan says. “I’m looking through the prisms, and I can see the ocean, but everything’s kind of upside down, and I thought it was really, really neat that something like that could be built in the 1800s.”

“The Fresnel lens is almost a perfect combination of history, art and engineering, and that’s how I got involved.”

This, of course, is where Dan and the rest of us diverge a bit. He simply had to know more. When the Coast Guard announced that they were going to remove the St. Augustine Lighthouse’s lens after parts of it had been vandalized, locals rallied to save their piece of history, and Dan volunteered to make it happen. He took measurements and made drawings of the assembly, found lighthouse engineering books from the 1850s to ensure the accuracy of his designs, and saw the light shine again after a manufacturing firm was able to create new glass prisms.

“I was hooked after I realized just how much engineering went into it, and how these

things worked,” Dan says. “The Fresnel lens is almost a perfect combination of history, art and engineering, and that’s how I got involved.”

That was the early 1990s. By around 2004, Dan was being called upon to help with numerous other reproductions, from smaller sixth-order lenses that could fit in a grocery bag to more common fourth-order lenses that measure about three feet high and two feet in diameter, and the mammoth first-order lenses, which are the largest of the bunch. Over the years, he’s worked on projects from Maine to California through his company Artworks Florida that he runs out of his home.

Dan calls the Hatteras light “a monster.” It’s the first first-order reproduction he’s been tasked with, and he’s also restoring the mechanical pedestal that rotates the light.

He remembers hearing back in 2009 that there might be interest in a new light at Hatteras, and Dan knew lampist Jim Woodward, who was the one who discovered the remains of the original lens and put what was left of it on display at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras.

Dan got photos of the frame and created a three-dimensional model of what a recreation might look like. He also made some prisms – out of a lighter and less-expensive acrylic material that he’s perfected over the years – to show National Park Service officials, who seemed interested in the project. After years of waiting, the restoration was finally green-lit. Dan started finalizing his designs in 2023 and doing the production work in early 2024.

The Hatteras light has 24 flash panels made up of a near-endless number of prisms that have to be shaped to exacting standards and fit inside the frame perfectly. That includes 264 prisms in the upper section, 96 in the bottom, and even more in the center – each of which takes about an hour to produce according to Dan’s estimates.

Still, he’s excited to have finished the new pedestal mechanism that will rotate the light in a way that looks authentic to the 1800s, but in fact runs on modern technology that will be low-maintenance going forward. While other restoration work is still underway on the lighthouse grounds, Dan thinks that the station will be completed around October, with the new lens arriving onsite by the end of the year. The final installation of the lens in the lantern room could happen as early as next summer.

Considering Dan’s still working his fulltime job at Disney, jobs like the Hatteras light consume his evenings and weekends, but the importance of the work and enjoyment he gets from preserving history makes all the hours worth it.

“It’s probably one of the most famous lighthouses in the United States, and it’s one of the earliest lenses that came to the United States, too,” Dan says. “I’m just really looking forward to seeing it all put together.”

When you’re looking for experience, professionalism, responsiveness, honesty, integrity, and everything else a trusted advisor should be, call The OBX Homes Team for all your real estate needs.

Specializing in investment properties on the Outer Banks since 1996 + Five Star Reviews / Testimonials + Top 1% of all Local Agents + Consistent Top Producers

+ Over $240M sold since 2020 *

Heather McLay | Mandi Jones

252.202.3409 | obxhomes.com Team@OBXHomes.com

pool care, he’s got the knowledge to keep your pool in tip-top shape all season long.

Freshen Up Your Filter

If your pool is taking a week or more to clear when you open it for the season, it may be time for a new filter, or new filter media. While the majority of homes use silica sand-based filters – an economical choice that’s also fairly low maintenance – other filter media like glass (which can last 10-plus years) or diatomaceous earth (which is one of the most efficient types of filter media on the market) can provide superior filtration along with other benefits.

Invest in the Future

Area homes are aging, and so are our pools. Fiberglass liners may be in need of resurfacing after 20 years, while the lifespan of plaster pools is slightly shorter. When you start to notice small imperfections in your lining, remember that the overall costs to address the issue will only increase as you delay. Putting off fixing a small leak to save some money today won’t matter if the imperfection degrades into a larger crack, or if your water bill increases exponentially.

Rent It Right

Sensitive skin? There’s an option for that! Particularly for those maintaining rental homes, Tommy recommends installing a salt purification system since many people tend to experience skin irritations from too much exposure to chlorine. And if your pump room will accommodate one, you can go a step further with an ozone UV purification system, which can readily handle any germs and bacteria without using a lot of harsh chemicals.

Pick Smart Products

Being savvy about what you introduce to your poolside environment goes beyond all the bells and whistles of technology – sometimes it’s as simple as thinking about skincare. While many people love the convenience of spray-on sunscreens, those types of protectants can shed in the water more easily than other lotions, which can put an increased burden on your filters. For the best results, consider covering up with a rash-guard-style suit to minimize sunscreen in the pool.

Outrun Economic Uncertainty

Like many other products, the costs of pool and spa supplies have risen over the past few years, and, as Tommy points out, once an item increases in price, it doesn’t tend to decrease. With new tariffs being implemented in a variety of sectors, the costs of goods will likely trickle down to most industries at some point, even though it’s hard to predict specifics. To get ahead of the game, prioritizing your pool’s maintenance now will almost certainly pay off later.

Lastly, a Reminder

“What you put in the pool is so important to the pool’s longevity,” Tommy advises. “If you can manage it, consider investing in an energyefficient pump. While they cost more initially, they can last up to five years longer, are quieter, and will save you money over the long run.”

FIGHT FOR THE

Advocates are looking beyond regulations in the battle against light pollution.

By Michelle Wagner

THERE’S LITTLE QUESTION that looking at the night sky can evoke a sense of wonder and peace – and the Outer Banks undoubtedly offers a unique place on the edge of the sea to gaze at the stars. But, much like many other places on the planet, light pollution has made the night skies on our barrier islands significantly brighter over the years. In fact, a study published in the January 2023 issue of Science found that the average night sky has gotten brighter by nearly 10 percent from 2011 to 2022 – which is equal to a doubling of sky brightness every eight years.

Several local entities, however, are joining a worldwide campaign to reduce light pollution by taking crucial steps to keep the skies above the Outer Banks dark – not only for people who find solace in peering up at night, but for the wildlife that benefit from naturally

darker environments. One of those entities is the town of Nags Head, which has embraced the campaign by adopting non-regulatory approaches to minimizing residential lighting impacts, including educating the public on the importance of championing our nocturnal environment.

“Many of our residents appreciate Nags Head’s natural environment and are dedicated to preserving our dark night skies,” says Nags Head Planner Chris Trembly, while adding that the town’s dark sky initiatives originated as a result of town staff and elected officials receiving complaints about the negative impacts of residential lighting.

“Light pollution not only obscures our view of the night sky, but it also disrupts ecosystems, affects wildlife and impacts human health,” Chris says before explaining that there are several fairly easy steps that people can take to lessen their lighting footprint. “Property owners can simply start reducing their lighting impacts by buying timers, sensors or dimmers to ensure lights are

only on when needed. There are many other ways to correct this issue, but this is an easy, inexpensive start.”

As part of its 2024 Strategic Plan, the town of Nags Head’s “Dark Skies, Bright Stars” initiatives include educating the public on the benefits of dark skies to nesting sea turtles – which can become disoriented or even deterred entirely from nesting due to artificial light sources – and to introduce ways individuals can safeguard the town’s starry skies.

Chris and other dark sky proponents say that the growing use of LED technology has intensified concerns about protecting the night landscape since these lights tend to be much brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs.

“The complexity of new lighting terminology such as lumens, color temperature and intensity can be confusing, making it challenging for property owners to fully understand how their lighting choices affect not only their own properties but also their neighbors’ and the broader community,” Chris says.

NIGHT

To gauge the impact of lighting efforts in Nags Head, town staff – with the help of the nonprofit Network for Endangered Sea Turtles – have collected sky-quality data, and they’ve found that areas of south Nags Head have ideal readings, while areas farther north experience a more pronounced glow. Chris explains that their findings are now being used to educate the public in targeted areas where the lighting issues are more problematic.

Chris also notes that the town is working with Dominion Energy to convert several of the town’s beach access lighting to amber-toned bulbs – which have longer light wavelengths and lower intensities than LEDs – and they’ve already begun replacing old burned-out beach access bulbs with amber ones whenever possible.

And Nags Head isn’t the only local municipality that’s actively trying to protect the night sky. Last fall, the town of Duck created a video about its dark sky initiatives that includes some non-regulatory efforts to reduce light pollution through dark sky friendly lighting and education.

The North Carolina Aquariums’ Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head has also made changes to its lighting to become more wildlife friendly. Last summer, with the financial support of the North Carolina Aquarium Society, 200 brand-new exterior light fixtures, bollards and lampposts were installed at the state-of-the art pier. According to Jennette’s Pier Communications Manager Daryl Law, the pier is slated to replace more than 20 fixtures and bulbs in the parking lot by this summer season so that they’ll emit a shielded amber glow as well.

And just to the south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) has sought to darken the skies above the federally protected seashore by taking steps to become certified as an International Dark Sky Park. According to Meaghan Johnson, chief of resource management and science with the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, the process began in 2018 when night sky friendly lighting fixtures and bulbs were installed at all CHNS facilities.

The National Park Service’s Division of Natural Sounds and Night Skies has since conducted night sky readings in CHNS to determine how bright certain locations are throughout the seashore – which has essentially created a lighting inventory of the area.

The next step, Meaghan says, is the development of a light management plan and the continued education of visitors on the many benefits of keeping the skies about the seashore more muted. While the application to become an International Dark Sky certified park is a process that will likely take roughly two years, Meaghan reports that CHNS is fully committed to earning such a distinction.

Commitments like these, and the recognition that we can all play a part in combating light pollution in straightforward ways like turning off outdoor lighting when they aren’t in use, can go a long way toward ensuring that the Outer Banks’ dark skies are preserved for both wildlife and humans alike well into the future – even if it means making that change just one light at a time.

SUN SALUTATIONS

Beach Realty & Construction

Beach Realty Welcomes New Agents Rick Drumm and Chad Vaphides

Rick Drumm was licensed in 1993 and is an experienced veteran in the Outer Banks real estate community. Sales Manager Beth Urch says, “We are thrilled that Rick chose to partner with Beach. His expertise in the business is unsurpassed and his customer service is top notch.” Rick can be reached at (252) 305-3999 or rick@outerbanker.com.

Chad Vaphides came to the Outer Banks via Colorado with a background in insurance and design. Chad is passionate about pairing people with their ideal home. At the core of Chad’s work ethic is an unwavering commitment to his clients. His goal is to deliver the best value possible throughout the entire transaction. Chad can be reached at (252) 489-0120 or chad@homesinouterbanks.com.

Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales

Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales Congratulates the Top Two Sales Agents, 2025 Year-to-Date: Winston Hawkins and Edith Rowe

Winston Hawkins is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte and earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance and small business management. He has worked in sales and consulting since graduating from college, but he began his career as a commercial real estate broker in Charlotte, NC. Since 1994, Winston has made real estate his fulltime career with experience in commercial property, residential real estate, and vacation home real estate brokerage. Winston can be reached at (252) 202-2002 or winston@brindleybeach.com.

Edith Rowe has earned the Top Sales Agent Award based on closed sales volume for the past eight years. She holds a broker’s license and has been in sales on the Outer Banks since 2000. She brings to the table a degree of sales acumen and a familiarity with the area found in few agents. Contact Edith at (252) 202-6165 or edithroweobx@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Announces Brook Sparks as Listing Agent of the Quarter

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is pleased to announce Brook Sparks as the 2025 Top Listing Agent for the first quarter of 2025. Brook was also the top listing agent of the year in 2024. “If you want your house sold in a timely manner for top dollar, hire Brook!” said a recent five-star review. Brook can be reached at (252) 619-1177 or brooksparks@cbseaside.com.

The Sakers Team is the Top Team in Units and Sales Volume

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is pleased to announce that Heather Sakers, along with team members Ann Taylor Lusk and Charles Gill, are the Top Producing Team for the first quarter. The Sakers Team was the number one ranked team

in both sales volume and units sold. This impressive team also ranked number five in the Outer Banks Association of Realtors’ MLS for the period of January 1 through March 31. Team leader Heather can be reached at (252) 599-6814 or heather@cbseaside.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Announces Cameron Griggs as the Top Selling Agent

With an impressive sales volume in the first quarter of 2025, Cameron Griggs earned the prestigious Top Producing Agent Award at the firm, a distinction based on closed sales performance. Cameron holds the number one spot within the company and ranks among the top 15 of more than 300 producing agents in the Outer Banks Association of Realtors MLS for the period of January 1 through March 31. This achievement is a testament to Cameron’s expertise, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional results for her clients. Cameron can be reached at (919) 390-4537 or cameron@cbseaside.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Announces Emily Bray as the Leader in Closed Transactions for Q1

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty proudly recognizes Emily Bray for her outstanding achievement as the firm’s top agent in closed transactions for the first quarter of 2025. Emily’s success extends beyond the firm – she ranks among the top 20 for quarter one closed transactions out of more than 300 producing agents in the Outer Banks Association of Realtors’ MLS for the period of January 1 through March 31. Emily can be reached at (252) 412-5991 or emily@cbseaside.com.

The VanderMyde Group Named Top Listing Team for Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty proudly recognizes the VanderMyde Group as the firm’s Top Listing Team for the first quarter of 2025. This award, based on listings taken from January 1 through March 31 reflects their unmatched dedication, expertise and commitment to delivering outstanding results. For more than eight years, the VanderMyde Group has consistently led the firm’s teams in listings, setting the standard for success and excellence. The team consists of team leader Heather VanderMyde and team members Kiirsten Farr, Will Gregg, Trish Berruet, Kasey Rabar and Saksa Zivkovic. Team leader Heather can be reached at (252) 202-2375 or hvandermyde@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Welcomes the M&M Team

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is thrilled to welcome Michael and Madonna VanCuren to the sales team in the Kill Devil Hills office. Known as the dynamic M&M Team, Michael and Madonna bring more than 30 years of expertise in Outer Banks real estate, consistently ranking as top producers with an unmatched depth of local knowledge. “We provide service, and our clients stay with us. We work hard and are always available for our customers. We don’t just sell real estate – we buy real estate. Our motto is: ‘If we don’t buy it, you don’t buy it,’” says Madonna. Michael and Madonna can be reached at (252) 202-6702 or Madonna@sellingobx.com.

Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates

Joe Lamb Jr. Acknowledges Three Standout Agents

With 40-plus years of real estate leadership, Myra Ladd Bone blends deep market expertise with true community care. A trusted local icon, she’s the one you want by your side when it’s time to buy or sell. Contact Myra at  myra@joelambjr.com or (252) 202-5689.

Smart, compassionate and fiercely committed, Shelley O’Grady brings legal know-how, clear communication and heart to every deal. She’ll guide you home with confidence and ease. Contact Shelley at shelley@joelambjr.com or (252) 722-2786.

Local knowledge, decades of success and a calm, confident guide in any market, Bobby Williams’ 40-plus years in Outer Banks real estate make him a pro who buyers and sellers trust to get results. Contact Bobby at  bwilliams@joelambjr.com or (252) 207-9075.

Resort Realty

Resort Realty Announces New Business Development Manager

Resort Realty of the Outer Banks is pleased to announce the addition of Sara Marques to the role of business development manager for the northern beaches and Hatteras Island. Sara is a seasoned real estate professional with more than 10 years of experience working directly with homeowners as an investor/ property manager. “We’re very happy to welcome Sara to the Resort family,” Resort Realty COO Tom Stewart says. “Sara’s experience as a property manager and her passion for the industry are valuable assets for Resort and our property owners as we grow in all the villages on Hatteras Island and the towns of the northern beaches.”

Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty

Sotheby’s Acknowledges Brad Beacham

A native to the area, Brad has deep roots on the Outer Banks. For more than 20 years, he has used this local knowledge of the area to assist buyers and sellers in their real estate journey. This experience, combined with the power of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, allows Brad to continue to produce results for his customers. Brad can be reached at (252) 202-6920 or brad@bradbeacham.com.

Sotheby’s Acknowledges Melanie Day and Stephanie Blosser

Melanie Day and Stephanie Blosser of the Melanie Day Real Estate team ushered in 2025 as the number one team in sales volume (for January) on the Outer Banks. With 22 years of Outer Banks experience, Melanie proudly serves clients including $34 million of transactions in 2024 alone. Dedicated and dynamic, Melanie and Stephanie are committed to expertly helping clients achieve their goals. Contact them at (252) 207-6138 or melanie@melanieday.com.

Sotheby’s Acknowledges Heather McLay and Mandi Jones

Sun Realty

The Michael Davenport Team Named January Agent of the Month

January's Agent of the Month is the father-daughter team of Michael Davenport and Hannah Magee. The Michael Davenport Team provides extensive area knowledge and local expertise in the current Outer Banks market conditions. Michael and Hannah are excited to assist you with all your real estate needs, with service, knowledge and experience you can trust since 1985. Achieving the Platinum Award from Sun Realty in 2024, they are excited to continue serving their clients and community. You can reach Hannah at (252) 305-8424 or Michael at (252) 202-6113.

Richard Hess Named February Agent of the Month

Earning Agent of the Month honors for February was Richard Hess, who also earned the top spot in the company for the month of October. Richard made the Outer Banks his home more than 30 years ago, and he quickly became a leader in the real estate and business community. Richard will go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals of home ownership or investment. You can find Richard at the Sun Realty KDH office or call him directly at (252) 256-2112.

Paul Sabadash Named March Agent of the Month

The March Agent of the Month was Paul Sabadash. Paul moved to the Outer Banks in 1988 and has been providing excellent results for buyers and sellers ever since. He works out of the Sun Realty Corolla office and primarily focuses on the northern beach areas. You can reach Paul at (252) 722-3120.

Twiddy & Company

Twiddy & Company Celebrates OBX Legacy Home Sales Team’s Impressive Sales Numbers

Ranked as the number one real estate team in Corolla for 2024 with more than $45 million in real estate sales, the OBX Legacy Home Sales Team offers unmatched local expertise and a proven track record of success. Whether you’re buying, selling or investing, Hunter Davis and Martha Springer provide personalized guidance and dedicated support every step of the way. With their strong expertise in the Outer Banks market and a commitment to client satisfaction, you can trust them to deliver a smooth and rewarding real estate experience. Connect with the OBX Legacy Home Sales Team today at obxlegacyhomesale@gmail.com or call (252) 457-1427.

With a shared passion for coastal living and a deep commitment to their clients, Heather McLay and Mandi Jones of the OBX Homes Team bring exceptional knowledge and expertise to Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty. Led by Heather McLay – a real estate professional since 1996 – this top-performing team is known for its professionalism, insight and results-driven approach. The OBX Homes Team was one of the key reasons Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty established a presence on the Outer Banks, helping to build the firm’s trusted reputation in this distinctive coastal market. They can be reached at (252) 202-3409 and team@obxhomes.com.

Twiddy

& Company

Acknowledges Matt Preston

With more than $18 million in real estate sales in 2024 and deep roots as a native of the Outer Banks, Matt Preston brings unmatched local insight to every real estate transaction. Backed by more than a decade of experience at Twiddy & Company, and by working closely with both guests and homeowners, Matt offers valuable expertise of the ins and outs of owning and managing an investment property. His clients consistently praise his strong work ethic, his market knowledge and his commitment to delivering results. Contact Matt today at mpreston@twiddy.com or (252) 207-6143 to start your Outer Banks real estate journey.

Ashley Ladd Celebrates Ninth Year with Twiddy & Company

Ashley Ladd is celebrating her ninth year with Twiddy & Company this summer, marking nearly a decade of dedication and excellence. As a valued member of the real estate sales team, Ashley blends strong industry knowledge with a personalized, client-focused approach. Her ability to navigate today’s competitive market with skill and care leads to smooth transactions and rewarding experiences for buyers and sellers alike. Connect with Ashley at aladd@twiddy.com or (919) 592-7346 to start your real estate journey.

JOCKEY'S RIDGE

WHEN CAROLISTA BAUM FIRST TOOK A STANCE against bulldozers positioned on the north edge of a burgeoning residential development in Nags Head, there was no way of knowing that her small act of defiance would lead to the creation of an area protecting our nation’s largest living sand dunes: Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Formally established in 1975, the park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, with plenty of tributes scheduled to mark that historic milestone – including this walk down memory lane to some lesser-known aspects of the park’s past and present legacy.

1 Plant Attack

Watch where you step!

Though carnivorous plants tend to sound more exotic, all five of the world’s main carnivorous plant types are native to North Carolina. Of those five, three types can be found growing naturally in Dare County, including sundews, which were once native to the maritime forest understories of Jockey’s Ridge. Two species of the sundew family – Drosera capillaris and Drosera intermedia – were last seen at the park near the Soundside Road beach access in 2005, but have been missing from the ecosystem ever since. Rangers are hopeful, however, that prescribed burns – which help clear overgrowth and allow more sunlight to reach the sandy soil – are the key to helping these small insect eaters reemerge in their natural habitat.

2

Down in the Dumps

Once upon a time, Jockey’s Ridge Crossing – the westside bypass building that now houses shops like Kitty Hawk Kites – was known as the Nags Head Casino. The wildly successful joint attracted stars ranging from Duke Ellington to Louis Armstrong from the 1930s until a storm damaged it beyond repair in 1970s. While the sandsubmerged mini golf course is often the highlight of objects buried under Jockey’s Ridge, the casino actually has some underground history there as well. Thanks to the casino’s poor waste disposal practices while it was in operation, ridge rangers are still removing the musical hotspot’s garbage from beneath the dunes’ silky sands – and turning up everything from cans and bottles to dishes and even old car parts.

3

Sands of Time

Like many state parks across the country, Jockey’s Ridge has a plan – well, a land management plan, at least. What makes this park site a bit different from some other locales, of course, is approximately 30 million tons of sand, which park rangers have to account for when the wind has its way with this granular material. Given enough time, the park often begins to drift over onto U.S. Highway 158 and the surrounding areas, so, in the early part of 2019, about 200,000 tons of the park’s sand was relocated from the southeast corner of the dunes to the park’s northwest corner – an undertaking which cost about a million dollars and took 120 days to complete.

4 Ridge Reenactments

Within the valleys of Jockey’s Ridge, you can find yourself encircled by waves of fine sand dunes up to two stories tall. As the sun sets on those sandy crests, and the wind tickles your hair as it stirs up patches of those loose, grainy particles, it’s not uncommon to feel as though you’ve been transported out of this world and into alien territory. Sound familiar? If so, it turns out that Star Wars nerds across the country feel the same way. Every May 4 – which is known as Star Wars Day – members of the fandom gather on the ridge to reenact costumed scenes from the canon’s planet Tatooine – with hopes that the fourth will always be with you.

BY EMMY TRIVETTE

5

Fast as Lightning

When lightning strikes sand it leaves behind a partially crystallized mineral formation called fulgurite – but not all of these fossil-like clumps are created equally. And as it turns out, fulgurite located on Jockey’s Ridge is wildly different from fulgurite you might encounter at one of the Outer Banks’ local beach accesses. Why? The sand particles found on Jockey’s Ridge are ultra-fine, while the minerally heavy coastal sand particles are much denser. According to state park documents, the largest piece of tubular fulgurite discovered on Jockey’s Ridge was an astounding six feet long –though that record-setting mixture of fused silica and rocks ultimately broke as it was being removed from the ridge due to its brittleness.

11 YEARS AT THE TOP *

SETTING THE STANDARD IN LOCAL REAL ESTATE FOR OVER A DECADE

®

For over 30 years, our team has offered unrivaled expertise, exceptional communication, and unwavering dedication to our buyers and sellers. With over 1,000 5-star reviews, our commitment to exceeding expectations isn’t just a promise—it’s proven.

Trust the team that delivers results, year after year.

Visit our website to explore client reviews, search for properties, and connect with our agents.