Grande Villas starts off 2012 with two new sales in January! Two new families
took advantage of the great pricing and incentives currently being offered at Grande Villas! Our four bedroom Penthouse A-7 and our two bedroom unit B-6 are no longer available. We are now into our final year of sales at Grande Villas, so the opportunity to own one of our luxurious oceanfront condominiums is quickly passing. To get a list of our current inventory of two- to four-bedroom condominiums, please contact us today at 877.845.4438 or john@gvcondos.com.
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January 23rd, 2012Vote for Beaufort, NC as One of America’s Coolest Small Towns
January 11th, 2012Budget Travel readers nominated a record 647 towns this year – and now we’ve narrowed that list down to just 10 standout communities across the country. Read all about them, and then vote for your favorite! Read more…
Christmas Events on the Crystal Coast
November 30th, 2011
Christmas is just a few weeks away. Start the celebration with these holly-jolly events around the Crystal Coast region. Who says we need snow to get into that festive holiday spirit?
Christmas at the Beach Shows
The Morehead Center is featuring Christmas at the Beach evening and matinee shows from Saturday, November 26 through December 18. Christmas at the Beach features songs, music, and dance of the season – all of your holiday favorites! Enjoy Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, great dancers, and timeless music. Adult tickets are $15 and children 16 and under are $10. Find out more at www.themoreheadcenter.com or by calling 252-726-1501.
Downtown Morehead City ArtWalk
View, buy and even help make art – during the Downtown Morehead City Christmas ArtWalk on Friday, December 2 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Start the journey by picking up a map at the Train Station. Then, bid on Silent Night Silent Auction items, participate in the painting of a Living Art community mural, view art on exhibit, and listen to local entertainers. Guided tours are available. For more information, contact the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association at 252-808-0440 or email dmcra2@embarqmail.com.
Holiday Flotilla
Nothing compares to the beauty of twinkling lights on the water. Come to the Holiday Flotilla on Saturday, December 3 and see decorated boats follow a course from the Morehead City waterfront to Beaufort. The parade launches in Morehead City at 5:30 PM and arrives in Beaufort around 6:15 PM. An awards ceremony follows in the NC Maritime Museum Auditorium. The NC Maritime Museum is located at 315 Front Street in Beaufort. For more information, call 252-728-7317.
“Musical Moods” – A Christmas Gala
The Friends of Atlantic House hosts “Musical Moods,” a Christmas gala and silent auction benefit, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, December 3 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Tickets are $50 and include dinner, music, and a guest speaker. The Civic Center is located at 3505 Arendell Street. Call Glenda Self at 252-648-8505 or 515-4869 for more information on the event.
Santa by the Sea
Experience one of the highlights of the season at Santa by the Sea on Friday, December 9 at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Let your children share their secret Christmas wish lists with old St. Nick! The Living Shipwreck is a perfect backdrop to snap your child’s photo with Santa – and each child under 12 receives a free 5″x7″ photo from FotoFX. The night also includes craft making, stories read by Ms. Claus, elves, and an appearance by Rudolph the Reindeer. Admission is $9 per person. Visit www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.
Morehead City Christmas Parade
Food, floats, and fun – at the Morehead City Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 10! The parade starts at 11 AM. Get more information at www.downtownmoreheadcity.com or by calling 252-808-0440.
Historic Beaufort Candlelight Tour of Homes
See beautiful Beaufort homes dressed in their holiday best on the Candlelight Tour of Homes, 5 PM to 7 PM on Saturday, December 10. Stroll the streets of the delightful historic district and enjoy gorgeous decorations and sparkling lights. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 252-728-5225 or visit http://www.beauforthistoricsite.org.
There are so many holiday happenings, we can’t keep track of them all. So make sure to share your recommendations in the comments!
Five Ways to Make Your Beach Condo “Green”
November 18th, 2011
Homeowners at Grande Villas may have the impression they don’t have as much control over making their condo energy-efficient as they might with a single-family home. But there are actually a lot of simple “green” choices that can help you lower utility costs and make your North Carolina beach condo more environmentally friendly.
1. See the light.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Although the per unit cost is higher, compact fluorescent light bulbs last approximately ten times longer and consume far less energy. Over its lifetime, a compact fluorescent bulb can save around $30-$40 in electricity costs.
2. Be a star.
Select ENERGY STAR rated appliances. Refrigerators, the biggest energy-consumers of all major household appliances, use a minimum of 20% less energy when ENERGY STAR approved. Clothes washers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and less than half the amount of water.
3. Set your dial.
Keep in mind that even minor variances in thermostat settings can make a significant impact on energy use. Adjusting your condo’s temperature just two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer can add up to major savings. A programmable thermostat enables you to specify the times when the air conditioning or heat turns on and off, which is an important concern if you leave your condo unoccupied for long periods.
4. Fix the phantoms.
Many electronic devices such as computers, televisions and stereo equipment continue to draw power even while switched off. These “phantom loads” can account for as much as 75% of the total electricity these electronics use. You can save energy by simply unplugging devices when not in use, but it’s more convenient to use “smart” power strips that detect inactive devices and automatically shut off the electricity drain until it’s needed.
5. Use water smarter.
Besides home heating and cooling, water heating is the next largest category of energy use in the typical home. Using an ENERGY STAR water heater and keeping it set to 120 degrees can create significant energy savings. Conserving water itself is also important for the environment, and installing smart showerheads, running only full loads in the clothes washer and dishwasher, and switching to low-flush or dual-flush toilets can all contribute to making a difference in the volume of water used in your condo.
For more tips and advice on keeping your condo green, visit the Alliance to Save Energy or the ENERGY STAR website. You’re also encouraged to check with the Grande Villas Homeowners Services Team for their advice and assistance.
Six Great Shopping Destinations on the Crystal Coast
November 8th, 2011
Now that autumn is here and the holidays are just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your shopping groove on. Check out the cool shops and local boutiques that are a short drive away in Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, and Beaufort, NC.
1. Find a terrific read. Make your first stop the Morehead City Bookshop. This independent new and used bookstore carries everything from the bestsellers all your friends are reading, to books that are rare and out-of-print. 4915-C Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information, call 252-240-1163 or visit www.moreheadcitybookshop.com.
2. Bring home local art. Since 1985, the Down East Gallery, located on the historic Beaufort waterfront, has been exhibiting and selling the artwork of local artist Alan Cheek. Alan’s work is inspired by the beautiful landscape of the coast – and you’ll find an impressive inventory of collectibles and canvases available. 519 Front Street, Beaufort. Call 800-868-2766 for or visit www.alancheek.com for information on the gallery and artist.
3. Make a splash with ceramics. Featuring a selection of beautiful hand-painted ceramics from Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, Tierra Fina offers gifts for both the home and garden. Find everything from flowerpots to cookware to the ever-popular house number tiles. 415 Front Street, Beaufort. Call 252-504-2789 or visit www.tierrafinanc.com for more information.
4. Enjoy a unique gift from Asia. The Dragonfly Import Company in Atlantic Beach offers unusual gifts, hand-picked by the owners on travels through Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for something that’s not your typical beach souvenir, this is the place to go. 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Contact the shop at 252-222-0080.
5. Go fly a kite. In the same shopping center, make sure to visit Kites Unlimited & Bird Stuff – where they care about the things that fly! Browse through high-end games for kids, an amazing selection of great kites, and functional and decorative birdhouses. 1010 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Call 252-247-7011 or visit www.kites-birdstuff.com.
6. Get some Mistletoe Magic. The Mistletoe Magic Holiday Gift & Craft Show will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Find great gifts for the upcoming holidays including pottery, jewelry, purses, accessories, art of all kinds, and food ideas for the holidays. For more information, call 252-247-3883.
Any fun or funky shopping spots that we’ve missed? Join the conversation and share your recommendations in the comments!
Blackbeard’s Cannon Recovered
October 26th, 2011RALEIGH, N.C. – A piece of pirate history that’s been
resting on the ocean floor for nearly than 300 years was brought to the
surface Wednesday morning and is on its way to the North Carolina Maritime
Museum in Beaufort. Discover more here…
Great Golf on the Crystal Coast
October 4th, 2011
The crisp autumn weather makes this time of year perfect for a rousing game of golf. A wealth of outstanding golf courses in this Crystal Coast region offer a variety of topographies and challenge levels for avid golfers and beginners alike. Calling ahead for tee times is recommended at these local courses.
Crystal Coast Golf Courses:
Brandywine Bay Golf and Country Club
177 Brandywine Blvd.
N.C. Highway 24 & U.S. Highway 70
Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: (252) 247-2541
Semi-private course, open for public play: 18 holes. Official home of the Purple Heart Classic. Named one of the Best Places to Play in North Carolina by Golf Digest, 2006. Voted the most outstanding course by readers of Coaster Magazine, 2010.
The Country Club of the Crystal Coast
152 Oakleaf Drive
MM 5, N.C. Highway 58
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
Phone: (252) 726-1034
Semi-private course, open for public play: 18 holes. With rolling sand dunes, tall pines and majestic oaks that line the fairways, this course is a true shot maker’s delight and fun to play for the entire family.
Silver Creek Golf Club
601 Pelletier Loop Rd.
Cape Carteret, NC 28584
Phone: (252) 393-8058
Public course: 18 holes. Gene Hamm’s breathtaking layout and outstanding design give all levels of golfers a fair and challenging test of their playing ability. Driving range and putting green.
Star Hill Golf Club
202 Club House Drive
Cape Carteret, NC 28584
Phone: (252) 393-8111
Semi-private course, open for public play: 27 holes. Star Hill Golf Club opened its fairways and greens for play in 1967, making it one of the Crystal Coast’s preferred golfing traditions.
Crystal Coast Driving Ranges:
The Golf Farm
612 Tom Mann Rd
Newport, NC 28570
Phone: (252) 223-3276
The Golfin’ Dolphin
N.C. Highway 24
Cape Carteret, NC 28584
Phone: (252) 393-8131
To our golfers out there, which of the Crystal Coast area golf courses do you recommend for a fun and challenging round? Please share your comments and experiences below!
N.C. Existing Home Sales Continue to Post Double Digit Growth
September 27th, 2011(Greensboro)- North Carolina existing home sales posted double digit growth for the second consecutive month in August with a 21 percent increase in units sold. Existing home sales have not been this high since May 2010.
According to statistics compiled by the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, total units sold for the month were 7,878 and total dollar sales were $1,572,790,747. The average existing home sales price declined 4 percent to $199,643.
Brunswick County led the state with the highest year-to-date sales growth with an 8 percent increase in total dollar sales. Rocky Mount and Carteret County followed closely with a 7 percent and 3 percent increase, respectively. Brunswick County also led the state with the largest price appreciation at 5 percent, while Rocky Mount and Carteret County followed with a 2 percent increase, respectively.
For detailed information, visit the market statistics area of the NC REALTORS® website at http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/August11.pdf
Top 7 Ways to Enjoy the Crystal Coast this September
September 15th, 2011
Summer may be winding down, but there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beautiful Crystal Coast as we ease into early fall. Here are a few interesting recreational and cultural activities going on around our region this month.
1. Take a nice walk
Come on out and join the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation’s fall walking club at the Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle. Walks start at 6 PM every Tuesday now through October 17. For more information or to register contact Sheila Lowe at (252) 354-6350 or slowe@emeraldisle-nc.org.
2. Celebrate children
Emerald Isle’s Sixth Annual Day4Kids takes place at Emerald Isle Park and Rec Center from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, September 17. Bring out the kids fun-filled day of vendors, activities, games, face painting and more! Call (252) 354-6350 for details or email Laura Lee Davis at ldavis@emeraldisle-nc.org.
3. See history come alive
See Civil War Reenactments at Fort Macon on the weekend of September 17 and 18. Members of the 1st N.C. Volunteers will perform different programs from 10 AM to 4 PM each day, including historical talks and musket firings and drills. For more information call (252) 726-3775.
4. Bike along the beach
Cycling for the Coast begins at Bogue Banks on Saturday, September 17 at 8 AM. Pedal through Emerald Isle, Salter Path, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach. to raise awareness for our coastal estuaries and white sandy beaches, and raise funds for the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Visit www.nccoast.org to register or contact Sam Bland at (252) 393-8185 for more information.
5. Fish the surf
Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation and The Reel Outdoors are sponsoring the 5th Annual Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament to kick off the surf-fishing and beach driving season that starts September 15. The tournament runs from Saturday, September 24 to Saturday, October 8. Registration is free and the Reel Outdoors will be providing prizes for the top 3 anglers! Contact Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation for further information or call (252) 354-6350.
6. Dine on great seafood
Don’t miss the 25th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival in Downtown Morehead City, September 30 – October 2. Carteret County’s annual seafood celebration is the second largest festival in North Carolina, playing host to an average of 200,000+ people each year. While sampling the large variety of seafood available, you can also experience educational exhibits and take part in hands-on activities for young and old alike. For more information visit the North Carolina Seafood Festival website.
7. Experience floating art
A $40 million dollar floating art gallery will be docked in Morehead City for the North Carolina Seafood Festival. ArtSplendor on SeaFair is a juried art show and sale of original artwork during the weekend of September 29 – October 2 on the Morehead City waterfront. For more information visit www.expoships.com or www.artscouncilcarteret.org.
August Fun Events: Pirates and Seafood!
August 8th, 2011
We have some major local annual events coming up on the weekend of August 13 and 14, celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the Crystal Coast. Don’t miss out!
Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Join the town of Beaufort, NC in welcoming Blackbeard back nearly 300 years after the harrowing events of 1747! The yearly invasion reenactment features sword fighting, cannons blaring, pillaging, plundering, and of course, grog swilling.
Locations: Beaufort Historic Site, Beaufort Waterfront, Maritime Museum. Invasion will begin at 1:30 PM Saturday on the Beaufort Waterfront. After the invasion, those captured will be marched to the Beaufort Historic Site for a mock trial. Buchaneer’s Ball will be held Saturday night at 7 PM. Tickets to food events will be available at Beaufort Trading Co., Tierra Fina, Scuttlebutt, Curves, Martha’s Hot Shop in downtown Beaufort (cash or check only). For more information call (252) 728-3917.
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
The annual festival at Sneads Ferry Community Center, Park Lane, honors local fishermen and the greatness of wild American shrimp. Events include the Shrimp Ball, Shrimp-a-roo, carnival, arts & crafts, food booths, beer & wine garden, fireworks and live bands.
Parade starts at 10 AM Saturday, festival opens 11 AM Sat., noon Sun. Admission $3 adults, under 12 free. For more information call (910) 327-2707.
And also mark your calendars for the North Carolina Seafood Festival coming up on September 30 – October 2 in Morehead City!
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