Crystal Coast July 4th Celebration Roundup

June 28th, 2011

Underwater Bike Race (photo courtesy of Discovery Diving Co.)

Cookouts! Live music! Fireworks! The Crystal Coast knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July in patriotic style. Make your plans to attend some of these great Independence Day events scheduled around our region.

Beaufort Fourth of July Parade & Community Picnic
This celebration along the downtown Beaufort waterfront is an old-fashioned tradition in historic Beaufort, NC. The parade includes all the Norman Rockwell ingredients: kids, pets, wagons, flags and music. Parade starts 11 AM. Potluck community picnic follows at the Carteret County Courthouse at Turner & Broad streets. Come and bring a dish to add! For more information contact Martha Barnes at (252) 728-3917.

Emerald Isle Fourth of July Celebration
The town of Emerald Isle again presents July 4th fireworks over Bogue Sound at the Chapel By The Sea. Fireworks will begin at 9 PM on July 4. The fireworks can be viewed at the Chapel By The Sea and the adjacent site of the new public boat launch facility (6800 block of Emerald Drive), and from nearby neighborhoods. Parking will be available along NC 58 and nearby streets. The fireworks will also be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. For more information call (252) 354-6350.

Morehead City July 4 Celebration
The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the Morehead City celebration on July 4th. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 PM from Sugarloaf Island. A free music concert will be held on July 2 at Jaycee Park, 9th & Shepard Streets. For more info call (252) 726-5083.

Atlantic Beach Fourth of July Fireworks
Enjoy a day full of sun, fun, fireworks, great music, and dancing at the annual Atlantic Beach Independence Day Celebration. The featured band will be playing from 7 PM until 11 PM, with a break at 9 PM for a beautiful fireworks display. Please bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy the show! For information call (252) 726-2121.

4th of July Underwater Bike Race
Organized by Discovery Diving Company of Beaufort, the Underwater Bike Race is a unique annual event held on the Fourth of July to benefit the Children’s Mile of Hope in support of cancer research. The race begins on the starboard side of the Indra shipwreck at approximately 3 PM. Contestants may swim, pedal, push, or drag, but only human power is allowed — no motors — and only one biker is permitted per bike. For details call Debby Boyce at (252) 728-2265.

Cannon Firing at Fort Macon State Park
A cannon crew of volunteers in period attire explain the loading and firing of a typical War Between the States field piece. They use an original 6-pounder cannon in the demonstration and actually fire it with a blank gunpowder charge at the conclusion of the program. For times and more information call (252) 726-3775.

Fireworks Cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront. This Fourth of July voyage includes a scenic harbor tour, sunset and water-view fireworks display. Refreshments and food available for purchase, and we carry a full bar with ABC permits. Trip runs from 7:30 PM to approximately 9:30 PM, or to be determined. Please call (252) 728-8687 or email info@crystalcoastlady.com for more information or reservations.

A Home Away from Home: Make a Smart Investment in Your Family & Your Future

June 2nd, 2011

Kids at the beachLet’s get away!” This is a shared cry of the typical overstressed family, plagued by too many activities and too many hours at work. In the Southeast, a common destination for such an escape is the beach – specifically, the gorgeous beaches of North Carolina. But then there’s the hassle of exactly where to go, where to stay and then making all the arrangements.

So why not get away to your own home away from home? Owning a vacation home is the perfect solution to creating a relaxing haven for your family. And there are few more ideal real estate locations than the still-pristine beaches of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. From the primary cities of Beaufort, Morehead City, Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach to the smaller villages like Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores and Indian Beach, the Crystal Coast offers abundant opportunities for weekend getaways and summers by the beach.

Henry Tanner, a Raleigh resident, is thrilled to own a second home on the Crystal Coast. His wife and two kids spend about half the summer at their coastal condo, with Henry joining them each weekend. According to Henry, “We chose to purchase a vacation home in Carteret County because of its close proximity to Raleigh, its relaxed atmosphere and the fact that it’s not as crowded as other North Carolina beach destinations.”

Because single-family homes are significantly more expensive on the coast when compared to the rest of North Carolina, condominium developments provide the density that allows affordability for many second-home owners like the Tanners. And, of course, a second home can also provide a source of income when not being used by family and friends.

But is coastal real estate a good investment right now? Although economic conditions nationally are impacting real estate values negatively, the Crystal Coast – Carteret County, in particular – has not been nearly as affected as other markets in the region. According to the Triangle Business Journal (8/23/10), data shows the values of coastal homes in Carteret County are projected to grow at a faster rate than those in neighboring counties, with a projected growth of between 16% and 25% by 2015. So the answer to that investment question is definitely a resounding “Yes!”

For residents and visitors alike, the Crystal Coast offers a wide variety of maritime activities, including the unique coastal villages, nature preserves and even pirate hunting. “Our family really enjoys the various day-long excursions to Sand Dollar Island, Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout,” says Henry. “We are central to so many amazing destinations,” he continues, “but we also love just staying close to home, hanging out on the beach or fishing.” The Tanners also appreciate that although the Crystal Coast isn’t heavily commercialized, there are plenty of exceptional restaurants and shops.

As far as an investment, Henry couldn’t be happier with his second home at the beach. “I consider it paradise,” he reflects, “and seeing my family’s appreciation and love for the Crystal Coast makes this investment worth its weight in gold!”

Spring Music & Arts Events on the Crystal Coast

May 2nd, 2011

Get in the spring spirit with a full calendar of exciting concerts and arts festivals coming up in the weeks ahead. Check out some of these upcoming local events and see for yourself what makes the Crystal Coast one of the most vibrant cultural centers in North Carolina!

Artists on Arendell: Painting Outside & Creating from Within
Beginning Friday, May 6, from 3 to 8 p.m., local talented artists will be giving artist demonstrations in downtown Morehead City between 11th & 12th Streets. The event will take place every Friday until “the weather turns cold.” Call 252-723-9516 for more information.

Love Your Mother: Past, Present and Earth: May 7
In celebration of Mother’s Day, the American Music Festival Concert Series in Morehead City presents an original musical evening dedicated to mothers and to Mother Earth. Featuring moving selections from Dvorak, Copeland, Barber, Rachmaninoff and Previn. Location: The History Place, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Call 252-504-2509 for more information.

Beaufort Music Festival May 13th & 14thBeaufort Music Festival: May 13 – 14
The 23rd Annual Beaufort Music Festival invites you to come enjoy a weekend of live music on multiple stages in Downtown Beaufort on the waterfront, and at the Beaufort Historic Site as well as in local pubs, bars and restaurants.

Carteret County Quilters Guild Show: May 13 – 14
A beautiful array of every type of quilt and stitchery imaginable is on display. This juried show spotlights some amazing local talent. Vendors also sell beautiful cloths and sewing merchandise. Location: Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Call 252-247-3883 for more information.

Third Thursday Concerts in Beaufort: Starts May 19
Beaufort’s “Third Thursday” concerts are sponsored by the Beaufort Business Association featuring local and regional musicians, beginning May 19 with musician Jackie Gore. All concerts are on the Beaufort waterfront “under the clock” from 6 to 8 pm.

Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Spring Show: May 28 – 29
Visit Beaufort Historic Site (100 block of Turner Street) to see local coastal artisans show and sell their artwork, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For additional information email ccacc2010@yahoo.com or call Carol at 252-723-0540.

 

 

Coastal Home Prices in Carteret County Expected to Increase

August 27th, 2010

Prices in Carteret County expected to Increase 16% to 25% by 2015

In a recent article in the Triangle Business Journal geographic research firm ESRI was very bullish on the Carteret County Real Estate Market.  The article stated, “Some areas are holding up better and could experience significant appreciation over the next five years.  Home values in Carteret County – home to Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, among others – have held steady over the past year, ESRI data show. The values of coastal homes in Carteret are projected to grow at a faster pace than those in neighboring New Hanover and Brunswick counties through 2015.”

This information coupled with Grande Villas’ strong pricing and incentives make it a great time to buy at Grande Villas!  To view the entire article click  here.