The 1,386 square-foot property also boasts over 200 square feet of terrace space. This condominium is distinctive as only one of 13 in the entire building to offer its owners direct access from their unit down to the oceanfront pool and beach located just steps away, making it very convenient for those with children or pets. Ownership also allows access to all of Grande Villas’ amenities including the Osprey Club Lounge, the Galley Poolside Grill, the Health and Fitness Center, Sports and Games Lounge, Spinnaker’s Kids’ Club and Splash Pool, Bark Park, and the Outdoor Fire Pit.

Grande Villas continues to be the top selling condominium community along the Crystal Coast due to our great location, quality construction, and incredible pricing incentives.

Please contact us today at 877.845.4438 or sales@gvcondos.com for further information or to arrange for your personal tour of Grande Villas.

Be the host or hostess with the mostest – and serve a selection of fancy hors d’oeuvre style desserts. These tiny mouthfuls of holiday goodness spread the cheer to younger guests, non-drinkers and designated drivers at your party, and they’re small enough that even calorie-conscious New Year’s dieters can indulge. Possibilities for homemade miniature treats include:

* Bite-sized crème brulee – the rich, creamy, crunchy custard you love, poured into elegant spoons.
* Dark chocolate mousse – a decadent batch of mousse, served in shot glasses.
* Mini cheesecake – use small molds and top with a fresh raspberry.
* Fresh bites of tropical fruits – pineapple, mango, and passionfruit snap with color.
* Cake pops – tiny bites of cake on lollipop sticks, covered in frosting and sprinkles.
* Banana split bites – a slice of banana dipped in chocolate, with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top!

You can complement your delightful desserts with creative mixed drinks like these:

* The Winter Solstice – vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice and club soda, garnished with mint leaves and raspberries.
* The Polar Bear Shooter – white crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps.
* The Midnight Martini – stay up ’til the ball drops with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a lemon twist.
* The Resolution Martini – gin, apricot brandy and lemon juice.
* The Countdown Cocktail – gin, blood orange juice, Angostura bitters.

For the wine snobs in your circle, feature Pinot Gris, a white wine with flavors ranging from melon to pear and even citrus. Pinot Gris has a smooth texture, with silky overtones that please the palate and go well with dessert.

Don’t forget, you can book the Lobby Lounge for all your gatherings. And, you may want to round out your night at the Outdoor Fire Pit. Happy 2012 from Grande Villas!

How sweet was your New Year’s celebration? Share it with your friends and neighbors in the comment section.

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!

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.

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!

1) Get organized. Start your new life right with a condo free of clutter. It’s always easiest to simplify and sort when you first move in, so resist any urge to procrastinate. Your suite comes with generous closet space and built-in shelves. Make the most of that storage space with open baskets to hold small objects – and large plastic bins to store bulky items you may not need immediately, like winter clothing or linens.

2) Furnish with style. Is your look easy and casual? Classic and elegant? Modern and cutting edge? Whatever your taste, show your flair with furnishings that reflect your unique style. The Crystal Coast boasts both national furniture chains and upscale home furnishing boutiques. So whether you’re looking for wicker, wood, or something in between, you can find the pieces you’re looking for locally.

3) Express your personality. The little details make all the difference. Inject color with tapestries, wall hangings, or floor rugs. Indulge your wild side with exotic vases and sculptures. Get your children’s school paintings framed and playfully showcase them. Or, let the ocean be your muse and find interesting ways to use shells in jars and glass boxes.

4) Be vibrant. Nothing brings life into a home like fresh flowers and plants. Give your space an instant breath of fresh air – have a local florist deliver lovely bouquets on a regular basis. Fill flowerpots with easy, no-fuss houseplants such as Pothos, Peace Lily, ferns or jade plants, and create your own little garden indoors.

5) Call the Grande Villas Homeowners Services Team. At Grande Villas, we want your North Carolina beach condo experience to be tranquil and worry-free. The Homeowners Services Team is here to provide personal, complimentary services that make your move easier. The team can offer advice on interior decoration, schedule maintenance, and help you get to know the area and the cool amenities you get with your condo.

Now you’re ready! Get out and enjoy carefree coastal living and seaside relaxation.


• If your condo is on one of the higher floors, you’ll definitely want to be mindful of windows and reduce any potential falling hazards. You can install window guards that prevent your windows from opening more than a few inches, while still maintaining an attractive exterior appearance.
• Looped cords on window blinds in your condo can be strangulation hazards, so keep the ends of the cords out of reach of children. Keep furniture and other large objects away from windows to prevent children from climbing onto windowsills.
• Condos at Grande Villas do not have interior staircases needing safety gates, but you might wish to use them to keep small children out of the kitchen or other places where they shouldn’t wander unattended.
• Use outlet protectors to keep curious fingers out of unused electrical outlets in your condo. You can also install special plug adaptors designed to make it difficult for kids to unplug cords from outlets in use.
• Install wall brackets and anchors on bookcases, shelving, and heavy upright furniture in your condo to prevent them from tipping over. Make sure toy chests and other furniture do not have heavy lids that can slam down.
• Use the back burners on your stove and keep the handles on hot pots and pans turned toward the back, out of children’s reach.
• Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms where medicines, cleaning products and other potential hazards are stored. Place “Mr. Yuk” poison prevention stickers on these products and teach children to avoid them.

For more detailed information, visit Child Proofing Tips Blog, A Parent’s Guide to Child Safety or Consumer Reports. With a few responsible steps, you can put your Grande Villas home among the most child-friendly beach condos in North Carolina.