Summertime at the N.C. Crystal Coast

The quintessential resource for community news, local events, and future developments of the Grande Villas Oceanfront Condominiums

Record Numbers Visiting North Carolina!

N.C. Governor Mike Easley announced recently North Carolina attracted more tourists from overseas in 2007 than in any previous year. The state drew nearly 358,000 overseas visitors in 2007 to rank 15th in the nation, according to a report released by the International Trade Administration and Office of Travel and Tourism Industries in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"More and more people realize what a great state North Carolina is and are coming to see the many cultural, historic, natural and recreational treasures we offer," Easley said. "The survey results also show the success that has come from the hard work our tourism offices are doing to promote the state as a travel destination."

North Carolina is the third most popular Southeastern state in the analysis, which uses in-flight surveys given to international passengers flying into the United States, excluding Canada and Mexico, to determine the destinations of the visitors. North Carolina ranked 18th in 2005, the last time the rankings were issued.

NY TIMES Features Wreck Diving on N.C. Coast

“In the Escapes portion of its Travel section, The New York Times featured wreck diving off the North Carolina coast.  But the seascape that for centuries menaced sailors is, it turns out, a Xanadu for scuba divers.  The water is clear, warmed by the Gulf Stream and populated by tropical marine life against the operatic backdrop of the mammoth, ghostly shipwrecks."

"Unlike reef diving, wreck diving offers both natural splendor and human narrative – lionfish and octopus, rust and cannon.   And although one doesn’t scuba dive alone, there is something intensely private about it.  There are no guides, no audio tours, no placards..."

Live South Features Grande Villas

“High-quality construction and access to services and amenities make this luxurious new oceanfront condominium development an ideal choice for buyers in search of a carefree…”

North Carolina Beaches Rated among the Cleanest in the Nation

Many are realizing what Grande Villas buyers already know!

Those swimming off the coast of North Carolina and the Grande Villas are swimming at some of the cleanest beaches in the nation! North Carolina has been cited as one of the states with the lowest percentage of violations of water quality standards at recreational beaches.

Upcoming August Events around Grande Villas and the Crystal Coast

Cinema By the Sea at Gallants Channel
Event Dates: August 15 and 29

The featured movie for August 15 is “Bucket List” and on the 29th, “Nims Island” will be shown.
 Gates open at 7:00 pm, entrance fee is $10 per carload or $2 per person for walkups. Also included is entrance into the exhibit: “Our Sunken History: Archaeological Treasures for North Carolina Shipwrecks.” The movie begins at sunset. Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase and all proceeds support the NC Maritime Museum programs. For details and more information visit www.cinemabythesea.com or call 252.728.7317.

Morehead City Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts
Event Dates: August 16, 23, 30

The concerts are scheduled each Saturday evening from 7:00-8:30 pm at Jaycee Park, located at 9th and Shepard Street in Morehead City. These performances are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department at 252.726.5083.

Friday Free Flicks
Event Date: August 8

Visit your neighbor at the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Department and join in the fun on Friday evening at 7:00 pm. Movies are family oriented and free to the public. Popcorn and drink are served for $1.00! Call 252-354-6350 for movie title and any questions.

New Pirate Exhibit Opens at the N.C. Maritime Museum
Event Dates: August 9-31

Throughout history pirates and their exploits have fascinated and entertained people of all ages. The stories of these rogues of the high seas are explored in an exciting new exhibit, "Knights of the Black Flag" premiering August 9, 2008, at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

The new exhibit features life-sized pirates dressed in period clothing and costumes museum goers can slip on to get a taste of the real experience. Replica cannons and weapons including swords, muskets and flintlock pistols used by pirate 'gangsters' to defeat their enemies and secure booty and treasure are on view. Knights of the Black Flag" will be open daily, through December 28. Admission to the Maritime Museum is free to the public.

For more information, call (252) 728-7317 or go to www.ncmaritimemuseum.org

Build a Boat in a Day
Event Dates: August 16

The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, located across from the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort, is open for viewing wooden boat construction and restoration, and ship model building. Boatbuilding Carpentry is a prerequisite for the Boatbuilding classes. Build a boat in a Day is for an adult/child team working from a pre-cut kit. Contact the museum for details, 252-728-7317.

Free Concert on the Beaufort Waterfront
Event Date: August 21

Bring a friend and a chair to hear Scearce and Ketner from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Beaufort waterfront. This event takes place beside the Dock House and by the old clock. For more information please call Pat Wesson at 252-504-3396.

Beach Jive After Five Summer Concert
Event Date: August 21

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers- or even dinner to the Western Ocean Regional Access in Emerald Isle. From 4-7 pm enjoy live music and the tranquil ocean breeze with Stretch, playing great acoustical originals and a few covers you’ll probably already know the words to! This beach access also features sand volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. Alcoholic beverages prohibited in this and all Emerald Isle Parks. Free to the public! Please call 252-354-6350 for more information: 252-354-6350 or www.emeraldisle-nc.org.

Boat Building Carpentry – flat bottomed
Event Dates: August 23-24

The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, located across from the main museum building, is open for viewing wooden boat construction and restoration and ship model building.  Boatbuilding Skills Classes are designed for novices and experienced woodworkers. Boatbuilding Carpentry is a prerequisite for the Boatbuilding classes. Boat in a Day is for an adult/child team working from a pre-cut kit. Contact the museum for details, 252-728-7317 or visit the website. This event is from 9 am-4:30 pm and is sponsored by the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic
Event Dates: August 27-30

Welcome Anglers of all Ages! Come join us as we celebrate Labor Day Weekend with the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic (BOCC)! This annual holiday fishing tournament will include Billfish, Gamefish and King Mackerel – (SKA Sanctioned). Formerly known as Strike at Rich, this crew is sure the new name will excite fishermen from all over the eastern seaboard! The kick-off Captain’s Meeting and Party is on Wednesday evening with fun, food, music and fellowship! Fireworks are planned for Friday with the Awards Ceremony closing the event on Saturday evening. Following the tournament you and your family will have Sunday and Monday to relax and enjoy the Grande Villas and all that the Crystal Coast has to offer! For more details and information, please call 252.504.2640 or danielk.wagner@gmail.com

Fall Show, Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition
Event Dates: August 30-31

A juried show and sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans. Four shows occur throughout the year during holidays: Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day and Thanksgiving which is a Christmas exhibition that shows for three weeks. All but the Christmas show occur at the Beaufort Historic Site. For more information, please call Kris White at 252-729-9311.