nps to open wright monument this summer

Wright Brothers Monument. Photo by Pia Bell Ford

Towering over the Wright Brothers Memorial, the 158′ monument to the Orville and Wilbur’s achievement has been closed to the public for over 20 years. Jeff Hampton, writing for The Virginian-Pilot, explains that the doors to the base of the monument will be open weekly this summer so the curious can look inside and get the skinny… Continue reading nps to open wright monument this summer

jockey’s ridge celebrates 40 years this month

Jockey's Ridge, the highest sand dune on the East coast. Photo Jockey's Ridge State Park

It’s hard to miss Jockey’s Ridge, the giant sand dune in Nags Head. On any given day it’s abuzz with hangliders, kite flyers, photographers, sunset gazers and just regular folks. The long trek up is rewarded by one of the best views on (and of) the Outer Banks with the mighty ocean to the east and… Continue reading jockey’s ridge celebrates 40 years this month

broken glass becomes beach gold

Long walks by the sea looking for beach glass top my (long) list of reasons to live on the OBX. My mother shared her love of shelling with me years ago, and I’m always delighted to come across these colorful bits of glass the ocean has smoothed. Jeff Hampton, in this piece for The Virginian-Pilot , shares the story of another local treasure… Continue reading broken glass becomes beach gold

even on ocracoke, things can change

Mauro Ibarra, manager of the Ocracoke Variety Store. Photo Rich-Joseph Facun, The Virginian-Pilot

Ocracoke Island life can seem like you’ve taken a small step back in time. But change has come to the island, as the Hispanic folks who came to work have stayed and started their own Ocracoke families and businesses. Jeff Hampton, writing for The Virginian-Pilot introduces us to a few of the newer residents who are shifting… Continue reading even on ocracoke, things can change