Participation in Buy Local Currituck at Record High

The Buy Local Currituck Campaign is pleased to announce that contest participation has dramatically increased.  Organizers report a record number of receipts turned in for the second quarter of 2013.  To date, receipts valuing $55,203 have been submitted.  This figure has gone up significantly from the $35,078 receipt totals collected in the first quarter of 2012.

Currituck resident and past Buy Local contest winner Patsy Howard said, “I grew up here, and I’m all for giving back to the community and buying locally when I can.  I was so surprised to win!  The prizes I won were phenomenal.  It is an outstanding program and I’ve been encouraging others to put in their receipts.”

The 2013 Second Quarter drawing was held on July 18 at the Acoustic Sunset event at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg.  Three lucky winners were selected. Through generous donations from local businesses, they are being presented a total of over $2,000 in prizes. Since the Buy Local Currituck campaign’s inception in 2012, local businesses have generously donated over $13,500 in prizes.

Receipts from participants were collected, counted and totaled more than $235,500.  This figure represents money spent in Currituck County with local businesses.

The campaign focuses on promoting local businesses and educating residents on the importance of shopping local.   Shopping in Currituck builds a sense of community among local residents.  It also generates tax revenue, creates new jobs, has a multiplier effect where local businesses use the money to purchase advertising, supplies, etc. from other local businesses which further strengthens the local economy.  Shopping locally also helps to increase the quality of life for local residents living and working in Currituck County.

When asked about the benefits of buying local, Julie Folwick, another recent Buy Local prize winner said, “Currituck is a wonderful community with unique businesses that should be supported by everyone.  The buy local program is an innovative, fun and worthy program that all locals could benefit from.  Locals work hard to develop and run businesses in the county, and we should support each other.”

The Third Quarter contest has just begun and runs from July 1 through September 30, 2013. To participate, shop at local businesses, spend $3 or more each time, save your receipts, put five receipts in an envelope with your name, address and phone number, and drop it in a collection box at any Currituck County public library, Currituck Senior Center, the Currituck County Welcome Center in Moyock or Visitor Center in Corolla, the Currituck Chamber of Commerce office, or the Currituck YMCA.

Who Will Be the Winners?

Since April 1, participants have collected and sent in original receipts from local Currituck County businesses in an effort to win the second quarter Buy Local Currituck contest.  And, on Thursday, July 18, we will announce the winners!

There will be three prize packages awarded: the first place winner will receive a prize package valued at $1,277; the second place prize package is valued at $547; and the third prize package is valued at $149—a total of more than $2,000 in goods and services from local OBX businesses like Village Realty, E.L. Miller, III & Sons, Cotton Gin and Sanctuary Vineyards, Wild Horse Adventure Tours and other restaurants and so much more!

As a way to thank everyone for their participation, the Buy Local Contest drawing is being held at the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg during Acoustic Sunset. While Acoustic Sunset runs from 5:30 to 9pm, the drawing will be held at 6:30pm. Participants are encouraged to come and enjoy free live music and tasting series at this fun weekly event. And if it rains, the event will move into the winery.

For three months, residents shopped at locally-owned retailers and did business with other locally-owned companies in an effort to keep dollars moving in Currituck County. Whether it was frequenting Corolla shopping centers, looking towards area service providers like accountants, heating and cooling contractors, and other professional and service companies, they held onto receipts to send in to us or drop off at any of the participating locations. Some have even taken the time to take pictures of themselves in front of local businesses and email them to us. One thing is for sure…we are amazed at the level of participation and cannot wait for the next one.

Buying local is something that every resident in Currituck County should strive to do.  Not only does it keep dollars in the community in the form of tax dollars, it helps local businesses grow which then boosts job growth.  All of this helps enhance schools, improve roads, provide better local services like police, fire and rescue, and so much more. Local job growth also allows area residents to work closer to home which also keeps money in the community.  Ultimately, buying local boosts the local economy.

Currituck County relies on the charm of locally-owned businesses to capture the flavor of the Outer Banks for the vacationers who spend time and money here. Because of this, it is important for residents to support the local economy as well to keep it moving in an upward direction. Buying local is as easy as heading out to weekly farmers’ markets, shopping at Corolla shopping centers, and dining at locally-owned restaurants and cafes. It just takes a little time to develop a “local” mindset.  When we buy local, Currituck County wins and, in the end, we, as a community, win.

As for the success of our Buy Local contests, we are so grateful for those who live and work in Currituck County. Not only does it speak volumes as to how much our local businesses support the local community but it also speaks volumes as to how much our community supports the local economy and growth of Currituck County.

Buy Local Currituck is an initiative designed to improve the local economy by encouraging consumers to buy from local retailers and use services from locally owned companies.  We cannot say it enough—keeping money moving locally throughout Currituck County in the form of income, taxes and local job growth strengthens the local economy.

For more information on Buy Local Currituck, to find out how to get your business on our list of participating businesses, or to get more information on our Buy Local Contests, contact us at info@buylocalcurrituck.com.

Currituck County Farm Markets Sell Local, High-Quality Produce

Currituck County has many farm markets that sell locally grown fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are now in season include blueberries and corn. Currituck Roadside Markets also sell fresh eggs, vegetables, and flowers.

The Morris Farm Market is located in Barco of Currituck County. The Currituck County farm market has a variety of food for every member of the family. For example, the Currituck County market has fresh produce, canned goods, breads, melons, and ciders. Walton and Ginger Morris started the farm market by selling sweet corn from their Ford truck. The family farm now covers hundreds of acres of land. Other products available at the Currituck County farm market include jams, pickles, and relishes.

The Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market, a family-owned and operated farm market, is in Currituck County and has been providing fresh produce as well as baked goods, gifts, flowers, pies, cookies, and plants to residents and visitors for more than 25 years. The Rose Tree Gift Shoppe is part of the Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market. It includes unique gifts, including hand-painted furniture and decorations for homes. Allie’s Frozen Yogurt is an additional part of the market and has fresh fruit flurries. You do not want to miss the variety of fresh produce and baked goods, as well as the beautiful gifts that are available at the Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market.

We had the chance to speak with Colon Grandy Jr., the owner of the Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market. Grandy said that his favorite part of the market is how many vacationers say they look forward to stopping at the market every year. Many vacationers also say that they begin their summer fun in the Outer Banks by stopping at his market.

“I enjoy meeting people and finding out where they’re from,” Grandy said.

Grandy said the top produce during the summer includes peaches, sweet corn, cantaloupe, and tomatoes. The yogurt is also a favorite of many customers.

“We have really good frozen yogurt, and we have really good peaches too,” Grandy said.

Grandy agrees that local produce is important for our community. Local produce is fresher, and it helps to sustain the economy.

“It tastes better,” Grandy said. “It provides some income for the local farmers.”

Grandy said he has a partnership with an Edenton farmer. The farmers met approximately 25 years ago, and they depend on each other to provide quality produce for the area.

Currituck County also provides you with the opportunity to pick your own produce. Strawberries are available from late April to the middle of June and blueberries are available from late June into July.

The Seaside Farm Market is located in Corolla. The Grandy family has been providing fresh and local produce for more than 100 years. Seaside Farm Market of Currituck County features fresh and local produce as well as baked goods and local seafood. Local produce includes yellow squash, tomatoes, onions, eggplant, watermelon, cucumbers, corn, apples, and bananas. Seafood includes tuna, grouper, salmon, rockfish, crabcakes, oysters, and large and medium shrimp. The fresh bakery also has a variety of baked goods. They include muffins, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and homemade fudge. Other items include salsa, milk, and local farm cheese.

Roberts Ridge Farm Market is a market that is family owned and operated as well. The market, which is located in Shawboro, N.C. has been in business for 29 years. The market is specialized in sweet corn. Other produce is also from local farmers near the market.

The Powell’s Roadside Market is located in Sligo. Powell’s Market sells fresh local produce in addition to N.C. jams, jellies, pickles, and sauces. Produce includes corn, peaches, watermelon, and tomatoes. Homemade fudge, which comes in a variety of flavors, in made at the market. Equipment for the beach is also available.
Currituck County has numerous farm markets with a variety of fresh and local produce. Stop by one of them and discover quality produce, homemade goods, and many more local items for your family.

Corn Recipes for Summer Cooking

Currituck County is well-known for its fresh fruits and vegetables. By buying fresh produce in Currituck County, you can support the local economy.

The Currituck County environment is beneficial for growing nutritious produce. Our Currituck County farmer’s markets strive to provide fresh produce for residents and visitors. Corn is an excellent choice for a vegetable that you can incorporate into your cooking this summer.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients

• Non-stick nonflammable cooking spray
• 1 cup butter
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ears of corn, shucked and cut in half

Directions

Spray a grill rack with the non-stick nonflammable cooking spray. Then preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350°F to 400°F). Combine the butter, cilantro, salt, and pepper into a bowl and use a fork to beat them until the mixture is smooth. Spread 1 tablespoon of the butter mixture over each half ear of corn. Wrap the corn in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Grill the corn for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is tender, and turn it frequently. Serve it immediately. This will make 10 to 12 servings.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grilled-corn-on-the-cob-recipe/index.html

Creamy Corn

Courtesy of Rachael Ray

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn on the cob or 2 boxes of frozen corn kernels, 10 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 rib celery and greens, chopped
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup of half-and-half

Directions

Scrape the corn from the cobs. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and chopped vegetables. Lightly sauté for 3 minutes. Then add corn and season this with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this for 5 minutes. Then add half-and-half. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover and stir. Then adjust the seasonings. This will make about 6 servings.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/creamy-corn-recipe/index.html

Hot Corn Dip with Crispy Tortilla Chips

Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups of corn kernels (from 4 ears fresh white or yellow corn)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (the green and white parts)
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack or cheddar, shredded
• 4 ounces of sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• Tortilla chips for dipping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter into a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn, the salt, and the pepper. Cook, while stirring occasionally, until the kernels become deep golden brown; cook for about 5 minutes. Transfer it into a bowl. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter into the skillet. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, while stirring often, until the onions become wilted; cook for 2 minutes. Add the green onions, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook, while stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables become softened. Transfer this to the bowl with the corn. Add the mayonnaise, half of the Monterey Jack and half of the cheddar, and the cayenne, and mix this well. Pour it into an 8-inch square baking dish and sprinkle the leftover cheese on the top of the dish. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, which will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve the hot corn dip with tortilla chips. This will make about 6 cups of dip, which equals 12 to 18 servings.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/hot-corn-dip-with-crispy-tortilla-chips-recipe/index.html

Currituck County is proud to grow and sell fresh produce, which includes vegetables like corn. Visit your local Currituck County farmer’s markets for corn and other nutritious vegetables. Enjoy cooking this summer with a variety of fruits and vegetables from Currituck County farmer’s markets.

http://buylocalcurrituck.com/blog/corn-recipes-summer-cooking/

Currituck County’s 21st Annual Independence Day Celebration

Come join Currituck County on the Fourth of July and watch the best fireworks on the Outer Banks! The 21st Annual Independence Day Celebration will take place at the Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, a part of Currituck County. The fireworks will start at dusk at the event.

The Currituck County event includes local BBQ, pizza, and popcorn. A variety of activities, including a cornhole tournament, will be available for family members of all ages. The cornhole tournament begins at 6:30 p.m. The Tidewater Drive Band will be performing music for the evening. The band is a dance and party band, with eight members and a complete horn section. The Tidewater Drive Band performs for a variety of functions and has specializations in genres such as Disco and Motown as well as songs related to each performance and Top 40 songs.

There are many shops and restaurants to visit in Currituck County before you attend the fireworks in Currituck County. The list below explains some of the local Currituck County shops that are located in Corolla.

• A Greener Shade of You in Currituck County offers designer organic clothing, handmade jewelry, and other green products that are locally made.
• Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream features 57 homemade flavors of ice cream. Other specials include milkshakes, frozen custard, homemade Belgium chocolates, and many flavors of ice cream cake.
• Corolla Book, Card & Gift Gallery has local and best-selling books, magazines, candy, games, jewelry, candles, florals, puzzles, and more.
• Corolla Candles has candles from more than 50 of the nation’s best candle makers. Corolla Candles also offers shell candles that are made locally in Corolla.
• Dolphin Watch Gallery features fine art, which includes pottery, mosaics, and carvings. The gallery also offers services such as custom framing.
• Duck Donuts makes fresh and warm donuts in the restaurant. The store also offers locally roasted premium coffee from Kill Devil Hills.
• Flying Smiles Kites can assist you with finding the right kite for you. The store offers a variety of kites, lessons, and accessories, as well as variety of games and puzzles.
• Island Revolution Surf Company has skateboards, accessories, and clothing by surf and skate brands. The company also offers passes for the Island Revolution Skatepark and surfing lessons.
• Lighthouse Bagels and Deli in Currituck County has Kettle bagels, muffins that are freshly baked, cream cheeses that are homemade, and a deli with subs, burgers, and more.
• Lovie’s Kitchen Table is located in a historic Corolla home in Currituck County. Lovie’s Kitchen Table offers coffee; pastries that are homemade; salads, sandwiches, and wraps that are prepared locally, homemade desserts, and more.
• Nags Head Hammocks has a Corolla location. The store sells handcrafted rope hammocks as well as the store’s original furniture designs. Porch swings and rockers are also offered. Nags Head Hammocks can ship products if needed.
• Ocean Threads is in the Corolla Light Town Center and Monteray Plaza of Currituck County. The store offers a variety of swimsuits, name brand sportswear by brands such as Billabong, Volcom, and Roxy, accessories from brands such as Uggs and Reef, and more.
• Surfside Casuals has a variety of bathing suits, and you can also design a T-shirt. The store has been locally owned and operated for 30 years.
• Village Fisherman in Corolla of Currituck County offers gifts, souvenirs, flags, local Outer Banks artwork, and more.
• Wild Horse Adventure Tours provides the opportunity to see the wild Colonial Spanish Mustang horses as well as unique places within Currituck County. The tour is located on the northern beaches in Currituck County.

The Currituck Heritage Park is a historic location in Currituck County. The Whalehead Club Historic House Museum in Currituck County was once the private residence of Edward C. Knight Jr. and Marie Louise LebelBonat Knight. Edward C. Knight Jr. was a northern industrialist and conservationist. The museum consists of Art Nouveau architecture and a variety of art. The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is also located in the Currituck Heritage Park of Currituck County. The Wildlife Center explains natural and cultural history and has a variety of exhibits and programs. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse has been located in Currituck County since 1875. The lighthouse has 214 steps, and it provides a wonderful view of the beautiful Outer Banks.

Come celebrate Independence Day with us in Currituck County! Admission and parking for the Currituck County event are free. The Currituck Heritage Park location is 1100 Club Rd. Rt. 12, Corolla, NC 27927.

http://buylocalcurrituck.com/blog/currituck-countys-21st-annual-independence-day-celebration/

Currituck County and Watermelon—A Recipe for Summer

Currituck County is proud to sell nutritious fruits and vegetables to residents and visitors who are visiting Corolla and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Farmer’s markets are a great way to participate in the buy local movement which has positive impacts on the local economy and its residents, your health, and the environment.

Watermelon is one of summer’s sweetest treats and is low in calories and high in lycopene. Recent research has suggested that lycopene is an antioxidant which may aid in the prevention of cancer and other diseases. It is also high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Because watermelon grows best in sandy, loamy soil, a Currituck County watermelon is a must have fruit of summer. So you have no reason to not visit a Currituck County farmer’s market for fresh watermelon. To get you thinking outside the box for how to enjoy delicious watermelon, see the recipes below:

Grilled Grouper with Watermelon Salsa

Ingredients

4 (4-oz.) grouper fillets

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 teaspoon salt, divided

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 cups chopped seedless watermelon

1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

1/2 English cucumber, chopped

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons minced red onion

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350°F-400°F). Sprinkle the grouper with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Drizzle it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grill the fish, covered with the grill lid, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the fish starts to flake if it is poked with a sharp knife’s tip and is opaque in the center. Combine the chopped watermelon, the olives, the cucumber, the jalapeño pepper, the red onion, the white balsamic vinegar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve it will the grilled fish. This will make four servings.

Recipe from Southern Living

Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-grouper-watermelon-50400000113410/

Watermelon Pancake Sandwiches

Ingredients

2 tablespoons maple syrup

8 silver-dollar size (3-4”) natural blueberry pancakes either homemade or prepared, warm

4 slices seedless watermelon that are the same size as the pancakes

Directions

Spread the maple syrup over one side of each blueberry pancake. Put a slice of the watermelon on the syrup-brushed side of four of the pancakes. Top the watermelon with the remaining four pancakes, syrup side down. Serve the pancake sandwiches immediately. This will make four sandwiches.

Source: http://www.watermelon.org/recipes/Watermelon-Pancake-Sandwiches-207.aspx

Cajun Chicken with Watermelon Mint Salsa

Watermelon Mint Salsa

Ingredients

2 cups chopped seedless watermelon

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 cup diced seeded tomato

1 minced seeded jalapeno to taste

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon minced fresh mint

1/2 cup chopped fresh scallions

Directions

Toss the ingredients together and cover the salsa. Refrigerate the salsa until it is time to serve it with the chicken.

Cajun Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons granulated garlic

2 tablespoons mild chili powder

2 tablespoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons sweet paprika

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions

Mix the spices together. Coat the chicken cutlets with the spice mixture. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Put the chicken breasts in the pan. Blacken both sides of the chicken breasts. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through. Put the salsa on the top of the chicken and serve it immediately. This will make six servings.

Source: http://www.watermelon.org/recipes/Cajun-Chicken-with-Watermelon-Mint-Salsa-72.aspx

Ice Cream Cone Sundaes

Ingredients

8 ice cream cones of choice

8 tablespoons of pineapple cream cheese frosting

1/2 cup dried craisins

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

8 scoops seedless watermelon (use an ice cream scooper)

Instructions

Put a tablespoon of the pineapple cream cheese frosting into the bottom of each ice cream cone. Divide the craisins over the frosting. Top the craisins with the yogurt. Place an ice cream scoop of watermelon on the top of each ice cream cone and serve. You can add additional toppings like sprinkles, chunks of pineapple, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes. This will serve eight people.

Source: http://www.watermelon.org/recipes/Ice-Cream-Cone-Sundaes-104.aspx

Watermelon is a nutritious ingredient to add to your meals and summertime cooking. Currituck County farmer’s markets are proud to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, which includes fresh watermelon. Enjoy cooking a variety of meals this summer while incorporating Currituck County’s fresh produce, such as watermelon, into your meals in different ways.

http://buylocalcurrituck.com/blog/currituck-county-watermelon/

Why Buy Local Produce in Currituck County

What makes you think of summer? A beach vacation? A backyard barbeque? Or maybe it’s the thought of all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are bursting with flavor. One of the best parts about summer is that you can eat so well and chances are higher that you can eat something that is picked fresh for you.
Here in Northeastern North Carolina, we are just starting to get into our fresh veggie season. And there is no better place to get something fresh than your local farm market. Farm markets line highway 158 in Currituck County as you start to approach the beach. Filled right now with fresh asparagus and zucchinis, these markets will fill up with all kinds of produce in the next couple of weeks.

As the last farm market before the bridge, The Farm Market specializes in Currituck grown produce. As a subsidiary of United Turf, The Farm Market has a catch phrase—“your veggies are grown on our turf”. Manager Terri Sawyer is proud to point out to the fields just beyond the door to show you where her tomatoes are growing and the cantaloupe. With very few exceptions, she and her team are growing almost everything that will stock the orderly bins in this fresh air market.

United Turf has long been known by Currituck locals for their asparagus and sweet potatoes, with folks calling in to request the new asparagus in the spring and the sweet potatoes over the holidays. Now they have expanded operations further south in Powells Point. They have even grown a type of German cabbage called Kohlrabi which you can use in salads.

It’s common sense that when you buy local more of your money stays in the community. But you would be surprised to understand that The New Economics Foundation, an independent economic think tank based in London, found that twice the money spent on veggies at a local farmer’s market stays in the community as opposed to when you buy it at the supermarket. This supports not only the local farmers and their families but it also has impacts in the services that agriculture based communities can offer, including emergency and child based services. When it comes down to it, buying those healthy, fresh vegetables right off the farm is not only good for you, but you doing something for someone else.

One additional thought about buying local veggies is that the farmers that are able to sell their products locally are often able to use more organic practices in their faming. The preservatives that enable vegetables to travel long and time consuming distances to market are no longer necessary. This benefits the local environment as well.

So the next time you are coming down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and are traveling down 158, look for your famers markets with the local produce. Stop for a minute, stretch your legs and buy some cucumbers, tomatoes and onions to make an easy salad with Italian dressing, delicious cantaloupe to cut up and share on the beach or get adventurous and add some Kohlrabi to your salad or Cole slaw for that family barbeque. You feel great about making such a healthy stop and you will be starting the wonderful chain of events that results from Buying Local. And say hello to Terri when you stop at The Farm Market.

http://buylocalcurrituck.com/blog/buy-local-produce-currituck/

The Whalehead Club in Corolla, N.C.

The Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, N.C. is a historic place to visit while enjoying a vacation on the Outer Banks. The Whalehead Club is located by the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the northern Outer Banks. Tours and special events take place during the year. The picnic tables, Currituck Sound, Live Oak trees, and beautiful lawns provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the nature ad the beauty of the Outer Banks.
The Whalehead Club was the home of Edward Collings Knight, Jr. and Mary Louise Lebel Bonat Knight. The home was constructed between 1922 and 1925, and it is 21,000 square feet. The Whalehead Club consists of Art Nouveau architecture; this style was popular during the time in which it was built. Nature is part of this architecture. The Knights decided to call the property Corolla Island. Since it was constructed, the Whalehead Club has had many different owners. Currituck County purchased the Whalehead Club in 1992. By 1994, Currituck County owned a total of 39 acres. Significant restoration started in 1999, and by 2002, the property was restored to its 1920s appearance. The Whalehead Club is in the National Register of Historic Places.
Audio tours, self-guided tours, guided tours, group tours, children’s tours, and school tours of the Whalehead Club are available. Tours provide information on topics such as the Whalehead Club’s history, architecture, and historical information about the Outer Banks. The tours are available throughout the year. The times, charges for admission, and the prices for groups vary based on the tour. Visit http://www.whaleheadclub.org/tours/ for more information.
Special events are held throughout the year at the Whalehead Club.
• On May 26, the Outer Banks Music Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Performers are the Band of Oz, The Tams, The Crowd, and Steve Owens and Summertime. Tickets are available for purchase online.
• From May 29 to Oct. 9, the Whalehead Wednesday Wine Festivals will be held. The festivals will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Local, national, and international wines will be presented. Local talent is present. Local food will be available for purchase, and kite activities for children are available.
• The 12th Annual “Under the Oaks” Arts Festival will be held from June 19 to 20. On June 19, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on June 20, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual outdoor art show consists of more than 100 artists. Media, entertainment, local food, an art auction, and activities for children are included in the event.
• The 21st Annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks will start at 5 p.m. on July 4. Food, activities, and music are included. The fireworks will start at dusk.
• From July 9 to Aug. 27, the Summer Concert Series will be held every Tuesday. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Talented local performers will be singing during the series.
The park provides many opportunities to enjoy the nature in Corolla. You can walk or ride a bicycle near the water. Fly kites on the beautiful waterfront lawns. You can watch the sun set over the Currituck Sound. Have a picnic by the picnic tables or on the lawns. Classes are available at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located close by, and you can climb the lighthouse. Learn about the history of Corolla and the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park while enjoying the beauty of the Outer Banks.
For more information on the Whalehead Club’s events and activities, visit http://www.whaleheadclub.org/.

Craving Local BBQ?

When you think of warm weather and good times with friends and family, what immediately comes to mind? If you’re not thinking of a BBQ, then you may be in need of a tasty reminder. Why not head on over to one of the Outer Bank’s most delicious restaurants, Currituck BBQ Company, and taste what you’ve been missing? Located almost halfway between the Virginia/North Carolina border and the Outer Banks, the restaurant is a hot spot for North Carolina BBQ. The family-owned company opened its doors in 2006 and has quickly become a favorite of local residents and visitors worldwide. Come out and see why!

The Currituck BBQ Company was founded by Paul Robinson and his father, Larry. This local Currituck business partnership fulfills the dream of father and son working together to offer you the best in BBQ, ribs, chicken and beef brisket. Enjoy home cooked sides and desserts that complement the delicious meats. Larry himself has perfected the recipes and cooking techniques over the years to bring you the quality of a home cooked meal in a family-friendly and charming restaurant atmosphere. Along with their tasty North Carolina BBQ, they also offer a variety of delectable sauces to entice your taste buds and satisfy every visitor’s different tastes for BBQ.

If you aren’t craving any North Carolina BBQ just yet, here’s a little sneak peak at their tasty menu options to get your taste buds going wild. They have a variety of delicious platters that come with two sides and hushpuppies. Pick from Pork BBQ, Beef Brisket, Ribs (a Currituck BBQ Company signature menu item), Rotisserie Chicken and more. There are also Sandwiches (Jumbo or regular) and Sandwich platters for those who aren’t messing around.  With your meal you can choose from a full list of traditional southern sides such as baked beans, Cole slaw, green beans, potato salad, French fries, and many more. For the little ones, there is also a kids menu full of classic favorites such as Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, and Pork BBQ Sandwiches. If you somehow managed to save room for dessert, there are several southern favorites available such as Banana Pudding, Bread Pudding and Cobbler! Try their Currituck BBQ Company signature Hot Fudge Sundae to top of your meal, or try one of the other fresh-baked desserts that are available daily. With so many amazing, home cooked menu items to choose from at a good price, you may start thinking BBQ every day of the week!

Currituck BBQ Company is located on route 158 in Coinjock just North of the Coinjock Bridge (halfway between the VA/NC border and OBX) at . Stop by and dine in today and treat yourself to one of their scrumptious home cooked meals. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can always try their take out or Carry-Out Catering. For those busy families who don’t always have time to cook a full meal, they also offer convenient Family Paks that you can take home with you for a good, sit-down dinner with the kids! If you’re in the mood for some North Carolina BBQ right this second, you can check out their menu which can be found on their website right here. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. You can order beforehand by calling ahead at 252-453-6618. Enjoy that delicious North Carolina BBQ!

This local Currituck County business knows the importance of buying local. A proud Chamber of Commerce member, this business supplied one of the prizes for the Buy Local Currituck Contest. We always appreciate the support and enthusiasm that our fantastic local businesses bring to the Buy Local movement here in Currituck! Thank you Paul and Larry!

Buy Local Currituck Urges Local Holiday Shopping

Buying local is imperative in order for a community to thrive.  Buy Local Currituck, a coalition of businesses located in Currituck County, urges area consumers to do their holiday shopping locally as a way to revive the local economy.

Why Buy Local

Residents of Currituck County love their community and work hard to keep it going.  Buying local plays a major role in how the area prospers and grows.  When consumers buy locally, their dollars stay local and help small businesses succeed.  Additionally, there is more money pumped back into the community in the form of taxes and payroll.  This creates more revenue for schools, community services like law enforcement and emergency care and, most importantly, new jobs.  In fact, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, locally owned and operated businesses create higher paying jobs.  On top of all this, most local businesses support other local businesses by conducting day to day affairs with them.

Buy Local Currituck’s Buy Local Contest

To make it more fun to buy locally, Buy Local Currituck has a contest taking place.  Currituck County consumers can register to win two ways.  First, for every five original receipts turned in, they are registered to win.  The other way is to send in five pictures taken while shopping at local businesses to be registered.  At the end of the contest, the winner receives a gift basket filled with merchandise and gift certificates from local businesses.  This is a fun way to promote buying from local merchants as well as introduce new businesses to area consumers.

Shop Local Businesses for Holiday Gifts

Shopping at local businesses for holiday gifts is another way to keep our money in the community.  There are so many local businesses that offer cool gifts unique to the area.  By shopping at retailers like the Farmer’s Daughter and Island Revolution Surf Company, Currituck County shoppers can find all they need at any of the Corolla shopping centers or others throughout Currituck County.

There is no better way for a community to succeed than by supporting local businesses.   Check out the Buy Local Currituck business list for a list of local businesses throughout Currituck County.  By buying locally, everyone wins.