Enjoy North Carolina's Crystal Coast This Weekend!

We live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the country— North Carolina's Crystal Coast! As your Coastal Carolina real estate experts, we're happy to share the places that we enjoy most and upcoming events that you can visit. This weekend there are many opportunities for exploring the communities of  Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores  Be sure to add these to your to-do list for a wonderful fall day trip or weekend-long stay!

28th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival
Friday, October 3 through October 5, 2014
Morehead City, NC

The largest festival in Eastern North Carolina, this seafood event kicks off tomorrow in Morehead City! Here you can find FREE entertainment from both local and regional talents, sailing events, surf and pier fishing contests, an 8K road race, activities and playground for the kids, plus the FREE Southern Outer Banks Boat Show. This event is held on the waterfront and all are welcome to attend for no cost! Don't miss the seafood, fireworks, local vendors and more!

Fireworks Cruise
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Morehead City, NC

Along with the Seafood Festival comes this fireworks cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady. Participants can enjoy an extended three-hour dinner cruise from 7 to 10 PM, plus an extra hour of cruising while marveling over the Morehead City fireworks display. The cruise will sail the Morehead City waterfront and admission is $34 for adults, $20 for children.

8th Annual Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Beaufort, NC

What better way to follow the Crystal Coast lifestyle than with fishing? This 8th annual event involves catching flounder by fishing on foot (whether that be from the pier, surf, inlet or sound) anywhere from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. This weekend will be perfect weather to spend a day on the water!

North Carolina's Crystal Coast is an idyllic place to call home if you love the beach, sun and sand. Not only do these events offer a fun weekend outing, but a chance to celebrate all things coastal with seafood and fishing!

Contact us today if you're interested in making this beautiful place your home! We're happy to share which properties are available in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores. 

Gena Gilbert

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Fourth of July Celebrations on the Crystal Coast, NC

The Crystal Coast of North Carolina will offer a string of Fourth of July events next week, ranging from fireworks to festivals to parades and cruises. Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Atlantic Beach are just a few of the communities hosting summer festivities over the July 4th week and weekend ahead. Below are details on Coastal Carolina happenings for all North Carolina residents and visitors to enjoy with the family:

Atlantic Beach July 4th Fireworks

July 4, 2014

The Circle

Atlantic Beach, NC

Atlantic Beach will begin its annual fireworks display at 9 PM along the boardwalk at "The Circle."

EmeraldFest

July 3, 2014

Western Ocean Regional Access Facility

Emerald Isle, NC

EmeraldFest is back this summer beginning on July 3, with free weekly outdoor concerts from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Western Ocean Regional Access Facility. The concerts will be held on Thursday evenings through August 21 and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Upcoming performers will include 4EverAll (Pop), Justin Castellano (Eclectic), Conch Stew (Pop/Beach), and more. 

4th of July Fireworks

July 4, 2014

Emerald Isle, NC

Starting at 9 PM on July 4, Emerald Isle will kick off its annual fireworks display off Bogue Inlet Pier as well as along NC 58. For all those interested in watching the display, the fireworks will be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Beaufort July 4 Parade

July 4, 2014

Beaufort, NC

Beaufort is hosting a Fourth of July Parade along the waterfront at 11 AM, starting on the corner of Gordon and Front Streets. This year the parade will include pets, wagons, flags and music and free ice cream will be provided.

Morehead City July 4th Celebration

July 4, 2014

Jaycee Park, Morehead City Waterfront

Morehead City, NC

This July 4, head to downtown Morehead City for the annual 4th of July celebration with music and fireworks. The Main Event Band will be performing from 7 PM to 10 PM and fireworks will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9 PM.

Gena Gilbert

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What to Do on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina This Spring

Are you ready for spring on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina? Take this month and next to visit area events like the Coastal Home and Garden Show to familiarize yourself with local vendors to spruce up your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret. 

There are also more opportunities to experience local seafood and view area artists in the events mentioned below. Take a look and enjoy the spring season on the Crystal Coast!

Art from the Heart
February 14 through March 1, 2014
Gallery Hours: Mon-Wed 10 AM to 6 PM; Thurs-Sat 10 AM to 5 PM; Sun 12 PM to 5 PM
Morehead Plaza
Morehead City NC

The Arts Council of Carteret County is presenting a three-week exhibition and sale of original artwork by area artists beginning February 14. Open seven days a week through March 1, guests can come view innovative and traditional works of art including an annual exhibit by area school children. The exhibition will also include: original oils and acrylics, water media, photography and computer-generated art, glass, stone, fiber arts, 3D artwork, pastels and drawings, and mixed media.

Seafood Series in Beaufort
February 24, 2014; 2 PM
To be held at the following locations:
February 24- Island Grille, Atlantic Beach
March 3- Amos Mosquito's Restaurant & Bar, Atlantic Beach
March 17- Island Grille, Atlantic Beach

The Aquarium is teaming up with top restaurants and area chefs to present guests with recipes and tips on preparing fresh, local seafood from North Carolina. This recurring event will also feature Aquarium staff members sharing details on the featured seafood, like life cycles and habitats. The Succulent Seafood Series is scheduled for various Mondays at 2 PM. 

26th Annual Coastal Home and Garden Show
March 1 through March 2, 2014; Sat 10 AM to 5 PM; Sun 11 AM to 3 PM
Crystal Coast Civic Center
Morehead City NC

A great chance to get ideas for sprucing up your Crystal Coast homes this spring! The 26th Annual Coastal Home and Garden Show will include services, wares and expertise of local businesses from building to landscaping to decorating. The show will feature more than 65 exhibitors where visitors can grab ideas, advice, products and more for home projects this spring.

Seafood Shell-ebration
March 1, 2014; 11 AM to 5 PM
Downtown Swansboro
Swansboro NC

This event kicks off Friday, February 28 with a wine tasting and seafood pairing at the White Oak River Bistro and continues Saturday, March 1 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Presented by the NC Coastal Federation and Swansboro Parks and Recreation in downtown Swansboro, guests can enjoy North Carolina oysters and seafood from area restaurants. Progressive tastings will be offered at establishments like Icehouse Waterfrnot Restaurant, Saltwater Grill, and more. Local shops will also be offering gifts and discounts in conjunction with the Shell-ebration.

Looking to start your home search this spring or prepare your home to sell? Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today!

Gena Gilbert

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How to Celebrate the Holidays on the Crystal Coast

Carteret County Arts and Crafts, Holiday Show and Sale
Through Sunday, December 15, 2013; 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, 
1 PM to 5 PM Sunday
Morehead Plaza Shopping Center

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition (CCACC) invites you to join them as they celebrate 35 years of bring local arts and crafts to the Crystal Coast! This is a great time to pick up last minute holiday gifts!

Ice Skating on the Morehead City Waterfront
December 6 through January 1, 2014
Katherine Davis Park Parking Lot 

Skating session times:
Monday - Friday 6:00, 7:00, 8:00
Saturday 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00
Sunday 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00

A fun way to celebrate the holiday season with skating on the Morehead City Waterfront. The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department will be operating an artificial ice skating rink from Friday, December 6 through Wednesday, January 1— closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Skating fees are $5.00 per skater (fee includes rental skates) for each 45-minute skating session.

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour
December 14, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM
Beaufort NC

How magical to tour Beaufort at night! Tour private homes in Beaufort and ride on the double-decker bus with carolers from local churches. Homeowners will open their doors so that the public can delight in their festive décor and decorations. 

Beaufort Holiday Art Walk
December 14, 2013; 1 PM to 5 PM
Historic Downtown Beaufort

Enjoy this festive day in downtown historic Beaufort and celebrate the season with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. The Art Walk will begin at The Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St.

Morehead City Christmas Parade
December 14, 2013; 11 AM
Downtown Morehead City

What better way to celebrate the season than with a holiday parade? The Morehead City Christmas Parade will begin downtown at 11 AM for all who wish to come out and enjoy.

Gena Gilbert

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Host the Holidays Stress-Free at Your Coastal Carolina Home

The holidays are here on the Crystal Coast and many homeowners will be hosting guests at their homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle. And while you may be prepared for the holidays, your home may not be. These common problems happen in homes in North Carolina every year, be prepared to fix them! And when the time comes to sell your homes in North Carolina, your property will be twice as ready for the sale.

Your Oven Won't Heat
This is perhaps the biggest issue when it comes to hosting holidays at your home. But the oven not working can be prevented. Do not self-clean your oven until after the holidays to avoid blowing a fuse in the oven or damaging the thermostat.

The Sink Clogs
You'll likely be doing a lot of cooking this holiday season and using your kitchen sink will be happening more frequently. And did you know the holiday season is the busiest for plumbers? Avoid having to call one by not sending fats or oils down your kitchen sink, they will only solidify and cause problems. Always make sure your garbage disposal is running before you use it and "never feed it any stringy, fibrous, or starchy foods like poultry skins or potato peels," advised Houselogic.

The Fridge Won't Cool
You need heat in the winter, but when you're storing all of your holiday food in the fridge with no cold air— that's a problem. To avoid this holiday problem, get a thermometer to keep inside the fridge and make sure each shelf stays below 40 degrees. You can also check the back of the fridge to make sure the coils are free to breathe— if they're not, that can stop a fridge from cooling properly.

The holidays are hectic, but your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort don't have to be. Get a handle on your home maintenance before the guests arrive and your holiday will be as smooth as can be!

Gena Gilbert

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Homes for Sale in Morehead City NC

Have you decided to purchase a home on the Crystal Coast? Now is a great time! There is so much Carteret County, NC can offer homebuyers and these homes for sale in Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City NC may be just the places for you to call home! 

Take a look, start your home search on our website, and contact us today to discuss your options for Crystal Coast real estate and how to move forward in your homebuyer journey!

405 A Mansfield Parkway
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2200 square ft.

Price: $368,000

Seller is Motivated-Outstanding Price. Spectacular Sound Views. Beautifully Furnished (with exceptions) End unit with additional end window providing 180 degree Panoramic Sound Views. Private Elevator. Reverse floor plan with main living area on 3rd floor. Large Decks on each floor overlooking Sound. Main Deck has roll out Awning Sunscreen. Single Garage and parking spot. Enjoy sitting on your deck and watching the boats pass by on the Sound. Centrally located near Shopping, Schools, Medical Facilities, Beach, Water Access for Boating.

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917 Lord Granville Dr
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedroom | 2 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2450 square ft.

Price: $244,500

Owner is Motivated, just reduced the price by $35,000. Spacious Home located in Brandywine Bay SD , a gated community with amenities available. Open Floor plan with Large Living Room w/Fireplace, Surround Sound, Formal Dining Room plus breakfast area & Bar. Double Garage, Patio in Rear, Covered Front Porch. Beautiful Neighborhood near Shopping, Schools, Medical Facilities, Water Access and Beaches.

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406 Sandfiddler Court
Morehead City NC 28557
5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 1 half bath
5525 square ft.

Price: $2,100,000

Experience Gentle Breezes, Panoramic Water Views, and Gorgeous Sunsets over the water. Only minutes to Crystal Coast Beaches. Must see this Spectacular Custom 5 BR 4.5 BA Home for yourself! Boating, golfing, shopping, fine restaurants, medical facilities, are all close by. 

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216 Lord Granville 
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 0 half bath
1862 square ft.

Price: $224,500

Just Reduced Like NEW gutted and reconstructed in 2012 on desirable lot in Brandywine S/D. All NEW: siding & trim, 2 car garage w/LOTS of attic storage, screened breezeway & back porch,windows,patio door,kitchen cabinets,countertops, flooring, kitchen appliances, interior painted, new flooring, new roof; gorgeous solid wood ceiling in great room - heat pump replaced new in 2007. 2 large master bedroom closets plus more storage inside! New wood fence in backyard. Owner loves this house but has accepted new job and wants to be closer to work and church. Copy of recent home inspection available upon request.

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Gena Gilbert

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This Weekend on the Crystal Coast, NC

This weekend is a great time to enjoy our Coastal Carolina area! Be sure to get out to these events happening in Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Swansboro, and more. Where are you headed this weekend?

Friday Free Flicks
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle NC
Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, with popcorn and drinks available for $1.00. Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets.

Paint and Partake
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Blu Sail Gallery, Morehead City NC
This fun-filled art and social experience will allow students to paint their own interpretation of the workshop inspiration painting. Students will follow easy step-by-step instruction and at the end of the evening, you will have your own original 16 x 20” painting read to hang on your wall! 

North Carolina Shrimp Tour
Through October 13, 2013; Tours last 3 to 3.25 hours
Beaufort NC
Taking place during "A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week," this tour is limited to eight people and lasts approximately 3 to 3.25 hours. At the end of the tour, each couple will receive one pound of North Carolina Shrimp (8 oz. for individuals) packed for travel. The shrimp comes wrapped in authentic fish net from the original Net House in Beaufort. Known locally as the Seine House, the nets were made in Beaufort. So, participants get to take home a small piece of Beaufort’s maritime history. Cost for the Shrimp Tour is $65/per person.

A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week
Through October 13, 2013
This exciting bi-annual event takes place all over beautiful Carteret County at over 20 fine dining establishments over a two week period. Last year's Restaurant Week was claimed a huge success with hundreds visiting the fine dining establishments on the Crystal Coast. 

Swansboro Mullet Festival
Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, October 13, 2013; 9 AM
Downtown Swansboro NC
This FREE event will feature over 100 craft vendors along with food vendors who will line the streets of downtown Swansboro, and of course the famous Rotary fish fry will give everyone something to enjoy. A number of activities will also take place throughout the weekend including the popular “Mullet Toss” and face painting.

Don't live in our great Coastal Carolina area yet? No problem! Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to start your search for homes for sale in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort or another close community. 

Gena Gilbert

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