EmeraldFest, SwanFest Bring Coastal Carolina Fun Through Summer

Summer is full of great weather, great food, great friends and great music— most of which you can find at the local EmeraldFest and SwanFest events in Emerald Isle and Swansboro, respectively, through the end of the season.

EmeraldFest

EmeraldFest is Emerald Isle's outdoor concert series that kicked off in mid-June and will continue through the end of August. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 PM, EmeraldFest offers Crystal Coast visitors and residents alike the chance to enjoy great music and coastal scenery. Held at the Western Ocean Regional Access Facility (off Islander Drive, 1 block east of Coast Guard Road intersection), EmeraldFest will feature the following performances yet this summer:

July 24: Redneck Juliets (Country)

July 31: Dependable Taxi (Pop/Alternative)

August 7: Wild Honey (Blues/Country/Rock)

August 14: Scearce & Ketner (Seagrass)

August 21: Big Drink (Acoustic/Rock)

SwanFest

This ongoing event is held on Sundays from 6:30 to 8 PM in downtown Swansboro and put on by the Seaside Arts Council. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to the Pavilion at Olde Town Square in Swansboro, NC to see the following performances, ranging from local artists to Nashville recording stars:

July 27: Justin Castellano (Eclectic)

August 3: Andy & Kathryn Karg (Lover's Harmony)

August 10: Aqoostix (Eclectic & Eccentric)

August 17: Big Drink (Acoustic/Rock)

August 24: Beaucoup Blue (Blues)

August 31: Acoustic Hwy (Country/Rock)

September 7: Unknown Tongues (Zydeco)

September 14: Scearce & Ketner (Seagrass)

Looking for more recommendations on how to enjoy the summer on North Carolina's Crystal Coast? Contact us today! We're happy to assist you with everything from buying and selling homes in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport to sharing local activities.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

Labor Day on the Crystal Coast, NC

Getting ready to enjoy the long holiday weekend? There are many great events happening in the Crystal Coast, NC area for you to attend and experience all that our great community has to offer! Here are just a few that are happening this weekend and Monday for the Labor Day holiday:

Alive at Five Concert Series
Friday, August 30, 2013, 5 PM to 8 PM
Katherine Davis Park, Downtown Morehead City
This FREE event will give you the chance to enjoy some great music in downtown Morehead City, NC. From 5 PM to 8 PM, this is a great event to kick off the holiday weekend.

Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday, August 30, 2013, $30 for reservations
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Have you ever wanted to attend a murder mystery party? Now's your chance! Hosted by the NC Maritime Museum, come help solve the museum's latest unfortunate "accident." Museum staff and volunteers prepare an entertaining evening involving a murder plot, clues and of course a twist, all while you enjoy a catered meal! Call 252-728-7317 for more information.

Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Show
Saturday, August 31 10 AM to 5 PM, through Sunday, September 1, 2013, 12 PM to 5 PM
Beaufort Historic Grounds, Beaufort
Come visit this FREE event and take a look at the arts and crafts of local Crystal Coast artists.

Saturday Night Live
Saturday, August 31, 2013, 6 PM to 8 PM
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk Gazebo
FREE to the public and a chance to enjoy local music at this great boardwalk location.

SwanFest
Sunday, September 1, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
The Pavilion at Olde Town Square, Downtown Swansboro
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music by the sea in this FREE summer concert series.

EmeraldFest
Monday, September 2, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Western Ocean Regional Access, Emerald Isle
No admission fee for this local Emerald Isle, NC event on Labor Day, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Enjoy live music and the tranquil ocean breeze. Bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! Access also features volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | T

July 4th on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Happy 4th of July! If you're looking for some holiday fun or a fireworks display, check out this list of events in the Coastal Carolina area. Fun for the entire family in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle and more!

Atlantic Beach
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will start at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk at 9:00 PM.

Morehead City
July 4, 2013
Downtown Morehead City will be busy this 4th of July with live music and fireworks. You can enjoy sounds of The Main Event Band as they perform from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront. You can then continue the fun with dancing and a fireworks display. The fireworks will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9:00 PM.

Beaufort
July 4, 2013
Grounds open at the NC Maritime Museum Annex at 6:00 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:00 PM. 

Nags Head
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will begin at 9:25 PM at the Nags Head Fishing Pier, milepost 11.5.

Emerald Isle
July 4, 2013
EmeraldFest offers live music and a spot by the ocean. You're suggested to bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! EmeraldFest also allows access to volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. Western Ocean Regional Access (WORA) in Emerald Isle. No admission fee, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation.

Havelock
July 4, 2013
Havelock Freedom Festival begins tonight t 5:00 PM at City Park. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM at Walter B. Jones Park.

Swansboro
July 4, 2013
Celebrate with live music downtown at 6:00 PM and fireworks at 9:00 PM.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

This Weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend will be a great time to get out and experience everything the beautiful Crystal Coast has to offer. Whether through music, festivals, food, or shopping, these events will help you remember (or decide if you're considering a move to Coastal Carolina) why it's so great to live in this area. Below is a list of events happening over the next few days that are sure to make this a weekend worth talking about. 

Alive at Five Concert Series

May 3, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM

Katherine Davis Park

Morehead City, NC

This concert series features crowd-pleasing bands and runs on dates through the end of August. It's a family-friendly event series promoted by the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association and will serve beverages for your enjoyment.

Classic Movie Night at Emerald Isle

May 3, 2013; 6 PM

Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Gym

Emerald Isle, NC

This is a FREE event happening on the first Friday of the month, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. The movie this week is "The Graduate" starring Dustin Hoffman and popcorn and drinks will be sold for $1. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

Down & Derby

May 4, 2013; 4 PM to 8 PM

Emerald Isle Beach and Pool Club in Dolphin Ridge

Emerald Isle, NC

Come celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at this local event benefitting Emerald Isle's Bike and Pedestrian Path. There will be live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, and cash bar to support completing this community project. Tickets are $30 per person and all attendees are encouraged to wear their derby attire! For more information or tickets, visit the Emerald Isle Community Center or call 252-342-8248. 

39th Annual Wooden Boat Show

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 4:30 PM

North Carolina Maritime Museum

Beaufort, NC

Celebrate the art of North Carolina boatbuilding and the sport of boat racing with the 39th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. This FREE event will feature dozens of handcrafted wooden boats and activities for all ages. Kids can take part in maritime games and crafts in the Wooden Boat Kids area and make their own model boats.

Coastal Gardening Workshop

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 12 PM

Core Sound Waterfowl and Heritage Museum

Harker's Island, NC

Do you love to garden, but find the challenges of storms, sand, salty winds and sun overwhelming in your coastal North Carolina garden? This FREE program will showcase Master Gardeners to help answer the challenges of gardening at the coast.  Come check out the many speakers, booths, demonstrations, handouts, and plant sales.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter