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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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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What to Do This Weekend on the Crystal Coast, NC

It's almost fall and with a new season comes new events and new opportunities to explore the Crystal Coast, NC. Below are some events happening this weekend for you and your whole family to enjoy the areas of Beaufort, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, and more!

Paint and Partake
Friday, September 20, 2013; 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Blu Sail Gallery, 903 Arendell Street, Morehead City
Every Friday evening come join us for a fun filled art and social experience where students will paint their own interpretation of the workshop inspiration painting. Students will follow easy step-by-step instruction. At the end of the evening, you will have your own original 16 x 20” painting read to hang on your wall! BluSail provides the rest. Call 252-723-9516 to make a reservation.

Emerald Isle's 8th Annual Day4Kids
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 10 AM to 2 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle
This event, takes place on the 3rd Saturday of September and has been a huge success for the past 7 years. Day4Kids brings adults and children of all ages together for a FREE fun-filled day of vendors, activities, games, face painting and more!

Some of the attractions and activities this year include: An amazing basketball trick performance by Dexter “Loveboat” Williams, a book exchange with the Friends of Western Carteret Library, hotdogs and drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, inflatable rides, kids BINGO, face painting and balloon sculpting by Isabel the Clown. 

Cycling for the Coast at Bogue Beach
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
NC Coastal Federation’s 3rd annual ride offers 20K, 40K, and 80K options.  For registration and details: visit nccoast.org.

Build a Boat in a Day
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 9 AM
Watercraft Center across from NC Maritime Museum; Beaufort
Each adult and child team uses the stitch-and-glue technique to assemble a prepared kit for a small flat-bottomed plywood boat suitable for rowing or paddling. The boat is 7’10” long, 32” wide and weighs about 40 pounds. By the end of the class each boat will be completed to a watertight condition and clear-coated with epoxy. Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 persons, at least one of whom must be an adult. The minimum age limit for this class is 8 years.

Oktoberfest on Middle Lane
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 2 PM to 6 PM
Middle Lane, Downtown Beaufort
Join the crew on Middle Lane in downtown Beaufort for a craft beer and street party. More than 40 breweries will be represented, with German food and wines, and live music! Limited tickets available for $40 at Clawson's Restaurant and Back Street Pub in Beaufort. All proceeds benefit Carteret General Hospital's new Cancer Center.

Gena Gilbert

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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

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Going Green in Your Coastal Carolina Home

You've heard the term "going green" countless times and now that you're considering bringing your Crystal Coast beach home into the eco-friendly era, you're wondering what that really means. It seems everyone is jumping on the green train in real estate and the good news is it's not just a trend. Many potential homebuyers are searching for homes with that eco-friendly factor and find it essential for their future homes to follow the lifestyle too.

So what does it really take for your Coastal Carolina home to be green?

According to Zillow, the standard for going green is LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a system of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED buildings are specifically designed to conserve resources, reduce waste, lower costs, and keep both you and your family safe in terms of a healthy living environment.

But you don't have to build a new home to be a LEED-inspired home. The standards can be applied to new construction or existing homes in the Crystal Coast area. You don't need to go so far as to obtain LEED certification for your home, but the principles can be applied quite easily.

1. Switch to low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.
2. Use fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent lights.
3. Install low-flow toilets and other energy conserving appliances and fixtures.
4. Install rain barrels at your downspouts.
5. Switch your laundry to cold water instead of hot.

It doesn't take a lot of work to make your North Carolina home eco-friendly for your family. Going green at home is so great many celebrities are implementing upgrades in their homes as well. Think Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. With just a few tips and some standard home supplies, you too can be on your way to a greener, healthier lifestyle in your Crystal Coast home.

Gena Gilbert

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Easter Events on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend there will be Easter bunnies, egg hunts, Peter Cottontail and so much more hopping down North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you already live here or are just visiting, be sure to visit one of the following events for a weekend full of Easter fun.

Beaufort Historical Association Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 11 AM

Cost: FREE

Hop over to the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street and join the fun at the Beaufort Historical Association’s Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 30 at 11 AM. Children ages seven and younger are invited to search for hidden eggs filled with candy and enjoy light refreshments.

The BHA Easter Egg Hunt is fun for the whole family. Children will be divided into age groups and sent to different areas of the Historic Site to search for eggs. All you need to bring is your Easter basket and arrive early for the start of the hunt.

Morehead City Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 9:30 AM

The Annual Morehead City Parks & Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 AM at Rotary Park— 2200 Mayberry Loop Road in Morehead City. The egg hunt activity areas are divided into the following age groups: 4 and under, 5 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Thousands of eggs will be in each age section and kids tend to snatch these up at supersonic speeds, so please plan to arrive early! The eggs are sometimes even collected in under two minutes! You won't want to be late for this event.

Pine Knoll Shores Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 10 AM

Cost: FREE

The Easter Bunny always finds his way to Garner Park, located on Oakleaf Drive, to hide hundreds of eggs for the kids. Although the hunt is geared toward children 12 and under, this Easter event is fun for the whole family! 

Wishing you a very hoppy weekend in the Coastal Carolina area!

Gena Gilbert

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6 Common Tax Mistakes Coastal Carolina Homeowners Make

As you prepare your tax returns this year, consider each and every home tax deduction and credit you are (or are not) entitled to by owning a Coastal Carolina home. By overlooking these common home-related tax mistakes, you may end up paying more out of pocket than necessary. Below are six common tax mistakes for you to watch out for and avoid.

Property Taxes— Deducting the Wrong Year
You only take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year that you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some tax authorities work a year behind— meaning you are not billed for 2013 property taxes until 2014.

Enter the amount you actually paid in 2013, no matter what date is listed on the tax bill. In the past, homeowners mix up payments for different years and end up claiming the wrong amount.

Escrow Amount— Confusing for Actual Taxes Paid
If your lender escrows funds to pay your property taxes, don't just deduct the amount escrowed. The amount you pay into escrow each month to cover your North Carolina Crystal Coast property taxes is most likely a bit more or less than your total property tax bill. The lender will adjust the amount every so often to realign them. Deduct only what the actual amount is. For instance, if your tax bill is $1,200, but your lender collected $1,100 or $1,300 in escrow, deduct only the $1,200. Don't just add up the twelve months of payments.

Refinancing— Deducting Points Paid
This deduction is complicated and often doesn't amount to much of a deduction. It also has to be recaptured if you turn a profit when you sell your Coastal Carolina home. Be sure to only claim it if it's worth those drawbacks.

Home-related Expenses— Failing to Track
The truth is, many homeowners forget to track their home office, home maintenance, and repair expenses. Remember to file documents as you go and as you purchase them. This way, you won't be scrambling when the IRS comes knocking at your door.

Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction— Claiming Too Much
You can only deduct mortgage interest of up to $1 million of mortgage debt. If you have more than that, only deduct the mortgage interest up to the first $1 million.

Energy Tax Credits— Filing Incorrectly
If you installed improvements like energy-efficient windows and doors in 2012, or will in 2013, you may be eligible to take a 10% tax credit up to $500. But if you claimed the credit in recent years, you're done. For this, fill out Form 5695.

By paying close attention to these common tax mistakes made by the owners of Coastal Carolina homes, your tax return should go as smoothly as possible.

Gena Gilbert

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Too Cold for the Beach? See what Coastal Carolina has in store for you!

North Carolina's Southern Coast invites you to sneak away for budget-friendly events this winter. Enjoy all that the Southern Outer Banks has to offer with the winter blues saving, representing more than 40% off peak season rates. Get out of the house and go enjoy some of the beach without getting your feet wet or sinking a hole in your bank account.

Enjoying the coast during the winter months is one of the Southeast's best values! There are tons of wallet-friendly adventures for the entire family. Visit these local attractions for under $10!

Fort Macon State Park - FREE

Beaufort Maritime Museum - FREE

Cape Lookout Ferry - Round trip $10

Shackleford Banks Ferry - Round trip $10

Beaufort Double Decker Tour Bus - Adults $8/Children $4

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - Adults $6-8/Children $7-8

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum - All $5

Beaufort Historic Site Homes Tours - Adults $8/Children $4

Old Burying Grounds - Adults $8/Children $4

Grab your jackets and head on out for an eventful weekend!  The North Carolina Coast can't wait to see you!

The North Carolina Seafood Festival

SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 1-3,2010 An easy date to remember, The North Carolina Seafood Festival is always slated to be held the first weekend in October of every year. It is a combined joint effort of the individual citizens and businesses of Carteret County to ensure this event is fun, enjoyable, exciting and memorable to all to promote the importance of seafood industry in our county. Because of their efforts the North Carolina Seafood Festival grows exponentially every year. There are so many things to see and do. MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW TO VISIT THE NORTH CAROLINA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 AT 11:00 A.M. BLESSING OF THE FLEET Carteret County is proud of its commercial fishing vessels. Without them fresh seafood would not be available to our State and could also make a huge impact on our Nation's supply of fresh seafood. The vessels lining the Morehead City waterfront also add a lot of color as seen in the photo above! The Crystal Coast Beaches are still warm and beautiful. Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy them in your bathing suits and shorts before the cooler weather sets in! REAL ESTATE SHORT SALE IN BEAUFORT, NC 1311 Live Oak St, Beaufort, NC 28516 LIST PRICE 9-22-2010 $230,000 HAVE YOU DREAMED OF LIVING IN HISTORIC BEAUFORT? This beautiful LARGE 3 Bedroom, 4 Bath Updated Beaufort Home comes with many extras. It has great Curb Appeal and is situated on a 0.45 acre lot within walking or biking distance of the Beaufort Waterfront. This gorgeous Southern Traditional style home has High Ceilings, Exquisite and Rare Solid Knotty Pine Panelling Walls and Ceilings in its spacious living room and solid Hardwood Floors throughout many rooms of this home. A large Double Carport makes easy access to sheltered parking. The separate Detached Garage/Workshop with a Finished Room Over the Garage including a Full Bath makes wonderful accommodations to those unexpected guests and family. The wrap around Front Porch offers the chance to sit and relax and watch the world go by on those lazy mornings and afternoons in Beaufort. This beautiful,historic home would make a great Bed & Breakfast affording lots of space for privacy and comfort. You need to see this home to truly experience all it has to offer. See additional detail and special features on this property go on our website and click under 'Our Listings' at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com. NOTE: Square footage and flood zone not warrantied by seller or broker and should be verified by buyer. SHORT SALE SUBJECT TO LENDER APPROVAL!

GREY TROUT ARE BITING!

GREY TROUT ARE BITING IN THE TURN BASIN IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC Took our boat out today and caught our limit of grey trout which is one each. Brought them home, cleaned them, fried them for lunch and thanked our Good Lord for living in such a wonderful area. We fished in the Turn Basin east of the Port Authority in Morehead City when the tide turned and was running out to sea. It took us all of 30 minutes to catch the two trout. In today's economy it is a priviledge to have the ability to go such a short distance away and throw your lines in the water and reap such delicious rewards from the salt water so close to our reach. In Carteret County there are numerous public fishing areas and public marinas to launch your boats and take advantage of and enjoy a relaxing few hours of fishing. Sometimes the fish are biting and plentiful. Somes days, of course, they are not. That's why it is called 'fishing' and not 'catching'. But the reward of a little time on the water is well worth it. Come and see for yourself! Be sure to check out the "Hotlinks" menu on our website at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com for additional information or send us an email at Gena@GenaGilbertRealEstate.com. Women's Counsel of REALTORS(R) LUAU - HUGE SUCCESS! The First and hopefully, annual 'WCR Luau' of the WCR Crystal Coast Chapter was fun, entertaining and fruitful primarily due to strong support and efforts of the GENEROUS local sponsors, AMAZING community donations and the hard, dedicated work of the WCR Crystal Coast Chapter Luau Committee Members. Considerable portions of the proceeds from the event went to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina and Carteret County Domestic Violence. MARK THE DATE! FEBRUARY 4, 2011, for the EVENING WRAPPED IN CHOCOLATE to be held at Shepard's Point in Morehead City. This historically fantastic evening scheduled for the Friday night the weekend of the Chocolate Festival in Morehead City is dedicated to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Crystal Carolina. Last year's top live auction item was 'A Rapsody in Food & Wine' which included a private dinner served at the private residence of the winner! It was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and promises to be a popular live auction item again in 2011. Stay tuned for details about this annual event or contact us on our website. GENA'S RECIPE FOR A GOOD OLD FASHION SOUTHERN STYLE FISH STEW CONCH FRITTERS WITH GENA’S TOUCH (Clams can be used as alternative to Conch) Fresh conch, diced, chopped or minced ( I chop mine) Green Pepper chopped Red Pepper chopped Hot peppers chopped finely to taste Celery Onion 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup of House Autry Hush Puppy Mix 1 cup of self rising flour Tabasco sauce to taste Old Bay Seasoning Greek Seasoning Salt & Pepper to taste Oil for deep-frying To make the fritters hotter, add more of the hot peppers such as Habanera, Hot Pimento, Hot Banana and Hot Jalapeño DIPPING SAUCE ½ Ketchup ¼ Mustard Dash of Worcestershire Sauce Horse Radish to taste ENJOY!

1st Time Home Buyers Tax Extended to a LIMITED FEW UNTIL APRIL 30, 2011

UNDER $200,000 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC CLOSE TO ALL CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES! ARE YOU IN THE KNOW? ARE YOU IN THE MILITARY? Finally, a well deserved bonus for those who protect and serve our country abroad! Do you fit the governments definition of 'qualified service member'? 1. Are you a member of the uniformed services of the U.S. Military? 2. Are you a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S.? 3. Are you an Employee of the Intelligence Community? If you have answered 'Yes' to any of these questions visit www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com to find out additional information. "WHY" you may ask? Congress knows that many service members have been posted overseas and either unaware or unable to take advange of this $8,000 1st Time Home Owners Tax Credit or the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit. If you qualify call Gena or Harold Gilbert, BROKERS/REALTORS(R) Toll-Free at 1-877-240-0259 and ask for either Gena or Harold. Let us help you find your dream 1st or 2nd home on the Crystal Coast of NC in Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Morehead City, Havelock or Newport. GREAT SOUTHERN RECIPE! "LOVE THAT MEATLOAF" 1 cup finely chopped onions (about 1 large) 1\4 cup of Zesty Italian Dressing 2 pds of meatloaf mix meat (or lean ground beef) 3\4 cup ketchup 1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing mix for Chicken 3\4 cup water 2 eggs 1\2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese Preheat over 375. Cook onions in large nonstick pan until golden brown stirring frequently - remove from heat Combine meat, 1\4 cup ketchup, stuffing mix, water, eggs and onions - mix well. Place meat mixture in 13 by 9 baking dish - shape into 10 by 5 oval loaf. Spread the remaining ketchup on top. Bake for 55 min to 1 hour or until cooked thru - Sprinkle with cheese, bake a few minutes more until cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings FRESH VEGGIE TIME AGAIN ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC! How much better can it get that to taste that FIRST home-grown tomatoe sandwich of the year with fresh bread, a little "Dukes" mayo, salt and pepper? YUM!!! Be sure to keep those 'Better Boys', 'Bigger Boys', 'Cherry' and 'Roma' tomatoes watered good with lots of sun and fertilizer. The peppers are all growing also including the "Hot Banana Peppers", the "Cayenne" and the "Jalapeños". They make awesome Chow Chow to use on beans, hotdogs, hamburgers and greens like collards and turnips. If you are not a true Southerner or have not tried greens with home-made Chow Chow you just dont't know what you are missing! The Morehead City Marlins Baseball's first game is May 28th! Fun for all, young and old alike! For details visit www.MHCMarlins.com. There are so many unbelievable sites to vist and enjoy on the warm, clean, sunny beaches and waterways that abound on the NC Crystal Coast. The primary focus here is to offer a wonderful and safe place for all to enjoy everything that nature and her bounties proudly display to family and friends. Did you know that Bogue Island here has one of the few 'Maritime' Forest, the Roosevelt Reserve and one of North Carolina's three Aquariums which is newly renovated and now has 93,000 square feet full of interesting, colorful marine and fresh water life. Did you know it is situated in a lovely new building at Pine Knoll Shores? Did you know that Carteret County has one of the largest 'Open Ground Farms' in the United States? Don't know about 'Open Ground Farms'? Go to http://www.manta.com/c/mm2lb3h/open-grounds-farm-inc . It is fascinating information! Come visit our BEAUTIFUL, FASCINATING Crystal Coast area and beaches of Carteret County, NC SOON! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION CONTACT US at www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com Bye For Now Ya'll! Gena

WATER FRONT REAL ESTATE ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

Here is a chance to own a magnificent home on deep water with a dock large enough to accommodate an 80' vessel and sit by your pool or lounge in your hot tub on a sunny summer day. Want to head out to Atlantic City, NJ or the Bahamas? No problem! You are less than a half mile to the ICW. This home is great for entertaining too. Located in Spooner's Creek, Morehead City, NC' Premier Water Front Subdivision, it is close to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants and the Crystal Coast Beaches. Asking Price? $1,499,000. Call NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate, Inc. and ask for Gena at 252-659-2367 today for more details and a private showing! TIPS ON CREATIVE LIGHTING! Challenged by low ceiling lighting needs? Low voltage track lighting can be a great solution - whether you are looking for stylish, decorative pendants or for functional light fixtures to highlight artwork or special items in your room. With high quality halogen or LED bulbs, you can create a great, energy-efficient (and cost-effective) look. On the Crystal Coast, stop in at Creative Lighting-Kitchen-Bath in Morehead City or visit our website: www.creativelkb.com THIS WEEK'S RECIPE! DELICIOUS CRAB MEAT DIP Four 8oz Packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Place in large bowl – soften in the microwave ADD TO CREAM CHEESE: ¼ cup Miracle Whip Dressing 1/8 cup milk Garlic salt to taste Dash of Worcestershire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crab meat (drained) Place in baking dish and cook 30-40 Minutes @ 350 degrees until brown and bubbly *NOTE: Can be frozen before cooking and bake when needed; can also put into individual containers for smaller portions AROUND THE CRYSTAL COAST Warm weather has finally arrived! Boaters are getting their boats ready for the Spring and Summer seasons for fishing and going to various Islands like 'Shack', Cape Lookout and Carrot Island. Last week and this week have been sunny, warm and gorgeous. Local restaurants have been able to open seating outside on the water to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Beach lovers are out and roaming the beaches from Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle, NC. It is WONDERFUL!!! And it will only get better and better as the days get longer and the sun shines and the waves crash in the next several months to come. BEACH FEVER HAS ARRIVED!!!

TRIVIA BEE IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC FEBRUARY 26, 2010

ARE YOU "SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?" NOW IS THE TIME TO FIND OUT AND HAVE GREAT FUN PROVING IT. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COASTAL CAROLINA TRIVIA BEE FEBRUARY 26, 2010. Event will be held at 'The History Place' in Morehead City, NC. The number ONE priority is to have fun! Great way to promote your business and show your support to the future generation. Gather teams of 3 and show your support to the boys and girls at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina. Go to www.bgccc.net for details and sign up today!!!