FALL AT THE BEACHES

FALL AT THE CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES IS AN AMAZING TIME! SOMETIMES WITH STRANGE ILLUSIONS! All sorts of things change such as the water and the foliage. The water does get colder, however, it also becomes a lot calmer. We went out on a trip by water headed from Beaufort, NC to Ocracoke Island on the Northern Outer Banks this past weekend. The water was so smooth. There was barely a ripple to be seen from time to time and it made the water like a mirror. Strange illusions came into view. As we passed by Atlantic, NC we lost our GPS signal. It felt like we had entered the 'SOBX Triangle' (Southern Outer Banks). We spotted what we all thought was a plane of some kind going in for a landing on the water. Look closely at the picture above and tell us what you think it is. The sky was another outstanding part of this trip because it was made in the Fall. The sky around the Crystal Coast of NC takes on all sorts changes. Color is a major change in the fall. The mountains have beautiful colors in their trees and foliage. The Crystal Coast of NC also has changes in the surrounding foliage and some are beautiful but the sky is gorgeous. Perhaps it is because of all the water and water ways surronding us including the Atlantic Ocean. Whatever it is, it makes the sky burst with shades of color very often in the late afternoon. Clouds and cloud formations add to the complexity and beauty of the sky. This was another day in 'Photography Heaven'. To add to our excitement the dolphins were in abundance playing all around us. They circled our boat, jumped out of the water and gave us a premier example of how to catch fish! We set out our rods and reels and caught enough fish to have a delicious fish fry when we arrived back in Beaufort, NC. We caught one grey trout (limit 1 per person and must be at least 14" long); blue fish and hog fish. Don't laugh. If you are from our area in the Southern Outer Banks you 'know' how good a hog fish caught and fried fresh can be! It is a great, inexpensive way to fill your tummy and have a terrific time with your friends! We had plenty of company along our trip along with the dolphins. Seagulls, pelicans and other seabirds. RECIPE: Here is a great recipe for hushpuppies to go along with those fresh fish! 1 cup of House Autry seafood breader 1 cup of white cornmeal 2 eggs 2+/- fresh diced Jalapeños (to taste) 2 cups of warm water (add water until right consistency is achieved) ENJOY!

VISITING THE CRYSTAL COAST IN CARTERET COUNTY, NC

10 PLACES I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND YOU SEE OR DO WHILE YOU VISIT IN CARTERET COUNTY ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA! 1. FORT MACON STATE PARK - An attraction for young and old! Beach access, bath houses, picnic areas, civil war fort and more! 2. PINE KNOLL SHORES AQUARIUM - Live sand tiger sharks, otters, hundreds of exhibits of marine life and wild life inside and out! Hunt for shark's teeth! 3. BOARDWALK AT THE CIRCLE on ATLANTIC BEACH - Take a walk back in history on the same strand of beach your parents and grandparents on which your parents or grandparents may have walked! 4. THE CRYSTAL COAST JAMBOREE - Live entertainment located in Morehead City! 5. CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM - Beautiful exhibits of waterfowl and more on Harker's Island in 'DownEast' Carteret County! 6. Cape Lookout National Seashore! If I didn't know better I would think I was in the Bahamas! Be sure to visit the lighthouse also! 7. The History Place in Morehead City - Learn about the history of Carteret County and lots more! 8. Ruddy Duck's on the Morehead City waterfront. You have got to try their Greek Salad and Calamari! 9. Clawson's Restaurant in Beaufort on Front Street. Wonderful food and a great place to leave from and walk around Beaufort. 10. ? BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE NEXT BLOG AND SEE WHAT NUMBER 10 WILL BE!

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

A FEW MONTHS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

4 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME REDUCED TO $238,500 IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

Call 252-659-2368 for Details! A few months, a few days ago over half the country was under that white powdery stuff. Today the grass is green and growing, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and new birth surrounds us. The Morehead City Marlins will play their first game on May 28th. The ball field is nearly ready and the countdown has started! Check out their website at www.mhcmarlins.com for additional information. Many boats are also getting a new fresh face provided by Swann Island Signs & Graphics. It will be fun to watch all the new Boat Graphics and signs on boats out on the water ways and in the ocean. REAL ESTATE NEWS: GREAT NEWS FOR A CHANGE! The housing market has improved on the Crystal Coast of NC and is up 6% in 2010 over 2009! There is still plenty of inventory and it is DEFINITELY still a 'BUYERS' market. There is only a week left to take advantage of the tax credits for first and second time home owners. BETTER HURRY IF YOU WANT THOSE TAX CREDITS! The end is getting near on April 30, 2010!

INTEREST RATES AS OF 4-23-2010 IN CARTERET COUNTY

Dropped back down to under 5%! Check with some of our local lenders for current rates!! Don't wait! (More information upon request) Take advantage of these low rates; they won't last forever! E-Z Mortgages, Jay Conner, Owner 1-877-288-8718 Eastern Mortgage, Larry Davis, Asst VP, 252-646-3737 Sound Bank, Betty Ann Lilley, Loan Officer, 252-727-2145 LOCAL BUSINESS AFFILIATES IN CARTERET COUNTY, NC Homan Company of NC - Office Supplies - 252-247-5766 Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina - 252-222-3007 Burnette Architecture & Planning - 252-726-5387 A+ Medical Business Services, Inc. - 252-726-2799 Groff's Artistic Tile & Flooring - 252-241-7579 Celebrity Services - 34' Hummer Limo - 252-622-0078 Chris' General Maintenance - 252-247-3633 Coastal Homeshield, Inc. - 252-247-5100 H. Curtiss Merrick, M.D. - 18 yrs & up - 252-222-5790 Creative Lighting & Bath - 252-240-2242 Accent Travel & Cruises - 252-670-1958 Eastern Heating and Cooling - 252-728-5999 E-Z Morrgages - 877-288-8718 Carolina Crawlspace Solutions - 252-659-2383 NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert RE - 877-240-0259 Scott & Stringfellow Financial Advisors - 252-222-0022 Ken Hillman, CPA - 252-240-1228 Culligan Water Conditioning - 252-726-6118 Rainmaker Irrigation - 252-393-9008 Rid A Pest - 1-800-PEST CONTROL or 252-240-2266 Stang Painting - 252-808-3652 Swann Island Signs & Graphics - 252-247-7446 Taylored Interiors - Interior Design - 252-725-4691 P.T. Jones Electric - 252-728-6656 ACN - Video Phone - 252-648-0071 Connectng Point Computer Center - 252-240-CPCC (2722) Community Yellow Pages - 252-633-7730 Clawson's & Aqua Restaurants in Beaufort, NC - 252-728-2133 Morehead City Marlins Baseball - Buddy Bengle - www.mhcmarlins.com ONE OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:(QUICK, EASY & DELICIOUS) DELICIOUS CRABMEAT 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 Worcesterchire Sauce Green tips of spring onion (Optional – horseradish to taste) Mix together until creamy with electric mixer Stir in 3 cans of Fancy Lump Crabmeat (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 AND HERE IS A GREAT WAY TO START AND END ANY DAY WITH A SMILE!

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!!!

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE CRYSTAL COAST INCLUDES 'SNOW'

SNOW MEN ARE NOT SOMETHING THE CRYSTAL COAST IS USED TO SEEING! Exactly what is an Allen Hainge CyberStar®? Good question! According to the dictionary there is no definition for the word 'CyberStar', however, when the term is used in connection with a trademark group such as the 'CyberStars 2.0' it is commonly associated with REALTORS(R) who work on interactive information sharing via the Internet and other networking and technical venues. As a 'CyberStar(R)member I am a REALTOR(R) who likes to Blog, Network on various sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In among others to stay in touch with my customers and clients and to market real estate in the most beneficial way in today's society. For a detailed description of an Allen Hainge CyberStar® go to: http://www.afhseminars.com/cyber.htm The Crystal Coast Hopsice House Board is hosting a Kick Off Wild Game-Seafood and Italian Wine Pairings event to support its mission to raise public awareness of the need for the construction and funding of an inpatient Hospice house in Carteret County. In order to help meet that dream the event will have food donated by local huntsmen and wine presented by Marco Laico, owner of Vino Vino in Charlotte. The fund raiser will be located at Bisto-by-the-Sea in Morehead City, N. C. at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 22 for a cost of $35 per person which includes an annual membershiop to the "Supporters of the Crystal Coast Hospice House." Please contact Libby @ bistro-by-the-sea.com or (252)247-7777 MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES and REALTOR(R) REFERRALS: Local mortgage rates remain strong and inviting at 4.750%+/- with 0 Points on a 30 years Fixed Mortgage to qualified buyers. Rates are subject to change day to day and sometimes even hour to hour. I have personally experience a Residential Mortgage interest rate exceeding 13.00% back in the late 1970's and I know that rates have exceeded 17% in the past. Unless you have experienced this yourself it is hard to believe rates can go that high but it is a fact. Enjoy the mortgage rates and terms available today if possible! Speak with an experienced REALTOR® to find out if they can refer you to qualified lenders. Don't know one in your area? Contact us at and we may be able to assist you in finding an experienced well qualified REALTOR®. TODAY'S RECIPE Smooth & Silky Mushroom Soup 1 package of mushrooms (8 oz - but I often put 12 oz if I have them) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1\2 teaspoon dried tarragon (or herbes de provence) 1\4 teaspoon ground nutneg 3 tablespoons butter 1\4 cup flour 2 cans (14 1\2 oz each) beef broth 1 cup sour cream 1\2 half-and-half cream 1\2 cup evaporated milk (if you don't have evaporated milk, just add more 1\2 and 1\2) 1 teaspoon lemon juice Dash hot pepper sauce Salt and pepper In a dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the mushrooms, onion, garlic, tarragon and nutmeg in butter until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour until smooth (at least 1 minute). Gradually add broth, bring to a boil, stirring constantly . Reduce heat to low, slowly add sour cream. Cook and stir until smooth. Stir in cream and milk. Add lemon juice, hot pepper sauce salt & pepper. Heat through but do not boil. Makes 6 servings. NOTE: I always double the recipe because it's still so good warmed up and everyone loves it and sometimes asks for seconds. REAL ESTATE FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK: 130 EDWARDS DRIVE, MOREHEAD CITY, NC Lovely upscale water front home on DEEP WATER canal leading straight out to the ICW in less than a half mile. Board your vessel from your own private back yard and go North to Atlantic City, NJ or South to the Bahamas! Or, stay home and lounge by the in-ground pool and enjoy the local waterways and many beautiful beaches in Carteret County. Sellers are motivated and ready to sell this magnificent home on the water in Morehead City, NC. Wet slip will accommodate up to an 80' vessel. Call 252-659-2368 TODAY for more details! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS REMEMBER TO EMAIL, CALL OR TEXT GENA & HAROLD GILBERT, YOUR COASTAL SALES TEAM ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC "ALWAYS PLACING YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1ST" FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS! 252-659-2368 or 252-659-2368!

VALENTINE'S DAY TIPS

VALENTINE'S DAY IS APPROACHING FAST! DON'T FORGET YOUR SWEETHEART! RESTAURANTS: SCORE BIG POINTS WITH ONE OF THESE DELICIOUS MENUS! This year celebrate Valentine’s Day, Saturday night at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and pub. Come dine with us and choose from our regular menu or enjoy Clawson’s Special Valentine’s Dinner for two for just $49.95 Our Valentine’s Dinner special begins with a full bottle of Champagne. Then choose either: Prime Rib & Shrimp Slow roasted prime rib and succulent grilled shrimp. Or Stuffed Grouper Mid Atlantic grouper stuffed with crabmeat and topped with champagne dill sauce. For Dessert enjoy sharing a hearty slice of Clawson’s Death by Chocolate Cake. Call now for couples reservations in our third floor dining room overlooking Taylor’s Creek. This year bring “your” special Valentine to Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and pub. We’re open all year round, all day long. Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and Pub. "A history of good foods on the Beaufort Waterfront" 252 728-2133 OFFICE SUPPLIES: HOMAN COMPANY OF NC LLC Homan Company of NC LLC has many vendors and they are known for having long fingers. If you are looking for something you cannot find in one of our catalogs we will find if for you! SURPRISE HER WITH BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR FURNITURE! Home Office Furniture GOOD OL' FASHION BASEBALL GAMES COME TO MOREHEAD CITY, NC Make plans to 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' as The Morehead City Marlins Baseball Club 'batter up' and get ready to play their home games at O’Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium at Rotary Park in Morehead City, NC! Enjoy great family time with fun in the sun and root for the team all at the same time. The Marlins are a wood-bat league playing for the Coastal Plain League. These are collegiate players trying to refine their skills to attract the attention of major league scouts. Mark your calendars now for the home opening game scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Thursday, May 28th. CORRECT LIGHTING IS ALWAYS A NECESSITY! If you are looking for true energy savings in your home, LED is a great alternative. Best applications to date are for replacing bulbs in your recessed ceiling lights, track lighting and undercabinet and cove lighting. Visit your local lighting showroom like Creative Lighting in Morehead City, NC to see available applications. GO HERE TO PREVIEW WEBSITE: www.creativelkb.com HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE!!!

BEACH DAYS ARE GETTING CLOSER!!

Spring, Summer, Fall and even Winter brings joy to all living and visiting the North Carolina Southern Outer Banks. However, the onset of Spring refreshes all and we begin to get the 'Beach Fever'! Wild horses graze among cord grass and other vegetation on Shackelford Island and various other Islands along Carteret County all year long. But in the Spring new life and the warmth of sunshine is in abundance! Attitudes change among people and the wildlife! Come, visit, stay a while and enjoy what Carteret County offers via Mother Nature! MED INFO AND TIPS! Located in Morehead City, H. CURTISS MERRICK, MD, is a primary care and specialty medical practice of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine that serves patients throughout Carteret County and eastern North Carolina. Our physicians and providers deliver medical care to individuals over the age of 21. Dr. Merrick is also a specialist in geriatrics. As such, we evaluate and treat disorders that commonly affect patients over the age of 55. Our mission is to provide state of the art medical care in a pleasant and comfortable environment, with courtesy and attention to your individual needs. We emphasize patient service and communication. We provide comprehensive healthcare and believe strongly in preventive medicine. With recent changes in the Medicare program, many doctors no longer accept patients on Medicare. WE WELCOME NEW MEDICARE PATIENTS AND TREASURE OUR ESTABLISHED PATIENTS WHO ARE INSURED BY MEDICARE. In addition, we participate in most commercial health insurance plans. Please give us a call at (252)222-5790, if we can be of service to you. LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLACE TO EAT ALL YEAR ROUND? Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub WHERE THE CRYSTAL COAST IS COOKIN' Clawson's 1905 is a favorite destination of locals and. Clawson's has received recommendations from Frommer's, Fodor's, and Traveler Magazine. An architectural focal point in the middle of downtown, Clawson's 1905 is housed in what was Clawson's Grocery Store back in the early 1900s. Lunch favorites include a long list of sandwiches and burgers and seafood Appetizers include Clawson’s Famous Buffalo Style chicken Wings and Homemade Onion Rings. Dinner always offers fresh seafood, zesty ribs, steaks, chicken and pasta. Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub a history of good foods on the Beaufort waterfront. Want something a little more unique? Try Aqua Our menu is created to bring you the freshest seasonal items available presented with a creative touch. Aqua’s small plates offer you an exciting array of tastes in “just right” portions ideal for passing around the table or enjoying two or three as a full meal. Aqua’s Big Plates feature Choice Beef and only the freshest, North Carolina seafood as well as local produce when it’s seasonally available. Aqua prides tself on offering fresh local products and supporting our local fisherman and farmers. Enjoy the journey and Bon Appetit! Joey McClure, Co-Owner 425 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 252 728-2133 REAL ESTATE NEWS IN CARTERET COUNTY: Good News: Finally the declining sales trend has been reversed. Every month since 2005 the units sold was lower than the previous year until May of 2009. May, September, November, December and now January have seen improved sales units vs. the previous year. January was actually up 32% from January 2009. This is very encouraging. Each year since 2005 the number of units sold dropped 20-25% from the previous year. 2009 was down only 7% from 2008 with the trend at the end of the year showing positively. If this continues, we should see more activity as we enter the spring market. CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC DON'T FORGET TO VISIT CARTERET COUNTY THIS WEEKEND! Festivities begin tonight and continue through Sunday. For full details click on the following link! Tons of INDOOR Activities!