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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Carve a Crystal Coast, North Carolina Pumpkin!

Happy Halloween from the Crystal Coast! Are you carving pumpkins today? Or simply want to decorate your Coastal Carolina home with seasonal decor? Below are some ideas for adding Halloween flair to homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle that you can keep around for the rest of fall— coastal pumpkins are the best!

When you're purchasing a home on the Crystal Coast, from the moment you begin your search for homes in North Carolina, your real estate agent will have the best insight into the area. Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to discuss your options for buying your next Coastal Carolina home or selling your current home.

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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CHRISTMAS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST

OUR YOUNGEST GRANDSON JUST CAN'T BELIEVE ALL THESE HUGE CANDY CANES ARE FOR HIM! How will he ever eat them all by Christmas? Guess he will just have to share them with his brother and sister and all of his cousins! What a wonderful season Christmas can be. It is so full of wonder and love for one another and people sharing from their hearts to help others. Why can't the spirit of Christmas be experienced each and every day?! CLAWSON'S PUB & RESTAURANT IN BEAUFORT, NC hosted its 12th Annual Sing Along! Free fun, great music for the holidays! What a great way to celebrate the season! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE SHINING REFLECTIONS OF LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP! The pictures above are very rare for our area of the Crystal Coast of NC and very, very unlikely to happen at Christmas. This snow storm came the day 'after' Christmas 2010. They make wonderful photos to 'edit' for the holidays and to share all family and friends. A large Sago Palm covered with snow is definitely a unique sight in Carteret County, NC. With the unusually frigid temperatures we are recently experiencing, it is also a sight locals do not like to see often. Our lowest temperatures normally do not reach below the 40's day or night more than a few days a year. It is not uncommon to be out on the many waterways during every month of the year, especially for our local fishermen both commercial and personal. The shrimp boats are still going out to sea, the game fishermen are still catching various types of fish and our local seafood markets still have fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and delicious crab cakes! And speaking of crab cakes, here is a great recipe for them! "DELICIOUS FRIED CRAB CAKES" 2 lbs. lump crab meat (adding more crab meat does make it better!) 2 egg yolk 2 tsp. salt Large dash of coarsely ground black pepper 2 tsp. dry mustard 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. chopped parsley 1/2 tsp. paprika 1.5 tbsp. melted butter Bread crumbs for coating cakes (Old Bay or Italian are best) Vegetable oil for frying Toss crab meat lightly and all other ingredients (except bread crumbs) in order listed. When well-blended, shape into cakes. Roll each cake in bread crumbs until coated on all sides. Heat oil in skillet to high. Fry crab cakes quickly in hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Be very careful to watch over while frying not to over cook crab cakes. Yield 6-10 servings depending on size of cakes.

INTEREST RATES FOR HOME MORTGAGES are rising! Rate sheets came in today (Dec. 28, 2010) at 4.75% from one lender. The older generation remembers interest rates as high as 12-18%. What are we thinking today? How high do the rates have to go before action is taken? Think about that! There are many true 'deals' on the real estate market today and those who are taking action are enjoying the benefits. For example: In Beaufort, NC; 1311 Live Oak St, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, over 2500 heated square feet of living space, approximately .45 acre in the city limits of Beaufort, NC is now being offered as a 'Short Sale' property at an asking price of $219,900 with lender's approval. There are also several bank owned properties in our area which could possibly sell for 60-65% of their actual real market value. Remember what our parents taught us when they said 'Don't ask and you will most likely not get an answer'? An experienced Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) is more valuable to buyers today than ever! Let Gena or Harold at NC COASTAL PROPERTIES Gena Gilbert Real Estate assist with your purchase or refer you to an experienced ABR in your area. Don't regret having to say 'I wish I had purchased my home or water front property while the market was SO good back in 2010-2011!' Do you need assistance selling the house you currently own? We can also refer you to an experienced Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS) in your area. Our sincere wish for the New Year is for all to learn the tough lessons of life we have had to learn for the past two or three years. Make 2011 the BEST year of your life! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

RAIN ON THE CRYSTAL COAST - FINALLY!!!

IT'S BEEN A LONG, HOT, BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL SUMMER BUT THE THE RAIN FROM MOTHER NATURE IS LONG OVER DUE! Morehead City will be all refreshed from the cleansing rain and is projected to have warm, beautiful, fantastic and sunny weather for the North Carolina Seafood Festival starting on Friday, October 1st this coming weekend! Make your reservations today if you plan to stay over if you aren't already booked! Rain also brings out the best in fresh fall vegetable on the Crystal Coast. Hot peppers LOVE the Crystal Coast of NC! All kinds of hot peppers! Cayenne, Habaneras, Jalapenos and Hot Pimento Peppers go wild this time of the year. They are very easy to grow with a little care, water and a bit of fertilizer.

RECIPE FOR HOT PEPPER LOVERS!

SHRIMP & MACARONI WITH A BITE! INGREDIENTS: ½ LB ‘SALAD’ type macaroni Boiling Water 6 Tbsp Butter 2 c sliced or diced Portabella Mushrooms 1 Tsp garlic power or fresh diced garlic to taste ½ Bell Pepper – diced 1 Jalapeño pepper (or to taste) ½ Red Bell Pepper – diced 2 Tbsp white wine 1 Pint sour cream (or ½ pt sour cream and ½ pint mayo) 1 and ½ cups white grated Cheddar Cheese 1 LB de-veined shrimp ½ c Spring Onions 1 Tsp Paprika Texas Pete or Tabasco Sauce to taste Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until tender, about 10-12 minutes; drain Melt butter in large skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned well; remove from skillet and set aside; In buttered skilled stir in scallop; then shrimp; Then stir in garlic; bell pepper, red pepper; Jalapeno pepper. Remove from heat and stir in wine. Blend in sour cream and 1 cup of grated cheese. Stir in shrimp, scallops, and all remaining ingredients in large bowl with well drained macaroni. Heap mixture lightly into a 1-2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes. (More shrimp and scallops make it better. Chunks of chicken or beef can also be substituted for seafood.) Invite lots of company. This dish will serve the multitude if you so desire by just adding more macaroni and a bit more shrimp! HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF DEVOURING 'FUNNEL CAKE'? There are many various recipes for them but all are 'sweet and delicious'! Even more so when you are tasting them right out of the pan at the North Carolina Seafood Festival coming up this weekend in Morehead City, NC. 2 1/2 c. self-rising flour 1/4 c. sugar 1 1/3 c. milk 2 eggs, slightly beaten Vegetable oil Sifted powdered sugar (optional) 1 tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt Combine flour, sugar, milk and eggs in a bowl, beating until smooth. Heat 1/4 inch oil to 375 degrees in a skillet. Cover bottom opening of a funnel with finger. (Funnel with a 3/8 inch opening works best.) Pour 1/4 cup batter into funnel. Hold funnel over skillet. Remove finger form funnel end to release batter into hot oil; move funnel in a slow, circular motion to form a spiral. Fry each funnel cake 1 minute or until edges are golden brown, turn and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm. Yield: about a dozen 5 inch cakes. THE RAIN IS GOING AWAY AND THE WEATHER FORECASTS PROMISES TO BRING SUNSHINE ON FRIDAY! If you are in the market for good deals on real estate on the Crystal Coast, GIVE US A CALL at 877-240-0259 Toll-free to schedule a meeting with you at our office or send us an email at Gena@GenaGilbertRealEstate.com and we will gladly provide information about our beautiful Crystal Coast area! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

THE NORTH CAROLINA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC

TIME TO MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND THE NORTH CAROLINA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL IN MOREHEAD CITY, NC Save the Date! October 1-3, 2010 for the 24th Anniversary of the North Carolina Seafood Festival. It just gets better and better every year! Enjoy the rides, the beach music, dancing on the street, barefooting, restaurants, Blessing of the Fleets, local street vendors, tennis tournament, races, sailing regatta and family fishing contests. This year's winner 2010 Commemorative Painting Exhibit "Today's Catch" Artist: Sharon Kearns The talents of local artists are displayed from one end of Downtown Morehead to the other offering unique, sometimes one of a kind items. FREE parking is offered at the NC State Port with a free shuttle Saturday & Sunday only to and from the Festival grounds. The shuttles leaves from the state port and carries festival-goers to 3rd Street. The shuttle runs from 9:30am - 8pm on Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. One of the many favorite local seafood recipes is 'Smoked Jumping Mullet'. The Bogue Banks Mullet Blow is a North Carolina Tradition. If you have not tried the smoked mullet here is your chance to do so at the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City, NC! COME & ENJOY THE FUN AND ACTIVITIES! SEE YOU THERE!

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!!!