Nights in Rodanthe, Fall on the Outer Banks

Well, the movie was sappy and melodramatic, but it was great seeing the beautiful Outer Banks beaches on the big screen! And also seeing a couple of friends in the scene of the party on the Pier.

After the show, we stopped by The Pearl which is located on the Beach Road at the Sea Ranch Hotel, near Third Street in Kill Devil Hills. It was a beautiful evening and there is a lovely oceanfront deck where we enjoyed cocktails before dining on fresh seafood - tile fish, shrimp and crabmeat.

This is what Fall is all about on the Outer Banks - no crowds, beautiful weather and the freshest of the bounties of the ocean and local farm markets!

The Front Porch

After a week of HOT humid weather, a much welcome northeaster has blown in, dropping temperatures and bringing some rain.

It's a quiet afternoon in Marshes Light, perfect for sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch with a good book or magazine - I was just looking at the Paula Deen's magazine, trying to find inspiration for dinner tonight. Shrimp & Grits or Linguine with Clam Sauce? Hmmm...

This weather just feels good, bringing a change of seasons and my favorite time of year on the Outer Banks.

What would prompt you to buy in today's market?

I've been following some blogs lately and this question was posed at [http://www.AtHome@HouseHuntNews.com]. There were several choices listed including: lower interest rates, better neighborhood, finding a good deal, growing family, relocation, etc.

Marshes Light is such a unique community located along the water in an historic town in a resort area - Roanoke Sound, Manteo, and the Outer Banks, respectively. Folks have been coming to the Outer Banks for years and usually visit Manteo at least once during their visit here - that's when they discover the laid-back charm and quieter lifestyle found on Roanoke Island and a relaxing break from the hustle bustle traffic on the beach.

So, join the discussion and post a comment. What would prompt you to buy in Marshes Light in today's market?

Is it the lifestyle (boating, marina, shopping, cultural events)? Is it relocation (permanent or second home or retirement)? Is it the area (less than an day's drive from family and friends in the northeast, proximity to the ocean and sound)?

How did you stumble upon Marshes Light?

Sorry for the lapse in posts. August has been a busy month at Marshes Light. We've had a lot of visitors and we've been getting our marina up and running. The Dock Master's office is just about completed and we are welcoming boats to come visit and check us out. As a matter of fact, the first 50 to register will be given a free weekend (or 2 night) dock space through December 2008.

The Marshes Light website is being revamped and organized for easier navigation. Please visit us often at http://www.marsheslight.com/ for news, photos and updates. Speaking of websites, I have stumbled upon http://www.stumbleupon.com/ and am a big fan! There are an amazing bunch of creative and talented people posting blogs, forums, websites, etc., on the Internet - most of which you never see unless you "stumble upon" them. Check it out!

I'll be posting news on the upcoming 2008 Parade of Homes to be held the weekend of Oct. 10-12. The Coors Model Home will be a participant. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sitting on the docks overlooking the Sound

On days like this, it's easy to imagine living in coastal North Carolina. On the Outer Banks, Carolina Blue Skies and soft easterly breezes herald perfect weather to be outside. And what better weather for the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum's 5th Annual One Design Regatta featuring Optimist, 420, Sunfish - adult and youth and Laser.

We were a major sponsor for this year's race by providing food for the participants from High Cotton BBQ of Kitty Hawk, NC. Check out their menu at http://www.highcottonbbq.com/. High Cotton is famous in Eastern North Carolina for their pulled pork barbeque, brunswick stew and cornbread, to name a few.

In the News: http://www.marsheslight.com/news_releases/july2008.htm.

Christopher Cross must have been thinking of days like this on Roanoke Island when he composed:

It's not far down to paradise
At least it's not for me
And
if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas
can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

On the Boardwalk

Imagine Marshes Light - a community of homes, waterfront villas, and marina all connected by probably the only soundside wooden boardwalk in North Carolina.

The boardwalk connects Festival Park to the Manteo downtown shopping, art gallery and restaurant area to the Mariners Museum and to Marshes Light - which will add upscale shopping, restaurants and the Marshes Light Boutique Inn along with homes, villas and townhomes to quaint and historic Manteo on Roanoke Island.

Happy 4th of July

Old Town Manteo and Marshes Light will be the place to be on the 4th! Activities include:

• Legends of Rockabilly

Patriotic Tribute featuring The Lost Colony Choir and the Echoes of Heritage Choir and Nikki Sharp

Apple Pie Contest

Decorated Bike Contest

Wacky Hat Contest

Karaoke Dance Party

North Carolina School of the Arts Evening of Patriotic Music

Fireworks by "Boom Boom Zambelli" at Dark

In the meantime, please check out Brad Paisley's newest music video "Waiting on a Woman" featuring Andy Griffith. This was filmed just a few weeks ago at the Outlet Mall in Nags Head and at Pea Island on Cape Hatteras National Seashore on our very own OUTER BANKS!

Copy of click on this link to Brad Paisley home page: http://bradpaisley.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm?id=14670&sid=14356

Have a safe and happy 4th!