Outer Banks New Year’s Eve Celebrations Promise Fun for All

Manteo promises the largest New Year's Eve fireworks in the state. If the weather holds, it may be.
Manteo promises the largest New Year’s Eve fireworks in the state. If the weather holds, it may be.

We had a fantastic Christmas here on the Outer Banks and with Christmas past, the next holiday to greet us is New Year’s Eve.

It’s kind of nice—the Outer Banks offers our visitors and residents a couple of different ways to celebrate the coming of New Year.

For families, check out what’s happening in downtown Manteo.

Tod Clissold owner of Poor Richard’s and Cory Hemilright, owner of Bluegrass Island, got together and with some help from the town and other organizations have put created an event with something for everyone.

Plenty of great live music, fireworks.weather permitting—last year it wasn’t—and street vendors and games. One really nice fouth… Fireworks? Yes, in the past, although last year the wind was too strong.

Lot’s of food from restaurants and local street vendors and what might be one of the nicest touches, an 8:30 p.m. ball drop so kids can get in the fun.

It can get a bit cold on the waterfront. OK, last it was painful cold, but the forecast right now doesn’t seem quite that extreme.

There is, of course, lots of celebrations at local bars and restaurants. We did some looking around and here’s a few of the New Year’s Eve events we found.

Trio

Bypass, Kitty Hawk

The Conch Shells

252-715-1414

Locals Dee Thornley, Hugh Hammers and Rob Evans perform high energy favorites for your New Year’s Eve celebration! Music Starts at 9:30 and goes right on through when we ring in the New Year!

Village Tavern

Route 12, Duck

252-715-1414.

Ring in the New Year with the Village Table & Tavern! To celebrate we’ll be offering a special 3-course menu which includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and a glass of bubbly.

Chose from two dinner seatings: one at 5:30 pm and the second at 8:30 pm. Live music from Mama’s Black Sheep starts at 9:30 pm, and the party goes until 1 am! Advance reservations are required for the 3-course dinner which is $50 for the 5:30 seating and $65 for the 8:30. We’ll also be offering an a la carte menu at our communal tables and bar where seating will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Ocean Boulevard

Beach Road, Kitty Hawk

 252-261-2546

We like to usher in the New Year by creating a special five (5) course menu. This special menu is offered exclusively on New Year’s Eve.  We save live music for another night simply because the main focus is on dining well and space is limited.  We celebrate at midnight by counting down with a complimentary glass of bubbly, watching the ball drop, and making a lot of noise (with the help of noise maker favors that, thankfully, only come out once a year).  

There is always something happening on the Outer Banks. Come stay with Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates and explore our world by the sea.

Village Table and Tavern Opens in Town of Duck

Village Table and Tavern logo.
Village Table and Tavern logo.

After 6 Months the Doors Are Open

It seems like Village Table and Tavern in Duck has been under construction forever—but at long last it’s open!

For visitors who have been driving up to Corolla, that’s the building that’s been under construction at the Nor’Banks Sailing Center since February.

Was it worth the wait?

A soft opening visit this past weekend would say that yes it was—most emphatically.

The same people who opened Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese in Kitty Hawk seven years ago are behind the Village Table, and it has some of the same features. A very nice wine list and hard to find and interesting beers from around the world seem to be hallmarks of their style.

But that may be where the comparison ends.

Unlike Trio, Village Table is a full service restaurant. The pricing is moderate—most entrees are $10-$20— and there is full bar service and dining room with seating.

The bar is really nice with some rarely seen liquors and their own twist on seasonal cocktails.

What will probably really set the site apart from almost every other restaurant on the Outer Banks, though is the setting—that and the food which promises to be very good with a real flair. As an aside…if the wahoo fish of the day that was served on Friday is any indication, Village Table will do very well.

But the setting—spectacular.

Sitting right on the Currituck Sound and just a little bit elevated, the sunsets promise to be amazing. Coupled with sail boats going and coming when Nor’Banks is open, the location is going to set the bar really high for waterfront dining.

Plans call for the restaurant to be open for lunch and dinner. It’s a bit late in the season to experiment, but it is possible Village Table will open for breakfast next year.

There is always something exciting happening on the Outer Banks and Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates & Associates have properties ready to rent wherever the action is.

Sunday Brunch-A Perfect OBX Mother’s Day Beginning

The view from the outdoor deck at Beachside Bistro.
The view from the outdoor deck at Beachside Bistro.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and if Mom is looking to start the day with a little class and a toast to what she has accomplished, a Sunday brunch is perfect for the occasion. And there are so many great Outer Banks restaurants offering a special brunch for Mother’s Day that there is no excuse for sitting at home.

We did a very quick scan of what’s available and there are so many places offering brunch that we could not possibly list them all. We did pick out four we have sampled in the past and we’re confident that if Mom goes to any of these, she won’t be disappointed. However, these four are not even close to the many fine establishments service brunch this Sunday.

Red Sky Cafe-Duck

10:00a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Chef Wes Stepp never disappoints with his innovation and ability to blend flavors and textures. Looking over the menu, there is something for everyone—shrimp and grits, French Toast Casserole or eggs Benedict are just a few of the items. And brunch includes a build your own Bloody Mary or Mimosa bar.

Trio-Kitty Hawk

Noon-3:00 p.m.

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with Champagne, and if that’s the plan, why not go to the place that specializes in wine and bubbly drinks. Everything from a simple but very drinkable Simonet Brut to Mumm Cordon Rouge. Nice menu to go along with it and live acoustic music.

Beachside Bistro-Kill Devil Hills

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

If an oceanfront brunch is on the menu, it doesn’t get much more oceanside than the Beachside Bistro in the Seaside Ranch Resort. Brunch entrees include Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, Crab Benedict and some great looking desserts.

Basnight’s Lone Cedar Outer Banks Seafood Restaurant-Nags Head

10:00 a.m,-3:00 p.m.

Why not a buffet for brunch. The Lone Cedar concisely turns out some of the best dishes around—their seafood especially is well regarded. There’s plenty of seating and, located on the Causeway between Nags Head and Manteo, the restaurant overlooks Roanoke Sound.

Still need reservations? Check out our great selection at Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates.

Best OBX Restaurants by Category

By a narrow margin, Art's Place in Kitty Hawk gets our nod for best burger.
By a narrow margin, Art’s Place in Kitty Hawk gets our nod for best burger.

A local newspaper—the Virginian Pilot, which is somewhat local—recently wrote an article listing their five favorite Outer Banks restaurants.

It was a good article and the restaurants listed were all very good. Anything chosen in an article like that is, of course, subjective, but it’s hard to find fault with the selections.

The problem, though, is it was a “five best” listing without categorizing anything.

As an example, you would not go to Coastal Provisions to get a good burger. Conversely Art’s Place would not be anyone’s choice for oysters on the half shell.

So, to help the undecided along, we present our Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates best of list by category.

Best Burger

Art’s Place

4624 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk

(252) 261-3233

This was a tough one. John’s Drive-in just down the road from Art’s Place is al fresco drive-in food at it’s best. And Mulligans in Nags Head does a great job as well, but there is something about those burgers cooked to order on a flat grill that is special.

Best Oysters

Coastal Provisions

Southern Shores Crossing, Southern Shores

(252) 480-0023

If there is anyone on the Outer Banks who has done a better job of working with local oyster farmers and sourcing oysters from all over the East Coast, we have no idea who that could be. Amazing selection with a real eye for detail.

Best Casual Fine Dining

Saltbox Cafe

1469 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills

(252) 255-5594

Another difficult decision, but the attention to fresh food, well-prepared that Randolph Sprinkle brings to his dishes elevates food to art. And his wife, Amanda, is a desert chef, so save room…or go ahead and stuff yourself.

Best Outdoor Cafe

Full Moon Cafe

208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954

(252) 473-6666

There are not a lot of outdoor cafes on the Outer Banks. Aqua serves food outdoors with a beautiful view of Currituck Sound. Roadside Bar and Grill in Duck has a wonderful little outdoor seating area. But there is something magical about sitting on a sidewalk on a summer day, sipping a drink and eating a meal. Oh—and the food is very good.

Best Wine Bar

Trio

3708 N Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk

(252) 261-0277

Other places have a number of wines available by the glass, but no one comes even close to the selection Trio always has on hand. And they always have 24 beers on tap. Great cheese plates to go with everything, too.

OBX Valentine’s Day-Create Some Memories

Trio will be offering an Aphrodisiac dinner pairing on Saturday and Valentine's Day.
Trio will be offering an Aphrodisiac dinner pairing on Saturday and Valentine’s Day.

There are very few places anywhere as romantic as the Outer Banks, which makes Valentine’s Day by the sea even better.

Of course the Outer Banks slows down in the winter, but local restaurants and bars are a long way from dead and a number of them have some great ideas for how to celebrate with someone special.

What’s nice is that our local businesses, recognizing that a lot of couples take the weekend as a romantic getaway, have some pre-Valentine’s Day ideas that are a great reason to step out for the evening.

This is a partial list, although we think we’ve got a good sampling of what there is to do; but if there is a special place that has been the regular Valentine’s Day rendezvous, call and see what’s available.

Saturday & Sunday February 11, 12

Ocean Boulevard, Kitty Hawk

Special 4-Course Dinner

Perfect for a romantic evening with someone special. A special 4-course dinner  menu.

Saturday February 11

Trio. Kitty Hawk

Aphrodisiac Pairing Dinner.

Put a little passion into Valentine’s day with the Trio Aphrodisiac Pairing Dinner. These five-course dinners feature ingredients believed to have properties that spark desire. Each course will be paired with a  choice of wine or beer, further enhancing the mood. 

Sunday, February 12

Kelly’s Outer Baks Tavern, Nags Head

Riff Tides

Classic music of the 1950s and 60s done really well. A great date night. It’s also a fundraiser for GEM, providing services for families and their loved ones suffering from memory loss.

Valentine’s Day

Coastal Provisions, Southern Shores

Hannah Buckley

Outstanding vocalist and guitarist Hannah Buckley is perfect for a romantic dinner under soft lights. She’s bringing some new songs as well as old favorites and a few covers better than their original.

Kelly’s Outer Banks Tavern

4:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Free flowers for the ladies and live music in the tavern by Graham Outten. Graham is a local talent with a great voice. This should be a wonderful place to be on Valentine’s Day.

Ocean Boulevard

Special 4-Course Dinner

On Valentine’s Day we will offer a unique Special Four Course Menu ($60 per person, $90 with paired wines) exclusively. The Valentine’s Menu itself is offered exclusively on Valentine’s Day. 

Christmas is Coming-Outer Banks Things To Do

Queen Elizabeth II at Christmas. Seen from Shallowbag Bay beside Poor Richard's in Manteo.
Queen Elizabeth II at Christmas. Seen from Shallowbag Bay beside Poor Richard’s in Manteo.

Christmas is almost here and our Outer Banks roads are filling up with out of state license plates. Of course some of the families from outside the area staying in our homes are the homeowners who have made coming to the Outer Banks for the holidays a part of their annual traditions.

This year is a little bit different than other years with Christmas falling on Sunday. The last time that happened was 2005, and when it does fall on a Sunday, a lot of our visitors take advantage of the week that schools are out and spend a week with us.

With a little midwinter time on their hands, a lot of our visitors might be hoping for a night out and even though it’s not summer, there are still things to do on the Outer Banks. Not quite as much as during the summer, but the sidewalks have not been rolled up.

Here’s a quick—and certainly incomplete—list of places that feature live music year around. Be sure to check their schedules to see if something is on tap and who will be there.

Trio

MP 4.5 Bypass, Kitty Hawk, NC

252-261-0277

Huge wine selection, more than 30 beers on tap, wonderful cheese plates and sandwiches—there’s a reason why Trio has become one of the favorite gathering places on the OuterBanks.

Roosters Southern Kitchen

MP 8.75 Bypass, Kill Devil Hills

252-441-4594

Great selection of bar drinks, very nice wine list and excellent food. The music is acoustic, a very nice, perfect for the atmosphere.

Kelly’s Outer Banks Tavern

MP 10.5 Bypass, Nags Head

252-441-4116

The original Outer Banks nightspot. There is almost always something happening in the bar—live music, DJs and karaoke an open mic on Tuesdays. This is the place to go to dance the night away.

Poor Richards

303 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo

252-473-3333

On the waterfront in downtown Manteo, a great little bar with an almost college town feel when there’s live music. It can get really tight in the bar sometimes, but the beer is reasonably priced and the sandwiches excellent.

Outer Banks Evening Entertainment

Rob Robinson (front) and Matt Payne demonstrating the cuisine of Mexico.
Rob Robinson (front) and Matt Payne demonstrating the cuisine of Mexico.

After Dark at All Saints is a reminder of how wonderful winter can be on the Outer Banks. There is nothing earth shattering or headline making about what happens throughout the month of February at the Episcopal Church in Southern Shores—it’s just community at its best.

Started seven years ago as a way to bring the church to the community and the community to the church, After Dark has grown into a marvelous month-long offering of classes in cooking, wine and beer tasting, art, healthy living and more.

Stu Baldwin offers two courses in surf-fishing—beginning and advanced; the staff of Trio in Kitty Hawk is on hand for wine tasting, beer tasting and an evening of “Discovering North Carolina Cheeses”; this is the time to learn about reflexology or the history of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

The most popular classes by far are the cooking classes, and those fill up almost right away. Wes Stepp from Red Sky Cafe teaches an evening class based on his Healthy Gourmet menu; Rob Robinson and Matt Payne of Bad Bean and Baja Grill are on hand to demonstrate the cuisine of Mexico. There are dessert preparations and seafood demos—all classes, unfortunately filled . . . although there is always next year.

Classes are just $20, and there are still some openings. The net proceeds after expenses—mostly printing costs—are all donated back to the community. Through last year over $60,000 had been given to five local organizations: Interfaith Community Outreach, Food For Thought, Community Care Clinic, Beach Food Pantry, and Room in the Inn.

A great way to spend a winter evening, gaining a little bit of knowledge and all for a good cause.