I would bet that some people think that once the winter gets to the OBX, it just closes up…we all move away…nothing is open. Not the case at all, of course. In fact, winter is my favorite time here. This is when the locals come out to play and we are happy to continue to share our piece of paradise with visitors. I am going to list some activities that are coming up in the next few weeks/months…just in case you are planning a full week stay here or a getaway. Rates are much lower, restaurants are open and the weather is fine. All events information listed below is from the Tourist Bureau website.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR AT NC AQUARIUM ON ROANOKE ISLAND
JAN 17, 2013
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Manteo, NC 27959
Phone: 252-473-3494

Join an Aquarium educator for a sneak peek behind the scenes and get an up-close look at exhibits and the systems that keep them operating – an inside look normally seen only by staff. Closed toe shoes required. For ages 8 & up. January 17, at 11:30.

www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island

WEDDING WEEKEND & EXPO
JAN 19, 2013 – JAN 20, 2013
100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

First Flight High School. Join us on the Outer Banks to explore all we have to offer for your destination wedding. Explore venues, wedding vendors, restaurants and sample the food, hospitality and entertainment available throughout the Outer Banks during our Wedding Tour. www.outerbanksweddingassoc.org/expo-weekend-event.htm

34TH ANNUAL FRANK STICK MEMORIAL ART SHOW
JAN 26, 2013 – FEB 22, 2013
Ghost Fleet Gallery, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: 252-473-5558

On display at the Ghost Fleet Gallery in Nags Head through February, the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show includes a wide variety of local fine art ranging from conceptual to realistic. Featuring all original work, including sculpture, painting, drawing, fiber, pottery and mixed media, the show is the longest running visual art exhibition in the county. Stick gained recognition as an illustrator for magazines such as Collier’s, Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal and Outdoor America during the early part of the 20th century. He is most known for painting hundreds of hunting and fishing scenes to illustrate outdoor and adventure stories. In addition to his contribution to the art world, Stick was a man of vision.

16TH ANNUAL PRICELESS PIECES QUILT SHOW
MAR 01, 2013 – MAR 23, 2013
Roanoke Island Festival Park Art Gallery, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-475-1500

Meet-the Artist Reception- March 1. The collection is drawn from quilt makers or quilt owners attached to the Eastern, NC region. Sponsored by the Teacup Quilters, the exhibition features full-sized and mini quilts. Past shows have seen 80 or more examples of quilts ranging in date from the 19th to the 21st century. Traditional patterns are used on many quilts. Viewers witness deft design and color choices, quilting, embroidery and applique skills. Quilts also can sport themes such as nature and history. Monday- Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

OBX TASTE OF THE BEACH
MAR 14, 2013 – MAR 17, 2013
Outer Banks, Nags Head, NC 27959

Over 50 events, more than 35 restaurants and 4 days of food, drink and fun! Come to the Outer Banks over St. Patrick’s Day weekend and indulge in an exciting array of creative combinations and culinary delights. From Thursday through Sunday there are cooking classes, brewery tours and tastings, multi-course fine wine dinners, oyster roasts, new NC BBQ Showdown, tapas crawls, beer-pairing dinners, and much more! Don’t miss this very popular annual event on the Outer Banks. Coastal Living Magazine named it one of the TOP TEN Seafood and Wine Festivals in the Country! Come see why. Tickets are on sale now online at www.obxtasteofthebeach.com. Presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association.

6TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK CAR SHOW & POKER RUN
MAR 14, 2013 – MAR 17, 2013
First Flight High School , Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Car enthusiasts alike celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day weekend with a show featuring over 200 vehicles.