Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
The War of 1812 opened the eyes of our nation and proved how vulnerable our coasts were to enemy attack. Fourty forts were constructed by the U.S. Government between 1817 and 1865. All the way from Maine to the Gulf Coast to California.
Fort Macon, named for Nathaniel Macon, began construction in 1826 and was completed in 1834. In 1861, Fort Macon joined the Confederacy and remained a Confederate Fort for one year. On April 26, 1862, Fort Macon was bombarded and reoccupied by Union Forces.
Following the war, Fort Macon served as a federal prison until 1876 when it returned to caretaker status.
During the Spanish-American war in 1898, Fort Macon was reactivated. By 1903, Fort Macon was completely abandoned and all guns were sent to federal arsenals to be scrapped. In 1924, Fort Macon was purchased by the state of North Carolina for $1.00, along with it's surrounding property and soon become North Carolina's second state park. Yes, you read it right...$1.00.
Fort Macon was restored by the Civilian Conservation corps between 1934 - 1936 and became a very popular tourist attraction until World War II when the park was occupied by Coast Artillery units, a deterrent to German U-Boats. By 1946, Fort Macon became a state park again and today is the most visited state park in the state of North Carolina.
Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach is a great place to visit, again and again and again. The history is fascinating and the atmosphere is almost too real...they have done an amazing job with the props, so visitors really get a feel for what it must of been like for the soldiers who called the fort "Home" so many years ago.
Fort Macon is open daily for touring and offers a museum, bookstore and audio programs. April through October, they offer guided tours, Civil War Reenactments, Musket Firing Demonstrations, Canon Firing and a Living History Program. During the summer months, the fort hosts concerts on Friday nights featuring such bands as "Unknown Tongues" (Cajun/Zydeco), "Mac & Tammy McRoy Band" (Bluegrass) and my personal favorite, "The Carteret Grays" (Civil War Era music). There is usually a large crowd fo the concerts and it is so much fun! Bring the kids, the camp chairs or picnic blanket, and even a picnic...you do not want to miss the concerts at the Fort.
Fort Macon State Park also includes a large beach area where visitors can fish or just relax in the sun. There is a bathhouse and concession area located at the beach park.
For more information about Fort Macon State Park or to get a schedule of Tours and other events, call (252) 726-3775.

North Carolina Iced Tea...The Sweeter the Better! On my trip to San Diego, we were asked to wear these giant name tags with our Name, City and State. People kept commenting on North Carolina and how sweet our tea is. One woman even asked me if we have a high rate of Diabetes in our area due to the Sweet Tea. I can't answer that question!
I guess I never really thought much about it, but do remember living in Florida, Montana, Missouri and Wyoming and never having a nice tall glass of sweet tea while there (unless I made it myself). If you have never been to North Carolina, you need to know that we like our tea REALLY sweet! If you go out to dinner and order tea, it's gonna be sweet...and I mean SWEET! If you want unsweet tea, you must special order unsweet tea. And NO, adding artificial sweetner is not the same...not even close. And you cannot add the sugar after the fact, It just sinks to the bottom and that is no good!

For the perfect glass of sweet tea, you have to pour boiling water in a pitcher with about 1 1/2 cups of sugar, then add your tea bags and let it brew for a couple of hours. Sun Tea is also a great way to make the perfect pitcher of tea; add your sugar, water and tea bags and place in a sunny spot outside for the day...Perfect!
Now, if you are wondering where to go for the perfect glass of sweet tea here on the Crystal Coast, I am going to share with you the top 3 places.
#3. Smithfield's Chicken & Bar-B-Q
#2. Cox's Family Restaurant
And drumroll, please.........The #1 place to get the perfect glass of Sweet Tea is Bojangles. Pick up the perfect Chicken Biscuit while you are there, It compliments the sweet tea well.
Sea Dreams in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is an exclusive oceanfront
community. It is by far, one of the most beautiful and colorful communities on the Crystal Coast! The community offers a beautiful ocean front swimming pool and pavillion, lovely play area for the children and private beach access. Properties available in Sea Dreams, Atlantic Beach range in price from $650,000 up to $1,400,000. You're sure to find your dream home in Sea Dreams.
Sea Dreams in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is located just moments away from Fort Macon State Park where you will find fun for the entire family. Take a tour of the historic Civil War Fort, sit and watch a reinactment, stroll the beach trails or relax and do some birdwatching. In the summertime, enjoy the Friday night concerts at Fort Macon as local bands and musicians fill the air with soft sounds. Sea Dreams in Atlantic Beach is also close to the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, and Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure in Indian Beach. The Country Club of the Crystal Coast is only a few miles away and offers golf, tennis, waterfront dining and lounge and more.

If you aren't in the mood for cooking, Amos Mosquitos is only a few blocks away and offers soundfront dining in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Four Corners Diner is close by...but be prepared to wait in line for breakfast, 'cause it's the best around. Also located in Atlantic Beach is McCurdy's on Moonlight Bay (the best sunsets), DJ Shooters and Molly's Beachside Grill (the best burgers and cold beer on the island). If you are looking for a little nightlife...The Beach Tavern offers some of the best hot wings in town, full bar and several pool tables (it's a local favorite, but there is always room for guests).

If shopping is your thing, you will be happy in Sea Dreams in Atlantic Beach. A couple miles down the road, you'll find AB Surfshop with a great selection of fashion attire, not to mention all the surf gear you could ever need. Atlantic Beach is also home to "I Got Your Bag" (for those of you who need a different bag for everything), Kite's Unlimited, Tony's Surf Shop and beach shops galore. Take a short ride over the Atlantic Beach Causeway to Morehead City and enjoy antique shopping on the Waterfront or head down to Peletier Harbor where you can visit Tassel's, Lynette's II, and stop off for lunch at Iaonnie's Grill (I recommend the Alamo Burger). Sea Dreams is within 20 minutes of Historic Beaufort, Emerald Isle and the quaint town of Swansboro.

If you are looking for the perfect beach home or vacation property, Sea Dreams in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina has something for everyone in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. Kick back on your deck or porch and enjoy the sea air, watching the dolphin and the surf roll by, and some of the most awesome sunsets on the East Coast.
For more information about Sea Dreams and other communities in the Atlantic Beach area, Give me a call.
Kites Unlimited & BirdStuff, etc. in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is located in Atlantic Station off of Highway 58 on the Crystal Coast. Write it down, because you do not want to miss this fabulous shop!
Owned and operated by the Dixon family, Jeri, Don and Brett, Kites Unlimited & BirdStuff etc. has something for everyone. While talking with Don, he couldn't stress enough that their main goal is "Family Fun". Believe me, family fun will never be a problem in their colorful and unique store. As Don puts it, they have been in business since the Dinosaurs roamed...In numerical terms, that is 25 years.
On one side of the shop, The shelves are fully stocked with an unbelievable assortment of items: jigsaw puzzles, children's educational toys, board games, decorative items, ornaments...Not to mention the kites, flags and feathers than line every inch of the walls and ceiling. If you
venture to the other side, you'll find bird houses, bird feeders, bird seed and supplies, more kites and flags, outdoor and garden decor and supplies, Tilley Hats, hanging chairs and hammocks, and probably the largest selection of garden gnomes on the Crystal Coast.
As a REALTOR®, I can always find the perfect closing gift at Kites Unlimited & Birdstuff, etc, because they really do have something for everyone! Christmas and birthdays are not a problem as you can find a gift for everyone on your list. Chances are, you will find a thing or two for yourself too! I currently have my eyes on a pair of Sloggers garden boots (hopefully, my husband will read this before Christmas).

Every year in October (sorry, you missed it for 2009), Kites Unlimited presents the annual Carolina Kite Fest. Mark your calendars now for October 23rd and 24th, 2010 for the 23rd annual Kite Fest. The festival takes place at Sheraton Atlantic Beach. It is a great weekend filled with fun. Events include all types of Colorful Kites from around the world, Candy drops for the children, Games, sled kite building for the kids, and much more. If you aren't a kite flyer or a kid, you will still have fun just being a spectator...it is absolutely amazing! You will certainly want to "Go Fly a Kite" after visiting the Kite Fest or after entering Kites Unlimited & Birdstuff, etc.
Stop by and visit the Dixons at Kites Unlimited & Birdstuff, etc. in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.

Kites Unlimited & Birdstuff, etc.
Atlantic Station Shopping Center
1010 West Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 247-7011
www.kites-birdstuff.com

Tassels in Morehead City, North Carolina opened their doors ten years ago and is owned and operated by Iva Fearing. Iva is from Newport and attended West Carteret High School and Carteret Community College here on the East Coast of North Carolina...Making her a true local to our community (most of us are considered from "Off").

If Iva cannot be found at Tassels, she is probably spending time with her family, which includes husband, Tatnal Warner Fearing, Son, Bo, who is 6 years old and step-daughter Tricia and son-in-law Erik. Iva is also very dedicated to the Boys & Girls Club of Coastal Carolina, serving on their Corporate Board as President and helping support them,
not only financially but with her time. Occasionally, Iva has a spare moment and spends that time gardening, being on the water or spending time with friends.
At Tassels in Morehead City, you will find the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion. VanEli, Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner, Stuart Weitzman, UGG, Dansko, Lucchesse, Nicole, A Marinelli, Fit Flop are just the Primary Shoe brands carried at Tassels. They also have a HUGE handbag selection, jewelry business, and accessories such as scarves, gloves, sunglasses, etc. and even a few clothing items to choose from. They have recently picked up the Beija-Flor jeans line and can't seem to keep them in stock...I quote Laurie Gainey of Tassels, "I bought them in every color. Love them"! I guess I will have to check out those jeans! Along with all of the accessories a girl could ever want, Tassels carries greeting cards and invitations and so much more. If you are looking for a special gift for someone, Tassels is the place to go. Iva and her wonderful, friendly staff members will help you pick the perfect item. If you need help deciding on the perfect pair of shoes to go with a specific outfit, they can help with that too. With Christmas right around the corner, You will definitely want to
add Tassels to your list of shops.
As Tassels in Morehead City celebrates their 10 year anniversary, they are launching the new website, www.tasselshoes.com, which will be up and running very soon. Before you know it, you'll be able to shop Tassels twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year! How cool is that? In the meantime, you can visit Tassels on Facebook to find more information about special sales and events, and to view photos of items currently available at Tassels in Morehead City.
Tassels in Morehead City, North Carolina
4426 Arendell Street (in Pelletier Harbor)
(252) 247-7463
Hours of Operation are: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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