A huge offshore bite and a perfect weather forecast have combined to push the purse for the 54th Big Rock over the $1 million mark for the 15th straight year. Monday morning, 120 boats were registered to compete in the 54th Big Rock and the purse reached $1,252,950. As the competition got under way, the 54th Big Rock winner – if entered in all levels – would be poised to receive $690,850.

It’s an amazing site to see the boats come in and check out their catch of the day. A must see if you are in the Carteret County area!!

For more information check out www.thebigrock.com

SOUTH CORE BANKS, N.C .– Coastal visitors will soon be able to experience the breath-taking view from the top of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is opening the lighthouse for tower climbs on Wednesday, May 16. There are 216 steps to climb before reaching the top of the lighthouse, which boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the Crystal Coast.

For more information check out Cape Lookout Lighthouse opening for tower climbs – News14.com.

Here is a link to the Google Map.

Here is a screenshot:

Hopefully this will be useful to you when planning your next trip to the North Carolina Coast.

For more information check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores TOTUS!

This weekend, September 30 ~ October 2 

They’ll have lots of great entertainment with with bands like The North Tower Band and Sister Hazel, just to name a few. They’ll be great rides, for kids of every age. Lots of excellent vendors, with anything you could think of, from wood carvings and prints to the best local wines you could ask for. Then there is always all the Amazing seafood as far as the eye can see! 
You won’t want to miss it!

For more information on the events a and goings on check out http://www.ncseafoodfestival.org

The Aquarium debuted on Sept. 10, 1976. It is now much bigger than when those first few small tanks opened for exhibit. But the mission of environmental education has remained constant. So has its legacy of family fun and lasting memories.

Read more at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores!

NCDOT CREWS MAKE MAJOR PROGRESS CLEARING STORM DEBRIS, REOPENING ROADS IN HURRICANE IRENE’S WAKE Monday, August 29, 2011

RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Transportation crews have made great progress today in Eastern North Carolina. Most roads are clear; however, there are still areas of isolated flooding and downed trees that are entangled in power lines, which will take longer to clear.

The two counties with the most storm-related problems are Craven and Pamlico, as well as the south side of Beaufort County.

Aside from N.C. 12, many of the roads and bridges appear to be intact, with a few isolated locations.

Due to power outages, many traffic signals are not functioning in coastal areas. In addition, heavy winds from Hurricane Irene blew down many traffic signs. For these reasons, NCDOT encourages motorists to use extra caution while driving.

Preliminary inspections of the Bonner Bridge show no overall changes in condition to the bridge.

There are numerous breaches and areas of overwash along N.C. 12 south of Oregon Inlet, including on Ocracoke Island. The largest of these is about 160 feet wide. NCDOT has created an interactive online map at http://g.co/maps/9y2w that shows the damage along N.C. 12. Click on each of the four pins to see an image of the aftermath at that particular location.

To help with the recovery effort, ferries are transporting emergency personnel and supplies to Rodanthe.

For the latest information of what’s going on at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores

The Aquarium on Roanoke Island is currently still closed. For the latest information on Roanoke Island please visit www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island.

In the Town of Duck re-entry will be allowed for residents, property owners, and business owners and those assisting these persons as of 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 28 and to visitors and the general public as of 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30.

At this time there will be no re-entry to Hatteras Island. NC Hwy 12 was compromised in several places north of Rodanthe. NCDOT is assessing the damage and working on repairs as quickly as possible. The Ferry Division is delivering essential emergency supplies to Hatteras Island. Further announcements will be made by NCDOT when ferry service is available for residents and visitors.

Dare County Emergency Management advises visitors, prior to re-entry, to call their accommodations provider to confirm that lodging will be available.

Visitors traveling through northern Dare County to the Currituck Outer Banks are advised prior to re-entry to first call the Currituck County Emergency Information Hotline at (252) 232-6010 or visit www.currituckgovernment.com.

For the latest information on visiting Dare County please visit www.darecountync.com