Outer Banks 2017

Hello readers. In my last post, I issued a PSA for frequent posting this week. Obviously, this was not the case. I was too busy for blogging this week, which is a good thing. The OBX have much to offer. Because of this, I have decided to create one mega-post for the trip that I hope you enjoy!

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The House

The Outer Banks of North Carolina have always held a place in the collective heart of my family. Having hosted the honeymoons of both my parents and grandparents, plus numerous vacations taken by them before my birth, it makes sense that I would take a love to them as well. I have been coming to the OBX since I was an infant. For the past twelve years, however, my family has been renting a house in the town of Nags Head for one week (being the last week of July). The house (The Blanchard) was built during the 1920s, and is only several buildings away from the house where FDR would stay during his visits to the Banks (The Buchanan). 

The Blanchard from the beach side.

Not originally a part of the house, The Blanchard features an extended overlook of its beach. Dubbed the "crow's nest" by my grandfather, the overlook now has an opening leading to the beach (due to the sand dune overtaking the other beach access).

The Blanchard's coveted beach as seen from the crow's nest. A sand dune has been built over time to protect the house from storm surges. During my last night, a storm brought the waves to the base of the dune.

The house came with a total of two master bedrooms, one triple bedroom, one double bedroom in the loft overlooking the family room, and one single bedroom. My bedroom however, was not located within the main house. The Blanchard also came with a guest cottage, containing two twin beds, a bathroom, and air conditioning. For the past two summers, I have used the cottage as a bachelor pad of sorts.

The Blanchard's guest cottage is located in between the road and the main house.

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The Shopping

Anyways, enough about the house. Each year, our party consists of eleven people: my paternal grandparents (who rent the house), maternal grandmother, aunt, uncle, cousin, my immediate family (parents and two sisters), and myself. While we stayed in the house as a family and went to meals together, we all pretty much did our own thing for most of the time. For me, a portion of this time consisted of shopping when I wasn't on the beach or spending time with family. As noted in my other posts, a good bit of my wardrobe has been purchased in Nags Head. The town hosts a set of Tanger Outlets, as well as a variety of clothing stores. The most notorious clothing store in the OBX is The Cotton Gin. While offering a wide variety of preppy/resort brands, they mostly charge full price for their clothing, making it hard for me to shop there. Nevertheless, I have bought clothes from them before (but not this year). 

The men's department of The Cotton Gin, offering brands such as Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, and Collared Greens. Sadly, Salt Life tends to sell the fastest of any brand offered there. While the Nags Head CG's men's department only takes up several racks, its store in Jarvisburg has an entire room.

My suspicion in an earlier post was confirmed when I saw this. Vineyard Vines no longer makes their belts exclusively in the US (yet they charge the same as when they did). Buyers beware! I think I'll stick to Leatherman from now on.

Another store I visited in Nags Head I felt worth mentioning was the Kitty Hawk Surf Company. While a surf shop in name, it caught my eye through its sale of Patagonia, Southern Tide, and Leatherman Ltd. belts, much like Quietstorm in Ocean City (see Senior Skip Day).

While I can't make an association between Patagonia and OBX culture, I must give KHSC a nod for offering it. One of their synchillas would have come in handy during the final nights of my stay.

Much more understandable than Patagucci.

I visited three other stores trying to cash in on the "Southern preppy" craze, being Kitty Hawk Kites, Farmer's Daughter, and Roanoke Marshes Trading Co. , but I failed to take any pictures of them. The latter two offered Southern Marsh, a better known Southern prep brand, but the kite store sold brands that were clearly less established and probably currently pursuing ambassadors via Instagram. In other words, their selection failed to impress me.

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The Food

I began my dining experience at lunch on Sunday, stopping at Southland, a restaurant/gift shop/smoke shop/gas station/slot parlor on the VA/NC border. 

A certain Wendy's commercial comes to mind.

NC Welcome: Minced Pork Barbecue Sandwich + Curly Fries

I then went out again for breakfast Monday morning at Darrell's, a restaurant in Manteo, a town across the Roanoke Sound about 10 miles from Nags Head. I would return here again for dinner Wednesday evening and breakfast again Saturday.

The interior of Darrell's. The restaurant has been open in Manteo since 1960 and survived hurricane upon hurricane. I personally recommend their hotcakes for breakfast and NC catfish for dinner.

For dinner Monday night, my immediate family went out with my grandparents to Sam and Omie's, a seafood restaurant in Nags Head.

Open since 1937 (maybe FDR ate here), Sam and Omie's operates as both a seafood restaurant and bar, and has a mascot I fear is the illegitimate child of the Vineyard Vines whale and Ivory Ella elephant.

Tuna steak sandwich with fries for dinner. 

Tuesday's meal out was for lunch at Big Al's diner in Manteo. I ordered a crab cake sandwich and vanilla malt for lunch that were both superb (even though I usually try to avoid crab outside of MD)! The restaurant is home to one of the largest Coca Cola memorabilia collections in the world, and has the atmosphere of a 1950s diner with its decor, soda counter, jukebox, and dance floor.

The soda counter at Big Al's. Half expected to see Richie Cunningham or the Fonz walk in.

"Did you just buy a five dollar shake?"

My final times eating out on the trip included Darrell's (two more times), a cheesesteak from the beach food stand Snowbird, the Nags Head Cafe for Friday breakfast, and Southland once more on the way home. I also got to have fresh OBX shrimp at The Blanchard, which my grandmother made for us all on Thursday. By today, my Outer Banks dining experience was complete with a full cycle.

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The Outfits

Up in the Crow's Nest
Baseball Cap (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren)
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Embroidered Shorts (J. Crew)
Topsiders (Sperry) 

• Vineyard Vines Baseball Cap- Bought from outlet store in Rehoboth Beach, DE. This hat has been through it all. Originally a dark navy blue, the sun and saltwater have brought my beloved hat to a gray. I typically try to avoid wearing it with other whale logos. You don't want to end up looking like a brand's billboard when it comes to logos. Try letting that whale make friends with a horse, sheep, or alligator rather than another whale. 
• Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- See Senior Skip Day.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See other posts.
• J. Crew Embroidered Shorts- Bought Monday from outlet. These shorts are embroidered with mermaids and sea shells, making them ideal for the coastal setting. I had considered buying these shorts while at the outlets with Nick about a month ago, but waited to see if their price would go down. Surely enough, it did!
• Sperry Topsiders- A good time and place for them to fill with sand! See other posts for more.

On Wednesday evening after dinner, I went with my family into Manteo to walk around for the evening. Many of the streets are named after characters in the play The Lost Colony (a drama about the English Roanoke colony that vanished without a trace from the area we know today as Manteo). It was only a matter of time before I found the street of the character I shared a name with: the drunk, Old Tom.

Finally found my street in Manteo.
Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Cotton V-Neck Sweater (Ralph Lauren)
Club Pants (Vineyard Vines)
Ascot Bit Loafers (Cole Haan)
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- Originally worn with khakis and bit loafers during the day a la Jordan Belfort, but the evening breeze had other ideas. For more, see Oxford, MD.
• Ralph Lauren Cotton V-Neck- Bought from outlet on Wednesday. As I didn't think to bring a sweater or even my Vineyard Vines shep shirt down for the week, I bought this sweater to stay warm during the nights. It came into great use inside Darrell's (which is feels like a refrigerator) and during chilly nights. Plus it's easy to tie around the neck when you don't need to wear it anymore.
• Vineyard Vines Club Pants- Wanted something less drab than my khaki chinos for vacation. For more, see other posts.
• Cole Haan Ascot Bit Loafers- One of three pairs of shoes brought with me (the other being flip flops for the beach and my topsiders). They send a better vacation vibe than my Aldens. For more, see other posts.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- Going with a 60s inspired look? Gotta have an actual 60s item. For more, see other posts.

Manteo's marina was also impressive. While most of the large yachts were docked at Pirate's Bay (a club), sailboats and smaller yachts made use of the downtown docks. While Oxford tries to imitate New England, Manteo sets itself aside as its own kind of maritime community.

On Manteo's Dock
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy

On Thursday, I toured the Elizabethan Gardens near The Lost Colony's outdoor theater. I had been years ago as a young child, and the place had clearly changed. However, I still enjoyed the walk and lookout onto the nearby sound.

Salisbury University Cap (Richardson)
Croakies (Vineyard Vines) USA
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Frocket Tee (Southern Tide)
Madras Shorts (J. Crew) India
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
*Topsider Boat Shoes (Sperry)

• Richardson Salisbury University Cap- See Red Roost.
• Vineyard Vines Croakies- Same deal for croakies as for the hat. While I tend to favor my Southern Tide Croakies due to their length, I didn't want to be a walking billboard for them. One skipjack at a time, brah. For more, see other posts.
• Southern Tide Frocket Tee- Bought from R. Bryant Ltd. in Williamsburg, VA. The shirt has the store's name printed on the pocket, making it rare and probably not worn by your typical frat brother (unless he goes to William & Mary). 
• J. Crew Madras Shorts- Bought from outlet on Monday. A replacement for my Old Navy ones. These are shorter in inseam as well, and are still made in India. Plus, they only cost me $20. 
• Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- In a maritime town, gotta wear a maritime bracelet. Surprised Mr. Patrick hasn't visited Manteo yet. He would be impressed. For more, see other posts.

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Red Roost

The Wednesday before this past one, I added yet another trip to my Eastern Shore of MD heritage tour, and that was with a trip to the famous Red Roost crab house near Whitehaven, MD. Located literally in the middle of nowhere, the Roost was once a chicken house before being converted into one of the Eastern Shore's most famous crab houses. While I didn't want to go alone, I invited no one other than Nick to accompany me. The trip was also significant for him for two reasons, being that he had not been since he was two (while I had never been) and that he will be leaving for Vanderbilt University in August (which is quite far from the crab state). As the crab house didn't open until 5:30, Nick and I spent the day at the pool and thrifting (during which Nick purchased a Brooks Brothers tie for $3).

Me:
Longsleeve Tee (Collared Greens) USA
Salisbury University Cap (Richardson)
Whale Flag Chappy Trunks (Vineyard Vines)
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Nick:
Frat Hat (Southern Proper)
Logo Tee (Brooks Brothers)
Classic Sunglasses (J. Crew)
Both:
Croakies (Southern Tide)

• Collared Greens Longsleeve Tee- See Springtime Hike.
• Salisbury University Cap- Bought from university bookstore. While Tony from College Trad recommends the College Bar Hat from The Game, I found the one SU had in stock to be too boxy.
• Vineyard Vines Whale Flag Chappy Trunks- My all-time favorite pair of swim trunks. They outfrat my Ralph Lauren ones by 1000, cause what brah doesn't love the red, white, and blue?
• Ray-Ban Wayfarers- See other posts.
• Nick's Brooks Brothers t-shirt was purchased at the Ocean City, MD outlet store. While I consider Brooks to be more Trad, Ivy, or Preppy than Fratty, this shirt proves they are a brand that can do all four. 

The drive from Salisbury to the Red Roost is a long one, as the restaurant is tucked away close to a swamp. On our way, we passed the Green Hill Country Club before turning off from the route to Whitehaven to the Roost's remote location.

One of Salisbury's three golf clubs, Green Hill also offers a restaurant, tennis courts, marina, and swimming pool. (picture is not my own)

As it was once a chicken house, the Red Roost once did not have air conditioning. Thankfully, that has changed. During the weekend, the Roost runs a shuttle service to their dock bar on the river.

The inside of the Roost is decorated with crab pots, nautical paintings, and a multitude of $1 bills on the wall.

The main event.

The Red Roost's famous fried chicken with
fries, hushpuppies, shrimp, and clams.

While I ordered the five crab meal, Nick ordered all-you-can-eat, and finished with 13 crabs.

After leaving the Roost stuffed, Nick and I drove into Whitehaven itself, which is not much aside from its historic hotel and ferry to Mt. Vernon, MD.

The Whitehaven Hotel was built in the 1800s when the community of Whitehaven was once a thriving village. It now operates as a bed and breakfast, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (picture not my own)

After leaving Whitehaven, I drove Nick to his home in Hebron (a small town in our county), and turned in for the day. In all, while expensive, the Red Roost was an experience worth every penny.

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PSA: Tomorrow, I will be leaving for my annual trip to the Outer Banks. Expect frequent posting in the next seven days.

Oxford, MD

Two weekends ago, my uncle invited my family to visit him in Oxford, MD. For readers who have never heard of Oxford before (which is probably the majority of you), it is a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore that tries to replicate the feeling of New England through its houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and nautical culture. However, its Chesapeake Bay roots shine through its attempts of imitating Nantucket. Only an hour from Salisbury, it is one of my favorite places on the shore. The invitation from my uncle included going out on his new boat, which excited me.

One of Oxford's several marinas. This one housing both my uncle's boat and a club swimming pool.

Oxford's Tread Avon Yacht Club, which is known to host various regattas during the summertime.

My uncle's racing sailboat Bandana. Owned by his friend, my uncle has helped crew this boat from Bermuda to the Virgin Islands during the fall. In the summer, Bandana typically stays in the Chesapeake region, and my uncle has offered me a chance to help crew her.

After sailing out of Oxford onto the Choptank River, our first stop was in Trappe, another small town in Talbot county that until this day I did not know was on the water. While I usually drive through Trappe during the winter, I enjoyed taking in the sights of the creek.

Trappe during the wintertime is a sight to make a country gentleman feel at home. During the summer, it is home for a sailor. 

Pulling out of the creek, we then set out up river to one of the Eastern Shore's most populated towns, Cambridge, MD, which we drove through on our way to Oxford.

Cambridge is also home to a Hyatt Golf Resort and Marina, which we passed before turning the boat around to return to Oxford.

Taking the wheel for a bit while my uncle takes a break.
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Croakies (Southern Tide)
Custom Fit Polo Shirt (Ralph Lauren)
Printed Gramercy Chino Shorts (J. Crew)
Grant Chronograph Watch (Fossil)
Anchor Bracelet (KJP) USA

• Rayban Wayfarers- Worn with the white polo in the style of Jordan Belfort. For more, see Early Summer 2017.
• Southern Tide Croakies- Worn for their original purpose of preventing sunglasses from falling into the water. For more, see other spring/summer posts.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt- While this shirt has become mainstream and no longer the status symbol it once was, at least one genuine Polo shirt is a must in the preppy wardrobe (I have two, including this one). While not at the same level as Lacoste's gator, the Brooks Brothers fleece, the pony still deserves a place in the logo hall of fame. Never buy big logo Polo, however. Unless you are actually a polo player and it is an actual part of your uniform.
• Fossil Chronograph Watch- For more, see other posts.
• KJP Anchor Bracelet- Worn in the correct setting. For more, see other posts.
• J. Crew Printed Shorts- Printed with imagery of coastal Maine. Lobster? Check. Lighthouse? Check. Sailboats? Check. The list goes on. The shorter inseam is also a plus in my book. Skies out, thighs out.
• You can most likely guess what pair of shoes I am wearing, so I'm not even gonna bother.

After returning to Oxford, we stopped at the Scottish Highland Creamery for ice cream. The ice cream parlor shares a building with the restaurant Capsize, formerly known as Schooners.

After our ice cream stop, we decided it was time to return to Salisbury for the evening. However, on the way out of town, I managed to take a few more pictures of Oxford I deemed worth sharing. However, I must warn you, these photos were taken from a moving car, so they may be sub-par compared to the rest.

Vineyard Vines vibes (even though there has never and there will never be whales in the Choptank River)

The houses in Oxford also present a coastal New England feel, with their white picket fences, porches, and shutters. 

Oxford's park serves as a relaxing spot to watch the river and its sailboats.

Mystery Loves Company Booksellers is one of the few shops in Oxford. The store offers books new and used, and has been known to host authors for book signings. The town's other stores that I have been to before include two gift shops (one even selling Harding Lane needlepoint hats) and a convenience store ("market"). 

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Snow Hill, MD

In my last post, I mentioned going on a heritage tour of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Aside from being born in Newport News, VA, I have lived in Salisbury, MD all of my life. However, there have been many places nearby that I have failed to experience. As I will be going to college in Salisbury, I have decided to embrace my roots as a local through becoming better acquainted with the area. While I began my tour visiting the Chester River, my next stop was the small town of Snow Hill in Worcester County, about 20 miles from Salisbury.

Being the seat of Worcester County, Snow Hill is home to the county's courthouse, being the town's main landmark.

Located on the Pocomoke River, Snow Hill was established in 1686 by English settlers as a port. It now is a quaint little town popular for its historic district and vitalized downtown. It stands as a stark contrast to Salisbury's, which lacks the charm Snow Hill's has. I began my walk around town by stopping in to one of the town's several antique stores. Antique stores are not only great places to find vintage clothing, but also decorations such as decoys, paintings, etc.

Was tempted to buy one of these. Earlier this year, I was gifted a Maine shaped ashtray with a lobster (even though I am a non-smoker). A cigar box would complete the decoration.

After browsing the antique store, I made my way down the street to the Pocomoke River Canoe Company, which offers canoe hourly rentals and day-long excursions for a bargain. While I took part in neither, I still went inside the building to browse the gift store and look out onto the river.

The building housing the company was once home to a milling operation.

A glimpse of the inside of the rental office, as well as the gift store.

Hanging from the ceiling of the canoe company was an assortment of outdoor goods ranging from rabbit traps to Bean Boots.

Snow Hill is located on the Pocomoke River, which flows from the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware all the way down to the Pocomoke Sound on the borders of Maryland and Virginia at the Chesapeake Bay.

My next stop was at the Old Town Sweet Shop, which sold ice cream from Chesapeake Dairy Farms, one of our local creameries located in the nearby town of Berlin. My final stop before returning to Salisbury was another antique store that was much larger and commercialized than the first one, but still charming. My experience has made me want to return sometime later this summer. This time, to further experience the town through canoeing or eating at one of its restaurants. But in all, this visit was satisfying. 

When you're dwarfed at 6'2''
Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) Italy
Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA
Leather Belt (J. Crew) USA
Linen Shorts (Brooks Brothers)
Sausage Roll Penny Loafers (Alden) USA
Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers- See Early Summer 2017.
• Lands End Blue OCBD- See Alexandria, VA.
• J. Crew Leather Belt- See Winter 2017.
• Brooks Brothers Linen Shorts- Bought from Ocean City, MD outlet store marked down from $100 to $20. These shorts are made by Brooks in conjunction with Baird McNutt of Ireland. They are lighter weight than my madras ones and make a classic Ivy pairing with a blue OCBD. Like seersucker and madras, do not wear these with a non-solid shirt.
• Alden Sausage Roll Penny Loafers- See Winter 2017.
• Bulova Accutron Watch- See Ringing in the New Year.

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