Another summer weekend on the Outer Banks…and I find myself needing a mini getaway. I spoke with my husband late one Friday afternoon and he reminded me that it was First Fridays in Manteo. I honestly think if I did not work in Corolla that I would live in Manteo. It is more like a little town; you can pretty much walk to everything you need in Manteo.

When we arrived, we knew we’d have to park a good distance away as it was very crowded. But, it was great to see that there was a lot of participation and attendance.

We headed to our friend’s place, Gallery 101, on the corner of Budleigh Street. Scott Stockdale is a remarkable artist. He is an amazing potter, sculptor and artist himself as well as a purveyor of other artists’ fine art. I made a great purchase of a fine tea cup to give to another friend of mine who is soon flying back to Korea to teach for her second year there. I thought a tea cup appropriate for that occasion. Scott’s son, Atticus, always sets up a lemonade stand for First Fridays and he was batting the eyelashes selling the heck out of some good lemonade to all the tourists from out of town. He didn’t want us to help him or stand too close because he said, “people will buy more lemonade from a kid if they think I am by myself.” What a bright young man and quite the entrepreneur!

From Scott’s wicker chairs right outside his gallery, we could hear the folksy sound of Roots in the Sand, the band playing on the Old Courthouse Stage. Aquarium was playing in Magnolia Square while the Sandy Mountain Boys were at the Maritime Museum.

There were art openings, the rock climbing wall from Kitty Hawk Kites, Magic Mike with magic tricks and balloon sculpture, chair massage, yoga demonstrations, face painting and games for the children. Many shops are open late and offer refreshments and sales. We always have to hit Manteo Booksellers for my husband’s art magazines. It is a wonderfully quaint little bookstore. I like to settle back into an old easy chair while perusing a book of interest and petting Luke, the resident yellow Lab. We also visited with the bookstore resident kitty cat that enjoyed drinking water from the fish pond not his water bowl. He has a cute Russian name…but I can’t recall it right now. A fine time was had by all!

As if one evening in Manteo was not enough, we had to visit again on Saturday to bring my husband’s artwork to his local framer, Lynn Atkins. She does an amazing job of framing his work; she is the only person he will use. We visited with Lynn for a while; her shop is like Floyd’s barber shop on Andy Griffith. You can’t buy anything there except frames. But, we manage to ‘borrow’ sodas, coffee, candy, gum and anything else she’ll offer from time to time. Friends love to stop in on Lynn and visit a ‘spell’ until she kicks you out because she has real work to do. I like to ‘play’ with all of her framing gadgets. She even tries to sell the artist’s work right out of her shop before it’s picked up or even framed. She is a great sales person.

We were also early enough to catch the vendors at the Farmers’ Market. Unfortunately, the veggie truck broke down on its way but I knew I could stop for those goodies at Island Produce on my way out of town. I did pick up some delicious cookies from Chris and some local honey from the bee lady. I understand local honey is good for my allergies. At this point, I will give anything a try. And, I LOVE HONEY! So, that will work out either way.

All of this visiting made us hungry, so we decided to stay for lunch. We popped over to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop. My husband had a BLT and I had the tuna plate with peaches and cottage cheese…perfect! We got into our Farmers’ Market cookies before long and that topped off the meal.

OK…as if two days in Manteo were not enough…we were back on Sunday evening attending another friend’s art opening at the Gallery at Festival Park. Rob Snyder is another amazing artist. Rob’s work offers seascapes of all sizes along with some incredible Marilyn Monroe pieces…two very different subjects but both very creative! He uses an epoxy resin that literally makes his underwater scenes come alive. If you’ve ever passed by the Ben Franklin in Nags Head, you’ll see his work all over that building as he is also an accomplished muralist. His show will be on exhibition at Festival Park all month…so please do try to catch this event!

Well, on to another work week…wonder what I’ll get into next weekend?

Till Next Time
Your OBX Bloggers
(written by guest blogger KT in Corolla)