Ready for an Outer Banks Weekend, 7/21/2023
Jul 21, 2023
Things To Do
Fishing
On Monday I was able to go on a charter boat (the Fishin' Frenzy from OBX Wicked Tuna) for some off-shore fishing. The boat and crew were great. My friends and I had an awesome time and we came back with some fish (see photo, above). We chose Oregon Inlet Fishing Center because of its proximity to Oregon Inlet and getting out to the fishing grounds faster. Check them out at https://www.oregon-inlet.com/.
Kayaking in Edenton, 7/21-23/23
Edenton has slowly been grabbing my attention. It has beautiful, historical houses near the waterfront, nice places to eat, and interesting history going back to pre-civil war. The event below looks like a great opportunity to explore the local waters via kayak.
Free Beer, 7/27/23, 5pm-7pm
I don't know who Nick Kemp is, but he might be my new, best friend if he continues to sponsor events in this fashion.
Blue 42's Brewing Barn is a new place in Sligo, NC. It's owned by the same people that have Powell's Roadside Market. It may not be super convenient to the beach but, if you're passing by, it may be worth popping in.
BEACH NECESSITIES
Consumer Reports just posted their rankings for small coolers. It's great to see an affordable option compete extremely well with an overpriced Yeti.
Coleman Chiller 9-Quart Portable Cooler, $20
From Consumer Reports:
PRODUCT DETAILS
Weight empty:2.9 pounds
Exterior dimensions (HxWxD):11x12.5x10 inches
Capacity (12-oz. cans + ice):7
With about 1 inch of insulation, the Coleman Chiller Cooler is great at maintaining a cool temperature in our lab tests. It gave the Yeti a run for its money and costs $180 less. “The Coleman is relatively easy to open and can take a beating,” José says. “The rigid flat top can serve as a small table, and a ledge inside can hold a small tray for food.” A large bail handle makes it easy to tote, but the hard-sided cooler weighs almost 3 pounds before you even put anything in it.
The manufacturer claims the cooler can hold four cans with four pounds of ice, but we were able to fit seven cans in it with less ice, and it was still able to keep our drinks icy cold for 3 hours at room temperature and 2 hours at 100° F.
You can purchase one from Amazon using the link below. Small print: Should you buy anything while using this link I may receive a small commission.
Goodbye, SI
After Sports Illustrated changed from a weekly publication to a monthly, I gave it a fair shake. Conclusion: It’s not the same. I used to enjoy the mix of long-form sports updates combined with in depth stories. The current rendition seems to be more focused on sports trends and doesn't capture the more timely events happening in-season. Subscription cancelled.
Portsmouth Island
Outside Magazine (a publication that has figured out how to provide quality reading on a monthly basis) posted an article about "Lesser Known" destinations. On their list is North Carolina's own Portsmouth Island. The island is not easily accessible, making the trip more rewarding. If you go, plan to be self-supporting and time it around the cooler months because the mosquitos are usually ravenous.
Take Care Of Your Planet
Because plastic recycling is only about 10% effective, I've turned my focus from recycling plastic to using less of it. These laundry sheets fit the bill. They're simple, effective, and there's no big, plastic jug to take up space in your cabinet or in the recycling bin. Small print: Should you buy anything while using this link I may receive a small commission.
Finally, please check out my new Shopify store and show your appreciation and support. I'll be adding more t-shirt designs that I think you'll like.
Note: This process is new to me so let me know if you have any issues and I'll be happy to rectify them for you.
Have a Great Weekend,
John Van Lunen
Stay connected with stories and updates!
If you love the Outer Banks you'll enjoy our weekly posts containing local information, things to do, and observations.
In appreciation you'll receive a list of highly recommended books that are set on the Outer Banks.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
