OBX CARES

09/18/2026

Do good and adopt Eastwood🤍

09/12/2026

Most visitors driving down Highway 12 toward the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse never realize they are passing through one of the rarest forests left on the Atlantic coast. 🌲

Buxton Woods stretches across Hatteras Island in Dare County, a maritime forest built from centuries of live oak, loblolly pine, and yaupon holding fast against salt spray and shifting sand. The reserve at its core protects roughly 1,000 acres as a Dedicated State Nature Preserve, part of a larger maritime forest system of about 3,000 acres that the North Carolina Coastal Reserve program describes as the largest remaining contiguous tract of maritime evergreen forest on the entire Atlantic coast. When the state's Coastal Reserve system was created in 1988, Buxton Woods became its very first site, protected before almost anywhere else on the coast.

What makes it remarkable is how quietly it does its job. The forest's dense canopy and root systems buffer the island's freshwater aquifer and blunt the worst of ocean storms, work that has nothing to do with scenery and everything to do with survival for the people who live nearby. 🍃 Standing under those wind-bent oaks, it is strange to think how much of the Outer Banks as we know it depends on a forest most visitors drive straight past.

What surprises you more, that a barrier island forest could be this old, or that it took until 1988 for North Carolina to formally protect it?

09/12/2026

Time to give back whilst throwing one back 🍻

Drinking beer for charity is kind of like donating a liver when you think about it...

Come out to Swells'a Brewing Beer Company tomorrow (Sept. 12) from 4 to 10pm to celebrate our 15th anniversary with a special “Stuck Here on Porpoise” beach beer! Portion of sales to benefit Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Inc. . Plus bands, swag , a slide show, the art show, and other shenanigans!

08/28/2026

OBX CARES 💗

In honor of Dolly Parton's legacy of kindness, generosity, and joy, we've lit up Dowdy Park in her signature pink. From her music to her philanthropy, Dolly touched countless lives and inspired generations with her talent, compassion, and unwavering authenticity.

Tonight, Dowdy Park is just a little more rhinestone-ready. 💎

Dowdy Park

08/24/2026

Remembering Jacob 🇺🇸

08/16/2026

Shine On friends ☀️

Since the announcements of the imminent closings of Shine On Juicery & Ascension Studio, we have been repeatedly asked, "what are you doing?" Well, the answer is both simple and complex...I don't know.

The only thing certain is Hi-Vibe Holistics will be open at least through the end of the year to fulfill our lease obligations. After that, well, it's up in the air.

While one of my superpowers is being able to see the glimmers in all situations, this one has me stumped. Being a community herbalist and having a full service apothecary is both a dream for me & something I feel is important & valuable to the Outer Banks. While the world is coming back around to herbal, organic, and non-toxic products to increase health & vitality (and you can purchase from every influencer linkon social media), I feel it is vital to have a local, knowledgeable & trusted source to discuss your needs and provide solutions. On the other hand, the support has to be unwavering for the venture to continue.

The past 2 years have brought constant change, and put me face to face with understanding the impermanence of all things. If I am being honest, I am holding on tight right now not only because I truly value and love serving this community, but also because Hi-Vibe is the tangible reminder of the marrying of my late husband and my passions....it is the last project we built together & his energy is infused in every facet. It is hard to comprehend one more change, and yet another loss.

So, I have turned it over to God, asking for guidance as to the next right step. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to support us, proving we are needed (and wanted) in this community. If these are the final 4 months, help us to make sure they are abundant, so we can bow out without too much loss & a ton of love in our hearts! And please, don't forget about our Listening Room Show on November 8th, when the Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo will set fire to the stage. If you have been to a performance in this special room, you know the magic. If you have not, this is certainly a stellar one to experience!

Here's to clarity forming & enjoying every moment in this special place. So much love!

08/06/2026

Goodtimes Ahoy! ⚓️

Let’s blow out some candles...
See ya at Swells'a Brewing Beer Company, Sept. 12, from 4-10pm our 15th Anniversary B-Day Bash, featuring live music by Suzie Jaccuzzi, Scott Franson, and Anchor Blazer, a WhichCraft Surf Fest Art Show with works by staff photogs and artists and a reveal of this year’s funky shapes — with a portion of proceeds supporting the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Inc. — plus mag swag and a retrospective slideshow! 4-10pm. Follow and for more deets. Poster art by the one and only Chris Kemp!