The Circle of Life at Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton
Because we interact with the public on a daily basis at Cape Hatteras Motel, we tend to see all facets of life played out here as our guests bring all their joys, hope, and sometimes sorrows with them to the beach.
For many people, Cape Hatteras is an integral part of their lives and they want to share their most special moments at the beach. Most times the occasions are the happy ones. We love to find out that someone popped the question on a beautiful moonlit night on our porch or along the beach at sunrise. We are delighted to witness weddings – some planned and some spontaneous – with the waves, the birds, and the sea providing an incredible backdrop to a marriage ceremony. We mark many anniversaries – from the first to the 50th and beyond – and often times we’re the same motel that hosted the honeymoon. There are birthdays and graduation celebrations and annual family reunions. We have conversations with our repeat guests and we watch their children become young men and women who in turn begin bringing their families as their parents become grandparents.
Today in the space of 30 minutes we were reminded of the wonderful circle of life. We welcomed a young couple with their 6 month old son. They remarked that they love the beach and they want him to learn to love it as well. He may not recall this first visit, but no doubt there will be more visits in years to come.
Just a few moments after that, I witnessed a small gathering of guests, my assumption is family and friends, who were engaged in the very moving and meaningful gesture of spreading ashes in the surf. Clearly this was someone’s end of life wish – to become a part of the sand, sea and surf here at Cape Hatteras near our motel. There isn’t much that is more touching than to know we played such a huge part in someone’s life that they would want us to play a role in this final act.
We realize that a motel is just a backdrop to many important memories. But for us, being here for you is why we do what we do and we’re grateful that even in the background we are a part of your lives.
We look forward to creating and sharing many more special days with you!
Buxton Beach Nourishment Update – May 8, 2017
Weeks Marine, the contractor for the Buxton beach nourishment project, has announced the first day of pumping has been postponed from the originally projected date of May 21 to sometime within the last week of May.
The starting point for the project, where the offshore pipes connect with the onshore pipes, will be located at the oceanfront approximately 1000 feet north of the northern boundary of the village of Buxton. Weeks Marine has announced project construction will initially proceed to the north of the starting point.
The whole project is expected to be completed within 90 days under normal conditions – approximately 55 days for the project area north of the starting point and approximately 35 days for the southern portion.
For more information about beach nourishment projects taking place in Dare County in 2017, please visit MoreBeachtoLove.com
“Honoring a Life Well Lived”
The Cape Hatteras Motel officially opened the “Clifford Morrow” Gallery last night. Located in the new office area, the gallery features the work of this Pennsylvania native turned OBX retiree who was the father of Jan Morrow Dawson, who along with her husband Dave, run the Cape Hatteras Motel.
Morrow, a distinguished artist throughout his career with the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, began a love affair with the Outer Banks, and in particular the Buxton area, with his family in the mid 1960’s. He knew immediately he wanted to retire there and made that happen in the late 1980’s. Once he and his wife Dolores moved to the island, he set up a studio and began to turn his talents toward capturing the beauty of Cape Hatteras. Through prints, pottery, sculpture, and more he created a special feel for the natural world that surrounded him here. He even used the unique shape of a wave to design the new altar at Our Lady of the Seas Church in Buxton. His work was sold at several galleries in the area, until illness put a stop to his ability to work.
Upon his death in 2011 he left many items in his studio. After Mrs. Morrow passed in October of last year, Jan and Dave began the bittersweet task of working through a lifetime of art work, which culminated in the creation of the gallery. In addition to Mr. Morrow’s work, there is a room of other beach art, and local products including salt from Hatteras Saltworks also made in Buxton, and “Skeeter Beater” – a product made locally to assist guests and locals alike with those pesky summer insects!
Whether you are a guest at the motel or just driving by, you are invited to visit the gallery, which is open anytime the motel office is open. Perhaps you will find that special something that reminds you of your happy place, to take home with you. Or maybe you would just like to see the work of an artist who found his happy place right here, and had the ability to forever share it with others.
Buxton Beach Nourishment Update – April 24, 2017
Weeks Marine, the contractor for the Buxton beach nourishment project, plans to begin mobilizing equipment and pipes in early May. Equipment and pipes will be stored near the south end of the project area at the decommissioned US Coast Guard Base.
The first day of pumping sand is anticipated to be around May 21. The starting point for the project, where the offshore pipes connect with the onshore pipes, will be located at the oceanfront approximately 1000 feet north of the northern boundary of the village of Buxton. Weeks Marine is coordinating with the National Park Service to finalize their plan regarding whether pumping will initially proceed to the north or to the south. The whole project is expected to be completed within 90 days under normal conditions – approximately 55 days for the project area north of the starting point and approximately 35 days for the southern portion.
Link to the release on the Dare County website.
Digging History on Hatteras Island
Join our home-grown Hatteras Island family and volunteer historians with the Croatoan Archaeological Society, finding international fame for the OBX with what they’re digging up.
Lost Colony found?
See for yourself the new artifacts on display at the Hatteras Village Library!
Video produced by Aaron Tuell with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Cape Hatteras Motel is a proud sponsor of the Croatoan Archeological Society and enjoys supporting the team and their work on Hatteras Island.
What’s NEW For 2017 At Cape Hatteras Motel
Easter is almost here and that means the 2017 Beach season is upon us. We are looking forward to a season filled with happy vacation memories for our guests. It’s time to review a few items as you prepare for your visit, and also update you on a few changes at the motel.
As always, it’s a good idea to take a look at our website before your arrival, especially if you are a first-time guest. Give us a call at the motel [(252) 995-5611] if you have any questions about your reservation, room type, or activities here on Hatteras Island or nearby.
While traveling here you will note the work ongoing at the two bridge sites — one at Oregon Inlet and the other on Pea Island. Depending on the time and day you arrive there may be some lane closures so allow for that in your schedule. These bridges are extremely important to the life and vitality of Hatteras Island so we hope you will not let the minor inconvenience of slower traffic burden you. We will be here at the end of your journey! The construction is truly fascinating to see.
This summer beach re-nourisment will be ongoing in the Buxton area frm June 1- August 31, but we do not yet know from the contractors about the time-frame the work will be done in front of our motel. Please take a look at our previous blog-post about the “More Beach to Love” project and if you are vacationing with us during June, July or August stay tuned to the website or Facebook for more information. We are planning several family-friendly fun activities for the 5-6 days when we will experience the work. We want to make it a special time for all our guests, one that you can say upon reflection quite happily “I was there when they grew beach in 2017.” It will be an interesting process, and the end result is a more stable beach that you and your family and friends can enjoy for years to come. It also means Highway 12 is a bit more secure and less vulnerable, which is a very good thing!
During the winter we moved our office! So when you arrive please look to the end units on the lower level of the soundside. The office is clearly marked and we now have a ramp to the office as well. We’re excited about this new space and we think it will make your check-ins and check-outs go even more smoothly. What’s more, we’ve added some gallery space to the office and we are featuring not only artwork but also some local products that you can enjoy here or take home, include “Hatteras Sea Salts” and “Skeeter Beater.” The Clifford Morrow portion of the gallery celebrates the life and art of a man who made Hatteras Island his retirement home and whose work captures the essence of the natural beauty here. You’ll find great ideas for special Christmas, birthday or anniversary gifts.
We look forward to welcoming you in 2017! Don’t hesitate to call us at [252-995-5611] if you have questions or need additional information. See you soon!
The Cape Hatteras Motel Team
