Well, I kind of updated the previous post to sum up how I’m feeling… (I don’t know what direction I want to take this blog).  I want more of a webSITE, not a blog, but I’m working on it.  Domains aren’t cheap you know.  Anyway, till then, I’m back in VA now and starting school again so things are going to be busy and hectic.  I may not be able to go the OBX this year though which is a complete nightmare for me, and so I’ve found myself craving to review, talk about, etc… all things OBX, so if anyone is still around, you may find me stopping in from time to time till I get a site up the way I want it.

I don’t know what direction I want to take this site in.

Island Spice & Wine :: 95/100

 

General Information

• Located: Avon, NC
• Hours: closed Sunday & Monday I think.
• Price Range: Fair
• Type: Souvenir, Food
• Specializes in: spices, wines, cofees, teas

 

Actual Review

• Cleanliness:10/10 
• Service: 10/10  The woman who owns this shop is such a nice lady and is always willing to work with you.  My cousin once told her she was out of coffee mints and she remembered my cousin the year later that she was the one who kept coming in and asking about them.
• Popularity: 9/10  I don’t think a lot of people go to this shop because they are unsure of what is in it, but it is very inviting and you won’t be disappointed
• Family-Oriented: 8/10 Not really for the kids but she does have a nice section of cute chocolates such as crabs or little fish of which you can get 6 pieces for a dollar.  Kids will love them, my cousin and I are going on 18/19 and we still do.
• Price: 9/10 Never really been disappointed with the prices, though the kitchenware items are high.
• Items: 10/10 The items here are of high quality and I’ve never been disappointed.
• Atmosphere: 10/10 This shop is simply lovely.
• Location: 10/10 Easy to find, lots of parking, never too crowded.
• Variety: 9/10 It is exactly what it says, spices/wine (and some coffees, teas, homewares and chocolates).  Not a place for like knick knacks. 
• Usefulness: 10/10  Find great gifts here or splurges to indulge yourself (such as lighthouse teas and lovely island coffees)
• Overall Rating: 95/100

 

In conclusion,

• I would reccomend this shop:  YES!  This shop is so cute and the owner is friendly every year.  Great items, you will continue to come back for the same ones.
• You should definitely look at their: Lighthouse teas, I love them and they come in a very cute box that makes a great holder of anything once you use the tea.  Also, like I said, the 6 for a dollar fish just rock.  The chocolate is very good.  
• Other comments/notes:

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Fisherman’s Daughter :: 85.5/100

General Information

• Located: right as you come into Avon going south on the left.  Avon, NC
• Hours: unsure
• Price Range: Semi-Pricey
• Type: Souvenirs
• Specializes in: —

Actual Review

• Cleanliness:9/10 
• Service: 9/10 
• Popularity: 9/10  A lot of people visit this shop but it is very small and crowded
• Family-Oriented: 8/10 A lot of breakables, though there is stuff for kids
• Price: 8.5/10 Semi-pricey.
• Items: 9/10  Decent items usually are found upstairs.
• Atmosphere: 9/10
• Location: 7/10 Next to no parking.
• Variety: 9/10 
• Usefulness: 8/10 
• Overall Rating: 85.5/100

In conclusion,

• I would reccomend this shop:  yes, i like this shop and can usually find some very cute items upstairs
• You should definitely look at their: upstairs section, the bottom is slightly junky
• Other comments/notes:

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Deep Blue :: 85/100

General Information

• Located: Avon, NC
• Hours: Open until 9 I think? 
• Price Range: Eh, this is actually a pretty pricey place, but the clothes here you can usually get good deals on, though there are cheaper places on thie island
• Type: Souvenirs, clothing
• Specializes in: —

Actual Review

• Cleanliness:10/10 
• Service: 8/10 Not always friendly people but oh well.
• Popularity: 9/10 A popular fun place to shop but too crowded
• Family-Oriented: 10/10  Kids woudl love it
• Price: 7/10 Pushing it on cost.
• Items: 9/10 I like their clothing but the souvenirs are usually just junk
• Atmosphere: 9/10
• Location: 9/10 
• Variety: 8/10 A lot of items but like I said, a lot of useless stuff.
• Usefulness: 6/10 
• Overall Rating: 85/100

In conclusion,

• I would reccomend this shop:  yes, it’s a nice place to go on a day you are out shopping and the kids would probably enjoy it.
• You should definitely look at their: clothing
• Other comments/notes:

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One word – college?!  Keeping me busy lately, and job hunting of course.  Went to the gym today… got drenched in the thunderstorm.  Not fun.  Was going to go to an NC beach other than the OBX today with a few friends but didn’t really wanna.  Hopefully am going to drive down there for labor day weekend and just spend the day.  Will take pics of things I haven’t gotten pics of, and possibly eat somewhere I haven’t before so I can rate it.  Anyone have any suggestions??

Orange Blossom Bakery :: 96/100

General Information

• Located: Buxton, NC
• Hours: Mon – Sat (6:30-11:am) | Sun (7-11am)
• Price Range: Typical
• Type: Bakery

My Experience

• I Got: I usually get apply uglies… they are AMAZING
• It Tasted: Awesome
• It Cost: One costs about 2.75 with tax
• Wait Time: You just have to go early and order because this place gets crowded

Actual Review

• Cleanliness: 10/10 Very clean, orderly place
• Service: 10/10 I’ve never encountered bad servers
• Wait Time: 8.5/10 This place gets crowded FAST… it’s very small
• Family-Oriented: 10/10 This is for pastry lovers for breakfast or lunch.  Don’t make a meal out of it, unless its a nice breakfast or snack
• Price: 9/10  I mean slightly high but worth the cost.
• Taste: 9.5/10 From the doughnuts to the uglies to the danishes… it tastes great.
• Atmosphere: 10/10  I mean nothing special but it’s exactly what it’s supposed to be for a bakery
• Location: 9/10 Parking is slim but its right off the road, hard to miss
• Variety: 10/10 All kinds of pastries for you to chose from!
• Portion Size: 10/10 All items are hearty and enjoyable.
• Overall Rating: 96/100

In conclusion,

• I would reccomend this restaurant: YES!  Everyone should visit Orange Blossom one morning and pick up some doughnuts.  They are for a good price and will last you a day or two, plus, everyone enjoys a nice pastry!
• You should definitely try their: Fried Apple Uglies… a fried dough with cinnamon and apple.  <3
• Other comments/notes: Menu found here.

Dirty Dick’s Crab House:: 74.5/100 ***Please note, this is not a complete review because it has been MANY years since I have been here and I completely forget all of this information.  The number will still be given though, however, because I can remember how I felt about it, and why I have not been back.  Recent, more accurate reviews are both welcome and encouraged!!!

General Information

• Located: Avon, NC
• Hours: Serves lunch & dinner I believe
• Price Range: Typical… $20’s with tip
• Type: It’s supposed to be a Family Restaurant

Food Information

• Selection of Turf: Some
• Pre-Meal Selection: n/a
• Entrees come with:  Depends on your meal

My Experience

• I Got:  n/a
• It Tasted:  Average to below average.
• It Cost:  I don’t remember but not worth it…
• Wait Time: n/a

Actual Review

• Cleanliness: 5/10  Hardly impressive.  I think eating off the pier would be cleaner.
• Service: 8/10  It was averageish I think.
• Wait Time: 10/10  Wasn’t crowded at lunch.
• Family-Oriented: 6/10 I don’t think the setting is very family appropriate, but I guess it depends on what ages are in your family.  I’m not sure kids would really enjoy this, and elderly folk would most probably not.
• Price: 8/10  Typical but not worth it.
• Taste: 7.5/10  Pretty average.  This place is more known for it’s name and slogan than it’s food.
• Atmosphere: 6/10  You feel slightly dirty in here.  I was expecting different.  I’ve heard the other Dirty Dick’s are better but, it’s not impressive here.  There was water dripping from the ceiling on our table…
• Location: 9/10 Next to Avon Pier, lots of parking.
• Variety: 8/10  Typical foods
• Portion Size: 7/10  I don’t remember being full or impressed, maybe because I couldn’t eat what I got lol.
• Overall Rating: 74.5/100

In conclusion,

• I would reccomend this restaurant: No, I would not.  Unless you want to go just to say you’ve tried it… unless you want a shirt, there’s really no point in going.
• You should definitely try their:  Uhm.  n/a
• Other comments/notes:  Menu found here.

Well, I’ve been slacking a little lately so I decided the best thing to do would be to really add more content, because I know that’s what people are looking for, and hopefully what I’ve been decent at providing.

I’m working on several reviews right now (that will follow this post), mostly restaurant reviews, then I’ll start the shop reviews and a few other bits.  I am also planning on changing the layout slightly so at the top the bars will read as follows:

1. About The OBX – same page
2. Content – shop and restaurant reviews, soon a couple lists, bits about the trip, knols, and etc.
3. Beach Closures – same page
4. My Mission – same page
5. Affiliates – same page

This is due to the large amount of content I’ve been posting and the small amount of link space!  Anyway, just wanted to fill you in on that.

Finally, I’ve been seeing many more comments lately, and THANKS SO MUCH! I appreciate every one and would love to get more input, suggestions, and would love some other people to review if they wish! Thanks so much guys. Enjoy the rest of tonight’s content!

Here are a couple things that happened in the last 2 days & kind of made my day. PS: I’m going to the OBX either tomorrow or next Saturday!!! =D

1) I quit my job this morning. It was time. Clocked out, left a note, left my keys, left the store. Heh. Felt good.

2) Found out from The Village Craftsman that the CHRISTMAS SHOP IN MANTEO did in fact NOT close down like they said they were going to. Isn’t that amazing!?! I love that store… I LOVE CHRISTMAS + BEACH, lol. So, basically, that is going to be one of our first stops next year!

There is one more thing I really wanted to share with you guys, but for the life of me, I cannot remember what it is right now. I’ll have Maria remind me later. Again, I apologize for this being so scatterbrained. I promise things will start playing back into play big time soon. <3