December 10
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras will be celebrating its first annual Open House from 12 – 4 on Saturday, December 10th. You don’t need to leave the Island to see elaborate holiday decorations. Enjoy our holiday village and laugh at our animatronic dog and bear, see vintage Santa Claus displays and twinkling lights and a variety of ornamented trees. Relax with free soup and holiday cookies. If you bring a donation for the food bank, you will receive a 5% discount in the Meekins Chandlery Gift Shop and each shopper will be given a special holiday bag. Caroling and children’s activities will be in the education wing. Open the doors to the Burrus Couch Midgett Gallery and learn Hatteras Island history by viewing: the “Flags Over Hatteras” Civil War exhibit with pieces assembled from collections around the nation; the “Pirates, Scalawags, and Brigands” display with actual artifacts from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge shipwreck; recognize some familiar names and faces and learn about the cultural implications of shipwrecks in “Ship Ashore” ; and even view actual pieces from the dining room table of the U.S.S. Monitor. All events and exhibits are free and are appropriate for all ages. On December 11th, don’t miss the Museum Reindeer Explorer in the Hatteras Village Parade. For more information call 252-986-2995.

January 6 – 8
First Flight High School. Meet, select and work with an amazing group of professionals dedicated to making your wedding a beautiful experience for you and all your guests. Over 120 vendors. outerbanksweddingassoc.org

December 10
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. All climbers are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they cannot be carried. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (16 years of age or older). The climb is strenuous–the 248 steps to the top equal climbing a 12-story building. nps.gov/caha

December 6
Hatteras Village Civic Center. The 3rd annual Hatteras Connection seafood dinner benefits the Hatteras Island Food Pantry and Hatteras Meals, Inc. The menu includes local fish, seafood chowder, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, corn bread, iced tea, and dessert. Tickets are available for a $10 donation, and guests also are asked to bring one non-perishable food item or personal care product to the dinner for the food pantry. Meals will be served between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Hatteras Island commercial fishermen and charter-boat captains are donating fish for the dinner. A team of local chefs, with support from talented home cooks and bakers, will prepare the food. Last year the event raised nearly $2500, and collected more than ten fish boxes of items that helped stock the shelves at the food pantry for the winter season. Tickets will be sold in advance until December 4, and are available at Island Convenience in Rodanthe, Dare Building Supply in Waves, Sun Realty in Avon, Buxton Village Books, Frisco Rod and Gun, and Oden’s Dock in Hatteras. For the convenience of “off-island” guests, reservations can be made by contacting Susan West, Hatteras Connection coordinator, at ridgeroad@earthlink.net or 252-995-4131.

“Hurricane Heather’s” has taken over the old Finnegan’s restaurant in Buxton and their doors are open! An eclectic menu feature’s items for everyone to include: sandwiches, burgers, entrée’s, daily specials, oyster& steam bar menu, appetizers, and small plates. The restaurant has been completely over hauled so for those of you that frequented the old Finnegan’s you’re in for a treat. Furnishings offer private booths, table seating and open lounge seating. In addition to table seating the restaurant has two seated bars. One bar represents the oyster & steam bar for those of you that like to watch the oyster sucking action and the other is general seating. Both bars offer full menu and bar service. The restaurant carries a full ABC license and will offer a broad arrangement of affordable and fine wines. The atmosphere is relaxed, causal and trendy. Visit the new kid on the block!