Weekend Wanderings: Shopping for Stained Glass Windows

Hubby and I were lucky enough to take a vacation earlier this fall. We took advantage of off-season rates and enjoyed a week of gazing at the ocean in the Outer Banks. We explored the length and breadth of the island chain and found some interesting places that I'm sure I'll share in Weekend Wanderings to come.

One place in particular - The Elegant Attic in Buxton - caught our eye. Perhaps it was the lovely Victorian cottage whose columns were painted green? Or perhaps it was the selection of stained glass windows hanging from a tree in the front yard? I'm going to go with the latter!

We made a point of going when we knew we had time to explore just by looking at the cottage and the windows hanging in the yard. As we walked in we were cheerily greeted by the owner, Shirley Weeks. A stained glass panel hung over the entry while little nooks to the right and left were a shabby chic lover's paradise - pink depression glass plates, paired with Homer Laughlin china on lace covered tables. The shop is PACKED with lovelies.

But the store is known for the stained glass windows, and you can find them everywhere. They hang from the ceiling, are tacked to the walls and are stacked in corners. Shirley has collected about 100 years worth of stained glass by traveling to England every year and picking up a new shipment. She told us that last year business was so good she sold a piece of property to bring back roughly 200,000 windows because she's seen the prices go up every time she goes. After all, they ain't making this stuff anymore - at least not this quality.

If you do get to Hatteras and get to check out the shop, ask Shirley if she'll show you her home. She often offers tours to those visiting to show how you can "live with stained glass." Her home is gorgeous - and full of windows. She proudly recounts that she has no curtains because she's covered all her windows with stained glass. If you're a stained glass lover, I'm sure you'll enjoy this stop. And she told us her son is helping her set up a website soon, so hopefully you'll be able to experience some of this beauty online some day soon!

Weekend Wanderings: Avon, NC - OBX

We've been very, very lucky to have a little time away at the beach this fall - including my first trip to the Outer Banks. Now I'm going to admit something that may be slightly sacrilegious to the beach lovers in the group: I love the beach in the off season.

My husband, who grew up within spitting distance of the ocean, thinks there's something terribly, terribly wrong with me. He, however, was born with skin that turns a golden brown in the sun. I, on the other hand was "blessed" with Irish skin - the kind that turns a lobster like red when exposed to the sun. I also contend that you get MORE of the beach in the off season - prime spots, open sand, easy parking - you get the idea. And let's face it, it's CHEAPER to go to the beach off season!

I'd been told that Sun Realty was the way to go when searching for a rental and they worked well for us - friendly staff, very helpful after hours and they have offices EVERYWHERE it seems. We found a lovely (Corgi friendly) condo in Avon, NC just steps from the Sound. The view was incredible! We spent an entire morning watching a pelican diving for fish and another morning I walked Corgi-girl to the dock where we watched a school of fish just under the water. It was just lovely!

We were able to travel the length of the Outer Banks and I think Hatteras was my favorite part. It's wilder there - more natural. And the scenery is incredible. I also enjoyed meeting the people of Hatteras. I met a local seafood store owner who "retired" to OBX, but who is working harder than he did before he retired. We had an interesting political discussion.... I loved talking to someone who so obviously loved where he lives and what he does - how refreshing for someone living in DC!

I'd say overall that if you want a get away that brings you close to nature, away from the bustle of tourist attractions, with incredible views, Avon or Hatteras on the whole might be for you!

And I hear the kiteboarding winds are killer.