Boy, don't miss out on this great weather we're having

In case you haven't noticed (or in case you live in a less-moderate part of the country), the weather in North Carolina has been spectacular of late. All signs point to that continuing for quite some time. And then it will be summer. So, in other words, now is the time to book those Carolina Beach weeks and weekends (or longer, if your heart desires) at OBP.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a steal of a deal -- just steps from the beach.

Remember, if you are interested in renting Our Beach Place for just a weekend, week or longer, just email us at collards12@yahoo.com.

(Image from cape-fearguide.com)

CB native Munley deservedly given key to the city

"Still leaning on her cane but smiling broadly Tuesday night, Sgt. Kimberly Munley accepted the key to the town from the Carolina Beach Town Council," writes the Star-News.

You'll remember that Munley was the "hero cop" who brought down Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan back in November after he had opened fire on the base at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13 and wounding more than 30 others.

Munley is the daughter of former Carolina Beach Mayor Dennis Barbour.

The council declared Nov. 5 a day to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Carolina Beach native, who was shot in both legs and once in the wrist while helping stop a deadly shooting at the U.S. Army base in Fort Hood, Texas, on that date last year. Flanked by her family, including her 3-year-old daughter, Munley thanked the council for the "tremendous support" she received from the town and county since the incident.

"It was a big job that day and a group effort – I just happened to be the one, with Mark Todd, to get there first," Munley said.

In other CB news, the council is apparently getting an earful about the new traffic patterns.

Watch out for a new traffic pattern

WECT is reporting that a new traffic pattern in CB has caused some confusion.

Lake Park Boulevard used to have two lanes in each direction, but now it only has one. Officials say they are trying to help the flow of traffic, but residents say one lane just isn't enough.

"I mean, two lanes coming off the beach, just makes sense," said pizza delivery driver Lanelle Barrow. "Maybe in the long run it will be a good idea, but right now, I don't see it."

The plan to change traffic patterns has been in the works with town leaders for five years. They hope the changes will give the area a more traditional "downtown" ambiance.

Amusement rides to return; a water park available as well

Visitors to Carolina Beach will once again get to enjoy the tourist-season amusement park this year, according to WECT (via CarolinaBeachToday).

In addition, a water slide will accompany the rides this year.

Carolina Beach town council members unanimously voted to bring the popular rides back to the beach for the summer. This year, it will be even bigger, with a second area nearby filled with more rides.

The rides should open around Memorial Day and officials are excited about the boost the park brings to the area...

When in CB, you have to try Britt's Donuts

We finally experienced the wonder of Britt's Donuts last summer. It was well worth the wait.

The donut shop, a staple of Carolina Beach, closes each year in October but offers their donuts (just one type: glazed) during the high-tourism season.

Well, according to WECT, Britt's opened back for the spring and summer this past Friday.

Owner Bobby Nivens started working at Britt's Donuts in the 1950s and has been the owner for 36 years, though the shop has been in business for 76 years.

In 2008, MSN City Guide ranked the donut shop as the second best doughnut in the nation.

Get bloggy at the beach

Shannan Bowen with Talk & Squawk has put together a list of Carolina Beach-area blogs. (She somehow left this one off! ;) You can read her thoughts here.

She mentions one of our favorites, CarolinaBeachToday. She also mentions the now-defunct Snow's Cut magazine, which is now an e-zine (online only).

"The Snow’s Cut e-zine features coupons, events, business news and interesting posts like one about the smallest house on the island (300 square feet)," writes Bowen.

Also listed are blogs at the N.C. Aquarium, and one from Kure Beach called Seawatch Happenings.

CB restaurant news

The Dish has some updated news about CB restaurants, including a new joint.

At Carolina Beach, Rachanee Wechamongkolgorn and husband “Jackie” Bongkotmanee on April 1 transport their native Thai cuisine to Ida, at the previous Beach Dogs (304 N. Lake Park Blvd.).

Around the same time, Chef Danielle Cousler, formerly of Michael’s Seafood Restaurant, and husband, Jeff, reintroduce Black Horn (15 Carolina Beach Ave. North) with a cozy bistro feel, wine bar and “Southwestern Latin fusion” menu. The couple also owns Wilmington’s Thyme Savor Personal Chef and Catering.

Courtyard by Marriott (100 Charlotte Ave.) is shaping Courtyard Bistro. Starbucks coffee and more sandwiches, soups and salads will be served in a redecorated lobby dining area.

And despite the “for lease” sign out front, Tuscan Grill (720 North Lake Park Blvd.) is open. The banner refers to other units on the property.