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Despite being almost 40 years ago, I still vividly remember turning off of East Main Street onto Riverview Street in Belhaven, NC and seeing "The Manor" for the first time.  With its large round columns, elegant entrance and waterfront location, this structure takes on an almost palatial air in eastern North Carolina.  For decades, it was “THE” place to be for special occasions….and not so special occasions.  The food that was served in the restaurant truly earned the designation “smorgasbord.”  You see, in addition to being plentiful and diverse, it was “comfort food” prepared the way southern families have enjoyed it for centuries.  It might not have been too good for your waistline, but you could tell immediately that it was something special.  People still speak of the wonderful casseroles and seafood (oyster, crabmeat, etc.) fritters.  It makes my mouth water just to think about it.

Belhaven, NC is a small town that just happens to be in a perfect place on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).  The ICW is the inshore (as opposed to running offshore) water route between the northeastern United States and Florida.  It is sort of like the I-95 of the waterways.  Belhaven, NC is a “DESTINATION,” which means that it is a natural stopping point for vessels normally traveling this waterway.  This special location, combined with the flair of a southern mansion and finger-licking good food made the marina at The River Forest Manor a natural place for weary water travelers to stop, stretch their legs and charge their batteries, so to speak.

The ground was broken for the main building in 1899 and was completed in 1904.  Italian craftsmen were hired to finish this home in grand style, with ornate carvings, imported moldings, crystal chandeliers, etc.  The property was originally used as a residence by Mr. and Mrs. John Aaron Wilkinson. In 1947, it was purchased by Axson Smith Sr. from Belhaven, who just happened to have a background in hotel management, and The River Forest Manor, as we know it today, was born.  The addition of the marina completed the business triangle (food, docking, hotel) mentioned above.  I should mention here that the hotel and restaurant can be purchased separately from the marina if you prefer not to be in the marina business (see below).  Over the years, you never knew who you might rub elbows with at the RFM.  Some of the notable guests have been Walter Cronkite, Roy Clark, James Cagney, Burl Ives, Tallulah Bankhead, Twiggy, Robert Ripley, Neil Sedaka and Harvey Firestone.

The infrastructure here was built for business.  The restaurant features the expected walk-in freezers, updated dry-fire extinguisher system, icemakers, ovens, fryers, etc.  Despite being dormant for about 3 years, the expectation is that the restaurant could be up and running in short order.  The dock is ready for up to 30 boats, and has handled vessels up to 130’.  Shore power is available up to 100 amps and the fuel dock stands by with 10,000 gallons of gasoline and 21,000 gallons of diesel.  The inn is full of beautiful antiques, which will convey with this sale.  There are a total of 10 rooms for rent, each of which has its own bathroom.  There are 6 bedrooms in the main building, 3 in a separate building and 1 over the dock house.  The bar and deck area was added to the main house in the early 1990s.  As the pictures indicate, the attention to detail and theme of the main house was carried into this addition.  The tennis court and swimming pool are also wonderful additions that are ready for business.  What a wonderful facility this would be for weddings, anniversaries, retreats, corporate meetings or training.  The possibilities are practically limitless.

As mentioned above, the hotel/restaurant/bar can be purchased separately for $800,000.00, if you prefer to purchase separately.  But keep the following in mind.  This property is well-known by countless people from Maine to Florida…..and well beyond.  When I think of this offering, I think of an often misquoted line from the movie “Field of Dreams.”  The misquoted line is “If you build it, they will come.”  This line fits this property perfectly.  The above mentioned countless people are waiting for this property to return to its glory days.  Talk about a ready market!  Let them know it’s active again.  They will come. 

Give me a call at 800-693-1120 if you have any interest.  I’d love to show it to you.

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It is often humorous how something observed will trigger elaborate thoughts from our past.  Some time ago, my wife, Nancy, and I were driving through Washington and the PCM Skatepark caught my eye across the open grounds toward 7^th Street.  I thought about those hand-me-down skates that I inherited from my cousins, Chuck and Bill Wall and all the great times they provided.  Then I also thought that most of the kids who frequent this park would not know that skates used to have keys, nor what their use was.  We decided to drive over and take a look. 

My family has made this trip down 7^th Street countless times, while carrying our children to what was then the 7^th Street Recreation Center.  It is now aptly named the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center but I’m going to save telling you about Bobby Andrews, one of Washington’s favorite sons, for another time.

The PCM Skatepark is located adjacent to the recreation center and is a clean and very nicely landscaped facility.  A plaque is located on a granite stone in a small flower bed, which memorializes Patrick Cochran, a young man that was lost in an automobile accident on August 30, 2003.  What a positive tribute this facility is!  The design appears to offer a wide level of challenge, the concrete surface appears to be relatively smooth and user friendly.  There are rules that must be followed and this park is free for those who will do so (there is a small charge for replacement or additional decals).

On the particular day that Nancy and I visited, there were about a dozen kids utilizing the park.  One young man, who appeared to be older than the rest (maybe 13-14 years of age) was sitting on the rim of one of the less challenging bowl-shaped features.  I spoke to him, not really expecting much of a response, remembering how awkward life can be for some when entering the teenage years.  Surprisingly, he was very responsive and chatted with Nancy and me for quite some time.  I then realized that most of the younger kids were sitting around and hanging on his every word.  You see, he was in the process of teaching them how to “drop-in” to the bowl-shaped features, a move that starts them skating down the vertical sides of the bowl from a standing start.  Nancy and I were amazed.  The older young man then moved to the most advanced bowl feature and made something that would put me in traction for a month (or worse) look so easy.

Nancy and I left the park that day with a warm feeling about our visit.  What a nice facility and the wonderful role model for those kids was just icing on the cake!

Do you like pizza?  Come on, who doesn’t like pizza?  Well, good pizza, that is!  Let me tell you about a very favorite place on Main Street in Washington, NC. 

La Bella Pizzeria presents a cozy store-front just down the street from the renovated Turnage Theater.  It features a daily-special sign announcing selections that are always mouth-watering and perfectly prepared.  There is seating for a few diners in the alcove of the entrance for those days when the weather is just too pretty to go inside.  Get yourself a slice (or two if you are a big eater), maybe some garlic knots or mozzarella sticks for starters, take a seat and watch the passers-by on Main Street. 

If you prefer, go on inside, but be careful.  When you enter that door, you are going into another world.  The wonderful aromas of the Italian cuisine will consume you.  Look at the unmistakable artwork on the walls.  You can watch the staff cooking the various components on the big gas range, assembling the masterpieces and sliding the different items into and out of the big ovens.  Take a seat in one of the booths along the walls, close your eyes and imagine yourself in “The Big Apple.”  Just about that time, someone sitting near you will say, “Y’ALL” and you will come “crashing” back to Washington, NC.

My wife and I love their food so much.  I have always eaten pizzas smothered in various toppings but literally drool over the simplicity of their cheese pizza.  I could eat just the crust.

Stop by and see Marie (as well as some of the other Tomasulo and Albano family members) sometime.  Countless people miss Marie’s husband Gary, who was a genuine friend to all and the utmost champion of the Downtown Area of Washington.  Tell'em that Warren sent you. 

You will be glad you stopped by.

As I have indicated in several previous posts, the beautiful Pamlico River is one of Washington, North Carolina’s greatest assets.  Over the past few decades, a significant amount of effort has been focused on the development of the downtown waterfront along Stewart Parkway.  Throughout the year, it is the focal point of quite a few festivals, etc.  This weekend is a perfect example.

This weekend (April 30-May 1) the Washington Harbor District Alliance is sponsoring the Washington Marine Market on Stewart Parkway.  This is the first open air market that is billed as “anything and everything nautical.”  It opened Saturday (April 30^th) at 9 AM and ran through 5 PM.  If you missed that, be there at 11 AM today (May 1^st) at 11 AM and enjoy until 4 PM.  It is free to the public and, as the billing implies, offers boats from small to large, all types of nautical gear, antique boats and engines exhibitions, etc.  For more information go to the Washington Marine Market website.

There are also seminars, demonstrations, nautical crafts, food, beverages, etc. and you might even get your picture taken with George and Martha Washington.  You never know, there might even be some pirates lurking on the waterfront. 

Come on down and enjoy the “Fun on the Pamlico!”

Ahhhh, Spring is finally here.  I know this because my favorite harbinger of Summer has finally arrived.  STRAWBERRIES!!!  My wife has a hand-me-down strawberry cake recipe that leaves me begging for more (see recipe below).  It is best served cold and is sooooo refreshing.  Now you normally would not think that Black strawberries would be the best to use in this delight, but we use them every time, when available. 

You see, I have known Frankie and Phil Black for many years.  Their families operate the Black Brothers Farm, which also happens to be on Black Road, just a few miles east of Washington (see map).  A number of years ago they diversified the farm, which for generations had been a typical Eastern North Carolina farm, raising tobacco, corn, soybeans, etc.  During this split from tradition, they added strawberries and some greenhouse vegetables to their crop selections and my wife and I have enjoyed watching this aspect of their family business grow.

The strawberry season is VERY dependent on weather.  Black Brothers Farm opened for the 2011 season just over a week ago and if all the stars align will run until early June (usually the month of May).  You can buy already-picked berries or you are welcome to go into the field and select each one yourself.  It is first come, first served and when they are gone…..they are gone!  You might want to call Beth at 252-945-8234 to make sure they have not run out.  If they have them, buy a few more than you need.  We find that they freeze well, prepared (chopped, sweetened, etc.) or washed andstraight to the freezer.

Stop by and check them out.  You’ll be glad you did!  Tell ‘em Warren sent you.  If you are from Alaska or somewhere that it’s just too far to come to Black Brothers Farm for strawberries, get yourself some from somewhere else.  You can always pretend they are Black Strawberries!

Mama’s “Almost Good for You” Strawberry Cake Recipe

I say that this cake is “almost good for you” because my wife, Nancy, uses artificial sweetener (Splenda®) and sugar-free pudding, which helps some with the calories.  Hey, there’s not too much we can do about the cake.

INGREDIENTS: (Adjust the amounts of the ingredients to satisfy your taste)

1 Box white cake mix
1 large container of whipped topping
1 pkg. sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
1 container of strawberries

Bake cake per pkg. directions.  Chop strawberries and sweeten to taste (if needed).  Mix in pudding.  Fold in whipped topping.  Frost.  Refrigerate prior to serving.

Note: For an added punch, stick some holes in the baked cake layers and drizzle a little of the strawberry juice into the holes.  Then add some sliced strawberries between the layers and on top.

Note2: This recipe also works very well using pineapple instead of strawberries.  As far as I know, the Black Brothers Farm does not grow pineapple.........yet.

ENJOY!!!

Washington/Beaufort County real estate continues to set the pace for North Carolina in the sale of existing homes.  North Carolina had experienced 9 consecutive months of year-to-year growth until we hit a bump in the road in July 2010 (See "Double Digit Growth").  While the statewide sales numbers have been down slightly since July, the sales prices have continued an approximate 1% appreciation statewide to $200,250.00 in October.

The latest numbers reflect that Washington Beaufort County has again led the state with a 29% year-to-date total dollar sales growth.  Regarding sale prices, Washington/Beaufort County experienced more good news, being second only to the Charlotte area's 8% price appreciation, recording 7% appreciation for our area.  See my "Real Estate Really is Local" post.

Go to http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/October10.pdf for detailed information on the above figures.

The interest rates continue to be at historic lows in our area.  It is still a great time to buy a home!

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In what must have been the late 1970s, I was invited to the eastern shore of Broad Creek, near Washington, NC, to view the beginnings of a quite unique residential subdivision known as Pamlico Plantation.  Being a business owner on Broad Creek, I had heard rumblings of this development for some time and over the years have enjoyed seeing this area evolve into what I feel is one of the best kept secrets on the east coast.

Pamlico Plantation was developed by Weyerhaeuser Company on Broad Creek, which is about 6 miles east of Washington, NC. The most unique aspect of this subdivision was that it was planned around a robust, 200+ slip marina, which was to be held as common property with every residential property owner enjoying the use of an assigned boat slip.  This arrangement continues to this day, with the residents enjoying the marina, a club house, swimming pool, tennis courts and a boat ramp for a very modest HOA fee (approx. $80/month for a single family home or building lot).

Over the years, residents in our area have found North Carolina a wonderful place to live, retire or vacation.  We are blessed with 4 distinctive seasons, while avoiding the long-term, frigid cold of the north or the seemingly endless oppressive heat of the south.  Pamlico Plantation literature indicates the average summer and winter temperatures to be 78 and 45 degrees, respectively. We find that our average yearly snowfall of 1-2 inches is a real crowd pleaser.  Many people love to see a little of the white stuff, as long as there is not a shovel involved.

Our temperate climate also offers the opportunity for a comfortable daysail or boating trip on a warm afternoon in most any month of the year.  The Pamlico River offers both anchorages for short overnight trips or can be the launching point for one's worldly excursions.  Quite a few Pamlico Plantation residents have enjoyed extended boating trips while leaving their homes to the safety of this close-knit, gated community.  For more information on the Pamlico River, go to Washington....on the Pamlico.

If you are worried about the maintenance at Pamlico Plantation, fugetaboutit!!  You'll notice the freshly paved streets as you are driving in on the beautiful tree-lined entrance. Close inspection will reveal that every stringer, every riser, every brace, every deck board, every railing and every bolt has been replaced in the entire marina in the last 2 years.  That's a lot of "everys."  And the financials of Pamlico Plantation are just as solid as the concrete on the revamped launch ramp.

Probably the most impressive aspect of Pamlico Plantation lies in the hearts of the residents.  All accounts are that they genuinely enjoy each other's company and community get-togethers are the order of the day.  If you are considering moving into a recreational community and enjoy boating, you should look more closely at this rare find in eastern North Carolina.

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Check out the properties currently listed in PP below.

View ALL Pamlico Plantation Homes for Sale!

​View ALL Pamlico Plantation Building Lots for Sale!

When people think of "Smoke on the Water," many will remember the iconic guitar riffs of Deep Purple's 70s song of the same name.........unless they are in Washington, NC this weekend.  You see, this is the weekend that the Washington Noon Rotary presents its annual "Smoke on the Water" festival, one of Eastern NC's most anticipated events.  The festivities run from 10:00AM on Friday (Oct. 22) until 5:00PM (Oct. 23).  Come and join in the fun, if you can! 

Friday evening is packed so full of events that you will want to plan your schedule to be able to get it all in.  Music in the Streets (Free), Movie in the Park (Free/Featured movie is We are Marshall) and The Red Clay Ramblers (Ticketed Event at the Turnage Theater) are all included for your enjoyment.  You will not want to miss the "Parade of the Pig" at 6:30.  The "showmanship" portion of the pig cooking judging will begin Friday evening, as well.  May the best pig win!

Saturday morning jumps off to a quick start with a 5K Run. The "serious" judging of the pig and chili cooking also begins with awards presented late in the morning.  Festivities during the day include an art show (Civic Center), a Classic Car Show (Stewart Parkway), a rock climbing wall, live music during most of the day, children's story telling, a fire engine pull and more. On Saturday, the winning pigs and chili (they are all winners in my book) will be sold by various vendors in the form of sandwiches, chili bowls, etc. Also, don't forget to visit the sidewalk sales offered by the hard-working Downtown Merchants.

If you are close to Washington, why don't you come on by and have some fun.  If you are not close to Washington, you should be and I can fix that!  I'm at The Rich Company in Washington now and would just love to talk with you (or your friends or family) about your real estate needs.  Please visit our new website.  You might also want to check out our "almost famous" home search website.

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This is yet another installment in my series of posts regarding the "local" nature of the real estate market, as it relates to North Carolina.  Feel free to check out my post from May 24th and another from July 28th.  These posts point out the fallacies of portraying too large an area with general characterizations while describing the state of the real estate market.

As the July 28th post points out, the overall market in NC has been much stronger than 2009. We experienced 4 consecutive months of double digit growth in the state, as a whole, and saw sale prices rise by a 1% average over the state. The average sale price increase in the Pitt County market was 6% at the end of June, leading the state in this category.

The almost good news is that existing home sales started to slide a little in July and continued this trend in August, when compared to each month from a year ago. Despite this little bump in the road, year to date sales data continue to be ahead of 2009.  

Speaking of year to date sales growth, the really good news is that Washington-Beaufort County led the state this month with a 61% increase in total dollar sales.  Washington-Beaufort County also showed the largest price appreciation in the state, with a 9% gain.  The average existing home sale prices increased by 3% statewide.  The Outer Banks area also showed some nice increases.

For full information on the statistics compiled by the North Carolina Association of Realtors, go to http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/August10.pdf .

The moral of this story is "it's an opportune time to buy property in NC!" The prices are great, the mortgage rates are at historic lows making it a win-win for buyers!

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When you think of historic landmarks, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I know....a hot dog stand, right?  No?  Not where you are?  Well, in Washington it is!

Bill's Hot Dog Stand was opened in 1928 here in Washington. The original stand's present location is at 109 Gladden Street in Washington, NC.  A second location has been opened in the past few years at the Washington Square Mall.  A few "Bill's Connoisseurs" claim the original location's dogs to be better than the new stand (sort of a large bottle of Coke vs. small bottle of Coke thing). I must say that I have had plenty from both locations and can't discern any difference. I had the pleasure of working for a short while with one of the founder's sons a few years ago, and enjoyed his "hot dog" stories from his youth.  Does he still eat them? Absolutely, and quite a few at the time.

When you enter either of the locations (but particularly the original), the first thing that catches you attention is the ambiance!  The fact that this establishment was founded next to a feed/hardware store is inescapable.  You can almost imagine people coming to town for supplies all those years ago and enjoying a few "dogs" on the return trip home (you can't eat just one / it's a law!). The bottom line is that if you are looking for elegant seating (or seating of any kind for that matter), a diverse menu, or chit-chat, you might want to rethink a visit here.  There will almost always be a line of people waiting and don't be surprised if the person in front of you says something like, "I'll have 20 all the way, 6 with extra chili, 12 with no onions and 1 with just mustard."  My question is, "Who orders a hot dog with just mustard at Bill's?" This person in front of me probably made the mistake of saying that they were going to Bill's for lunch, at work!  While at work, any mention of going to Bill's for lunch brings numerous friends forth, all with orders in hand.

At Bill's, you get your choice of any combination of mustard, onions and chili......or double chili for the adventuresome!  All of the above are applied with wooden paddles and the ladies who work here are "professionals."  Do not attempt this at home!  The very best can toss the onions and catch them with the buns, which are steamed, soft and just right.  It is amazing just how fast the above-mentioned order of 39 dogs can be prepared (large orders can be called in/please do this if you are standing in front of me).  The mustard and onions are pretty self-explanatory, but, unquestionably, it is the cooking and the chili that magically makes it a Bill's Hot Dog.  The dogs are cooked pretty thoroughly to a shriveled state (I'm not a cook and will refrain from offering too much detail) before they are "plated." In this case "plating" means slapped in a bun with the desired condiments. The chili, which is likely quite different than what you are probably envisioning, is a SPICY, proprietary mix that so many people find almost addictive.  My son-in-law, Justin, is addicted and lives about 200 miles away.  Sometimes it takes quite a few during visits to get him fixed up again!

Please take what I am about to say in a positive light.  Bill's Hot Dog Stand enjoys an almost cult following and it's not just from the locals.  All these years of people moving into and out of Washington have created a need for shipping Bill's Hot Dogs to far away places by various methods (by friends and family/not Bill's staff). This happens so often that the ladies at Bill's suggested to me recently that they do not steam the buns for some of these "Trip Dogs."  Recently, my wife and I were having our car serviced at our dealership about an hour away and our salesman, Shawn, started looking around in our car. Acknowledging our puzzled expressions, he said, "I just figured there had to be some Bill's Hot Dogs in here somewhere!"  This was obviously a little nudge that it's time to take him a dozen or so on our next visit.

Well, I've got to go now.  After all of this, guess what I'm having for lunch?

If you know anyone moving to Washington to be nearer to Bill's Hot Dog Stand, tell them about my new state of the art home search website.

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Contact Info for Bill's Hot Dog Stand