OBX | Dani Jace. Romance Author

Christmas Tree at Elizabethan Gardens — Christmas Tree at Winter Lights in Manteo

Ever since The Elizabethan Gardens began a lighted Christmas tour I’ve wanted to see the Winter Lights in Manteo on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Last weekend, my son and I met my sister-in-law, who lives on OBX, and took the tour. She said this year’s display is the best yet. Each year they continue to grow adding more decorations and lights. Like a kid in a candy store with camera in hand, I clicked away.

Click on the poinsettia tree to take a brief photo tour of the Winter Lights and the Manteo waterfront featuring the masted ship, the Elizabeth II and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. If you have a opportunity to visit the Outer Banks during the holiday season, the gardens are lit until December 30.

In my novella White Doe, currently FREE on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/lbjprju, Shane seeks refuge at a remote beach after learning his great-grandfather has died. The rangy dunes of Coquina Beach near Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina came to mind when I wrote this scene. Named for the tiny Coquina clams (Donax variabilis), the beach is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore preserve.

Coquina was listed as one of the top ten beaches in 2009 by Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. I think it is the most beautiful beach in Dare County north of Hatteras Island. It’s a photograph’s dream with lush sea oats covering tall, plentiful dunes. The beach allows four-wheel access if you obtain a permit. http://www.outerbanks.org/outerbanks-driving-on-the-beach/

Hope you’ve enjoyed this Banx Bound post and will check out White Doe and visit Coquina if you visit OBX. Here’s some of my pics of Coquina Beach. Love your comments!