Hot weather, beaches, pools, cold drinks, and cookouts are only a few things that make summer spectacular. The season is also known for summer vacations. Potential vacationers might desire tropical climates such as Bermuda, Costa Rica, or even Cozumel. But they should know that they don’t have to go as far to get what they are looking for. Just off North Carolina's inland situated between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean features our own local paradise.

Ocracoke Island resides as part of the North Carolina outerbanks; but in addition, it is its own little island in Hyde County. Measured atabout 9.6 square miles, it is only reached by sea or private plane. Three ferries travel back and forth to the island, departing from Swan Quarter, Cedar Island, and Hatteras daily. Ferries are controlled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. To reserve your spot on a ferry this summer, call 1-800-BY-FERRY.

Ocracoke Island is home to around 800 residents on the island, otherwise referred to as ‘locals’. Their means of survival revolve around the success of their summer season. Ocracoke resembles a ghost town during the winter, so it is necessary for the locals to make their living between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends to last them through the dead months.

Luckily, it is not difficult for the residents of Ocracoke to achieve their success. Vacationers travel from afar to see Dr. Beach’s #1 choice for best beach in the country last year for 2007. Ocracoke bears beautifully clean sand that travels far from the grass to the water. 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed to drive directly onto the sand next to the water for easier access. Otherwise, pedestrians only have a short walk from the parking lots to their desired place of relaxation.

Do you remember way back last century before your kids were born when you often had one too many glasses of wine and sometimes forgot to floss your teeth but took those swing lessons because that swing was a' coming back? Remember it was the "Zoot Suit Riot" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and then there was the grandpapa of them all: The Squirell Nut Zippers. Sure, you remember singing along to "Hell" and "Put a Lid on it". Well the Zippers are back and touring, but that is not what I'm here to tell you. For all of you that traded in dancing dresses for stillettos and that mad jazz swing for something a little more laid back then I have a secret for you: Lucky.

Composed of Katherine Whalen and Will Dawson of The Zippers, and local timekeepers Darrell Young on Bass, and Steve Newton on Drums with Ken Johnson on guitar Lucky delivers witty and sometimes painfully poignient songs with lyrics that slice through the perverbial bullshit but leave plenty of room to shake your rump. The rhythm section brings decades of experience and add a layer of professionlism that is sometimes all too rare in local music. So go check Lucky out at www.myspace.com/ncluckyband and give the music a listen. They have more recordings on the way and I can tell you from personal experience that one of their live shows is an event not to be missed. So give'em a listen, get a sitter and come check out the show and if you drink a little too much wine and forget to floss your teeth then hey, at least the music will have been good.

-----------------------------------------------
Dustin Talley is a thirteen year musician who has played and recorded with musicians everywhere from North Carolina to Tennessee to Oklahoma to Seattle, Washington. He currently lives and works in Chapel Hill.