A few months ago, a centuries-old live oak was cut down to make way for the new bike path in Buxton. It broke our hearts. But something beautiful happened in its place. Thanks to the care and collaboration of @kevinmccabe073 and @capehatterasnps, a new live oak has been planted — and it now bears the name of our daughter, the first in our family to be born on this island. A symbol of stewardship. Of memory. Of hope. This poem was written in honor of that tree, and of the deeper legacy we all share as caretakers of this land. I was born where the pine needles met the soft, wet soil — beneath the low limbs of the live oak, draped in moss like the old stories that hung in our breath. Before pavement cut lines across the dunes. Before the ghost trees stood where fresh water once pooled. Before the sound of the surf was drowned by the hum of air conditioners and satellite trucks. We walked with the wind. Not against it. We burned what needed burning, fished what could be shared, and left the rest alone. The land was not owned. It was known. And that knowing — it was passed down, not bought, not sold, not carved into quarter-acre parcels with property lines and septic tanks. You stand here now — in a place that still breathes, barely — wearing a shirt sewn far away, eating food grown in soil you’ve never touched, believing that freedom is the right to own instead of the right to belong. But the land does not forget. She remembers the way the creeks ran clear and full. She remembers when the palmettos whispered beneath the shade of giants. She remembers the names of the fish, the birds, the people, the stories that came before you. And she still waits. Not for your guilt. But for your return. So walk softer. Look longer. Let this place — this ridge, this forest, this island — teach you again what it means to be part of something older, wilder, and wiser than yourself. For what could have been… still waits to be protected. But not by force. By care. 🌿 The Rainbow Live Oak Buxton, NC #OuterBanks #BuxtonNC #LiveOak #Stewardship #CapeHatteras #TheRainbowLiveOak #OBX #Conservation #IslandLife #ExploreOBX #TowerCircleMotel

Steps from the surf... Waxed my board and felt the stoke, First wave in—SNAP! That sucker broke. A local yelled, “That’s what you get!” (Then paddled out with a cigarette). Sunburnt back, foam in my hair, Locals yelling, “Go back where?” Board is snapped, ego fried— But Buxton's got me starry-eyed. da jetty breaks boards n egos too… But I’ll be back —wouldn’t you? 🌊 Book direct. Embrace the wild. [towercirclemotel.com] 252-655-1852 or just call us 🤙🏽😂

This hotel has been around longer than any other on Hatteras Island. some of the older guests can even remember a time when if you were on vacation here and someone from home wanted to reach you you would have to call the office and specify which room you wanted to reach. we have high speed Internet and cable today but you should really rent a bike and go for a swim instead 🤔😆 @buxtonbikes #bikerental #capehatteras #outerbanks #map #treasure #obx

🏝️Kids Graveyard of Atlantic's USA-made tee! It costs a bit more since it's made and printed locally. Or, hit up the big yellow store for 3 shirts at $10. Want to cop one? Comment 'USA' and get free shipping, or grab one when you're in the area. Vote with your $ not Facebook Post 😆 #madeinusaapparel #supportsmallbusiness #shoplocal #investobx #creative #vacation #beach #outerbanks

We do have some dog friendly rooms for friendly dogs