Nautical Flea Market and Yard Sale Comes to Portsmouth

By David Cartier

Author "A New Day ion Olde Towne"

Here is your opportunity to sell, swap, barter or buy and visit with boating friends.

Ocean Marine Yacht Center will hold its first Elizabeth River Boat & Nautical Yard Sale and Flea Market on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The event will take place in the Ocean Marine parking lot on Wavy Street, south of the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at Harbor Center in downtown Portsmouth. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Got Nautical Stuff? Interested vendors should clean out their vessels and/or storage lockers for items like marine equipment, dive gear, marine products, clothing, electronics, antiques, fishing gear, nautical arts and crafts, boats on trailers, etc. In other words, if it's nautical, bring it!

Vendors will not be charged a fee; admission is free for all. Vendors should bring their own tables and/or tents.

To sign up, call Ocean Marine Yacht Center at 757-321-7432. The deadline to register for this free opportunity is Thursday, April 22, 2010.

My recommendation is to show up early because with most flea markets and yard sales, the best stuff will be leaving early. Boaters traveling the AICW might find that one-of-a-kind item that they're searching for, so if you're passing by, give it a try!

Ocean Marine Yacht Center, One Crawford Court, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704.

About Ocean Marine Yacht Center
Ocean Marine's prime location is just one half mile south of Mile Marker Zero on the Intracoastal Waterway, and its unrestricted access from sea. They are located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Marina at Ocean Marine Yacht Center consists of 122 all-floating slips accommodating boats to 65' as well as 1500' of alongside dockage for larger (mega) yachts. All slips have water, telephone and cable television, and electricity hook-ups. Wireless Internet Service and a Courtesy Car are also available. Restrooms, showers, laundry room and ships' store are located in the Dockmaster Building.

A certified 'Green Marina', Ocean Marine Yacht Center was built to meet and exceed the stringent requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Upon check in, you will receive a welcome package containing information about local shops, restaurants, pubs, museums and scheduled events on the downtown waterfront, all within walking distance of Ocean Marine Yacht Center.

Ocean Marine is more than just a marina. It's the most modern, state-of-the-art yacht repair facility on the East Coast of the United States. The facility provides refit and repair, dockage and storage to yachts of all sizes. It's no wonder why Ocean Marine was selected as "Marina of the Month" in the January/February 2010 issue of Marina Dock Age magazine. "Ocean Marine's biggest business its its megayacht repair facility, which is an environmental caretaker" - Marina Dock Age magazine.

The mega yacht repair facility is second to none, boasting a 1,250-ton Syncrolift capable of hauling yachts to 235' via a ground level rail transfer system to an impressive paint/repair building capable of housing two megayachts simultaneously. Both bays of the indoor paint repair facility offer a cascading water wall washdown system, smooth paneled walls, overhead and recessed surround lighting, pressurized ventilation system, and heated floors for year round operation. In addition, Ocean Marine has unrestricted access from sea and offers 1500' of alongside dockage. The Refit Projects link lists some of the most beautiful privately owned megayachts that have called to Ocean Marine Yacht Center since its inception in April of 2002.

At Ocean Marine, their technicians are qualified to repair engines, transmissions, air conditioning, refrigeration, steering and hydraulic systems. The skilled and well-seasoned yard crew handles fiberglass and gelcoat repair, bottom paint, stabilizer, propeller, shaft and strut repairs. In addition, Ocean Marine features an 80-ton Travelift, a complete parts department and engine showroom.

A note about the auther: Throughout his hospitality career, David Cartier has been responsible for marketing destinations from Maine to Virginia. He will share the latest on the people, events and what’s happening in historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth. David, along with his wife Betsy own and operate Starboards Coffee Kiosk at High Street Landing, where they provide area information to locals, visitors and boaters alike. David regularly contributes articles to Mile Marker "0" and other Skipjack blogs.

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just Email me, at cjosephelder@gmail.com  I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained if requested).


Please share your experience with other boaters (both good and bad). We would also love to post your comments and pictures that you've taken while visiting us here in Olde Towne Portsmouth as well as your travels along the AICW.

It's Spring! Plan Now for April's First Friday Events

On Friday April 2nd, it's ‘FirstEvents Weekend’ in Olde Towne, Portsmouth featuring 'First Friday'. The event has grown and has become a joint effort among a number of local businesses. Participating businesses include those from the waterfront at High Street Landing and along the High Street corridor to Effingham Street.


This is the weekend that local galleries, antique shops, stores and museums in Portsmouth's Olde Towne come together for the city's most popular monthly evening escapes - 'First Friday'. Held the first Friday of each month, Olde Towne Portsmouth's arts & antiques community will play host to both casual browsers and serious buyers. This weekend is no exception with shoppers out for a night on the town. Numerous galleries, antique shops and specialty stores will participate, with some hosting receptions and exhibition openings.

Here is an idea of what you can expect this Friday among the local art galleries:

At High Street Landing, Riverview Gallery will have it's monthly First Friday opening reception for the April art show, BLOOMING, on the first Friday evening of April 2nd. Great live music, food, and art, all in the beautiful historic Seabord Railway building at One High St. Artists from Richmond to North Carolina will be displaying paintings, photography, and sculptural work depicting the beauty in world of flowers. This event is free and open to the public from 5pm to 8pm.

Further up High Street, The Visual Arts Center of Tidewater Community College plays host to their 39th Annual Student Art Show. Featuring over 200 works by more than 100 students, media include drawing, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, sculpture, computer generated imagery and mixed media. Works were created for art classes since last May, and represent program courses in Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Pottery and Glassblowing. The event runs through April 25, 2010. Brian Kreydatus, Associate Professor of Art, and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, is this year’s judge. The Awards Presentation will take place Saturday, April 10, 2010, 11 a.m., at The Commodore Theatre, 421 High Street, Portsmouth. During the event, Kreydatus will present over $4,600 in awards in recognition of artistic excellence. The Opening Reception will follow the presentation of awards at noon at the Visual Arts Center.

The theme for 'First Friday' at The Courthouse Galleries is 'The Courthouse, Inside & Out'.

Skye Zentz, an acoustically soulful multi-instrumentalist from Norfolk, will perform at the Courthouse Galleries. Skye has been a creator of songs since she was 3 years old and played guitar since the age of 16. By 21, she had picked up the ukulele and finished writing all the songs that would make it on her first album, Legitimate Bohemia. Skye received nominations for "Acoustic/Folk Artist of the Year" and "Album of the Year" at the 2008 Portfolio Music Awards. Her songs are honest, thoughtful and easy to relate to.

Jim Keiper and Dick Hamilton of the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), will provide a basic introduction to Tidewater railroad history and the transformation from steam to diesel along with discussing modular layout building and prototypes. Examples of historically accurate models will be on display during their presentation and discussion. A free 6-month membership will be available for anyone who wishes to join the NMRA. Both Keiper and Hamilton have been train enthusiasts since childhood.

Enjoy free admission and three great exhibits of '2010 Outdoor Sculpture', 'Trains & Transportation', and 'Illuminations: Tidewater Artists Explore the New', which features local artists within the Tidewater Art Alliance (TAA). Here's a look at each of the three exhibits:

2010 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Emily Smith of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA was the juror for the 2010 Outdoor Sculpture exhibition.

Her decisions were based on several factors: the characteristics of specific sites, relationship between the overall body of work and artistic quality. Selections reflect a balance of styles, from abstraction to more narrative approaches in materials ranging from stone, glass and steel to wood and wind.

Cast your ballot on your favorite sculpture featured in this historic garden setting (shown right) and help determine the People’s Choice Award for the 'Fifth Annual Outdoor Sculpture' exhibit. The show runs through October 10, 2010.

Trains and Transportation See a working model train layout featuring items from the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection. A locomotive bell, rear backup light from a steam engine, lanterns, pistons and many rare trains and accessories will delight visitors of all ages. This show runs through October 10, 2010.

ILLUMINATIONS: Tidewater Artists Explore the New This annual juried multi-media exhibit offers members of the Tidewater Art Alliance an opportunity to exhibit a body of works (shown above, top) that represent a developed theme, style or vision. This show runs through April 25, 2010.

For more information call 757.393.8543. Presented by The Courthouse Galleries are located at the corner of High and Court Street. Be sure to stop by from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This month in the window at Olde Towne Art there will be the paintings of Laura Tovar Dietrick, Sarah Hanson and Betty Cornwell Estrada. These three women are some of the finest local artists around.

Stop by for the opening of this new show on April 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be plenty of food and drinks, and great music from the well-known performer Warren Seaburg.

While in the gallery, you'll be able to see the works of the other 23 resident artists.


Perhaps you'll sign up for an art class, or take home a beautiful original work of art. Olde Towne Art is located at 525 High Street.


Make sure that you stop by and visit some of Olde Towne's finest antique shops. Antique Adventures located at 507 High Street, Nearthebay Antiques located at 310 High Street, Queen Bee’s Antiques located at 425 High Street and Way Back Yonder Antiques located at 620 High Street.

You’ll find a number of stores open during the evening. Specialty shops open Friday include:

Spring into Summer at Paperwhyte with their Vera Bradley Sale. "Buy a large Vera Bradley Tote Bag (selected styles) and get a Virginia Beach beach towel or flip flops at half price". Plan now for that special graduation gift or your summer vacation! The sale is Friday and Satuday, April 2 & 3, 2010. Located at 610 High Street.

Barbara Vincents' N E X T upscale consignment shop features home furnishings, rugs, art, lamps, the unique & unexpected. They are located at 607 High Street.

Paulette Joseph featuring Faveur Natural Essentials offers an elcectic mix fashion and apparel and gifts. Some of their popular brands include Brighton and Crabtree & Evelyn. They are located at 614 High Street.

Your ‘First Friday’ event is not complete until you have dined in one of Olde Towne's extensive selection pubs, restaurants and eateries all within a short walking distance with over 20 chef-owned and operated restaurants to choose from. Some listed below will have live entertainment:

Amore Casual Italian will offer 10% off that persons food bill with a reciept from ANY of the shops downtown. 606 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.337.8382. Open 11 a.m. to midnight.

Baron's Pub & Restaurant is offering a Happy Hour Specials. They feature live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Located at 500 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.399.4840. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Gosport Tavern will have live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 702 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.337.0637. Open 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Griff's Restaurant & Sports Lounge will featue live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday. 509 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.606.3990. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Montgomery Grill will feature live entertainment with 'Undercurrent' on Friday April 2nd and with 'Ted Doty' on Saturday April 3rd. All performances start at 9:00 and go until midnight. 725 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.393.3322. Open 11:00 a.m. until Midnight.


You'll also enjoy a couple of wine tastings taking place:

Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot will present a 'First Friday Wine Tasting' featuring wines by Cobblestone Cellars from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot is located at 501 High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Brutti’s at 467 Court Street will host a wine tasting at their new Wine Bar from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $1 per tasting glass. Enjoy live jazz featuring 'Drew Darrell and John Kidd Trio' from 7 p.m. til 10 p.m. Ask about the 'Specials' from Brutti's Kitchen. By the way, 'Black White Blues Band' performs Saturday night 8:30 p.m. til 11:30 p.m.


Interested in seeing a first run movie in a unique dining setting? The Ghost Writer (PG-13) is now showing at The Commodore Theatre starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan. This is a luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco style motion picture theatre presenting first run films with a fine dining restaurant within the main auditorium. Shows are daily at 7 p.m.; matinees Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Same day ticket sales, in person, at the boxoffice. 24 hour Theatre & show information: 757.393.6962. The Commodore Theatre is located at 421 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth.



About First Friday: First Friday is held along the seven blocks of historic High Street between Effingham Street and the Elizabeth River the first Friday of each month, rain or shine, year round. Most shops & galleries are open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no admission fee for First Friday - participating businesses are open to the public. The event was started a few years ago by Barbara Vincent, owner of the former Vincent Hester Gallery on High Street. Shortly after, she was joined by Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery and Way Back Yonder Antiques and the event grew. Other businesses soon joined in and the event has become well-known in Hampton Roads.

First Friday is part of ‘FirstEvents’ co-sponsored by Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth Partnership, Olde Towne Business Association, PRHA, EDA and the City of Portsmouth. This event is promoted by PortsEvents.

Have a great day!

David Cartier
Starboards