Quick hits: Ferry to Shackleford & a perfect storm hits MB park

Group wants input on sites for Shackleford Banks ferry
"Cape Lookout National Seashore is looking for a base of operations for ferry service to Shackleford Banks and wants the public’s input on potential sites in Beaufort and Morehead City," said the Daily News.

"The two towns offer the shortest ferry ride to Shackleford Banks, and the park service is studying potential departure sites for a single base of operations in the area, said Cape Lookout Management Assistant Wouter Ketel.

"A public meeting is set for Wednesday as part of an environmental assessment now under way.

"Ketel said the information will provide the public with information on possible sites already identified and also gather their input on those sites and any other ideas they may have. ..."

Myrtle Beach park hit by 'perfect storm'
"Freestyle Music Park, the successor of bankrupt Hard Rock Park, had a sub-par debut summer, but the park will survive, officials say.

" 'Overall, I’m real happy and proud of this summer,' said Steve Baker, president of FPI MB Entertainment, which bought the park out of bankruptcy in February.

" 'We got the park open. The park looks great, the employees are outstanding, and the guest reviews have been terrific. The results of the park are not what we wanted, but I don’t think we understood the economy like it was going to be,' " he told the Sun News.

"Unlike its predecessor, Freestyle is finishing its first summer without a threat of bankruptcy, but it wasn’t a financial home run. Several firms have filed lawsuits against the park to receive payment for services, and much of the summer was marked by deep discounting to attract thrill-seekers. ..."

Ferry tickets (online)! Get your ferry tickets (online)!

From The Charlotte Observer:

The N.C. Department of Transportation is selling advance tickets for the toll ferries that operate to islands along the coast.

This service might be of help to anyone who is planning to visit the islands this summer. The service will continue throughout the year.

Ticket sales will require a credit car[d] (Visa or Mastercard), and any refunds or cancellations must be made by 4 p.m. of the day prior to departure.

By the way, that website address is http://www.ncdot.org/transit/ferry/reservations/default.html

Ferry schedules to be cut

The News & Observer's Bruce Siceloff is reporting that budget constraints will lead to the N.C. DOT's Ferry Division to cut some ferry schedules this summer.

"The changes will affect tourists and fishermen who take the Pamlico Sound ferries to Ocracoke Island, and commuters who use the Cherry Branch - Minnesott Beach and Bayview - Aurora river ferries," Siceloff writes.

"The Pamilco Sound toll ferry, which usually adds more runs for the busy summer season, will stay on its reduced winter schedule this year: four round trips daily (instead of the usual six) between Cedar Island and Ocracoke, and two trips (instead of four) between Swan Quarter and Ocracoke. ..."

Go to www.ncferry.org or call 1-800-293-3779 for more information.

One of the "neatest" (do people still say "neat"?) things about North Carolina's ferry system is the fact that the vessels are named after the state's colleges and universities, as these photos show the Duke and N.C. State ferries, respectively, proving that the ferries are named for private and public schools.