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Wave Scribble Line
Wave Scribble Line

SERVING UP DELICIOUS PLATES SINCE 2009

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Wave Scribble Line
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Classic family photo
Classic family photo
Classic family photo
Classic family photo

A Family Affair

Back in 1970, newlyweds Will and Karen Shields crossed the bridge to the Outer Banks for the first time. At age 26, Will, the son of a Pennsylvania farmer and butcher, had never seen the ocean. As he stood under Avalon Pier, holding his bride’s hand, he was awestruck. The rest is what he considers the family’s destiny. Through a series of career chapters and raising three great kids – Shannon, Scott and Cara, the family moved from Pittsburgh, to Maryland, to Harrisburg, on to Richmond, and finally to Nags Head. 

Will and Karen's son, Scott, grew up and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Culinary Academy. He met his future wife Melissa in classic Outer Banks summer style – she was waiting tables and he was a chef in the kitchen. They married and settled in Staunton, VA, honing their culinary skills and dreaming of one day ending up back on the sandbar. Then Scott made the phone call that cemented the family’s destiny. “Dad, it’s time we go into business. Let’s open a restaurant!”

After long hours of planning, Scott and Melissa sold their home in Virginia and moved to Nags Head with their young son. Six months later, a little 32 seat restaurant named Blue Moon Beach Grill was born. Popular with locals, the 'once in a blue moon dining experience' grew in popularity – as did the restaurant; expanding to 64 seats. Cara joined the family business in 2009, handling the marketing and ‘behind the scenes’ management. She met her husband, Cory, at Blue Moon and two daughters soon followed. Scott and Melissa now have four great kids and never a dull moment!

After 14 years in Surfside Plaza, Blue Moon had outgrown the space. The family commissioned a beautiful, custom-built restaurant just half a mile south. And that is where you will find the Moon today!

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Phases of the moon

2009
Blue Moon Beach Grill opens in Nags Head, with 8 tables and a small bar
2011
The walls are knocked down to provide double capacity
2019
A second expansion adds a waiting bar, host area and additional storage
2022
A lot is purchased and the new building construction begins
2023
The brand new, custom built Blue Moon opens just half a mile from the original site
Sunshine
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How to live on an island

DANCE ON THE EDGE. LOVE YOUR FAMILY. WATCH EVERY SUNRISE & SUNSET. LAUGH AT THE GULLS. THINK OF BUOYS AS TREASURE. TALK TO THE OSPREY. KAYAK. THANK GOD. SIT ON THE DOCK AT THE TOP OF THE BAY. EAT AT TORTUGAS. KNOW THAT SAND IS NOT DIRT. LISTEN TO SHELLS. TREAT YOUR DOG AS YOUR BEST FRIEND. RUN EVERY DAY. WHEN THE WIND HOWLS, HOWL BACK. LOOK FOR SEA GLASS. OPEN YOUR HEART. SIDEWAYS RAIN DANCE. RUN OVER THE DUNES. PRICK SAND PRICKERS BACK. STOP FOR A SWEET POTATO BISCUIT. BOOGIE. LEAVE NO WAKE. EBB & FLOW. WALK TENDER. SUGAR YOURSELF WITH SAND. BE THANKFUL.

-Love Dad, 2005

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Ready for your blue moon experience?

Discover how we blend incredible flavors and creative flair, with a side of southern hospitality. Join us to make unforgettable memories and have a ‘once in a blue moon experience.’

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