Vacation Rentals are a Great Alternative…Especially on the Outer Banks
The vacation rental industry is gaining tremendous momentum. The industry is in a clear period of growth. Vacation rentals are becoming more familiar to the general public, and vacationers are realizing the great benefits a vacation rental has over the typical hotel stay (lower costs, larger, more comfortable accommodations, a personal touch, linens and towles provided, “clean house guaranett”, private pools and hot tubs, many are dog friendly, etc.).
The well educated consumer is helping the industry grow and forcing improvements within the industry. For example, guest reviews are gaining in popularity. In addition to a well educated consumer, a major factor in the growth trends is the current state of the economy. There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period, and the general public is being much more prudent with disposable income. Vacationers want more for their money, and vacation rental homes offer much more than a typical hotel stay.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights these growth trends and industry improvements.
Outer Banks Marathon Sunday November 9th
The Outer Banks Marathon is four short days away.
Thousands of runners and their guests will converge on the Outer Banks this weekend for the 3rd annual OBX Marathon (www.OBXMarathon.com). Over 5,000 runners are registered; up about 20% this year. The field will include top runners from around the world, including Kenya and Ethiopia. The course and the weather should be condusive to fast times, helping those hopefull to qualify for the Boston Marathon through this run. Total prize purse money for this year’s event totals more than $25,000.
The OBX Marathon is a tremendous boost to the local economy during the “shoulder season,” with last year’s events generating an estimated $2 million in revenue to the local community. In addition, the marathon helps to support two local charities; The Dare Education Foundation (www.DareEducationFoundation.org) and The Outer Banks Relief Foundation (www.OuterBanksReliefFoundation.com).
Race Day Traffic Pattern: To help spectators get to the finish line and post-race festivities, all traffic entering Manteo/ Roanoke Island after 7:00am on race day will use the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, travel through Manns Harbor, cross the Manns Harbor Bridge and enter Manteo from the west side of the island. This will add an additional 15 minutes to your drive.
Spectator Spots All areas provide direct viewing and off-road parking immediately adjacent to the course.
Marathon course: • RPC Contracting, parking lot on south side of complex, 934. W. Kitty Hawk Road, by MM2, Kitty Hawk • Wright Bros. Memorial, parking lot north of the Monument, MP7, Kill Devil Hills • First Flight Elementary and High School – parking lots, 100 and 109 Veterans Drive, by MM9, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • Nags Head Woods Visitor Center, 701 W. Ocean Acres Drive, MP9.5, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Marathon and Half Marathon course: • YMCA , 3000 S. Croatan Hwy., MP11, between MM13 & MM14, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Outer Banks Mall, 5000 S. Croatan Hwy., MP14, between MM17 & MM18, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Tanger Outlet Mall, 7100 S. Croatan Hwy., MP16, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Pirate’s Cove Marina, 2000 Sailfish Drive, just before MM24, Manteo, NC 27954 • Dare County Justice Center, 962 Marshall Collins Drive, before MM25, Manteo, NC 27954 • Chesley Mall , US Highway 64, between MM25 & MM26, Manteo, NC 27954 • College of the Albemarle, 205 US Highway 64, before MM26, Manteo, NC 27954 Key: MM = Marathon Course Mile Marker MP = Milepost along US 158 (Croatan Hwy.)
Race Course (Map):
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