Outer Banks Replacement Bridge Approved
After much deliberation (planning started in 1990!), State and Federal officials have approved the replacement of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge; a 2.7 mile structure that spans the Oregon Inlet and connects South Nags Head to Hatteras Island.
In preparation, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is looking for a contractor to oversee the construction project. This will be a $304 million dollar job and so far six contractors from around the country have submitted bids.
The first stage of construction is included in the Federal Government’s 2009 budget and will cover $243.5 million that is required for the project. The state will cover the remaining $60.8 million. The award will be presented to the winning bidder on July 9, 2008.
Before a pile can be driven, the winning contractor will be required to secure environmental permits from at least six state and federal agencies. This can be a timely process, which might delay construction until early 2010.
Hopefully we will see a new and improved bridge in the near future.
Outer Banks Jeep Tours
Jeep Tours Are an Excellent Way to See the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks (OBX) is one of the most remote and naturally preserved coastal areas on the East Coast, if not the entire Continental US, and the best part is that the area is readily available for all to enjoy. Gorgeous beaches stretch for miles, endless outdoor activities are easily accessible, and a large portion of the natural environment is preserved allowing an abundance of wildlife to thrive.
A great way to get the full OBX experience is to take advantage of a self-guided Jeep tour. Companies on the Outer Banks rent Jeeps and map out routes for you to explore on your own. Renting a Jeep is a perfect way to explore the sections of the Outer Banks that are impossible to traverse in a mini-van. Jeeps can be used to get up close and personal with amazing wildlife that you would otherwise not be able to see from the beaten path Sunset tours are a particularly great way to see the outer banks.
It is always a great time to visit the outer Banks (it was 68 degrees on Dec. 28!!), and great vacation homes are available year round.
Holiday Spirit on the Outer Banks
The Holiday Spirit is alive and well on the Outer Banks.
The Holidays are more than gifts wrapped under a tree; the genuine meaning behind our beloved winter holidays is a renewed appreciation for the truly important aspects of life…friends and family, health, a roof over your head and food on your table. Nowhere is this meaning more evident than the Outer Banks, specifically the Interfaith Community Outreach.
The Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) is an interfaith organization of volunteers who are supported by more than 20 local faith communities and network partners. The (ICO) provides emergency gap services and referrals to people on the Outer Banks and surrounding areas who have no other place to turn for help.
ICO Services Include:
· Food
· Utilities
· Transportation
· Shelter
· Medical care
· Home rehabilitation
· Child care
· Community disaster recovery
Due to the sluggish economy this year, the ICO is stretched further than usual. The ICO is almost $25,000 over budget due to the difficult times many local residents are having. Volunteers and donations are greatly appreciated. For more information please visit the Interfaith Community Outreach’s website at: http://www.interfaithoutreach.com.
In an effort to be thankful for all the blessings we have and show our support for local residents who may be less fortunate, Seaside Vacations chose to forgo an end-of-the-year holiday party in lieu of a donation to the Interfaith Community Outreach. Instead of a fully catered party to celebrate the successes of 2008 and welcome in a great 2009, the employees of Seaside Vacations felt it would be more appropriate given the time of year and the current economic slowdown to help those who may be in need. A check was donated last week during an office pot-luck lunch.
Happy Holidays from Seaside Vacations.
Outer Banks: Carova Beach Park
Carova Beach Park is open for all to enjoy. Carova is the northern-most beach on the Outer Banks; it is also known as the “4-wheel drive area” because you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the beach. This is also the area where the majority of the Outer Banks’ wild horses roam freely.
The park was completed ahead of schedule in early September.
The park is accessible by foot, truck, or boat, and it offers great facilities for a variety of activities.
· Great area to enjoy the beautiful OBX weather and a casual stroll with loved ones and your four-legged friends
· Ideal location for fishing and crabbing
· Professional size volley ball court
· Horseshoe pits
· Four picnic shelters and grills
· The only public restrooms in the 4 x 4 area.
The design of the park allows for expansion, and a playground has been discussed as a future addition.
Rain or shine, Carova Beach Park is a great place to spend time in the 4 x 4 area.
Outer Banks is a Premier Vacation Destination
The Outer Banks was recently highlighted on Away.com. Away.com is an online travel business within Orbitz that is the leading online provider of information and inspiration about active travel and the outdoor lifestyle.
The Outer Banks offers the ideal vacation for all walks of life. The Outer Banks is rich in cultural, historic, culinary, and natural activities.
With some of the world’s best beaches, there is ample opportunity for a relaxing vacation filled with nothing but sun and sand. However, if you are looking for great activities in addition to lounging around the pool or on the beach while on your vacation, OBX is the vacation destination for you and your family.
· It can be argued that the Outer Banks is home to some of the best surf on the east coast. Don’t know how to surf yet? There are a number of businesses around the area that will help you learn how to test the laws of gravity and ride the waves.
· Kiteboarding is another excellent activity that is offered on the Outer Banks, and the consistent windy conditions make the Outer Banks one of the best locations for great kiteboarding. Pamlico Sound is a premier spot to pick up kiteboarding. Kiteboarding is an activity that is fun and relatively easy learn.
· Scuba dive the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Outer Banks offers over 600 wrecks that are abundant with sea life.
· Ocracoke Island is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. A short ferry’s ride away, Ocrocoke is packed with historical sites and attractions that will be fun for the whole family.
See first-hand why the Outer Banks is a world premier vacation destination…one visit and you’ll be hooked.
Gorgeous vacation rentals are available year round.
“Lunch & Learn” on the Outer Banks
A free community workshop program, called “Lunch & Learn,” is starting this Friday at the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head. Every other Friday, the workshop will have a new visiting specialist who participants can schedule a consultation with before or after the workshop.
This Friday is a free Cancer workshop. Dr. Hendrik van Deventer, University of North Carolina cancer specialist will have an hour long presentation, from noon to 1 pm, discussing lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. A light lunch will be offered to all in attendance.
Seating is limited; if you would like to attend, please register with Dare County Public Relations Coordinator Dorothy Toolan at 252-475-5903 or dorothy@darenc.com .
Outer Banks, a Vacation Favorite of Jimmy Buffet
Outdoor enthusiast and singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffet, spent some free time on the Outer Banks last month.
Buffet drove his “veggie burning beach cruiser,” dubbed the “Green Tomato” from New York to Florida, and on his way South he took the time to drive the full length of Rt. 12 (a.k.a the “Beach Road”), from Kitty Hawk to Ocracoke.
What does Jimmy do on his vacations to the Outer Banks? Jimmy is a big fan of the Outer Banks and an outdoor enthusiast. He spent his time visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial, local restaurants, and spent most of his time enjoying nature and the world-class outdoor activities the Outer Banks has to offer. Buffet is an experienced surfer, so he spent some time surfing in Hatteras, and he made time for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
You can find more information on Jimmy Buffet’s trip to the Outer Banks on his website.
Outer Banks 105th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ Flight
The 105th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers famous first flight will be held on Wednesday December 17th beginning at 8:30am at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
During the ceremony the National Park Service will recognize the Wright Brothers for their outstanding achievements in aviation. The event will be held in the exact spot that the first flight actually took place.
A series of jet and fighter planes will be scheduled to fly by the monument to pay tribute to the Wright Brothers.
James May, a distinguished guest speaker and president of the Air Transport Association will also be in the audience to give a speech honoring the brother’s achievements. There will be activities planned throughout the day and the park opens at 8 am.
Please join the celebration.
You can find further information at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Outer Banks Winter Educational Series
Currituck Heritage Park is hosting their Winter Education Series held at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla.
What: The Knapp Legacy in Currituck – Illustrated Program
When: Tuesday, December 16 at 10:00 am
Where: Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Joseph P, Knapp, is a famous publisher and philanthropist from Currituck. He has made valuable contributions to North Carolina’s educational system.
Call 252-453-0221 for reservations.
Donations are greatly appreciated.
Christmas House on the Outer Banks
The infamous “Christmas House” has returned to the Outer Banks again this year.
The Paulos family has gone all out with Christmas decorations again this holiday season, and they invite young and old to take in the spectacle. Feel free to park your car and wander around the yard to get the full effect and boost your holiday spirit.
In recent years, the home has been featured on the Today Show and HGTV.
A night viewing is optimal to get the full effect of the lights. Time and effort this family puts into their decorations is astounding.
Directions:
The house is located in Kill Devil Hills near the Nags Head Woods entrance
Heading South on Rt. 158 into Kill Devil Hills
1. Proceed to light at Ocean Acres Dr. (opposite MacDonald’s)
2. Turn right at Ocean Acres Dr.
3. The road will change from paved to gravel as you go up a hill. Just over the top of the hill you will find the Poulos home.
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