Funds Secured for Outer Banks Lighthouse Restoration
Funds have been secured for the restoration of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
It is estimated that the project will cost a total of $3 million. The project consists of repairing corrosion, repairing of a portion of the spiral staircase, and the replacement of the $100,000 1st Order Fresnel lens that sits on top of the lighthouse.
Secondary focus will be paid to the restoration of masonry and stone, rehabilitations to sections of the flooring windows and framing, and an upgrading on electrical systems.
The project is scheduled to begin in August and should be completed within 18 months.
Progress Made Towards a New Outer Banks Bridge
State officials have signed a preliminary agreement with an international group of private enterprises to build a seven mile long toll bridge across the Currituck Sound connecting mainland Currituck to Corolla.
ACS Infrastructure Development and Dragados USA, are both subsidiaries of Spanish firms and will be granted the task of constructing this enormous project. This project is estimated to cost the state $650 million and would link Currituck County to the northern beaches of the Outer Banks, cutting down on traffic into Kitty Hawk significantly during heavy periods of tourism.
Early projections have pegged toll rates at $10-$15 dollars for a one-way crossing of the bridge. Adam Norko, Seaside Vacations Director of Marketing, says “Coming in through that traffic can be a real daunting task, and I think tourists I’ve talked to would pay an extra $10 to get to their home here an extra hour earlier.”
Construction would be slated to begin in 2010 with projected completion for 2013.
Outer Banks Aquarium Employee to Receive National Honor
N.C. Aquarium Dive Safety Officer Patrick Murphy To Receive U.S. Department of Interior Award
Roanoke Island, NC – Patrick Murphy, dive safety officer for the North Carolina Aquariums on Roanoke Island (NCARI) will receive a U.S. Department of Interior Partners in Conservation Award for his efforts on behalf of the Battle of the Atlantic Expedition in the summer of 2008.
David Alberg, sanctuary superintendent Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently contacted Murphy about receiving the award in Washington, D.C. Alberg said, “Your efforts have proven to be a constant in our partnership and conservation of the Monitor Marine Sanctuary.” “This award underscores not just the importance of preserving our Nation’s cultural heritage, but the role we all play in assuring those resources are managed properly for future generations. The participation by the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island in helping educate the public about the value of maritime heritage resources was instrumental to the long-term success of the project. “Congratulations Pat!”
Other team member’s besides NCARI were NOAA, National Park Service, East Carolina University, UNC Coastal Studies, and Mineral Management Service.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Sidney R. Yates Auditorium, Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C., on Thursday May 7 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior will present the awards.
How Did the Outer Banks Get Its Name?
The Outer Banks of North Carolina has not always been known as such to visitors and locals alike. How did this barrier island become known as the Outer Banks?
Until recent years, the area was referred to as Nags Head. Even up until a few months ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation had an exit for the Outer Banks that labeled the area as Nags Head.
“Up here, everything from Oregon Inlet north was Nags Head, Hatteras and Ocracoke was the Banks,” said Allen Burrus, a 56-year old native of Hatteras village. “Manteo was Roanoke Island. And of course south of us was Down East.” Old advertisements invited visitors to “Come to Nags Head” or the “Dare beaches” or the “Sir Walter Raleigh cost land.”
In a collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library, the earliest mention of the Outer Banks, written in lowercase, in the New York Times archives was on Dec. 26, 1932, according to Nicholas Graham, the state’s maps project manager.
As far as locals and the Dare County tourism board are concerned, the changing of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s sign is a huge success story. “That’s how powerful the brand is,” said Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
The Outer Banks brand is catching on, and the OBX alias is a close second.
Benefits of Off-Season Travel to the Outer Banks
Summer on the Outer Banks is exceptional; warm temperatures, sunny Carolina skies, warm water, and a lot to see and do. However, the truth is that the Outer Banks is exceptional at any time of year. The mild climate is always inviting, the water stays warm through November, the surf and fishing is best in the fall and spring, local events are scheduled throughout the year, and best of all, OBX is practically empty once the summer visitors head home for school and work.
There are a lot of benefits to traveling to the Outer Banks during the “off-season,” and a recent article on DestinationsForLeisure.com does a great job of highlighting these benefits. Traveling in the off-season is a great way to save money. The rates for lodging, flying, and other costs associated with traveling are reduced in the down season. Traveling in the off-season is a great way to have a more intimate experience with the Outer Banks and get to know the area without large crowds. Great vacation rentals are available throughout the year.
Wingo De Mayo – Celebration of Wine, Beer, Wings, & Music
Great Wing Cook Off
This event is kid-friendly…..if you have friendly kids! No dogs please.
Tickets are available at Native Vine Nags Head, Native Vine Point Harbor, Chilli Peppers, Stripers, or by calling 252-491-5311. Prices are as follows:
Wine and Beer Tasting $20 in advance and $25 day of.
Wing Cook Off $10 over 12 years of age, 8-12 $5, under 8 free (no advanced sale available)
There will be three bands playing. Go to the band section
There will be food available for purchase from Chilli Peppers.
Local artisans and vendors will be selling their goods as well.
You say that wine tasting doesn’t relax you enough, let Barry Leplante work you over with a deep message.
Unique Natural Wonders on the Outer Banks – Classic OBX Sunset
The Outer Banks is a very unique location; a remote group of barrier islands that run from the Virginia border down the North Carolina coast.
One of the benefits of being a “barrier island” is water on both sides, so the OBX gets calm water and great sunsets over the Sound, but also miles of beaches including secluded beaches and beaches you can drive with a 4X4 vehicle, plus gnarly surf, great sunrises over the ocean, and wild horses….not to mention the location of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, home to Black Beard the Pirate, and the list goes on…
Here’s an example of a classic spring sunset on the Outer Banks.
Successful Outer Banks Bike Week – Thanks Bikers!
Thanks to all of the bikers visiting the Outer Banks this past weekend.
The weather was gorgeous and all of the events were a great success. The roar of the engines and the amazing sights were a great addition to the fabulous OBX weather.
See you next year!
Outer Banks Bike Week Arrives at Seaside Vacations
Seaside Vacations is the proud sponsor of Outer Banks Bike Week 2009 – Harley Owner’s Group. OBX Bike Week officially kicked off yesterday, and along with great weather and great sights, the Outer Banks is welcoming great guests.
Here’s a picture of one group of bikers that are staying with Seaside Vacations. Last minute vacation rentals are still available….it’s a perfect weekend to be on the Outer Banks.
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