The 7th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week started today.
Great sights and gorgeous weather make this a perfect OBX weekend.
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Last minute vacation rental homes still available.
Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard the Pirate, is quite possibly the most famous pirate that ever roamed the earth. PBS aired a show last night at that discussed the life of Blackbeard and his journeys pillaging at sea.
There was a time during his reign of terror that he commanded four ships that consisted of a crew 400 strong. The crews were unrelenting, pillaging ships all across the Atlantic. Many of these vessels were terrorized in American waters. In the year of 1718, Blackbeard blockaded the city of Charleston, which had great impact of the city’s economy. Eventually, the pirate was caught and beheaded off the coast of the Outer Banks.
A marine archeology team recently discovered what they believe is Blackbeard’s sunken flagship, The Queen Anne’s Revenge, off the OBX coast. They are hoping that this discovery will help answer some long enduring questions about Blackbeard’s life and death. Check local listings for details and scheduled reruns.
This week marks the annual celebration of our National Parks (National Park Week), and the Outer Banks has a variety of National Parks getting in on the celebration.
Several programs are scheduled throughout the week; Monday thru Sunday.
Programs will consist of a daily presentation of the Lost Colony play at noon at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, the first full week of public climbing at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton and daily programs at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. There will also be junior rangers programs for the kids.
Away.com recently created a top ten list of places to live like a pirate, and the Outer Banks landed at # 2.
Ocracoke Island receives attention from pirate lovers everywhere. The quaint island located on the southern end of the OBX was the home of Blackbeard the Pirate, and much lore still surrounds the island.
Ocracoke offers a variety of pirate related activities and history. Two must-sees for any pirate enthusiast are the Blackbeard museum and Tech’s Hole, now a great fishing spot, but in 1718 it was the site of the Battle of Ocracoke that cost Blackbeard his life.
Saturday ushered in a great combination of gorgeous spring weather and fun surf on the Outer Banks.
Sunny skies with temps in the low 70’s, a light wind out of the west, and some residual swell left from a few days of turbulent seas created a picture (and video) perfect day to enjoy OBX beaches and waves.
Here are a couple professional shots of the action.
Spring is a great time to visit the Outer Banks with warm spring weather welcoming the gradual shift to summer, and empty beaches that will soon be overflowing with beachgoers.
Legislation was recently passed to authorize the construction of the North Carolina Aquarium Pier in Nags Head. This pier replaces Janette’s Pier that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and recently torn down. The new pier will be located near whalebone junction, which is where Nags Head meets the road to Hatteras Island.
Governor Bev Purdue and other state lawmakers anticipate great positive impact on the state’s economy and tourism with the construction of the new pier. State Government officials anticipate the construction of the pier will require 555 on-site jobs and 1250 off-site jobs. The predicted economic impact of this new project is estimated to be over $14 million.
The estimated $25 million project will be funded from admission receipts, private funds, and funds from a storm water pilot project. The pier will be constructed to serve several purposes: a tourist attraction, but also an educational and storm water management structure.
Native Vine, an OBX wine purveyor and tasting room, offers daily and weekly wine tastings in their dedicated tasting room.
Friday’s (April 17) tasting will focus on Italian Wines
The tasting is just $15. Please call for reservations at 252.491.5311.
Next Friday and Saturday tastings will focus on wines from an upcoming wine festival.
The Outer Banks has a rich historical record; the Wright Brothers’ first flight, sub wrecks from WWII, Black Beard the pirate, and a diverse legacy of Native Americans.
The Native American history on the OBX is not widely known, but an increased awareness is developing. Two upcoming events help demonstrate this increased awareness.
1. The American Indian Town and Cultural Education Center will open this spring at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, North Carolina. The center will be a new historical documentation of the experiences that the first colony endured when they explored the New World in 1587. Activities include a variety of true-to-scale structures, role play environments and places to explore, plant, dance, build and play. The park’s centerpiece is the Elizabeth II, a replica of a 16th century English sailing vessel. For more information call 252-475-1500, or visit www.roanokeisland.com.
2. The eleventh annual inter-tribal powwow will be held April 24-26 on Hatteras Island. This event will be sponsored by the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center and will include three days of activities. Activities such as pine needle basket workshops, and an actual powwow that will be open to the public. “We know it is a privilege to be able to celebrate on ancestral ground,” said Carl Bornfriend, director of the Frisco Native American Museum. “Each year a few more people join the small band of natives who can trace their heritage to the original inhabitants of our island. For them the powwow is truly a ‘journey home.’’ If you are interested in learning more about the Native American history of the Outer Banks, feel free to stop by for this event. Please call 252-995-4440 for more information or visit www.nativeamericanmuseum.org
The Vacation rental industry is beginning to surge in popularity.
According to PhoCusWright, renowned travel and tourism analysts, vacation rentals report more than 33 million available units in the US market as of 2007 and $24.3 billion in rental revenue. Approximately 10 percent of all US adults and nearly 20 percent of all online travelers have booked a vacation rental. There is a huge growth opportunity for vacation rentals, and their value compared to traditional hotel stays is becoming clearer to the vacationing public.
“Vacation rentals are really starting to catch on,” says Margie ‘Di Guiseppe’ Van Zee, COO/Founder of Bella Palazzo, a company that markets a higher-end inventory of vacation homes. “People are starting to realize they can have the uniqueness of a private venue and have access to the wow factor. This is a more intimate experience and we are also able to offer all the hotel type amenities and services.”
Something else that should be pointed out about vacation rentals is the incredible value that the travelers receives when booking a property. “The average 5-star luxury vacation home is less expensive than a mid-range hotel on a cost per night/person basis,” said Michael McFadden, co founder of At the Society.
Seaside Vacations has great vacation rental homes that start as low as $30 per person per night.
Tuesday, April 14th
“Make & Take Craft”
Create your own Art-de-Fact from a horseshoe crab!
9AM – 10AM
Great for all ages!
$5 per participant
Reservations Encouraged
Wednesday, April 15th
“Scavenger Quest”
Find your way through the maze of clues to get your prize!
10AM – NOON
Great for the entire family!
$5 per participant or 5 for $20
Reservations Encouraged
Wednesday, April 15th
“Wine Festival”
Kick back & enjoy NC wines & the soft breezes of the sound!
3PM – 6PM
$15 per Imbiber
Face Painting, 3PM – 5PM
Reservations Encouraged
Thursday, April 16th
“Moonlight Ghost Tour”
Walk the Steps of Pirates & Ghosts & Shipwrecks — If you dare!
Dusk, Around 7:30PM
Great for the entire family!
$14 per participant
Reservations Required
