Outer Banks “Wind Farm” Continues to Make Progress

Posted on March 9, 2010

Wind Turbine

The Outer Banks wind energy project continues to make progress. It was recently announced that Army Corps of Engineers has asked Duke Energy to perform an environmental impact assessment. To begin the assessment process, Duke Energy will be holding a public meeting this month to discuss the project.

The meeting will be held in the town of Manteo, and the new environmental impact study will be the main topic of discussion. A Duke Energy spokesperson mentioned that the project is contingent on permits and that there is no specific start date for the project. The meeting will serve as a means of letting locals voice their opinions and express their concerns.

In addition, Duke Energy is currently working in conjunction with UNC Chapel Hill to conduct a demonstration project. The purpose of the demonstration project is to determine the feasibility of offshore wind turbines off the North Carolina coast. The demonstration project is capped by North Carolina statute at three offshore turbines. A UNC representative points out that a small demonstration project like this has the potential to move forward more quickly than larger projects and could be the first offshore wind project built in the United States.

Spring Arrives on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 8, 2010

It’s been a long winter, and Spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 20, but the signs of Spring are starting to show along the Outer Banks.

Early flowers are poking through, birds are singing, the sun is shining in the bright, Carolina blue skies, and the temps are heating up while the winds are calming down.

This past weekend saw sunny skies and temps climbing into the 50′s; still a bit below average, but the 5 day forecast shows sunny skies and temperatures approaching 60 this week. Looks like great weather for the Taste of the Beach and the St. Patrick’s Day parade this weekend.

The fish are still biting, and surf is always inviting…especially with empty beaches.

It’s always a great time to be on the Outer Banks. Gorgeous vacation homes available!

Grand Opening of Outer Banks TJ Maxx

Posted on March 8, 2010

Outer Banks TJ Maxx

The Outer Banks is about to get the “Max for the Minimum.” In December, the Outer Banks Sentinel announced the pending arrival of TJ Maxx to the Outer Banks, and the grand opening has now been scheduled.

Crews have been hard at work getting the old Nags Head Food Lion store converted, and according to the TJ Maxx website, the OBX TJ Maxx grand opening is scheduled for April 22, 2010.

2210 South Croatan Hwy
Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: 252-441-9596
Grand Opening on April 22, 2010 from 8am to 8pm!

OBX TJ Maxx

Winter Blues Party on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 5, 2010

Outer Banks Winter Blues Party

Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pamlico Jack’s (Nags Head)
7 p.m. – midnight

Proceeds to help the family of fallen Nags Head Sergeant Earl Murray
Tickets: $105 per couple / $52.50 single

Dinner
Drinks
Music
Dancing
Poker
Silent Auction
Raffles
Corn Hole

Outer Banks Highlighted as a Great Road Trip Destination

Posted on March 4, 2010

Lexus OBX Road Trip

The Outer Banks continues to receive accolades as a top road trip destination. Route 12, better known as the beach road, was noticed by National Geographic as one of the “Drives of a lifetime” and Coastal Living as one of the “The Ten Best Road Trips” last year. Coastal Living chose the Outer Banks as the second best road trip in America!

Rt.12 stretches from the northernmost beach to the Ocracoke ferry, and it offers an amazing ride through pristine nature. The journey brings travelers through the natural beauty of the Outer Banks, including national parks and quaint seaside villages full of majestic vacation rental properties.

Lexus Magazine recently highlighted Rt. 12 in an article entitled Outer Banks Romance. In the article, Darrel and Lynn Hartmen, a couple from New York City, seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Darrel and Lynn hop in their Lexus and head down to the Outer Banks upon a friend’s suggestion. The article highlights all the fun and adventures they encountered along the way; from hang gliding on Jockey’s Ridge to visiting the beautiful OBX lighthouses. The story offers some great ideas for your next OBX trip and paints a great picture of a classic Outer Banks road trip.

Lexus on the Outer Banks

Great Time to Consider an Outer Banks Vacation Home

Posted on March 2, 2010

"True Friends"

With low prices and affordable mortgage rates, there is no question that the current economic conditions have helped to create a tremendous opportunity for real estate investors. This is especially true on the Outer Banks.

With low prices and great selection, there has never been a better time to buy that second vacation home. Investing in a second vacation home could eventually allow you to be able to pay for the home and use it as your permanent residence when you retire.

“Buying and renting out a second home as a vacation rental property until you’re ready to move in upon retirement can significantly help offset the cost of ownership,” says Brian Sharples, CEO of HomeAway, the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplace. “The income stream, in addition to tax write-offs for maintenance and repairs, make this an attractive strategy for many people nearing retirement.”

According to HomeAway, on average $28,000 of rental income is pulled in from owning a second investment property. With the popularity of vacation homes increasing, it is hard to overlook this opportunity. It is reported that about 87 percent of all travelers that have stayed in a vacation home in the past will stay in one again this year.

HomeAway suggested taking the following steps in preparation for investing in your second vacation home.

Consider the location and market potential – Carefully review the markets where you want to retire, and before you buy, consider the areas where consumer demand for vacation rentals is high, but inventory is low.
Factor in tax write-offs – Talk to an accountant about the tax advantages of owning and renting out a second home. Expenses such as insurance, utilities, home maintenance and depreciation can be deducted, depending on how often you rent out the property and how many weeks you personally stay there each year.
Stay competitive and network with owners – Check out other similar vacation rentals in the area to determine what rates they’re charging travelers, and price your home at a competitive rate to help drive bookings. Also, be sure to talk with other owners to get their tips and advice for maximizing a second home investment.

For more information about owning a second vacation rental home, visit www.coldwellbankerobx.com or email sales@seasiderealty.com

Peddle, Foot, & Paddle Race on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 1, 2010

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, NC
Hosted by the Whalehead Preservation Trust.

Proceeds support the ongoing preservation of the Whalehead Club and Currituck Heritage Park.

www.whaleheadclub.org
252-453-9040

7-mile pedal through Corolla
3-mile beach run at low-tide
2-mile kayak paddle

For the more leisurely-minded enjoy the half mile fun walk, “Light to Land”- climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, then stroll through the park to the front porch of the Whalehead Club.

Celebrating Outer Banks History and Ecology in a Beautiful OBX Setting

Posted on March 1, 2010

Heritage Park on the Outer Banks

Currituck County’s Heritage Park, located in Corolla, celebrates the history of the Outer Banks in a very picturesque setting.

The park is made up of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Whalehead Club, and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education.

Completed in 1875, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse has been a popular tourist attraction and a beacon of hope for vessles that are lost at sea. The Lighthouse sits 180 feet high and is the only lighthouse in the area available to climb year round. The view from the top is astounding. The Lighthouse offers a 360 view of the area, so you will be the Currituck Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
The Whalehead Club offers an example of art deco architechture. The Building has been restored and many of the original fixtures. The Club was originally a hunt club that primarily catered to wealthy businessmen from the Northeast.
Within walking distance from the club is the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The Center offers ecological studies from the area. It boasts one of the largest decoy collections in the world. The museum is situated on a life-size marsh including a 12,000 gallon aquarium.

Northern Outer Banks to Rewrite Planning & Zoning Rules

Posted on March 1, 2010

Clarion Associates, a consulting firm from Chapel Hill, NC was recently hired to help Currituck County rewrite their planning and zoning rules; the county will rewrite thier entire Unified Developement Ordinance.

The first two meetings were held last week, and they gave county residents a chance to weigh in on the issues. About 30 residents stopped by the meeting. Attendees were given a series of 35 questions. The questions were split into two categories, Currituck Mainland and Currituck Outer Banks.

A representative from Clarion Associates commented, “We found it very helpful, especially when you’re getting results consistently, when 80 or 90 respondents favor one preference over another.” The main objectives for the UDO rewrite, according to Clarion Associates, is to ensure the environment is protected, agriculture remains viable, and county residents’ quality of life isn’t negatively affected. The updates are also designed to make the county’s planning codes more user friendly.