Archeology Digs on the Outer Banks

Posted on May 21, 2010

Archeology on the Outer Banks

How cool?…archeology digs on the Outer Banks!

A couple of new acheological digs are beginning on the OBX during the months of May and June. This month, a team of acheaologists will perform and underwater excavation that will last several days. The goal of the dig will be to uncover evidence of the first English settlement site along a site called “Barrel Beach” that is located near The Lost Colony complex. This dig is the result of a new partnership with the Field School of Maritime History and Underwater Research and East Carolina University.

Along with these partners The National Park Service, Submerged Culteral Resource Unit, the UNC-Coastal Studies Institute, the NC State Underwater Archeology Unit and NOAA will also partner on a project in June to examine shipwrecks from the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Documentation of the wrecks will be kept by the team throughout the dig.

For more information, contact park headquarters at 252-473-2111.

New Development Approved on the Outer Banks

Posted on May 20, 2010

Corolla Club & Resort

A public hearing was held regarding the new Corolla Club and Resort on Monday.

It seems that supporters of the development view the development as a means to offer new housing opportunities for visitors to the area. Opposition to the new resort claim that the project dosen’t go with the current atmosphere of the area and seems out of place for Corolla.

The Builder-developer, SAGA Construction, states that the development will help the area by creating jobs and providing accommodations for vacationers on the Outer Banks.

During the public hearing, three major issues were addressed:

(1) Is the development compatible with surrounding residential areas?

(2) Should the land be protected because of its unique environmental qualities?

(3) Will Corolla neighborhoods be negatively impacted by the new development?

County Planner Ben Woody stated in the hearing that the development fit the criteria for a special-use permit and fits in with the overall plan for the community. Before the testimony began, Sumit Gupta, principal owner and developer of SAGA, said the new development was carefully designed and would benefit Currituck County.

It was a hotly contested issue, and testimony and closing statements extended past 1 a.m. At the end of the lengthy hearing, the commissioners, without comment, unanimously approved the developer’s application for a special use permit with some recommended changes from the planning staff.

2 Outer Banks Locations Chosen in Top 10 North Carolina Natural Wonders

Posted on May 20, 2010

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

North Carolina’s has an abundance of natural wonders. Recently, a contest sponsored by Land for Tomorrow, an environmental coalition working to preserve the state’s land and water resources, asked voters to nominate any landscape, natural feature, wildlife or plant life unique to NC that should be considered a natural wonder.

Land for Tomorrow received over 3,000 votes and 200 nominations. A panel narrowed the 200 to 25, and voters determined the final 10. Of the final 10 natural wonders chosen, two are on the Outer Banks.

North Carolina’s Ten Natural Wonders (in alphabetical order) are:

Blue Ridge Parkway
Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout
Grandfather Mountain
Great Smoky Mountains
Lake Mattamuskeet
Lumber River
Merchants Millpond State Park
Mountains to Sea Trail
New River
Ocracoke Island

You can check Land for Tomorrow’s FaceBook page for more information and participant photos of their favorite natural wonders.

Surf Movie Premiere & Great Music on the OBX

Posted on May 19, 2010

Timmy Curran at The Pit on Friday!

Timmy Curran is a professional surfer and a musician with a great mellow sound, and this Friday, the OBX is lucky enough to catch Timmy’s new surf movie and a live performance!

Premiere of new Timmy Curran surf movie, The Union Express from 10 to 11, then a tight set by Timmy Curran and his band from 11 to midnight! Tickets at www.pitsurf.com

OBX Pic of the Day

Posted on May 19, 2010

OBX pic of the day: The Sun Has Returned!

After a few rainy days, the sun has returned to the OBX. There was some decent surf this morning, the water is in the upper 60′s, and the sun is shining…summer is almost here!

Kitty Hawk Pier

Outer Banks Tourism Improving

Posted on May 18, 2010

Seaside Vacations

According to a recent article in The Daily Advance, the general consensus on the Outer Banks seems to be that bookings are up from this time last year for vacation rental homes.

There has been a strong influx of spring vacationers to the OBX, and summer reservations continue to rise. Last year, visitors were requesting shorter stays that usual, but in 2010 the length of stays are increasing. Guests are planning ahead and booking further in advance to ensure that their favorite vacation home is reserved and their family can rest at ease and countdown to their Outer Banks vacation.

We have great vacation rental homes available, and we would love to help you plan your trip to the OBX.

OBX Pics of the Day

Posted on May 18, 2010

A sign that the summer season is fast approaching, Billy’s Seafood on Colington Road is open and in full-swing. This is a great spot for fresh, local seafood…and softshell crabs are in season!

Billy's Seafood - Colington Rd.Billy's Seafood

Billy's Seafood

Some Outer Banks History…

Posted on May 17, 2010

Untold Stories of Old Currituck Duck Clubs

Before the hustle and bustle of vacationers’ arriving to the Outer Banks, the OBX was best known for hunting, hunting waterfowl specifically (guess where the town of Duck got its name). In fact, ducks and geese would winter on the Outer Banks by the hundreds of thousands, and by some expert accounts, the OBX was known as one of the best waterfowl hunting grounds in the entire country.

Times have changed, but luckily there are still a few hardened, old souls that can carry on the tales of years gone by. Travis Morris, a native of Currituck County and long-time hunting guide, is just such a soul.

Morris, already a published author of OBX gems like Duck Hunting on Currituck Sound, recently published his fourth book, Untold Stories of Old Currituck Duck Clubs. Morris explores the history of the Currituck, Pine Island and Narrows Island private hunting clubs; from stories of the clubs’ prestigious members and guests–such as J.P. Morgan and William Vanderbilt–to tales from local guides of some of the old float box rigs. This book is full of OBX legend and lore.

Outer Banks Local Seafood Promotion Picking up Steam

Posted on May 17, 2010

Outer Banks Catch

The Outer Banks local seafood promotion, Outer Banks Catch, is making progress.

Outer Banks Catch is a marketing initiative developed to create a brand identity for fish and shellfish landed by commercial fishermen in Dare, Currituck, Hyde, and Tyrrell counties. Last week, the executive committee for Outer Banks Catch selected a logo for the marketing campaign, and the committee reached an agreement for the tagline, which is short and to the point, “Local Fishermen Approved.”

The next step for the campaign will be to create a membership package and pursue local restaurants, seafood markets, commercial fishermen and community partners. When you are out and about on the OBX be sure you seek out the freshest, tastiest seafood that is caught right in our backyard!