What the Heck is Kill Devil Hills?

Posted on December 14, 2010

Kill Devil Hills

My guess is that just about everyone that comes across the name Kill Devil Hills for the first time does a double take to make sure they read/heard it correctly, and then follows up with something to the effect of “What the heck is Kill Devil Hills?”

No doubt, it is a crazy name…pretty cool in a swashbuckling, pirate kind of way, but crazy none-the-less. So where did this oddity begin?

The Virginia Pilot recently ran a great article trying to get to the bottom of this mystery. It doesn’t seem like there is a great answer, but there is some darn good history.

First of all, let’s get one point straight. The Wright Brothers took off from Kill Devil Hills…not Kitty Hawk. They alerted the world to their success from a telegraph in Kitty Hawk, but the actual flight was in Kill Devil Hills.

One notch in the cool belt for KDH. But I digress.

As for the name. According to a local Outer Banks historian, “Killdevil Hills” first appeared on a map in 1808, and a printed map in 1814 adjusted the name to “Kill Devil Hills.”

Great, we have some inclination of when it appeared, but what the heck does it mean? This is where things get a bit blurry.

The Town of Kill Devil Hills endorses the theory that the name comes from rum-carrying ships that ran aground along the dangerous coastline, i.e. the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The town’s official explanation states that rum from the shipwrecks was taken by locals and hidden in the dunes, and its potency was “strong enough to “kill the devil.” Probably the most believable…especially considering the locals I know. :)

Some other theories are:

A local OBX’er made a deal with the devil and eventually wound up in a deep pit on top of one of the tall dunes.
A bird know as the killdeer once thrived in the area and the nickname “Killdeer Hills” eventually morphed into Kill Devil Hills. That one is not that fun. Where’s the pizzazz? Where’s the swashbuckling?
A theory that sailors use to say that the area was so tough to navigate around that “it was enough to kill the devil.”

I’m sticking with the rum theory. It makes me feel like a pirate when I drive through town.

Another interesting KDH fact…Is it Kill Devil Hill or Kill Devil Hills? You’re all right. It’s both. Kill Devil Hills is the town name, and the largest dune is referred to as Kill Devil Hill.

Some quick KDH stats: Kill Devil Hills is located in Dare County, the town today includes more than 6,000 full-time residents, shops, hotels, restaurants and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, a tourist attraction and monument in the scrubby hills where the first flight occurred.

Outer Banks Walmart Ready to Expand?

Posted on December 13, 2010

Walmart Produce

Walmart lovers rejoice! Seems the OBX may soon be able to skip that trip to Elizabeth City to hit the Super Walmart.

In 2009, the Kitty Hawk Town Council approved the plan for an expansion of the existing Walmart, but a year later, the Walmart “footprint” is unchanged.

That could change in a few months.

The Outer Banks Voice is reporting that the Walmart expansion is set to start in the spring of 2011. Walmart will need to apply for an extension on the site plan since the current approval is set to expire, but that seems more of a formality considering it has already passed.

The plans call for the building to be expanded by almost 30,000 square feet and the outdoor garden center by 5,000 square feet. Most of the expansion will occur in the rear of the building, but portions of the current layout will be shifted. Included in the plans is a full grocery department, including a deli and bakery.

UPDATE: The Virginia Pilot announces that the Outer Banks’ only Walmart store is still slated to be upgraded to a Supercenter, but it could be this time next year before customers see those plans become reality.

Residents had expected to see construction begin last month. The new timetable has construction getting under way in the fall and being completed next spring, said Tom Wheeler, co-owner of the shopping center where the Walmart is located.

A meticulous planning process is just taking longer than anticipated, he said.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 12.13.10 – Cold air is back…& it brings snow…& rock fish!

Posted on December 13, 2010

Outer Banks - Chilly Day at Kitty Hawk Pier

Good afternoon. Here’s your Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Monday, December 13, 2010.

This video was shot at 11:30 AM just south of the Kitty Hawk Pier.

The cold air is back…and it brought snow with it!

Yesterday was in the low 60′s with a light SW wind, but today is completely different. The temps are in the upper 30′s, and there has been consistent snow flurries all morning. It doesn’t seem like any snow will stick, but it’s always fun to see snow at the beach. But I could do without the cold and wind. Wind is in the 15 mph range out of the west today.

There was some fun surf yesterday. The winds weren’t ideal, so it was a bit disorganized, but the air was warm, and there were some long rides to be found. Unfortunately, I missed it!

There isn’t much to report for surf today. There’s some swell still around in the waist high range, but I’m not sure it’s worth it to brave the 24 degree wind chill to get after it.

The great news is that there are reports of rock fish showing up in Corolla! Fishing has been slow for the last couple weeks, but this cold spell should keep pushing the rock fish south, so we should see some good fishing soon.

12 days until Christmas.

Enjoy…and stay warm.

Watching the Meteor Shower from the Outer Banks

Posted on December 10, 2010

Outerr Banks - Geminid Meteor Shower

The Outer Banks is a pretty stellar spot for stargazing (like that play on words?). It’s quiet and remote with little light pollution. On a clear night, it’s great any time of year, but on Monday, December 13, 2010, it could be pretty amazing.

Now, this will take some effort (bundling up and staying up late), but on the evening of 12/13, weather permitting, the best meteor shower of 2010 should be highly visible from the OBX, the Geminid meteor shower.

The Geminids will be at their best after midnight (early on the morning of Dec. 14), when the Earth is heading directly into the meteoroid stream. But some will be visible earlier in the night, on the evening of Dec. 13.

So, have an extra cup of coffee to keep you up, or an extra in the morning to open your eyes, grab your coat, mittens, and a blanket and head outside on Monday. Mother Nature will reward you for your effort.

Tips:

1. Dress warmly — much more warmly than the weather might normally make you think — because you won’t be moving much.

2. Make yourself comfortable so that you can watch the sky: A lawn chair with a reclining back is ideal. And a blanket or a sleeping bag will help keep you warm.

3. You don’t need binoculars or a telescope; in fact these will prevent you from seeing the meteors by restricting your field of view. You want the wide field given by the human eyeball.

4. It doesn’t really matter much which part of the sky you watch, as the meteors can appear anywhere.

5. Most importantly, be patient. It takes a while for your eyes to adapt to darkness. Then, there are often long periods with no meteors at all. But when the action starts, it’s a pretty amazing show.

6. If you’re clouded out on Dec. 13 or 14, try the night before or the night after: There still should be quite a few Geminids about.

Have fun. Hope the skies are clear for you.

Outer Banks Beach Driving

Posted on December 10, 2010

Outer Banks - FourWheeler.com

The southern beaches of the Outer Banks have been locked in an ORV (Off-road vehicles) court battle with governmental agencies for a few years now. The federal agencies want to limit the use of off-road vehicles on some stretches of open beach. Their reasoning is to protect varieties of animals they feel could be in danger. While this is a noble goal, there are varying opinions about the factual basis of their beliefs and even more opinions about the execution of the vehicle restrictions. Many residents, business owners, and vacationers question the validity of the government’s position, and share strong feelings about the negative impact the ORV restrictions are having to the area.

It’s a passionate topic for both sides, with no easy answer. Hopefully a common ground can be found. However, sometimes lost in the battle is the fact that the Outer Banks still has numerous areas that offer wide-open beaches free of any restrictions. The OBX is one of only a few beaches along the East Coast the offer the opportunity to drive on the beach, and from firsthand experience, I can say it is a lot of fun, and in many instances, it is the only method to access remote areas…prime areas for fishing and surfing.

FourWheeler.com recently ran a great article highlighting a spring trip to the OBX by a North Carolina-based club of Toyota 4×4 enthusiasts, the Old North State Cruisers. The club enjoyed a long spring weekend cruising on the beaches, from Corolla to Ocracoke, and taking in the many sights and sounds of the Outer Banks.

Beach cruising
Fishing
Wild horses
Lighthouses
Wright Brothers Monument
Kayaking

It’s a great read for 4×4, and OBX, enthusiasts.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 12.10.10 – Warm Air Returns!

Posted on December 10, 2010

Outer Banks Pelican - Kitty Hawk Pier

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, December 10, 2010.

This video was shot at 9:00AM at the end of Kitty Hawk Pier.

Warm air and sun have made a welcomed return. The past few days have been downright cold with winds in the upper teens. Today is a great change of pace. Warm air, bright sun, and a light wind out of the east.

This weekend should be nice. Temps in the upper 50′s with a chance of some rain. Unfortunately, the cold weather should return early next week, and I hear there could be a storm forming just off the coast early in the week.

It’s a pretty day, but no sign of surf or fishing. There is a little swell coming in, but the east winds are helping, and the waves are mush. I’ve heard of some stripers being caught near the bridges, but no big runs to speak of.

Enjoy the great weather while it lasts.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 12.8.10

Posted on December 8, 2010

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Wednesday, December 8, 2010.

This video was shot at the Ocean Bay Life Saving Station in Kill Devil Hills this morning at 9:00 AM.

The big news is it is Chilly! Just like the rest of the US, we are stuck in a cold snap that won’t let go. We’ll be lucky to get to 40 degrees today. The good news is I hear it will warm up this weekend.

No surf to report, and the fish aren’t really biting today either. Seems everyone is in hibernation for a few days.

17 days until Christmas!

Enjoy.

Outer Banks Inspired Art

Posted on December 6, 2010

The Quiet Voice of the Outer Banks

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift for the OBX lover in your life? How about some Outer Banks inspired art?

Don’t stress, you don’t need to be on the OBX to get the art, and you don’t have to pay and arm and a leg for an original piece. You can cuddle up on your couch in your Snuggie and order this cool book.

Christaphora Robeers recently published The Quiet Voice of the Outer Banks: A Visual Journey. Inspired by the clouds, sea and beach, Robeers creates large and small works, using oils to create soft, almost translucent landscapes that have a youthful appeal.

If you’re in the Richmond area, you pick up the book in person and take a look Robeers work in one shot. She will be showcasing her Outer Banks-centered paintings at the Red Door Gallery from Dec. 9 to Jan. 18.

reddoorgalleryrichmond.com.

Toll Increase Headed to the Outer Banks?

Posted on December 6, 2010

Beach Dollar Sign

Getting to the Outer Banks through Virginia could cost an extra few dollars next year.

The Virginia Pilot is reporting that the City of Chesapeake is proposing a toll increase on Rt. 168 heading to the OBX. The proposed increase would put the cost for travelers at $5 each way during a summer weekend and $3 for off-season and weekday trips, up from the current cost of $2.

The proposed increase is projected to create an additional $7 million over the next 5 years, which would fund improvements along Rt. 168.

The Chesapeake City Council will vote on the proposal this month, and if it is approved, travelers can expect to see the increase by spring 2011.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 12.6.10

Posted on December 6, 2010

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Monday, December 6, 2010.

This video was shot at 9:00 AM just north of the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills at one of our Oceanfront homes, “The Sea Haven” (5590).

It’s a chilly day, and the chill should be with us for a good part of this week. However, the good news is that the surf is up and the fish are biting.

We have some waist to chest OBX sets coming in. The wind is starting out of the north, northwest this morning, but it should swing to the west by early afternoon and the surf should clean up well. It will be chilly getting in and out of your wetsuit, but it could be worth it.

Not a huge run on fishing, but I’ve heard reports here and there of drum and rockfish being caught out of the surf. There is also a lot of activity from large groups of birds feeding just offshore. A bit too far out to cast or see what they are feeding on, but it’s a great sign that fish are out there. Hopefully we’ll get a good run soon!

19 days until Christmas!

Enjoy!