Category Archives: Education

Bodie Island Lighthouse Opens to Climbers This Spring

Posted on by
4
Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks North Carolina

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks North Carolina

After a four-year long renovation, the Bodie Island Lighthouse on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, will open to climbers on Friday, April 19, 2013.

Until now, only lighthouse keepers, family members and a few others have been allowed to climb the 214 steps, or 156 feet, to the top.

“The end result of this project is the perfect balance of saving historic fabric yet making the lighthouse accessible to the public,” according to a park service news release.

Bruce Roberts of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society says the opening is attracting national attention from lighthouse enthusiasts. The tower was built in 1872 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse is one of the few that still has its original first order Fresnel lens, an encasement of prisms more than 6 feet in diameter that magnifies and sends the light toward the sea.

Guided tours will be offered at the Bodie Island Lighthouse at set intervals, on a daily basis, and will offer park visitors a memorable, unique, and personal experience in this 1871 historic structure as well as a pristine view of the surrounding lands from the top balcony.

On Friday, April 19, the National Park Service invites members of the local Outer Banks communities and park visitors to tour/climb the lighthouse at no charge. Free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be obtained in-person, that day, on-site.

The lighthouse will remain open through Columbus Day, Monday, October 14. Tickets are required.

Outer Banks Infographic: Back to School OBX Style

Posted on by
Reply

Yesterday I passed on a pretty nifty infographic that offered some great stats about why people choose vacation rental homes. That visual pleasure came to us courtesy of HomeAway.com.

But today, I’m coming right back at you with an absolute original! An original Outer Banks infographic that focuses on “Back to School OBX Style!”

The Outer Banks is amazing for SOOOO many reasons. And one of the often overlooked reasons is education. Although, considering you’re at the beach “learning” about super cool things, it’s tough to think of it as “education,” but learning is learning, school is school. Even fun education counts as education.

The OBX is the perfect homeschool getaway packed with amazingly awesome ways to learn. When you need a quick education vacation, think Outer Banks.

We created a few pages on our website to discuss the OBX educational opportunities. And we’ve also partnered with HomeSchool.com to offer a true homeschool view of the OBX.

But let me get out of the way so you can enjoy the brand-spanking new OBX original infographic: Back to School OBX Style…

Outer Banks Infographic: Back to School OBX Style

Outer Banks Infographic: Back to School OBX Style

The Outer Banks is the Perfect Spot for “Road Schooling”

Posted on by
Reply
Road School

Road School

Ever heard of “road schooling?” Neither did, until today. And it’s pretty cool!

Last year a great family from www.HomeSchool.com stayed with us during their Outer Banks vacation, and we shared a few guest posts about their Home School vacation…

Clearly they loved their time on the OBX, and enjoyed the wide variety of home school opportunities the Outer Banks has to offer.

How cool is home school?! You get to come to the beach for a vacation…and school! Sooo cool. In fact, the Outer Banks has quite a few home school families visit.

To help with home school vacation/lesson planning, we’ve created some great “Outer Banks Education” pages on our website. Take a peek at all of the fun – and educational – activities all over the OBX! History, art, science, nature…fun – ah, hem education – is around every corner.

In addition to the great lesson plans the OBX has to offer, home schoolers are flexible and can come when the weather is still great, but the crowds are gone the the summer prices have dipped. Perfect!

So, back to “road schooling.” I’ve been following the blog on HomeSchool.com, and today they had a great post from an awesome family that ditched the “expectations of society and start[ed] a family adventure across the United States in a 32 ft. travel trailer!“

I.E. – Road Schooling! Awesome! Home school on wheels. Even cooler than home school?!

You can find the full post on the HomeSchool.com blog, including some great tips from Mary, the road school mom.

Well, if the Outer Banks is perfect for a home school vacation, then darn right it’s perfect for road schooling!

Mary, as you whip your RV around the U.S. adventuring and schooling, we hope you make your way to the beach. We’d love to see you! :)

NC Coastal Reserve Offers FREE Events in OBX

Posted on by
1

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve is offering a series of FREE upcoming events on the Outer Banks on estuaries and estuarine shorelines for a variety of audiences. Perfect for nature lovers or to get the family out to enjoy the good ol’ outdoors.

For the public:

For Teacher & Educators:

For Marine Contractors, Environmental Consultants, & Engineers:

For Estuarine-Front Property Owners, Realtors, & Developers:

Can’t make an event? Follow our “Did You Know” Campaign about N.C.’s estuaries, shoreline stabilization, and sea level rise on Facebook or Twitter!

All programs funded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program

Guest Post: HomeSchool.com’s Favorite Outer Banks Attractions

Posted on by
4

Over the past few weeks, we’ve mentioned that HomeSchool.com has offered their official “seal of approval” to the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations, and we’ve also included a post about some of the OBX day trips that are great home school opportunities. As a third installment on our home school theme, below is a guest post from http://www.HomeSchool.com that offers their must see Outer Banks attractions.

Without further ado…

Guest post from www.HomeSchool.com:

With so much to see, experience and learn, you’re likely to need more than one visit to the Outer Banks to take in all of the extraordinary attractions in the area. Following, is a list of some of our favorite attractions (in no particular order):

1. Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks, Manteo
http://www.piratesobx.com/home/homeindex.html

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head
http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/

3. Island Farm, Manteo
http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/

4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/climbing-the-cape-hatteras-lighthouse.htm

5. Equine Adventures, Frisco
http://www.equineadventures.com/

6. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hatteras Island
http://www.fws.gov/peaisland/

7. Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla
http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/

8. Wild Horse Tour, Corolla
http://www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside-wild-horse-tour.htm

9. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Hatteras Island
http://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm

10. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Manteo
http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/

11. Wild Horse Museum, Corolla
http://www.corollawildhorses.com/mustang_store.html

12. Whalehead Club, Corolla
http://www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside-whalehead-club-tour.htm

13. Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head
http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=357

14. Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo
http://www.elizabethangardens.org/

15.Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve.xml

Now you can see why we can’t wait to go back!

Guest Post: HomeSchool.com Loves the Outer Banks!

Posted on by
3

A few weeks ago we announced on the blog that www.HomeSchool.com gave their official “seal of approval” to the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations after their recent visit, and we have some more OBX/Homeschool info to share.

The Outer Banks really is a perfect match for homeschoolers. The OBX offers a tremendous amount of “educational” opportunities; the Wright Brothers first flight, Blackbeard the Pirate, wild horses, largest sand dune on the East Coast, miles of empty beaches, water sports, shipwrecks, art galleries, and the list goes on. History, culture, nature, and arts…all set in an amazingly pretty and fun location. Does education get any better than this?!

Here’s what HomeSchool.com has to say…

Guest Post from www.HomeSchool.com:
Roanoke, Hatteras and More

July 1st, 2011 by dailynews

Since I last wrote to you about our family vacation to the Outer Banks, I’ve had some time to think back on all of our adventures and family fun. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things to do in the area, as well as some ideas for those of you who might be going to the area soon.

Daytrips! Our time in OBX was filled with day-trips! There are so many things to do, that a week wasn’t enough to take in everything the OBX has to offer. We tried to get in as much as we possibly could, but I must admit, the area warrants another trip just so we can see all it has to offer. Here are some of our favorites from the time we spent in the Outer Banks.

Roanoke Island - Everybody who vacations on the Outer Banks should make it a point to go to Roanoke Island at least once! The island is overflowing with things to see and do – being the daytrip capital of the Outer Banks, the island is home to four of the Outer Banks’ most popular attractions. For a complete guide of the area, go to www.roanokeisland.net.

Hatteras Island - If you love being outdoors and in the natural world, you’ll really enjoy Hatteras Island. About 75% of Hatteras Island is undeveloped – and much of that land is accessible to the public for activities like fishing, water sports and observing nature. You’ll be surprised by the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities. For a complete guide to this area, visit www.hatterasguide.com.

Ocracoke Island - If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this island is for you. Ocracoke is all about simple activities – building a sand castle, crabbing from a dock, pedaling aimlessly on a bicycle, peeling your own shrimp, poking in and out of shops, and actually having very little to do. For a complete guide to this area, visitwww.ocracokeguide.com

**Need to know ferry info**
A ferry service links Hatteras and Ocracoke islands with a relaxing 40-minute trip. During the summer, the wait can be long. Reservations are not accepted, and when getting in line for this ferry, make sure you’re not in the locals’ lane -usually the shortest line.
May 30 – September 6, departures are every hour from 5-7am and every 30 minutes from 7:30 – 6:30pm. It changes back to hourly departures from 7pm – midnight. September 7 – December 31 it runs every hour from 5am – midnight. For more information, please visitwww.ncferry.org or call (800)BY-FERRY.

Next time I’ll share information about Corolla, Duck, and Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk!

Stay Tuned!…

PS. If you’re looking for a home to rent while you’re in the area, be sure to check out www.outerbanksvacations.com .

Outer Banks: July 2011 Events at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Posted on by
Reply
Outer Banks: July 2011 Events at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Outer Banks: July 2011 Events at Roanoke Island Festival Park

July, 2011 Programs. . .

The cost of general admission ticket to the daily attraction, Roanoke Island Fesitval Park, is $8 for adults/$5 students 6 – 17/children 5 and under – free. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm.

  • Travel & Underwater Photography
    Chris Hannant
    July 1-28
    Art Gallery
    A Savannah College of Art & Design graduate and Outer Banks resident, Hannant’s passion is underwater photography. His images reveal a secret life unfolding under the surface. Meet the Artist – First Friday, July 1, 6-8 pm. 9 – 5 Mon-Fri/10 – 4 Sat. FREE. Also, Chris Hannant Digital Photography Class July 9, 9 – noon. $20. Call Mary Ellen for info and to register (252) 475-1500.
  • July 4th Celebration
    Featuring the North Carolina National
    Guard’s 440th US Army Band
    8 pm, Outdoor Pavilion
    The 440th Army Band command the stage. Selections include: America the Beautiful; Star Spangled Banner; Hail to the Spirit of Liberty; God Bless the USA and more. Plus, the rock band, “The Minutemen” and jazz band, “The Jazz Patriots” perform. Fireworks by the Town of Manteo at 9:30 pm. Lawn chairs & picnics encouraged. Gates open at 6. FREE.
  • NC Symphony
    July 8, 8 pm
    Outdoor Pavilion
    Avast ye scurvy wrecks! We run up the colors for a musical salute to PIRATES. Selections from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Flying Dutchman, Pirates of Penzance, Bloody Blackbeard and more. Conductor William Henry Curry, along with Laurelyn Dossett, Molly McGinn and Scott McLeod. Event presented by the Dare County Tourism Board and the Roanoke Island Commission. Lawn chairs & picnics encouraged. FREE.
  • 2nd Saturdays
    Chris Hannant Lecture Underwater
    Photography
    July 9, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
    Art Gallery
    Chris Hannant is a photojournalist drawn to the ocean. He shares tips on shooting underwater through personal anecdotes and a video of his work. FREE.
  • The Diary of Adam & Eve
    Elizabeth R and Company
    July 18, & 19, 2 pm;July 25 & 26, 2 pm
    August 1 & 2, 2 pm – Indoor Theatre
    Based on Mark Twain short story. A comical twist on the original story with Twain’s interpretation of married couples. The Diary of Adam and Eve is a delightful musical one-hour show for family audiences. The price of admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

The Outer Banks & Seaside Vacations Receive Homeschool.com’s “Seal of Approval”

Posted on by
6
OBX & Seaside Vacations Receive Homeschool.com Seal of Approval

OBX & Seaside Vacations Receive Homeschool.com Seal of Approval

Homeschool.com recently announced that the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations have received their official “Seal of Approval.”

In early May, Homeschool.com partnered with Seaside Vacations to send Chief Marketing Director, Katherine Whiting, and her homeschool family to the Outer Banks for the first time. The goal of the trip was to demonstrate the remarkable educational opportunities available on the Outer Banks, while at the same time enjoying an incredible family vacation. It is safe to say this goal was accomplished.

After the weeklong trip, Whiting had this to say; “As a family consensus, it’s our favorite family vacation yet – which says a LOT since we’ve been all over the US with the kids.”

As a result of the trip, Homeschool.com has featured the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations in their “Family Travel Guide,” complete with travel tips and an accommodation guide.

According to the Homeschool.com Family Travel Guide, the Outer Banks is the perfect destination for a beautiful, educational and fun family vacation. Seaside Vacations was featured in the “Where to Stay” section of the Homeschool.com guide, as the guide highlighted the hospitality of the staff and the benefits of Club Seaside.

“The best decision we made when planning our vacation was to use Seaside Vacations,” said  Whiting. “The staff was so friendly and helped us find the perfect home.”

The hospitality showed by the Vacation Specialists made a lasting impression. “They helped us to plan excursions for the kids, recommended companies to use for kayaking and even gave us information about what grocery store to use.”

The seven day trip was filled with days at the beach, fishing from the pier, sightings of wild horses, a kayak excursion, a number of OBX educational trips, and an abundance of smiles and laughter. A fun-filled, educational trip that can be shared by all vacationers, especially homeschoolers.

One of the great features of an Outer Banks vacation for homeschool families is the fact that the spring and fall seasons are considerably less crowded than the peak summer season. Since homeschool families are not limited by the traditional school calendar, they can take advantage of the slower times of year to have easy access to attractions but still enjoy gorgeous Outer Banks weather and a significant price savings from the high-demand summer weeks.

For more information about an Outer Banks vacation, please visit Seaside Vacations at www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

About Seaside Vacations:

Founded in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1990, Seaside Vacations is a full-service vacation rental management company representing homes from Corolla to Nags Head.

Seaside Vacations offers a complete selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals. Guests can choose from 1 – 10-bedroom private vacation rental homes, condominiums, townhomes and villas. Explore our homes in Duck and Corolla as well as numerous vacation rentals in Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.

For more information on Seaside Vacations and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit http://www.OuterBanksVacations.com or call one a Vacation Specialist at 866.801.3653.