Spotlight on the OBX: Manteo

Posted on September 28, 2011

Outer Banks: Manteo Light

Just to the West of the Outer Banks (but really still part of the OBX), is a tiny little town called Manteo that may remind you of Mayberry…in fact, Andy Griffith lives there!

It is a definite hidden treasure, so we figured we swing the “Spotlight” over yonder to give you a quick tour.

The Town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, this waterfront community incorporated in 1899.

It is home to the NC Aquarium, The Lost Colony outdoor drama, the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival park, and a super cool waterfront that has shops, restaurants, and some amazing art galleries.

During the Spring and Summer, Manteo hosts an outdoor event each first Friday of the month, cleverly called “First Friday,” that offers some outdoor entertainment, food, music, and art.

Manteo is a definite must-do for your next OBX vacation.

But to get back to that whole Mayberry comparison, here’s what RoanokeIsland.net has to say…

The Roanoke Island town of Manteo is often compared to Mayberry because it holds a similar small-town character — and characters — and all the charm, hospitality and friendliness that come with that designation. Since this town bears so much resemblance to fictional Mayberry, is it a coincidence that Andy Griffith has lived here off and on since the 1940s? Most likely not, since Griffith himself once said, “If Mayberry is anywhere, it is Manteo.”

Manteo is the lively Dare County seat and an up-and-coming shopping/dining/cultural center that throws out the welcome mat for visitors.

Now I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

PS – As a bonus, here’s a video for Brad Paisley’s “Waiting on a Woman” that won Video of the Year a couple years ago and was filmed on the Outer Banks featuring Andy Griffith…welcome to Mayberry…I mean Manteo.

Spotlight on the OBX: Nags Head

Posted on September 19, 2011

Outer Banks: Nags Head Welcome Sign

Time for another edition of our “Spotlight on the OBX” video series. I’m a huge fan of these videos; 1., because it gets us out of the office to enjoy gorgeous days on the Outer Banks, but mainly because it gives us a chance to share some insight with you, our guests, about the people, places, and things that we love about the OBX.

Today we are going to continue our tours of OBX towns with a quick tour of Nags Head. Let’s shine the “Spotlight” on Nags Head, shall we?

A little Nags Head history to start: Legend states that early inhabitants of the area tied lanterns to the necks of horses and led the horses up and down the beach after dark to lure merchant ships. Sailors who saw the lights would mistake them for lights from ships and decide to come closer to shore. When they did, they would run aground and Nags Head residents would pillage the ship’s cargo.

Shipwrecks, pirates, pillaging…so Outer Banks.

Nags Head, North Carolina is often used synonymously with the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Strange, isn’t it? Do you know anyone that still says “I’m going to Nags Head” when they are really going to Duck? There are still some highway signs in Virginia that use Nags Head rather than the Outer Banks for directional purposes. Perhaps because it was the most popular OBX destination for so long?

As one of the most developed cities on the Outer Banks, Nags Head is a wonderful place for vacation living. But don’t let the “most developed cities” moniker fool you. OBX “development” is far from built-up. There is still plenty of empty space to roam, lots of natural habitat, and a hefty dose of amazing history. Plus, amazing restaurants, Jockey’s Ridge, shopping, lighthouses, fishing, etc. just a short drive (or walk) away.

Known for its pristine beaches, Nags Head is also home to many attractions including the east coast’s largest sand dune, shops, restaurants, night life, water sports and more.

In my humble opinion, Nags Head packs the best bang for the buck. When I talk with guests who are new to the Outer Banks and are not sure where to stay, I generally refer them to Nags Head. Nags Head has a great Outer Banks feel, but still offers plenty of great activities to keep people busy.

As the Nags Head Guide says, “A Nags Head vacation experience offers a blend of the old with the new. Visitors still can revel in timeworn traditions while enjoying a host of modern-day comforts.”

Enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: Corolla

Posted on August 23, 2011

Whitney Norko Photography - Outer Banks Wild Horses

The beaches along the Outer Banks are pretty amazing. Mile after mile of unspoiled beaches, white sand, gorgeous fishing piers, an abundance of wildlife, and most of the time you can find a quiet spot all to yourself. This gorgeous beach environment is awesome, but it can also overshadow some of the other amazing aspects of the OBX.

It’s easy to be so focused on getting to the beach, setting up your chair and cooler, that you miss what’s going on around you. As the wise Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

At a quick glance, from a car speeding to the nearest beach access, the towns along the Outer Banks may seem pretty similar, but in reality, they all offer their own unique charm. So our hope with the “Spotlight” is that we can help you slow down and take a look around, and today we’re going to shine the “Spotlight” on Corolla – that’s Co-RHALL-a, not like the Toyota car.

Corolla, NC is the northern most town of the Outer Banks, situated just south of the Virginia/North Carolina line. Corolla is rich in history and full of tradition for many.

Corolla is an unincorporated community and home to more than 100 wild Spanish Mustangs. The horses can be found on 12,000 acres in Corolla, north of populated areas. Approximately 500 permanent residents call the community home.

Up until the development boom of the 1980s, some 30 years ago, Corolla was little-known and little-traveled and was often referred to as North Carolina’s last beach frontier. That’s all changed today. Corolla has grown quite rapidly, and the number of people who have decided to move to this edge of the world location has steadily increased.

Today, Corolla is a popular vacation destination for families from all over. Although you may not be able to enjoy the convenience of super stores and malls, you’ll find all the amenities you want for a great vacation. The beautiful beaches are clean and vast, and usually just a short walk from your vacation home. There is great shopping and a fine recreation scene, including kayak tours, jet-ski rents, surf lessons, fishing, wild horse tours, go-carts and more. Dining and entertainment is top notch, many of the renown restaurants provide live out-door music for those beautiful summer nights.

Corolla has a little something for everyone, “It is a world of contemporary luxuries, where vacationing is easy and life is civilized.”

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour, but remember to slow down once in awhile …

Spotlight on the OBX: Kill Devil Hills

Posted on August 18, 2011

Kill Devil Hills

Let’s spin the “Spotlight” towards Kill Devil Hills today. KDH (as it is lovingly known around these parts) has a little something, something for everyone – awesome beaches, gorgeous houses, great restaurants, the Wright Brothers, playgrounds, skate parks, an awesome fishing pier, fantastic local shops, amazing art, and the list rolls on…

The oldest township in the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills should not be confused with Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight in a powered machine. The Wright Brothers Memorial Monument stands sixty feet high on the ninety foot high Kill Devil Hill.

Situated in the middle of the northern Dare County beaches, KDH is the most populated of the Outer Banks town. The majority of our OBX locals reside here, with a total population of approximately 7,500.

Today, Kill Devil Hills is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks. The many beach accesses make for an easy trip to the beach with lots of public parking. Lifeguards are stationed every half mile or so, making KDH beaches ideal for families with children. With thousands of rental homes, great restaurants, sports and activities, and shopping, Kill Devil Hills is at the center of an Outer Banks vacation.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: Parks & Playgrounds

Posted on August 9, 2011

Kitty Hawk Park

The best “playground” on the Outer Banks is the beach and everything water related, surfing, fishing, bodyboarding, visiting the piers, sandcastles, etc, but sometimes we need a break from the beach (I know, hard to believe) – especially the kiddos – but where to turn for a fun cost-effective, and energy-burning, activity?

Ah, I was hoping you would ask.

How about one of the fabulous parks and playgrounds the OBX has to offer?

Let’s spin the “Spotlight” towards the OBX parks & playgrounds this week. I think you’ll be surprised at the variety of fun (and locations) there is to offer. Something for everyone; swings, slides, jungle-gyms, tennis, basketball, skateboarding parks – even the four-legged members of the family have a fun spot…well dog’s anyway…there are no ferret parks…yet!

Here are the parks we’ll shine the “Spotlight” on:

Currituck Heritage Park has 39 acres of sound front property. The park is within walking distance to the Whalehead Club, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
Sandy Run in Kitty Hawk includes a 1/4mile interpretive nature walk with elevated boardwalk, canal pedestrian bridge, canoe/kayak docks, picnic shelter, on-site utilities and parking facilities.
Kitty Hawk Skate and Dog Park consists of a skate park, fenced in dog park, playground, and picnic areas with grills.
Hayman Park in Kill Devil Hills is a neighborhood recreation area that includes a picnic area, playground and open field.
Dare County Rec Park is located beside the Kill Devil Hills Water Plant. There are fields for playing baseball, softball and soccer, tennis courts, a playground and a rec center with indoor courts, game rooms, exercise rooms and space for classes.
Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills includes a path that is ideal for biking, walking and rollerblading, playground equipment and a roller hockey rink.
Barnes Street Park in Nags Head, has plenty of space for all kinds of functions. There is a covered shelter, bathrooms, and a grill for group picnics or cookouts, a playground for children, and open grass space for soccer games or frisbee.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: Bay Dr.

Posted on August 3, 2011

Outer Banks Sunset

Our surroundings play a large role in our happiness. A quiet, natural environment tends to bring out our calm, relaxed nature.

I think any neighborhood shrink – ah hem, I mean psychologist – would agree. Any psychologists in the audience?

Anywho…that’s how it works for me anyway. Give me a nice calm beach day, and any worries I may have seem to melt away. I think the Outer Banks has this effect on most visitors. Once we cross that bridge and hit the OBX, our mentality seems to change. As the Mad Magazine dude use to say, “What, me worry?”

The OBX as a whole seems to have this worry-melting effect, but for today’s addition, I’d like to shine the “Spotlight” on just one tiny little road…a microcosm of the macro Outer Banks, if you will.

This one road has the same worry-melting effect for me. It’s quiet, out of the way, Soundfront, a smooth glide for a bike or skateboard, and one of the best spots for an OBX sunset.

Can you guess what road?…don’t look at the title.

Ok, it’s Bay Dr.

Bay Drive is one of my favorite places on the Outer Banks. Not only is it one of the best places to catch the sunset, but you can always count on seeing someone you know and catching up with friends. There is a warm sense of community in this neighborhood as you see neighbors waving as they pass each other on the street, chatting in their front yards, or biking/running at sundown.

Located in Kill Devil Hills, NC, Bay Drive is a beautiful residential street that runs along Kitty Hawk Bay and is home to many Outer Banks locals.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…and the Outer Banks sunset…

Spotlight on the OBX: Outer Banks Fishing Piers

Posted on July 28, 2011

Outer Banks - 6.29.11 - Pretty at Avalon Pier

With all the Outer Banks has to offer – beach, wild horses, Wright Brothers, Black Beard the Pirate, surfing, fishing, Jockey’s Ridge, beach driving, art, seafood, nature preserves, amazing wildlife…the list seems endless – the OBX fishing piers are often overlooked.

Well, all the piers are the same, right?…long wooden structures with some good fishing and great views, but if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

Not so fast. You may be surprised at just how much variety the Outer Banks fishing piers offer, and with the arrival of the new Jennette’s Pier, the piers have been taken to an entirely new level of fun, education, amazing views, and world-class fishing.

For today’s installment, we’re going to turn the “Spotlight” on the Outer Banks Fishing Piers.

The five fishing piers located on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks are Kitty Hawk, Avalon, Nags Head, Jennette’s and Outer Banks Fishing Pier, all of which are unique.

The Kitty Hawk Pier is now privately owned and part of the Hilton Garden Inn. The pier is still available for daily fishing, and the gorgeous pier house can be booked through the Hilton for private events…an awesome spot for an Outer Banks wedding!

The Avalon Pier is located on the Oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills, at Mile Post 6. It is 696 feet long. The pier is usually open from 5:00 am — 2:00 am during the summer months. During the Spring and Fall, they open at 6:00 am and close when things slow down which is usually right before 10:00 pm. They sell all kinds of bait including bloodworms, squid, mullet, shrimp, and artificial lures. They also rent tackle. When you enter the Avalon Pier, you almost feel like you are stepping back in time…in a great way. It feels like the OBX from the 70′s…complete with an old-school arcade!

The Nags Head Fishing Pier offers a great fishing pier as well as a bait & tackle shop for all of your fishing needs. Also on site is a The Pier House Restaurant and The Pier Cottages. There are 6 cottages available ranging from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms. Daily rates are available for the cottages, though there is a 3-night minimum stay. This pier is great for fishing or taking in the views, but the highlight for me is the breakfast! Arguably the best OBX breakfast spot. 1. Because the breakfast is delicious (classic diner style) and 2. Because you can’t beat the view overlooking the ocean!

Jennette’s Pier, the oldest fishing pier on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, was built in 1939. This historic ocean landmark has weathered dozens of hurricanes and nor’easters over the past six decades.

Now wwned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, Giants of the Sea, showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday — Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Last but not least, the Outer Banks Fishing Pier is open 24 hours a day. Daily, weekend and weekly passes are available, as well as group rates and senior citizen discounts. Bait and tackle are available at the Pier, as well as rentals of tackle, bicycles, umbrellas, chairs and boogie boards. Fishing charters are also available through Outer Banks Fishing Unlimited.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: The Currituck Club

Posted on July 22, 2011

Outer Banks - Currituck Club

The Outer Banks offers some amazing communities, but keeping them all straight can be a challenge. To help, from time to time, we’ll shine the “Spotlight” on some of these communities to give you an up close look.

For today’s installment of the “Spotlight on the OBX,” we’re going to focus on one of the biggest and best, the Currituck Club. The Currituck Club is located on the Northern Outer Banks near historic Corolla. It is a gated community located between the beautiful, unspoiled, northern Outer Banks beaches and the famous Currituck Sound.

In my latest trip to the Currituck Club, I was pleasantly reminded of the amount of gorgeous homes in this gated community. It had been a while since I had visited the neighborhood and I was truly taken back by the number of beautifully constructed houses.

Not only is The Currituck Club an exclusive private neighborhood, but it is also home to an awarding winning Rees Jones Golf Course. Aside from being recognized as one of the “Top 25 Courses in North Carolina,” the Currituck Club also houses seven tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, kiddie playground, fitness center, bike trails, lawn games, beach shuttle and more.

With so much going on in this residential resort community, there is no need venture too far. You can ride your bike or take the trolley, everywhere you need to go.

Enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: Southern Shores

Posted on July 13, 2011

Outer Banks: Southern Shores Map

Cruising through a new area can create that mouse lost in maze effect. Too much stimulus to take it to really discern the unique aspects of the area. The Outer Banks has this affect on visitors all the time. Where am I, what town am I in, what milepost is this, didn’t I just pass that beach access two miles ago?!

We can relate, and we want to offer some assistance. The Outer Banks is comprised of a few different towns, and while the towns may blend together as you drive down Rt 12, they really are quite unique. So, from time to time, we like to shine the “Spotlight on the OBX” towards some of the OBX towns to help you distinguish where your beach cruise has taken you.

This week, we’ll focus on Southern Shores. Located between Duck and Kitty Hawk, is the town of Southern Shores. Comprised of mostly single-family homes, Southern Shores is predominately a quiet residential paradise….hmm…perfect for an OBX vacation?

The beaches in Southern Shores are private, used only by residents and visitors to the area.

There are a variety of rental homes in Southern Shores, from grand oceanfront homes to retro flat-tops.

Southern Shores is home to the Duck Woods Country Club golf course, a semi-private facility. The town also has a wonderful bike path for walkers, joggers and bikers, and it connects to the commercial areas of town.

Let me step aside and allow Chelsea to give you quick tour of Southern Shores…

Spotlight on the OBX: Nags Head Beach Nourishment

Posted on July 7, 2011

Outer Banks: Nags Head Beach Nourishment 2011

The beaches of the Outer Banks are beautiful; however, they also are extremely fragile. There are many factors that have contributed to the erosion of our beaches throughout the years, including hurricanes, nor’easters, high winds and tidal changes. Starting late May, the Town of Nags Head began dredging sand and pumping onto the shore near Jennette’s Pier to help restore our beautiful beaches.

Once finished, the project will have “nourished” 10 miles of the Nags Head Coastline. Currently, 9,000 feet of beach has been completed between mile post 15 and Jennette’s pier and construction is moving forward better than expected.

Here’s the latest news on the progress of the project:

The first dredge to arrive on the project, the Liberty Island, started in the vicinity of Mile Post 15.5 and has finished just past Jennette’s Pier. The dredge is now located offshore near the Hargrove public beach access. Construction associated with the Liberty Island is now moving north from about the Hargrove beach access to the area just south of Jennette’s Pier. After finishing near Jennette’s Pier, the Liberty Island will move south again towards the Outer Banks Pier.

On Tuesday June 21, an additional dredge, the Texas, arrived from Norfolk and began pumping sand in south Nags Head. Construction related to the Texas is currently scheduled to first move north from Oregon Street, near Surfside Drive, to the Outer Banks Pier, where construction will meet work associated with the Liberty Island dredge.

The project plan calls for widening the beach by an average of ~50 to 150 feet. After initial construction, the beach may appear wider than expected because sand can only be placed on the upper part of the beach profile (say to 6 ft depth or so). Nature will redistribute sand to match a natural profile, meaning some sand will move offshore in the underwater portion of the beach profile (to ~20 ft deep). This does not mean the beach is losing sand; rather, the profile is adjusting following nourishment. The beach width will naturally decrease initially after the project. Obviously sand will erode from the project area over time, but with the sand closely matching the natural beach, erosion rates should be similar to what has been observed over recent years.