Spotlight on the OBX: Duck, NC

Posted on June 23, 2011

We love a good video series; so we figured why not start another. You can already view our “Outer Banks Treasures” video series that highlights all of the “secret” spots we love on the OBX so you can live like a local when you visit. And now we’re going to focus on some informational videos that will help you get an understanding of the layout of the Outer Banks. We’ll title the new video series “Spotlight on the OBX,” (pretty clever, right? ), and we’ll start with an overview of the town of Duck.

Hope you enjoy…please let us know if you have any suggestions or want us to focus on something in particular. We love your input!

Duck, North Carolina is a charming Northern Outer Banks town that has a lot of personality and an amazing amount to offer vacationers. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beautiful beaches, take a bike ride through the quaint downtown area, pick up some unique OBX goodies at the local shops, or dine in one of the many tasty restaurants, Duck has something for everyone.

Duck is in an ideal location. Tucked away in a wooded area just north of Kitty Hawk, it is quiet and peaceful, but it is a short drive south to hustle and bustle along Rt. 158, and a quick trip north to Corolla. It is one of the few towns on the OBX that offer a true “downtown” area…and it’s a great downtown – bike and walking paths, shops, restaurants, waterfront patios and walkways. The town also goes above and beyond during the summer months to offer free events all week long – music, exercise, shows, kids events. A great spot for an OBX getaway

Beautiful Views: The town of Duck has some of the best views on the Outer Banks. From restaurants on the sound to oceanfront property, there’s a breath-taking view everywhere you look.
Watersports/fishing: From the Atlantic Ocean to the Currituck Sound, Duck has it all when it comes to the water. The most peaceful and relaxing beaches on the Outer Banks can be found in Duck, a great place for surfing, sea kayaking, paddle boarding or even just swimming. Just a walk away is the Currituck Sound, where you can rent a jet ski, take a boat out, go fishing or enjoy an aerial view while parasailing.
Restaurants: Duck is home to some of the best restaurants around. With just a short drive, bike ride or walk, you’ll find some of the top food and wine destinations on the Outer Banks.
Shopping: All of Duck’s unique boutiques and specialty shops are located within walking distance of each other, creating a great “downtown” shopping experience.

I’ll zip it so Chelsea can give you a quick tour. Hope to see you soon. Enjoy!

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

Posted on June 10, 2011

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.

Outer Banks Treasures: OBX Crabbing & Billy’s Seafood

Posted on June 9, 2011

Outer Banks Crabbing - map to secret spot

Everyone loves a free dinner, right? Ok, it’s not entirely free, you may have to spend a couple bucks for chicken necks and a string, but it’s tough to find an easier catch than blue crabs on the Outer Banks.

For our latest installment the Outer Banks Treasures video series, we’re going to focus on OBX crabbing. But really, it’s a 2 for 1 deal because we’ll also focus on Billy’s Seafood in Kill Devil Hills.

Billy’s Seafood is definitely deserving of it’s own Outer Banks Treasures focus, but it works so closely with OBX crabbing and the secret spot I’m going to point out that I decided to give a little bonus with this treasure.

Blue crabs are an OBX favorite. You can have them prepared for you at most local OBX restaurants, you can purchase them at a local OBX seafood shop and prepare them yourself, or you can head over to the Sound, enjoy a fun outdoor activity, and catch your dinner yourself…I prefer the latter!

The Outer Banks Sound is full of blue crabs. The trick is knowing where to catch them. There are a wide variety of great spots, but I’ll focus on one secret spot that is off the beaten path that has proven successful track record.

I’ll start with a point of reference that is easy to find, the gate at the Wright Brother’s museum on Rt. 158 (i.e. the “highway” in OBX lingo). Head south from the gate at the Wright Brothers museum, and take a right at the first set of lights (Dairy Queen on your left, Kangaroo gas station on your right) onto Colington Rd. Colington Rd. is a neat road that winds through the west side of Kill Devil Hills…definitely off the beaten path for most vacationers. The secret spot is about two miles down this winding road.

I’ll point out a few landmarks on the way so you know you are on the right track. Soon after you turn onto Colington Rd., you will pass the backside of the Wright Brothers monument on your right. A short distance after that, you’ll pass the Outer Banks airport on your right.

As you head down Colington Rd., you will pass over two bridges. At the bottom of the first bridge is the legendary Billy’s Seafood. Definitely worth a quick pit stop. Billy’s is a fantastic local seafood shop. Local fishermen pull their boats directly up to the store at a dock in the back of the store to unload their fresh catch….doesn’t get much more fresh than that! In addition to fresh local seafood, Billy’s is also a great spot to get any crabbing materials you may need…string, hooks, chicken, nets, blue fish…they have you covered.

After hitting up Billy, take a left out of the parking lot to continue down Colington Rd. After about another mile or so, you’ll approach the second bridge on this journey. As you approach the bridge, notice the sandy area to the right of the bridge. This is the secret spot!

As you go over the bridge, you’ll notice a parking area on the right side at the base of the bridge. As a final landmark, this parking area is directly across the street from the Colington Volunteer Fire Station (108 School St., Kill Devil Hills).

Park in the parking area, and walk up the small path to the super crab spot. Set up shop with some chairs and a cooler, and drop your chicken line into the water. Almost guaranteed catches.

If you have any questions, please let us know…we love to share our local tips.

Happy crabbing!

New Outer Banks Webcam!!! – Beach, Surf, & Jennette’s Pier

Posted on May 20, 2011

We are very happy to announce that we have a fantastic new Outer Banks webcam in Nags Head!

We put the cam on one of our oceanfront vacation rental homes in Nags Head, Sandy Oasis, and it is in the perfect spot to capture the Nags Head beach, a great OBX surf break, and Jennette’s Pier. It is a one stop shop for checking the beach, the surf, and fishing!

So cool!

It is also the perfect timing to take a look at Jennette’s Pier’s Grand Opening tomorrow!

We hope you’re as stoked as we are!

Tune in and enjoy.

New Outer Banks Webcam - Beach, Surf, & Jennette's Pier

New Video Series Outer Banks Treasures: Brooke Mayo Photography

Posted on April 19, 2011

Outer Banks Treasures: Brooke Mayo Photography

A vacation should be more than just a house at the beach. It should be time with friends and family, a chance to relax and unwind, and an opportunity to experience the local culture.

But how do you get a taste for the local flavor? How do you know what the locals do, where the locals go, all the hidden treasures?

We want you to get the most out of your time on the Outer Banks, and we’ve got some inside knowledge to share. This is the first episode of our new video series, “Outer Banks Treasures,” that will give you a local’s perspective; everything we love and think you absolutely, without a doubt need to know…all the best attractions, best local businesses, secret spots, and amazing people that make the OBX so unique.

To kick things off, we want to introduce you to one of the most fabulous photographers the Outer Banks has to offer, Ms. Brooke Mayo. As we’ve mentioned before, Brooke is an amazing photogrpaher with an incredibly unique style and an amazing eye for the perfect shot. She’s available to photograph anything from family shots to weddings, engagement, and even underwater doggies! Truly a one-of-a-kind…not to mention a super amazing person.

The video below gives you a quick look at Brooke in action and some great comments from our first “Outer Banks Treasure.”

You can learn more about Brooke and look at some amazing pictures at http://brookemayoblog.com.

Brooke is also one of the prized partners for our Club Seaside events. As a Seaside Vacations guest, you have the opportunity for a free sitting with Brooke. You can find more information at www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

Enjoy!

PS – Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see or know…we definitely take requests.

Share Your Opinion on the Outer Banks Plastic Bag Ban

Posted on April 5, 2011

There has been a lot of discussion since the ban on plastic shopping bags here in the Outer Banks. Many local businesses are claiming it is necessary to have plastic bags and they encourage the use of recycling those bags to their customers. Others believe this is a necessary step in protecting the natural environment here in the OBX, extending to our ocean, wildlife and reduced pollution.

But what do you think? Students from the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort are conducting an online survey on how citizens feel about the plastic bag ban in coastal counties. The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce reports that the survey is part of a larger project researching environmental management.

Results of the survey will be published in a report, available on the Duke University website, but individual responses will not be published, the chamber said.

The bag ban went into effect in coastal areas of Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties in 2009 for larger retailers. It was expanded last year to include all retailers. This year a group of Republican lawmakers filed a bill to repeal the ban, claiming it has increased the use of paper bags which have their own effect on the environment, rather than encouraging the use of recyclable bags.

If you would like to give your opinion on the plastic bag ban, the survey can be found here.

Seaside Vacations Announces the 2011 Lineup for Club Seaside

Posted on March 9, 2011

: Club Seaside – Yoga

: Club Seaside – Wild Horse Tours

: Club Seaside – Outer Banks Fishing 101

: Club Seaside – Golf Clinic

: Club Seaside – Paddleboarding Clinic

: Club Seaside – Wine Tasting

Guests enjoy 15 complimentary events including family portraits, yoga, paddle boarding, wine tastings, wild horse tours and more

KITTY HAWK, NC, (March 9, 2011) – Seaside Vacations, a leading vacation rental company located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, announces the lineup for their 2011 Club Seaside program.

Believing that a vacation should be more than just a house at the beach, Seaside Vacations is continuing to redefine the Outer Banks vacation experience by combining the best things about staying in a private vacation home with the best things about staying in a luxury resort.

Offered exclusively to all Seaside Vacations guests, the weekly Club Seaside events have grown from eight events to 15 complimentary events in 2011. Returning from 2010 are the professional golf and tennis clinics, yoga classes, wine tastings, circuit training, family portraits and paddle boarding. And new for 2011, guests will enjoy art in action with Katy Caroline, a beading class at Garden of Beadin’, a “Charming Party” with Renee Landry Style, a cooking class by Outer Banks Epicurean, a fishing class with Rock Solid Fishing, a pet party with Salty Paws Biscuits, a tour of The Whalehead Club and a wild horse tour by Corolla Outback Adventures. In addition, all Seaside Vacations guests have special guest access to a state-of-the-art health and racquet club and special guest rates at a world-class golf club. Each day of the week guests can experience the local culture by participating in one of these Outer Banks activities.

Seaside Vacations is committed to creating an exceptional vacation experience that includes a gorgeous house, but also access to local events that give guests access to all the Outer Banks has to offer. By giving guests the added value they desire, Club Seaside has become a favorite among Seaside Vacations guests.

A Seaside Vacations guest commented:

“Please keep Club Seaside as a part of your rental program. We loved it very much! The amenities that are available free of charge and at a reduced rate are very well worth it!”

Seaside Vacations looks forward to yet another successful year with Club Seaside. For more information on the exclusive benefits of Club Seaside, including schedule and contact information, please visit www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside.htm.

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 www.OuterBanksVacations.com or call one a Vacation Specialist at 855.375.9208.

2010 Halloween on the Outer Banks

Posted on October 28, 2010

Outer Banks Halloween

All Hallows’ Eve is fast approaching. The yearly celebration of ghosts, goblins, and all things ghoulish is a short three days away.

The Outer Banks is full of surprises. So much more than just a beach. History, fishing, surfing, nature, wild horses. The list of unique OBX qualities seems endless. But Halloween? Is the Outer Banks really a great Halloween destination?

Considering one of the nicknames for the OBX is “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” it probably shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, but yeah, the Outer Banks is full of great spooks and fun Halloween activities.

Here’s a smorgasbord of Halloween OBX style…

For starts, did you know the Outer Banks has a Ghost Tour?! For real. A tour dedicated to nothing but ghostly goodness on the OBX.
- http://www.GhostToursOfTheOBX.com/
Here’s a link to a recent article in the Charlotte Observer that discusses a creepy road in Manteo that the OBX Ghost Tour frequents. Here’s what the article has to say…
- “Mother Vineyard Road, in Manteo. I’ve experienced a temperature change there, almost like going into another world. There are numerous stories from the area, of Civil War soldiers parading and the presence of a ghostly sea captain. It’s also where hoo-doos have been spotted; they’re 3-foot-tall creatures that wear black hoods. The houses along the road are beautiful. In one of them, a hoo-doo ran across the room and disappeared into the fireplace. There’s tremendous orb activity on Mother Vineyard Road – indicating the presence of paranormal activity – and the orbs are almost the size of full moons. … It’s that intense.”
In an earlier post, I spun the tale of the Outer Banks Witch, Cora. Super creepy! Well worth the read.

Now on to some great Halloween activities:

About a month ago, I had a post about a haunted house on Roanoke Island that is supposed to be off-the-chain scary, Quarantine Island. Rather than reposting all of the details, I’ll let you head over to that link, but what I will say is that from everything I’ve heard about this haunted house, it is not for the faint of heart or children. It is legit scary. You’ve been warned.
Always a blast for kids and parents alike, Trick or Treat Under the Sea at the Outer Banks Aquarium is a Halloween staple on the OBX. A little late notice on this one considering it is tonight, but I did post it at the beginning of October…hint, hint, subscribe in the top right corner, and you’ll get all my posts emailed to you. :)
Black Pelican’s Haunted House is tonight through Saturday. Hours are 6 to 8:30 p.m. and their fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children (to benefit Relay for Life.)
On Saturday, the Elizabethan Gardens has its Harvest Hay Day with hayrides, a hay bale maze, music, crafts, games, a bake sale and more. It’s from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids younger than 12 get in free with a paying adult. Call (252) 473-3234.
The Red Wolf Coalition is holding a special free Howl-O-Ween Wolf Howling on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Alligator River NWR. Call (252) 796-5600 to register.
On Sunday, Nags Head Church has its huge Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s a one-stop Trick or Treating event with free candy, hot dogs, drinks, games and more, and up to 3,000 people are expected. Call (252) 441-7548.
“Nightmares in Rodanthe” – clever name, don’t ya think? A fun, and delicious, Halloween masquerade dinner at Good Winds restaurant in Rodanthe.

I think that should cover it. Whew, I’m tired just thinking about all that fun.

Get on out and enjoy!

PS: Got your costume ready? Blackbeard the Pirate would be great!…the deader the better.

Amazing Outer Banks Photography

Posted on October 27, 2010

Amazing Outer Banks Photographer

A vacation should be more than just a house at the beach. It should be time with friends and family, a chance to relax and unwind, and an opportunity to experience the local culture.

You get more than just a house when you stay with Seaside Vacations; you get a true Outer Banks vacation experience.

As a Seaside Vacations guest, you get to experience the local culture with our exclusive Club Seaside events. From surfing to wine tasting to yoga, these events will not only enhance your Outer Banks vacation but introduce you to great local businesses and add value to your Outer Banks vacation rental.

One of the new additions to Club Seaside in 2010 was a complimentary “Portrait Party” with one of the best photographers the OBX has to offer, Brooke Mayo.

Brooke’s amazing creative eye and flair for editing set her apart. We are very grateful to have Brooke as a Club Seaside partner, and the value she offers to Seaside Vacations guests is second-to-none: a free sitting and a complimentary 8′ x 10′ of her favorite picture from the session…plus great pricing for any additional photos purchased.

Brooke’s “Portrait Parties” are year-round with Club Seaside, but please reserve your spot early because her magic camera lens is in high demand.

Last week Brooke opened the “Portrait Parties” to some of the staff (and families) at Seaside Vacations, and it’s safe to say we were not disappointed…more accurately, we were psyched beyond belief. Brooke is so much fun to work with, and the results speak for themselves…

Thanks for the capturing amazing memories Brooke!

Amazing Outer Banks Pictures

Amazing Outer Banks Photography

Book Your Outer Banks Vacation with Seaside Vacations, and You Could Win An IPad!

Posted on October 8, 2010

: Outer Banks Vacation IPad Giveaway

BOOK YOUR VACATION WITH SEASIDE VACATIONS, AND YOU COULD WIN AN IPAD.

With the holiday season right around the corner, we figured why not start the gift giving early?

Offer

Book and confirm your Outer Banks vacation with Seaside Vacations between October 6 – December 31, 2010 and be entered into a drawing for a brand new Apple iPad!*

Book Now

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you may book online or call 877.346.9844. Please mention source code IPAD10.

And don’t forget…if you book your 2011 vacation by December 31, 2010, you can get up to 12 months to pay, interest free, with our Vacation Layaway Program.