New Outer Banks Bridge Headed for Approval Problems?

Posted on December 3, 2010

Mid-Currituck Bridge

The Virginia Pilot recently ran a very insightful article about the potential problems facing final approval for the proposed mid-Currituck Bridge.

The debates surrounding the bridge have echoed for years, and earlier this year it seemed a final conclusion in favor of the bridge was coming to a close. The proposed bridge would begin near Aydlett, about 25 miles south of the Virginia-North Carolina line, and stretch across the Sound to Corolla. It is believed that the bridge would cut travel time for visitors headed to northern Outer Banks.

At this point, the closest access to the Outer Banks is the Wright Memorial Bridge, about 20 miles south of Aydlett. As a result, travelers headed to the northern end of the Outer Banks are forced to head 20 miles south to Kitty Hawk, and spin around onto Rt. 12 to head north another 10 – 20 miles to reach Duck and Corolla. Clearly not ideal. The convoluted route has long been a source of safety concerns. A new bridge is expected to reduce evacuation times, boost tourism on both sides of the sound and curb pollution from idling vehicles.

However, there are concerns. Environmental, zoning, construction, etc. But the debates on these issue have already been voiced and heard, and the major project still seemed poised for approval.

Not so fast.

The scope of the US political spectrum shifted a bit with the recent elections in November, and the Republican lawmakers who clawed their way back into the NC General Assembly last month are looking for much needed budget cuts. Seems the mid-Currituck Bridge could be on the chopping block.

The state lawmakers need to close a projected $3 – 4 billion (yes, with a B!) deficit, and the bridge offers a pretty significant savings. The current plans for the bridge call for initial funding at $15 million per year, but that figure has the potential to rise to $28 million per year in 2013…and continue for 40 years.

Seems like the debate is far from over but conclusions could be reached in the near future.

New Outer Banks Bridge Approved in NC Budget

Posted on July 8, 2010

Mid-Currituck Bridge

North Carolina recently passed the 2011 budget, and included in the newly passed budget is the approval for a new Outer Banks bridge – the Mid-Currituck Bridge crossing the Currituck Sound from mainland Currituck at Aydlett to Corolla on the OBX.

The proposed bridge has been in the works for years. It is estimated that the bridge could shave about 50 miles off the drive to the Northern Outer Banks.

The bridge is estimated to cost over 650 million dollars and open in 2014, and it could cost drivers $10 to $15 each way.

Visiting the Outer Banks on a Budget

Posted on October 6, 2009

There is no denying that we are struggling through the grips of a tough recession, and tough budgetary decisions are required during difficult economic times. However, vacations are a necessity, right?

Perhaps not a necessity, but they do help to lower our stress levels and ultimately keep us healthy. We all need time to leave the everyday stresses behind and relax with friends and family, and fortunately, the Outer Banks is more affordable than you may think.

There are a wide variety of great deals for vacation rental homes on the Outer Banks, and some homes can be booked as low as $30 per night/per person. In addition, many homes are becoming more flexible; WiFi, dog friendly, shorter stays. Most people have the impression that Outer Banks rental homes are only available for weekly rentals with Saturday and Sunday turnover days. However, many home will allow partial rentals that give you the ability to stay a few nights or however long you may need. Also, many homes are starting to offer Friday turnover days.

With lodging covered, what about dining? Many restaurants on the Outer Banks offer amazing specials for fresh seafood dishes and other entrees. Not crazy about paying for seafood? The Fall is the best time of the year for fishing the waters of the Outer Banks. Your family will enjoy eating freshly caught fish that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Here’s a great story from a couple who had a wonderful experience visiting the Outer Banks on a budget.

Southern Living Names Outer Banks #1 Memorial Day Getaway

Posted on May 14, 2009

The Outer Banks took the # 1 spot in Southern Living’s “Top 10 Budget Memorial Day Getaways.”

These are difficult economic times, but time with friends and family is priceless…a great vacation maybe just what you need. The Outer Banks can be a very economically sound vacation.

Gorgeous vacation rental homes allow you to prepare meals at home to save on food expenses, and many homes have rates starting as low as $30 per night / per person.

Outer Banks Tourism Remains Strong

Posted on October 6, 2008

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 130 mile chain of barrier islands beginning on the Northern coast of NC. The Outer Banks central location in the middle of the Atlantic Coast is ideal for travelers all over the Eastern seaboard and central United States. A few hours in the car can bring you to a vacationers dream.

The Outer Banks is an ideal destination for vacationers throughout the year. The islands offer pristine beaches, great outdoor activities (surfing, kayaking, kite-boarding, fishing, etc.), amazing coastal cuisine, an abundance of history (Blackbeard the pirate spent time on the islands, the Wright Brothers took the first flight on the islands), and gorgeous natural scenery. The summer months are the busiest with vacationers taking advantage of the warm weather and the endless beaches, but the Outer Banks offers a great vacation throughout the entire year.

There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period. However, sometimes a short respite from reality is just what we need to manage difficult times with a smile on our face. The Outer Banks offers a great opportunity for a short breather from everyday stresses, and it is an affordable vacation alternative during difficult economic times.

The islands are within driving distance from a large portion of the United States; so you can avoid the cost and hassles of air travel. In addition, the Outer Banks offers great deals on gorgeous vacation rental houses. Vacation rentals offer advantages over hotels and are a fraction of the price. The cost of vacation rentals can be split between a group of people, and vacationers get the benefit of spending time with loved ones in a personalized, comfortable, communal atmosphere. Ample room to spread out, kitchens to prepare homemade meals, and many homes offer pools and game rooms.

Despite the economic worries, tourists are taking advantage of the great opportunities on the Outer Banks. Gross occupancy receipts for August 2008 are up 13.7% compared to the month of August in 2007. From January 1, 2008 through August 31, gross occupancy figures show a year-to-date increase of 3.9%.

Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, reports “August 2008 numbers show the strength and viability of the barrier islands as a major travel destination amid challenging economic times for the traveling public. Travel and tourism is one of the industries that has felt the pressures of a faltering national economy and August gross occupancy receipts have certainly given us pause to be thankful for the millions of visitors that have chosen to spend their vacations along our islands.”

The Outer Banks is a great travel alternative and gorgeous vacation rentals are available throughout the year.

For more information on the Outer Banks and to view available homes, please visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com. We hope to see y’all soon.

Outer Banks: #1 for Budget Getaways

Posted on June 9, 2008

Don’t Pass Up Your Vacation because of High Gas Prices!

The Outer Banks was just chosen as the #1 spot in Southern Living’s “Top 10 Budget Getaways” list.

A vacation rental home on the Outer Banks is available for as little as $55/per night (per person) at Seaside Vacations.

With more than 250 homes to choose from, ranging in size from one-bedroom condominiums to 15+ bedroom properties, we have the perfect location for your next vacation.

Visit us at outerbanksvacations.com to search available rental homes and book online, or call 888.267.6552 to speak with a knowledgeable vacation specialist.