Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, December 20, 2011.
This video was shot at the Lillian St. beach access in Kitty Hawk at 9:00 AM.
Only 5 days until Christmas. Wow, time flies. This my last report until after the holiday, so I want to wish you a merry Christmas. I’ll be back soon.
Great day for my last report before the holiday. Great weather and fun surf carrying over from yesterday. Sun, 50′s, light offshore breeze out of the southwest. Looking ahead we could have a few spots of rain, but nothing extensive. Looks like Christmas week will be mostly sunny with temps around 60…perfect OBX Christmas weather.
The surf is fun today. Waist to chest high and real clean with the southwest wind. The offshore wind will stick around through Thursday morning. The swell will fade, but fun surf will stick around…even if it is a bit small. Gotta love surfing on Christmas week…thanks Santa.
OBX fishing has slowed down, but the good news is that the stripers are arriving. Sporadic reports of some great catches. Over the weekend, our friends at Rock Solid Fishing reported a 50 pound striper hauled in at the Oregon Inlet bridge. Definitely some big fish showing up, and we should have a great OBX striper bite real soon.
Have a great holiday. Hope to see you soon. Have fun!
With the stress of the holidays, shopping, cooking, and all the other hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we often lose sight of the real meaning behind Christmas. Here at Seaside Vacations we want to give the ultimate gift of hapiness for families that are less fortunate or unable to buy presents to put under their trees. Through the Angel Tree program we have adopted a family of 4 children and another family with one child to collect donations in hopes to make a Merry Christmas for them. For every donation Seaside will match all collections and hopefully together, we can fulfill each child’s wish list.
If you are interested in giving a donation to Seaside’s sponsored families, please make checks payable to Seaside Vacations and send them to:
4820 N. Croatan Hwy. P.O. Box 3339
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Remember that we will match 100% of your contribution and no matter how much the donation, every little bit helps. Join Seaside Vacations in bringing a smile to these childrens faces on Christmas morning. Merry Christmas!
We have photographic evidence that Santa’s OBX Elf has been spotted on the beach in Nags Head today. And beyond just a mere siting, the reporters have determined the name of the 2011 OBX Elf, Bernard Tinsel!
Welcome Bernard! We’re so happy to have you on the Outer Banks to help us count down to Christmas. We’ll keep an eye out for your everyday…and we’ll be sure to be on our best behavior!
Outer Banks: 12.1.11 - Santa's Elf Arrives on the OBX!
We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you some breaking news from the Outer Banks!
Reports are in that an Elf has landed at Seaside Vacations on the OBX. And this is no ordinary Elf. This is an Elf sent directly from Santa!
The Elf has been sent by Jolly ol’ Saint Nick to make sure we’re all behaving well and to help us count down the days until Christmas.
Stay tuned, the Elf (the reporters have not learned his name yet) will be appearing in new locations daily to help us count down, and he’ll be traveling back to the North Pole nightly to give a report to the Big Man.
Make sure you’re well behaved…I hear he has a list and is checking it twice.
Its begining to look alot like Christmas! With Thanksgiving behind us that can only mean one thing…Christmas is right around the corner. Of course there is no better place to spend the holidays than the Outer Banks! We have mentioned OBXmas weekends before, it is a great “one stop shop” for all the great events taking place on the beach during the holiday season. They have continued to add new great events to the calander and if you are in area make sure you check them out. Here is the link to the updated calander. Tons of fun things coming up this weekend! Here are some highlights.
Duck, NC – The Town of Duck, in cooperation with our local business community, announces the First Annual “Duck Yuletide Celebration” – a Town-wide celebration of Yuletide Cheer.
Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, 2011
Duck merchants will keep their doors open late for shoppers to find the perfect gift. Visitors will enjoy Holiday sales, refreshments, and even some Holiday entertainment as they make their way through the Town of Duck.
The entire Village Commercial District will be decked out for the holiday season with festive decorations and lights.
To complement your shopping experience, Duck eateries are hosting one of their famous Duck Tapas Crawls on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Participating restaurants will be serving up a plate of tapas and a cup of Holiday cheer for one special price that is sure to be pleasing to every palate.
Love holiday shopping? Love tapas? Love Duck? Will you be going to the Yuletide Celebration? Please let us know all about it in our comments section. Have fun!
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is starting a new tradition this year and wants locals and visitors to jump on board! OBXmas Weekends is a site centered around all the great events taking place this fall and winter season in the OBX. It gives you the opportunity to see what is going on from Kitty Hawk to Hatteras, especially as it gets close to the holidays.
From craft shows to fishing tournaments, to Christmas light shows, OBXmas Weekends calendar lets you know the best places to check out around the beach. Not only can you check out local events, but business are also posting great holiday specials and coupons to share.
I don’t know about you guys but this is my favorite time of year! Why not skip the craziness of the holidays and head down to the beach for a very merry OBX getaway? Seems like the perfect way to get the family together and spend some real quality time, and isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Nothing like sipping eggnog while putting your feet up and watching the sunrise at your oceanfront vacation home.
Here is the calendar for Novembers events thus far. Keep an eye on it because there are new events and new deals all the time!
I’m not sure how this snuck up on us so quickly, but guess what? It’s the holiday season! Thanksgiving is long gone, and Christmas is fast approaching. See ya later 2010!
Seems like a good time to run through some of the holiday fun that can be found on the Outer Banks.
While the OBX is best known for beaches and summer fun, there’s plenty to offer during the holiday season as well.
We’ll start with a few of my fav’s that tend to fly under the radar.
1. The holiday boat parade in Colington Harbor. This one is definitely under the radar. I think there were a total of 10 people there last year…including the 6 with me, but it’s a blast. There’s something special about watching a sailboat with Christmas lights. Colington is tucked away on the West side of Kill Devil Hills…take a right at the Monument and head straight until you hit the guard gate, welcome to Colington Harbor. I can’t find the date for this year, but you may be able to get more info on this site.
2. Kites with Lights at Jockey’s Ridge, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites. Darn! I just realized we missed this one. I guess they moved it to Thanksgiving weekend this year. Shoot, but I’m including it here anyway so we can all be reminded to mark our calendars for next year…plus, I like this video. Kites and lights are a great combo! :)
3. Ahhhh…last but definitely not least, my fav; the famed Outer Banks Christmas House. The Paulos family has gone all out with Christmas decorations for years, and they invite young and old to take in the spectacle.
The house/light display was voted number one in America in 2005 on the Today Show, and it’s been featured on HGTV! Who knew?! Local celebs right here on the OBX!
Feel free to park your car and wander around the yard to get the full effect and boost your holiday spirit. A night viewing is optimal to get the full effect of the lights.
The time and effort this family puts into their decorations is astounding.
Here’s their FaceBook page if you want some more info or want share your love of their efforts.
Directions: The house is located in Kill Devil Hills near the Nags Head Woods entrance
Heading South on Rt. 158 into Kill Devil Hills
1. Proceed to light at Ocean Acres Dr. (opposite MacDonald’s)
2. Turn right at Ocean Acres Dr.
3. The road will change from paved to gravel as you go up a hill. Just over the top of the hill you will find the Poulos home.
And for some of the more traditional (and “on the beaten path”) options…
December 3 First Friday
Downtown Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, period-dressed actors, a rock climbing wall and much more.firstfriday-roanokeisland.com
December 3 Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come visit with Santa! Free. (252) 475-1750 or roanokeisland.com
December 3 – 4 Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 3rd at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 4th at 11 a.m. in downtown Manteo.manteo.govoffice.com
December 4 The Jazz before Christmas
Comfort Inn North Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills. Mix, mingle and celebrate the holidays with jazz! A Semi-Formal Affair Hosted by Gwendolyn Meekins. Performance by Chante Moore. Live Jazz Band. Catering by Basnight’s Lone Cedar. Heavy hors d’oeuvres. One specialty beverage. Full cash bar. Admission: Advance Purchase – $50, Door – $65. For additional information, call: 252-573-1014 or email: GM.Events@live.com. Ticket and Semi-Formal Attire Required for Admission. Please be responsible, DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! Hotel Rooms are available at a discounted rate. $55.00 plus tax (Regular), $70.00 plus tax (Oceanfront). For hotel reservations, call 252-441-6333 and reference “The Jazz before Christmas”.
December 3 – 31 Holiday Show
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, Manteo. Over 500 works of art to fit every budget, including original paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood. darearts.org
December 4 Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes
Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes 2 pm til 7 pm. 10-12 houses/Inns. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased the day of the tour at the Dare County Courthouse (located in downtown Manteo) which is also the first stop on the tour. For more information contact Grizelle Fearing at 252-473-7336.
December 4 RIFP Performance Series Christmas at the Park with Elizabeth City State University
7 p.m. Indoor Theatre The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500, roanokeisland.com December 8 Grand Illumination
Join The Elizabethan Gardens as we kick off ten nights of lights and floral displays at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina. This kick-off event will feature holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall. Also featured are fire pits on the Great Lawn, where guests can roast marshmallows, drink hot cocoa and be entertained by Dockside Theatre Company and others. On this evening enjoy The Gardens’ Gift Shoppe and plant sales, offering 10% off all merchandise. Friends’ receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Illuminations for Non-Members are $14 for adults; $9 for youth (ages 6-17); $6 for children (5 and under). Tickets for Friends’ are $10 for adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). Groups of 20 or more receive $1.00 off each ticket. Please call The Elizabethan Gardens at 252-473-3234 for more information or visitelizabethangardens.org
December 11 Christmas Past at Island Farm
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. In celebration of Christmas Past at Island Farm, bring your family to learn how Roanoke Island families celebrated Christmas a century and a half ago. Many of the holiday traditions we enjoy today began in the 19th century. A special event at Island Farm on Roanoke Island will bring them to life, 1850s style.
When Adam Etheridge and his family lived on the farm on the island’s North End, there was no electricity. Candles were placed on a freshly cut tree, and their glow made the season bright. The men celebrated by shooting off muskets. Children sang carols and ate cookies while their elders sipped hot mulled wine. It was a time for all families, black and white, to gather with their relatives and to enjoy time away from work. On Dec. 11, Island Farm will host visitors on a guided candlelight tour representing an 1850s Southern Christmas. Gather around a bonfire while muskets are fired to ring in the season. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot wassail, and learn how Christmas traditions began.
The farmhouse will be decorated for the holidays, with flickering wax candles illuminating the Christmas tree. Carolers will sing Yuletide favorites. And costumed interpreters will present vignettes of island life, including the perspective of those who were enslaved.
“Christmas Past at Island Farm is designed to be fun, festive, and educational,” said Jonathan Failor, farm manager. “Why do we decorate trees at Christmas and hang garland on the mantel? How did the tradition of feasting begin? We hope families will make this event a tradition in the years to come.” Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased on the day of the event. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free. Admission is paid at the door, beginning at 5 pm on the day of the event, Saturday, Dec. 11. The farm will close at 8 pm. Island Farm is open weekdays through Nov. 30 for the 2010 season. The Christmas Past celebration is the last event of the year; look for more special events in the spring. For more information, contact Island Farm, 252-473-6500, email:islandfarm252@gmail.com, or visit the website, theislandfarm.com
KDH Cooperative
Milepost 8.5 on the By-Pass
In Kill Devil Hills
Just 1/2 mile South of the Wright Brothers National Monument
Notice the blank stare…. this is a man trying to think of what to give his wife for Christmas.
THE MAN SALE
Thursday, December 24 10:00 – 4:00
Man-style food, man-style beverages and help picking out the perfect gift(s). (Feel free to send your favorites list ahead of time.) Free gift wrapping.
Following the Christmas holiday, Christmas trees will be collected in Currituck County from December 26, 2009 through January 10, 2010. Christmas trees may be dropped off at each Currituck County Recycling Center, as well as at the Southern Outer Banks Water Plant. A special Christmas tree collection area will be designated by new signage at each site.
Residents recycling Christmas trees should first remove all decorations and tinsel from each tree. County employees will collect the trees and take them to the beach for the dune replenishment program.
For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at 232-2504
Dare County will also offer Christmas tree pickup and recycling.
Nothing like sipping eggnog while putting your feet up and watching the sunrise at your 
When Adam Etheridge and his family lived on the farm on the island’s North End, there was no electricity. Candles were placed on a freshly cut tree, and their glow made the season bright. The men celebrated by shooting off muskets. Children sang carols and ate cookies while their elders sipped hot mulled wine. It was a time for all families, black and white, to gather with their relatives and to enjoy time away from work. On Dec. 11, Island Farm will host visitors on a guided candlelight tour representing an 1850s Southern Christmas. Gather around a bonfire while muskets are fired to ring in the season. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot wassail, and learn how Christmas traditions began.
