Outer Banks Link Love: A Bonanza of OBX Love

Posted on February 10, 2012

Outer Banks Link Love

This week’s Link Love is chock full of all sorts of good OBX info. Good wild horse news, multiple top 10 lists, breaking news on the beach driving issue, nature, gardens…lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

Lets get to it!

As I mentioned last week, I like to get the not-so-great news out of the way first so we can focus on the positive.

It’s part of nature, but it’s always sad to see a beached whale. This story doesn’t offer too much detail, but you can get the basic gist; a deceased whale washed up in Nags Head this week. I guess it’s the Circle of Life, but always a bit heartbreaking.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move on to some goodies…

The Outer Banks lands on two Top 10 lists this week…
- Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Coastal Living named the Outer Banks to their list of “Top 10 Romantic Escapes.” Their description is great: “The Outer Banks offers the most elementally “out there” experience of any bridge-accessible U.S. destination. Standing on a thin ribbon of sand, with the mainland out of sight over the western horizon and burly Atlantic Ocean waves thundering in from the east, you truly feel untethered from your everyday world. Such towns as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills offer plenty of tourist pleasures. But it’s also easy to sneak away and find your own private stretch of beach, with vivid stars overhead, moonlight-silvered surf at your feet, the sea breeze tousling your hair―and magic ready to happen.”
- The OBX also made Coastal Livings list of “Top 10 Shelling Beaches.” This one is particular to Ocracoke…But we’e all one big, happy family on the OBX.

How about a little wild horse love?

Check out this cool documentary video about “Alonso,” a Corolla wild horse that is being moved from the Corolla herd to the Ocracoke herd to help improve diversity.

In some other fantastic OBX wild horse news, the US House of Representatives approved a bill to expand the Outer Banks wild horse herd. The bill must still pass the Senate, but this is a big step in the right direction.

Let’s stick with the nature theme…

Are you garden lover? History lover? All around lover of the OBX? Have you ever been to the Elizabethan Gardens? No?! It’s a must. So worth the trip. Here’s a great article that gives you a brief history of the Elizabethan Gardens, and as the title says, it “offers far more than greenery.”
The Outer Banks is one of the premier locations for birding. The OBX sits in a prime location that cross the migration paths of a wide variety of birds. This has been a slow year for birding though – I can’t speak from experience, but the article I’ll link to mentions it is probably due to the warm winter weather. However, even with a slow birding season, the OBX offers some rare gems, including a Golden Eagle!

Here’s a pretty interesting idea for all your OBX vacationers that return year after year…

Tired of lugging all of that OBX beach gear in your car year after year? How about a convenient storage “beach box” to keep your goods on the Outer Banks? Brilliant, right? Add that to the list of “why didn’t I think of that.”

Let’s close out with the heated topic of Outer Banks beach driving…but there’s a twist…some breaking news…

I agree that the new beach driving rules are no fun. I love the freedom to drive on the OBX beaches – it’s one of the many aspects that make the Outer Banks so special. However, here are some thoughts to consider…
- The rules are similar to those already in place at other seashore parks.
- Those fees — and an accompanying requirement to watch an educational video — aren’t unusual.
- Tourism figures don’t reflect a downturn in overall visitors to the Outer Banks, despite the recession and a couple of wildfire-plagued summers.
- The plan acknowledges the importance of beach driving and fishing to the local economy. Popular areas such as Cape Point, South Point and Bodie Island Spit will have ORV routes that are open at least seasonally.
- Special-use permits will be available for commercial fishermen to reach some areas ordinarily closed to vehicles.
- Park officials also plan to seek funding for additional ORV access ramps and to consider allowing businesses to offer beach and water shuttles to fishing areas.
- The Outer Banks is still open for business.
Now, with all of that said, check out the news that just broke late yesterday afternoon; an OBX beach access group just filed a law suit to stop the Park Service’s ORV (off-road vehicle) plan. There’s still hope yet.

Time Capsule

Here are some popular posts from last year at this time:

Outer Banks Golf Among the Best You Can Play
New York Times Loves Vacation Rentals Too!
Experts Race to Save Outer Banks Shipwreck
Outer Banks Snow Day! - Still loving the beast of a beard!

Tis the Season….to be at the OBX!

Posted on November 16, 2011

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas not too far behind, the holiday season is in full swing. Whether you are heading to the beach with family for the holidays or a local, we wanted to let you know about some upcoming events here in the Outer Banks. We have mentioned OBXmas weekends earlier in the fall, but there have been more great events announced and tons more on the way. From shopping, to light shows, to fishing tournaments, there is something fun for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some highlights of some of the events begining next week.

Reindeer Run Extravaganza:

Retailers join forces Thanksgiving weekend to provide the ultimate holiday shopping experience. The Reindeer Run is brought to you by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and provides visitors and residents a quick guide to the best local shopping and discounts. On Black Friday follow the red line. Follow the green line on Small Business Saturday.

Friday, November 25 (Red Line map );

Click here for participating retailers

Saturday, November 26 (Green Line map)

Click here for participating retailers

Redfish Saturday Fishing Tournament at Jennettes Pier:

The new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head will hold its first ever Redfish Saturday tournament on Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. until noon. Trophies will be awarded that day for the longest fish of these types: red drum, black drum, bluefish, speckled trout, gray trout, striped bass, croaker, flounder and others. Jennette’s Pier has partnered with Tanger Outlet Center also of Nags Head for the event. Everyone who registers for the tournament will receive a free Tanger Outlet coupon book, a $350 value. The pier’s educational staff will offer fee-based programs for children during the tournament. So, let the angler in your family go fishing and the shopper go shopping at the nearby outlets.

Event Information:

Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26; 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Families must register by Wednesday, Nov. 23 for the programs. For more information, call 252-255-1501, ext. 202.

Kites with Lights:

Watch the night sky magically transform as kites with lights glow in the sky atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Kites go up around 3 p.m. and will be in the sky until 6 p.m. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served beginning at 4 p.m. at Kitty Hawk Kites store. This is a very well attended event so get there early to get your parking spot.

Event Information:

Jockey’s Ridge State Park,

Mile Post 12.5, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

1-877-FLY-THIS, 252-441-4124

Island Farms Presents: Island Foodways

Looking for something to do with the family after Thanksgiving? Come to Island Farm as we interpret fall food traditions and share how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter during the 1850s. Some activities will include: hearth cooking, food preservation, ox-drawn wagon rides from 10am-noon, corn shucking and shelling in the afternoon. Bring a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off admission to the farm. Goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry.

Event Information:

Island Farm, Manteo

Saturday, November 26,

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Standard admission of $6 (or $5 with donation of canned good), children ages 5 and under admitted free.

Upcoming Events

23rd Annual Festival of Trees: December 1 -3

Grand Illuminations at the Elizabethan Gardens: December 3

Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade: December 3

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb: December 10

Christmas Past at Island Farm: December 10

108th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight: December 17

Since this is my favorite time of year, its awesome the Outer Banks has so much going on for residents and visitors. I have heard that the Kites with Lights is a really sweet event because you get to watch the sunset get transformed into a winter wonderland! Make sure you get out and check out some of these great events brought to us by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and make a new OBX tradition!

Photography Exhibit on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 24, 2010

Brown Pelican by Jeff Lewis

Jeff Lewis, a local Outer Banks nature photographer, will have an exhibit on display at the Elizabethan gardens on Roanoke Island.

Jeff’s work has been displayed in many of the area’s newspapers; some of these publications include: The North Carolina Birding Trail Publications, Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine, Fifteen 501 Magazine, and Garden and Gun Magazine. In addition, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has used Jeff’s photos and photos can be found on display and Visitor Centers around the Northern Outer Banks.

For the past 15 years, Lewis has worked at The Elizabethan Gardens, and now serves as the gardens manager. Lewis’s work will be on display through the end of March. For more information, please visit: http://www.elizabethangardens.org/ or call 252-473-3234.

“Christmas in the Park” on the Outer Banks

Posted on November 30, 2009

The Elizabethan Gardens
Invites You to

Christmas in the Park

a Holiday Open House

December 2, 2009 – 5pm-8pm

Children of all ages will enjoy

Pictures with Santa Claus
Holiday Craft Making
Marshmallow Roast
Holiday Shopping
Holiday Music

Gardens Gift Shop: 25% off plants
and gift shop items

The Elizaabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954,
252.473.3234
www.elizabethangardens.org

Fall Festival on the Outer Banks

Posted on October 21, 2009

Elizabethan Gardens “Harvest Heyday”

A fun filled family event!

Sunaay, October 25, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm

Crafts
Bake Sale
Hay Rides
Face Painting
Music
Magic Mike

Children under 12 FREE with paying adult or Friends Member.

For more information, please call 252-473-3234.

The Elizabethan Gardens: 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC

www.elizabethangardens.org; info@elizabethangardens.org

Proceeds support growing programs at

The Elizabethan Gardens, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Educational Programs at the Outer Banks’ Elizabethan Gardens

Posted on March 31, 2009

Educational Programs to be held at Elizabethan Gardens

Anne White is presenting two classes beginning next week at the Elizabethan Gardens. Known for her informative and engaging teaching style, Mrs. White has enlightened volunteers and delighted visitors to The Gardens for more than a decade with her tours and educational programs. Persons interested in attending the sessions listed below may register by calling 252-473-3234.

March (Elizabethan Gardens hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily)

March 31 9am-12 noon

Historical Perspectives from The Elizabethan Era

Spring Programs designed to reveal a new way of looking at this beautiful public garden, a significant destination and a haven for locals and visitors alike. Each class is included with general admission fee or free for Friends of the Elizabethan Gardens – a way to enhance your visits while using your annual pass. Second Program is April 7th. Program Topics: A Garden Shaped by History; Tough Times on Roanoke Island, Myth and Art in a Garden Setting; Renaissance Design Revealed. Herbs for Your Health. There are so many wonderful stories to tell – you don’t want to miss this event! The Shakespeare herb garden connects us to beneficial ideas from the past. 9am-12pm Dress for the weather outside as narrated tour on topic of the day is part of the program. Reserve our motorized chair for touring Garden if needed when you call to register.

April (Elizabethan Gardens hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily)

April 07
The Elizabethan Gardens Today and Tomorrow: Docent Training
Spring Programs designed to reveal a new way of looking at this beautiful public garden, a significant destination and a haven for locals and visitors alike. Each class is included with general admission fee or free for Friends of the Elizabethan Gardens – a way to enhance your visits while using your annual pass. Program Topics: Our Green Guidelines for Biodiversity in a small Garden, Plants for the Planet and for The Outer Banks, for Future Careers and for Environmental Solutions. How will our Garden Grow – a Plan for Sustainability. A society disconnected from nature is without understanding of the processes that sustain life. Knowledge of the awesome miracles of mother nature will be shared through readings, photos, commentary. Learn how maintenance of The Gardens creates multiple layers rich in living things. Dress for the weather outside as narrated tour on topic of the day is part of the program. 9 am – 12 pm Reserve our motorized chair for touring Garden if needed when you call to register.

Much to See and Do on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 30, 2009

A recent article in The Ledger Independent, a local Kentucky newspaper, does a great job of highlighting many of the great attractions the OBX has to offer.

The article highlights…

· The abundance of great local food

· Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets (over the ocean in the a.m. and the Sound in the p.m.)

· Unique collection of lighthouses

· Elizabethan Gardens

· Significant historic relevance

o The Lost Colony

o The Wright Brothers

o Fort Raleigh

· Wide variety of outdoor activities

· Some Outer Banks facts

It is a good read for all OBX enthusiasts, and a great reminder of all there is to see and do on the Outer Banks. For a more extensive list, please view the Seaside Vacations Top 100 Things To Do on Vacation.

Things To Do on the Outer Banks

Posted on March 27, 2009

The Salem Street Gazette recently posted a great article highlighting some of the great attractions on the Outer Banks. The eight attractions listed below are a great start, but there is so much more to see and do on the Outer Banks. Here’s a more extensive list with the Seaside Vacations Top 100 things to do.

THE WHALEHEAD CLUB: Tour the stately 21,000 square foot private retreat. Admire the elegant Art Nouveau details. Learn about the owners and all that it took to run such a home.

VISIT THE LIGHTHOUSES: There are several to choose from. In season you can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras and the Currituck Beach Lighthouses. You can also visit the lighthouses at Ocracoke and Bodie Island Lighthouses.

JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK: Hike up the largest active dune system on the East Coast. Experience the beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area from atop of the dunes. Arguably the best sunset on the beach.

WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL: See the replica of the famous “Wright Flyer’ that started aviation history. Climb the hill and view the memorial as a tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright.

CHICAMACOMICO LIFESAVING STATION: Learn the history of the Lifesaving Service in North Carolina. Watch demonstration with a breeches buoy and Lyle gun. This site is the most complete U. S. Lifesaving Service Station in the United States.

THE LOST COLONY: See a live performance with music and drama of this great historical event. Learn the tragic story of the ill-fated colonist of 1587. The Lost Colony is the oldest running outdoor drama in America.

ELIZABETHAN GARDENS: This is a must see in the Spring. All the beautiful blooming flowers and shrubs. The statuary throughout the garden is stunning.

OCRACOKE ISLAND: Take a ferry ride to the beautiful and unique island. It houses the second oldest lighthouse in the United States, built in 1823. The British cemetery holds the remains of four British sailors from the HMS Bedfordshire.

Don’t forget your camera.

Outer Banks: Elizabethan Gardens’ Educational Outreach

Posted on December 10, 2008

Elizabethan Gardens (www.ElizabethanGardens.org), located at Roanoke Festival Park in Manteo, is teaming up with North Carolina State University for new community outreach and educational programs and continued improvements to the Gardens.

The program will be headed up by a full time educator and two graduate students of horticultural science. This program has been designed to educate interested members of the community about the importance of the gardens to the Outer Banks.

The program will include:

· Educational research,

· Sustainable horticulture,

· Development of exhibits and interpretive signs,

· New garden design,

· Greenhouse and nursery management,

· Master planning and publications, and

· Staff development.

You can find further information here.