Tag Archives: Jockey’s Ridge

Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Top 10 Places to Take the Kiddos on the OBX

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Kids love buckets. Parents love lists. A perfect marriage of the two. An OBX Bucket List focused on the kiddos!

Thanks to Kristen for the great Mommy-view of the Outer Banks bucket list. :)

(Note: These are in no particular order. Because how can you compare delicious frozen yogurt with a day spent on the beach? You can’t. :) )

Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Surfin' Spoon

Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Surfin’ Spoon

  1. Surfin’ Spoon.  We love a cool tasty treat on a hot afternoon. In fact, it’s mommy that often suggests a trip for frozen yogurt, and not my kids. (Yes, I have a sweet-make-that-chocolate-tooth.) So, for the perfect fro yo treat, we load up and head on down to a little spot called the Surfin’ Spoon on the Beach Road (Rt. 12) in Nags Head. This ultra-hip frozen yogurt shop is the quintessential small beach town spot. Not only is it beachy and cool with delicious frozen yogurt flavors and a game room for the older kids, but it just happens to be owned by local pro surfer Jesse Hines and his wife, Whitney. It doesn’t get any more rad than that.
  2. Jockey’s Ridge.  I don’t know what kid doesn’t like going to Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head. Largest sand dune on the East Coast? Sure. But how about tons of fun spent flying kites, climbing the dunes and then (dare I say it?), rolling down to the bottom. Cons? Sand. Lots and lots of sand. Pros? Enough energy output to guarantee at least a half hour nap from your little one. Or you. Or both.
  3. The movies.  Sure, it’s not a local dig or somewhere off the beaten path, but every kid loves going to the movies, right? And besides, you’ll find that the OBX does have some rainy and/or super hot days. Perfect for a little indoor, air-conditioned entertainment. Popcorn anyone?
  4. A pirate adventure aboard the Sea Gypsy. What child has never wanted to be a swashbuckling pirate? Finding treasure, defeating the enemy and telling tall tales. Yep, count me in. The Sea Gypsy IV makes her home in the historic waterfront town of Manteo on Roanoke Island about 10-20 minutes from Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk. In Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks, children get to experience the magic of sailing away in search of buried treasure aboard a true pirate ship. Before you know it your child will be painted with a curly mustache or a beautiful mermaid, dressed up as a pirate and marching off to the ship. Once aboard the young pirates will learn the rules at sea aboard their pirate ship and read a treasure map to find the sunken treasure. Will the crew defeat Pirate Pete and find the sunken treasure?  Only those brave enough to go will found out.
  5. The beach. Get on the bathing suits and sunscreen and pack the cooler, towels, chairs, beach toys, umbrella, baby pool, boogie boards, Frisbee, paddleball…well, you get the point. Load it up quick and grab your spot in the sand…because nothing beats a day on our beautiful beaches.
  6. Laser tag & the bounce house at Gearworks. Another indoor option, Outer Banks Gearworks in Nags Head offers not only laser tag, but an indoor bounce house (make that TWO) as well. We’ve attended a few birthday parties here and the kids love it. Some of the best $5 I’ve ever spent.
  7. Gymboree Outlet. Okay, I’ll admit it. My children may not like going here as much as their mommy does (especially with my Gymbucks!), but this kids apparel-only outlet store in Nags Head does have a TV in the back – perfect for keeping the kids occupied while mommy gets her shopping on. And on. And on…
  8. Breakfast at the Nags Head Pier.  On the rare occasion that our whole family is together on the weekend (my husband is a charter fisherman = gone super early and back after dinner), we love to head on down to the Nags Head Pier for a delicious breakfast – and a fantastic view. Tip: Order the “Em Special.”
  9. Pirates Cove Marina. This is an obvious choice for us – as my husband works on The Hog Wild, a charter boat in this full-service marina. Not only is it fun to see daddy come in on the boat, but even better are the loads of fish that are unloaded off the back. Tuna, mahi (dolphin), wahoo…and perhaps even a giant billfish. Located on the Manteo causeway, Pirate’s Cove is a great place to take the kiddos in the afternoon. What to do after the fish are gone? You can grab a drink at Mimi’s Tiki Hut or some yummy dinner at Harbor Point Bar & Grill – both located within the marina. Tip: Most boats get back to the dock between 4:30-5:30pm. And bring your camera! You never know when you might see a giant blue marlin.
  10. The Pet Gallery AND The Toy Gallery.  I’m a bit biased on this one – but only because one of my closest friends owns both of these fabulous local stores in Kill Devil Hills. Around for more than 20 years, The Pet Gallery not only offers supplies (and treats) for your pets but they also have a huge fish room full of salt water fish!  My kids love going in the “fish room” and seeing who can find Nemo first. And now, right next door? The brand new (and crazy awesome fabulous) Toy Gallery! If you’re looking for super unique, award-winning and kid-approved toys (that you cannot find in Kmart or Walmart), this is the place. There are lots of toys for the wee ones to play with…so you can feel good knowing that you’re not taking your kids somewhere where they can only “look” at the toys. Plus, they offer FREE daily activities for the kiddos. Yes, please!
Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Toy Gallery

Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Toy Gallery

Outer Banks Bucket Lists: Top 10 Spots Where I Send My Family & Friends

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Outer Banks Bucket List

Outer Banks Bucket List

Last week I shared a fun idea for OBX Summer Bucket Lists, and that post gave me an idea for a new blog series; Outer Banks Bucket Lists. 

Perfect right? The OBX has so much to see and do that it’s impossible to fit everything in. So, let’s share some great “bucket lists” of must-do’s and great advice/tips for those trying to make the most of their time…whatever that might mean to you on your OBX getaway.

I’ve recruited some help from Seaside Vacations staff and friends, and over the next few weeks/months/years :) , I’ll be sharing a wide variety of fantastic Outer Banks Bucket Lists. Stay Tuned!

Today’s list comes to us courtesy of Ms. Colleen, who also happens to contribute fantastic Outer Banks restaurant reviews – OBX Eats…read it, seriously. :)

  1. The Wright Memorial, at dusk – watch the sun set where man took flight!
  2. Jockey’s Ridge, at dusk – one of the best spots for sunset watching on the entire OBX.
  3. Ocracoke – it’s a great day trip and includes a free Ferry ride!
  4. Dare County Relay for Life Carnival (in mid-May)
  5. May through August is sea turtle nesting season. If you are in town and are vacationing near an identified nest, sit there every night if you are able. Sea turtles are endangered species and the hatching process is a miracle to experience.
  6. Corolla to gawk at beautiful homes, and there are some doozies! (Does Tom Cruise still have a house up there?)
  7. Carova (4×4 area) to see wild horses and drive on the beach
  8. Phideaux Fishing for an off-shore trip to remember
  9. The Whalehead Club
  10. Oregon Inlet to watch the charter boats bring in their catch

Awesome OBX Bucket List! Thanks Colleen?

Do you have a favorite Outer Banks Bucket List? I’d love to hear it…and share it. Please feel free to leave your list in the comments below.

Happy summer!

2012 Outer Banks 4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations

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Outer Banks & National Geographic - David Alan Harvey - Nags Head 4th of July

Outer Banks & National Geographic – David Alan Harvey – Nags Head 4th of July

It’s just about time to celebrate summer – and America’s Independence – with some large pyrotechnics.

4th of July fireworks anyone?! Yes, please! :)

Here is the full list of 2012 4th of July fireworks and celebrations on the OBX…go get some!

We’ll start north and work our way south.

Corolla
Currituck County will host the annual Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla.

Activities in the park will begin at 5:00 pm, with the fireworks show scheduled for approximately 9:00 pm. Guests will enjoy a watermelon-eating contest, cornhole tournament, live music, children’s activities, vendors and more.

Please remember that no alcohol is allowed inside Currituck Heritage Park. Also, the Whalehead Club boat ramp will be closed on July 4 for the entire day. More event information can be found at the Currituck County Tourism website, at www.visitcurrituck.com

Duck
Duck’s eighth annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m., with a community social following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand, refreshments, and the awarding of parade trophies. The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane going eastward, continues down Ocean Way, and then turns onto Christopher Drive. No part of the parade is on Duck Road (SR 12). Please plan to come early to get the best parade viewing spot. For more information or to register an entry for the parade: visit www.TownofDuck.com.

 

Manteo – Roanoke Island Festival Park
Pack up the lawn chairs, blankets and picnic and bring family and friends as the nation celebrates July 4th in the Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Fireworks will be provided by the Town of Manteo beginning at 9:30 p.m. The 440th Army Band will begin their patriotic concert at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Parking will be available at the Park until the lot is full and in downtown Manteo. Handicap parking will be available at the Park.

Nags Head
9:25 p.m. at Nags Head Fishing Pier Milepost 11

The following public beach accesses are recommended for access to the beach for fireworks viewing:

South of Nags Head Fishing Pier North of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Curlew Street Bladen Street
Hollowell Street Bittern Street
Conch Street Bonnett Street
Blackman Street
Barnes Street

 *Locals Tip: If you are looking for the best seat in the house make sure you visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which will be open late on July 4th for firework viewing.

Avon
Approximately 9 PM at Avon Pier

Outer Banks Link Love: 2.17.12 – Juicy Links Galore

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Outer Banks Link Love

Outer Banks Link Love

It’s Friday! And you know what that means…time for some Outer Banks Link Love! Let’s roll through some great OBX links that I haven’t had a chance to mention yet this week.

  • Outer Banks beach driving has been a hot topic recently, so let’s start here. New regulations (paid permit & mandatory training video for Hatteras) went into effect this week, and the new regs are far from loved. Change is never easy, but is this change a positive move?…positive for who? Here are a couple well thought out opinions that offer valid arguments opposed to the new Hatteras beach driving regulations.
    • As I’ve mentioned, I’m a lover of all things surf, so this article definitely hits home for me. Here’s a link from ESPN discussing the impact that the beach closures and new driving regulations have on the surfing scene on Hatteras…spoiler alert: this is NOT a good change for OBX surfing.
    • This a well balanced article that points out that the Outer Banks has a large amount of land set aside for conservation for wildlife…in fact, an entire National Park. A large portion of Hatteras Island (Pea Island) is already off limits to beach driving. So, where’s the balance between the interests of people and animals? Well, it seems the National Park Service decided this back in 1937: the park’s own strategic plan makes clear what was known and stated from the park’s beginning, also in 1937: The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was created for “the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” 
  • Dredging. Not the most glamorous OBX topic, but definitely crucial. Thanks to that beast Hurricane Irene, there are a couple spots on the Outer Banks in desperate need of dredging…but that costs dinero. In past editions of Outer Banks Link LoveI’ve shared the issues with shoaling and the need for  dredging at Oregon Inlet and the ferry route between Hatteras and Ocracoke, and we have some good news on both fronts.
    • Oregon Inlet to receive $4.5 million to continue dredging efforts. Sweet! Safe bet this is not enough, but it’s something. Let’s keep that waterway open!
    • Dredging to start for the ferry route within two weeks thanks to $2 million in aid. Nice, we can still get to Ocracoke.
  • While we’re on the subject of Irene, let’s take a peak at another under-the-radar effect on the OBX. “Birder’s Paradise” on Pea Island is left with huge hole and a lack of birds this year due to Ms. Irene. Add it to the list of reasons why I will not be naming any future children Irene. (No, Mom, that does not mean we’re having a baby. :) )
  • Congrats to local OBX surfing pro Brett Barley for scoring a two page spread in the April issue of Surfing Magazine. Keep ripping Brett!
Outer Banks: Brett Barley - Surfing Magazine

Outer Banks: Brett Barley - Surfing Magazine

  • Have you considered hiring a fishing charter to hook up with some of the amazing fish on the Outer Banks? Great idea; there are some awesome OBX charters out there. But how do you know who to hire, when to go, what’s biting, etc.? It can be a bit confusing, but here’s a great article offering the “In’s & Out’s of Charter Boats.” Tight lines!
  • In need of a little OBX history lesson? If feel ya; what’s more exciting than history?! Well, here you go; the New York Times offers a great perspective of why the Outer Banks was so important to the Civil War.
  • The Outer Banks is an awesome wedding destination. Brides and grooms flock to the OBX every year to tie the knot. But CNN wants you to know that it’s also the perfect spot for your honeymoon…and a great way to save some of that wedding money!
  • Ok, you’re a loyal follower of our blog because you love the Outer Banks – the beach, the waves, the surf, the sun – but are you a golf lover too? Did you know that beyond the OBX beaches there are some amazing golf courses? Yeah, for reals. Check out this description of the great OBX golf courses.
  • Let’s wrap up with some great upcoming OBX events…

Time Capsule: Here are some fabulous posts from last year at this time.

Outer Banks - 2.12.11 - Great OBX Weather Returns

Outer Banks - 2.12.11 - Great OBX Weather Returns

Tis the Season….to be at the OBX!

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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!

7 Outer Banks Tips from American Idol’s Scotty McCreery

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Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery

Any American Idol fans out there? You love Scotty McCreery, don’t you? Country singers seem to do well on Idol.

If you’re not familiar with Scotty, he’s an 18 year country singer from North Carolina who recently won the American Idol signing competition. So, overnight, he’s become a super star with hit country songs traveling around the country doing shows. Pretty amazing at any age, but definitely great for an 18 year old. Hats off to Scotty for his success.

One of the nice things about McCreery is that despite is quick success, he still seems very grounded and down-to-earth. Last week he had an interview with Fox News, and we were pleasantly surprised to hear how much he loves the Outer Banks!

Scotty is from NC, and he’s been vacationing on the OBX since he was a little boy, so he knows the beach inside and out. During the interview, he was talking about how much he loves to get back to the Outer Banks when he needs to relax and de-stress…see, celebs are just like you and me. :)

McCreery shared some great Outer Banks  tips during the interview – it’s clear he knows the OBX well. So we figured we’d pass on Scotty’s OBX tips to y’all.

  1. Stack ‘em High is a great spot for huge chocolate chip pancakes.
  2. Pizzazz Pizza is a fantastic choice for an OBX pie.
  3. Jockey’s Ridge is a great spot to see the OBX sights from above. (editors note: one of the best spots for an OBX sunset!)
  4. Don’t be afraid to try hang gliding from Jockey’s Ridge! Kitty Hawk Kites will hook you up… literally.
  5. Best OBX spot to relax? The beach and the ocean, of course!
  6. Don’t forget your fishing pole.
  7. The Outer Banks is the perfect spot to bring the extended family back together….all you need is “family and a couple beach towels.”

Thanks for the great advice Scotty! Please look us up next time you’re heading to the beach…we’d love to help you find the perfect vacation home! :)

2011 Outer Banks Hang Gliding Spectacular

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2011 Hang Gliding Spectacular

2011 Hang Gliding Spectacular

There are a bunch of great events on the Outer Banks this weekend. In addition to the Grand Opening for the new Jenette’s Pier, Kitty Hawk Kites is hosting their annual Hang Gliding Spectacular – this year is the 39th year of the Hang Gliding Spectacular!

The weather should be great with sun and 70 degree temps, and Jockey’s Ridge promises to be full of some amazing gliders pulling some amazing tricks. Great reason to get outside and enjoy the day.

As described on the Kitty Hawk Kites website:

The Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Games is a true example of what hang gliding is all about, fun! Originally named the 1st Annual Tactile Meet, the Spectacular has endured over 30 years of continuous years of fun flying, good times and the creation of life long friends. The competition is scheduled each year during the third week of May. Over 60 competitors from all over will travel to Kitty Hawk Kites on the Outer Banks of coastal North Carolina to fly, party and meet old and new friends!

Dune Competition
The fun starts out with three days of dune competition where the pilots try to round pylons and spot land in the center of the target for points. Pilots will often compete several inches off of the ground before setting up for the landing making the event very exciting. We guarantee you will see some interesting flights and landings!

Aero Towing Competition
After two days of battling it out on the dunes everyone moves to the Kitty Hawk Kites Flight Park at Currituck County Airport for two days of aero towing competition. The event usually includes a duration and altitude contest mixed in with a bean-bag bomb drop contest. The contest ends with a spot landing task which is always fun to watch! They do change the tasks according to the conditions which makes it fun for everyone! During the aero towing competition there will be seminars, hang glider demo’s and the annual induction of a hang gliding pioneer into the Rogallo hall of fame. The day ends with a Bar-B-Q dinner catered by a local restaurant that knows how to do it right!

Woody Jones Memorial Street Dance
Another fun event is the Woody Jones Memorial Street Dance. Here everyone gathers outside of Kitty Hawk Kites main store in Nags Head for a fun night of drinking (BYOB) laughing and dancing with the band. This is truly a historical event that shouldn’t be missed.

U.S. News Loves the Outer Banks

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Outer Banks - 2.16.11 - Sun Up on the Sound

Outer Banks - 2.16.11 - Sun Up on the Sound

The U.S. News Travel Section recently highlighted the Outer Banks. The article gives a quick overview of some great OBX attractions, and then goes on to list their Top 11 “Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks.”

Here’s what U.S. News had to say:

“The Outer Banks have activities for relaxation and for adventure. The quiet beaches are the main draw to the area, but others visit OBX for the horseback riding, hang gliding and water sports. Touring the shipwrecks off the coast, sightseeing at Corolla’s Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Kill Devil Hill’s Wright Brothers National Memorial or Nag’s Head’s Jockey’s Ridge State Park make a happy medium for recent vacationers who desire a more balanced getaway.”

U.S. News Top 11 “Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks”:

1. Outer Banks Beaches
2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
4. Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks
5. Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop
6. Wright Brothers National Memorial
7. Roanoke Island Festival Park
8. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
9. Bodie Island Lighthouse
10. North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
11. Tanger Outlets Nags Head

Outer Banks: Fly Into Spring & Easter Eggstravaganza

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Fly Into Spring & Easter Eggstravaganza
April 22nd & 23rd, 2011

Outer Banks Kites at Jockey's Ridge

Outer Banks Kites at Jockey's Ridge

Did you know April is National Kite Month? Pretty sweet, right? Who doesn’t love to fly a kite? And the Outer Banks is pretty much the king of kite-flying destinations…just ask the Wright Brothers.

To celebrate National Kite Month, Kitty Hawk Kites kicks off spring with the annual “Fly Into Spring and Easter Eggstravaganza” event! This annual spring event will be held on April 22nd and 23rd from 10am to 4pm at Jockey Ridge State Park…a perfect spot for some windy windyness.

  • The Kite Festival is a free event and is open to the public.
  • On Friday and Saturday, spectators can enjoy large show kites on Jockey’s Ridge, including animal kites over 50′ in size!
  • Kitty Hawk Kites is offering free stunt and power kite lessons throughout the day on the dune. Just find a staff member and they will direct you to the proper area/person. Learn to fly dual line stunt kites and power kites!
  • Spectators will also have the opportunity to see kites of various shapes, styles, sizes, and colors decorate the sky throughout the day.

In addition to the festivities at Jockey’s Ridge, the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head (directly across from Jockey’s Ridge) will host the Easter Egg Hunt which will ONLY be on Saturday, the 23rd, from 11am to 1pm! Easter Eggstravaganza is the LARGEST Easter Egg Hunt on the Outer Banks! The Easter Bunny will be at Kitty Hawk Kites for photo opportunities and over 2000 plastic eggs will be hidden for egg hunts, which will begin at 11am. Several hunts will be held from 11am to 1pm.

Another Wind Turbine Proposal on the Outer Banks

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Outer Banks Brew Station - Wind Spill, No Damage

Outer Banks Brew Station - Wind Spill, No Damage

The wind on the Outer Banks is pretty relentless. A continuous stream of wind flows through the OBX, some days stronger than others, and it shifts directions, but almost always there. The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks wisely.

It almost seems like a natural fit for wind power to be generated by the endless breeze. But can a 500 foot wind turbine be considered a “natural fit?”

We’ve mentioned the quest for OBX wind power in previous posts.  Up to this point, those wind projects have run aground for various reasons, but a new project is in the works. The Virginia Pilot is reporting that another attempt at an alternative source of energy is making headway.

An experimental wind machine that could reach 500 feet into the Outer Banks skyline will be the subject of a public hearing April 18. Gamesa Energy and Northrop Grumman have partnered for plans to build a one turbine control group near Skyco on Roanoke Island. The turbine is part of a broader plan, aimed to perfect offshore wind-energy generators. Plans are also in the works to build an additional experimental turbine somewhere off the coast.

In a presentation last month, Gamesa representative Todd Hopper said that Skyco is the ideal place for the project’s land-based turbine because of its proximity to water and isolation from development. He asked Dare County commissioners to consider amending zoning laws to accommodate the project.

The news comes as no surprise to Dare County, as there have been wind turbines put in at Jockeys Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks Brewing Station,  as well as previous plans to build a wind farm along the Outer Banks by Duke Power last year.

Gamesa intends to sell the electricity generated by the wind turbine to recover costs of the design and building costs. With costs of $20 million, the company aims to install the turbine next year.

What do you think? Are these wind turbines productive “gentle giants” or do they take away the gorgeous OBX views?