Back to my favorite blog series; Outer Banks Everyday Magic. I love, love, love all of the fantastic stories about the magic that we all find on the OBX.
So, please keep them coming. I crave more magic…from you! You can use the form below to submit your stories to me. Please let me know what makes the Outer Banks so special to you!
Do you recall the show Cheers? One of my all-time fav 80′s shows. Such good writing, and I grew up just outside of Boston, so it also had a special Bostonian appeal to me. I think my favorite character was Coach. Classic comedy at it’s best.
I digress, but I’ll try to tie it all together.
I also love the theme song to Cheers. It has a great tune and a great message. Here’s a little Cheers trivia for you; the theme song for Cheers is “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” and it was written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo.
Hopefully that helps you in your next game of Trivial Pursuit (does anyone play that game anymore?), but beyond that, that song reminds me of the Outer Banks. The OBX is a small community, but it’s not just locals that experience this. Guests that return to the Outer Banks year after year get to enjoy this small town vibe “where everyone knows your name” too. And that’s a pretty special feeling that is lost on most of our culture these days.
So, today we get to celebrate this Cheers vibe with a fun story from our Maintenance Manager Gwen. Thanks for the great story Gwen…glad you received your Christmas gift!
I’ve lived on the Outer Banks for a while, so it is hard to remember the feelings of my first trip to the beach, but I have a good story about the everyday magic here.
When I moved here 11 years ago I gave my Father my new address to send me a Christmas present. Since the address was new to me I transposed some of the numbers.
About a week later my Father called me and asked if I had moved to Mayberry or something. I asked why, and he said that my mail carrier called information and made a long distance call to him to try to locate me. He told her a few details of some of the people I knew here and what I like to do and she said “Oh, I know her!”
Needless to say, I got my package on time.
Besides the beauty that Mother Nature provides, the people of this area are friendly and very dedicated.
How great is that?! Not only does the mail carrier call information to try to track down the contact info, but from a short conversation, they realize they know the same people! Awesome. The Outer Banks is an awesomely unique place with magic around every corner.
I’d love to hear your story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic too. Please use the form below to share your story with me.
Has it been a full week without the awesomeness that is Jordan’s art to brighten our day?! Whew, sorry about that. I’ll be sure to get a few out this week.
It’s awesome to see how much the OBX motivates Jordan. When Jordan isn’t chasing Toys from God, he’s perfecting his new found love for art…and we are lucky enough to get a glimpse at his creations. Today we’re going to get a peek at what Jordan’s brush can do.
This is an acrylic painting on canvas that Jordan titles “Tree of Life.” I love the constant ocean theme in all of Jordan’s art…definitely some OBX magic in every stroke.
Thanks for sharing Jordan!
Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Jordan's Brush - "Tree of Life"
Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Sound-side Love - Sunset
Gorgeous, sunny, 60 degree OBX weather in January?! Yes, please. Seems like the perfect day for some Outer Banks Everyday Magic.
This week we have the pleasure of getting a sound-side perspective from Barb, who has enjoyed years of fun-filled family life on the OBX Sound. Thanks for sharing Barb, and yes, you may just be lucky enough.
What’s that saying? If you are lucky enough to live on the water.. you are lucky enough!
I may just be lucky enough.
The Outer Banks is famous for mile after mile of gorgeous beaches, and rightfully so. However, there’s a secret on the other side of the island that is pretty special but often goes unnoticed – the Sound.
When our kids were young we spent endless hours playing in the Sound – swimming, crabbing and fishing. Jet skiing, boating, and tubing have entertained us indefinitely.
As our children had their own families, the Sound became a haven for weekend fun and family get-togethers. Lots of laughter, squeals of joy and wonderful discoveries have been shared along the shallow waters of our Sound-side paradise. From the little ones chasing minnows with nets, to digging clams from the sand, to chasing or running from crabs, there is always continual motion…and unlimited fun and smiles. If we got bored on the shore, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing offered endless entertainment for all ages.
For years our family has enjoyed Indian summer fishing off the Sound front pier. When the summer temperatures begin to drop a bit in the evenings, it’s the perfect time to enjoyed a late summer evening on the water. A northeast wind blows the water out to make for some great croaker, flounder and drum fishing. We have always been pretty competitive about who would catch the first fish, the biggest fish and of course, the most fish.
But the highlight of the evening is always the unique sunset with it’s amazing display of color. To witness the beauty of a huge sun rapidly sinking into the water always takes my breath away.
Some people find their everyday magic along the oceanfront of the Outer Banks. And I don’t blame them, the OBX oceanfront is just as breathtaking, but If you’ve never explored the Sound-side of the island, you’re missing out!
This is where I continue to find my everyday magic, regardless of the time of year.
And yes, I am lucky enough!
Sound-side Love: Crabbing
Sound-side Love
Check out those awesome retro pictures! Actual prints, not just a quick digital snapshot. Who knew prints still survived these days?! Thanks for sharing Barb!
I’d love to hear your story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic too. Please use the form below to share your story with me.
Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Landing the Perfect Catch
The Outer Banks Everyday Magic series has become one of my favorite blog features. I was excited when we started it because I knew we’d discover some awesome stories, but I continue to be amazed by how much the OBX touches people’s lives.
I have the lucky position of getting to read and format every story that we get, and I can honestly say that I get goosebumps when I read how much passion people feel for their time on the Outer Banks.
Time on the OBX is waaay more than just a vacation; it’s a new adventure, time to reconnect with loved ones, a time to disconnect from everyday life, a time to bond with nature, it’s life-long memories, and this week we get to hear from Kristen who explains that the OBX is also one of the best spots to reel in the “perfect catch.”
Thanks for sharing Kristen. Enjoy…I bet you get goosebumps.
Most OBX lovers know the Outer Banks is famous for world-class fishing. Offshore, inshore, surf fishing, sound fishing. Marlin, tuna, dolphin, stripers, red drum. It’s a fisherman’s oasis – and it’s where I landed the perfect catch.
I’ll start from the beginning.
I grew up coming to the Outer Banks (“Nags Head” as we all called it when I was young). Every summer my family rented a cottage from family friends – The Lilly Pad on Archdale. Those were some of the best days of my life.
My sister, my cousin, mom, aunt and our super cool teenage babysitter – headed to “Nags Head” for a fun-filled week of boogie boarding, shell collecting, trips to the Surfslide (I was terrified of those water slides), the Ghost Ship (does anyone remember this?!), bumper boats, crab leg dinners, early morning walks to The Donut Shop (oh how I miss those Tarheels) and nights on the deck singing Patsy Cline’s, “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
It wasn’t long before those innocent weeks on Archdale turned into weeks without a babysitter, my cousin and I cruisin’ behind the wheel (only after I begged my mom to give me the keys – I WAS 16 after all), and hot summer nights hanging out at Foosball Palace. (Again, does anyone remember that hole in the wall on the beach?!)
Then it was “Beach Week,” with a group of 10 high school friends – all under one roof for one wild week of post-high school “celebrations.”
These were the days. (As Van Morrison so wisely sang.) Or so I thought.
Fast forward eight or so years. I once again found myself frequenting the Outer Banks. This time, I was a recent college graduate (go Hoos!) with no career in sight. So, with a close high school friend (and my love of the Outer Banks still solid), we road tripped it to the OBX pretty much every other weekend during the summer of 2000.
At first these weekend jaunts were just quick carefree getaways – a little dancing and a lot of sun bathing. But after a few trips, the question arose, “Why don’t we just move here?” Without a solid career path for me in VA, I agreed that a move to the OBX would be the perfect “in between” option. I mean, it would only be for a year or two – and then I would come back to reality, move back to VA and find a “real” career path.
That’s when fate reeled me in.
It was the last night of one of our whirlwind weekends. We were headed back to our hotel – another crazy weekend spent at the OBX. Time to say goodbye and plan our next adventure. And that’s when I landed the catch of my life.
I met the man who would become my husband that night. (And, yes, one of the reasons behind the title of my story. He fishes for a living.)
It wasn’t long before my brief stint on the Outer Banks turned into 12 years of a life I never imagined living.
Sure, I grew up going fishing with my dad – on lakes, ponds, etc. – but now I was really in the mix. Hanging with the “big boys.” Charter boats, billfish tournaments and “fish” talk. I quickly became “in tune” with all things related to charter fishing and the fishing lifestyle on the Outer Banks. Tight lines. Rigging baits. Sea witches. And SUPER early mornings. And I loved it. I was proud to call myself “the girl” of a charter boat fisherman.
And now? The catch of my life has brought me more joy than I could ever have imagined – even back during my carefree days on Archdale. We have two guppies of our own, Luke (5 years) and Anna (7 months), and I’m proud to say while one has already reeled in plenty of fish on his own, the other has already held a fishing pole. (And yes, we’re already counting the days until the 2012 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament!)
So there is my story of the “everyday magic” I found on the Outer Banks. After all, there aren’t many things more magical than going down to the marina to watch your daddy’s boat come in. Especially with a 500 lb. marlin in the cockpit.
Tight lines!
Tight lines indeed! Such a great story. A lifetime of Outer Banks memories.
I’d love to hear your story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic too. Please use the form below to share your story with me.
When was the last time you felt butterflies in your belly? Such a cool feeling.
Sure, there are times we get butterflies due to an uneasiness, but for the most part butterflies indicate excitement, anticipation, curiosity. A first kiss, your wedding day, a baby being born, waiting for that big wave.
Anything that gets us excited offers the potential to stir up our gut, and in my opinion, that’s a great thing…magic even. We should all strive for more butterflies in 2012. Let’s get excited about life!
In this week’s installment of Outer Banks Everyday Magic, Brittany explains how the OBX Butterflies jump into her belly each time she crosses the Wright Memorial Bridge…you may know the feeling…I know I do.
Everyday magic to me, is something you feel, something that gives you that “butterflies in your stomach” feeling, something that makes you…..happy!
My love for the Outer Banks began my senior year of college. I started dating my boyfriend, who was an OBX local. Somehow, he managed to get me out here almost every weekend in the summer. And I absolutely loved it.
The dorky part is that we never really did much. Our daily activity was cleaning pools, which was his summer job, and I just kind of tagged along for the ride.
The thing that stood out to me was that “feeling” I get when I cross the Wright Memorial Bridge and how happy it made me. It’s hard to explain, but I was excited to be here and I felt that energy coming over the bridge.
It literally felt like I was on vacation every weekend. And now that I live here permanently, it still feels that way. It’s funny because my boyfriend and I joke all the time about how it feels like we are on vacation every day, except for the whole working part
The Outer Banks is truly a magical place, and that’s why we decided to move here after college. The people I have met here are amazing. I am so fortunate to work with such a great group of people and I love how everybody knows everybody.
Growing up in a big city, the small community feel of the OBX was like a twilight zone at first. I have grown to appreciate it now and wouldn’t have it any other way. When I first moved here I was in shock that there was no real mall here, very few chain restaurants and pretty much just how different it was. As time has gone on, I have discovered all the hidden treasures the OBX has as far as shopping, restaurants, fishing spots, places full of history, and some of the most amazing scenery I have ever seen.
I love the OBX, and I continue to discover more of that Outer Banks magic every day.
I’d love to hear your story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic too. Please use the form below to share your story with me.
The Outer Banks is full of an endless supply of magic. We like to refer to it as “Everyday Magic”…hence the theme for our 2012 Outer Banks Vacation Guide.
A dolphin leaping from the ocean, the first glimpse of the sun over the horizon or the last spark of light as the sun melts into the Sound, the most perfect piece of sea glass, a day full of great surf and you’re the only one in the water, hauling in your first catch at a pier, a wedding with toes in the sand, or family reunion. The OBX has no shortage of magic moments.
Since we have the awesome fortune of renting gorgeous vacation homes to our fabulous guests, we have the luxury of hearing a lot of great stories and living vicariously through some amazing magic moments…sometimes we even get to play a part in the magic, and we LOVE to be a part of magic moments!
Here is an AWESOME example as told by our Director of Guest Services…
In my position as the Director of Guest Services, I am afforded the opportunity to build relationships with all kinds of people. Some guests need special accommodations, some need extra towels, some want to have their concerns heard when they check in after a hurricane to find some sand in their pool. I am happy to hear them all. And sometimes, I get called upon to do something out of the box…magic even! Here is one of our OBX magic tales.
Bruce, and his girlfriend, Kristen, were our guests in August 2011. Bruce’s father, Fred, was a very successful lawyer, an unbelievably attentive father, and an avid pilot.
Father and son discussed aeronautics at every turn while he was a small child. As Bruce grew and went away to college, he and his father began writing letters, each one ending in, “See You in Kitty Hawk.”
Father and son planned to one day visit the Outer Banks to re-create the excitement of the first flight.
The passing of time allowed for plans to be made! Yes! A trip to Kitty Hawk to fly in a bi-plane, together!
Unfortunately, life has a tendency to throw curve balls, and Bruce’s father passed away before they could realize this dream.
Kristen urged him to continue on with the original plan, and the vacation was planned for the week of what would have been his father’s birthday.
Kristen stated in her Guest Review, “I started looking at properties through Seaside Vacations and stumbled upon Luckie Tides!! The house was beautiful….perfect…everything we could need for the week. It’s right on the beach and the sunrises are to die for!! We DID NOT miss one!! Dolphins swimming through the pink and orange hues of the sunrise…..it honestly couldn’t get any better!”
What Kristen didn’t know was that work was going on behind the scenes!
Tim, Bruce’s employer, decided that he wanted to do something special; to make this trip end in happiness rather than melancholy. He had a plan. And luckily, he included us in his magic planning.
I was asked to help get them reservations at a restaurant that doesn’t take reservations (Thank you, Owen’s Restaurant!), and plan to pop-in on their romantic dinner to present them with an anonymous gift.
If Tim called me twice, he called me fifty times! “Are you sure? Can you do it? If this is too much, I’ll figure something out.” Let me tell you – there was NO WAY I was going to miss being involved in this amazing act of kindness.
Then Hurricane Irene showed up! The massive storm forced a mandatory evacuation and threatened the presentation, but I was determined to follow this to fruition. Dinner was cancelled due to the evacuation, but I kept the Kitty Hawk office open late so our happy couple could stop by to check out. (By then, Kristen was in on the gesture, but not the details.)
Choking back my excitement (and maybe a few tears), I mumbled, “Thanks for stopping by. I’m sorry you missed out on your special dinner tonight. But before you leave, I have something for you.”
Imagine the look on his face!
I presented them with a VERY heavy box and watched with excitement. Once unwrapped, a painting was revealed – father and son, flying in a bi-plane over the beautiful Outer Banks.
Kristen, Bruce and Tim gave me a valuable gift that day. It reminded me that people come to the OBX for many reasons, and almost all of them are inspired by their version of everyday magic.
The OBX is not just for surfing and shell collecting. It is a place where 50th anniversaries are celebrated, people are remembered, vows are taken, along with many other milestones. Sometimes a vacation is “just a getaway.” But, sometimes, it is much more.
I thank each guest for choosing Seaside Vacations, and allowing us to be a part of their magic.
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer…especially considering the OBX is going to get hit with snow tonight!
The town of Duck, NC puts together an awesome schedule of free, fun, and family-friendly events every summer, and 2011 is no exception. Music, magic, story-telling…there’s something for everyone and it’s all freelicious!
Here’s the 2011 highlights:
ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY DAY PARADE – JULY 4, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.
Duck’s seventh annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand & Friends, 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/4thofjuly.htm.
SPECIAL SATURDAY CONCERT WITH THE LANGLEY WINDS
The United States Air Force Heritage of America’s Langley Winds Woodwind Quintet will be in Duck for a special free performance on Saturday, June 11, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Amphitheater. This is the band’s second appearance in Duck and we are thrilled to have them back on our stage. For over 10 years, The Langley Winds have been inspiring audiences with a musical repertoire which includes a wide variety of popular, patriotic, and chamber music selections. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this very special concert.
“DUCK UNPLUGGED” SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES – TUESDAY EVENINGS
New to the schedule for 2011 is “Duck Unplugged”, our four-week long singer/songwriter series. The concerts will be on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through July 26, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m., and will be held in the Town Amphitheater. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Tuesday, July 26 – Coyote: Marcy Brenner & Lou Castro
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES – THURSDAY EVENINGS
This popular evening concert series returns for its fifth season. For eight weeks, local musical groups will take the stage at the Duck Town Park Gazebo. The concerts begin at 6:00 p.m., and are on Thursday evenings from June 23, 2011 through August 11, 2011. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Thursday, June 23 – The Rajun Cajuns (New Orleans Style Dance/Rock)
Thursday, June 30 – Aquarium (Jam Rock & Blues)
Thursday, July 7 – The Fuzz Band (Jazz, Funk, Blues, Hip Hop)
Thursday, August 11 – The Little Kings (Dance Rock & Soul)
MORNING THEATER AND MUSIC SERIES – TUESDAY MORNINGS
The cast from The Lost Colony Musical Theater will be in Duck on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through August 9, 2011 presenting a musical song and dance preview of The Lost Colony production. All shows are at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the Duck Amphitheater. Each week will be a little different so plan to join us for one, or all, of the shows!
FAMILY MAGIC SHOW – WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Witness incredible illusions, mind-bending magic, comedy, and audience participation the entire family will love — live on stage! OBXtreme Magic features some of the most incredible magic and illusions performed by world-renowned illusionists Clive Allen & Tracy.
This six-week long series of shows will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Town Amphitheater on Wednesdays from July 6, 2011 through August 10, 2011, and is underwritten by Kellogg’s Supply and The Cottage Shop.
Although this event is free, tickets will be required for entry as the event is fully underwritten and seating in the amphitheater is limited. All attendees (of any age) must possess a ticket to gain entry to the performance.
Tickets will be available beginning the Monday the week of the show at Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop, 1201 Duck Road (directly across from the Town Park). There is a six ticket maximum for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the Town Office or at the Town Park.
Please remember, that ticket holders will be granted entrance to the amphitheater first; and then non-ticket holders will be granted entrance, if space allows, on a first-come, first serve basis. Non-ticket holders are NOT guaranteed entry to this event so please take the time and visit Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop to pick up your tickets early in the week of the show that you want to attend as these tickets are in high demand.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME – THURSDAY MORNINGS
Bring the children for story time sponsored by Duck’s two book stores: Duck’s Cottage and Island Book Store. Story time will be held in the Duck Amphitheater at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays beginning July 7, 2011 and continuing through Thursday, August 11, 2011. Story time is geared to children between the ages of 3 and 7.
5TH ANNUAL DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Fifth Annual Duck Jazz Festival will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2011 beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the Duck Town Green. Artists for the 2011 show will be announced soon. Plan to join us for this popular event! For more information, please visit duckjazz.com.
All of the events, except for the parade, will take place at the Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road, Duck, North Carolina. Please remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair for events being held on the Town Green. Beach umbrellas or tents are NOT permitted within the Town Park. All events will be held outside. In the case of inclement weather or site or performer unavailability, an activity may be cancelled or rescheduled.
For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit townofduck.com, call the Town’s Events hotline at (252) 255-1286, become a fan of the “Town of Duck” on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at “DuckPR.” Updates, changes, and cancellations will be posted on the Town’s website and at the park.
