OBX Moment of Zen: 8.27.12 – Gorgeous First Day of School

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks: 8.27.12 – Gorgeous 1st Day of School

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Monday, August 27, 2012.

This video was shot at the Hayman St. beach access in Kill Devil Hills at 8:30 AM.

First day of school for OBX kids. Summer moved quickly, but it’s the start of a gorgeous OBX fall.

Beautiful day. Sun, 80′s, light southeast breeze, warm water. Great beach week on tap.

Swell is starting to take shape. Decent size has arrived. Should have nice surf tomorrow with chest high waves and light offshore wind. May fade a bit, but surf should stick around for Wednesday too.

Fishing is going great – blues, spot, cobia, pompano, flounder, croaker, sea mullet, Spanish mackerel, puppy drum. Offshore =ahi, wahoo, tuna.

if you are thinking about an Outer Banks vacation, please give us a look at http://www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks: 8.27.12 – Surf Check

OBX SUP with Seaside Vacations

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

OBX SUP with Seaside Vacations

SUP is all the rage these days – that’s Stand-Up Paddleboarding for all you non-SUP’ers. Paddleboards are in every surfshop, latched on to the top of cars, and populating the surf spots and the Sound.

I’ve even been trying to build myself one for the past few months. No luck. Lots of mistakes and a pile of wood in my garage. I’ll persevere though.

But back to the point, the Outer Banks is prime for SUP’ing. Miles of ocean with sweet waves, and the calm waters of the Sound that stretch on as far as the eye can see. OBX is perfect for all levels of SUP.

Oh, and by the way, SUP is an AMAZING workout. Seriously. “Core” exercises are a hot topic in gyms these days, and SUP is about at “core” as you can get. Give it a whirl…I bet you’ll dig it.

To kick off the summer season – yes, summer is in full swing on the OBX – a group of Seaside Vacations staffers likes to get together with Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School for some paddling. This is the second year we’ve congregated on the SUP’s, and we’re hoping to make it an annual tradition.

So, the other day we hit the water for some camaraderie, exercise, and a whole bunch of hilarity. Here are a few pictures of the fun…

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And here’s a BIG shout-out to Kitty Hawk Kayaks, & Surf School for being downright AWESOME. Thanks y’all.

If you need kayaks, surf, SUP – gear, lessons…you name it, check them out. They will hook you up right!

As a quick intro to their awesomeness, here’s an Outer Banks Treasures video that offers a great intro to KHK & SS for your viewing enjoyment.

Outer Banks Link Love: 3.2.12 – A Plethora of Love

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks Link Love

Yep, that’s right, I used the word “plethora.”

It’s Friday, and I need to share some Outer Banks Link Love. For reals, a bunch of great links to share in this week. No time to waste, let’s get to the love posthaste.

Without further ado, this week’s OBX Link Love…enjoy.

Surfing
Let’s start with one of my favorite subjects – I’m the writer, I get to do that – Outer Banks surfing. The OBX made the cut for Surfing Magazine’s 10 “Tunnels I Love” – hint, tunnel = perfect wave.

OBX Beach Driving
The beach driving debate rages on. The decision has been handed down – beach driving permits required as of 2/15/12 – but the fight is far from over.

The beach driving debate has moved online. “Facebook and Twitter are alive with opposition to the National Park Service’s implementation of new rules governing access to the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.” – says a recent article in the Outer Banks Voice. Will this really help? Can we voice our opinions online and actually make a difference? Given the recent revolutions in the Middle East fueled by social media, I’d say our voice matters. Keep up the fight OBX!
Here’s an example of the only fight from http://www.OBXSurfInfo.com: Keep it Open – Keep it FREE.
But, it’s not just the common OBX lover that is putting up a fight. U.S. Rep Walter B. Jones filed legislation this week to overturn the new beach driving rules. Seems like the fight is just heating up.

Outer Banks Accolades

Outer Banks named #1 “Best Beach” in 10Best.com’s “Reader’s Choice” awards. The public has spoken, OBX…and it turns out, you are pretty cool. Nice work.
CNN Money includes the Outer Banks in their article “Honeymoon Getaways for Less.”

TV & Movies

A few weeks ago I discussed the OBX’s “monster” neighbor to the North, Grave Digger - the legendary monster truck. And this week, Grave Digger was on the national stage when Conan O’Brien took a spin behind the wheel – and on top of the monster tires. Here’s a great video of Conan hanging out with the drivers and then climbing into the driver’s seat….classic Conan.
In 2010, a great movie telling the historical tale of the exploits of a seemingly forgotten all-black unit of the United States Life-Saving Service (a precursor to the United States Coast Guard) who fought storms and saved lives off North Carolina’s Outer Banks was released; “Rescue Men.” It is well worth a movie-night if you haven’t seen it yet. Here’s a great article/interviewthat tells the story behind the making of the book and movie.

OBX Awesomeness
Are you ready for this?! No, really, are you? The OBX Jetpak has arrived! Located on the waterfront marina – in front of the restaurant ‘Poor Richards’ in Historic Town of Manteo. Check out OBXJetpack.com for more info. Look at that beast…

OBX Jetpak

Rockin’ an OBX Vacation
Check out these OBX lovers rockin’ their vacation. Do you make vacation videos?

OBX Sweetness

The super trendy world of cupcakes have finally made it to the Outer Banks. Add it to the list of business ideas I did not follow through on. Carolina Cupcakery has opened in Manteo, and this isn’t your average cupcake shop. We have some cupcake legends on our hands. Owner, Dawn Eskines, has battled to the season finale on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” participated in two episodes of ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover,” and featured in Modern Bride Magazine. Kudos Ms. Eskines. We are happy to have your cupcakery on the OBX.
While I’m on the subject of delicious food, let’s give another plug for the upcoming 2012 Taste of the Beach. If you love food, drink, and the OBX – and who doesn’t? – this event is for you. A weekend of awesome culinary delights. Here’s a good article from the Outer Banks Voice giving some highlights of the foodie frenzy.

New OBX School
The quest for a charter school has been mentioned a few times in past Link Love editions, but it’s been slowing going and and up hill battle. Until now. The state gave the approval, and the OBX is getting a new school – and the first OBX charter school. Congrats Charter fans.

Little Anglers
Fishing lovers are a dime a dozen here on the Outer Banks. And why not, the OBX fishing is world-class. But sometimes it takes some motivation to get little ones into the fishing game. Here’s a great post from our friends at the Outer Banks Fishing Club with “Tips to Encourage Your Little Angler.”

OBX Events
I’ll end on a super awesome note; obstacle courses! I was in the Marines for a while, and looking back, I’m pretty sure I agreed to join because they showed me videos of awesome obstacle courses. It’s safe to say we didn’t do nearly enough obstacle courses. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for great obstacle courses, and now one is coming to the Outer Banks; Storm the Beach, April 21, 2012 – an obstacle/adventure race. Awesome!

Time Capsule
Here are some of the most popular posts from last year at this time:

OBX Moment of Zen: 2.27.12 – Good Morning Dolphin

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks: 2.27.12 - Pretty Day in Kill Devil Hills

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Monday, February 27, 2012.

This video was shot at the Sutton St. beach access at 9:30 AM.

Great start to the week. Greeted by a school of dolphin about 10 feet off the beach. Very cool. Great Zen moment.

Weather is looking good. Sun, 60, and a light southwest breeze. The week ahead looks mild with temps sticking around 60, mostly sun with a chance of a T-storm here or there.

No surf. Light offshore breeze, but no swell. If you hunt, you might be able to find a knee high longboard wave in the right spot.

Fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennetre’s Pier and some tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Link Love: 2.3.12 – Island Happs

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks Link Love

Here’s this week’s edition of Outer Banks Link Love – all the stories/links I couldn’t get to on the blog this week.

When I’m faced with a good news/bad news situation, I’m the type of person that likes to get the bad out of the way first so I can end on a good note. So, let’s look at the not-so-great links first.

Five months after Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc on the Outer Banks, her effects are still being felt. Sands that shifted during Ms. Irene’s visit have created some of the worst shoaling conditionsthe ferries have seen between Hatteras and Ocracoke. Add this channel to the list of dredging needs on the OBX!As a reminder, here’s what Hurricane Irene looked like:
While we’re on the subject of that nasty lady Irene, the news broke this week that a decision on how to find a “permanent” – permanence is all relative on a sand bar – solution to fix the breaches on Hatters after Irene’s visit has been delayed. It was determined that the engineers need more time to assess a possible 7 mile bridge that would run from the Ranger Station Inlet, currently spanned by the temporary bridge, to the village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Hmmmm…so how do we access all of the PUBLIC conservation land then?
In a previous edition of OBX Link Love, I shared the news that Corolla is getting pretty close to getting it’s first new school since 1957. Eh, not so fast. Seems the NC State Board of Education may wait another month to make their vote on the new OBX charter school. Bureaucracy at its finest.
Here’s a nice story of an islander visiting another island – from Maine to the Outer Banks. It’s a good description of an OBX trip and the hospitality they encounter. It’s interesting the think that “island life” is a different sort of existence…but I guess it is.

Should I close with food or art? Tough one. Let’s start with food and close with art…

Did you know there is an Outer Banks chowder? Yep, we have our own chowder, thank you very much. Here’s a list of 7 Popular Chowders Across the US. ”Outer Banks” Clam Chowder does not include cream. Instead, the standard recipe is thickened with flour and seasoned with plenty of pepper.
Here are the results from the 34th Annual Frank Stick Art Showshowcasing the art of OBX locals. 110 entries! And here’s the best in show…congrats Ray Mathews.
Frank Stick Art Show - Best in Show - Ray Mathews

Time Capsule:

Here’s the beach report from 2.4.2011. It was definitely a chilly winter last year, but the FISH WERE BITING! Not so much this year. And my winter beard was giant…and awesome. Makes me want to bring that beast back. Hmmmmm.

Guest Post: HomeSchool.com’s Favorite Outer Banks Attractions

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Over the past few weeks, we’ve mentioned that HomeSchool.com has offered their official “seal of approval” to the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations, and we’ve also included a post about some of the OBX day trips that are great home school opportunities. As a third installment on our home school theme, below is a guest post from http://www.HomeSchool.com that offers their must see Outer Banks attractions.

Without further ado…

Guest post from www.HomeSchool.com:

With so much to see, experience and learn, you’re likely to need more than one visit to the Outer Banks to take in all of the extraordinary attractions in the area. Following, is a list of some of our favorite attractions (in no particular order):

1. Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks, Manteo

http://www.piratesobx.com/home/homeindex.html

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head

http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/

3. Island Farm, Manteo

http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/

4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton

http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/climbing-the-cape-hatteras-lighthouse.htm

5. Equine Adventures, Frisco

http://www.equineadventures.com/

6. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hatteras Island

http://www.fws.gov/peaisland/

7. Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla

http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/

8. Wild Horse Tour, Corolla

http://www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside-wild-horse-tour.htm

9. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Hatteras Island

http://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm

10. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Manteo

http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/

11. Wild Horse Museum, Corolla

http://www.corollawildhorses.com/mustang_store.html

12. Whalehead Club, Corolla

http://www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside-whalehead-club-tour.htm

13. Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=357

14. Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo

http://www.elizabethangardens.org/

15.Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve.xml

Now you can see why we can’t wait to go back!

Guest Post: HomeSchool.com Loves the Outer Banks!

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

A few weeks ago we announced on the blog that www.HomeSchool.com gave their official “seal of approval” to the Outer Banks and Seaside Vacations after their recent visit, and we have some more OBX/Homeschool info to share.

The Outer Banks really is a perfect match for homeschoolers. The OBX offers a tremendous amount of “educational” opportunities; the Wright Brothers first flight, Blackbeard the Pirate, wild horses, largest sand dune on the East Coast, miles of empty beaches, water sports, shipwrecks, art galleries, and the list goes on. History, culture, nature, and arts…all set in an amazingly pretty and fun location. Does education get any better than this?!

Here’s what HomeSchool.com has to say…

Guest Post from www.HomeSchool.com:
Roanoke, Hatteras and More

July 1st, 2011 by dailynews

Since I last wrote to you about our family vacation to the Outer Banks, I’ve had some time to think back on all of our adventures and family fun. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things to do in the area, as well as some ideas for those of you who might be going to the area soon.

Daytrips! Our time in OBX was filled with day-trips! There are so many things to do, that a week wasn’t enough to take in everything the OBX has to offer. We tried to get in as much as we possibly could, but I must admit, the area warrants another trip just so we can see all it has to offer. Here are some of our favorites from the time we spent in the Outer Banks.

Roanoke Island - Everybody who vacations on the Outer Banks should make it a point to go to Roanoke Island at least once! The island is overflowing with things to see and do – being the daytrip capital of the Outer Banks, the island is home to four of the Outer Banks’ most popular attractions. For a complete guide of the area, go to www.roanokeisland.net.

Hatteras Island - If you love being outdoors and in the natural world, you’ll really enjoy Hatteras Island. About 75% of Hatteras Island is undeveloped – and much of that land is accessible to the public for activities like fishing, water sports and observing nature. You’ll be surprised by the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities. For a complete guide to this area, visit www.hatterasguide.com.

Ocracoke Island - If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this island is for you. Ocracoke is all about simple activities – building a sand castle, crabbing from a dock, pedaling aimlessly on a bicycle, peeling your own shrimp, poking in and out of shops, and actually having very little to do. For a complete guide to this area, visitwww.ocracokeguide.com

**Need to know ferry info**
A ferry service links Hatteras and Ocracoke islands with a relaxing 40-minute trip. During the summer, the wait can be long. Reservations are not accepted, and when getting in line for this ferry, make sure you’re not in the locals’ lane -usually the shortest line.
May 30 – September 6, departures are every hour from 5-7am and every 30 minutes from 7:30 – 6:30pm. It changes back to hourly departures from 7pm – midnight. September 7 – December 31 it runs every hour from 5am – midnight. For more information, please visitwww.ncferry.org or call (800)BY-FERRY.

Next time I’ll share information about Corolla, Duck, and Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk!

Stay Tuned!…

PS. If you’re looking for a home to rent while you’re in the area, be sure to check out www.outerbanksvacations.com .

New Outer Banks School in Corolla?

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Seaside Vacations

A Group of concerned parents are interested in starting a new school in Corolla, North Carolina.

Corolla is one of the most thriving towns on the Outer Banks, and it has not had a school since 1957. The old schoolhouse is located close to the Currituck Lighthouse and serves as the headquarters and a museum for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

A committee of parents has formed a plan to start a new school, which will most likely be a North Carolina Charter School. The group will be looking for support and ideas at a public meeting, which will take place May 17^th. If everything works out, the group will select a board, start a nonprofit, apply to the state charter office in February 2010 and, if accepted, open in the fall of 2011. Many members of this group hold undergraduates and graduate degrees with a background in nonprofit companies. Currituck County currently sends a 40 passenger bus to pick up three children.