Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Spring’s First Boat Trip

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Spring Boat Trip

Spring is definitely in the air on the Outer Banks. Birds are chirping, the warm sun is shining, flowers are showing their pretty little faces, and temps will top out close to 70 today!

And today is the first day that I’ve noticed the unmistakable smell of spring in the air. Love it! Definitely a candidate for one of the best days of the year.

We’re a few days early, but I’m declaring that spring has officially started on the OBX. Sorry Punxsutawney Phil, but you should subscribe to our blog for declartions of OBX spring (hint – you can subscribe in the top right corner. )

So, to celebrate, I have the perfect OBX Everday Magic story to share. A great tale of the first boat trip of the spring from Ms. Jenn. Enjoy…

It’s true, the Outer Banks is a remarkable place to live and vacation. I was born and raised here, and I chose to continue my adult life here with my fiancé and two beautiful daughters. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Every day is magical from the “gnarly surf conditions”, “erratic, yet methodical rhythm” of the ocean, hidden treasures on our beaches and ocean, and much more that I could go on for pages about, but I’ll share some more personal magic.

My magic begins with a short boat ride as the weather starts gets warm.

Usually the day begins with the chaos of packing for a day at the beach, only we’re not going to the beach where everyone else will be.

We are running around the house grabbing beach towels and sun screen. I tell my girls “find your bathing suits” – this can be a project after being hidden all winter. Don’t forget the buckets and shovels and little sand toys to build a sand castle. Grab a cooler for the drinks and another bag for snacks, and we’re off for the day.

After a quick ride in the car to the boat dock, my family and I step onto our boat and start the assembly line to load our beach gear. My fiancé, Tracy, starts the boat and everyone takes their seat.

A slow ride through a creek with boats on one side and marsh as far as the eye can see on the other…I wish the “No Wake” area wasn’t so long. The kids are excited, and with the sun beating on our faces it takes me back to my childhood.

Outside the creek Tracy picks up speed and we’re off across the Sound…soon arriving to a private glimmering “sand island.”

The marsh grass along the back of the island sways from the light wind that always seems to be here. The newly made waves from our boat meet the shoreline before we do.

We all scurry to the bow of the boat and jump off to find our places on the sandy beach. Off come the cover-ups, and no sooner than you can blink your eye my daughters are running into the tea colored sound. The Sound is so much warmer than the ocean and much more shallow. Perfect for early spring trips with the kids.

Most days it’s our own private island with no one else in sight. But on occasion some friends may find their way to the island, and so begins a whole other unexpected journey with cooking out on the grill or building a bonfire and camping out.

It’s amazing how far away from home you can feel laying on a towel, listening to the laughter of children and the swishing of the small waves (more like ripples) as they reach the shore. In just a short few hours and the calmness that surrounds you can make you feel like you’ve spent a week at private resort.

One of the most magical aspects of the OBX is the vast unexplored nooks and crannies. With a little adventuring, your private resort awaits.

Seems like the perfect way to spend a spring day on the Outer Banks. Magic indeed.

I’d love to hear your story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic too. Please use the form below to share your story with me.

OBX Moment of Zen: 3.7.12 – Feels Like Spring

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks: 3.7.12 - Feels Like Spring

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Wednesday, February 7, 2012.

This video was shot just north of the Avalon Pier at the Hayman St. beach access at 8:20 AM.

Gorgeous day. Feels like spring with bright sun, blue skies, almost no wind, fresh salt air, and 60 degree temps. This weather will stick with us to close out the week.

A little wave coming through today. Could be a longboard wave at the right spot as long as the wind stays slow. Cloud have a clean waist high wave Thursday and Friday morning.

Outer Banks fishing continues to be slow.

If you are thinking about and OBX getaway, please give us a look at http://www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Everyday Magic: Sound-side Love

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

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 Link Love: 1.13.12 – Potpourri

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks Link Love

This week’s edition of Outer Banks Link Love is a bit of a potpourri; a big question, a book review, amazing pictures of the Sound, some free music, and a new school.

A mixed bag of love, but some good OBX jewels. Enjoy…

The Big Question: Here’s a great story about a wedding proposal that took place on the Outer Banks for a couple from Washington DC. A delicious way to pop the big question!
Outer Banks, The Real Treasure Island: In early December we share an amazing Outer Banks pirate tale. It turns out Black Beard wasn’t the only OBX pirate! John Amrhein, Jr shares this awesome story in his new book, Treasure Island: The Untold Story, and here is a great book review of his work.
Snapshot of the Sound: Here’s a very cool website I stumbled across this week; Earth Snapshot – “A Daily View of the Planet.” Very cool idea. And it just so happens that last Sunday’s snapshot was of the Pamilco and Albemarle Sounds. They are a great view from the air (space?), and give a very informative description.

Earth Snapshot - Outer Banks - Pamlico & Albemarle Sounds

Free Music: How about some free music?! As an added bonus, it’s live tracks recorded at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Sweet! The Muckrakes have decided to kick of 2012 by giving away their music. They are a fun rock band with alt-country roots. Definitely worth a listen…it is free after all.
New School headed to Corolla? The Waters Edge Village School, a proposed charter school in Corolla, was approved by the NC Office of Charter Schools. The first new school in Corolla since 1957 is one step closer to becoming a reality. Next month it will need to be approved by the NC State Board of Education.

Outer Banks: Hurricane Irene – Before, During, & After – 8.28.11

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks: Hurricane Irene, After. Dad & child take in the devastation.

Hurricane Irene has come and gone. And she left quite a path of destruction in her wake.

There was a lot of hype leading up to Ms. Irene’s arrival. A potential Category 3 or 4 storm eventually landed on the OBX as a Cat 1. We were all very happy to see Irene’s intensity diminish as she drew close to shore, but the realism of a major storm was always in the back of our minds. Unfortunately, even that realism did not prepare us for the destruction that was about to arrive.

Last Friday (Irene arrived late that night), I took a trip to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to get a pre-Irene beach report. It was a nice day, but the conditions were worsening, and it was clear some funky weather was on the way. So, I asked a professional OBX photographer to tag along to capture some of Outer Banks: Hurricane Irene, “Before.” Luckily, Whitney of Whitney Norko Photography agreed to come, and we got some amazing before pictures.

Our plan was do to a “before” and “after” shoot of the same OBX landmarks. In a typical Outer Banks hurricane a before and after route along the “Beach Road” would make sense. But Hurricane Irene was not the typical OBX hurricane. This beast decided to attack the Sound instead of the ocean.

Around midnight on Friday the winds and rain began to pick up, and it was clear Ms. Irene had arrived. The winds and rain remained high throughout the night, but not overwhelmingly so. Around lunch time, my family and I decided to take a trip to the beach to see how things were, and to be honest, they were not terrible. The wind was whipping, and the sand felt like it was piercing my skin, but the beach and “Beach Road” were not seeing too much damage…some siding and shingles coming off homes, but not much significant damage. Here’s a link to my UStream video of the beach…not much to see, but you can get the effect of the wind.

After the trip, we adjourned home to take in the sites and sounds of the afternoon hurricane on the Sound. And the sites and sounds were eerily quiet. Foreshadowing of what was to come?

We took a walk out to the Sound, and it was amazingly empty! When Hurricane Irene began, here winds were blowing hard out of the East, and as a result, she blew almost ALL of the water out of the Sound. We walked 200 – 300 yards past the normal water line and THERE WAS NO WATER!

Here’s a link to my UStream video on the Sound. Unreal is all I can say.

Within a couple hours after I shot that video, everything changed for the worse. Fast! And with force!

Once the eye moved passed, the winds switched to the west/northwest, and all of that Sound water that was pushed out came back, with a vengeance.

Sound-side on the Outer Banks took a beating for about 6-8 hours before the water – and 4-6 foot waves – started to recede. As a result, there is extensive damage on the Sound-side.

Here’s my UStream video of some of the relentless water (storm surge) attacking the OBX…unfortunately, it cuts off, but you’ll get the point.

As a result of the Sound-side destruction from Hurricane Irene, our plans for a “before” and “after” photo shoot needed to be adjusted. Luckily, Whitney Norko Photography agreed to tag along again, and we were able to capture a lot of the OBX damage and devastation first hand.

I’ll warn you upfront, it’s ugly. Let the healing begin!

Spotlight on the OBX: Bay Dr.

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks Sunset

Our surroundings play a large role in our happiness. A quiet, natural environment tends to bring out our calm, relaxed nature.

I think any neighborhood shrink – ah hem, I mean psychologist – would agree. Any psychologists in the audience?

Anywho…that’s how it works for me anyway. Give me a nice calm beach day, and any worries I may have seem to melt away. I think the Outer Banks has this effect on most visitors. Once we cross that bridge and hit the OBX, our mentality seems to change. As the Mad Magazine dude use to say, “What, me worry?”

The OBX as a whole seems to have this worry-melting effect, but for today’s addition, I’d like to shine the “Spotlight” on just one tiny little road…a microcosm of the macro Outer Banks, if you will.

This one road has the same worry-melting effect for me. It’s quiet, out of the way, Soundfront, a smooth glide for a bike or skateboard, and one of the best spots for an OBX sunset.

Can you guess what road?…don’t look at the title.

Ok, it’s Bay Dr.

Bay Drive is one of my favorite places on the Outer Banks. Not only is it one of the best places to catch the sunset, but you can always count on seeing someone you know and catching up with friends. There is a warm sense of community in this neighborhood as you see neighbors waving as they pass each other on the street, chatting in their front yards, or biking/running at sundown.

Located in Kill Devil Hills, NC, Bay Drive is a beautiful residential street that runs along Kitty Hawk Bay and is home to many Outer Banks locals.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…and the Outer Banks sunset…

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 7.22.11 – Great Beach Weekend!

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks: 7.22.11 - Great Beach Weekend

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, July 22, 2011.

This video was shot at the Lillian St. beach access at 9:00 AM.

Happy Friday. Great beach day and a great beach weekend ahead. Temps in the 90′s, sun, and a light offshore wind out of the Southwest all weekend. Great beach weather!

However, there is good and bad news with that offshore wind. I like to start with the bad, so I’ll share that first. The southwest winds tend to blow the warm surface water out to sea, and the cooler water rises to the surface. This is a process known as “upwelling.” So, the bad news is that we can see the water temps change pretty quickly based on the wind direction, and it’s been blowing out of the southwest for a few days, so the OBX has seen the water temps drop from the mid 70′s to the mid 60′s.

A bit chilly, but like I said, there’s good news too. The fish really like the upwelling process because as the warm water moves out, and the cooler water that “upwells” to replace it tends to be rich in nutrients. So, there’s good news for OBX fishing, and the offshore breeze keeps the surf clean.

There’s not much surf to report today (or this weekend), but the little swell that is out there is very clean. The surf is in the knee high range. Probably best for SUP (stand up paddleboarding), but a decent longboard wave too. In the video, I mention that the guys in the water are in board shorts so it can’t be too cold, but you’ll see some in wet suits too. A long stint in 65 degree water can get chilly.

Tight lines all around for OBX fishing. Offshore continues to see dolphin, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, and some bill fish mixed in. The piers, bridges, surf, & Sound are all very consistent with a wide variety of fish – spot, croaker, blue fish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, trigger fish, cobia.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Spotlight on the OBX: Kitty Hawk

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks – Welcome to Kitty Hawk

Here’s the newest installment to our “Spotlight on the OBX” video series. Today we’re going to focus on the town of Kitty Hawk.

The town of Kitty Hawk is located on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks and is home to both Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty and Seaside Vacations. Established in the early 18th century, Kitty Hawk is rich in history and culture.

Kitty Hawk is the first town you bump into as you cross the Wright Memorial Bridge and arrive on the OBX. It is sandwiched between Southern Shores to the north and Kill Devil Hills to the south.

The Town consists of a thriving Village that has been around for generations, a newer beach community of residential cottages, and a maritime forest called Kitty Hawk Woods.

Kitty Hawk accounts for approximately 5 miles of the northern Outer Banks coast. The beaches are beautiful and full of memories for so many people…visitors and locals alike.

Having grown up here, I may be slightly biased when I say that there are no other beaches quite like the ones on the Outer Banks. There is something about the feeling of a Kitty Hawk beach that, for me, lets you escape for a short while and appreciate the natural beauty that’s around you.

On the other side of the by-pass (aka “highway in OBX lingo), in the heart of Kitty Hawk, also referred to as the Village, you’ll find families that have lived here for generations. It is amazing how much history the OBX offers! There’s a small town feeling that you’ll notice as neighbors wave while passing each other on the road, by car or bike. The Village is home to most of the year-round residents of Kitty Hawk.

This side of the Kitty Hawk bumps up to the Sound and all of the fun the Sound has to offer…fishing, boating, skiing, etc. Oceanfront is great, but there’s something very special about soundfront homes too. The view from the Sound is fantastic, and there’s no better way to spend a sunny day than cruising on the calm waters of the OBX Sound.

Whether you’re looking for oceanfront or sound side properties, Kitty Hawk has it all. We love it here….and know you will too!

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy a quick tour…

Kitty Hawk on Dwellable

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 6.24.11 – Great start to the weekend…

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

Outer Banks - 6.24.11 - Great Start to the Weekend at Avalon Pier

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, June 24, 2011.

This video was shot at the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills at 9:00 AM.

Happy Friday! We’ve had great weather all week, and it will carry through the weekend. There was an amazing sunset last night after a much needed thunderstorm, so I’ll include a pic of that too.

A bit overcast this morning, but overall a great start to the weekend. We’ll have a mix of sun and clouds today, with temps in the upper 80′s, and light southwest wind. A very comfortable beach day…and weekend.

The southwest wind is cleaning the tiny wave we have coming through, so there is a clean longboard wave, but it’s only in the knee high range. This is the story for the weekend too. Knee high waves, offshore wind through Saturday, and on Sunday the wind switches to the east. Unfortunately, not too exciting for OBX surf, but we had some fun surf and warm water this week, so no complaints.

OBX fishing is hitting its stride. Offshore is seeing dolphin, tuna and some bill fish mixed in. Near shore, piers, bridges, Sound, and surf are all very active with a wide variety of fish – croaker, spot, speckled trout, sea mullet, Spanish mackerel, blue fish, Cobia. Great time to be fishing on the OBX…tight lines all around!

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Spotlight on the OBX: Duck, NC

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Seaside Vacations

We love a good video series; so we figured why not start another. You can already view our “Outer Banks Treasures” video series that highlights all of the “secret” spots we love on the OBX so you can live like a local when you visit. And now we’re going to focus on some informational videos that will help you get an understanding of the layout of the Outer Banks. We’ll title the new video series “Spotlight on the OBX,” (pretty clever, right? ), and we’ll start with an overview of the town of Duck.

Hope you enjoy…please let us know if you have any suggestions or want us to focus on something in particular. We love your input!

Duck, North Carolina is a charming Northern Outer Banks town that has a lot of personality and an amazing amount to offer vacationers. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beautiful beaches, take a bike ride through the quaint downtown area, pick up some unique OBX goodies at the local shops, or dine in one of the many tasty restaurants, Duck has something for everyone.

Duck is in an ideal location. Tucked away in a wooded area just north of Kitty Hawk, it is quiet and peaceful, but it is a short drive south to hustle and bustle along Rt. 158, and a quick trip north to Corolla. It is one of the few towns on the OBX that offer a true “downtown” area…and it’s a great downtown – bike and walking paths, shops, restaurants, waterfront patios and walkways. The town also goes above and beyond during the summer months to offer free events all week long – music, exercise, shows, kids events. A great spot for an OBX getaway

Beautiful Views: The town of Duck has some of the best views on the Outer Banks. From restaurants on the sound to oceanfront property, there’s a breath-taking view everywhere you look.
Watersports/fishing: From the Atlantic Ocean to the Currituck Sound, Duck has it all when it comes to the water. The most peaceful and relaxing beaches on the Outer Banks can be found in Duck, a great place for surfing, sea kayaking, paddle boarding or even just swimming. Just a walk away is the Currituck Sound, where you can rent a jet ski, take a boat out, go fishing or enjoy an aerial view while parasailing.
Restaurants: Duck is home to some of the best restaurants around. With just a short drive, bike ride or walk, you’ll find some of the top food and wine destinations on the Outer Banks.
Shopping: All of Duck’s unique boutiques and specialty shops are located within walking distance of each other, creating a great “downtown” shopping experience.

I’ll zip it so Chelsea can give you a quick tour. Hope to see you soon. Enjoy!