Outer Banks Quiz: What’s Your Vacation Style?

Posted on February 3, 2012

Outer Banks Quiz: What's Your Vacation Style?

The beauty of an Outer Banks vacation is that you can bring a group – large or small – and share a beautiful house on the beach with all sorts of fun to be found. But how do you know what to do when you get here? What type of fun is your group looking for? – a whole lot of nothing, art galleries, hang gliding, history tours?

Everyone has a different type of “vacation style,” and determining your vaca style will help you make the most of your time on the OBX.

Your travel style – the type of trip you like best – is vital when it comes to booking an OBX family vacation and can mean the difference between being bored and needing another vacation when you get home! Unplugged vacationers prefer lazy days of hanging out together. Culture vultures crave the sizzle of museums, shows and festivals. Adventurers seek the excitement of new experiences such as kayaking or offshore fishing, while the some-of-everything family likes to pick and choose, combining elements of each category.

To determine your family’s travel style, take our “What’s Your Vacation Style Quiz.” These 12 simple questions may change the way you travel.

What’s Your Vacation Style?

OBXmas Weekend: New Events Added

Posted on November 30, 2011

Its begining to look alot like Christmas! With Thanksgiving behind us that can only mean one thing…Christmas is right around the corner. Of course there is no better place to spend the holidays than the Outer Banks! We have mentioned OBXmas weekends before, it is a great “one stop shop” for all the great events taking place on the beach during the holiday season. They have continued to add new great events to the calander and if you are in area make sure you check them out. Here is the link to the updated calander. Tons of fun things coming up this weekend! Here are some highlights.

Wednesday, November 30

All day

First in Flight Holiday Lights

All day

Poulos Christmas Lights

Thursday, December 1

All day

23rd Annual Festival of Trees

All day

First in Flight Holiday Lights

All day

Poulos Christmas Lights

Friday, December 2

All day

Kitty Hawk Kites Holiday Sales Spectacular

All day

23rd Annual Festival of Trees

All day

First Annual Duck Yuletide Celebration

All day

First in Flight Holiday Lights

All day

Holiday Small Works Show (Vault Gallery)

All day

Poulos Christmas Lights

All day

Manteo Tree Lighting

4:00pm

First Friday

5:00pm

Duck Tapas Crawl

Saturday, December 3

All day

Kitty Hawk Kites Holiday Sales Spectacular

All day

23rd Annual Festival of Trees

All day

Art and Spirit: Sacred Works by Sixty Artists

All day

First in Flight Holiday Lights

All day

Holiday Small Works Show (Vault Gallery)

All day

Poulos Christmas Lights

All day

Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade

9:30am

Storewide Holiday Sale at the Christmas Shop

3:00pm

First Annual Duck Yuletide Celebration

6:00pm

Grand Illumination – The Elizabethan Gardens

Sunday, December 4

All day

Kitty Hawk Kites Holiday Sales Spectacular

All day

Storewide Holiday Sale at the Christmas Shop

All day

Art and Spirit: Sacred Works by Sixty Artists

All day

First in Flight Holiday Lights

All day

Holiday Small Works Show (Vault Gallery)

All day

Poulos Christmas Lights

Tis the Season….to be at the OBX!

Posted on November 16, 2011

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

Reindeer Run Extravaganza:

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

Friday, November 25 (Red Line map );

Click here for participating retailers

Saturday, November 26 (Green Line map)

Click here for participating retailers

Redfish Saturday Fishing Tournament at Jennettes Pier:

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

Event Information:

Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

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

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

Kites with Lights:

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

Event Information:

Jockey’s Ridge State Park,

Mile Post 12.5, Nags Head

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

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

Island Farms Presents: Island Foodways

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

Event Information:

Island Farm, Manteo

Saturday, November 26,

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Upcoming Events

23rd Annual Festival of Trees: December 1 -3

Grand Illuminations at the Elizabethan Gardens: December 3

Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade: December 3

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb: December 10

Christmas Past at Island Farm: December 10

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

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

Tons of Great OBX Events This Weekend!

Posted on October 7, 2011

In case you haven’t heard us say this before….we love the OBX in the fall Hopefully you are around this weekend because there is so much to do! Get out and enjoy the amazing weather! Who says the Outer Banks shuts down in the fall??

Duck

This weekend in Duck there will be something fun going on every night. The Duck Jazz Festival kicks off on Sunday at 11 a.m. and lasts all day. Best of all its free! Make sure you stop by the Seaside Vacations booth and say hello! Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and coolers because it is going to be one big lawn party. This year there will be food vendors and tons of other great companies hanging out.

To gear up for the weekend, the Blue Point is hosting a Porch Party with live music tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.; Coastal Cantina is hosting Latin Jazz in Paul Rowlen Project on their waterfront deck from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Aqua is hosting Sax in the City from 7 to 10:30 p.m. with the Hound Dog Family Band.

On Saturday Roadside Bar and Grill is hosting an Oyster Roast and Beer Tasting and live music from 3 to 7 p.m. Coastal Cantina is hosting a Wine & Tapas event with the band Connected from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Stop by any of these spots for great music, food, and beverages, not to mention a great time.

Nags Head

The 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking are finishing up this weekend at Jennette’s Pier, but you still have until Sunday to check it out. You can walk up Jennetes and sit out on the decks for a great view of the event. There are competitors from all over the world and a great way to relax and experience something new. We have some great video from earlier in the week if you want a sneak peek of the action.

Manteo

Roanoke Island Festival Park Art Gallery opened a new show in October: Art of the Costume. The show features a costume designer for The Lost Colony. You can see the show Monday through Saturday through October 31, but you can meet the artists on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. during Manteo’s First Friday celebration.

First Friday takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. in Manteo. Shop in the boutiques and galleries, dine in the local restaurants, listen to live music in the streets and taverns, try your hands and feet on the rock-climbing wall or take a walk along the lovely waterfront boardwalk.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is hosting the 16th Annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year they’re focusing on native, drought-resistant plants. The Elizabethan Gardens is also having its Fall Clearance Plant Sale this weekend, with 30% to 50% discounts on perennials, shrubs, ornamentals, grasses and trees. Their sale is Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Southern Shores

The Throw Down North of Town annual surf competition with proceeds benefiting the Outer Banks Cancer Research Center, kicks off Saturday, October 8th. Some local OBX boys doing good and giving back to the community they love. Local OBX pro surfer, Noah Snyder and Hurley will be on site enjoying the show and adding to the festivities. Registration starts at 8 am at the Chicahauk beach access. For more information click here.

Kill Devil Hills

Looking for a great deal? Head down to Outer Banks Brewing Station for the Mommy & Me Yard Sale from 7 to 11 a.m. It is going to be a huge multi-family yard sale, with clothing, toys, household items and more.

The Dare Literacy Council is holding the Dare Literacy Book Sale at the Baum Center (just around the corner from the Brewing Station) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great sale, and they have books for every interest. You can also donate books and nonperishable food items for the Beach Food Pantry.

Kitty Hawk Kites’ 25th Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition is this weekend at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This is an event you cant miss! Non-competitors can enjoy kite workshops and demos and kids’ activities plus a kite ballet and team flying presentations. Not to mention the opportunity to see all the coolest kites money can buy !

Seaside Realty has been participating in the 19th Annual Outer Banks Homebuilders Parade of Homes which runs Thursday through Sunday. There are 18 homes on this year’s tour, located from Corolla to South Nags Head, and you can tour at your own pace. If you are interested in buying real estate in the area, or just want a tour of some of the most beautiful homes in the Outer Banks, this is perfect. Check out Seaside Realty on facebook for more information.

Kitty Hawk

Awesome event for a great cause set to take place Sunday, October 9th at the Kitty Hawk Skatepark, with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Irene victims through the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Honorable, in conjunction with LACED Clothing, proudly presents the “LACED & FLOODED” benefit Skate Jam. The weekend will kick off Saturday, October 8th at Moms Sweet Shop in KDH for a meet and greet with Jake Brown and Peter Smolik from 12-2pm. They will be premiering LACED clothing as it hits the racks at Moms and make sure to stop by and pre-register for the Skate Jam on Sunday.

First Flight Rotary Club’s Oink ‘N Oyster Roast is this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Longboards Island Grill in Kitty Hawk. Tickets are $25 in advance and $7 for children and can be purchased the day of the event or online. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief via the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

These are just a few of the many great fall events going on in the OBX and that is just for this weekend! Keep an eye out for more events to come and remember if you’re out at any of these, take lots of pictures and share them with us on facebook! Have a good weekend.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 10.6.11 – Pretty fall day & great weekend ahead…

Posted on October 6, 2011

Outer Banks: 10.6.11 - Pretty Fall Day in Kill Devil Hills

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, October 6, 2011.

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

A gorgeous fall day; bright sun, blue skies, air temps at 70 degrees and water temps at 70 degrees. This weather will stick with us for the next few days, it will be a pretty fall weekend.

There is a strong northeast wind blowing at 10-15 mph adding a cool breeze to the day, and this wind should hang around for a few days. Unfortunately, this isn’t good news for the surf. There is some swell in the area, but the wind isn’t helping. Doesn’t look like we’ll have much surf for the next few days, but fingers crossed the wind decides to switch offshore.

OBX fishing is going great. Fall fishing is awesome…so many fish around. Offshore is catching a bunch of tuna, getting limits on black and yellow fin tuna. The piers, bridges, surf, and Sound are all very active – blue fish, spot, flounder, Spanish mackeral, pompano, black drum, and as of October 1st, striper season is open!

Great time to be on the OBX! Warm air, warm water, empty beaches, great fishing, and rental homes are heavily discounted from the summer months. Plus, the fall is a great time to experience some great OBX events. Many people assume the summer months are the most active on the Outer Banks, and it’s true from a tourist perspective, the summer months are very busy, but the fall is a close second. Businesses and restaurants are open, prices have decreased from summer peaks, there are no lines, and the fall offers a wide variety of great events.

This weekend is a great example; on Friday we have “First Fridays” in Manteo, which is a fun festival-like atmosphere with outdoor music, arts, and food; on Saturday there is a surf contest in Southern Shores and a skateboarding contest in Kitty Hawk, and Sunday brings the annual Duck Jazz Festival. Such a busy weekend!…and a such a great time to be on the Outer Banks.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking Headed to the Outer Banks!

Posted on September 25, 2011

Outer Banks: 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking

Fall on the Outer Banks is in full effect, and we have been enjoying some great weather, great fishing, and a lot of exciting events. This past week the OBX had the pleasure of hosting the 2011 ESA (Eastern Surf Association) finals and the 2011 Outer Banks Pro at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head…and the excitement is just getting started.

In less than a week, the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking are set to kick of in Nags Head at Jennette’s Pier. This is quite an event, and the weather, and surf forecasts are looking good. If you have not had the opportunity to witness professional surf kayaking, I highly recommend a visit to the Nags Head beach to take in the sights and sounds…and definitely take a look at the video below. It is amazing what they can do in a kayak on those waves!…and highly entertaining.

The World Championships of Surf Kayaking is an event that occurs every two years. The Eastern Surf Kayaking Association won the bid for the 2011 championships, and it will take place in Nags Head from Sept 29-Oct 8.

Competitors and spectators from all over the world! – Australia, Japan, England, Spain, US West and East, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Portugal and elsewhere.

You can follow the progress of the event at http://www.worldchampionshipsofsurfkayaking.com/.

Outer Banks Treasure: Duck Research Pier

Posted on August 11, 2011

Come along as we take a tour of the Army Cops of Engineers Field Research Facility, or what we OBX’ers call the Duck Research Pier in Duck, North Carolina. The Field Research facility is used to study coastal processes, especially those that cause beach changes. The pier fulfills four main objectives:

provides a rigid platform through the surf into deep water from which to attach instruments
provides a permanent base of operations for various studies by the Corps, private industry, universities, and other branches of the military
provides field data for use in laboratory experiments and numerical models
provides a facility for testing new instrumentation in the field before deployment

If you have ever been out on the beach in Duck you may have seen the 1840 foot pier from a distance but there are only private beach accesses near the facility. The reason they Army chose to build the pier in Duck is pretty neat. Duck was chosen because of its distance from coastal structures, affected by the high frequency of storms and hurricanes, and only lightly affected by the dynamics of inlet processes. It also has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound making it easier to conduct a variety of experiments.

I don’t want to tell you too much more about the pier because you need to get out there and do the tour. It was really educational and makes you appreciate all of the wonder that’s associated with the ocean. They are only doing the tours until August 19th and are Monday-Friday at 10:00 am. Only one more week left so get out there!

OBX Epicurean Hosts Summertime Supper – Every Friday in August!

Posted on August 10, 2011

Kitty Hawk Kites: 5th Annual Watermelon Festival 8/11

Posted on August 8, 2011

Join Kitty Hawk Kites and the Wright Flight Foundation for the 5th Annual Watermelon Festival, Thursday, August 11 from 10-4, at the Kitty Hawk Kite store in Nags Head (mile post 12.5) for a big outdoor summer bash with a homegrown backyard feel. This event will have tons of fun for kids and adults of all ages including a dunk tank, moon bounce, inflatable obstacle course, watermelon seed spitting distance contests, pie eating contests, t-shirt tye dying, face painting, and of course, tons of watermelon!

Kitty Hawk Kites staff will be on site teaching kids how to use juggling sticks, balance boards, and letting them try out top selling toys. There will also be great music, food vendors on site, and one of the best raffles on the beach and over $2000 in prizes.

Proceeds from the Watermelon Festival go directly to the Wright Flight Foundation–a local non-profit that rewards 5th graders, who achieve their academic goals, with flight! The foundation has helped improve performance in local school districts and has given children the opportunities to do things like hang gliding, tandem hang gliding, and plane rides, that they may have not been able to do before. Students are also educated about the history and basic principles of flight.

Check it out! What a great cause and a very creative way to motivate students. See you all there!

Outer Banks Treasures: Coastal Helicopter & OBX Biplanes

Posted on July 27, 2011

Just when you thought the Outer Banks couldn’t get any more beautiful, getting a chance to see it from over 2,000 feet in the air was unbelievable! Continuing with our Outer Banks Treasure series we had the opportunity to take some of our Seaside crew up on a helicopter ride with Coastal Helicopters and a plane ride with OBX Biplanes out of Manteo, NC.

Since I have always had a fear of heights I started to wonder why I set this up, knowing good and well I would have to make the trip up in either the helicopter or plane. When the time came Larry and Stephanie, the owners of Coastal Helicopters did a great job of putting my worries at ease and I finally was ready to do it! Let me just tell you that it was amazing! Once the plane was in the air, I wasn’t scared at all. The views were breathtaking and I had such a great time.

I would HIGHLY recommend setting up a tour on your next vacation. They have affordable options for rides especially if you have a large group and you want to give everyone a chance at going up. It is the Outer Banks from a whole new perspective. I took the plane up but my co-workers also had an awesome time on the helicopter ride. You have the opportunity to see local attractions and all of the great OBX landmarks, as well as schools of fish and dolphins from in the air.

If you are interested in setting up a ride please visit Coastal Helicopter and OBX Biplanes online, or if you are a Seaside Vacations guests, contact one of our vacations specialists for more information and a $10 off coupon! Big thank you to Baldwin Video for such a great video!