Spotlight on the OBX: Manteo

Posted on September 28, 2011

Outer Banks: Manteo Light

Just to the West of the Outer Banks (but really still part of the OBX), is a tiny little town called Manteo that may remind you of Mayberry…in fact, Andy Griffith lives there!

It is a definite hidden treasure, so we figured we swing the “Spotlight” over yonder to give you a quick tour.

The Town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870, this waterfront community incorporated in 1899.

It is home to the NC Aquarium, The Lost Colony outdoor drama, the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival park, and a super cool waterfront that has shops, restaurants, and some amazing art galleries.

During the Spring and Summer, Manteo hosts an outdoor event each first Friday of the month, cleverly called “First Friday,” that offers some outdoor entertainment, food, music, and art.

Manteo is a definite must-do for your next OBX vacation.

But to get back to that whole Mayberry comparison, here’s what RoanokeIsland.net has to say…

The Roanoke Island town of Manteo is often compared to Mayberry because it holds a similar small-town character — and characters — and all the charm, hospitality and friendliness that come with that designation. Since this town bears so much resemblance to fictional Mayberry, is it a coincidence that Andy Griffith has lived here off and on since the 1940s? Most likely not, since Griffith himself once said, “If Mayberry is anywhere, it is Manteo.”

Manteo is the lively Dare County seat and an up-and-coming shopping/dining/cultural center that throws out the welcome mat for visitors.

Now I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

PS – As a bonus, here’s a video for Brad Paisley’s “Waiting on a Woman” that won Video of the Year a couple years ago and was filmed on the Outer Banks featuring Andy Griffith…welcome to Mayberry…I mean Manteo.

Outer Banks: Moonlight Legend, Lore & Ghost Tour

Posted on September 27, 2011

Ghost

Well, now that it’s officially Fall, I suppose we can start to talk about Halloween. This isn’t really a Halloween post, but it’s a great primer for All Hallow’s Eve, and anything that raises the spook factor this time of year gets me thinking about costumes and candy. Ready to be scared?

Did you realize the Outer Banks has some funky, or should I say spooky, ghost tales to share. It makes sense, the OBX has a long history full of pirates, shipwrecks, lost colonies, etc. There’s got to be some spookiness that’s survived over the years.

On Thursday, the Whalehead Club is offering up great legends, lore, and ghost tales to help you get in the Halloween spirit. Bring your long sleeves, flashlight, and best horror movie scream.

Moonlight Legend, Lore and Ghost Tour

Thursday September 29, 2011 – Beginning at Dusk

For those who dare, come and take the Moonlight Legends, Lore and Ghost Tour of the Whalehead Club by lantern light! Walk the steps of pirates, shipwreck victims, and ghosts of Corolla Island! Which spirit will you see that night? Tickets are $20 per adult and are available by advance purchase only. Call 252-453-9040 ext 2 early- this tour sells out quickly!

Check out more specialty tours by visiting our website www.whaleheadclub.org . The Whalehead Club is located in Currituck Heritage Park, just past milepost 11 on Route 12 North in Corolla, NC.

Spotlight on the OBX: Nags Head

Posted on September 19, 2011

Outer Banks: Nags Head Welcome Sign

Time for another edition of our “Spotlight on the OBX” video series. I’m a huge fan of these videos; 1., because it gets us out of the office to enjoy gorgeous days on the Outer Banks, but mainly because it gives us a chance to share some insight with you, our guests, about the people, places, and things that we love about the OBX.

Today we are going to continue our tours of OBX towns with a quick tour of Nags Head. Let’s shine the “Spotlight” on Nags Head, shall we?

A little Nags Head history to start: Legend states that early inhabitants of the area tied lanterns to the necks of horses and led the horses up and down the beach after dark to lure merchant ships. Sailors who saw the lights would mistake them for lights from ships and decide to come closer to shore. When they did, they would run aground and Nags Head residents would pillage the ship’s cargo.

Shipwrecks, pirates, pillaging…so Outer Banks.

Nags Head, North Carolina is often used synonymously with the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Strange, isn’t it? Do you know anyone that still says “I’m going to Nags Head” when they are really going to Duck? There are still some highway signs in Virginia that use Nags Head rather than the Outer Banks for directional purposes. Perhaps because it was the most popular OBX destination for so long?

As one of the most developed cities on the Outer Banks, Nags Head is a wonderful place for vacation living. But don’t let the “most developed cities” moniker fool you. OBX “development” is far from built-up. There is still plenty of empty space to roam, lots of natural habitat, and a hefty dose of amazing history. Plus, amazing restaurants, Jockey’s Ridge, shopping, lighthouses, fishing, etc. just a short drive (or walk) away.

Known for its pristine beaches, Nags Head is also home to many attractions including the east coast’s largest sand dune, shops, restaurants, night life, water sports and more.

In my humble opinion, Nags Head packs the best bang for the buck. When I talk with guests who are new to the Outer Banks and are not sure where to stay, I generally refer them to Nags Head. Nags Head has a great Outer Banks feel, but still offers plenty of great activities to keep people busy.

As the Nags Head Guide says, “A Nags Head vacation experience offers a blend of the old with the new. Visitors still can revel in timeworn traditions while enjoying a host of modern-day comforts.”

Enjoy the tour…

Spotlight on the OBX: Corolla

Posted on August 23, 2011

Whitney Norko Photography - Outer Banks Wild Horses

The beaches along the Outer Banks are pretty amazing. Mile after mile of unspoiled beaches, white sand, gorgeous fishing piers, an abundance of wildlife, and most of the time you can find a quiet spot all to yourself. This gorgeous beach environment is awesome, but it can also overshadow some of the other amazing aspects of the OBX.

It’s easy to be so focused on getting to the beach, setting up your chair and cooler, that you miss what’s going on around you. As the wise Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

At a quick glance, from a car speeding to the nearest beach access, the towns along the Outer Banks may seem pretty similar, but in reality, they all offer their own unique charm. So our hope with the “Spotlight” is that we can help you slow down and take a look around, and today we’re going to shine the “Spotlight” on Corolla – that’s Co-RHALL-a, not like the Toyota car.

Corolla, NC is the northern most town of the Outer Banks, situated just south of the Virginia/North Carolina line. Corolla is rich in history and full of tradition for many.

Corolla is an unincorporated community and home to more than 100 wild Spanish Mustangs. The horses can be found on 12,000 acres in Corolla, north of populated areas. Approximately 500 permanent residents call the community home.

Up until the development boom of the 1980s, some 30 years ago, Corolla was little-known and little-traveled and was often referred to as North Carolina’s last beach frontier. That’s all changed today. Corolla has grown quite rapidly, and the number of people who have decided to move to this edge of the world location has steadily increased.

Today, Corolla is a popular vacation destination for families from all over. Although you may not be able to enjoy the convenience of super stores and malls, you’ll find all the amenities you want for a great vacation. The beautiful beaches are clean and vast, and usually just a short walk from your vacation home. There is great shopping and a fine recreation scene, including kayak tours, jet-ski rents, surf lessons, fishing, wild horse tours, go-carts and more. Dining and entertainment is top notch, many of the renown restaurants provide live out-door music for those beautiful summer nights.

Corolla has a little something for everyone, “It is a world of contemporary luxuries, where vacationing is easy and life is civilized.”

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour, but remember to slow down once in awhile …

Spotlight on the OBX: Kill Devil Hills

Posted on August 18, 2011

Kill Devil Hills

Let’s spin the “Spotlight” towards Kill Devil Hills today. KDH (as it is lovingly known around these parts) has a little something, something for everyone – awesome beaches, gorgeous houses, great restaurants, the Wright Brothers, playgrounds, skate parks, an awesome fishing pier, fantastic local shops, amazing art, and the list rolls on…

The oldest township in the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills should not be confused with Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight in a powered machine. The Wright Brothers Memorial Monument stands sixty feet high on the ninety foot high Kill Devil Hill.

Situated in the middle of the northern Dare County beaches, KDH is the most populated of the Outer Banks town. The majority of our OBX locals reside here, with a total population of approximately 7,500.

Today, Kill Devil Hills is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks. The many beach accesses make for an easy trip to the beach with lots of public parking. Lifeguards are stationed every half mile or so, making KDH beaches ideal for families with children. With thousands of rental homes, great restaurants, sports and activities, and shopping, Kill Devil Hills is at the center of an Outer Banks vacation.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

Outer Banks Treasure: Kilmarlic Golf Club

Posted on August 4, 2011

Nothing says relaxation like a nice round of golf right? Well since the beach is all about relaxing and enjoying a laid back atmosphere we thought we needed to include Kilmarlic Golf Club as one of our Outer Banks Treasures. I had a chance to see the course from some events we have had through the Club Seaside golf clinic offered by Kilmarlic and Seaside Vacations. It is a beautiful course and the club was great as well. There is a pro-shop inside, 215-Westside, which is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and a huge covered porch to sit out in a rocking chair and enjoy the views.

Want to check it our for yourself? Watch as I take a golf cart tour around the course and be sure you don’t miss out on the exclusive golf clinic and special guests rates through Club Seaside. Its a great way to get out and explore and enjoy all of the great things the Outer Banks has to offer. No matter what your skill level its a guaranteed good time!

Spotlight on the OBX: Southern Shores

Posted on July 13, 2011

Outer Banks: Southern Shores Map

Cruising through a new area can create that mouse lost in maze effect. Too much stimulus to take it to really discern the unique aspects of the area. The Outer Banks has this affect on visitors all the time. Where am I, what town am I in, what milepost is this, didn’t I just pass that beach access two miles ago?!

We can relate, and we want to offer some assistance. The Outer Banks is comprised of a few different towns, and while the towns may blend together as you drive down Rt 12, they really are quite unique. So, from time to time, we like to shine the “Spotlight on the OBX” towards some of the OBX towns to help you distinguish where your beach cruise has taken you.

This week, we’ll focus on Southern Shores. Located between Duck and Kitty Hawk, is the town of Southern Shores. Comprised of mostly single-family homes, Southern Shores is predominately a quiet residential paradise….hmm…perfect for an OBX vacation?

The beaches in Southern Shores are private, used only by residents and visitors to the area.

There are a variety of rental homes in Southern Shores, from grand oceanfront homes to retro flat-tops.

Southern Shores is home to the Duck Woods Country Club golf course, a semi-private facility. The town also has a wonderful bike path for walkers, joggers and bikers, and it connects to the commercial areas of town.

Let me step aside and allow Chelsea to give you quick tour of Southern Shores…

Outer Banks Treasures: Jennette’s Pier

Posted on June 17, 2011

When you think about what really makes an Outer Banks treasure it is hard to narrow it down. There are so many unique things here in tbe OBX, that our job will never end in showing you all of the places and things we consider treasures. I had the opportunity today to take a tour of the brand new Jennette’s Pier with Assistant Manager, Daryl Law. All I can say is WOW! Jennette’s Pier is truely an amazing sight to see and couldn’t be described as anything less than an Outer Banks Treasure.

When you first walk up to the pier you will notice the amazing details on the exterior of the facility. Not to mention the beautiful ocean views that surround you. There are chairs and tables out on the side overlooking the ocean, which I thought would be a great place to have a cup of coffee and look out at the water every morning. Turns out some locals had the same idea beacause as I was walking in, those seats were filling up quick!

I don’t want to give away to many details of the inside because I want you to see them all in the tour, but I will say that everything inside was beautiful. From the aquariums (which are still in progress) to the stone and tile work, everything was one of a kind. Enough talking, we have been building up to the opening of Jennette’s for a while now and if you haven’t made it to the Outer Banks yet, here is your exclusive tour of Jennette’s Pier. (Cue opening music)

P.S- If you want a live view of Jennette’s Pier check out our new beach webcam!

Outer Banks Treasures: Kitty Hawk Kites

Posted on May 20, 2011

Hang Gliding Lessons

Well it is pretty obvious that the Outer Banks is made up of people who have a deep love for nature, the ocean, our beaches and pretty much anything that keeps us outside and active makes us happy. Luckily there is place nestled on all corners of the island that brings the connection between us together. Offering everything from kayak tours, dolphin watching, hang gliding lessons, wake boarding, and tons of other awesome outdoor activities that keep locals and visitors engaged with the beautiful landscape of the Outer Banks.

The place I am talking about is Kitty Hawk Kites one of the great landmarks of the OBX, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the Nags Head store with founder and president John Harris. Showing us all the neat custom designed t-shirts, outer banks memorabilia, Wright brother’s merchandise, huge selection of Life is Good merchandise and pretty much every type of Croc imaginable, John gives you a chance to preview the store before you head down for your vacation. There is so many neat things in there that it is a must stop on your next Outer Banks trip. Not to mention the kids will love it and Club Seaside guests are offered a complimentary paddle board clinic with Kitty Hawk Kites!

There are too many things to name that make Kitty Hawk Kites a real Outer Bank Treasure, so sit back and relax and take it away John..

ASP Surf Tour Coming to the Outer Banks in 2011?!

Posted on November 23, 2010

Outer Banks "Battle of the Banks" Surf Contest

Alright, I’m not one to start rumors, but let’s start some rumors!

So, the ASP, the Association of Surfing Professionals (i.e. the governing body of professional surfing) recently posted the 2011 Tour dates on their website, and there is a very intriguing tour date in September 2011.

Dates Site Event Prize
Sep 3 – 12, 2011 East Coast, United States of America TBA (Tentative) $425,000

Hmmmm…

Could the ASP be heading to the Outer Banks?

OBX in September is perfect; tourism has slowed, temps and weather still feel like summer, and the peak of hurricane season makes dirty chocolate barrels a high likelihood.

Come on ASP, let’s make this happen!