Carolina Designs Realty Blog

In the Outer Banks, the spring and summer seasons are the perfect time to partake in some adventurous and exciting water sports.  There’s plenty of variety when it comes to choosing your adventure.  Whether you’re new to water sports or you think that you live on the water, there is something for everyone in the Outer Banks.  There are a ton of places around the area where anyone from nervous beginners to seasoned experts can have a good time.  While you’re staying in one of our Outer Banks rentals, take advantage of the perfect weather and spend some quality time out there on the sound or on the ocean.

Kayaking- Whether you want to do a bit of paddling around the sound or the ocean, you’re guaranteed to find some great sights and get a fantastic arm and core workout while you’re at it!  Rent a kayak and venture out with a friend (after reviewing all safety procedures of course) or take a guided eco- tour through some of the wildlife refuges in the OBX!  No experience necessary!  Try Coastal Kayak Touring Company or Kitty Hawk Kayaks.  Duck Village Outfitters is one of my personal favorites.

Surfing- One of the most popular recreational activities in the OBX, surfing can be a great workout and stress reliever.  Take a lesson with one of our experienced and passionate local surf gurus, or rent out a board and take to the waves yourself.  Either way, you’ll soon become addicted to this awesome water sport.  Surfs up!  Check out Corolla Surf Shop for a lesson and all of your equipment and board rental needs.

Parasailing- For a view of the Outer Banks that can’t be beat, take a chance and soar above the sound while parasailing.  The bird’s eye view from a couple hundred feet will take your breath away.  Dramatic views from the sound to the ocean capture the beauty and vulnerability of the area.  In Nags Head, turn to OBX Water Works.  With 20 years of experience, Captain Bruce is U.S.C.G. licensed and has the largest boat on the beach.  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Wind Surfing- Try your hand at one of the most thrilling of all watersports that combines the best of the surfing and sailing worlds.  Never been before?  No worries.  Kitty Hawk Water Sports gives safe and affordable lessons to complete beginners as well!

Kite boarding – Let the wind carry you over rippling waves!  Kite boarding is another choice for those bold and daring adventure-seekers.  Outer Banks Kiting and Real Watersports in Cape Hatteras have several fun lessons and camps geared towards getting you out there and kite boarding with the best of ‘em

Jet Skiing- Speed across the water on your own personal jet ski. In Corolla, rent a wave runner at Corolla Water Sports and cruise around the sound. Planning a family outing? Ride single, double or triple and have fun speeding over the waves together.  Be prepared to get wet!

Diving- Take a class and learn how to dive.  Or, build upon your existing diving experience.  Feeling daring?  Explore one of frequently visited wrecks of the Outer Banks.  Take a class and learn more about diving with Outer Banks Dive Center in Nags Head.

Wakeboarding/Water Skiing – Skim over the water with a wakeboard, water skis, or tube.  Whether you are a beginner or you are a die hard water sports enthusiast, OBX Wakeboard and Waterski in Kitty Hawk will have the boats and equipment that you need!

We don’t expect you to stay inside our Outer Banks rental during your entire vacation, so get out there and get some wind in your hair, sun in your eyes and sand between your toes this vacation.  If all this has got you thinking you need a vacation, check out some of our fantastic rentals here.

It’s true that some of our guests arrive on the Outer Banks and are ready for adventure, but many others arrive, unpack and spend their time strolling between their vacation home and our beautiful beaches.  Relaxation is their focus and they arrive with no other agenda.  If you fall into this category, we offer these suggestions to make the most of your respite.

Escape with a Good Book - Whether you’re an avid reader, or someone who enjoys a good book without the much leisure time, we suggest you pack one or two for your trip.  For those who feel out of the loop, here are sites that offer best seller lists with popular options:  http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/, http://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books-Amazon/zgbs/books and http://books.usatoday.com/list/index.

Music Soothes the Soul – Music and the beach are the perfect combination.  Remember to pack your favorite CDs or purchase a couple by favorite artists already on your wish list.  Bring your ipod or create a great Spotify play list loaded with favorites.  Whether relaxing poolside, sipping a beverage from breezy decks or preparing a gourmet meal, a background of inspiring music enhances every experience.

Inspiring Meals – For those who love to cook, preparing creative meals is a relaxing outlet with grateful beneficiaries!  If cooking is your form of relaxation, plan ahead by packing a few of your favorite recipes to prepare during your stay.  Or, purchase the latest version of the Outer Banks Cookbook and try some local recipes at http://obxcookbook.com/.  Fresh seafood, locally grown produce and select cuts of meat are readily available at Outer Banks grocery stores and produce stands.

Friendly Competition – The perfect rainy day activity always includes a deck of cards.  Whether you appreciate a quiet game of solitaire or a rambling poker game, remember to include a deck of cards on your packing list.  Specialty decks of Uno and Phase 10 are inexpensive and provide exhilarating interaction between parents and children.  Popular card games for younger travelers are Old Maid, Go Fish, Spoons, Slapjack or War.  Other easy-to-pack games of skill include Pick-up Sticks, A Barrel of Monkeys and Jacks.

Popcorn and Movies – A favorite pastime, movie-watching after a day at the beach is an ideal way to relax.  Whether you enjoy Hollywood productions, independent films or documentaries, your vacation allows for time to catch a new film or revisit an old favorite.  Many homes provide video libraries, or you can pack a few family favorites to bring along.  Winding down with a good movie and your favorite popcorn provide a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

People stay at our charming Outer Banks rentals for more than just one reason.  They know that our Outer Banks rentals are beautiful, luxurious and packed with all the amenities that you’d need for a vacation home away from home. However, visitors also choose to rent from us because of the fantastic location! Whether you’re looking for a place to bring the entire family, the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, or a weekender spot for friends to reunite, the Outer Banks is a favorite vacation haven for people across the nation and all over the world.

There are many reasons why visitors and residents fall in love with the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For example, most people who come here already know about the natural beauty of Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head or the historic Lost Colony in Manteo. They also know that they should visit the grandiose Cape Hatteras lighthouse and take the time to witness the wild freedom of the horses in Corolla. However, there are tons of places that aren’t as well known—places that tourists might not know about! Luckily for you, we’re going to share some of these hidden gems with you. What are some of the Outer Banks “hidden treasures” that visitors should check out while staying in their Outer Banks rentals?

The Island Farm in Manteo Visit a living history site that interprets daily life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s and spend the day immersed in the island’s rich history. There you can find the Etheridge farmstead, which is the oldest period restoration of a house on Roanoke Island. There are almost a dozen buildings to explore, such as the farmhouse, a reconstructed slave cabin, outhouse, cookhouse, smokehouse, dairy, barns, chicken coop, blacksmith shop and more. Kids will be delighted to see the chickens that roam freely on the grounds, as well as the sheep, ponies, an ox and a cow.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Maritime Museum At this Hatteras museum, come find out why the coasts of the Outer Banks have been nicknamed “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The museum is one of the finest, most innovative maritime facilities in the nation. Stop by to hear the chilling stories of the several historical shipwrecks that have dotted our coasts, and try to solve the mystery of the Ghost Ship of Diamond Shoals.

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve- Because these woods are shielded from ocean winds by the sandy dunes, the Nags Head Woods feature a diversity of plant and animal life that is quite unusual to find on a barrier island. Bird lovers will be amazed that over 100 species of birds have been seen in these woods, and nature lovers will appreciate the grandeur of the oaks, hickories and beech trees; some of which are hundreds of years old. Keep your eyes out for 15 species of amphibians and 28 species of reptiles. Make sure that you don’t leave your camera behind at one of our Outer banks rentals- you’ll want to capture every detail of this outing.

North Carolina Roanoke Island Aquarium Tucked away in small town Manteo is the Roanoke Island Aquarium which boasts the largest collection of sharks in the state! Bring along the whole family and spend the entire day interacting with scuba divers, touching an alligator and feeding the sting rays. There’s always something new to see and do here, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time before staying at one of our Outer Banks rentals.

It’s always a treat to happen upon one of the less-popular locales or hidden spots of the Outer Banks. There are many more treasured spots left for you to discover while staying in one of our Outer Banks rentals. A good way to find out about other hidden gems is to keep posted on our blog often and we’ll update you with the locals’ favorite (and secret!) places as well as other fun activities in the OBX that you may not have heard about yet. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding things to do while staying in one of our spacious Outer Banks rentals—that is, unless you’re simply having trouble deciding which ones to pick!

Painting by Brad Price

The Outer Banks has a remarkably active arts community, and the evidence is everywhere. There are the innumerable galleries–all of them with unique art, amazing musicians and the Icarus horses — dating from the 100th Anniversary of Flight — that seem to pop up in the most surprising places.  It’s also true that art can also be found in some of the most unlikely places.  So we thought it would be fun to take a day trip to explore some of those “unlikely places” on the northern Outer Banks.

NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM, 374 Airport Rd, Manteo (252) 473-3494: Just across from the gift shop at the Aquarium is a rotating exhibit of art depicting nature. Kitty Dough, who is the Media Technician at the Roanoke Island Aquarium, who is an amazing artist in her own right is the curator for the exhibitions and her knowledge of local artists has created some truly wonderful art shows. Although the art exhibit is a great reason to stop by, the Aquarium itself is worth a visit.

NAGS HEAD TOWN HALL, Town Hall Road, Nags Head: Since 1997 the Nags Head Town Council has been supporting local and regional artists through the purchase of art. As a result, the town has one of the largest art collections on the Outer Banks. Works of art are hung throughout the municipal buildings, which are located between the Beach Road and Bypass, right across from the fire station. A self guided tour brochure is available on the second floor of the municipal building.

BAD BEAN AND BAJA GRILL, Seagate North Shopping Plaza, Kill Devil Hills  (252) 261-1300: Chef and owner, Rob Robertson, is a classically trained chef with a penchant for California/Mexican cuisine.  That alone is a great reason to stop in, but another reason for visiting is the artwork on the walls. A Ben Morris mural fills the dining room wall, showcasing his linear interpretation of waves. There is art everywhere, but the real pièce de résistance is the 8’ hand-carved shrimp on the wall across from the bar. Created by Callie Pruitt, one of the bartenders, it is a wonderful piece of art.

HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 W Kitty Hawk Rd  Kitty Hawk  (252) 261-4700: This may be the highlight of the tour. Glenn Eure is a remarkable artist with a penchant for mixed media art and bad jokes. When the Holy Redeemer Church decided to purchase the stations of the cross, Glenn said he would craft the stations for free. What he created is a life-sized hand-carved rendering of the Via Crucis that is at once modern, yet very true to its traditional roots.

ELIZABETH’S CAFE, Scarborough Fair, Duck  (252) 261-6145: Brad Price, the chef at Elizabeth’s Cafe, is an artist in the kitchen, but he may be even better with canvas and paint. A full range of his work is on display at the restaurant.

OUTER BANKS CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION, Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla  (252) 453-0221: Don’t let the name fool you–this is actually one of the most interesting small museums you will ever encounter. One of the most remarkable exhibits featured is what may be the largest hand-carved decoy collection in the world.

Pea Island - Photo Courtesy of Ryan Thibodeau

Less than an hour’s drive from Duck, Pea Island is a reminder of what the Outer Banks was before the modern age of development.  Beginning at the south end of the Bonner Bridge, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is little more than a thin strip of sand separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Pamlico Sound.  It is a unique environment–a true example of a barrier island, although even here the hand of mankind is evident.

The sand dunes on the ocean side are not natural. Created in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), they were an early attempt to stabilize the shoreline. NCDOT continues to put a lot of time and effort into pushing sand off the road and back to the dunes following major storms.  About three and a half miles south of the Bonner Bridge is a Visitor’s Center. This building is next to North Pond–an impoundment created by market hunters at the turn of the 20th century to attract migrating waterfowl. The trail along the impoundment is an excellent introduction to the diversity of life that Pea Island supports.

Pea Island has always been a birder’s paradise and there is always diverse species to observe, with fall and winter being the most spectacular seasons. For a different view of Pea Island, a kayak trip into the sound is a treat for people who are a little more active. There are a number of businesses that offer kayak tours, but more experienced kayakers may wish to go out on their own. The put-in launch site is at New Inlet about three miles south of the visitor’s center.

Pea Island is an active part of the Outer Banks shoreline and just south of New Inlet the evidence is clear at a bridge that looks almost like it was built from an erector set. The inlet it spans was formed after Hurricane Irene.  There is a parking area to the left (ocean side) just over the bridge. It’s a good place to park and walk to the beach. Pay attention … one of the trails to the beach is next to a piping plover nesting area and access is strictly prohibited.  On the beach, looking north at low tide, four wooden pilings pop up from the surf. At one time they held the cistern for the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, an all African-American station that was considered the finest on the coast.  The parking lot is a good place to head back home, unless you’re planning to travel on to Hatteras Island–which is a trip for another day.

Important Information: Beach driving at Pea Island is prohibited. Beach driving is allowed in other areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but there are severe restrictions on when and where it is permitted and the penalties for violating those restrictions are significant. For information about beach driving, go to http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htmm and abide by these regulations.

Blogger’s Tip: Mid-May to mid-September, insect repellent is highly recommended. The US Fish and Wildlife is not permitted to use any chemical means to keep mosquito and biting fly populations under control.

Planning a vacation in the Outer Banks? If your ideal vacation involves soaking up some rich history as well as the sun, consider staying in one of our gorgeous Kill Devil Hills rentals. Just minutes away from the Wright Brother Memorial, you can spend your morning relaxing on the beach with your toes in the sand, and then spend an afternoon delving into the fascinating history of the town.

Kill Devil Hills is the oldest town of the Outer Banks region. The town is named after the 90 foot dune, Big Kill Devil Hill, but there are numerous stories of how that mountain
of sand got its name. Some believe that it comes from a brand of rum called “Kill Devil,” which had been washed ashore during the colonial times. Another story gives credit to the pirates who brewed their own moonshine in the area which they claimed was “strong enough to kill the devil.” A third story blames the rum that had been washed ashore from a shipwreck. Locals drank such a large amount of the powerful stuff that they said it was enough to “kill the devil.”

While the legends and stories of pirates are all in good fun, it is the remarkable story of the first flight that is most noteworthy about the town of Kill Devil Hills, although Kitty Hawk usually gets the credit. On December 17, 1903, above the rolling hills of sand belonging to Kill Devil Hills, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first heavier-than-air powered flight.  This 12 second, 120-feet flight then launched the Age of Aviation. The brothers made four successful flights at the base of the big hill that is now part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Want to learn more? From any of the Kill Devil Hills rentals, take a short drive to the Visitor Center at milepost 8, where history buffs can feast their eyes on a full-scale reproduction of the Wright 1903 Powered Flyer as well take a look at some interpretive presentations. In the pavilion, visitors can check out a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider as well as other special exhibits.  Outside of the center, feel as if you are present during those famous 12 seconds as you make out all the historical markers of each attempted powered flight. Then take a look at the replica camp buildings before you snap a few photographs on top Big Kill Devil Hill, where a 60-foot granite monument honoring the Wright brothers stands tall.

Hungry for more Kill Devil Hills history? Before Orville and Wilbur Wright ever happened upon those fateful dunes, the town boasted a Life Saving Station that had been built in 1878.  It was one of 11 stations built along the Outer Banks and was constructed for trained rescue workers.  These “surfmen” were there to help with any shipwrecks or maritime disasters. They rescued hapless shipwrecked victims in lifeboats that were brought back to land by the surf.

Other than being a town of full of history, Kill Devil Hills is centrally located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With beach access only a short walk away, local eateries right down the street, activities and rentals available nearby and unique shops littered up and down the main road, Kill Devil Hills rentals have something to please everyone, be it the passionate shopper or the easy going beach-goer, the fun-loving adventurer or the trivia hungry history buff.

While staying at your Outer Banks vacation rental home, relax into our laid-back island lifestyle by planning a day trip to explore our southern beaches.  If you plan your beach vacation without a trip to the Hatteras area, you’ll “shorely” miss one of our best kept secrets. Hatteras Island is the place to go for those who enjoy history, nature, unique boutiques and North Carolina seafood. Imagine picturesque miles of undeveloped beach wilderness and stretches of sand dunes that connect the seven village communities; Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.

It’s true that Hatteras promises serene nature walks, bird watching and quiet beaches, but don’t mistake this area for being completely desolate.  Small businesses cater to recreational activities for the whole family, distinctive art galleries and unique shops.  While we can’t promise you the typical fast food chains, there are many quaint local eateries to choose from that will not disappoint!

Here’s a sampling of just a few businesses to visit during your trip:

RESTAURANTS

Dolphin Den
With over 30 years of professional food service experience, combined with a cookbook of  island family recipes, this restaurant has long been a favorite for both locals and tourists. Known for their award winning Key Lime Pie, be sure to stop in for a meal or plan a coffee and dessert break during your trip.

Rusty’s Surf & Turf
Enjoy flavors of the island, cheerful local art and premium beef and local seafood boldly prepared with influences from the Caribbean, Pacific Rim and the Mexican Riviera.  This culturally rich dining experience is created by Hatteras native, Chef Rusty Midgett, who honed his culinary skills in some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants.

ACTIVITIES

Ocean Air Sports
Whether you are an expert kite boarder or a beginner kayaker, Ocean Air Sports has planned activities for everyone in your group.  They offer both lessons and rentals for windsurfing, kite boarding, standup paddle boarding, surfing, kayaks, sailing and Waverunners. If you’re in search of a Hatteras Island adventure, let it begin here!

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
With more than 265 species of birds, such as Canadian and snow geese, heron, egret and tern, Pea Island is considered a birder’s paradise.  Guided bird walk programs are offered year round and there are hiking trails along Pea Island beaches to observe all the magnificent wildlife the island has to offer.

At Carolina Designs Realty, the first signs of spring mean our vacation rental season has officially kicked off.  March has long been embraced by locals for warming temperatures and its unhurried pace.  For years, rental homeowners have traveled here to visit and ready their homes for the upcoming rental season.  Now, with the addition of popular festivals and activities, March is becoming popular with our vacation rental guests who look forward to a quiet stay at the beach in our luxury homes located from Corolla to Nags Head.

Activities are scheduled throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the most popular event is the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach, named as one of the Top 10 Seafood and Wine Festivals by Coastal Living Magazine.  Scheduled from March 14-17th, hundreds of local and out-of-state visitors arrive to enjoy local delicacies prepared by chefs from area restaurants, attend cooking classes and participate in restaurant tours.

On Saturday, March 16, 2013, the 5th Annual Running of the Leprechaun 8K race takes place with a course traversing through Nags Head and ending at Kelly’s Restaurant where people gather to congratulate the runners and enjoy food and spirits.  On Sunday, one of our most beloved events takes place – the Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.  As the largest of its kind in North Carolina, the parade brings thousands to the Outer Banks to celebrate and “Get their Irish on!”

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not remind our guests that Spring Break is the ideal time to reserve a vacation rental on the Outer Banks.  With Easter Sunday taking place on March 30, 2013, now is the time to select a luxury Outer Banks vacation rental home for you and your family over Spring Break.  Attractive rates, uncrowded roads and beaches and warming temperatures combine to create a memorable time at the beach with family and friends.

At Carolina Designs, we offer the perfect vacation rentals on the Outer Banks for guests who wish to take advantage of these March activities.  For more information or to make reservations, call us at (800) 368-3825 or email us at rentals@carolinadesigns.com.