Outer Banks Vacation Homes

The Division’s 10-week advertising schedule on the Travel Channel this spring includes an added value block of programming featuring distinctive North Carolina experiences ranging from Kitty Hawk to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This Saturday, Feb. 24, a variety of Travel Channel programs, airing from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., will include segments from North Carolina and will reach into 81.2 million households.

“Vacation Home Search” at 5:00 p.m. showcases two Washington, D.C. professionals escaping the demands of the city with their newborn daughter, to choose from three homes in the midst of the dunes, surf and small town ambiance of Kitty Hawk.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau announced Tuesday, February 21^st that according to a survey by TripAdvisor® of nearly 400 travelers, 78 percent will take a beach trip with their children this spring or summer, and 92 percent will specifically seek out family-friendly beaches.  The Outer Banks of North Carolina was ranked first in the list for the “Top Ten Family-Friendly Beaches in the U.S.”  According to the world’s largest travel community with 5 million unbiased opinions and 20 million website visitors, you can “Put Your Money in the Banks.”  Nags Head beaches and the Outer Banks in general offer families “plenty of beach to enjoy as the lovely Outer Banks islands are surrounded by 900 square miles of water.  Nags Head, in particular has it all, including a sprawling sandy beach, lifeguards and water sports.” 

“The Outer Banks of North Carolina has long been a destination for families, dating back to 1587 with the first English Colony at Roanoke Island, and remains one of America’s last great coastlines with 100 miles of oceanfront” says Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  “For new families, early summer and fall are some of the best times to travel here, when rates are a fraction of peak season prices and you literally have the beach all to yourself. And there’s no problem waiting in lines at restaurants or attractions.”

Ocean Boulevard Regional Kill Devil Hills Bathhouse and Beach Access at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and North Virginia Dare Trail (the beach road) is being renovated to look like the original lifeboat building at the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station.  Public restrooms will be available in the new structure, along with outside shower facilities.  Kill Devil Hills’ Ocean Rescue Division will have its main offices in the new facility, too.

At their January 8, 2007 meeting, the Board of Commissioners reviewed draft plans for the south-end of Kill Devil Hills satellite fire station that, when constructed, will be located on this site at the northeast corner of US 158 and East Eighth Street.  A commercial structure formerly occupied the site.  The Board authorized the project for bid and it is anticipated that bids will be returned with a recommendation to the Board in the Spring 2007.

In its 13^th season, the Annual Chili Cook-off will be at Striper’s Bar & Grille, part of Shallowbag Bay in Manteo, on Sunday, February 25^th from 1-5:00 p.m.  You won’t want to miss this culinary adventure from some of the finest chefs in the area.  The cook off competition is open to individuals and restaurants.  A portion of the proceeds is donated to benefit the local high school scholarships.   For more information, call 252-473-3222.

On Saturday, March 10^th, the 10^th Annual Polar Plunge will be held at the oceanfront in front of the Ramada Inn in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, at Milepost 9.5 on the Beach Road.  Participants collect pledges from family and friends to support their daring “plunge” into the chilly Atlantic.  All proceeds support local scholarships to YMCA’s programs and services through the We Build People fund.  Carolina Designs Realty is among the sponsors for this worthy fundraiser.  Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Ramada Inn.  The plunge takes place at 1:15 p.m.

“An Afternoon of Music”– Sunday, February 25, 2007
          Cellist Soo Bae, winner of the 2005 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, and pianist Reiko Uchida, first prizewinner of the Joanna Hodges Piano Competition will perform an afternoon concert in the library at the Whalehead Club at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets for this one time, limited seating performance are $35.00 each.  There will be a porch reception during intermission to meet the performers.  For more information and/or to reserve tickets, please call 252-453-9040 ext. 3.

Mark your calendars now because you don’t want to miss Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade - the largest in North Carolina Sunday, March 11^th beginning at 1 p.m. rain or shine on the Beach Road in Nags Head.  This year’s theme will be wearing the green of course and “music”.

Prizes for Best Overall - $300; Best Float, 1st place - $100; 2nd place - $200; 3rd place - $100; Band or Music Theme, 1st place - $250; 2nd place - $200; 3rd place - $100; Best Unit, 1st place - $100; 2nd place - plaque; 3rd place - plaque

Two Theme Winners for Observers/Groups Along the Parade Route that Best Observe the Parade Theme of “Music” - $100 Each.

It’s business as usual for this time of year. The Housekeeping Department is gearing up to start spring-cleaning and coordinating training sessions for cleaners and inspectors. Deborah Stone, Toni Sawyer, and April Hall are working diligently to prepare our vacation rental homes for the 2007 season. The Maintenance Department has undergone some changes for the new season.  Samantha Nichols has taken the position of Maintenance Administrator.  Andy Dagen has joined her as Maintenance Supervisor, and Meredith Olinger as Maintenance Coordinator. Together, they comprise a very capable team to complete such tasks as winterizations, maintenance checks, and preparations for the upcoming season. Our field maintenance staff is currently comprised of five full time maintenance technicians- Robert Brown, Cliff Piatt, Mark Welser, Chris Montes, and Woody Towle. Richard Rostant will be on hand to assist guests with Internet issues.

Through years of experience managing premier vacation rental homes, we have all learned that the key to success in any customer service department is communication, education, and to constantly strive for improvement. Carolina Designs is committed to providing top-notch customer service to all of our guests and homeowners alike. Members of our staff attended the VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association) convention in San Diego in October of 2006. This opportunity to network with other vacation rental management companies and professionals proved to be very beneficial for sharing ideas and learning new approaches to old situations.

We look forward to providing the best possible service and 2007 is no exception!

The Village of Corolla on the Northern Outer Banks of North Carolina may become the first incorporated town in Currituck County.  After receiving approval as House Bill 2 – An Act To Incorporate The Village of Corolla from the North Carolina General Assembly last week, the bill may receive its second approval today from the Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

The bill outlines the boundaries of the proposed incorporated town, lays out the structure of its governing body and implies a council consisting of five members.  The temporary officers slated to take office until the first election in November 2007 are Robert P. Collins, Robert G. Green, Gary McGee, J. Gregory Shuk and Walter P. Stiff.  During the election in November, three candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to serve four-year terms and two candidates receiving the fourth and fifth highest votes will serve two-year terms, if approved.  The new town will operate under the council-manager plan whereby the manager has the sole authority to appoint, suspend and remove officers, department heads and employees.  Levying taxes and operating on a budget would be the responsibility of the town.

Join the shark, otter and alligator under the sea at the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo for a Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 10^th from 7-11 p.m.  Bring your sweetie for a romantic night in a soothing aquatic setting on the Outer Banks.  Heavy hors d’oeurves, beer, wine, and champagne will be served while enjoying some fine music that makes you want to dance the night away.  But that’s not all; a silent auction, prizes and special treats await you.

To find out more, call 252-473-2127 and reserve your spot.