North Carolina Travel
February 3, 2012 | 
Author Effective February, 22, 2012, a permit is required to operate a vehicle on designated Off Road Vehicle (ORV) routes at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Permits can be obtained at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices. The cost of an annual permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120. A 7-day ORV permit (valid from the date issued) will cost $50.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/caha or call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.
Vacation Rental Managers Association’s (VRMA’s) television series “Getting Away Together” has started airing on PBS member stations across the United States. To date, stations representing almost 60 percent of the country have signed on to air the show, and carriage rates are still growing. Already the show is generating buzz; New York 1 named the show as a top travel trend in 2012.
Here is a listing of when an episode showcasing the Outer Banks Vacation Rentals will be available on GettingAwayTogether.com:
| # | Episode | Episode Online |
| 102 | Outer Banks of North Carolina | 1/25/2012 |
| 111 | “Getting Away Together” – Best Beach Destinations | 3/28/2012 |
| 112 | “Getting Away Together” – Best Reunion Destinations | 4/4/2012 |
Listverse.com named Ocracoke Island, North Carolina in their top 10 list for best beaches in the world based on three essential ingredients for a world class sunbathing spot are sun, sand and surroundings.
If privacy and seclusion are what you look for in a sunbathing location, then look no further. This little gem of a spot can only be reached by boat, private plane or ferry. While modern electronics (ie: phones and computers) have reached this island paradise, they are still frowned on. The wilderness beach on Ocracoke has some of the most pristine sand to be found. Relax, get that book out you’ve been wanting to read and enjoy the rays. Many Outer Banks vacationers enjoy the drive to Ocracoke as a day trip or overnight stay.
All of us at Carolina Designs Realty would like to wish you a very happy new year! There is still good availability for 2012. Please give us a call or visit our web site to see our great selection of premier vacation homes for a family vacation, retreat or personal getaway. 
For over 22 years, Carolina Designs Realty has offered some of the finest beach homes North Carolina’s Outer Banks. We manage homes in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our homes and the personal service we provide. In addition to wireless Internet, all homes are stocked with two sets of towels per bedroom, freshly made beds, and our welcome package of soaps, paper products and gourmet coffee.
Please visit our website, www.CarolinaDesigns.com for rates and availability or call us at 800-368-3825 to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly reservations staff from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For the best selection, please contact us soon. We hope to see you at the beach!
The first annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival takes place October 5-6, 2012 at Roanoke Island, NC. Make plans now to bring the family for a weekend filled with the twag of some good ole Southern picking in the tradition of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and so many other legendary performers!
The festival Artists scheduled to perform include Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Dixie Ridge, Stoney Creek Band, Nu-Blu, Drymill Road, The Whiskey Rebellion, Stacy Grubb, The Hillbilly Gypsies, Cumberland River and more.
Workshops, jamming and more are just part of the excitement of this inaugural festival.
Tickets and additional information is available at www.obxbluegrassfestival.com
According to WAVY/Fox 43 Meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler, this December has been much warmer than in past years, and the trend is likely to continue through early 2012. In December 2010 we had snow in the first week and high temperatures only reached the 30s and 40s. This year warm spells have brought us high temps in the 60s and 70s. The weekend was a bit chilly with highs in the 40s and 50s which is pretty seasonable. We’ll look for an average high of 60 this week on the Outer Banks. Highs will spike to the upper 60s on Wednesday ahead of another cold front which will drop temperatures next weekend. Highs could be back in the upper 40s low 50s Saturday and Sunday. As always, time will tell, but this mild weather makes it a great time to visit the Outer Banks!
Posted in North Carolina, North Carolina Travel, Outer Banks | 
Tags: Outer Banks, Outer Banks Activities, Vacation Experience, Vacation Travel | 
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Oh, there’s no place like an Outer Banks Vacation Home for the holidays
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze
For the holidays you can’t beat home, sweet home on the Outer Banks!
Yuletide festivities in every town witnessed by Outer Banks families all around
Yet feel the solitude of the sea with views far beyond the eyes can see
We rejoice in your arrival and during your stay
A guarantee that joy, love and peace will fill the airHoliday lights in the night will flare
Oh, there’s no place like an Outer Banks Vacation Home for the holidays
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays you can’t beat home, sweet home on the Outer Banks!
Poem inspired by works of
Writer: ROBERT ALLEN, AL STILLMAN
Out of 210 couples across the U.S. and from nine finalists, Meghan Kinney and her fiance John Avrett were announced as the winners of the Salute to Love contest on November 11th . Their military-style wedding, valued at $120,000, will be take place on April 14, 2012, in Outer Banks, N.C. The Salute to Love contest by obxbrides.com is associated with Operation Homefront, a military agency that provides financial and other support to service members and their families.
Carolina Designs Realty, in conjunction with donated services from local Outer Banks companies, has offered the winning couple a week’s stay in a beautiful five bedroom, oceanside home, #023 Seahawk in Duck, NC.
OBXmas Weekends.com is a new, informative site from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, created to bring visitors to the area during the holiday season by highlighting special events throughout the Outer Banks during this holiday season. The Bureau has brought information from the Chamber of Commerce, National Park Service, various local municipalities, lodging providers, retailers, attractions and restauranteurs to one central site. Find out what exciting yuletide activities, both traditional and new, are planned for this season of giving, love and peace!
Great Review from current guest!
You guys rock! Thanks for getting the video Stacey! Check it out..