RSS Builder by B!Soft http://www.outerbanks.org The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, a public authority, is the lead marketing and promotional agency for The Outer Banks of North Carolina® and is funded by 1% occupancy and 1% prepared meals tax, collected in Dare County. en-us webmaster@outerbanks.org The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau http://www.outerbanks.org http://www.outerbanks.org/images/home_page_images/logo2.png 100 35 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:29:14 -0500 http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/110309a.html Secretary Salazar Honors Veterans with Fee Free Day at National Parks, Refuges, and Other Interior Lands Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:12:23 -0500 http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1909343_1909285_1909299,00.html North Carolina - 50 Authentic American Experiences 2009 - TIME Source: tinyurl.com
It may stink to be a sea captain in Hatteras, but for a diver, it can be pretty great. The area is known as the graveyard of the Atlantic, and the...]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:11:01 -0500 http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3400.html The 7 Best Family Beaches in the East Source: www.fodors.com
The long Memorial Day weekend has just come and gone... ]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:09:38 -0500 http://www.islands.com/article.jsp?ID=1000072736 Best Islands Close to Home - Islands Magazine
Best Islands Close to Home - Islands Magazine
Source: www.islands.com
Islands Magazine offers exclusive information on island travel, vacation guides, romantic getaways, travel specials & more. Visit us today at Islands.com.]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:06:58 -0500 http://away.com/features/top-ten-cheap-beach-vacations-1.html?utm_source=onsite&utm_medium=promo&utm_campaign=mostpopular Top Ten Cheap Beach Vacations | Away.com
Top Ten Cheap Beach Vacations | Away.com Source: away.com Experienced world travelers will no doubt point out that I didn't pick the cheapest of the cheap beach locales for this compilation of top budget beach vacations. After all, why not include Goa, Ind...]]> Mon, 3 Aug 2009 10:05:34 -0500 http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/travel/regional/article/S-BEAC02_20090729-191011/282899/ Pace is slower on Outer Banks | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Pace is slower on Outer Banks | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Source: www2.timesdispatch.com
The slower, more leisurely pace of life on North Carolina’s Outer Banks suits restaurateur Mike Kelly. “We still get things done here,“ he said, “but we may be a little slower than ...]]> Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:03:22 -0500 http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/interactive-map-and-video-when-uboats-attacked The Outer Banks were once known as "Torpedo Alley"
Interactive map and video: When U-boats attacked | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
Source: hamptonroads.com
REPRINT: Order a booklet containing all eight parts. ]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:53:56 -0500 http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5813127/ Amazing rescue from 91 years ago remembered :: WRAL.com
Amazing rescue from 91 years ago remembered :: WRAL.com
Source: www.wral.com
WRAL's Scott Mason tells us about the heroes of the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:52:44 -0500 http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives/outer-banks.html Outer Banks, North Carolina Drive -- National Geographic
Outer Banks, North Carolina Drive -- National Geographic
Source: traveler.nationalgeographic.com
Get a driving guide for the Outer Banks and check out other Drives of a Lifetime, take quizzes, and see photos from National Geographic.]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:48:53 -0500 http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5834985/ Birds flock to bridge near Manteo
Birds flock to bridge near Manteo :: WRAL.com
Source: www.wral.com
Purple Martins have been coming to the William B. Umstead Memorial Bridge at Croatan Sound for the past 30 years. ]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:47:48 -0500 http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/5859120/ Wild horses roam Corolla :: WRAL.com
Wild horses roam Corolla :: WRAL.com
Source: www.wral.com
WRAL's Scott Mason has the story of a species that has weathered the centuries.]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:45:58 -0500 http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/military/military_wavy_norfolk_NOAAlocatesNavyshipsunkinWWII_20090909 NOAA locates Navy ship sunk in WWII
NOAA locates Navy ship sunk in WWII
Source: www.wavy.com
]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:44:33 -0500 http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/6017767/ Bodie Island Lighthouse weathers many storms
Bodie Island Lighthouse weathers many storms :: WRAL.com
Source: www.wral.com
WRAL's Scott Mason profiles a man whose life is linked to the black-and-white beacon. ]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:43:09 -0500 http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/video/6026212/ Beach lighthouse first automated in 1939
Beach lighthouse first automated in 1939 :: WRAL.com
Source: www.wral.com
Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the last brick and mortar lighthouses in the state.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:39:35 -0500 http://www.wingsoverwater.org/ Wings Over Water
Wings Over Water
Source: www.wingsoverwater.org
13th Annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival A Celebration of Wildlife & Wildlands in Eastern North Carolina To Be Held November]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:36:39 -0500 http://cityguides.msn.com/articles/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=19546687 Place Names That Go Bump in the Night - 1 - MSN City Guides
Place Names That Go Bump in the Night - 1 - MSN City Guides
Source: cityguides.msn.com
Now's the time when those unlikely spots on the map take root in our imaginations.]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:33:49 -0500 https://services.google.com/fb/forms/streetviewussuggestions/?utm_campaign=en&utm_medium=et&utm_source=en-et-na-us-gns-svn-svmicro US Street View Special Collections Poll – Google Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:30:35 -0500 http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives/outer-banks.html Outer Banks, North Carolina Drive -- National Geographic
Outer Banks, North Carolina Drive -- National Geographic
Source: traveler.nationalgeographic.com
Get a driving guide for the Outer Banks and check out other Drives of a Lifetime, take quizzes, and see photos from National Geographic.]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:24:28 -0500 http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Carolina-Culture/61815681457?ref=share North Carolina Culture Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:17:58 -0500 http://www.ncaquariums.com/trick-or-treat-under-the-sea-2009 North Carolina Aquariums » Trick or Treat Under the Sea 2009 Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:06:21 -0400 http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives/outer-banks.html Written by John Briley - Photograph by Steve Winter Lighthouse Coast North Carolina Stand on the metal walkway that encircles the lantern room of the Cape Hatteras Light, some 165 feet above ground, and you'll sense that this towering sentry, which has been saving lives since 1870, is still vital to today's passing mariners. Looking east, you watch the relentless swells of the Atlantic Ocean paw away at the beach, continuously redrawing the contours of this coast. Panning south, you see Cape Hatteras National Seashore sweeping out toward Cape Hatteras Point, which knifes into the ocean like a giant arrowhead. Even on a calm day you can make out the froth of the treacherous waters just beyond Diamond Shoals, where the northern Labrador Current clashes theatrically with the Gulf Stream.

This lighthouse is among four that dot the main stretch of North Carolina's Outer Banks. All were built during the 1800s and still cast their beacons today—guiding white-knuckled seafarers through famously ornery waters. Over the centuries, some 1,500 ships have perished here, earning the Outer Banks the moniker Graveyard of the Atlantic. FULL STORY...]]> Wed, 9 Sep 2009 11:03:04 -0500 National Park Service (NPS) Sat, 5 Sep 2009 09:55:06 -0500 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/usa/article6820029.ece From The Times - Steve Boggan Carolina Keys: the undiscovered American Keys Looking for pristine beaches, wild horses, fresh seafood? It’s time to discover the islands off the coast of North Carolina

Americans come here by the thousands, but they are relatively unknown to Brits. The Banks have it all: great weather, beautiful beaches, fabulous cuisine and a mix of rampant commercialism and unspoilt isolation.

Our eight-day trip began with a night in Raleigh, on the mainland. The state capital is a pleasant city with a lively centre and a welcoming line in Southern hospitality. The next day we were up early and set off along Route 64 through gorgeous countryside. FULL STORY... ]]> Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:37:01 -0500 Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges Alligator River and Pea Island Refuges Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, by visiting Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges. Take some time during this week to connect with nature in some of the wildest areas in eastern North Carolina. Bring your families and friends! Protecting our natural lands and the abundant wildlife that are dependent on them is essential to the quality of American life - and Refuge Week is a perfect time to visit some of those wild lands. Waterfowl migration is in full swing at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Come out and enjoy the variety of birds and other animals that depend on the refuge for their survival. Peregrine Falcons have returned. Take a leisurely walk on North Pond Wildlife Trail. Spend some time at the Pea Island Visitor Center learning about the refuge or just chatting with our friendly volunteers. Or hike over a dune trail and see the power of the ocean as pelicans and other birds slowly fly by. If you’d rather explore the forests and fields of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, you’re sure to find an assortment of plants and wildlife ready to please your senses. Discover the beauty of the fall season on Creef Cut Wildlife Trail. Look for the magnificent Pileated Woodpecker on Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail. You may be fortunate enough to see an alligator lounging in the sun if you watch closely from the Milltail Creek Overlook. This year, Refuge Week also focuses on the health of the world’s birds − especially those that depend on refuge lands and waters for nesting, foraging, wintering or rest stops on their migration routes. Last spring a national report by the Department of the Interior credited conservation efforts over the past four decades with saving some species from extinction. The bald eagle and peregrine falcon are among them. However, the “State of the Birds” report noted major population drops for several other bird species, particularly along the coasts, in Hawaii and in the North, where 38 percent of Arctic nesting birds are thought to be in decline. Threats to birds include climate change, loss of habitat and disease. Meanwhile, the number of Americans enjoying birding as a hobby is on the rise. More than 40 million Americans feed wild birds at home or travel to see them. National Wildlife Refuges − many of which were first established as bird sanctuaries − are finding new ways to encourage and support birding. At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, we’ve installed new scopes for visitors to use. If a visitor has forgotten to bring binoculars, they can be borrowed at the visitor center. Field guides are also available. Permanent viewers are located at various overlooks on the North Pond Trail near the Visitor Center. “Birds are key indicators of our nation’s environmental health,” says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton. “Their ability to survive is a measure of the quality of our air and water, the fertility of our soil, the abundance of our natural resources − factors on which human health also depend. National Wildlife Refuge Week is a perfect time to remember how interdependent all species are.” There are 550 national wildlife refuges across the country, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation and photography. Many wildlife refuges also offer nature hikes, bird watching tours, wildlife drives and trails, and other adventures. Each year, about 40 million Americans discover the wonders of nature by visiting a wildlife refuge. There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

Photo credit: Jeff Lewis Photo caption: Fall and winter are great times to view waterfowl on both Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges. Northern Pintails, like these, show up by the thousands on eastern North Carolina national wildlife refuges. ]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:26:26 -0500 http://www.nps.gov/caha/parknews/newsreleases.htm NPS Cape Hatteras National Park Standard admission fees apply—$7 for adults, $3.50 for children (11 and under) and seniors (62 and older). It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early.

Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh batteries. Drinking water is recommended.

All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own—they cannot be carried. Keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants must climb and descend with their tour group.

Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, and can be a challenge to climb. During the summer it can be hot and humid inside. There are no internal lights, water fountains, or air conditioners.

All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum, etc., apply. This information will be provided to you when you purchase your ticket.

Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, September 5, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on that day. This ticket will be for day climbing only. -NPS- ]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:45:49 -0500 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/rss/6578494.html jennifer.latson@chron.com Taking it easy in Duck - NORTH CAROLINA
Spanning 200 miles, the string of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast is home to wild horses, scenic lighthouses and the East Coast's tallest natural sand dune, along with the historic dune where Orville and Wilbur Wright made their maiden flight.

But the beach is the main attraction. Pristine sand slopes into a surf formidable enough to satisfy body boarders, cold enough to refresh swimmers and so abundantly stocked that it attracts schools of fishermen at dawn and dusk. FULL STORY.,, ]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:06:47 -0500 http://www.thelostcolony.org/ The Lost Colony Lost Colony
The Hurrah Players, a non profit organization of high school and college actors from the Tidewater Virginia and eastern North Carolina area was founded and led by Artistic Director, Hugh Copeland. Named Virginia’s leading family theatre company, the Hurrah Players perform throughout the year with holiday shows, theatre camps, and summer performances. Like The Lost Colony, Hurrah alums have gone one to greater fame and are scattered throughout the theatre world and appear on Broadway, Regional and touring companies.

The Lost Colony production has two Hurrah Players alumni working with them this summer season. Michael Ryan, actor who was a member of the Hurrah Players for 12 years, and Sean Williams, master electrician, who was with the Hurrah Players for 9 years. The performance of Grease at the Waterside Theatre is the first main stage event by the Hurrah Players who have visited and performed on the Outer Banks numerous times. Copeland is very excited about bringing his actors to perform on the outdoor theatre stage and states that “Grease is a very up-beat summer show with a fabulous and energetic cast of 37 high school and college actors.” He promises that the show, appropriate for families of all ages, will “rock the night away” as the love story between Danny and Sandy evolve along with a little action from the T-Birds and Pink Ladies.

Come and take a trip back to the 50’s as the Hurrah Players perform Grease on Sunday, August 9th at the Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony’s outdoor drama. Advance tickets are $15 for Production Circle, $10 for General Admission. Performance day tickets are $20 for Production Circle and $15 for General Admission. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 252-473-3414 or on their website at www.thelostcolony.org.

Pictured here are Sandy (Somer Brillhart from Chesapeake) and Danny (Brandon Riddle from Chesapeake) who will star in a one-time-only performance of Grease by Tidewater’s celebrated Hurrah Players on August 9, 7:30 pm at Waterside Thetare in Manteo. Photo courtesy of the Hurrah Players. ]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:15:08 -0500 http://www.nps.gov/wrbr National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior “Fee Free” Summer Weekends at Wright Brothers National Memorial
“Our national park system continues to provide opportunities for affordable family vacations close to home,” said Superintendent Mike Murray. “National parks are great places for visitors to have fun, reconnect with nature and learn about our great country.” The staff of Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Cape Hatteras National Seashore encourages everyone to visit one of our nation’s premier parks this summer, including the parks in your own backyard. Bring your family and friends to Wright Brothers to relax and learn more about this great nation’s aviation history. Additional information can be found on line at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

While entrance fees for passengers in both private and commercial vehicles will be waived, recreation “user fees” such as permit fees, camping fees and lighthouse tour fees are not waived under this program. Entrance fees are not charged at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site or Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

For information on visiting the Outer Banks Group parks, please visit the park’s websites at www.nps.gov/wrbr, www.nps.gov/caha, and www.nps.gov/fora , or by calling 252-441-2111.

--NPS--]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:50:11 -0500 http://www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island Buster Nunemaker - NC Aquarium Roanoke Island NC Aquarium Roanoke Island Shark Week Join the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island on July 27-31 for “Shark Week.” See divers swim with the sharks in our daily dive program at 10:30 a.m. Free shark programs, activities, and videos will be featured throughout the day. For a more in depth look at sharks, sign up for our “Snack with the Sharks” fee program and observe a shark feeding. Groups may even be interested in our “Sleep with the Sharks” overnight adventure. See an 18′ great white shark and have your photo taken by your friends in front of a megalodon shark jaw and teeth.

As an added attraction for this year’s Shark Week, George Powell, a fossil collector for 45 years, will display his extensive and unique collection on July 28th and 29th at the Aquarium.

For more information about Shark Week call 252-473-3494 or to sign-up for “Snack with the Sharks” or Sleep with the Sharks” fee programs contact 252-473-3494 ext. 232.
www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:17:15 -0500 http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior “Fee Free” Summer Weekends at Wright Brothers National Memorial
“Our national park system continues to provide opportunities for affordable family vacations close to home,” said Superintendent Mike Murray. “National parks are places for everyone to have fun, reconnect with nature, build a sense of ownership and stewardship toward parks and the environment, and to learn more about our great country.” The staff of Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Cape Hatteras National Seashore encourages everyone to visit one of our nation’s premier parks this summer, including the parks in your own backyard. June 21st is Father’s Day. Bring your dad, family and friends to Wright Brothers to relax and learn more about this great nation’s aviation history. Additional information can be found on line at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

While entrance fees for passengers in both private and commercial vehicles will be waived, recreation “user fees” such as permit fees, camping fees and lighthouse tour fees are not waived under this program. Entrance fees are not charged at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site or Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

For information on visiting the Outer Banks Group parks, please visit the park’s websites at www.nps.gov/wrbr, www.nps.gov/caha, and www.nps.gov/fora, or by calling 252-441-2111. ]]> Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:31:26 -0500 http://www.roanokeisland.com tanya.young@ncdcr.gov Enjoy Free Evening Outdoors with NC Symphony on June 19
William Henry Curry, a Pittsburgh native, leads the NC Symphony as their Resident Conductor. Curry left the New Orleans Symphony and joined the NC Symphony nearly 14 seasons ago in 1995. He started composing music at age 14, and began his professional career at 21 as Assistant Conductor of the Richmond Chamber Orchestra. Maestro Curry’s talents have carried him across the country to appear with acclaimed symphonies in Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Detroit, Denver, Atlanta, Shreveport and San Diego.

This summer, Roanoke Island Festival Park is fortunate to host Maestro Curry and the NC Symphony at the Outdoor Pavilion. The event welcomes seasoned symphony audiences as well as first-time listeners for a program that includes music from favorite composers like Strauss and Wagner to favorite Hollywood theme songs from movies like Star Wars and Superman.

The Concert Chorale of the Outer Banks performs before the NC Symphony’s performance. The Concert Chorale will feature The Forest Warren Chamber Singers and The Children’s Treble Choir of the Outer Banks. This group of local talent will delight and inspire the spirit of song in every listener.

The Manteo Rotary Club will be on hand to accept donations of non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau toll free at 877-629-4386 or email information@outerbanks.org. Check www.outerbanks.org the day of the event for any inclement weather notifications. The rain location will be the Wright Brothers Pavilion at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.

The mission of Roanoke Island Festival Park is to involve residents and visitors, of all ages, in a creative and stimulating exploration of Roanoke Island’s historical, cultural and natural resources. For more information about this event or others call (252) 475-1500 or visit us on-line at www.roanokeisland.com ]]> Mon, 1 Jun 2009 09:44:04 -0500 http://www.nps.gov/caha/parknews/nps-offers-june-2009-full-moon-tour-of-the-cape-hatteras-lighthouse.htm National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior NPS Cape Hatteras National Park
Two tours will be given—one at 8:15 p.m. and a second at 9:15 p.m. Each tour is limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the lighthouse ticket booth between 8:15 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. June 5 through June 7. Full Moon Tour tickets are non-refundable.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse stairwell, climbers will navigate the 257 steps using flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will tell stories and share information about the lighthouse that reveal its importance as a navigational beacon, as a work of art, and as a reminder of our past. At the top of the stairs, visitors will be able to view the working light up close and in motion. Out on the balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience—seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Things to know: View article...]]> Sun, 31 May 2009 09:01:21 -0500 http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/05/31/weekend0531.html?cxntlid=inform_artr By Clara Bosonetto Maerz For the AJC, Sunday, May 31, 2009 A Weekend in… N. C.’s Outer Banks
US Airways serves Greenville, N.C., about 140 miles west of the Outer Banks, starting at $49 each way during sale periods.

Stay

Lighthouse View, oceanfront lodging in Buxton, offers ground-level efficiency rooms with a full kitchen, two double beds, bath. Oceanfront heated pool, hot tub and kids playground. Beach is a short walk (no major roads to cross). Weekly stays only June 19-Aug. 1 at $850; $124 per night Aug. 2-22; $90 night Aug. 23-Sept. 26; lighthouseview.com, Cape Hatteras, 252-995-5680.

Eat

Join the locals at the dock-front Fish House Restaurant. Look for the mark on the wall indicating the last flood, and careful on those sloping floors. Lunch and dinner, $10-$20; 48962 N.C. 12, Buxton, 252-995-5151.

Experience

Catch your breath at the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (after 248 iron spiral stairs) and then enjoy the breathtaking view of the national seashore. The tallest brick lighthouse in the nation houses a small museum. Climbing tour tickets $7 adults; $3.50 seniors 62 and up and kids 12 and under (at least 42 inches tall), nps.gov/caha. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is in Hatteras Village, Monday-Friday, free; graveyardoftheatlantic.com... Full Story ]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 14:15:49 -0500 http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-05-27-north-carolina-coast_N.htm Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.- USA Today Summer fun on North Carolina's coast Full Story]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 14:13:58 -0500 http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3400.html Coquina Beach
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3400.html Coquina Beach considered one of the 7 best beaches in the East ]]> Fri, 15 May 2009 11:43:03 -0500 http://www.ncferry.org NCDOT FERRY DIVISION REMINDS TRAVELERS TO PLAN AHEAD
MANNS HARBOR — As Memorial Day approaches signifying the start of the traditional summer season, those who will be using the North Carolina ferry system are urged to plan ahead when making reservations and arriving at terminals.

Because of cutbacks to ferry schedules resulting in fewer runs and a new reservation process in place, ferry travelers should make their reservations well in advance. The toll ferries that accept reservations include Cedar Island, Swan Quarter and Ocracoke. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY or on line at www.ncferry.org.

All advance ticket sales will require a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for processing. Holders of Ferry Commuter Passes may reserve space utilizing the commuter pass as the payment method. Refunds and cancellations must be requested before 4 p.m. the day prior to departure. Those with a reservation must arrive at the ferry terminal and redeem their ticket at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

If a traveler plans to use the ferry system’s first come, first serve routes, please arrive early to compensate for fewer runs. Those routes include Currituck-Knotts Island, Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, Bayview-Aurora and Southport-Fort Fisher.

The North Carolina Ferry Division is committed to meeting the needs of all travelers. Customer service and safety are the division’s top priorities. Please plan ahead and have an enjoyable experience by ferry. ]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:27:55 -0500 National Park Service Cape Hatteras Lighthouse To Open Friday, April 17
Release Date: April 10, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group
Phone: (252) 473-2111

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse To Open Friday, April 17

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will open to the public for climbing from April 17 through Columbus Day, October 12, 2009. Climbing fees for the Lighthouse will be $7 per adult, and $3.50 for children under 12 and senior citizens.

The opening day of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will continue to be a fee-free day, as it has in the past, for local community members to climb the Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse climbing fee is authorized through the Recreation Fee Enhancement Program, which allows 80% of the fee receipts to be used to enhance visitor services and repair facilities within the Outer Banks Group.

Climbing The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – What to Know Before You Go

The climb is strenuous! The 248 iron spiral stairs to the top equal climbing a 12 story building. The stairs have a handrail only on one side and a landing every 31 steps. There is no air conditioning. It may be noisy, humid, hot and dim inside the lighthouse and there is two-way traffic on the narrow stairs.

Visitors with heart, respiratory or other medical conditions or who have trouble climbing stairs should use their own discretion as to whether to climb the tower.

Climbing tickets are available on a first come/first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site on the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales.

Ticket sales begin at 8:15 a.m. Climbing tours will begin at 9 a.m. and will run every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 visitors per tour. Ticket sales close at 4:30 p.m. in the spring and fall, and at 5:30 p.m. the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Ticket holders should arrive at the lighthouse gate five minutes prior to their ticketed tour time.

The lighthouse may close at any time if weather conditions are unsafe.

The following safety rules apply:

Children must be at least 42” tall
Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own
No person may be lifted or carried
Children under the age of 12 years old must be escorted by an adult.
Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is prohibited Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew tobacco
No pets, other than service animals
Do not arrive in bare feet and heels over 1 ½ inches high
Umbrellas need to be left in your car
Backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, surfboards, fishing poles, etc.
also need to be left in your car
Frisbees, boomerangs and other throwing equipment are prohibited

-NPS-]]> Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:31:39 -1100 http://www.townofnagshead.net/ http://www.townofnagshead.net/ Nags Head Easter Egg Hunt
Contact: Roberta Thuman, Public Information Officer
252-441-5508, thuman@townofnagshead.net
Release Number 1

Town of Nags Head to Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Nags Head Town Park

NAGS HEAD, North Carolina – April 1, 2009 – The Town of Nags Head’s Police Division will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Nags Head Town Park located at 415 Health Center Drive.

Two separate Easter egg hunts will be held for children between the ages of 0-5 and 6-10 years old. In addition, police, fire, and rescue personnel and equipment will be on scene to answer questions and perform child safety seat inspections. McGruff the Crime Dog will also make a special appearance.

Children are asked to bring their own Easter egg basket.

The Nags Head Town Park is located at 415 Health Center Drive. Turn onto Barnes Street and proceed one quarter of a mile. The park is on the left.

###]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:01:56 -0500 http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A328923 Jane Hobson Snyder A food lovers' guide to the Outer Banks
Two weeks ago, hundreds of food lovers converged on Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores and Duck to celebrate the seafood scene at a four-day event called Taste of the Beach, which featured more than 40 dinners, tastings, cooking classes, demonstrations and tours.

If you didn't make it to the festival, don't worry—the Indy went for you, identifying countless ways to approach and appreciate fish and shellfish in the Outer Banks all year long. With our guide in hand, go assemble your own food festival, in your own good time.

Go to full article: A food lovers' guide to the Outer Banks

18 MAR 2009 • by Jane Hobson Snyder ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:38:26 -0500 http://www.marylandfamilymagazine.com/2009/03/16/why-are-families-flocking-to-the-outer-banks/ Deirdre McCabe Why are families flocking to the Outer Banks?
When she and husband, Peter, decided to give the Outer Banks a try, she was thrilled to discover uncrowded beaches and a more leisurely pace.

“It’s definitely one of our favorite vacation places,” says Vidi, of the chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Vidis — with daughters Victoria, 14, and Briana, 11 — now travel to Corolla on the northern Outer Banks every other year.

“You can go out at 11 a.m. — any time really — and get a spot and your spot is 10 feet away from the closest person. You don’t have to be on top of each other,” she says.

Go to full article: Why are families flocking to the Outer Banks?

16 MAR 2009 • by Deirdre McCabe ]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:41:56 -0500 http://www.obhomebuilders.org Home Improvement Expo 2009
The show is being staged in the former Seamark Foods facility on the north end of the Mall at Milepost 14.5 in Nags Head. The show will be open to the public on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. While there is no admission charge, all donations of canned food or other non-perishable items will be gladly accepted for the local Food Pantry. Once you arrive at the show, you will find that in addition to picking up free literature and booth giveaway items, you will be able to consult with experts, find a remodeler, builder or installer and register for booth raffles. For additional information, please call 449-8232.

For more information, visit www.obhomebuilders.org or call 252-449-8232.]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:31:04 -0500 http://www.outerbanks.org/pdf/Outer_Banks_Marathon_2009.pdf tuell@outerbanks.org Outer Banks Marathon 2009
Inaugural Running of the Leprechauns 8K, presented by Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 9 AM, Nags Head.

We will be at the Shamrock Marathon EXPO March 20-21st, signing people up for their fall race...a.k.a. the Outer Banks Marathon & Half Marathon! Stop by and say "Hello"!

For more information, visit www.obxmarathon.org.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:48:47 -0500 http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/outer-banks-rich-maritime-culture-may-gain-focus By Catherine Kozak • The Virginian-Pilot • © November 20, 2008 Outer Bank's rich maritime culture may gain focus
The proposed byway is 30 miles longer than the current one, with two new loops in the Down East portion. The corridor management plan will be submitted next month for nomination in the National Scenic Byways Plan

. If accepted, it would be a boon for heritage tourism, said byways planner Elizabeth Watson, principal with Watson Heritage Strategies in Chestertown, Md.

"Heritage travelers are the kind of people who travel all year round," she said. "They tend to spend more and stay longer."

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, one of 51 across the state, was designated in the early 1990s by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and an initial management plan was released in 2003. But the nomination process for the National Scenic Byways Program changed in 2005, requiring the update.

Watson said Dare and Hyde counties have adopted the plan, and she hopes that Carteret will do the same on Dec. 1. At that point, she said, the revised plan will replace the original one.

Stretching from Whalebone Junction in Nags Head to just south of Morehead City, the planned corridor passes through two national seashores, two national wildlife refuges and protected maritime forest, and includes historic sites. Ferries cross Hatteras Inlet and Pamlico Sound.

There are traditional maritime villages where families have lived for generations and residents make their living off the water, hunt and fish for recreation, and see their lives ruled by the weather.

The national program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Since 1992, it has funded 2,451 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes.

Of the program's 125 America Byways, two are in North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway, which is also in Virginia; and Cherohala Skyway, also in Tennessee.

National byways overall are chosen for one or more qualities: archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational and scenic. The Outer Banks has them all, Watson said, but what stands out is its centuries-old culture. In addition to detailing the cultural assets of the Outer Banks, the plan emphasizes the interplay between culture and nature.

Watson said the Outer Banks Scenic Byways nomination will be submitted to the national program on Dec. 17, and she expects they'll know by spring whether it's been accepted.

"There's nothing like this," she said. "Very few communities have retained the flavor of a 400-year-old culture the way we have here. The Outer Banks is one of the more unusual places on the planet. It's not just America. This is an internationally famous place. I can't imagine that they would not want to have this as part of the national collection."

For more information, visit: www.byways.org/, to see the draft corridor management plan for an Outer Banks Scenic Byway, visit www.co.dare.nc.us/OBScenicBywy/ ]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:42:23 -0500 http://www.outerbanks.org/visitor_services/press_room/press_releases/Outer_Banks_2009_Official_Travel_Guide_Now_Available.html information@outerbanks.org 2009 Travel Guide
This content-rich guide is a complete resource puts the islands of America’s Beach, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and Roanoke Island at your fingertips, plus the core Outer Banks towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo. Richly illustrated with gorgeous high-resolution photography and insightful editorials, you’ll find 149 pages of the latest websites, phone numbers and information about our local historic sites, accommodations, and locally owned restaurants along Dare County’s Outer Banks. The guide also includes information about beach accesses, public boat ramps, fishing, lifeguard locations, ferry service and much more. You will also find an epilogue to preserving access to some of the last remaining tracts of undeveloped seashore in the country.

“The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is proud to unveil this easily carried, compact handbook that has all the go-anywhere durability that visitors need,” explains Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director. “We take pride in publishing the Outer Banks 2009 Official Travel Guide on 85% recycled paper and making it available for free to consumers in print, as well as a downloadable virtual version on our homepage at outerbanks.org.”

Returning this year is our popular Getaway Card that comes automatically with your Outer Banks 2009 Official Travel Guide. The Card offers reduced rates and discounts at over 109 locations for travelers between mid-September and mid-May. The Guide is available free of charge at the official travel website outerbanks.org, or call the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau toll free at 877-629-4386.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is rich in cultural and historic sites, and offers diverse year-round outdoor recreation and exploration. Please contact us if you would like to visit our barrier islands.

About The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a chain of islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a public authority and the lead marketing and promotional agency for Dare County's Outer Banks. The Bureau’s web site is www.outerbanks.org. ]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:55:48 -0500 http://zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20081116/LIFESTYLE/811160327/1024/LIFESTYLE By PATRICIA A. WEST-VOLLAND • Correspondent • November 16, 2008 Head to Outer Banks for a quick warm getaway
Connected by a series of bridges, visitors can drive to most of the islands to visit lighthouses, wild horses, beaches and much, much more. Fall is a wonderful time to visit since there are no crowds and the days are pleasant and warm.

Visitors looking for a bargain will find hotels and cottages offering reduced rates, no crowds on the beaches and no lines at attractions.

"Accommodations are more than 60 percent less than you would pay in peak season," said Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. "All national parks are open as well as the Elizabethan Gardens, North Carolina Aquarium, Roanoke Island Festival Park, all on Roanoke Island, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island. You can visit all five lighthouses."

Visiting lighthouses can take visitors over the length of the islands and include a ferry ride too. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, built in 1870, is the tallest in the United States at 198 feet and visitors can climb to the top for a birds-eye view of the surrounding islands. Currituck Beach Lighthouse, in Corolla, the northern most point on the islands, and the Lighthouse Keepers House is open to the public the first two weeks in November each year.

Visitors can visit the old keeper's quarters at Bodie Island Lighthouse but the lighthouse is not open for climbing. The keeper's quarters contains a museum featuring photographs and memorabilia of the lighthouse.

Ocracoke Lighthouse requires a free ferry ride to visit but going to Ocracoke Island is well worth the time. The lighthouse is the oldest still operating in North Carolina, built in 1823, and the shortest in the state at 75 feet.

Visitors will find Ocracoke Island charming, laid-back and filled with historic sites. Children will enjoy the Black Beard Museum, playing on the beaches and visiting the Lighthouse Museum. Small restaurants feature local cuisine and shopping is a true experience.

"(Ocracoke is) a quaint island of just 12 miles. The place where Black Beard the pirate was be-headed. The free ferry ride to the island is a wonderful experience. Wild ponies (are there) also and do not miss the small gravesite that speckle the island," McCormick said.

Visitors wanting to visit the southern most lighthouse, Cape Lookout, famous for its diamond pattern, will need to pay for a ferry ride. The lighthouse is only open for climbing a few days of the year.

The windswept islands offer many family-friendly attractions and with the release of the movie "Nights at Rodanthe" visitors have an opportunity to visit places that appear in the film.

"The movie has helped to show the dynamic nature of our islands on an epic scale. Our heritage and culture are well represented and we even have a self-guided tour of all the sites where the movie was filmed. This can be found on our Web site home page," McCormick said.

Visitors driving along the North Carolina National Seashore will find the Outer Banks contain many small towns with interesting names, Duck, Corolla, Nags Head, Waves, Salvo and many others. The flavor of each town is different and the attractions quite unique; Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright Brothers first flew and the 105th celebration will take place December 17, Jockey's Ridge, the tallest sand dunes on the east coast, and Manteo on Roanoke Island where shoppers will enjoy a stroll through downtown.

Strolling the beaches, collecting shells or just relaxing, visitors have many options for entertainment on the islands. Fishing abounds and visitors can relax while surf fishing or fight the "big ones" on a charter fishing boat.

"The Outer Banks has 130 miles of beaches to collect shells and sea glass, watch sunrises, and enjoy hundreds of species of birds and wildlife. November offers something different for everyone. Fishing is probably the biggest happening on the islands. Surf fishing is abundant and most beaches are open to driving," McCormick said.

"Everything is family friendly. We are a safe family destination and Thanksgiving weekend is becoming more popular with visitors because of the great value in our large rental homes," she added.

For a family-friendly getaway, consider visiting the Outer Banks during November for bargain rates, special sales and a laid-back vacation. Many beaches are handicapped accessible too. ]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:51:50 -0500 http://realkiteboarding.com/index.cfm?page=newsitem&id=1503 By realkiteboarding.com • © November 16, 2008 Jimmy Buffett cruises the Outer Banks
There’s not too many days that you get to take a session with someone as cool, laid back and talented as Jimmy Buffett. Two years ago we were lucky enough to bump into Jimmy in the British Virgin Islands and spent a day surfing head high point break waves with light offshore winds. Tons of long waves, big smiles and lifelong memories were had that day.

On Tuesday, November 11th, Jimmy Buffett caught up with us again at the new REAL Flagship Store in Cape Hatteras, NC. Jimmy was on a road trip from New York to Charleston, SC in his vegetable oil powered diesel 4x4 van nicknamed “The Green Tomato”. This rig is completely tricked out including a bed, cooking appliances, refrigerator, air compressor, shower, HD batteries, 360 degree outside lights, racks for all of his boards, paddles, boats, etc and all of his fishing gear. Jimmy’s three key weapons included his Surftech Takayama 11’ Standup Paddleboard, his Stewart 9’ longboard and his new prototype Native Fishing Standup Paddleboard. When we bumped into Jimmy 2 years ago, it was the first time he had ever seen standup paddleboarding, as this was when we were shooting the REAL Standup Instructional DVD. Now he is fully bitten by the bug and paddles every day !

When you are Jimmy Buffett, you travel in style. Whether it be his 4x4 van or his sea plane that he buzzed by REAL with early in the morning, Jimmy is equipped with every conceivable mode of transportation (including his mountain bike that Dave Betz tuned the rear wheel on) and every way of enjoying his time off the stage and in the water. Jimmy’s trusty Stewart surfboard had seen a lot of time in the water and in the sun, so it was time for Buffett to tighten up with a new stick from the board loft at REAL. Jimmy chose a Surftech Robert August “What I Ride” wood veneer 9’0, a timeless classic that we hope lasts as long and gets him into as many waves as the Stewart did.

After Jimmy got geared up, we were on the hunt for some waves. With a stiff NE wind, we opted for the Frisco Pier, hoping the SE groundswell was still running down there. When we arrived we were greeted with total flatness and a fleet of fishing boats off on the horizon. We made a quick decision to then head down to Slash Creek in Hatteras Village and try out the new Native Fishing SUPS during a sunset/full moon paddle. We were lucky enough to time the paddle perfectly, getting in 45 minutes paddling into the sunset and then 45 minutes paddling back into the full moon ! Everyone took turns riding each other’s boards, as well as coaxing Jason Slezak out of his sit down pedal kayak ! (We vowed to Slezy to include this footage in his next video part…)

During the paddle, we found out why Jimmy had not landed his Sea Plane at REAL earlier that morning. It wasn’t because the water was too shallow or because the wind was too strong, it was because Slezy’s friend Lindsay was inside the plane filling up a Food Lion shopping back with last night’s dinner ! That wasn’t the only story told, but was definitely among the funnier ones. We met back up at the bridge at the end of the paddle and headed over to Dinky’s Restaurant on the docks for dinner and a few cold ones.

If you’ve never been to Dinky’s it’s a cool place, with great food, a small dining area that’s well laid out with a nice atmosphere and service. Jimmy was pumped for some “boat drinks” as he’s a rum fan and always looks forward to a rum and tonic after each session. When he found out it was beer and wine only, he was still stoked but we could tell he was missing the rum. He then remembered he had a bottle of Barbencort Rum from Haiti and a nice bottle of red wine in his van and asked if he could bring them inside. This is allowed in Dare County because of the “brown bag” law. That was when Jimmy "uncorked" the line of the night, "It's time for some proper boat drinks. Get me some tonic and lime... I've got the rum!" We mixed up a killer batch of rum and tonics and continued the party over dinner with grouper, tuna and NZ rack of lamb. Jimmy still had videos from the day we surfed with him two years ago stored on his iPhone. We laughed at the waves we shared together and talked about the upcoming REAL BVI trip this winter, hoping we could catch another session together at that point break.

Nuzzi and Trip were laughing at the end of the night because this was the first time we had ever entered a restaurant in Cape Hatteras four hours before they closed ! It’s always 4 minutes before they closed ! Even so, we walked in at 5pm and left at 9pm, right at the closing bell, full with good food, drinks and more good sessions with Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy headed down the road, keeping an air of mystery about where his next stop was. He was “on vacation” he said and when you have time off, it’s best to just cruise and take the sessions when they come.

“Two years ago we got to share some waves with Jimmy in the BVI’s. After growing up with his music on the boat, it was pretty cool to be sharing party waves with Jimmy on such a good day and then getting to show him some of our home turf as well. I never knew he surfed until then, but his stoke for the sport and his commitment to scoring good waves is impressive. When it’s on, and he has the time, he’s on it !” – Trip Forman

"We had an amazing paddle down Slash Creek in Hatteras Village, which I have never done before. Jimmy and Andy let me use one of their SUF boards( Stand up Fishing boards) Which was a blast.. no fish but plenty of good times. The boat drinks at the end of the night capped off a great day. Thanks Jimmy!!" - Sam Bell

"Hanging out with an icon like Jimmy Buffett was amazing. He has inspired millions of people to kick up their feet and enjoy life. To see that is truly how he lives his life was inspiring. - Matt Nuzzo

Thanks for stopping by Jimmy ! ]]> Sun, 9 Nov 2008 12:02:16 -0500 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/11/prweb1587174.htm www.prweb.com | November 9, 2008 North Carolina's Outer Banks are a Popular Domestic Wedding Destination
The Outer Banks has gained a reputation as one of the most popular wedding destinations on the East Coast. Miles of unspoiled beaches, luxurious vacation homes and resorts, talented wedding professionals, and a wealth of natural beauty have captured the hearts of thousands of couples who come here to be married each year.

"Those of us who live here know the romantic charms of the Outer Banks," said Eric Hause, partner of Panache Events, LLC, producers of the Outer Banks Wedding Salon. "Now the word is out. Couples have discovered that we have world-class wedding vendors, a variety of fabulous event venues, and a stunning natural environment that rivals any exotic wedding destination."

The number of American couples choosing a destination wedding has tripled in the last 10 years and the trend continues to grow. The thought of a wedding that combines the excitement of travel, a beautiful ocean backdrop, and an extended celebration with family and friends has great appeal.

Recent economic events have refocused couples' attention on more economical destinations rather than far flung locations such as Mexico or Hawaii. Brides are now planning destination weddings closer to home that combine a romantic setting with ease of travel and affordability.

The Outer Banks is within driving distance of half of the country's population, and travel costs are a fraction of fly-to destinations. The Outer Banks offers luxurious beachfront vacation homes and modern accommodations that are often less than those in other resort locales. The money saved allows couples to have their dream destination wedding and invite friends and families along for an extended vacation.

Couples planning an Outer Banks wedding will also find a mature local wedding industry with professional and quality vendors in every category, from cakes to coordinators to caterers.

"The caliber and professionalism of our wedding vendors offers brides the same level of luxury and sophistication that they can get at traditional wedding destinations," said Hause.

But the Outer Banks' primary appeal is its romantic seaside venues. For many brides, an ideal Outer Banks wedding means a ceremony on the beach at sunset. Outer Banks towns allow and even encourage beach weddings, while the Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers 60 miles of undeveloped barrier island shoreline as nature's backdrop.

Other popular Outer Banks event venues are just as appealing:

-The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island, a breathtaking 40-acre traditional English flower garden.
-The Whalehead Club in Corolla, a restored turn-of-the-century hunt club built by wealthy industrialists.
-The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the world's tallest lighthouse poised at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
-A myriad of palatial and modern oceanfront event homes leased by local rental companies.

To help brides planning an Outer Banks destination wedding, Panache Events, LLC, invites couples and their families to the Outer Banks Wedding Salon on November 28-30 in Kitty Hawk, NC. The area's premier wedding showcase features over 40 of the area's top notch wedding vendors and a full weekend of wedding planning events.

For more details on Outer Banks weddings, visit the Outer Banks Wedding Salon online. ]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:36:27 -0500 http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=11038329 By Christine Champ for MSN City Guides | October 22, 2008 There are evil spirits in these hills, but not the kind you might think
But there's much more to this town than a liquor legend. Big Kill Devil Hill is the site where the Wright Brothers achieved the first heavier-than-air powered flight in December 1903. A granite marker marks the occasion.

The entire Outer Banks region brims with history (spooky and not-so-spooky) including that of the English colony of Roanoke Island, a community that vanished in 1587. The Lost Colony outdoor drama retells the chilling tale. On Halloween, the community's devilish side truly shines with the First Flight Village neighborhood's ghoulishly extravagant outdoor displays, and the Nags Head Church's "Trunk or Treat" event, which sounds more sinister than it is. (It's a time to trick out your car trunk and your wheels and hand out treats from the back of your car, not a ruse to lure candy-crazed kids into the trunk.) ]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:19:27 -0500 http://www.doityourself.com/stry/ara_anouterbanksfall www.doityourself.com | October 22, 2008 An Outer Banks Fall Vacation Fit for a Movie
Based on the best-selling novel by author Nicholas Sparks, "Nights in Rodanthe" was shot on location in the Hatteras Island village of Rodanthe. You can now immerse yourself in the movie and visit the actual places that you will see in the film, including the real oceanfront cottage that is portrayed as the fictional Inn at Rodanthe.

As the wild and wonderful beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beckon, you can discover what Hollywood found on Hatteras Island, and step into the big screen Outer Banks for real.

"With the release of 'Nights in Rodanthe' the world will get to see the beauty of the Outer Banks of North Carolina on an epic scale," says Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. "On our Web site outerbanks.org, we have a mini-site dedicated to learning about all of Hatteras Island's 7 villages, and a downloadable self-guided tour on where to go to see the real places featured in the film. Plus, all the great places to stay and eat, full of real characters and local charm."

Hollywood Discovers Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island and its 7 villages are a destination unto themselves within the Outer Banks. This dynamic barrier island, exposed to the elements and whimsy of nature, is like no other place in America. More than 50 miles long and less than a mile wide for most of its length, Hatteras Island is one of the most accessible yet remote landscapes you can reach within a day from anywhere on the East Coast. Hatteras lends its name to the cape, an inlet, the island and its southernmost village.

America's Beach
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is America's first National Seashore established in 1953, and one of the most wild and beautiful recreational areas in the country. Considered the kiteboarding capital of the world, the shallow and vast Pamlico Sound is the perfect place to learn or perfect your skills. Huge tracts of remote beaches left to nature make sunbathing, shell collecting or strolling alone on the shore fun and adventurous. Pea Island Wildlife Refuge has attracted nearly 400 species of birds, and enthusiasts flock here from all over the world.

Get in the Spotlight
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the world at 208 feet tall. Seasonally open for climbing, this spiral striped sentinel watches over the treacherous Diamond Shoals in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, so named because of the more than 2,000 known shipwrecks dating back to the colonization of the New World. Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and see what the sea has given back. Ride the free ferry to Ocracoke Island seen in "Nights in Rodanthe" for a neat day trip to the charming village with shopping and the Ocracoke Lighthouse. ]]> Tue, 5 Aug 2008 13:39:44 -0500 http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0808/rb0808-1.html By © Richard Bernabe. All rights reserved. Photography Destination: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
When viewed on a map, the Outer Banks appears as a stunning piece of coastal geography, boldly protruding into the Atlantic Ocean like an arm-resting akimbo. Attached near the shoulder are the Currituck Banks and the secluded town of Corolla. At the elbow bend is Cape Hatteras, which is over 25 miles from the North Carolina mainland - the easternmost point on the Outer Banks. Where the hand rests at the hip is Ocracoke, an isolated island refuge once used as a hideout for the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Throughout its length, four working lighthouses serve as reminders of the area's rich maritime history and provide sensational views for photographers.

The majority of the Outer Banks coastline is a wild and untamed verge of waves and migrating sand. The most extensive stretch of undeveloped beach on the East Coast, this slender ribbon of passive sand is at the mercy of nature’s primal forces - wind and water. Sustained gales subtly alter and sculpt the complex system of dunes while powerful ocean currents, nor'easters, and frequent hurricanes reshape the islands in more dramatic fashion. It seems that each new visit to the Outer Banks reveals a new wrinkle or cosmetic change to the landscape.

Nowhere is this change more evident than at the immense sand dunes at Jockey Ridge State Park near the town of Nags Head. Here stand the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, many approaching 150-feet high. Wind whips the sand into slithering granular waves that reshape the massive dunes right before your very eyes. A climb to the top offers 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, oak forests to the north and south, and the Pamlico Sound to the west. This is a classic sunset location where compositions with foreground dunes and the setting sun over the sound are possible.

Water is never very far away when you are on these narrow islands. The Atlantic Ocean dominates the Outer Banks, influencing the weather, land, its flora, and fauna. The Pamlico Sound and its fertile salt marshes are within sight even from the ocean side of the islands. Landscapes images with water as a primary element are possible almost anywhere and are only limited by your imagination and vision.

Sunrises and sunsets over glistening water are legendary and can often be captured from the same vantage point. Even Orville Wright stepped away from his plane engine from time to time at his workshop in Kitty Hawk to observe, "The sunsets here are the prettiest I have ever seen. The clouds light up with all the colors, in the background, with various shapes fringed with gold."

Cape Point on Hatteras Island is the physical confluence of several opposing ocean currents: the Deep Western Boundary Current, the Gulf Stream, and Shelf Current. This creates a nutrient-rich habitat for sea life, resulting in a haven for pelagic birds and mammals. This collision of currents also incites dangerous seas at the Cape and creates the infamous Diamond Shoals, also called the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for the dozens of shipwrecks in this area. Dramatic seascapes, particularly at sunrise, are well worth the mile-long drive over the beach to photograph. This drive, however, should only be attempting with a 4WD vehicle.

Standing guard over the cape is the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with its distinctive "barber pole" design. Compositions with both the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean are no longer possible since it was moved 3000 feet inland in 1999, but dramatic landscapes with the wild dunes are still possible at both sunrise and sunset.

A short free ferry ride from southern Hatteras Island will take you to the remote island of Ocracoke. There are no roads that lead to Ocracoke, only three different ferries operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Ninety percent of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is protected from any development. Of interest to landscape photographers is the dune system at South Point, a two-mile drive over the beach to reach with a 4WD car or truck. The dunes here are not as large as those at Jockey Ridge, but their delicate, windswept shapes and form create fascinating interplays of light and shadow, even during mid-day.

The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is 5,000 acres of luxurious wildlife habitat on the north end of Hatteras Island. Nearly 400 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit Pea Island including snow geese, Canada geese, tundra swans, herons, egrets, terns, gulls, brown pelicans, and a varied assortment of ducks. During the autumn and winter seasons, large flocks of the migratory snow geese take up a temporary home at the refuge, making it a can't-miss location for wildlife photographers. A bird-watching platform off Highway 12 and the North Pond Trail offer photographers ample opportunities for shots at these waterfowl. Lenses 400mm or longer are recommended.

Just north of the town of Corolla is the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1984. This refuge consists of 3,213 acres and is open to the public during daylight hours only. Wild horses roam the gnarled oak forest and pristine beaches and are the primary attraction of visitors. These animals are believed to be descendants of horses left behind by Spanish explorers during the 16th century. They are quite accustomed to people and can be approached fairly easily.

It should be noted that the raw elements of the Outer Banks can wreak havoc on your camera equipment and tripod. Wind, water, sand, and salt spray are ever-present realities of outdoor life on these islands and great care should be taken to protect your equipment. Clean your camera and lenses after each day of shooting and wipe down your tripod with fresh water. Fortunately, these same destructive elements make the Outer Banks brutally beautiful and a must-visit location for all nature photographers. ]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:52:16 -0500 http://www.travelgolf.com/departments/clubhouse/north-carolina-island-golf-courses-bald-head-currituck-7349.htm By Tim McDonald, National Golf Editor | Monday July 21, 2008 From Nags Head to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina's island golf courses test your game
Nags Head Golf Links is a good bet here; with its coastal winds and rugged shoreline, it resembles the links golf courses in Scotland.

Bob Moore designed a course that Golf Digest called "the longest 6,126 yards you'll ever play." The holes that play along the Roanoke Sound are among the most beautiful you'll see in this part of the country. Most tees and greens are separated by rolling dunes and wild sea grass.

Water comes into play on all but four holes. ]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:43:54 -0500 http://www.newsobserver.com/438/story/1155597.html By John Bordsen, The Charlotte Observer 6 easy trips to the coast
DISTANCE (FROM RALEIGH): About 3 hours (207 miles), one way.

GOTTA SEE: Wright Brothers National Memorial (252-441-7430; www.nps.gov/wrbr) is big-time history on the cheap: $4 for the museum/grounds. The Black Pelican restaurant/bar (3848 Virginia Dare Trail) is in one of the few buildings from 1903 still standing. Dinner: $14-$20; (252-261-3171; www.blackpelican.com)

TOTALLY FREE: Climb the sand dunes and hike the trails at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Hike through Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Details: 252-441-2525.

GOTTA TRY: Across from Jockey's Ridge is Kitty Hawk Kites/Carolina Outdoors, the place to buy your kite, try their climbing wall or take hang-gliding lessons. Details: 252-441-4124; www.kittyhawkkites.com.

DETAILS: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, 704 S. U.S. 64-264, Manteo, N.C. 27954; 877-629-4386; www.outerbanks.org. Map of Kill Devil Hills with visitor information: www.kdhnc.com. ]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:56:46 -0500 http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2008-07-16-five-classic-vacations_N.htm By Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Five classic, affordable U.S. vacations
Many noteworthy events have taken place along these shores, including the Wright Brothers' famous first flight in Kitty Hawk, and the disappearance of the first English settlers, known as the Lost Colony. Plus, the area is dotted with some of the more famous lighthouses in the country, many of which you can climb to the top.

To experience all the islands have to offer, you'll want to start by renting a cottage or a beach house in Nags Head. For longer stays, vacation rentals tend to be a more affordable option. Wesemann, who rented a house on the beach, advises, "Do your research to find [a rental] that has everything you'll need. There are certain houses that cater to families with small children and some that have amenities that would be more enjoyable for a group of young friends. There are a wide variety of homes and a lot to choose from, so be picky ... but don't wait too long to book, because your favorite place might be taken." To find a vacation rental that's right for you, start by searching a website like Outer Banks North Carolina Sun Realty. Rates depend on the time of year, amount of people, and proximity to the beach. Another option for the budget-minded is camping at a National Park Service campground, which start at $20 per day for a spot.

Once you have your home base, you can spend the rest of your time exploring the Outer Banks. Start with a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial to see where air travel began. Admission costs $4 per person. After that, you can watch as The Lost Colony comes to life in a play about the mystery surrounding the first settlers. Tickets cost $16 per person.

The five lighthouses of the Outer Banks deserve special attention. To see them all, start 15 miles north of the town of Duck in Corolla, where you'll find the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. From there, travel south to Manteo for the newest lighthouse, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Continue south until you reach Cape Hattaras National Seashore, where you'll find the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Follow Highway 12 even further south into the seashore, and you'll see the island's most recognizable lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. From there, you can take a free 40-minute ferry ride to reach Ocracoke Island, and the final stop, Ocracoke Lighthouse.

Sample trip
Sample flights at press time ran for $469 for two round-trip tickets from New York City to Norfolk, Virginia, flying mid-week during August. Renting a subcompact car costs about $334 for one week. A one-bedroom vacation rental runs about $1,000 for a seven night stay. The basic trip for one week will cost $901.50, including most taxes, per person. ]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:12 -0500 http://hamptonroads.com/node/472512 By Catherine Kozak | The Virginian-Pilot The mother of all vines gives birth to a new wine Wine from the same vine that Sir Walter Raleigh's colonists likely plucked grapes from will soon be available to the public. MotherVine Premium Scuppernong Wine will be introduced on Tuesday on Mother Vineyard Road, the site of the more than 400-year-old Mother Vine, reputed to be the oldest cultivated grapevine in the world. "Nobody in Europe has come up with one as old as that - and we've challenged them," said David Fussell Sr., the owner of Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. "It was described as a big one then. It must be an old rascal." Propagated from cuttings taken from the vine, the grapes were first harvested at the Duplin Winery in September and combined with other hybrid scuppernong grapes in the production. Fussell said it has turned out to be the best wine ever made by the 36-year-old winery, the state's oldest. "It is one of the most delicious things you have ever tasted," said former North Carolina Sen. Fountain Odom, a Charlotte Democrat who was behind the scuppernong being declared the state fruit in 2001. Odom, a history buff and a wine aficionado, left the Senate in 2002 after serving 14 years. His interest in the Mother Vine had already been piqued in the process of pushing the scuppernong legislation. But he said he became even more intrigued by it after he and his wife, Carmen, purchased property in downtown Manteo. In 2003, the couple founded MotherVine LLC. Soon, Tinga Nursery in Castle Hayne, N.C., specialists in scuppernong grapes, started collecting cuttings. They proved more difficult to cultivate, probably because of the vine's advanced age. From a total of 5,000 cuttings, only 104 vines have taken root and are producing. Odom said that a portion of proceeds of each bottle sold will go to Outer Banks Conservationists, a nonprofit preservation group founded by John Wilson, the son of Jack and Estelle Wilson, who own the soundfront property where the Mother Vine is located. Old-timers who live on Mother Vineyard Road say that the sweet white scuppernong grapes, a variety of the muscadine grape, used to be so abundant, they could roam around outside and eat grapes all day long. Today, the scuppernong, a native North Carolina plant, grows wild only on Roanoke Island. British explorers on Roanoke Island in the 1580s reported "grapes of such greatness, yet wild, as France, Spain, nor Italy hath not greater," according to the state legislation adopting the fruit. Before the Civil War, North Carolina was the leading wine producer in the nation, said Dave Fussell, the president of Duplin Winery. Thomas Jefferson's favorite American wine was said to be scuppernong. After the war, the Union shut down the Southern wineries, but they managed to bounce back so well that before Prohibition, Virginia Dare Scuppernong, produced by a North Carolina vintner, was the best-selling wine in the United States. In the mid-20th century, Mother Vineyard Inc. produced wine from the Mother Vine grapes. "All the scuppernong grapes originate from that little tract of grapes," said Fussell, the winery owner's oldest son. "It is unbelievable that this vine is still living and still producing." The first pressing of MotherVine wine will produce 224 cases. Each bottle is expected to retail for $12.99. Wine lovers will be treated to nearly the same sensation the early explorers experienced, the younger Fussell promised. "Our wine tastes like you're under the grapevine eating the grape," he said. "It's so full of fruit." ]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:46:27 -0500 http://www.week.com/news/local/24536954.html By WEEK Producer Postcard from Home: Wright Brothers
In our Postcard from the Road, he takes us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where on cold day – the world changed forever.

National Park Ranger Darrell Collins is the park historian at the Wright Brothers Memorial. He takes about the park and about the importance of that first flight.]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:31:53 -0500 Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Nags Head Named as one of the 10 great places to get your feet back on the ground Click Here.

"...Park your car for free here and explore on foot or bike along a network of multiuse paths. "This barrier island boasts the third-largest estuary system in the world, wildlife refuges, maritime forests, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park," Bowen says. A bonus: The island boasts 42 public beach accesses, all free. 877-629-4386; outerbanks.org..."

source: usatoday.com ]]> Fri, 2 May 2008 14:57:11 -0500 http://click.tripadvisor.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MTA1NzkyMwS2&r=MzQ5NzgwNzY3NwS2&j=MTA2NDMxMjUzS0&mt=1 tuell@outerbanks.org The Outer Banks Make TripAdvisor® and USA Today® Short Lists Read Article Here

Also celebrated, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been named by USA Today as one of 10 Great National Parks That Will Engage Your Kids, and is one of the favorite sites by author Trefoni Rizzi of Teddy’s Travels: America’s National Parks. "This park is filled with the history of pirates, shipwrecks and lighthouses. Check out the many Especially for Kids programs at the visitor centers to learn more…Kids will love the ferry from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island, and the best of all, it’s free.”
Read Article Here

“This is a fantastic way to start the season,” says Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “The barrier islands experience is a truly beautiful dance with mother nature. The Outer Banks offer a safe, family-friendly place to vacation at a great value. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is just 90 miles to our north. We are a few hours drive from most major cities on the eastern seaboard. The barrier islands offer the feeling of being a million miles away, but you can get here on less than a tank of gas for many families.”

To learn more, log onto the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau website www.outerbanks.org or speak to one of our information specialists toll free at 877-629-4386.

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About The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 130 mile chain of barrier islands located midway on the Atlantic Coast. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a public authority and the lead marketing and promotional agency for Dare County's Outer Banks. www.outerbanks.org

About TripAdvisor LLC
TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors*, six million registered members and 15 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 300,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. www.tripadvisor.com ]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:36:48 -0500 http://www.outerbanks.org tuell@outerbanks.org Outer Banks Fun Facts The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a dynamic chain of barrier islands that bows way out into the Atlantic Ocean.  This geologic wonder is a premier American family travel destination known for its sweeping natural beaches, soft adventure and rich history.  Here is a small sampling of the pioneering spirit and ecological diversity that makes the Outer Banks so interesting for vacationers, students and groups.

FIRSTS:

·The first English child born in the New World was Virginia Dare on August 18, 1587, at Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island.  Virginia Dare and the colonists of Fort Raleigh would become known as “The Lost Colony” … their disappearance still an unsolved mystery.

·In 1902, Reginald Fessenden made the first application of a successful, commercially – adaptable technique of radio communications in North America and perhaps the entire world.  His experiments and invention of the wireless telegraph and telephone were made between a station located on Roanoke Island and a section station in Buxton.  After leaving North Carolina, Fessenden went on to establish the first commercial Trans-Atlantic two-way radio-telegraph service in 1905, two years before the world renowned Marconi.  Then, in 1906, Fessenden’s station in Massachusetts broadcasted the world’s first radio program for entertainment.

·On December 17, 1903, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, made the first successful flights in motor-driven, heavier-than-air machines, thus ushering in the age of human flight.  These historical flights took place on the sloping sands of what is now the town of Kill Devil Hills, located just south of Kitty Hawk, NC.  Retrace those first twelve seconds of flight at Wright Brothers National Memorial.

·The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, encompassing more than 28,000 acres along the Outer Banks, was the first to be established by our government.  The purpose was to preserve this beautiful shoreline for the enjoyment of future generations.

·Richard Etheridge became America's first black lifesaving station keeper with his appointment to the Pea Island post in 1880.  He served as keeper until his death in 1900.  He was a former soldier and surfman.

FACTS:

·Dare County covers 800 square miles, comprising 391 square miles of land and 409 square miles of water.

·The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which stands at 208-feet, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.

·“The Lost Colony,” performed at the Waterside Theater on Roanoke Island, is the oldest-running outdoor symphonic drama in the country.

·The War Between the States brought several battles to the Outer Banks.  At Hatteras Inlet (August 1861), at Chicamacomico (October 1861) and on Roanoke Island (February 1862), the Federals won their first victories of the war and established control over the Outer Banks.  The inhabitants were not strongly attached to the Southern cause, and many took the oath of allegiance to the United States.  Learn more at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, NC.

·The Nags Head Woods Preserve is considered one of the best remaining examples of a mid-Atlantic maritime forest, according to the Nature Conservancy organization.  The habitat is made up of 640 acres of protected wetland, dune and hardwood forest and is a national natural landmark.

·On November 22, 1718, Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard the pirate, was slain by Lt. Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy, in Ocracoke Inlet.

·The oldest and shortest lighthouse in North Carolina is the Ocracoke Lighthouse.  It’s the second oldest operational lighthouse in the United States.

·More than 400 species of birds have been identified at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on the north end of Hatteras Island.

·In 1874, the U.S. Lifesaving Service was begun by building a chain of seven lifesaving stations along the Outer Banks, including Chicamacomico Life Saving Station which is open with active interpretation programs during the summer, at the points of greatest danger to ocean going vessels.  The U.S. Lifesaving Service was the forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guard.  The lifesaving stations, working in conjunction with the several lighthouses located along the Outer Banks, helped to save and rescue many vessels as they passed through the “Graveyard of the Atlantic."  Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to see artifacts recovered from the ocean bottom and the beaches of the Outer Banks.

·According to the International Gamefish Association, the Outer Banks and the Virgin Islands are the most likely places to catch Atlantic Blue Marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

·Jockey’s Ridge State Park, located in Nags Head, is the home of the highest sand dune on the East Coast with peaks at more than 90 feet. ]]>