The holidays have arrived and there’s plenty of ways to celebrate while enjoying your stay in any one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals. Choose from among any of the following events and you can’t go wrong!
WinterLights presented by Southern Bank
Eliizabeth Gardens, 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo
November 25, 2017 – January 20, 2018. 6 to 9 p.m.
Tuesdays to Saturdays in December; Friday and Saturdays in January. (Closed on Dec 24,25, 31 and Jan 1);
Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Price: Adults $11, Youth (ages 6-17) $9, Child (5 and under) $6.WinterLights Season Pass is $17.00 for adults, $14.00 for youth and $11.00 for a child. Extended passes available. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org. Phone: 252-473-3234
The Outer Banks Christmas House – Poulos Family Christmas
Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills
Through December 31, 2017
Featured on The Today Show and HGTV, this Outer Banks tradition is a must-see. This Christmas light spectacular takes 12 weeks to set up and over $3,500 in energy bills every month. Viewing of the Poulos Family Christmas lights is held through December 31st.
New Year in the New World
Downtown Manteo
December 31, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Two of Manteo’s most fun-loving business owners, Tod Clissold of Poor Richard’s and Cory Hemilright of Bluegrass Island, with the sponsorship of the Town of Manteo, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Southern Bank, are putting together a New Year’s Eve street fair party the likes of which the Outer Banks has never seen. The town is closing the downtown streets so that everybody can gather for live music, family-friendly activities and an early ball drop for the kids. Local food vendors will be on site, and the downtown restaurants and bars will be open late. Topping it off is a full-on fireworks show, the largest in the state, choreographed to music.
All of us at Outer Banks Rentals wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
8 Great Reasons to Take a Spontaneous Vacation Now!
While it’s good to plan ahead, at Stan White Realty & Construction we know how tough that is to do some times. Every now and then we’re surprised with some unexpected down time and at this time of the year it couldn’t be more welcomed! When you need to take some time off and the Outer Banks are calling you, check out the last minute deals and special offers we have on Outer Banks Rentals.
We have 8 properties that are available the week of November 25 that will make you say, “Oh yeaaaaaah.” We get it that you can’t always plan ahead and sometimes it’s just good to be rewarded for being spontaneous…almost as if you planned it that way!
C’mon down, or over, or up, whichever the case may be. Just don’t miss the sweet deals on our last minute accommodations because they won’t last forever!
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Give us a call at Stan White Realty at 800-338-3233 or contact us online and we’ll assist you in finding that perfect last minute place to stay on the Outer Banks!
How To Save On Your Upcoming Holiday Travel Plans
It may still be autumn but it’s the perfect time to start making those holiday travel plans. When you make your reservations this early it gives you the best chance to take advantage of inexpensive travel options, including our reduced prices on rentals. And when you’re looking for accommodations, be sure to check out the Weekly Rental Specials we have on Outer Banks Rentals.
Following are some tips on how to save on your upcoming holiday travel when you’re planning a vacation to the Outer Banks.
- Check out our Specials page for huge savings on our vacation rentals listed by date.
- Be flexible as to when you are willing to travel and add a few days to your trip before and/or after any peak holiday travel days.
- Consider flying on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or early New Year’s Day when travelers can often take advantage of significant savings.
- Be open to taking connecting flights since an itinerary that includes one stop can often save you as much as $100 over a direct flight.
- Consider flying part way then driving the rest of the way to your destination or drive to a different airport and fly from there. Most Internet search sites can check fares at airports up to 100 miles from your ultimate destination.
- If you are sure of your travel plans, many places offer discounts for making non-refundable reservations.
- Think about whether you really need to rent a car. If you’re visiting family it doesn’t hurt to ask if they’d pick you up and return you to the airport. Are most of the places you want to visit within walking distance? If you’re going to a warmer destination like the Outer Banks, consider renting bicycles for the week to get around more easily.
With all the money you’ll save using these tips and taking advantage of the Weekly Rental Specials we have on Outer Banks Rentals you’ll be able to stay and enjoy your holiday vacation for another day or two!
Outer Banks Upcoming Fall Festivals
With the arrival of autumn this Friday, Sept. 22, comes a calendar full of festivals and events to celebrate the changing of the seasons. As we move beyond the hottest days of summer thoughts turn to enjoying activities in the cooler days of September and October.
The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival takes place September 29-30, 2017 at the Duck Woods Country Club. Vintner’s Dinner is served Friday night, Sept. 29 at The Lost Colony, 50 S Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores. NC. Tickets are $125 each. The Grand Tasting will be held Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Sound Stage Theatre. Tickets a re $50 each; designated driver $25. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Mark your calendar for the Duck Jazz Festival held on October 7 and 8, 2017 at 1200 Duck Road, Duck, NC. Sponsored by the Town of Duck this festival brings jazz to the Duck Town Park annually on Columbus Day weekend. Enjoy live music from a variety of jazz performers with two full days of performances on two stages at this festival. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from various town eateries and chairs will be available for rent. Attendees are invited to bring food, coolers, chairs, blankets and pets. No beach umbrellas or tents are permitted at the event. The Duck Jazz Festival will be held rain or shine.
The always popular Outer Banks Seafood Festival returns on October 21, 2017 at 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC. The festival is a fun and educational experience promoting, honoring and celebrating the area’s seafood heritage and community. The festival offers opportunities to meet Outer Banks watermen and see the tools of their trade, including boats, crab pots and pound nets. You’ll enjoy the educational booths, live music, arts and crafts village and, best of all, the chance to eat fresh, local seafood from more than a dozen restaurants. New this year is an on-site Boat and Tackle Show.
Don’t Miss the Popular WRV Outer Banks Pro
Local surfers probably already know the WRV x Pacifico 2017 Outer Banks Pro is right around the corner! But for those planning a visit to the Outer Banks why not join us for the 2017 Wave Riding Vehicles Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico! Surfing events as big as this one don’t come along all that often!
The WSL Men’s Qualifier Surf Event will take place on August 30 – September 3 (Labor Day Weekend) at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC. Even if you’re not participating, plan on coming out to watch. It’s an exciting event not to be missed!
Wave Riding Vehicles stands for surfing and has been spreading the Aloha throughout the world since 1967. Today WRV continues to support surfing in all its traditional and competitive forms and just celebrated their 50th anniversary.
The Wave Riding Vehicles Outer Banks Pro established its home here in 2009 with the completion of the new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The pier’s stellar views and its ample parking both added to what has become the most core surf contest on the east coast. Its eco-conscious design supports ocean ecosystem conservation and awareness.
Typically held the last weekend in August, the WRV Outer Banks Pro is an official WSL QS1000 event drawing top rated surfers from around the globe to the unique coastline of Outer Banks of North Carolina. It’s expected to be a great contest with a smoking swell. We hope to see you on the water!
Shelly Island Growth
A new land mass known by the name of Shelly Island began forming first as a sandbank around April 2017. The island is located off of the tip of Cape Point in Buxton, North Carolina. The crescent shaped island measures one mile long and more than 500 ft. wide. Although all parts of the island are constantly changing. The amount of sand that moves past the Outer Banks may be the largest in the world. The OBX is known for rapidly shifting sands, thanks to high-energy wind and waves. Small landmasses frequently appear and vanish in this area, but Shelly Island is notable for its size and speed with which it was formed. It’s not out of the ordinary for patches of ground to appear and then suddenly ease off. This is caused from the mixing of the cold water of the Labrador Current crashing into the warm Gulf Stream waters. This area of water is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic due its shallow region of harsh winds, hidden sandbanks and swirling tides.
Photo credit: National Geographic
It was nicknamed Shelly Island by locals because of the vast quantities of shells that are found on the shore. The discovery of the new island is drumming up a great deal of attention, but experts warn that it’s surrounded by dangerous currents. National Park Service officials have issued warnings about trying to swim or walk across the channel. There has been reports of sand tiger sharks and oceanic manta rays that were brought into the channel by the fast moving waters that separate the island from the rest of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
NASA recently released images that show the formation of Shelly Island.
Shelly Island could be gone with the next storm, or could get bigger for a while longer, but only be for a short period of time. Stanley Riggs, a retired geology professor and author who has written books about North Carolina’s coast says “Nothing here becomes a fixture. Nothing is the same from one hour to the next. There’s no such thing as normal.” The next hurricane that comes along could blow the island back into the Atlantic as quickly as it appeared.
Outer Banks Watermelon Festival
Celebrate summer on the Outer Banks with Kitty Hawk Kites and support theOuter Banks Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the 11th Annual OBX Watermelon Festival on Thursday, August 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head.
The festival is free to attend but tickets must be purchased to participate in the games and activities. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Outer Banks Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Coalition.
The day will include games, food, face painting, tie-dye shirt making, arts and crafts activities, an inflatable waterslide, lots of watermelon fun and plenty more.
Compete in classic competitions like seed-spitting and watermelon-eating to win awesome prizes including various Kitty Hawk Kites adventures, swag from Dunkin’ Donuts OBX, a hammock from Kitty Hawk Hammocks, and more.
Stop by and share in this summertime tradition with watermelon provided by Food Lion. Lunch will be provided by Mulligan’s Raw Bar and Grille and frozen treats from Scoop’s Homemade Ice Cream.
SCHEDULE OF WATERMELON CONTESTS:
12:00 PM – Watermelon Tower Building
1:30 PM – Ice Cream Eating Contest
2:30 PM – Watermelon Eating Contest
3:30 PM – Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest
ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES:
- Inflatable bounce house and slide
- 30-foot outdoor rock wall
- Splash Blast
- Stanley the Mechanical Surfing Shark
- Corn Hole
- Kan Jam
- Face Paiting
- Arts & Crafts
- Tie Dye Shirt Making
- Toy Demos
- and more!
For more information on Kitty Hawk Kites Watermelon Festival, please contact Janet Chesson atevents@kittyhawk.com
What You Should Know About Rip Tides and Currents
When you’re planning on swimming in the ocean it’s wise to know what to expect. Rip tides are just one of those things you may encounter. Potentially deadly, they are survivable if you know what to do should you find yourself caught up in one.
Rip tides cause more deaths each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning strikes combined. The powerful part of rip tides is close to the surface. The danger with getting caught in rip currents is being pulled out to sea. Many people who drown in a rip tide do so because they panic and don’t know how to escape it. It’s important to know what to do if you or a family member encounters a rip current.
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore and are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers, especially for non-swimmers. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are a result of rip currents.
Rip currents form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves at the beach. One of the ways this water returns to sea is to form a narrow jet of water that moves swiftly offshore, roughly perpendicular to the shoreline. Under most tide and sea conditions the speeds are relatively slow, however when wave, tide and beach conditions align, the speeds can quickly increase and become dangerous to anyone, including experienced swimmers.
Some things to watch for to identify rip currents include:
~ a channel of churning or choppy water,
~ an area having a notable difference in water color,
~ a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward,
~ an area of calm and/or muddy water,
~ or any break in the incoming wave pattern.
Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average person so watch for these aforementioned clues. If you are concerned about the possibility of rip currents, ask a lifeguard before entering the water.
If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm. Never fight against the current. Swim out of the current parallel to the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float on your back or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim to shore. If you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and calling for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim yourself. Many people drown each summer while trying to save someone else from a rip current. Get help from a lifeguard if one is available. If not, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the victim something that floats such as a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball.
It’s always a good idea to swim where lifeguards are present and never swim alone. If you’re not a strong swimmer, wear a flotation device. Whether you’re a good swimmer or not, make sure you and your family know how to identify a rip tide and understand the methods of escaping one.
Soundside Live Sunset Concert Series
The highly entertaining, unique and fun-filled Soundside Live Sunset Concert Series begins on May 25, 2017. If you’re vacationing with us and looking for something to do, this is it. Sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, all shows are held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. Additional summer concerts are held on June 1 and June 8, 2017.
A curated line-up of regional and national touring talent will perform an eclectic mix of rock and roll, blues, soul, funk and bluegrass. Each show also features performances by Imagine Circus, a cirque-style entertainment troop with aerial arts, acrobatics, fire, flow arts, theatrics, dance and plenty more. Admission is free, $10 for onsite parking and gates open at 3 p.m.
Products from beverage partners Mother Earth Brewing of Kinston, NC and Sanctuary Vineyards of Currituck, NC, will be for sale as well as local cuisine from some of Dare County’s finest restaurants. In addition, a few Outer Bank’s artisan vendors will be onsite selling their handmade goods.
Red Wanting Blue, The Commonheart & Tropidelic
Cris Jacobs, Selwyn Birchwood & Ruth Wyand and the Band of One
Marco Benevento, Ripe & Fireside Collective
H2OBX Waterpark
A truly unique find among North Carolina water parks, H2OBX brings the best of the Outer Banks’ storied past together with its vibrant present! This brand new world-class waterpark is themed from classic North Carolina beach architecture with splashes of the rich history of the Outer Banks. H2OBX Waterpark is sure to top the list of best family activities on the Outer Banks. Opening summer 2017!
Explore more than 30 rides, slides and attractions at the newest outdoor waterpark on the Outer Banks. A few rides include Flow Rider surf & boogie board ride, Lounge-worthy Adventure River, Wave Pools, Challenge Lagoon, And so much more!
If relaxation is more your speed, H2OBX also features resort-style amenities. Friends and Family can experience inspired shopping and dining options while taking in the stunning views of the Outer Banks. If it’s either wild family fun you want or upscale resort getaway, H2OBX is the place to be on the Outer Banks this summer 2017.
To increase the action and excitement, H2OBX will limit ticket sales every day to ensure a guest experience like you’ve never had before. Stan White Realty has partnered with H2OBX to offer our guests exclusive access to advanced ticket sales as well as discounted pricing. Book today for the opportunity to purchase your tickets for your 2017 Outer Banks vacation.
For more information about the park, visit H2OBXWaterpark.com
H2OBX Waterpark
8526 Caratoke HWY
Powells Point, NC 27966
252-491-3000
Email: info@h2obxwaterpark.com
