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3 Best Hiking Trails on the Outer Banks to Explore this Summer

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit the Outer Banks this summer? If you do, then we have to tell you all about the fun and exciting things you can do together. Staying in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. Let’s take a look at where you and your family can do some exploring this summer together.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

3 Best Hiking Trails on the Outer Banks to Explore this Summer

Have you and your family ever been to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge before? If you haven’t, then you are in for a nice treat. From watching for birds to watching for other wildlife, there is something for all who are looking for an adventure. The Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is about a half-mile trail that allows you to see different trail vegetation and wildlife while on the trail. The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is good for those who are looking for a more rustic trail than the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail. While the trail is good for those who are looking for a hike more in the woods, then this is the trail. There are many other things that your family can do while you explore the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on your next vacation to the Outer Banks.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Another great location that your family can head to for some trails is Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Here, you and your family can hike one of the three trails that are within the park. The first trail is where your family can hike on 360 feet of boardwalk to view wildlife, dunes, and nature. The Soundside Nature Trail is where your family can explore a short hike to view the Roanoke Sound and more of the park. Tracks in the Sand Trail happens to be a self-guided trail where you can grab an educational trail brochure to explore more. Along with the trails, there is a visitor center and a few other fun activities your family can do together!

Nags Head Town Park

3 Best Hiking Trails on the Outer Banks to Explore this Summer

If you feel more like sticking to a park located within Nags Head, then head on over to the Town Park. Here, you and your family can explore the 1.6-mile trail, along with picnic tables, bathrooms, and even a brand new playground for the kids. After you have completed the trail, head back to the car, grab your lunch you may have packed, and enjoy a nice lunch with a cool breeze. Then let the kids play their hearts out on the playground together. What a great way to spend the day and just enjoy time together! You never know what other fun adventures you may find there at the park.

While there are many other trails that you can hike at such as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park and the Pea Island National Park, these are the ones we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your summer trip to stay with us in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories on your next vacation!

Fun Events Happening on the Outer Banks this Fall

Fun Events Happening on the Outer Banks this Fall

Are you and your family coming to the Outer Banks this fall for your family vacation? If the answer is yes, then we can tell you all about the fun events happening around town. The Outer Banks is a great place for your fall getaway because you can still enjoy the surf & sand. Staying in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. Let’s look below at a few of the fun events that are happening this fall on the Outer Banks.

8th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival

Fun Events Happening on the Outer Banks this Fall

Do you and your family love eating seafood but want a new experience? Come to the 8th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival on October 19th in Nags Head. Come and explore this fun event that will not only feature 12 local restaurants serving some of the best seafood around, but so much more. Some of the other things that you can try is craft beer, wine and other beverages around town. And no festival is complete without live entertainment and dancing in the streets. Tickets for this event are $5 for general admission, $50 for the Seabuck Package and $100 Seabuck Package. Don’t miss this fun event from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm as you enjoy this fun festival on the Outer Banks!

3rd Annual Dare to Scare 5K & Fun Run

Are you looking to do something a little different this year on the Outer Banks? Join in on the fun for the 3rd Annual Dare to Scare 5K & Sweet Treat Fun Run. This is being held at the Dare County Center on October 26th beginning at 9:00 am. You can choose to run the 5k or the Sweet Treat Fun Run that begins at 10:00 am. Plus, all of the benefits from the race will go to help the Annual Dare County Center Toy Drive for over 400 local youth residents. Don’t miss out on this amazing and fun run as you get out and see a little of Manteo!

Harvest HAYday

Fun Events Happening on the Outer Banks this Fall

If you are looking for something that is fun for the whole family to enjoy, then head over to The Elizabethan Gardens on October 26th. Harvest HAYday is one of the best places that you can go to and have a great time beginning at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. From taking a hayride or going through the hay bale maze, there is something for everyone. This year your family can join in some fun activities such as crafts, corn hole toss, face-painting and more. Plus, your kids can learn a little too from the educational stations around the area. This is a first come, first serve event so be sure to grab your tickets early if you can.  

There are many other events that are happening this fall, but we wanted to share these with you. If you still haven’t booked your stay in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope that your family has a wonderful stay with us as you explore the local events happening on the Outer Banks!

Visit the Outer Banks Labor Day Weekend This Year

The Outer Banks happen to be one of the hottest locations for you and your family to enjoy Labor Day Weekend this year. The kids will be headed back to school soon and what a better way to end the summer than a vacation to the Outer Banks. Staying in one of our Kill Devil Hills vacation rentals will keep you where the action is happening. Let’s look at what there is going on during Labor Day weekend below.

Kids Day in the Park

Want something for the kids to have fun with bouncy houses, activities and even a special tour of Whalehead. The Joan’s Way Tour will begin at 3:00 pm and costs $5 per person. Please note that the tour does have a limit of 30 children so please reserve your spot in advance. On August 30 head to the Historic Corolla Park and begins 10:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Come and join in on the fun happening here.

Meet a Mustang

Have someone in your family that likes horses, then head over to the Corolla Wild Horse Museum to meet a mustang. On Friday, August 31st at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, come meet a rescued mustang and learn about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish mustangs. This is a free event for you and your family to enjoy. Please note that the event is weather dependent so please call ahead on the day of the even to make sure it’s still happening. What a better way to learn more about the wild horses of the Outer Banks.

Blacksmithing at Island Farm

The Outer Banks have so much history to share with its visitors, and this event is one you can’t miss out on. Head over to Island Farm located in Manteo where you can see examples of what Hugh Gaylor had in his blacksmith shop in 1850. There is so much to do at this farm that dates back to 1847. Only 15 minutes from Nags Head and is close to Fort Raleigh for more adventures. Admission is $5 per person and children 5 and younger are free. Be sure to check out their website for more information. What a great way to learn about the heritage of North Carolina than to be with family!

WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest

The WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest happens to be known as one of the most anticipated surf contests in the State. This is a thrill for both the participants and for the spectators to watch each year. Located in Nags Head, NC you will be able to view some of the world’s most talented riders competing for the title of OBX Champ! Beginning on Wednesday, August 29th and ending on Monday, September 3 you will be able to enjoy some of this amazing talent of surfing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see some pro surfers in the waves of North Carolina!

Seaside Hike

What a better way than to head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and enjoy some fun there. On August 31st join the staff at the state park to hike the Soundside Nature Trail. You will discuss interesting habitats that live along the barrier islands. This is a free event for you and your family to take advantage of while on vacation. The hike will begin at 9:00 am so be sure to be there a few minutes early to join in on the fun.

While there are many other events happening on the Outer Banks over Labor Day weekend, these are just a few we’d share with you. If you are still hunting for a last-minute Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills vacation rental, we can help you today. We look forward to seeing you this Labor Day weekend to help end the summer out right!

 

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

Take the road less traveled. Take the time to experience the actuality of North Carolinas Easternmost parts along the coast of the state’s barrier islands. Currently the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is made up of nine barrier islands – or banks. The islands protect the mainland coast from the Atlantic Ocean’s, at times, compelling winds and water.

The length of the secluded road is 142.5 driving miles.

The driving time is 6.5 hours – including 3.5 hours on two ferries.

The byway begins in the Outer Banks region and ends in the Crystal Coast region. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway passes through one of the nation’s great coastal landscapes, tidal marshes, wind-swept dunes, and alluring sounds border the roadway. The byway also includes two national seashores, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout. There is two national wildlife refuges – Pea Island and Cedar Island. The barrier islands are separated away from the mainland by six different sounds ranging from three to 40 miles wide. From North to South they are: Currituck, Albemarle, Roanoke, Pamlico, Core and Bogue.

       

The oceangoing culture of the 21 coastal villages along the road is what makes this route so unique. Each maritime village shares a common cultural heritage which is shaped by the well know barrier islands and three shallow sounds – Pamlico, Core and Back. During the drive visitors will notice that the tiny villages are held together by locally owned businesses with barley a chain business in sight.   The residents of these villages build boats, fish and hunt, operate ferries, guard the coast, tell stories and provide services to visitors. Fishing and hunting as livelihoods are keys to this culture that goes along with living on the coastal edge. Byway villages are held to a significant national history, a collection of the nation’s earliest civil works. This includes four historic lighthouses and eight early U.S. Life-Saving Service or U.S. Coast Guard stations. The four lighthouses along the byway are Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Village Lighthouse, and Cape Lookout National Seashore Lighthouse.

Take the drive on The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway and get a feel for how life was like before the hectic schedules and tourist-driven cities. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway begins in the north at Whalebone Junction. The joining of US 64-264, US 158, and NC 12 in Nags Head, Dare County, North Carolina. Travelers following the Byway’s NC 12 south can see the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Pamlico Sound on the west. The road crosses over Bodie and Hatteras islands in Dare County, Ocracoke Island in Hyde County and Down East in Carteret County to end on the west side of North River at the intersection of US 70 and Merrimon Road. The byway includes two ferry rides. One free, between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The other, between Ocracoke Island and Downs Easts Cedar Island. The Scenic Byway ends in Beaufort in the Down East region of North Carolina.

http://www.visitnc.com/trip-idea/outer-banks-national-scenic-byway-1

http://gardenandgun.com/blog/back-road-trip-outer-banks-scenic-byway

Book Early And Save in January

There is little more than a week left to Book Early and Save on participating properties for the 2015 season! Simply book and confirm by making your first payment by January 31st to receive the discount.

Remember, our phone lines and Live Chat are open till 8pm EST weekdays & 5:30pm EST on weekends.

Call: 800-338-3233 or email info@outerbanksrentals.com  info@outerbanksrentals.com

 

AnimatedGIFs Vol 1. | The Easterns 2014, Jennettes Pier, Nags Head, NC

Animated GIFs | Vol. 1

*Click for full sized images. 

THE EASTERNS 2014 | Main Venue Tent

Watching the competitors 

Under Jennette’s Pier

 

Taken at Jennette’s Pier on Monday September 15th, 2014

Live Traffic Cameras in the OBX

Any one who has braved the Bypass (US158) or the Beach Road (NC12) during the summer months knows all to well that traffic on the Outer Banks is highly unpredictable. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has live traffic cameras and speed detectors online to make the easy life easier! This year, 2 new cameras have been installed at the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry docks. These new additions will help keep travelers and locals informed 24 hours a day.

All the cameras in the area can be seen here.

Silicon Travel Vacation Attendant In All Homes with Internet

Established in 2004, Silicon Travel is a locally based company specializes in internet and advanced technologies specifically applied to the vacation rental industry and currently serves over 2,000 rental properties on the Outer Banks. The Vacation Attendant allows Silicon Travel to remotely diagnose and/or rectify issues in the event that a renter experiences connection problems during their vacation. Guests must simply call the toll free number for the Help Desk, which provides over-the-phone tech support 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Internet is the number one requested amenity for vacation rentals. It is not uncommon for one or more guests staying in a home to work while on vacation, and an interruption in internet service can lead to very upset renters. “Providing tech support for connection issues can not only restore service for guests, but conveys to them that we understand the importance of this amenity to their vacation” says White. “Even when the problem cannot be solved during their stay, guests appreciate our willingness to try and help, which is why we want our guests to have access to professional tech support representatives.”
Vacation Attendant, the next phase in Silicon Travel’s wireless Internet service, also serves as a concierge-style web portal that is accessed by vacationers every time they use any wireless device in their rental property. This new platform assists vacationers in effectively communicating with the rental company, and also connects them with the best businesses in the area. In true concierge fashion, Vacation Attendant is the perfect vacation assistant, and for potential advertisers, a direct advertising opportunity.
Installation began in Spring of 2013 with homes south of Kitty Hawk and was completed in November for Duck and Corolla properties. 2014 will be the first season in which the majority of rentals will feature the Vacation Attendant.
Visit our Advanced Search Page here to see homes with Internet.

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