Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Outer Banks Real Estate Buying Seminar - Tuesdays in August

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers…

Join us Tuesday at the Hampton Inn for coffee and valuable information on buying a home on the Outer Banks. Learn the ins and outs of purchasing short sales and bank-owned properties at below market values. Have all your questions answered by our real estate professionals, construction and property management experts and a mortgage representative. If you’ve ever thought about purchasing property on the Outer Banks, you will not want to miss this casual, relaxed opportunity to learn and speak to industry professionals. Don’t worry about a high pressure sales pitch because we are offering information and education only in a time format that won’t interfere with your vacation! Welcome to the “Beach” and have a wonderful vacation. See you Tuesday!

Private consultations available anytime at our office or your cottage, call today!

Tuesday, August 3, 10, 17, and 24th ∙ 10:00 to 11am ∙ The Hampton Inn, Corolla ∙ Sponsored by Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals ∙

Call (252) 261-3815 for more information or email Sales Manager, Beth Urch beth@beachrealtync.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Pet Friendly Vacations on the Outer Banks

Nothing brings me more joy than to spend a day at the beach with my Golden Retriever, Tuna. There's something about the smell in the air, the sight of the sand dunes or a glimpse of the waves crashing on shore that physically takes over Tuna's mind and body as he reverts back to a 6 month old puppy. The excitement in his eyes when we pull into a beach access is impossible not to notice. He knows that he is about to spend the afternoon chasing balls, jumping waves and rolling around in the sand. Tuna is almost 2 years old now, but he has grown up to love the beach. As a puppy, he was a little intimidated by the winter waves but he thoroughly enjoyed the sound, and many manmade ponds near our home. As soon as he grew into his skin, he was anxious to try out the ocean. And after watching his best friend, aka my husband, run full speed at the crashing waves with his skim board – Tuna’s fear disappeared as he tackled each wave with a giant leap followed by a strong paddle chasing after the only floating tennis ball in his sight.

Now, the thought of spending a day at the beach without my water dog is out of the question! If I did not live on the Outer Banks, this place would absolutely be my number one vacation destination, not only because of the pristine beaches, excellent temperatures, and peaceful communities but because of how convenient it is to bring my dog. Most beach towns have adopted lenient policies regarding dogs on the beach and more and more vacation rentals are allowing pets to cater to dog-loving families like mine. I have spent long hours trying to find another vacation destination similar to the Outer Banks to enjoy a family getaway, but nothing seems to compare.

Since I work in the vacation rental industry and I live on the Outer Banks AND I own a dog who LOVES the beach, I’ll offer some advice for vacationing on the Outer Banks with a dog:

Firstly, book your vacation home in advance. Pet friendly homes typically book earlier than others. If you want to be sure that you get a house that suites your family’s needs and allows you to bring your pet, then don’t wait until last minute because it’s likely that you’ll have to sacrifice one or some of your desired amenities. Book a house that is spacious enough for your family & your dog(s).

Secondly, make sure you know the town/beach laws regarding pets. The towns with the most lenient laws regarding dogs on the beach are; Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Corolla & Duck. From late May to early September, I would avoid Kill Devil Hills & Southern Shores because they do not allow dogs on the beach during peak season (KDH has certain hours of the day dogs are not allowed). Here’s a link to all town/beach rules regarding pets.

Thirdly, I like to bring a beach umbrella for my dog to lay under when he’s tired from all the exercise. I also bring a jug of water and bowl so that he stays hydrated & a couple plastic bags in case the unthinkable happens. And of course a leash (even the most lenient beach towns require your dog to be on a leash when not playing in the water) . OH and I can’t forget the tennis balls & Frisbees!

The Outer Banks, in my opinion, is the perfect place to vacation. The Outer Banks has something to offer for all ages & species. Our towns are safe, our speed limits are slow and our beaches are less crowded than many other eastern shore beaches. Plus the majority of accommodations are actual HOMES so you can kick back, relax and sprawl out in the comfort of a one-of-a-kind vacation home!


Visit http://www.beachrealtync.com/ today to start planning your next Outer Banks Vacation. We have over 150 pet-friendly vacation homes to choose from!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Travel Guide Contest

2nd Annual Outer Banks Travel Guide Contest


Your favorite vacation pics could illustrate 2011 Official Guide

Outer Banks, NC - July 14, 2010 - Take great shots during your OBX vacation this year, because they could land you in the Outer Banks Official Travel Guide. In response to overwhelming public interest, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is bringing back the photo contest that started a craze last summer. All new travelers' photos will be used to illustrate the 2011 Guide due out this fall. Those who participate and make it into the book could have their favorite family photos or artistic snapshots in welcome centers across the country and direct mailed to people all over the world who request it. A production run of 450,000 books is scheduled, and there is also an online version of the Guide that's available for download to your computer and easy to share.

Show Us What You Love

"The neat thing about this event is that it allows anybody with a camera to share their love for the OBX, and that's kind of the theme we're running with this year," presents Lee Nettles, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. "We are used to showing the world what we think is special about the Outer Banks, but now we want to see in pictures what keeps our loyal fans coming back year after year. We came up with this contest as one more way to thank our visitors for choosing us as their favorite destination. It gives the average person a chance to be published, and we think that's pretty cool."

See Yourself On The OBX All Year Long

To participate, all you have to do is email your favorite pictures with a description of where they were taken. They can be of family gatherings, weddings, lighthouses and local landmarks, outdoor adventure like horseback riding, kayaking or hang gliding, or even your group enjoying a really cool rental cottage. There's no special requirements, just submit photos showcasing what you love about the OBX. No more than five photo submissions per person, please. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau will contact those selected in the coming weeks. All persons whose photos are selected will get credit in the 2011 Outer Banks Official Travel Guide, so be sure to include your name, address and phone number with your photos emailed to photos@outerbanks.org

Please download and attach our Photo Permission Form with your emailed images or photo CD's sent by mail. The address is provided on the form.

Photo Permision Form

Photo Digital Requirements

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Take a Vacation Day to Explore Roanoke Island!

Roanoke Island is a lush green island located between the barrier islands of beaches and the mainland. The island extends from the North End of Sir Walter Raleigh’s Lost Colony to the South End of Wanchese fishing village. From North to South, it is packed with secret spots of fun, educational, and nature loving venues to explore. Set aside one day of your vacation to WOW yourself on Roanoke Island.


Let’s break your day into morning activities on the North End of the Island, lunch and sightseeing in the Town of Manteo, and afternoon watching fishermen bring in their catches in the Village of Wanchese and Pirate’s Cove Marina.

Start your day at the Elizabethan Gardens and the Lost Colony at the northernmost end of the island. The Elizabethan Gardens are a wonderful place to explore with trails, statues, and large lawns to run around on. Kids love to run and explore in the Gardens. Something is always blooming and the butterflies and birds will dance and sing along with you. Next door is the Lost Colony, a settlement that failed in the New World before the founding of Jamestown. The grounds around the outdoor theater are fun to explore. Walking under the massive live oaks with Spanish moss hanging down makes a natural canopy. You can feel that sense of awe at the beauty of the land that the original settlers must have experienced. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings there are children’s plays available.

Just south is the North Carolina Aquarium. Need I say more – the SHARK tank is fascinating! There are many educational programs daily. Call ahead to schedule participation in these or for Lunch with the Sharks!

Between the Aquarium and the town of Manteo is the Island Farm. Visit the animals and learn about farming in the 1800s.

The town of Manteo has great places for lunch. Along the waterfront of Shallowbag Bay are many eateries. While in town, you may visit the unique shops, including Manteo Booksellers, Endless Possibilities (everything made from recycled fabrics) and Dare County Arts Council in the Old Dare County Courthouse. There is much to see in Manteo including the lovely homes and gardens. Marshes Lighthouse is on the waterfront and beside it is the Shipbuilding Museum where the Elizabeth II was built. The Elizabeth II is a ship like the Mayflower located across the bridge in Manteo at Festival Park. On the waterfront you may want to take the Pirate Ship cruise, great for the kids, or rent a kayak and paddle around Shallowbag Bay. You will want to walk across the bridge to Festival Park where you can visit an Indian Village, climb aboard the Elizabeth II, and learn about the Lost Colony at the museum. A special treat is to sift through the fossil pit on the grounds out front to find shark’s teeth. There is an estuarine walkway along the marsh where you may see some wildlife.

South of Manteo is Wanchese Village. This is where large trawlers come in with their catches. These are “The Secret Storm” kind of fishermen. This seafood is sold locally to our restaurants and seafood markets and the excess is shipped out to New York and Boston.

On your way back to the beach, before you head across the first bridge, on your left is Pirates Cove Marina. If you pull in the Marina between 4:30 and 5:30 PM you will likely see some

BIG fish. Many white and blue marlin and sailfish are brought in, as well as tuna, bluefish, and dolphin (don’t worry, not like Flipper).

After a day on Roanoke Island, you will have explored a New World and have Family Memories to last a lifetime!

http://www.roanokeisland.net/attractions/

Fans of the Outer Banks