Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks

We invite you to enjoy a carefree Thanksgiving on the beach! With plenty of space, fully equipped kitchens, beautiful dining rooms & ocean views, our vacation homes have everything you need to make a memorable Thanksgiving Holiday for your family! Don't delay, reserve your vacation home today! 800.635.1559

Here are some featured homes available for the Thanksgiving Holiday!

#535 Whit's End

Oceanfront, Nags Head

7 Bedrooms - Sleeps 17

Check in 11/20 - Weekly Rate is $2695

Click Here for More Information

#3502 Skipper's Sunlight

Oceanside, Duck, Four Seasons

8 Bedrooms - Sleeps 20

Check in 11/20 - Weekly Rate is $1995

Click Here for More Information

#2099 Beach Cabana

Oceanside, Southern Shores

7 Bedrooms - Sleeps 18

Check in 11/19 - Weekly Rate is $2200

Click Here for More Information

#1012 The Summer Wind

Oceanfront, Nags Head

8 Bedrooms - Sleeps 20

Check in 11/20 - Weekly Rate is $3599

Click Here for More Information

#7400 Carolina Getaway

Oceanside, Corolla, Ocean Sands Section O

7 Bedrooms - Sleeps 18

Check in 11/20 - Weekly Rate is $1195

Click Here for More Information

#631 Serenity Now

Oceanside, Corolla

7 Bedrooms - Sleeps 18

Check in 11/20 - Weekly Rate is $1195 (A savings of $100!)

Click Here for More Information

Beach Nourishment is a Fascinating Process to Watch!

Everyone was excited and a bit nervous about guest reaction to the Beach Nourishment in the Town of Nags Head. I, for one, have become addicted to monitoring the process. I plan to attend the progress meeting at the Town of Nags Head tomorrow morning at the Fire Station.



I am always amazed at what men and machines can create. The dredging company is from the Great Lakes area and has traveled all over the world, including Dubai. Not sure that they created the “Palm Tree” islands but they have sure done pretty amazing work here.

They began in the Nags Head area, near milepost 15.75 at Forbes Street in the Forbes Candy shop area. They placed a T section of pipe on the beach and headed north. The hopper dredge travels out to the “goldmine of sand” a few miles off the coast, sucks the sand up into the hopper in the vessel, then returns to shore and pushes the sand through pipes on the bottom of the ocean through the T pipe and then north or south through a pipe parallel to the dune line. As one area is filled up, another section of pipe is added and the process continues. After they go a certain distance north, they pull up the pipe, return to the T section and proceed south.


There is an engineering machine called “The Crab” that is about 20-30 feet tall, has 3 legs with huge rubber wheels, that travels along the beach and out into the ocean to measure the height, and “lay” of the sand that is projected onto and spread along the shore. As the project moves up the beach, workers go out into the ocean, literally up to their chests and necks, and place survey type poles into the water as a “guide” as to where to extend the sand and to what height. That is amazing to see, waves breaking on survey poles where tomorrow there will be an extended beach.

When the sand first comes through the pipes it is of course full of water and looks like ocean water, but after a few minutes the sand starts to flow and actually puddles up onto the shore. After the sand is pumped, the dozers begin to push the sand into designated locations. This process continues 24 hours per day. At night, there are large panels of lights set out which light the beach up like a baseball field.


Believe it or not, MOST guests have not called to complain, even when it was in their front yard. I have had only 4 groups of guest who have been “very unhappy.” The contractors have made the process very “guest friendly.” The ocean front direct beach accesses from homes and from the public beach accesses are open and the guests may go on the beach and walk parallel to the ocean and dune lines to a beach area that is not roped off. This is usually a reasonable distance.


The project moves very quickly and is only behind 5 – 6 homes for a day, two days at max. There are exceptions, however. The dredge had a generator go bad last week and was down for a few days, so some guests had the blocked off area in their front yards for 3-4 days. That is the exception.

Another dredge is coming to the far South Nags Head area and is to begin pumping today. My understanding from talking with some of the crew is that this second dredge will operate as a true dredge which has pipes directly to the sand mine and will pump to shore without moving back and forth.

The dredging company figures out obstacles along the way. Last week they ran into a “hole” in the beach area at about milepost 16 and because it was taking longer to fill, they decided to split the pipe into a fork and have 2 pipes extending south toward the new Jennette’s Pier. That allowed for more sand to be spread in a wider area from dune to ocean. That also reduced pushing time for the dozers. These guys are real pros, great problem solvers.

When the project reached Jennette’s Pier, you should have seen the guests hovering at the edge of the pier watching the process. It really has been a learning experience for everyone. Many of our guests share their stories about beach nourishment with us when they are checking out. It is well worth visiting one of the 2 sites while you are here this summer. And by the way, the sand is “beautiful, a perfect match to what was there.”


I am a beach nourishment “geek”. Man working with Nature, what an Awesome sight!

2011 Independence Day Celebrations

July 4th Celebration with the Town of Manteo - 8:00pm

Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Featuring the North Carolina National Guard’s 440th Army Band. The celebration will also include fireworks provided by the town of Manteo. The celebration is free and open to the public. Seating at the Pavilion is on the grass, so blankets and lawn chairs will add to the relaxed holiday environment. So, bring a picnic basket for all of your family and friends and join Roanoke Island Festival Park in a celebration of America. Gates open to the public at 6 p.m. After 5 p.m., only handicap parking will be allowed at the park. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com.  Roanoke Island Fireworks

Town of Nags Head Celebrates Independence Day with Fireworks Spectacular - July 4, 2011 at 9:25pm

15th annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular on the ocean pier located at Mile Post 11.5 on NC Route 12, S. Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. A rain date has been set for Friday, July 8, 2011. All persons attending the show are encouraged to park east of U.S. Highway 158/S. Croatan Highway. Those choosing to park west of U.S. Highway 158/S. Croatan Highway should use extreme caution while attempting to cross this heavily traveled roadway. The following public beach accesses are recommended for access to the beach for fireworks viewing:

South of Nags Head Fishing Pier:
Curlew Street / Hollowell Street / Conch Street

North of Nags Head Fishing Pier:
Bladen Street / Bittern Street / Bonnett Street / Blackman Street / Barnes Street

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is another ideal spot for viewing the fireworks. The park will be open late July 4th to accommodate visitors. Please call the park at 252-441-7132 for more information.

Whalehead Club / Currituck Heritage Park – July 3rd, 2011 5pm - 7pm
Patriotic Salute Featuring the 440th Army Band

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and spread out on the south lawn in front of the historic Whalehead Club. The 440th Army Band will be performing many patriotic anthems and songs to kick off the Independence Day Celebration a bit early! Concessions will be available. Admission and parking are FREE. Pets are welcomed as long as they are leashed.

Whalehead Club / Currituck Heritage Park – July 4th, 2011 6pm-10pm
19th Annual Independence Day Festival of Fireworks

Fireworks begin at dusk but arrive early to enjoy food, fun activities, great music and find a place for your blankets and chairs to settle in for the best fireworks on the Outer Banks! Admission & Parking are free.



Photos by Allie Hawkins/Island Photography


Town of Duck Parade - July 4, 2011 9:00am

Downtown Duck. The parade will be held on Monday, July 4th, with a concert and community social being held immediately following at the Duck Town Park. The after event includes music by Ruth Wyand & Friends, refreshments, the awarding of parade trophies, and a very special Flash Mob.

The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane. The route follows Scarborough Lane towards the ocean, turns left onto Ocean Way, and then heads down Christopher Drive ending back at Duck Road (NC 12). If you are attending the parade, please arrive early so you can get a good spot on the parade route. Remember, NO PART OF THE PARADE IS ON DUCK ROAD (NC 12). and parking is at a premium, so please plan to walk or ride your bicycle and be in Town well in advance of the parade start time of 9:00 a.m.

You're Invited!

A Message from the Real Estate Division at Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals

Join us every Wednesday at 10:00am in the sales reception of your check-in office to learn about investing in Outer Banks real estate. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered casually and with absolutely no pressure. You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

• Short sales

• Bank-owned properties

• Market conditions

• Rental income

• New construction

Stop by for an hour and find out how you can stay for a lifetime! For more information or to schedule a private consultation call (252) 261-3815 or email beachinfo@beachrealtync.com.

Jenettes Pier has Grand Opening May 21, 2011

The old pier was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel destroyed it in 2003. The resurrected pier is made of reinforced concrete pilings, not wood. It's the first of its kind to be opened by the state and is built to last at least 30 years and withstand 130-mph winds.

The new pier also is expected to receive platinum level LEED certification, the highest level attainable by the U.S. Green Building Council. The state-of-the-art facility uses wind turbines, solar paneling and recycling and has a wastewater reclamation system that will treat its own sewage and then reuse that water. Jennette's Pier is the product of a $25 million project that legislators backed in an effort to preserve the state's fishing pier heritage.


The first floor of the 16,000-square foot pier house is a gift shop, tackle shop and snack bar with plenty of hot gourmet coffee and ice-cold Pepsi products.
A bank of tall windows reveals a sweeping view of the pier and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a counter under the windows with stools so people can sit down and enjoy the panoramic scene.
Just outside, visitors will find a covered-porch picnic area complete with tables and chairs so guests can enjoy their meal while watching the fishing, listening to crashing surf and smelling the salty air.

Additional attractions on the first floor of the pier house include alternative energy displays and a large, modern classroom with windows that frame the northern view of the ocean and beach strand.
In addition to family fun, classes will also feature solid conservation-minded educational programming in a perfect outdoor setting – on the beach and over the waves on the pier.

A wide variety of classes, camps, sleepovers and get-wet adventures will be offered. They each explore the Aquariums’ mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

Fishing fees for Jennette’s Pier as are follows: adults, $12; children age 12 and under, $6. For pin-rig fishing, multi-day and annual passes, please click here.

Jennette’s Pier is part of the North Carolina Aquariums system and represents the first of three such piers planned to be built and operated by the Aquariums along the coast.

http://www.jennettespier.net/

Welcoming Corolla Rental Manager and Announcing Beach Agent of the Month

Dan Lane Accepts Management Position


Cynthia Owens, General Manager of Beach Realty & Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Lane to the management team of Kitty Hawk Rentals. Dan has accepted the position of Corolla office manager and will oversee the property management of close to 200 homes in the vicinity. Dan graduated from Manhattan College with a BS in Economics and went on to build a career in financial services. Previously, he was a Managing Director at Smith Barney, a Partner at Lawrence, O’Donnell Marcus, a Partner at Access International and an Associate Partner with Keller-Williams Realty. More recently, he served as General Manager of his family’s business, North Beach Outfitters in Duck. Mr. Lane has owned property on the Outer Banks for over 20 years so the transition to property management was a natural fit. Ms. Owens says, “Dan’s experience in the corporate financial world is a huge plus for our company and our homeowners. His acute business sense and focus on customer service is appreciated by all.” Dan can be reached in the Corolla office of Beach Realty & Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals at (252) 453-4141 or by email to dan@beachrealtync.com.

Jackson Dixon named Agent of the Month

Sales Manager, Beth Urch recognizes Jackson Dixon as the April Agent of the Month. Ms. Dixon joined the firm in the fall of 2010 and quickly became a top producer. She holds a BA in Business Management and Economics and obtained her real estate license in 1987. Jackson Dixon offers buyers and sellers ethical representation and comprehensive market knowledge. Jackson Dixon works from the Duck office of Beach Realty and can be reached at (252) 261-6600 or by email to jackson@beachrealtync.com.

Easter 2011 Happenings on the Outer Banks

Whalehead Club’s Easter EGG-stravaganza
April 22, 2011 - Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm
Join the Easter Bunny and the Currituck Duck for a traditional egg hunt in Currituck Heritage Park. Lots of fun children's activities like Balloon Art, Face Painting, Egg & Spoon Races, Bean Bag Toss, and a Jellybean Counting Contest! Snacks & Refreshments. Admission and Parking are free.

Roanoke Island Festival Park’s Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 22
Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 1 p.m. Presented by East Carolina Radio. Participants are asked to bring a canned food item for the dare County Food Pantry. Over 3,000 eggs will be hidden with several age categories. (252) 475-1500 or visit roanokeisland.com

Nags Head Kitty Hawk Kite’s Easter Eggstravaganza & Fly Into Spring
April 22 - 23
Kitty Hawk Kites Annual Easter Eggstravaganza – Located at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head (mp 12.5). This is the largest Easter egg hunt in the Outer Banks! Over 2,000 candy and toy-filled eggs are waiting to be collected. Come welcome spring to the Outer Banks with large show kites on top of Jockey’s Ridge. 11:00AM to 1:00PM. 1-877-FLY-THIS, 252-441-4124 or email events@kittyhawk.com

The Elizabethean Garden’s Easter Eggstravaganza - Fun Family Event
April 23
10 a.m. – 1p.m. or 2 p.m. Come spring over to the Easter Eggstravaganza at The Elizabethan Gardens on April 23, 2011! This festive event will feature over 40,000 blooming bulbs that will welcome you thanks to our generous volunteers who planted them! The Easter Eggstravaganza has been an Outer Banks spring tradition loved by many. The Gardens will host the traditional egg hunt, again this season, with more eggs to hunt. This traditional Easter egg hunt will be conducted into two age groups so that all participants can enjoy the hunt. Live Easter bunnies will be on hand for wonderful photo opportunities, a bake sale filled with the most incredible homemade treats and, educational crafts, games of hopscotch, bean bags and an Easter bonnet and hat contest for girls and boys as well as adults. Prizes will be awarded for the Easter Bonnet & Hat Contest. Please visit our website for an update on times. elizabethangardens.org

Nags Head Town Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 1 p.m., Nags Head Town Park
The Town of Nags Head's Police Division will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 23 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.

Boardwalk Project for the Town of Duck Continues



Photo Credit Town of Duck

The Town of Duck is in the process of building a ten foot wide soundside boardwalk which, when completed, will run from Aqua S Restaurant to the Blue Point Restaurant in the Waterfront Shoppes. The finished boardwalk will stretch almost a mile between the two locations, allowing residents and visitors a safe means of travel along the Currituck Sound.

The boardwalk will eventually connect local shops and existing walking trails while providing access to the coastal shorelines and natural habitats for wildlife viewing. A 130 foot pier with four day use boat slips will extend southwest from the southern end of the Waterfront Shoppes existing boardwalk.

Photo Credit Town of Duck

The Town of Duck hopes to have the boardwalk completed by this summer.

Read more at the Town of Duck’s website: http://townofduck.com/news/?p=755

www.beachrealtysales.com | Launch of New Sales Site!

Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals Sales Manager, Beth Urch unveils a new and dynamic website offering real estate buyers and sellers enhanced search options, features and information. http://www.beachrealtysales.com/ provides viewers a visually appealing and engaging site with a boldly designed home page that is easy to navigate. Dramatic photos of local landscapes, activities and wildlife grace the site and aptly capture the essence of the Outer Banks. Beach Realty invites the viewer to explore the area’s local real estate market through custom and pre-determined search capabilities. Browse the properties currently for sale from Corolla to Ocracoke including the popular destination hot spots of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Duck. Updated search functions include:
• Mapping
• Quick Search
• Expanded search criteria
• Bank-owned and short sale lists
• Automatic notification of new listings based on your criteria
• Client accounts
• Mortgage calculator
• Real estate tips
• Agent profiles

Access to the site is also provided at www.beachrealtync.com then click on REAL ESTATE SALES from the home page or go directly to www.beachrealtysales.com. Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals welcomes millions of viewers to their corporate site each year. Visitors may search for weekly vacation rentals and long-term rental properties or browse the gallery of custom built and remodeled homes.

Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals helps buyers and sellers realize their investment goals through updated technology achievements and outstanding customer service. Get to know the Outer Banks real estate market at www.beachrealtync.com and experience the superior search and mapping functions.

http://www.beachrealtysales.com/

February Agent of the Month

Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals sales manager, Beth Urch is pleased to announce that associate broker Nancy Bailey is Agent of the Month for February 2011.  Nancy Bailey joined the Beach Sales Team in 2006 and quickly established a successful career in real estate sales.  Nancy enjoys working with both buyers and sellers and both appreciate Nancy’s professionalism and integrity.   Nancy has an excellent knowledge of the industry and a thorough understanding of the local real estate market.   She specializes in properties from Carova to South Nags Head.  You can contact Nancy at nancy@beachrealtync.com or at the Kill Devil Hills office of Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals (252) 441-1106. 

Spring Events on the Outer Banks

Looking to getaway to the Outer Banks this spring? There are many of wonderful events lined up for March, April & May that you won't want to miss. Plan your trip around one or more of these events!

March 2011 Events:

Outer Banks Taste of the Beach
March 17th - 20th, 2011
Four days of food, drinks and fun. Presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association. This grand food festival will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with an exciting array of creative combinations and culinary delights. obxtasteofthebeach.com


Kelly’s 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sun, March 20, 1pm – 3pm
Virginia Dare Trail/Beach Road,MP 11.5 - 10.5, Nags Head
Rain or shine. The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NC travels the greenest mile in the Tarheel state. Over 1,500 participants and approximately 10,000 spectators enjoy an afternoon filled with floats, live music, marching bands and creative marching/walking/motorized units. kellysrestaurant.com

April 2011 Events:

Flying Pirate Half Marathon
April 9 - 10, 2011
Outer Banks Half Marathoners, here's your chance to see the first half of the Outer Banks Marathon course! obxmarathon.com

9th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week
Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 - Sunday, April 24th, 2011
Packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Bike shows, poker runs, guided tours, party nights, tattoo and bikini contests, over 100 vendors, live music, outdoor concerts, pig pickin and more! outerbanksbikeweek.com

May 2011 Events:

28th Annual Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K Run
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Nags Head Woods
Not your typical walk down the beach, the dirt trails of the preserve weave through one of the best remaining examples comical forest and deciduous hardwoods. active.com

39th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular
May 20, 2011 - May 23rd, 2011
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head. This is the world’s oldest, continuous hang gliding competition. Hang gliding professionals from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to compete and have fun on Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Demonstrations, street dances and awards ceremonies are all features of this spectacular event. Families can enjoy a rock climbing wall, hang gliding simulator, kite making and face painting. A portion of the events proceeds will go to benefit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, a non-profit organization which supports the development of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. (877) FLY-THIS, (252) 441-4124 or kittyhawkkites.com

Beach Realty & Construction Names Agent of the Year

Steve Blaisdell, Senior Broker for Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals was named the company’s agent of the year for 2010.  Steve joined the company in 2002 and quickly became a top producer.  Steve earned Agent of the Year honors in 2006 and previously enjoyed Construction Agent of the Year recognition.  He attributes his success to his knowledge of the market and his clients appreciate the accurate statistical information he provides. Steve Blaisdell gets results by positioning his homes correctly in the market place.  Beth Urch, Sales Manager for Beach Realty says, “Steve has an in depth knowledge of the real estate industry and understands our local market well.  He is an integral member of our sales team and through his analytical use of statistical data, his clients are well informed and up to date on current market conditions.”   Steve Blaisdell works from the Kitty Hawk office of Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals and can be reached at (252) 261-3815 or steveb@beachrealtync.com.  Beach Realty & Construction is a full-service real estate company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals, new construction and remodeling services. Pictured above from left to right: Cynthia Owens, General Manager of Kitty Hawk Rentals, Steve Blaisdell, Senior Broker, Beth Urch, Sales Manager. 

Outer Banks Bride Expo & Tour - January 7th - 9th, 2011

Attention all brides! If you are even considering the Outer Banks as a destination for your 2011 or 2012 wedding, you MUST attend the Outer Banks Bride Expo & Tour hosted by the Outer Banks Wedding Association: Website. The Tour is on Saturday, January 8th, 2011 and we are proud to open the doors to one of our most popular event homes, Gertrude's Breakaway #7974. This 8 bedroom, oceanside home in Ocean Sands A in Corolla, NC is the perfect venue for your Outer Banks wedding. From 10am - 4pm the doors will be open and inside you will enjoy food from Red Sky Cafe, cake samples from Just Dessert, meet a local photographer Courtney Hathaway, smell scents from AromaCarolina, you will see a Tent & Dance Floor set up by Ocean Atlantic Rentals & a floral arrangement The Embellishers. We will also have Mimosa's provided by Beach Realty NC for you to enjoy as you tour the spacious home.

Photo provided by Carrie Roen from
Brook Mayo Photography

This home is perfect for weddings because of it's spacious yard & decking, 8 Master Bedrooms, elevator, state-of-the-art kitchen, theater room, recreation room with pool table, private pool with a gazebo and a blue tiled bar, meticulously landscaped yard, only 45 yards from the private community beach access. The beach is beyond beautiful with plenty of room for a large ceremony.

If you can attend the Bride Tour this weekend we highly encourage you to stop by Gertrude's Breakaway at 506 Ocean Way Corolla, NC 27927 to see how perfect this home is for yourself, and also to enjoy the tasting & sampling of food, drinks, desserts & more from local vendors.

See below for a video tour of Gertrude's Breakaway & we hope to see you Saturday from 10am - 4pm!!!