The Whalehead Club Events for 2010

The Whalehead Club Events for 2010

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla, NC

January 12 - Tuesday at 9:30am

Currituck Heritage Park Winter Educational Series

Corolla in Retrospect - Surviving Here.

Location: The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Experience life in the past from a panel of local experts. Come prepared to participate! This second in a series of three is 'Surviving Here'. Learn about storm stories, passing the time and seasonal skills. Refreshments served. No cost to attend. Donations welcome. Reservations Required. Please call 252-453-9040 ext 3.

February 9 - Tuesday at 9:30 am

Currituck Heritage Park Winter Educational Series

Corolla in Retrospect - Getting Here.

Location: The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Experience life in the past from a panel of local experts. Come prepared to participate! This second in a series of three is 'Getting Here'. Learn about boats, carts and automobiles. Refreshments served. No cost to attend. Donations welcome. Reservations Required. Please call 252-453-9040 ext 3.

March 20 - Saturday from 4pm to 9pm

Corolla Island Epicurean Evening at Piney Island Hunt Club

An intimate evening inside the private working hunt club at Piney Island in Coinjock, NC. Experience the sporting heritage of Currituck County with a traditional five-course hunt club dinner reminiscent of the 1920s waterfowl hunting era. There will be an auction of rare and unique treasures as a fundraiser for the ongoing preservation of the Whalehead Club. Call 252-453-9040 ext. 3 for more details.

April 2 - Friday from 1pm to 3pm

Easter EGG-stravaganza

Join the Easter Bunny and the Currituck Duck for a traditional egg hunt in Currituck Heritage Pare. 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.

April 17 - Saturday from 10am to 4pm

Coastal Antique Appraisal Fair

Location: The Currituck Cooperative Extension Building in Barco

Find out the estimated value of your antiques from professional appraisers. Shop for collectibles from local dealers. Learn some tricks to keeping your treasures beautiful at the educational workshops. Silent auction and refreshments too!

Sponsored by the Outer Banks History Center Associates , NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck Center and the Whalehead Preservation Trust. Admission is free. Appraisal fee: $10 per item or 3 items for $25.

May 9 - Sunday from 1pm to 4pm

Fun Fly Festival

Watch and learn how to fly all kinds of kites sponsored by Flying Smiles Kites! Treat Mom and the whole family to a fun afternoon in the park capturing the imagination and harnessing the power of Mother Nature! Children enjoy making paper kites to keep or bring your own to play with. Admission and Parking are free.

June 23 & 24 - Wednesday from 10am to 6pm/ Thursday from 10am to 5pm

9th Annual "Under the Oaks" Arts Festival

Enjoy this outdoor art show on the waterfront grounds of Currituck Heritage Park. This show features the unique talents of over 100 quality artists with a wide variety of media plus musical entertainment, local food concessions, an art auction, and children's activities. Admission is free! $5 parking donation requested.

July 4 - Sunday from 6pm to 11pm

18th Annual Independence Day Festival of Fireworks

Fireworks begin at dusk but arrive early to enjoy food, fun activities, fabulous music and find a place for your blankets and chairs to settle in for the best fireworks on the Outer Banks! Sponsored by the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism. Admission and parking are free!

July and August - every Thursday evening from 6:30 pm to sunset

Summer Concert Series on the South Lawn

Relax on the south lawn at Currituck Heritage Park and enjoy local musicians performing on the historic Whalehead Club front porch. Bring a beach chair or blanket and watch the sun set over the Currituck Sound while supporting the musical arts! No alcohol permitted to be brought into the park. Wine and snack concessions available. Leashed pets welcome. Admission & parking are free.

July, August and September - every Wednesday from 3 pm to 7 pm

Whalehead Club Wednesday Wine Festivals

Enjoy a Wednesday afternoon of wine tasting and entertainment under the tents of the north lawn of the Whalehead Club. With your $20 admission adults can sample wines from North Carolina and around the world; keep your souvenir glass; listen to popular local musical artists perform on the stage; sample food from local vendors. Children are also welcome at no charge. Bring your pets on a leash. Parking is free.

July 6th, 7th & 8th - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Wild Horse Days at Currituck Heritage Park

Come celebrate with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund the presence and significance of the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs living on the Currituck Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. There will be food, music, games and crafts! Meet a gentles mustang, enjoy carriage rides and try a mini riding lesson too. Call 252-453-8002 for more information.

November 26 - Friday from 9am to 5pm

Black Friday Porch Sale

The Black Friday Porch Sale is the place to buy all your holiday presents! Select unique gifts with the message of preserving the heritage of the Outer Banks. The Whalehead Club's Copper Collection is discounted only once a year & this is it! Enjoy apple cider and home-baked treats while you shop. Plus you can be the first to see this holiday season's decorations in the Whalehead Club inspired by Mr. Knight's etchings from the 1920's. Come away feeling festive not frazzled this Black Friday! Admission & Parking are free.

December 11 - Saturday from 3pm to 6pm

4th Annual Park Illumination Celebration & Holiday Tour

Gather on the north lawn to enjoy free hot chocolate and sing carols while the giant cedar tree in Currituck Heritage Park and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are simultaneously illuminated. The Whalehead Club will open for the holiday tours to show off the house museum festively decorated as in the 1920's. Admission & Parking are free.

Outer Banks Communities with Indoor Pools

If you are considering traveling to the Outer Banks for the Holidays or any off season month, you may want to stay in a community offering an indoor pool. Indoor pools are open year round - giving you the opportunity to enjoy the water even in the Outer Banks' coldest months. The Outer Banks has so much to offer in the off-season, from events such as the Outer Banks Wedding Associations' Wedding Expo in January, the "Taste of the Beach" in March or the Kelly's Annual St. Patricks Day Parade.

So pack the bags (remember the bathing suit) and jump in the car to head to the Outer Banks for an off season Outer Banks vacation.

Below are some Outer Banks communities that offer year-round indoor community pools:

Four Seasons in Duck

Four Seasons is the desired address in Duck. This sidewalk community features soundside pier and park, indoor pool, fitness center, clubhouse, lighted tennis, children's play area, volleyball courts and, of course, trolley service. As the name inplies, it's a great place to be no matter what the season!

Click here for a list of vacation homes in Four Seasons

Schooner Ridge in Duck

Schooner Ridge lies in the heart of the Village of Duck. It is located within walking distance to many of the wonderful Duck shoppes and offers a complete amenity package. Schooner Ridge has multiple swimming pools (one is indoor), hot tub, indoor recreation center with an exercise room, raquetball and tennis courts.

Click here for a list of vacation homes in Schooner Ridge

Duck Landing in Duck

Take a dip in the indoor heated pool (also heated kid's pool) anytime of the year! That is one of the many options to spend your time at Duck Landing. It offers weight/exercise rooms, tennis courts and a game room, all at the Oceanside clubhouse. The town of Duck is an easy walk, job or bike away.

Click here for a list of vacation homes in Duck Landing

Corolla Light in Corolla

This ocean to sound community features a plethora of indoor and outdoor resort amenities for the entire family. Enjoy oceanfront comforts like restaurants, a clubhouse, pools, a gazebo, a playground and more. Some of the soundside amenities include: a picnic area, two pools, a baby pool, a pier and more. The sports center has indoor rqcquetball, indoor pool, hot tub and an array of fitness equipment. The Corolla Light Trolley provides transportation to the many amenities and the beach.

Click here for a list of vacation homes in Corolla Light

Great Customer Service makes Customers for Life!

Here at Beach Realty and Kitty Hawk Rentals we pride ourselves in delivering excellent customer service. Making our guests happy puts smiles on our faces. Below are some happy guests of Beach Realty/Kitty Hawk Rentals:

Dear Management or Owners of Beach Realty:

For ten years or more we've been heading to OBX. We (I) waited to the last minute to book a house (yes, like I always do). After several failed on-line attempts with other companies, and yours, we were fortunate to get Dana Breashears to help us out. When she heard the frustration in our voices she quickly went into action and got us a house at a greatly reduced rate in the area we originally wanted to be, Corolla.

Customer service on this level is very rare to find. As a business owner I know all too well the importance of having great emissaries. Dana should be commended for going above and beyond to help us out.

As a result, Beach Realty, now has a customer for life. We want to thank Dana. First for diffusing a frustrated prospect, secondly for sparing me the deadly blows from my wife and third, for getting us down to OBX again.

Thank you Dana, for a job well done. If you're in the area when we're there, feel free to stop by for some Yankee hospitality.

Ken & Deb Brown (and family)
Hanover, PA


Hello Last week (6/20 to 6/27) we stayed at Dolphins Run # 1300 We had a wonderful time and would like to thank the owners for opening their beautiful home for us to enjoy. And to thank them for the delicious cheesecake they sent to us! We had it for desert one night and breakfast the next day. Just wonderful! We can't wait to come back to KDH again soon! The LaVia Family

Hi,
My family and I really enjoyed our stay at Toby's Place! Thanks for all you do, we appreciate it!
Kelly Jones (used to be Hall, got married)
Kyle Jones

My family really, really enjoyed the stay at this house! The quality and comfort of the beds and furniture was outstanding. It was likea home away from home! We look forward to calling you all again!

Ms Breashears, We had a wonderful time. Everything was in order, and our stay was fine. Many thanks to you and your staff, for a job well done!!!!

For the purposes of the survey form, all were rated excellent by me.

Thanks again, and God Bless you and your staff.
Sincerely,

Michael G. Hutchins

The reservation process was a breeze, much easier than I had expected. It was also very helpful to have the automatic second payment option. Online property search was very helpful and gave great photos. The check in process was super easy, didn't take longer than 2 minutes and we were on our way to our house. Everything was clean and neat when we arrived. We loved the living area and the large living room couch. The whole family could gather in the great room and not be over crowded. Loved the space. Having multiple bathrooms was a nice bonus to have. Great location and great living space. Easy access to the beach and very helpful to have beach chairs and umbrellas to use. The rental process and house was wonderful. The house was just as great as it was in the photos online. I'd defiantly recommend this property and Kitty Hawk Rentals to anyone looking for a great OBX vacation.

Sandcastles Galore!

2009 Outer Banks Sandsculpture Festival

The public is invited to the 2009 Outer Banks Sandsculpture Festival at Kitty Hawk Sports located in Nags Head, NC at Jockey's Ridge Crossing. Highlights include a free "how-to" clinic hosted by sand sculpture professionals, and a kids contest. The event begins July 1 and runs through July 3, 2009.

The Second Annual Outer Banks Sandsculpture Festival will be held July 1st through 3rd in front of Kitty Hawk Sports. Kitty Hawk Sports is located in the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing Shopping Center at Milepost 12 ½ in Nags Head. Team Sandtastic, a professional sand sculpturing company with a Guinness World Record in its portfolio, will be sculpting a 50 ton sand masterpiece. The sculpture will have a “Woodstock” theme and feature the Peace Frog character.

At a time of year when many families flock to the beach for their first rays of the summer, this event will help educate them on the importance of sun protection. The Outer Banks Hospital will be on hand to provide free skin cancer screenings and public education. Peace Frogs has also designed a limited edition sandsculpture t-shirt which will be sold at Kitty Hawk Sports. A portion of t-shirt sales will be contributed to The Outer Banks Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center in support of its services and programs.

There will be a free Sand Clinic on Thursday, July 2nd at 2:00 pm, conducted by Team Sandtastic. They will offer the public a chance to learn Tips, Tricks, Tools, and Techniques of the pros. On Friday, July 3rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, there will be a free Sandsculpture Contest sponsored by Gateway Bank for kids 6 to 12 years of age.

Sandsculpting is both an art and a science, and how long a design lasts is dependent on the weather. It could be days or weeks. Last year’s sculpture lasted over a month and attracted thousands of viewers.Professional sculpting begins Wednesday, July 1st at 9:00 am and the public is invited to observe free of charge.

For more information please visit: http://www.outerbanksfreepress.com/sandcastle.html

It’s Baaaaaack, The Outer Banks Marathon Returns in November

Plans are underway for The Outer Banks Marathon in November. With a set day each year of Veteran’s Day Weekend, the Island will be full of action and activities for the whole family.

Saturday, November 7 is the Family Fun Run, a family friendly event where kids and adults can run and walk for the fun of it!

Sunday, November 8 will be the main events, with the 2009 USATF NC Association Marathon Championship, with varied terrain, coastal, scenic routes throughout the Island.

Also on Sunday, November 8 will be the second main event, the 2009 RRCA NC Half Marathon Championship, the course will be mainly flat and fast, walker friendly, coastal and scenic views.






Beach Realty and Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals is a proud supporter and sponsor of the Outer Banks Marathon, and has been since the race began on the Outer Banks in 2006. Our team enjoys meeting the contestants and their families at our water stop area for the racers, as well as our booth in the Expo.



Take a look at us dressed as Pirates at the water station of last year's Marathon, "Argh!"

Visit the Outer Banks Marathon’s website for more information on the planned activities.

Gather your running shoes, the family and join the fun in November with the Outer Banks Marathon.

The Outer Banks Seal

Cute Overload here folks; something you don’t see everyday at the OBX; an Outer Banks Seal. (At least, we call them that.) Although they’re not native to our Islands, it is a stop on the route when they start migrating to other places. You usually see them in late fall or early spring when they stop to rest on our beaches.

They’re great to take pictures of, but not so great at approaching, so be sure your camera has a loooong lens.

The seals, yet another reason to come the Outer Banks out of season. (Hey, I work for a rental company; you had to know it was going to be said. smile.)

Cape Hatteras lighthouse now open for Climbing!

It’s true! After a very long time of being closed so they could ‘shore up’ the inside, it’s finally re-opened to the public.

This happens so rarely, that it is most definitely worth mentioning. It reopened on 4/17/09 and will remain open until 10/12/09. After that, it might not be open again for a looooong time.

If you love the thrill of climbing lighthouses, and are always looking for a bigger and better one, then this light house will be the ‘king’ of them all.

The 248 spiral stairs made of iron go all the way up; its equivalent to climbing a 12 story building, so bring your most comfortable shoes.

It’s well worth your time, when you get to the top and look out at the world. What a view! There’s nothing else quite like it. My biggest regret at climbing the lighthouse was forgetting my camera, so don’t you forget yours. It’s a long way down to get it.

The fee to climb the lighthouse is $3.50 for children under 12 and senior citizens and $7 for everyone else. According to the park, Children must be able to climb on their own.

Parents, take note; there is a handrail on one side of the stairs only, there are only a few lights and windows and there is no climate control. Since everyone climbs at a different pace, there is two way traffic on the stairs.



Happy climbing! (Don’t forget the camera!)



PS

When you’re driving down to see the lighthouse, don’t forget to stop in Rodanthe to see “Serendipity” the home used in movie “Nights in Rodanthe” staring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

Sunday: A Moment of Tranquility

In Today’s hectic, stress inducing world, We have decided to bring you this “Moment of Tranquility” from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, voted one of the worlds best beaches by Dr Beach.




If that moment was to short for you, try this one. It’s a few seconds longer, but very nice too.




We from Kitty Hawk Rentals, wish you stress free day. See you soon.

Runnin’ Free, the Outer Banks ‘Bankers’: The Wild Horses of Corolla

You may have heard of them, you may have even seen them in such shows as Jon & Kate + 8 or “Rodanthe Nights” with Richard Gere. You might also have seen them on youtube, where they are known to make frequent appearances, shown poking their heads over fences or wandering in the between the houses in the 4 wheel drive area.

But what exactly are these wild horses? Where did they come from, and where are they now? If you’ve always wondered about them then read on…

When the colonists from Spain were settling in the New World in the 1500’s, it was common practice to bring over horses to use during times of war. Sometimes the Ships that were bringing over some of these horses would wreck off our coast, (as many ships did back then.)

The surviving horses swam ashore and went from being domesticated animals into being wild ones.

The Wild horses of Corolla, also called ‘Bankers’ are descendents of these first horses. They are allowed to roam free in the 4 wheel drive area. You can take tours to see them, or if you have 4 wheel drive, you can just go on the beach with it and see if you can find them.

They seem friendly and are used to people, but they are still wild so don’t get too close and don’t feed them.


The herd is managed by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. They make sure that the heard is safe and healthy. (They also get them veterinary care when needed.) When the heard gets too big, some of the younger horses are adopted out. If you already own horses or have the ability to, you can find out more about that program here:







You can read more about the horses here

Save money at the Outer banks, a list of fun, free/inexpensive activities to do at the OBX!

21 Free Outer Banks Activities for you and your Family

With the economy being the way it is, I complied this list to help out. After all, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun at the Outer Banks.

1. Bike around town

2. Swim

3. Beach comb

4. Sunbathe

5. People watch

6. Feed the gulls

7. Go ghost crabbing

9. Climb Jockey’s Ridge

10. Build a sandcastle

11. Visit one or all of the four lighthouses

12. Take the ferry to Ocracoke (don’t forget bread for gulls. They’re such fun to feed from the ferry.)

13. Watch the fisherman bring in the day’s catch at the Oregon inlet fishing center or Pirates Cove

14. Have a picnic on the grounds of the Whalehead club

15. Go crabbing (chicken necks make great bait)

16. Visit the wildlife education center in Corolla

17. Take a stroll at Duck’s new park, complete with playground and sound boardwalk

18. Fly a kite off jockey’s ridge

19. Boogie board or body surf in the shore break

20. Climb the Wright Brothers Memorial

21. Take a road trip to Rodanthe and visit Serendipity, the house in Rodanthe Nights

(view the trailer, the house is real)



10 inexpensive things to do at the Outer Banks

1. Climb one of the lighthouses (Currituck and Cape Hatteras are both open for climbing this year) http://www.outer-banks.com/lighthouses.asp

2. Visit the Whalehead club
http://www.whaleheadclub.com/

3. Tour the Chicamacamico lifesaving station
http://www.chicamacomico.net/

4. Go fishing. There is a small fee for the license.
http://www.ncwildlife.com/

5. Visit festival park
http://www.roanokeisland.com/

6. Visit the Elizabethan Gardens
http://www.elizabethangardens.org/

7. Experience a Red Wolf Howling
http://www.redwolves.com/howling_regis/index.html

8. Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial Museum
http://www.nps.gov/wrbr

9. Bring home souvenirs to show off where you’ve been

10. Visit the Roanoke Island aquarium http://www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island
(Be sure to check out this great video of the Roanoke Island aquarium )

You look like you’ve seen a ghost crab

When visitors hear about ghost crabs for the first time, many think they are snipes. But here on the Outer Banks, ghost crabs are very real, (even if they sometimes are as elusive as mythical snipes)

When you go to the beach, you’ll see evidence of them all around, they live in the holes in the sand that speckle the beach. They almost never come out during day, but sometimes you will see them on overcast days.

If you really want to see one, you should walk the beach after sunset or right as it’s setting, and bring a flashlight. Suddenly, you’ll see a patch of sand move, but it’s not sand, it’s a sand colored ghost crab. Their almost perfect camouflage is how they earned that name.

Sometimes you can even find them under your house. Look for holes with little slash marks around them. These are the marks of ghost crabs legs.

Going out at night with a flashlight looking for ghost crabs is called “ghost crabbing”. It’s more fun to do it in groups, and don’t forget the camera!

Want to Fish? What’s biting?

Have you ever wondered what kinds of fish you can catch here at the Outer Banks? Well I’m about to tell you what’s biting.

Although I’m not guaranteeing that the fish are always biting, here are some of the most common fish that you can catch throughout the year without a boat.

Bluefish

Bluefish usually run in the fall. They grow up to four feet and are outstanding fighters. If you enjoy a bold fish taste, you’ll love bluefish. If you prefer a milder fish taste, you can always release your catch. Anglers usually catch blues from the surf but they can also be caught from the various piers along the Outer Banks.

Speckled trout

Speckled Trout are by far one of our most popular fish, both for eating and for catching. They can be caught throughout the fall and into the winter and are usually snagged with light tackle from the surf.

Rockfish

I hear they call these striped bass in other places, but to the locals, it’s a Rockfish. In the early fall there’s a Rockfish Rodeo with prizes for the biggest Rockfish. If you’re in town then, be sure to check it out. Anglers catch Rockfish throughout the fall, winter and spring. The colder the water the better chance you have. Your best chance at catching rock is from a boat but they can often be beached from the surf and piers.

Flounder

Everyone’s favorite fish, because of its mild, light meat. When you swim in the water, these are one of the fish you do the “shuffle” for. (If you step on one though, it won’t hurt, it just feels weird. I’ve stepped one.) You can catch flounder off of the bottom in the ocean or sound throughout the summer and fall months with live or cut bait.

Drum

Our two most common types are Red and Puppy. Both are great to eat and can be caught almost year around in the ocean and sound. Drum can grow up to 90 lbs and are known for their ability to put up a seemingly endless fight.


Spot and Croaker

Both are fun, easy catches and great to eat. Keep in mind; these are small fish so you will need to catch a handful to feed any substantial number of people. They can be caught in from the surf and the piers in the summer and early fall off the bottom with cut bait and blood worms.

Blowfish

They taste really good and when they get startled, they “blow up” like a puffer fish and are fun to watch. Although similar, they are not puffer fish and are in no way dangerous. However, if you don’t clean them the ‘right way’, the fish can release a chemical that will spoil the taste of the meat. Blowfish can be caught from the surf or the piers with cut or live bait.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of local fish; just some of the more common catches you can expect. Many other fish can be caught in the salt and fresh waters surrounding the Outer Banks. Tuna, dolphin fish, Wahoo, Spanish mackerel, Cobia, Marlin and Sailfish are common offshore catches while an array of freshwater fish from large and small mouth bass, brown and raccoon perch to crappie can be caught in the freshwater canals and sounds inland on the Outer Banks.

We hope you take advantage of the fishing opportunities on the Outer Banks. Please respect the ocean and surrounding waters and release all catches if you’re not planning on eating. A Coastal fishing license can be purchased here; http://www.ncwildlife.com/
or at any bait/tackle store on the Outer Banks. .

5/2-5/7 Activities at the Outer Banks

Fun stuff abounds at the Outer Banks. Here’s what’s going on this week!

Saturday 5/2

Event-Little Women: The Musical
Place-Theatre of Dare, Roanoke Island COA Campus.
Time-7:30pm
Cost-call
Description-
Delightful family musical based on story tracing life and times of four remarkable sisters.
Contact -252 261-4064 http://www.outer-banks.com/calevents/www.theatreofdare.org%20


Event-Youth Aviation Day
Place-Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo
Time-All day
Cost-No admission fee
Description-
Static displays, food, games, Kitty Hawk Kites Rock Climbing Wall, and $10 airplane rides.
Contact -Call Crystal (252)475-5572. http://www.darenc.com/


Sunday 5/3

Event-Little Women: The Musical
Place-Theatre of Dare, Roanoke Island COA Campus.
Time-2:00pm
Cost-call
Description-
Delightful family musical based on story tracing life and times of four remarkable sisters.
Contact -252 261-4064 http://www.outer-banks.com/calevents/www.theatreofdare.org%20


Event-Mollie Fearing Art Show Reception
Place-Roanoke Island Festival Park
Time-4-6
Cost-Free
Description
The 12th Annual Mollie Fearing Art Show. Mingle with local artists and listen to Trio la Mer perform.
Contact -(252)473-5558. http://www.darearts.org/




Monday 5/4


Event-Creature feature
Place-Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-10 am
Cost-FREE
Description- Ages 7-13 Osprey and catfish and snakes, oh my! North Carolina coastal habitats are filled with fascinating critters. Join Wildlife staff as they highlight one of these animals during today’s creature feature.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx

Event-Nature Photography Basics


Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-2 pm
Cost-FREE
Description- Ages 14+ Learn about exposure, composition and special techniques to improve your nature photography. Experience a presentation of nature and wildlife images recently captured from eastern North Carolina.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx




Tuesday 5/5

Event-Beach Exploration
Place- This class meets at the public beach access on the dirt road (E. Corolla Village Rd) across from the lighthouse. Meet instructor by the green sign. Time-9 am
Cost-Free
Description- All Ages Walk with us on the shore. Shells, shore birds, sand and dolphins, we’ll talk about whatever we find along the way.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx



Event- Kayaking the Sound
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-3pm
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 14+ Some previous paddling experience required. Paddle the Currituck Sound by kayak with a naturalist. Discover the history and native wildlife hiding in this thriving marsh habitat. Kayaks will be provided by the center. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water.
Contact– For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx




Wednesday 5/6


Event- History & Habitat of Currituck SoundPlace- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-9am
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 14+ Tour the sound by motorboat, and experience hidden habitats and local lore. Space is limited to four participants only so fills quickly.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx


Event- Fishing the Sound
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-10am
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 7+Come fish with us! We have the bait, poles, and information on what fish you can catch in Currituck Sound. Learn how to cast, ID your catch, and safely release fish. Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx


Event- Fish Scales & Crabby Tales
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-2pm
Cost-free
Description- Ages 4-7 Seaside stories told with a ‘Wild’ twist where characters come to life on the big screen! Stick around after and create your own take-home creature or hike to see some of the real-life heroes.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx




Thursday 5/7



Event- The Early Bird
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-8AM
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 14+
Grab binoculars, set the alarm, and join us to see birding when the action is at its best! This beginners’ class will focus on basic techniques, identification, and behaviors of local and migratory species commonly found in the Northern Outer Banks.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx



Event- Crazy Critters
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-10 AM
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 4-7 From fish to frogs and snakes to sea turtles, all sorts of crazy critters call the Outer Banks home. Join Wildlife staff and make your own creature while learning what makes them tick.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx


Event- Maritime Forest Walk
Place- meets in the parking lot of the reserve located a mile north of the Wildlife Center off of NC12
Time- 2pm
Cost-Free
Description-All Ages Hike through the maritime forest at Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve and see what plants and wildlife call the Outer Banks home.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx



Event-Outer Banks History Center Honors David Stick
Place-Kellys Restaurant in Nags Head
Time-12-2 pm
Cost-$20
Public is invited to attend
Contact -(252)473-2655




Friday 5/8

Event- Kayaking the Sound
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-9:30am
Cost-Free
Description- Ages 14+ Some previous paddling experience required. Paddle the Currituck Sound by kayak with a naturalist. Discover the history and native wildlife hiding in this thriving marsh habitat. Kayaks will be provided by the center. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water.
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx



Event- Spring Into Action
Place- Wildlife Education Center, Corolla (next to the Whalehead club)
Time-2 PM
Cost-free
Description- Ages 7+
Join us this spring and learn simple, everyday things you can do to help our coastal environment become a healthier, happier place!
Contact – For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 3.
https://ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx



Event-Little Women: The Musical
Place-Theatre of Dare, Roanoke Island COA Campus.
Time-7:30pm
Cost-call
Description-
Delightful family musical based on story tracing life and times of four remarkable sisters.
Contact -252 261-4064 http://www.outer-banks.com/calevents/www.theatreofdare.org%20

This is going on all week!


Event-Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Open For Climbing!
Place-Buxton
Time-Sales begin at 8:15 am; Climbing begins at 9 am
Cost-$7 adult, $3.50 under 12 or seniors
Description-
Runs every 10 minutes limit 30 visitors per day. Sales close at 4:30 pm
Contact-http://www.outerbanks.org/attractions/lighthouses/cape_hatteras_lighthouse.asp

We have a Winner! ACM Video of the year shot on the Outer Banks!

It’s true, Brad Paisley’s award winning country music video, “Waitn’ on a Woman” was filmed right here on the Outer Banks.

The video stars Brad Paisley and our own, Andy Griffith. The mall clips were shot at the Tanger Outlet Mall and the ending part was shot on Pea Island’s Wildlife refuge.

The Academy of Country Music gave the video one of its highest honors; “Video of the Year”

Watch the video here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvKgnkIN8C8

We’re being discovered more and more lately. You should come discover us too.

Are you addicted to the Outer Banks? Take this simple test…

What’s the best thing to be addicted to? Why, it’s the Outer Banks of course, and once it gets under your skin, you will never want to leave.

Two of our beaches didn’t win “best beach” by Dr Beach for nothing you know. you can view that result here: http://www.drbeach.org/drbeach/


Are you addicted to it? Let’s find out...

10. Do you book your reservation a year in advance, (and are sad when you can’t book it 2 years in advance?)

9. Are the pictures of your kids all on the Outer Banks? Or should this be more like-Do you have more photos of your children taken on the Outer Banks than any other location?

8. Do you go to youtube and check out Outer Banks more then twice a week?

7. Do you have an OBX license plate even thought you don’t live in NC?

6. Is your screen saver of the Outer Banks?

5. Do you love seagulls?

4. Do hear the phrase ‘sound’ and think of water, not noise?

3. Would you rather come here than Disney?

2. Do you know all the Outer Banks Legends better than the Locals do?

1. ...And of course the number one way you know you are addicted…You’ve been coming so long and so often that the business owners remember your name.

If you said yes to all these, you’re practically a local, so come on, move down and join us on the Outer Banks! You’ll be glad you did.

If you said no to all these, what do you mean you haven’t been down here yet? What are you waiting for? Come see for yourself how great it is.

Any number between 10-0, you need to make a few more trips here. Don’t worry, it’ll happen.

Brought to you by Kitty Hawk Rentals from the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina

Special Tax Day Edition; $787 Billion - Right or Wrong?

In ‘honor’ (and I use that word loosely) of tax day, I have posted this special Tax day edition, and I would like to thank my friend and today’s Guest Beth Urch

Market Matters by Beth Urch, Sales Manager reprinted from an article written on 2/10
Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals

$787 Billion - Right or Wrong?

$787 Billion is an unfathomable number to most of us and whether you supported the bill or were opposed, it’s a part of our lives now. What does it mean for Outer Banks property owners? For those who use their Outer Banks homes as their primary residence it may mean the opportunity to refinance and the ability to stave off foreclosure and that will be a wonderful thing for everyone. In order for the market to stabilize and return to a desirable steady, slow appreciation, the bank-owned properties and foreclosures must dry up, disappear, go away and hopefully never be seen again! As long as banks are willing to accept low-ball offers, our market values will continue to decline. The stimulus plan may help out enough homeowners to make a difference on the rate of foreclosures and thus turn this market around.

On the Outer Banks, buyers are still hungry for deals and the bank owned properties and short sale transactions remain popular due to pricing. So far in 2009, we’ve seen 72 single-family homes sell and 23, or 31% of these transactions were bank owned properties. March 4th marks the eligibility date for the stimulus package offerings and I predict we will see a decline in the rate of foreclosed properties almost immediately. Lien holders will be less likely to foreclose if there is a chance the loan can be restructured creating an affordable alternative for the buyer. If you want to read more on the details of the stimulus plan follow this link to the www.realtor.org site:
http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/homeowner_afford_stability_plan?lid=ronav0019

What can Beach Realty do for you? Give us a call. Our team of knowledgeable real estate professionals can prepare a detailed report on market activity, create a CMA and keep you informed. If you’ve been waiting to put your home on the market, I encourage you to give us a call. We’re here to help.

Please call or contact me, Beth Urch, Sales Manager (252) 261-3815 or beth@beachrealtync.com. I’ll match you with the Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals real estate professional that specializes in the area your home is located.

Dogs at the Beach

They’re your fur babies. You can’t imagine leaving them home. But there’s more to bringing dogs to the beach then just putting them in the car. Below you will find some tips to make it a more enjoyable, hassle free experience for all.

Rent a pet house
This seams obvious, but what it really means is that if a home does not specifically say that pets (dogs) are welcome, then they’re not. However, we do have a large variety of pet homes and they can be viewed here.

http://www.beachrealtync.com/rental/results.html?User=BRC8023&Photos=1&Limit=10&Start=1&Avail=2009-04-13&Stay=&NR=149&msg=

*Pet homes are for 2 dogs. If you are bringing more, please contact us. *

Know your dog and your beach
Is your dog happy just to stay in the house all day and be near you, or does he/she love playing on the beach? The answer to this question might determine where you should stay. Once the season starts, (Memorial Day to Labor Day) dogs are only allowed on the beach in Corolla, Duck and Nags Head; leashes are required.

Bring water and snacks to the beach
It’s not a good idea to let your dog drink salt water or eat the stuff he/she finds on the beach. So bring water and snacks for him/her, you’ll be glad you did.

The sun is strongest between 12pm-3pm
I mention this because a very strong sun can give a dog a sunburn on the ears and other parts of the face. Also, the sand is at its hottest. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Careful of the grass
I’m not saying keep off it, you can go on it, but many times, the grass can have sandspurs that can get caught in your dog’s fur or paws. Always check your dog for them after a romp in the grass.

Give your dog a flea treatment before you come
It’s not that we have a big problem with fleas or ticks, but we’re more rural, so if you’re from a city, there might be few more pests that can affect your pet than you’re used to.

Pick up after your dog
I know you probably would anyway, but it bears being redundant. Dogs are welcome on the beaches, and we would like to keep it that way.

Check out the local stores
There are lots of stores down here that cater to dogs. They feature everything from “Yappy Hour” to “Barking Parking” from handmade gourmet dog biscuits to organic…well everything for dogs. Every town from Corolla to Manteo has at least one of these types of stores, so be sure you and your dog check one out.

Keep these tips in mind and you and your dog(s) can have a blast at the beach for many years to come.

Brought to you by Kitty Hawk Rentals from the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina

Rental terms, demystified

If you check a variety of websites before renting a home on the Outer Banks, you will notice that all rental companies use very similar terminology. Once you begin renting in the Outer Banks on a regular basis, you will become familiar with our terms and phrases. However, the terms are largely unfamiliar to first or second timers. I’d like to offer some explanations and clarifications of the most commonly used rental terms.

Oceanfront - No intervening homes or lots between home and ocean. Distance varies and ocean view not guaranteed.


Semi-Ocean Front- Only one lot, house or unit between subject and ocean. Some areas will have a road to cross to get to ocean but still only one property between it and ocean. Distance varies and ocean view not guaranteed.


Ocean Side- Two or more houses between subject property and ocean. No roads to cross, but distance varies greatly. Access to ocean usually direct via dedicated easements and/or private roads.


Between the Highways- House located between the Beach Road (2 lanes) and the main road, (4 lanes) Access to beach by public access areas only!


Soundside- House closer to Sound than Ocean. Sound view is usual, but not guaranteed, and distance to Sound (and ocean) varies.


Sound front- means that you are right on the sound and have access to it. Many soundfront homes have private dock, (great for crabbing)


Master bedroom-bedroom with a private bathroom accessible only by the bedroom. If it has a second door, it is not true master.


Half bath-bathroom with a toilet and sink, no tub or shower


Grills-all grills are charcoal unless otherwise noted, usually they are park grills


Park Grill-stationary grill on a post usually located away from the home, that you see in, well, parks.

Park grill

Brought to you by Kitty Hawk Rentals from the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina

How to pick the perfect house

Brought to you by Kitty Hawk Rentals from the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina

Vacations are great, but planning them can be so stressful. Especially if you’re the one the rest of the group is trusting to make the arrangements. You want to pick out the “perfect” house, but what makes it perfect?

If you discuss this with your group before hand, it doesn’t have to be so hard. It’s just knowing the right questions to ask.


What’s your group like?
Restaurants are plentiful on the Outer Banks, so you never have to worry about that.
Both Beaches also have access to golf, mini golf and grocery stores.

Movie theatres, chain establishments, action and entertainment are more common on the southern beaches.

Quaint boutique type shops, nature’s beauty, history and a return to a ‘simpler time’ await you in the Northern beaches.

Dogs
Is anyone bringing them? If so, you might want to stay to the northern beaches of Duck and Corolla or the very southern beach of Nags Head. Dogs aren’t allowed on the other beaches once the season starts.

If not, is anyone allergic or would otherwise mind being in a pet house?

Price range
Often, the proximity to the beach is the most important factor in pricing a house. With a large luxury oceanfront running about $10,000 to a similar soundside running about $3000. Often times, you can stay within your price range just by going a little farther back. Discuss with your group beforehand if you’d rather have luxury or closeness to the beach, should it come to that.


Travel insurance
Not a factor in choosing a house true, but it becomes a consideration once you’re ready to book. It’s best to know this ahead of time too. It protects you in case of trip interruption due to death, illness in the family, mandatory hurricane evacuation and other unforeseen circumstances like that.

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can feel confident that you reserved a house that everyone can be happy with. Then, just enjoy your vacation, you’ve earned it.

Bike week is coming! Bike week is coming!

The Outer Banks is gearing up for the 7th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week™, and Kitty Hawk Rentals is proud to be a sponsor of this year's event taking place April 23rd to the 26th.

What you may ask is Bike week? Well, bike week is the most talked about Bike rally on the East Coast. Bike enthusiasts come from all over to enjoy both what the Outer Banks has to offer and the vendors who come just for this.

This year there will be 100 venders at 3 different sites selling stuff bikers like. (I’ve never seen such a good selection of leather ‘stuff’) They’ll also be all kinds of bike themed events. A good time will be had by all. You can read all about it here:
http://www.harleybay.com/custompage.asp?pg=bikeweek

Need accommodations? We have over 500 homes and condominiums located from Corolla to South Nags Head. We offer weekly and partial rentals. You can book online at http://www.beachrealtync.com/, or you can call 800-635-1559, and one of our friendly Vacation Specialists will help you find the right home.

Reserve a home for Outer Banks Bike Week™ and you will be entered to win a 3 night stay in one of our premier Ocean Front vacation homes for Outer Banks BikeFest™

Nearly 10,000 bikers are expected to participate in this year's events, so don't delay - call us today!