Things to do on the Outer Banks

Gearing up to stay in one of beautiful OBX Vacation Rentals? As relaxing as that sounds, I’m sure you don’t want to stay in during your whole vacation. Even though we’re known for our laid-back island atmosphere, we still know how to have fun! The great thing about the Outer Banks is that there is such a huge variety of things for you to do while you’re here on vacation. Everyone in the group is bound to find something that they love to do. And why not try something new while you’re here?
 
For the adventurer:
 
Any watersport you could possibly think of is available on the Outer Banks. For the complete beginner to the expert, both lessons and rentals are offered up and down the OBX with local experts there to help you along the way. Whether it’s jet skiing, ocean and sound kayaking, parasailing, wind surfing, kite boarding, or surfing, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to try paddle boarding and sailing too! After you’re soaked and exhausted, head back to your OBX vacation rental for a relaxing night in.

For the family: 

Are your most recent family photographs a little out dated? In need of a beautiful new Christmas card to send next year? Take advantage of our beautiful white sandy beaches and gather the kids up for a new family portrait. No more struggling to get your kids to smile and look like they’re getting along—while on vacation everyone’s smiles will be genuine. Outer Banks has many talented local photographers that will snap, shoot and click until you get your perfect family photo.

For the shopper: 

OBX is a unique and one-of-a-kind place and our local shops reflect that. You can find tons of local surf shops equipped with the latest styles and a touch of island flair as well as art galleries and souvenir shops. Bring everyone home back a souvenir, and make sure to shop a little for yourself while you’re here. You could find some great shops within walking distance of your OBX Vacation rentals.

For the foodie:

Take a break from the boring chains and try eating at one of our many local restaurants. With fresh seafood and creative local flavors, even the most “seasoned” food critic will be impressed.

For the kids:

With tons of kid-friendly activities including museums, parks, aquariums, and playgrounds, both kid and parent will be happy on this vacation.

For the history buff: 

The Outer Banks is a place rich in history. Here was the spot that where the first colonists to settle the Americas arrived, only to mysteriously disappear. The Wright Brothers chose this place to test the first flight. Not only that, but the famous pirate Blackbeard frequented the Outer Banks. 

For the hard worker: 

As much as we love adventure here on the Outer Banks, we know how important relaxing is to a great vacation. While sitting on the beach with your toes in the sand is relaxing, kick it up a notch and visit one of many spas. Take some time out for yourself— you deserve it!
With plenty of things to do and see, the Outer Banks is the perfect vacation. Whether it’s a fun family weekend, a break spent with your friends, or a romantic getaway, there is sure to be something to delight everyone. Check out some of our OBX vacation rentals today and get to planning your next vacation!

Carolina Designs- Outer Banks History/ First Flight

Planning a vacation in the Outer Banks? If your ideal vacation involves soaking up some rich history as well as the sun, consider staying in one of our gorgeous Kill Devil Hills rentals. Just minutes away from the Wright Brother Memorial, you can spend your morning relaxing on the beach with your toes in the sand, and then spend an enriching afternoon delving into the fascinating history of the town. 

A town in Dare County, Kill Devil Hills is the oldest town of the Outer Banks region. The town is named after the 90 foot dune, Big Kill Devil Hill, but there are numerous stories of how that mountain of sand got its name. Some believe that it comes from a brand of rum called “Kill Devil,” which had been washed ashore during the colonial times. Another stories gives credit to the pirates who brewed their own moonshine in the area which they claimed was “strong enough to kill the devil.” A third story blames the rum that had been washed ashore from a shipwreck. Locals drank such a large amount of the powerful stuff that they said it was enough to “kill the devil.”

While the legends and stories of pirates are all in good fun, it is the remarkable story of the first flight that is most noteworthy about the town of Kill Devil Hills, although Kitty Hawk usually gets the credit. On December 17, 1903, above the rolling hills of sand belonging to Kill Devil Hills, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first heavier-than-air powered flight.This12 second, 120-feet flight then launched the Age of Aviation. The brothers made four successful flights at the base of the big hill that is now part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 

Want to learn more? From any of the Kill Devil Hills rentals, take a short drive to the Visitor Center at milepost 8, where history buffs can feast their eyes on a full-scale reproduction of the Wright 1903 Powered Flyer as well take a look at some interpretive presentations. In the pavilion, visitors can check out a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider as well as other special exhibits. Outside of the center, feel as if you are present during those famous 12 seconds as you make out all the historical markers of each attempted powered flight. Then take a look at the replica camp buildings before you snap a few photographs on top Big Kill Devil Hill, where a 60-foot granite monument honoring the Wright brothers stands tall. 

Hungry for more Kill Devil Hills history? Before Orville and Wilbur Wright ever happened upon those fateful dunes, the town boasted a Life Saving Station that had been built in 1878. It was one of 11 stations built along the Outer Banks and was constructed for trained rescue workers. These “surfmen” were there to help with any shipwrecks or maritime disasters. They rescued hapless shipwrecked victims in lifeboats that were brought back to land by the surf.

Other than being a town of full of history, Kill Devil Hills is centrally located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With beach access only a short walk away, local eateries right down the street, activities and rentals available nearby and unique shops littered up and down the main road, Kill Devil Hills rentals have something to please everyone, be it the passionate shopper or the easy going beach-goer, the fun-loving adventurer or the trivia hungry history buff.