March is a Huge Month on the Outer Banks

At Carolina Designs, we are busy at work getting ready for the events and activities that are about to take place.  March is a huge month on the Outer Banks with lots to do.  We look forward to it every year and cannot wait to help our guests with their Nags Head vacation rentals or those in any of the other towns along the barrier islands we call home.

The main events happen throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend when the Outer Banks Taste of Beach Wine and Seafood Festival takes place.  Named as one of the Top 10 Seafood and Wine Festivals by Coastal Living Magazine, people come from all over to attend Taste of the Beach.  Over the weekend, March 14-17, 2013, locals and visitors alike enjoy the delicacies from area restaurants and chefs as well attend cooking classes and restaurant tours. 

In addition to Taste of the Beach, St. Patrick’s Day weekend is filled with other events and activities for everyone.  On Saturday, March 16, 2013, the 5^th Annual Running of the Leprechaun 8K race takes place with a course traversing through Nags Head and ending at Kelly’s Restaurant where people are waiting to congratulate the runners and enjoy ice cold beer and more.  On Sunday, one of the most beloved events takes place – the Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.  As the largest of its kind in North Carolina, the parade brings thousands to the streets of the Outer Banks to “get their Irish on!”

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not remind our current and future guests that Spring Break planning is in full gear.  With Easter Sunday taking place on March 30, 2013, now is the time to make plans to spend Spring Break on the Outer Banks.  There is no better way to spend time with family and friends than on the beach. 

At Carolina Designs, we offer the perfect vacation rentalson the Outer Banks for visitors coming to enjoy all of the activities over St. Patrick’s Day weekend or any other vacation on the Outer Banks.  For more information or to make reservations, call us at (800) 368-3825 or email us at rentals@carolinadesigns.com.

Planning a day trip to Hatteras

While you’re staying at one of our many vacation rentals in Outer Banks, immerse yourself in the laid-back island lifestyle as much as you possibly can. If you are currently planning a vacation without setting aside a day to visit Hatteras, then you’ll “shorely” miss out on one of our best kept secrets. Hatteras Island is the place to go to get away from it all. Imagine the picturesque miles of undeveloped beach wilderness and stretches of sand dunes that exist throughout the seven village communities; Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. 

Even though Hatteras promises serenity and seclusion, don’t mistake this as having nothing to do. From your vacation rental in Outer Banks, take just a short road trip to Hatteras Island and be instantly transported. Here there are recreational activities that the whole family can enjoy, tons of local distinctive shops, and, while we can’t promise the typical chains or fast food, there are many quaint local eateries to choose from that are sure to entice your taste buds and provide an exquisite dining experience. Need help planning your day trip? Here are just a few of the unique locales that won’t disappoint.

Restaurants

Dolphin Den
With over 30 years of professional food service experience combined with a cookbook of  island family recipes, this is restaurant is a favorite for both locals and tourists. Also known for their award winning Key Lime Pie, make sure this is one of your several stops during your day trip to Hatteras Island. 

Rusty’s Surf & Turf
Here you will be immersed in a culturally rich dining experience. While you are surrounded by cheerful local artwork, try any of their bold dishes utilizing creative preparations of the local seafood. Chef Rusty Midgett, a native of Hatteras, is continually inspired by all of the exotic places he has traveled on surf trips. Enjoy the flavor of the islands at Rusty’s Surf & Turf.

Activities

OceanAir Sports
Whether you are an expert kite boarder or a beginner kayaker, there will be something here for everyone. Offering both lessons and rentals for windsurfing, kite boarding, standup paddle boarding, surfing, kayaks,, sailing and Waverunners, OceanAir Sports in the perfect place for your Hatteras Island adventure to begin!

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
With more than 265 species of birds such as both Canada and snow geese, heron, egret and tern, Pea Island could very well be considered a birder’s paradise. For the beginner, guided bird walk programs are offered year round. There is a hiking trail along all the beaches on Pea Island where visitors can step back and observe all of the magnificent wildlife the island has to offer.

Shopping

Blue Pelican Gallery
With an emphasis on local artists, you can bet that you’ll find the perfect souvenir here. From home décor to functional art, to crafts and art gifts, and wedding favors and favors. Plus every time you visit you’ll find something new to catch your eye—featured artist-owner Jennifer Johnson changed the inventory weekly, if not daily. 

Indian Town Gallery
Featuring arts and crafts made by the locals. Sometimes when you stop by at the right time you’ll have the chance to watch local artists working on their creations. In the gallery, catch a class taught by one of our many talented local artists. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art, pottery, jewelry and much more.

With all these unique experiences on the island, it may be hard to leave Hatteras at the end of your day. Just make sure that you don’t forget to head over and climb the tallest brick lighthouse in America at Cape Hatteras before you take one long look at the peaceful beaches as you head back to your vacation rentals in Outer Banks.