Life on the Outer Banks

Most every topic imaginable gets covered about the Outer Banks except the one that might be the most important, “What is it like to live on the Outer Banks?” There is a certain amount of logic to discussing this question, since ours is an economy dominated by tourism, so folks come down for a short visit and then head home. Since it’s a question that comes up consistently, maybe this is a good time to give my personal overview.

First of all, for those people asking about our schools, or whether we even have schools, the answer is, “Yes, we have an excellent school system.” Dare County Schools, which comprise most of the Outer Banks, are amongst the best in the state. First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills and Manteo High School were recently ranked in the top 10% of high schools in the nation by two national publications.

 

Corolla is a part of Currituck County, and although the county schools are not quite as highly rated as Dare County, their school system is also quite good. Particularly noteworthy is Waterside Charter School in Corolla. This K-6 school was started to keep primary school kids from spending 2-3 hours a day on a school bus to arrive to and depart from their mainland schools. This school is an excellent example of what can go right with the charter school concept.

When stuck in summer traffic with 150,000 cars, including 375,000 new visitors per week, it may be hard to imagine our simpler way of life. We have several incorporated towns; Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo. For most, that may be a good indicator of where you live, but our real identity is within the community called the Outer Banks. 

It’s true that once our guests depart, things do slow down considerably, but they certainly don’t stop. Although many local events are designed for our visitors, a majority of our off season gatherings are what makes small town America so wonderful.

 For example, The Dare County Arts Council just finished up their Artrageous celebration, which is about blending the kids of our communities with art. During the holidays, there are numerous parades and tree lightings. Duck celebrations are completely unique and worth exploring. And, for those looking for an old time flavor, Manteo events appear as if they have come straight from a Currier & Ives print. 

Like most small communities, we become friends with our neighbors and friendly with most everyone else. One remarkable trait of the Outer Banks is how that strong sense of community remains. There is a palpable feeling of “we are in this together,” so when a neighbor is in need, the outpouring of support is awe inspiring. That definitely doesn’t mean we march in lock step with one another. Most of us have pretty strong views on topics ranging from politics to religion. It’s just that we haven’t lost that strong understanding of how important each individual is to the overall community.

5 Reasons to Consider OBX Rentals with Sunday Check-Ins

When it comes to planning your next Outer Banks vacation, you may want to strongly think about checking in on Sunday.  Rentals usually require a Friday, Saturday or Sunday check-in, depending on the home owner.   

We are always amazed at how many guests choose to hit the Outer Banks on Saturday for their vacations. It seems to be a mind-set that sticks with everyone.  But checking in on Sunday is a great idea as it has its own set of advantages that most vacationers do not realize.  Following are the top reasons to consider OBX rentals with Sunday arrivals.   

1.       Not As Much Traffic.There is simply not as much traffic arriving on the OBX if you wait until Sunday.  Because everyone is excited to begin their vacations and get to their OBX rentals, traffic begins to get slow and congested.  

2.       Day-Trippers Have Usually Come and Gone.  The Outer Banks is always more crowded on Saturdays mostly because people from the mainland head over the bridge to spend the day on the beach.  By waiting until Sunday to arrive for vacation, guests can avoid the day-trippers who have usually come and gone by Sunday afternoon.

3.       Early Check-In May Be Possible.  During heavy vacation seasons, early check-in is hard to accomplish, butearly check-in may be possible on Sundays. There are typically not as many turn-overs (when one group checks out and another checks in) so housekeeping gets the rentals cleaned and put back together earlier in the day.  Early check-in is standard when possible and gives guests the opportunity to arrive as soon as 1pm.  

4.       Get an Extra Day to Prepare and Pack for Vacation.  Preparing for vacation is timeconsuming and oh, so stressful.  Add these issues to the fact that most people wait until Friday after work to actually start the process and it is a recipe for disaster…or at least a couple of quick squabbles at home.  By renting Sunday check-in OBX rentals, vacationers have all day Saturday to prepare, pack, and get a good night’s sleep before travelling, not to mention remembering to pack the beach toys, golf clubs, and whatever else that tends to be forgotten.  

5.       Leaving the Following Sunday is Easier.  Ever notice the long line of cars heading off the Outer Banks on Saturday mornings?  That is the result of so many Saturday to Saturday guests leaving at the same time.  Most guests have long drives (even North Carolina residents have up to six or seven-hour drives) and with a mass Saturday morning exodus, the long drive is extended by another hour or two hours.  On Sundays, while there are some guests leaving, the drive off the island takes much less time.

Think Ahead and Plan

When planning your next OBX vacation, think ahead and plan to check-in on Sunday.  By looking at the big picture, it makes sense and even gets the vacation off on the right foot. 

We have a large number of Sunday check-in vacation rentals from which to choose and as a 2012 Best of the Beach winner, we do everything in our power to make your vacation a memorable one.  Let us help you plan your next vacation on the Outer Banks.  Call us with any questions or to make reservations at 866-760-ELAN (3526).  We are waiting for you!

The Graveyard of the Atlantic -- A Must-Do for History Buffs and Divers

If you enjoy going on unique vacations Outer Banks history offers an historical opportunity that offers two separate ways to enjoy one of the OBX’s most famous locations.  The Graveyard of the Atlantic is a stretch of water off the coast of North Carolina along the Outer Banks.  It is known for being the entombment of thousands of ships and seamen lost at sea.  This stretch of water is dangerous as it is where the two main currents along the eastern seaboard converge and create treacherous waves and turbulence making it difficult to navigate.  

 

Probably the most difficult area is just off the coast of Cape Hatteras.  Known as Diamond Shoals, this is a large area of sand shoals that stick up like diamonds and extend out about 14 miles off shore.  Because of the changing tides and currents, the sand constantly shifts creating shoals that move positions.  Lighthouses along the Outer Banks light the way to assist in the navigation of the ships along this dangerous stretch of water.  

Getting wrapped up in the history of the Graveyard of the Atlantic is easy and fun.  It is, without a doubt, a must-do for history buffs and divers alike.  There is so much to see whether diving down to the sites of shipwrecks or spending an afternoon at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Cape Hatteras. 

The History of the Graveyard of the Atlantic

While there have been thousands of shipwrecks over the past 400+ years, there have been several that have made it into the history books.  The first one is actually the first recorded shipwreck that dates back to the mid-1500s. It sank at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.  The USS Monitor is probably the most well-known shipwreck which occurred during the Civil War.  Almost a year ago, the HMS Bounty, the replica sailing ship built for the movie, Mutiny on the Bounty, was sailing from the coast of Maine and down the eastern coast.  It ended up sinking off the coast of North Carolina during Hurricane Sandy even though it tried to sail around it.  

A visit to the Hatteras location of the North Carolina Maritime Museums is a fascinating and extensive exhibit that relays the stories of the famous shipwrecks like the USS Monitor, the German U-Boats, the history of the US Lifesaving Service and lighthouses as well as the history of the Graveyard of the Atlantic.   In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers programs, events and so much more throughout the year like kids events, crafting activities, movies and other historical programs. History buffs, especially maritime aficionados, easily spend a day or two at the Maritime Museum taking in everything.

Diving the Graveyard

Another way to soak in (literally soak in) the history of the waters off the OBX is to dive some of the shipwrecks.  Some of the more popular dives include the Papoose which was a tanker that was torpedoed by the German U124 sub in 1942.   

Stretching out 412 feet about 120 feet down along the ocean’s floor, the Papoose is filled with so much sea life as it has become a reef providing tons of food for everything living below the surface. 

Another popular spot to dive is the U352, a German U Boat that also sank in 1942.  It is typically the first spot to which divers head simply because it is a classic dive filled with so much life.  

Because there are so many potential dive sites, OBX diving shops are the best ways to wreck dive.  Companies like Outer Banks Dive Center in Nags Head or Outer Banks Diving in Hatteras have charters that head out daily to the various sites depending on which ones are the most visible.   

A More Entertaining Trip

No matter the purpose of your OBXvacations, including a trip to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Hatteras or wreck diving to see the Graveyard of the Atlantic firsthand with local dive shops makes for a more entertaining and thrilling trip.  

Elan Vacations is available to help in the preparation of all of your vacation needs.  Just call toll free 866-760-ELAN (3526) or email us to make reservations or get more information on planning a trip to the Outer Banks

Roanoke Island Festival Park

Located in Manteo, this 25-acre interactive historic site is convenient to all of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks. Only 5 miles from Nags Head and 30 minutes from both Hatteras Island and Kitty Hawk, this park is a must-see for all visitors and guests to the Outer Banks. With tons of Outer Banks history, nature, recreation and family activities this is the ideal choice for a day outing with the entire family.

The Elizabeth II 16^th Century Representative Ship
At the park you can board and explore the Elizabeth II from every angle. Help the “16^th century sailors” set the sails or plot a course with an astrolabe. Or swab the decks while you’re enjoying the view of the sound from the quarterdeck. Raise the ships anchor, play checkers with a sailor or search for surprise in barrels and boxes. Learn about the historic Roanoke voyages from the interpretive staff of friendly sailors. 

American Indian Town
Explore Coastal Algonquian culture and history in one of the newest exhibits to Roanoke Island Festival Park. The town represents an American Indian community that would have been similar to what the English explorers investigated and surveyed during their voyages to Roanoke Island in the late 16^th century. The interactive exhibit focuses on the developing relationship between the American Indian and English peoples. Two 30 foot longhouses, a ceremonial dance circle and three work shelters are just a few of the things you’ll get to see at this historical exhibit. 

Settlement Site
Featuring costumed interpreters from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585, this exhibit shows visitors what daily life was like for soldiers and sailors who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to build a permanent colony for England. 

Roanoke Adventure Museum
Take a self-guided tour through 400 years of Outer Banks history in this interactive museum. Children can play dress up with 16^th century costumes. Learn about 16^th century navigation with an astrolabe, read quotes from Thomas Hariot’s journal, view a miniature version of a longhouse, read about the Lost Colony and more!

Performance Series
The RoanokeIsland Festival Park offers year round music, dance, drama, opera and children’s shows, inviting the performing arts departments from all campuses of the University of North Carolina. These performances showcase some of North Carolina’s best young talent!

Roanoke Island Festival Park Events in May

Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show.From May 5^th to May 30^th, come check out the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show. This annual exhibit features an eclectic mix of local art. Free and open to the public, it is sponsored by the Dare County Arts council and was created to honor Mollie Fearing who was a prominent figure in the Manteo community. Fearing helped form the Sea and Sounds Arts Council that has since evolved into the current Dare County Arts Council. The exhibit will be open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” On May 4^th at 2 p.m., the East Carolina University will be presenting their “Storybook Theatre Tales from Around the World Part II” along with a workshop and RIFP Children’s Show. This interactive theatre offers enchanting and exciting stories that have been gathered from around the world. On stage they will bring clutures, tales and celebrations to life. Newly gathered tales include “The Bat of Colors” from Mexico, “The Bamboo Princess” from Japan, “The Rooster and the Hen” from Russia and many , many more. A short, 45 minute workshop will follow and allow the children to create their own stories, costumes and props. Tickets can be purchased at the park in advance or on the day of the event.

Kidsfest
On May 10^th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion, presented by the Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, Kidsfest is a free and fun-filled day for kids and their families. Children five and under can enjoy face painting, musical performances, blocks and bubbles, ice cream, art and much more. There will also be a fire truck and a United States Coast Guard boat which kids can climb aboard and explore. For more information, go to www.darekids.org

While you are staying at one of our vacation rentals in the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a great place to take the whole family for an educational and exciting experience! Find out more information about the park and events by visiting their website at roanokeisland.com or calling 252-475-1500. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.