Outer Banks Events for March 2008
Well, February is over, and now we can look forward to March. The month of March is filled with many exciting events and festivals for all to enjoy. Whether you want to learn about the Outer Banks’ history or you want to partake in the Easter Eggstravaganza; March is an exciting time to visit the Outer Banks.
March 1-2:
Roanoke Island 1862 – A Civil War living History Weekend. This is the seventh annual festival which is taking place at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This year is special as they are commemorating the 145th anniversary of The Battle of Roanoke Island. The event is taking place Saturday March 1st (10am to 5pm) and Sunday March 2nd (10am to 3pm). For more information, please call (252) 475-1500 or visit www.roanokeisland.com.
March 3-26:
Priceless Pieces Past and Present Quilt Extravaganza. This event also takes place at Roanoke Island Festival Park. If you like quilts, this is the place to be. On display will be old quilts, new quilts, quilts with stories, and historical quilts which hang all month long. All quilts at the festival have a connection with Dare County. The festival will be open Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm and weekends from noon to 4pm. For more information please call (252) 475-1500 or visit www.roanokeisland.com.
March 6-9:
Come and enjoy the Taste of the Beach festival running from March 6th to March 9th. The Taste of the Beach is presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association. Beginning on Thursday evening, many local restaurants will host exclusive dinners with special menus. This is a great opportunity for anyone to experience the best of the local cuisine. For more information please visit www.outerbanksra.com.
March 7, 14, 21, 28:
Outer Banks Yappy Hour. Sponsored by the Scarborough Lane Shoppes in Duck; this is a great place to meet and talk to people from the community, and best of all it is pet friendly. Everyone is encouraged to bring their canine friend. For more information please call (252) 475-1506 or visit www.Outerbarks.com.
March 14-15:
Basics of lofting. For anyone interested in learning about the basics of lofting, this is a great event for you. It takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island. The cost of the class is $120. For more information please call (252) 475-1506 or visit www.roanokeisland.com.
March 16:
Annual Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This one day event is full of fun and is dedicated to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. This is North Carolina’s biggest parade on St. Patrick’s Day. The parade starts at 1pm from Beach Road MP 12-10.5. For more information please call (252) 441-4116 or visit www.kellysrestaurant.com.
March 22:
Kitty Hawk Kites Easter Eggsstravaganza. Celebrate Easter at the Outer Bank’s largest Easter Egg Hunt. This event takes place on March 22 between 10am and 2pm at MP 12.5; Kitty Hawk Kites. There will be over 2,000 toy filled Easter Eggs waiting to be discovered. For more information please call 1-888-FLY-THIS or visit www.kittyhawk.com.
Labels: Outer Banks Events
Wild Horses of the Outer Banks
The wild horses in Corolla have been a staple of the Outer Banks since the mid 1500’s. These horses have been a symbol of the rugged but picturesque landscape of the area. However, due to the increase of inhabitation in the area, the wild horses have almost vanished.
Before the increased development in the 1980’s and 1990’s, wild horses roamed free around the grassy areas and beaches of the northern barrier islands. Tourists and locals would commonly see the horses roaming along the side of the road, (the only road in town). At first the horses were not bothered too much by the increasing presence of people and buildings. By the mid 1980’s, horses were frequently rummaging through garbage, lounging under cottage decks, and actually walking through the grocery store’s electronic door.
As time passed, the horses started to become unfriendly. Occasionally tourists would get kicked and bit by them when attempting to feed or pet them. As the human population grew, the horses became even more dangerous. In 1984, the road between Corolla and Duck was made public. Within four years, 17 horses were killed by motorists. In 1989, in an attempt to protect the horses after three pregnant horses were killed, a group of local citizens founded the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Public support was immense; leading the county to pass an ordinance to help protect the wild horses from any harm.
In 1995, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund erected a fence that spread a mile and a half. This provided the wild horses with more than 1600 acres of public and private land. Many of the wild horses strayed around the fence to Virginia and some snuck back into the village of Corolla. Some horses found a way to stay out, but most were herded back behind the fence.
If you visit the area today, you will not find many wild horses. There are between 50 and 100 wild horses that remain in the area. To find the few remaining wild horses, you will have to travel to the northern part of Currituck Beach.
Labels: Outer Banks, Wild horses
Sports and Activities
Entertainment and activities are plentiful in the Outer Banks. Sport, nature and relaxation come together in this majestic setting. You can enjoy the adventure of deep sea fishing or the leisure of a scenic walk. Take time to learn while having fun at the many cultural and historical sites or a wildlife park. With so much to do and see, you will never be bored.
Some of the world’s best angling waters can be found around the Outer Banks, making it a top destination for sport fishermen. There are many offshore and inshore fishing charters to choose from. If you bring your own boat, there are many publicly accessible docks for you to load and unload. Just in case you prefer not to be on the water, there are many piers to fish from as well. Whether on land or sea, make sure to get your North Carolina Recreational Fishing License before you fish.
Golf is another popular activity in the Outer Banks. Its geographic setting allows for some of the most challenging and picturesque golf courses in the country. Choose from one of many custom golf packages that allow you to maximize your golfing experience. If golfing is not the reason for your trip, maybe you can squeeze in a quick nine at one of the executive courses.
Aside from fishing and golfing, there are many other activities that are sure to entertain. For the adventurous types there is hang gliding, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. If you are more into relaxation, then take a bicycle ride along one of many tranquil paths or visit one of the many historical sites. Whatever your pleasure, there is no better place to do it than the Outer Banks.
Labels: Outer Banks, Outer Banks Activities, Outer Banks Fishing, Outer Banks Golf
Outer Banks Idol
For all of you Outer Banks’ residents who were not able to make it to the American Idol tryouts, you may be in luck. Although it is not likely to receive the same amount of coverage as the hit TV show, here is your chance to take the crown of Outer Banks Idol.
Instead of Randy, Simon, and Paula, representatives from the local community will be judging this show. And unlike American Idol, all ages are welcome. There will be two different groups competing; adult and juniors. The prize for the adult competition is a $1,000 shopping spree courtesy of Tanger Outlet Center in Nags Head. The winner of the junior competition receives $300 in gift certificates provided by local Outer Banks’ merchants.
The competition will consist of 2 rounds. The first round will be the preliminary auditions. The preliminary auditions will be held on Friday February 8, 2008 at 7:30pm. For those who make it past the first round, the finals will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 7:30pm. Both rounds will take place at the Outer Banks Music Showcase, which is located at 3848 North Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk. You can also reach the theater by phone at (252) 261-7505.
Everyone is invited to attend and support their favorite idol. Tickets are $10 a piece and are general admission only. So, get there early for a good seat.
Labels: Outer Banks, Outer Banks Idol
