Elan Vacations

Outer Banks Activities

People have been visiting the Outer Banks for years because of the white sand beaches, fabulous golf and comfortable climate. While these activities could keep any OBX visitor occupied for their entire stay, there are many other activities that should be enjoyed. Activities can be as peaceful as a bird watching excursion or as thrilling as a cruise down the beach in an open top, off road vehicle. Outlined below are some of the activities that you can enjoy on your next vacation to the Outer Banks.

Kayaking – This sport can be enjoyed solo or with a group. Either way, you are sure to encounter some of the best scenery and wild life the OBX has to offer. Kayaks can be rented for nominal fees, and there are many public launch spots to start your daily adventures. Public launch sites can be found in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges, Manteo, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and many Dare County Beaches.

Bird Watching – The Outer Banks is a haven for nearly 400 species of birds. Bird watching is good all year, but can be especially wonderful in the fall and winter. One of the best spots to bird watch is at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This area is home to many snow geese, Canada geese, tundra swans, and multiple species of ducks. There are many observation platforms throughout the park which can be accessed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wild Horses of Corolla – There are not many places in this country where you can go and see wild horses running about, let alone see them on the beach. Corolla is a magical place where hopefully you are lucky enough to see these majestic and powerful animals in their natural habitat. These horses have been walking the beach for 500 years, and each year more people visit to get a glimpse of these animals. There are a few ways to experience the wild horses of Corolla. One way is to have or rent a 4WD vehicle and explore the beaches yourself. If you are this adventurous, the experience can be truly rewarding. The other option is to take a beach tour with a guide company. There are many outfitters in the area who can take you to the best spots and give you great history about the area and the horses.

The Outer Banks has something for everyone, and with so much to do, you will need to come back year after year to experience it all. Remember to plan your trip early and map out the things you want to do, so everyone can have a good time!

Labels: Bird Watching, Kayaking, Outer Banks Activities, Wild horses

posted by Blog Administrator @ 2:00 PM 0 comments

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

posted by Blog Administrator @ 12:03 PM 0 comments