Need a reason to visit the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks has so much to offer this summer, and today we wanted to touch on a few of the most popular attractions.
Many area restaurants and attractions are discounting prices to attract more summer vacationers. They realize that times are tough and want to make sure that people can get the most enjoyment out of their trip.
The area has also been rated by some top travel magazines as being a great family vacation spot, featuring top rated beaches. Fodors recently ranked Coquina Beach near Nags Head as one of the 7 best family beaches in the East. Also in the news, Nags Head, NC has been rated by Forbes Traveler as one of America’s favorite beach towns. If there are any surfers who are in need of a summer retreat, you can bring your boards to Kill Devil Hills, as it was rated sixth by Surfer magazine for America’s top ten surf towns. With so many accolades, how can you stay away?
The Outer Banks also offers world class golf, great shopping, history-rich museums and other activities for the entire family. If you haven’t made your reservations for your Outer Banks vacation yet, what are you waiting for? Contact vacation specialist at Élan Vacations for more information.
Labels: Best Beaches, Outer Banks Activities, Outer Banks Vacation
The Outer Banks is Pet Friendly
When you are visiting the Outer Banks you don’t have to leave man’s best friend behind. Often, people consider their dogs to be a part of the family, and feel bad for leaving them behind. The Outer Banks is very pet friendly and features many activities for you and your dog to enjoy together. From dog friendly accommodations to pet friendly beaches, feel free to bring Fido with you.
If you do plan to bring along your dog, it is important that you find pet friendly accommodations. Élan Vacations has pet ready homes, but plan on making your arrangements early as there are specific homes that we designate as pet friendly.
Many areas of the Outer Banks are pet friendly. Leash laws are in effect and your dog must remain on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets are welcome at most beaches, state parks and other areas. For a complete list of places and additional regulations, please visit
http://www.pamperedpetsguide.com/mp_includes/pages.asp?id=1894.
For a special treat, stop into Puparazzi for some special dog and cat care items. You will find gourmet treats, bandanas and other toys to keep your pet occupied. Puparazzi also hosts pet friendly events throughout the year which are fun for all involved. For more information please visit
http://www.obxpuparazzi.com.
Labels: Pet Friendly Beaches, Pet Friendly Travel, Pet Friendly Vacations
Élan Vacations New Website Design
Élan Vacations is pleased to announce a new website design which can be found at
www.elanvacatons.com. The new website still contains all of the important information you need to know about renting a home in the Outer Banks.
The site has been categorized to improve the user experience and to give the customer a fresh look at the already beautiful Outer Banks. You will also discover that it is easier to find the vacation home of your dreams with our advanced search features. You can now search by number of rooms, baths, guests, pets and the variety of amenities.
Along with our new search functionality, we also have many specials posted on the site to fit your vacation needs. We understand that times are tough and money is tight. We personally feel that everyone deserves a vacation and we want to make that possible for all. Please check out our specials or call one of our vacation specialists to get the most current information.
We love to hear from you and your feedback about how we can make your vacation a more enjoyable one. Please feel free to drop us a note to tell us what you think of the new website along with your favorite Elan Vacations memory. We hope that you have a great summer and that you spend your next vacation in the Outer Banks with Élan Vacations!
Labels: Elan Vacations, New Website
Outer Banks Activities for a Rainy Day
Unfortunately, not all days spent in the Outer Banks are filled with sunshine and perfect beach weather. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to still have fun in the event that rainy weather keeps you from enjoying the outdoors during a portion of your vacation.
The Outer Banks offers many shops and restaurants that you can explore. Spend the day browsing the fine antique shops and then stop in a local restaurant to grab some lunch. You will be amazed at what you can find by just exploring.
If you like history, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to learn about the Outer Banks. There are many museums and attractions that you and your whole family will love. Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic, Roanoke Island Festival Park or the Wright Brothers National Memorial for some interesting information and great exhibits.
Rainy days can be great for seeing a movie or going bowling. Movie theaters are sprinkled throughout the area so check to see which is closest to where you are staying. Rainy days prove to be busy days for the theaters, so get your tickets early. Bowling can be fun for the entire family and The Nags Head Bowling Center is the only bowling alley in the Outer Banks. While the 24 lanes are the main attraction, this facility also has a video arcade, billiards and more.
Another great way to spend a rainy day is with family and friends just hanging out in your rental unit. Spending time inside can be fun with a few movie rentals and great food prepared at home. Head out and get your favorite movies and then stop by the store to pick up some fresh seafood. The day can be spent relaxing and sampling some great snacks while spending time with your family.
Labels: Outer Banks Activities, Rainy Day Activities
May And June Events in the Outer Banks
While it is not officially summer, summer-like weather has arrived.. It is getting hotter and people are looking for outdoor activities. Luckily, the summer season in the Outer Banks is shaping up to be a good one. There are many activities on the horizon that can be enjoyed by the entire family. If you haven’t been to the Outer Banks yet, now is your opportunity to enjoy all that it has to offer. When you decide to visit, here are some activities that you should look into:
May 29 through August 20, The Lost Colony is celebrating its 72nd anniversary season. Don’t miss the compelling unsolved mystery of America’s beginnings through song, dance, drama and other exciting presentations. More information can be found at
www.thelostcolony.org.
May 16 though August 22, Manteo holds its renowned farmers market. Rain or shine, people buy flowers, herbs pies and more. Information can be found here:
www.townofmanteo.com.
Starting in June and running through August, you can get some ideas on the latest culinary techniques. The chef at Carolina Costal Cooking combines flavors and shows you how to cook like a pro at home. The cost is $10 per person and seating is limited so make your reservations early. More information can be found here:
http://www.hatterasrealty.com/family_programs.htm.
While the above are some of our favorite events in the Outer Banks, there are more activities than can be listed. Whatever you like to do, it can be found in the Outer Banks. Additional events are listed here:
http://www.outerbanks.org/events/calendar_of_events/june.asp.
Don’t forget to enjoy the beaches, golf and wonderful water sports!
Labels: Outer Banks Activities, Summer Events
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
When visiting the Outer Banks, most people come for the dining, golf, shopping and other fun activities. While all those activities can keep you busy your entire stay, you should make time to check out the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This section of land stretches 70 miles from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet, covering more than 30,000 acres.
The first designated National Seashore in the country offers more to do at a fraction of the cost of other activities. Spending a week on the seashore would not be enough time to experience it in its entirety. There is no fee to enter the park which is open everyday except for Christmas Day. Strolling the white sand beaches bird watching and enjoying the scenery is complimentary.
There are fees for some activities such as a guided lighthouse tour, reserving a campground or docking your boat. The fees are nominal and this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all activities that the park has to offer. Activities include camping, bird watching, lighthouse tours and more. If you plan in camping you should make plans to arrive at the camp site early, as most do not take reservations. They are on a first come first serve basis. Depending on which location you choose, camp fees range from $4 per person per night, or flat rates of up to $20 per night. More information about campgrounds and fees can be found here:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
One of the best ways to enjoy this National Seashore is by brining your own boat. This can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy the activities on the water that interest you most. Dock service is available at Silver Lake on Ocracoke Island. Rates are as follows:
$1.25 per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $80/day
$3 per day - 110 volt electric service
$5 per day - 220 volt electric service
-Winter Rates (no electric service available):
60¢ per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $40/day
Another favorite activity to enjoy is climbing the stairs of the Cape Hatteras Light House. The light house is rich in history and a great day activitiy. Fees are $3.50 for children under 12 and seniors 62 and older, $7 for adults, or $3.50 for those with a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access pass.
Labels: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Lighthouses, OBX
Cruising the Outer Banks
No trip to the outer banks would be complete without a cruise along the beautiful barrier islands. Day cruises are great for spotting pods of dolphins along with many species of birds and other wildlife, while night cruises are great for star gazing and romance. There are several companies that offer cruises on a variety of vessels. From sailboats to head boats, the perfect cruise awaits. Some companies can be privately chartered which are great for weddings, family reunions or any other even that you may want to have on the sea.
The Dolphin watching tours start in June and lasts through October. These are by far the most popular cruises, so make sure you book with a charter company well ahead of time to ensure your spot. Walkups are welcome, but reservations are your safest bet.
Sunset cruises are great ways to enjoy the Outer Banks at night. These generally depart after 6PM and are back in the harbor by 8PM. During the evening cruises, you will learn some great history about the ships, residents and geography of the outer banks.
Taking a cruise on the waters of the outer banks is a fun way to experience this unique place. For more information about cruising companies, please visit
http://www.outerbanks.org/activities/water_activities/cruises.asp.
Labels: Dolphin Watching, Moonlight Cruise, Outer Banks Cruising
The Cape Hatteras Light Station
Beyond Cape Hatteras lies one of the most dangerous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Many currents converge in this area that can drive ships into a dangerous 12 mile long sandbar. Because of this dangerous stretch and the countless shipwrecks in the area, it has been named the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
In October of 1803 construction of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was completed. Congress felt it was necessary to build this warning tower to protect ships moving through this dangerous section of the sea. The original tower was 90 feet tall and the light used Whale oil to stay lit. Later it was found that this light tower was unable to effectively warn ships of the dangers of the sea. It was too short and the sandstone it was made of lacked sufficient coloring to be most visible by ships.
It wasn’t until 50 years later in 1853 that additions were made to the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Board decided to add 60 extra feet to a new height of 150 feet. The top half of the tower was painted red and the lower half white to make it more visible to passing ships. At this time, a new lens was used to better refract the light to make a much stronger beam.
By 1870, the original lighthouse was in need of serious repair. It was decided that instead of retrofitting the old structure, a new lighthouse was to be constructed. The new lighthouse was lit on December 1, 1870 and the old lighthouse was demolished in 1871.
Due to Beach erosion, the beacon was moved to a different location and a skeletal steel tower was used. The beacon resided here from 1934-1950 until it was moved back to the tower that was built in 1870. Beach erosion had subsided due to much construction and rebuilding efforts.
In 1999 the lighthouse was moved to its present location. It was moved 2,900 feet and now sits 1,500 feet from the shoreline.
The tower is managed by the National Park Service.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a great place to explore when visiting the Outer Banks. Tours are available for a small fee. Adult tickets are $7 and children and seniors are $3.50. For more information about the lighthouse please visit
http://www.nps.gov/caha/historyculture/lightstationfaqs.htm.
Labels: Cape Hatteras Light Station, Lighthouses, Outer Banks
