Blog

Check us out on Twitter

Archived Blog Posts

These are some of our older Blog posts.  Look for a new Blog feature coming soon!

Sam and Omies

Sam and Omies in Nags Head have one of the best shrimp burgers on the east coast. Crispy, golden, fried shrimp (cooked to perfection) on a roll that has melted cheddar cheese and toped with homemade cole slaw is a mouth water entrée selection. But before you enjoy your shrimp burger start out with a fried veggie basket. I thought everyone was crazy when they recommended this appetizer to me; ends up being some of the most delicious vegetables that I have ever eaten.
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010

Outer Banks Earth Day

I am calling today, “Outer Banks Earth Day!” Today, while out on the beach or cruising around town think of a way that you can go green. Clean up some trash or cigarette butts that you see on the beach, walk or ride a bike to the store instead of driving your car and even cut back on that shower time or just go a day without one and help save a little water, your on vacation at the beach; there is no need for a shower everyday. If everyone who comes to visit the Outer Banks helps with going green, our beach will be preserved for many more years, and be a cleaner place to enjoy. We must take care of this place if we want to continue to enjoy it in the many years to come. EVERYONE DO ATLEAST ONE THING TODAY TO HELP MAKE THE OUTER BANKS A CLEANER PLACE!

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2010

Dolphin Cruise

Who needs Sea World when the Outer Banks provides an amazing dolphin cruise? This is an opportunity of a lifetime. You will be able to see much of the marine wildlife that the OBX provides. This is a two hour cruise that is well worth your time and money, plus Atlantic Realty gives one free admission pass for one person. They guarantee that you will see some dolphin excitement, and if you do not, they will extend your boat ride for another two hours until you do see some dolphin action. Make sure to put this exciting activity on you to do list!  
Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Promenade

If you are looking for something to do today with the family, then visit the Promenade in Kitty Hawk. The Promenade is a place where the entire family can go and enjoy many activities. They offer a very fun and challenging put-put course, driving range, and water sport activities that include Jet Ski rentals, kayaks and parasailing. Atlantic realty offers one free round of miniature golf per day in our family pack that comes with home rentals. This will be a favorite activity for the entire family when you come to the Outer Banks. 
Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Johns Drive In

Johns Drive In is a local favorite located on the beach road in Kitty Hawk. If you are looking for a good burger, fresh tuna salad sandwich, or fried dolphin chunks, then John’s is where you want to be. Johns is a drive in and has limited parking, so call in orders make your experience at Johns much more enjoyable and quicker. When you call in an order go to the right side of the building and knock on the door to pay and pick up your order. Also with it being so hot out I highly recommend getting a milk shake to cool you off on this hot summer day

Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010

A Day Trip Down South

Cape Hatteras is now ranked number four beach to visit in America. Today would be a good day to take a drive down South and see how the beaches can vary in texture of sand, remoteness, and water differences. Plus get to visit the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the country. On your way down South, stop by Oregon Inlet and go to the fishing center and see all the charter boats that are docked in the slips. Every afternoon you are guaranteed to see some of their large catches. The boats alone that sit in the slips are a breath taking site. Also take your four wheel drive out on the beach. The beach access is directly across form the Oregon Inlet fishing center. If you have any questions about your day-travel down South feel free to give us a call.  
Posted on Friday, July 16, 2010

Just Rent It For The Beach

The weather is just about perfect today. There will be a high of 91 degrees and should be sunny all day. Late evening it looks as if we are going to have some thunderstorms. If there is anything you need to make your day out on the beach much more enjoyable call Just Rent It. They carry beach stuff such as umbrellas and chairs to surfboards, kayaks and bikes. If you feel like there is something you need but don’t want to buy it, call these guys(more than likely they have it) and they will even deliver it right to you and even pick it back up when you are finished. So enjoy your day on the beach in the Outer Banks.

Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010

Movies, Bowling, and Laser Tag

The weather today doesn’t look to be the nicest. We are having scattered thunder storms throughout the day. Today would be a great day to head to the movie theatre and catch that summer flick you have been waiting to see. If you go see a movie try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because mid day could clear up. If you are not the movie type then go bowling at Nags Head bowling center or play lazar tag at Gear Works laser tag.

Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

18 Holes

If you are a golfer you should take advatnage of the special
Atlantic Realty offers with renting a vaction home. When you
book a home through us, you receive one free golf admission
per day of your weekly rental. The Outer Banks offers many courses
that are very beautiful and challenging. So take the day off from the beach
and go enjoy 18 holes. Sea scape golf course is a a true Scottish
links-style course situated among the windswept sand dunes native
to the Outer Banks coast.Take advantage of this opportunity, a round
golf may never be free again!
Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Mama Kwans Amazing Fish Tacos

Mama Kwan’s tacos are the most delicious things you have ever put in your mouth. Fresh, locally caught mahi mahi makes these a world class menu item. The style of cooking is Thai-American. This is a fun and hip environment that is great for kids and adults. Mama Kwan’s is located in Kill Devil Hills at mile post 10. Make this a definite lunch stop while visiting the Outer Banks. For a full detailed menu go to http://www.mamakwans.com/ 

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010

Will Gulf Oil Spill Affect the Outer Banks?

This has been the question on the minds of everyone lately including Outer Banks locals and guests.  The idea that the oil could reach our beaches is a scary scenario to say the least.  We are watching the devastation that is happening to the Gulf Coast communities (not only to their beaches but their economy as well) and wondering if that could happen to us. 

The Outer Bank relies mostly on the tourism industry to keep us going.  The majority of the jobs in the area are tied to tourism and as if the downturn in the economy hasn't hurt us enough, this disaster would make things much, much worse. 

However, it seems that there is some good news to ward off the doom and gloom we keep hearing from the news media.  The Outer Banks Tourist Bureau has asked the US Coast Guard for their thoughts on the oil spill.  They have predicted that there is a less than 1% chance that the oil will ever reached our beaches.  And if it does, it will be so diluted and decayed that we will not see the damage due to the oil slicks and tar balls that the Gulf Coast is currently experiencing.  They have published a concise Question and Answer sheet to answer general questions and plan to keep the public informed of any new developments. 

Atlantic Realty Reaches Relay For Life Goal!!

Team Atlantic Realty surpassed the $500 fundraising goal they set for themselves for the 2010 Outer Banks Relay for Life.  With such a short amount of time left before the Relay, Atlantic Realty has a few events and several fundraisers still in the works.  A yard sale and bake sale are planned for May 1st as well as ongoing raffle ticket sales, toy sales, and more to come!  Stay tuned as details will be posted here as they come available.

Donations can always be made to the American Cancer Society online through Atlantic Realty's  Relay for Life Team Page. 

The Outer Banks Relay is scheduled for May 15th 2010 at the First Flight High School where members of the Atlantic Realty team will walk for 24 hours along with other local teams to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, treatment, and education.  Please join in the fight!! 

Join the Atlantic Realty team on Saturday May 15th to walk, watch, and cheer them on as they participate in Relay For Life!!

Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Welcome Bikers!!

Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country will roar into town next week for the 8th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week.

This ever growing Spring Event on the Outer Banks will feature scenic rides, local music, food and drink specials, motorcycle shows, contests, merchandise vendors and more!! 

For a complete list of Events including dates and times, please visit Outer Banks Harley Davidson's website.

If you need accommodations for the event, please visit our Specials Page for great last minute vacation deals!!

Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Outer Banks Blog

Happy Birthday Mary White

 
The Staff of Atlantic Realty would like to wish our Homeowner Mary White a Very Happy Birthday!!! 

Mrs. White turned 104 years young on February 22, 2010 and was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from NC Governor Beverly Purdue. 

Mrs. White is still very active and attends Church at Piney Woods Friends Meeting regularly.  

This is a recent photo of Mrs. White and a short announcement that appeared in the Perquimans Weekly  celebrating her accomplishment and award. 

Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Catch Atlantic Realty at the DC Travel Expo

Atlantic Realty hits the road this weekend for the Adventure Travel Expo in Washington DC.   Join us Saturday and Sunday at the Washington Convention Center as we promote the Outer Banks and Atlantic Realty as THE place for your next beach vacation!! 

The Expo will feature vacation destinations from around the world and information on all types of travel accommodations including hotels, resorts and vacation rentals.  Experts from National Geograpic and The Travel Channel will hold seminars on a variety of subjects spanning the gammut from exotic locales and traveling with a family on a budget.  There will be cultural performances from India and Africa as well as hands on exhibits including a rock climbing wall and a hang gliding simulator from our friends at Kitty Hawk Kites.  This Expo will be fun for the whole family. 

If you're in the area, come on down!  And don't forget to look for Atlantic Realty in Booth #511.  Stop by and sign up for our drawings and pick up a few goodies to take home with you.  We have some great prizes to give away including Outer Banks restaurant gift certificates, Lost Colony tickets, and even a FREE Outer Banks Vacation!! 

Tickets are available on the Adventure Travel Expo Website for $10 and will be $15 per person at the door.  Expo times are 10:30AM - 5:30PM Saturday March 6th and 11:00AM until 4:30PM Sunday March 7th.

See you at the Expo!

Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Outer Banks Blog

New Amenities Added to Our Family Fun Program

Have you experienced Atlantic Realty's Family Fun Program?  If not, you are in for a treat.  Where else can you get great Outer Banks accommodations and FREE activities for you and your family?  Here-- that's where!!   We have recently added 2 new activities to our Family Fun Program for the 2010 season and we are so excited!!   Now guests can enjoy mini-golf at the Promenade in Kitty Hawk each and every day of their vacation!  We've also added the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama in Manteo.  See this historic production every night of your vacation!!  It's FREE!!  This, in addition to the 18 holes of golf, beach umbrella, dolphin cruise, wild horse safari, and live stage show at the Outer Banks Music Showcase, and you have a fun filled vacation.  The program is an incredible value-- you would pay over $200 per day if you purchased these activities separately!!   Our guests love it and think it's a great addition to their vacation. 

We've found most families will split up the activities (because really, who can do them all every day?) which is great for larger families or multiple families staying in one home.  Dad can play a round of golf in the morning and Mom can take the kids to play mini-golf in the afternoon.  The whole family can lounge all week under the beach umbrella, Mom and Dad can have an evening out at the Music Showcase and leave the kids home with Grandma.  The possibilities are endless and the value is unprecedented.  Enjoy your next Outer Banks vacation and make sure to take advantage of the Free amenities of the Family Fun Program!!  See you at the beach!!

Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010

We know how to Get Lost

“Get Lost” is not an insult on the Outer Banks but rather a way of life, state of mind, or something to do. Getting lost on the Outer Banks? Let us count the ways.

Vacationers, those who have retired to the Outer Banks, or those who enjoy a second home here, know that you can easily “get lost” in the beach lifestyle. You leave behind “everywhere else” and savor the beach, the salt air, and a much slower pace. Wearing a watch is more out of habit than a necessity. Time? That is relative. 

There is so much to do here, it is easy to get lost. Arts? We host a large artist community talented in multiple media. History? A lot has happened here. The Wright Brothers’ First Flight. The lifesaving stations and creation of the coast guard. The tallest lighthouse on the east coast and the first national seashore, Cape Hatteras. Roanoke Island. The birth of the first English child, Virginia Dare. The Lost Colony. Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Elizabeth II. North Carolina Boat Building. Sports? Boating. Surfing. Kayaking. Kiteboarding. Hang gliding. Surf fishing. Sound and Deep Sea Charter boat fishing. Paddle boarding. Running. And, of course, swimming. Music? The Outer Banks is blessed with many local musicians and most restaurants feature their talent. 

Getting lost on the beach is quite easy.  You are out for a nice beach walk and you see a school of dolphins.  So, you walk the beach to follow the dolphins only to find that you forget where you started and have no idea how far you have gone because you did not look to the west to note the cross street signs on the beachfront.  Or you do know where your return location is, but you walked past it -again, because you were watching/following the dolphins. 

The outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, is in its 72nd year of performances.  And when it comes to “lost”, this is the real thing.

We laugh at the ABC drama “LOST”.  How lost can you be when part of the group leaves the island but is able to return?   The show has been running for years now-they come back with new episodes each fall. Our colony disappeared over 400 years ago and they are still lost.  ABC should have consulted us. When Outer Bankers get lost-they do it right the first time-they stay lost.

Ok, a little humor here.  But they did inspire one of the best souvenir t-shirts-the black shirt with limited white ink text-GET LOST. 

Directions on the Outer Banks were easier for us locals before GPS.  There is US HWY 158/the Bypass, aka Croatan Hwy, and NC 12/Virginia Dare Tail aka the Beach Road. The barrier island is only a few miles wide and the side streets cross and parallel the Bypass and Beach Road.  You can only get so lost on the roads.  

Because of GPS  locals now have to know the actual street addresses to help visitors.  s.  We were pretty sure we knew how to get from point A to point B by just knowing the Milepost number.

The Outer Banks has experienced growth and development but we do not have the large high-rise hotels, casinos, and nightlife spots like some other beaches.  And we have no desire for such.  The Outer Banks retains a relaxed/laid back attitude, slow pace, and open and clean beaches.   

The Outer Banks is perfect for getting lost.

Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Salt Air is filled with Baseballs & Beach Music

Air temperatures are warming for the Memorial Day holiday week.  If you live on the east coast,  you are aware that in the last week we have experienced a blanket of rain bands and a major cold front.   This past Sunday (May 17, 2009) we had a seasonal morning with 69-73 degrees.  Just right for a light sweat to develop on a morning run.

By 2 pm it was raining, 20 mph winds and 25 degrees cooler.  Since Monday, 18th, we have been warming.

TODAY-THURSDAY-it is GREAT!  Sunny.  72 Degrees.  And the weekend is looking good for all beach activities, water sports (wet suits recommended due to water temperature-of course, this does not matter to kids-they go in the ocean at any temperature), and two major seasonal events-The 11th Annual Outer Banks Beach Music Festival and beach baseball courtesy of the Outer Banks Daredevils. 

Ah, beach music!  Roanoke Island Festival Park will be a summer concert scene Sunday, May 24th, complete with food, libations, lawn chairs, blankets, families and great music. 

From 11am-6:30 pm you can enjoy the best of beach music with the Sammy O’Banion and the  Mardi Gras Band (don’t let the name fool you), the Craig Woolard Band, Holiday Band, and The Tams.  Advance tickets $20; $25 at the gate.  And if you want to add a “perk” to the day-you can purchase a VIP ticket (on-line only) that includes hospitality-beverages and incredible food-by The Good Life Gourmet (a local favorite and exceptional caterer-a 2008 and 2009 OBX Taste of the Beach Winner).   

The first pitch will be thrown May 27th for the first home game of the Outer Banks Daredevils.   Enjoy America’s favorite past time with this coastal plains league featuring the best collegiate players.   It is a great family event or an easy going couples “date” .  

Plenty of great baseball and  food-don’t miss the hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and ice cream.  But this is the beach-and this concession stand boasts the best Grilled Tuna sandwich around.  Not just any tuna will do-fresh Outer Banks tuna from our local charter fishing boats in Wanchese.

In addition to the game itself, the Daredevils put on a lot of family fun with crowd involved competitions and special events between innings.  Two crowd favorites are the dizzy bat race and the flipper race.  Neither is  as easy as you think.  Free t-shirts are yours to  catch-shot from the playing field by a pirate wielding an air cannon (Kelly Hospitality Group).

Ticket prices ensure that a family can have a great night out during any economy.  Games are held at the First Flight High School complex, an alcohol and tobacco free facility. 

We are greatful to Marcus Felton, local businessman, who purchased the team a few years ago in order to keep baseball on the beach.

Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009

Meet Me in Manteo

Or anywhere else on the Outer Banks!  Congratulations to the quaint All American Town of Manteo on their  spotlight article in AAA World magazine. 

The article blends the abundance of riches into a “must do drive event”.   The “travel itinerary” begins with the May 29th opening night of the 72nd season for the Lost Colony.  

 You can plan an entire week around the events at Roanoke Island Festival Park with the schedule of concerts, special events, historical living site, the Elizabeth II, and performances by Elizabeth R. & Co. 

“Something old, something new”  is on every street and every corner of downtown Manteo and along the waterfront.   Delicious dining is a continous stroll among Poor Richards, Magnolia Grill, Ortegas, and Full Moon Cafe.  Specialty shops, the Dare Arts Council Gallery, and numerous artisans provide “rest stops” and meet retail therapy needs.  

Music on the streets is virtually year round with First Fridays April-December. 

The views from the waterfront boardwalk is calminglybeautiful but you are not bound to the  shore.   Take a sail on the three masted Down East Rover-the sunset cruise is SPECTACULAR!    Enjoy the Roanoke Sound andsunsets with good company.  Dolphins love to follow the schooner back to the dock -a true treat off the stern. 

Roanoke Island is home to the industries of commercial fishing andOuter Banks legendary boat building.    The local restaurants work closely with the captains from Wanchese to serve fresh Outer Banks seafood.   

If you like to fish you can get local fishing information from several sources.  The fishing reports on local radio stations.  Fishing updates at every bait and tackle shop.  And on the marques of the restaurants advertising their specials of the day’s catch. 

There is so much to do on the Outer Banks.  Don’t feel rushed to get it all done in one week.  Relax, your on vacation and beach time.   As for what you do not get around to, well,  that is the beginning of your next trip. 

Manteo proves the Outer Banks is more than sand.

Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009

New Site Debut

We marked our calendar this afternoon, April 23, 2009.  Our new website went live complete with art and color.   We expect to find a few “bugs” and some misconfigurations here and there, but we are pleased to finally be here.   As a reader and site visitor, please alert us to anything you find that looks awry!   

Take a look and book!  See you on vacation!

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Outer Banks Roars!

There is a new competition on the Outer Banks.   The roar of the Atlantic Ocean is competing with the roar of thousands of bikers joining us locals for a beautiful spring weekend at the beach.   Temperatures are forecasted to be in the 80’s this weekend;  bikers wanting to wear a lot of leather may get a little too warm. 

Rumor has it that another beach in S.C. (we are not mentioning any names) is “dis-inviting” bikers  for various reasons.    

Our doors and beaches are open to bikers and everyone who loves the beach.  When you think about it, the Outer Banks is the perfect location for a bike ride.  We have over a hundred miles of scenic beauty, historical  locations, unique attractions, and very few traffic lights compared to larger and more populous areas. 

Welcome to the Outer Banks!  As for the roar vs roar-a little friendly competition is a healthy thing.  Ride on!

Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bike Week on the Outer Banks

It’s a Roar to the Shore April 23-26, 2009, for Outer Banks Bike Week.   Bikers will enjoy over a hundred miles of scenic and historic locations-with very few traffic lights!   Bikers can take part in “tour rides”, a poker run, bike shows, tattoo competitions,  “and burn-out” competitions.  And to pretty things up a bit, there are a bikini and BBL-Best Body in Leather competitions.

For us non-bikers, we do enjoy the show, maybe with a little envy.

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009

After the Eggs, Back to Sand

Easter on the Outer Banks is just like Easter in any American town.  Kids hunt Easter Eggs.  They roll them.  They enjoy Easter baskets.  Jelly Beans and Chocolate Galore!   Of course,  the Easter Bunny gets a little more sand in his paws and ears.  And that cotton tail, a magnet for sand!

But unlike “other places”, Easter on the Outer Banks also means spring break for families, girls’ weekends (no upper age limit on the girls), and golfers.   Surfers take to the water.   Spring breakers begin bathing suit season.   And yes, they get those suits wet-in the Atlantic Ocean.  We locals go in, in wet suits. 

The banks is coming to life with new “must-haves” in our gift and specialty shops.  Restaurants are re-opening after their  winter closing.  Businesses and restaurants open year round are welcoming  new faces.  And our schedules are busier, though, there is always something to do on the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks is a family destination offering cultural, historical, and recreational attractions and activities.  And a lot is free or nearly free.   The Outer Banks is also a community.  And we have community events every weekend-for locals and guests to enjoy.

Sand and Shells are truly, priceless.

Posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2009