Explore History at the Elizabethan Gardens in North Carolina

Take a step back in time to a golden age in English history when you visit the Elizabethan Gardens in North Carolina. Come enter the time period when Queen Elizabeth I was the reigning monarch of England, and the first English colony attempted to settle in America. Explore the adventure, history, and sparkling blue ocean views in the Outer Banks when you book one of Atlantic Realty’s vacation rentals. The Outer Banks has something for all interests, and the Elizabethan Gardens are the perfect vacation activity for history buffs.

The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island

The History Behind the Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are a memorial to the Roanoke colonists who lived on the site 400 years ago. This was the first English colony on American soil, but it did not last long. Shortly after the first English person was born in America, her grandfather returned to England for more supplies. He returned to find the colony abandoned and to this day, nobody is sure what happened to them.

During this time, Queen Elizabeth l was the ruler of England and the gardens are as authentic to that period as possible. Construction of the Elizabethan Gardens began on June 2, 1953, which is the exact date of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Elizabethan Gardens opened to the public on August 18, 1960, which was the birthday of Virginia Dare, the first English person to be born in America.

Top 7 Things To Do at the Elizabethan Gardens

  1. Since the Elizabethan Gardens are part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, this is an excellent place for bird-watching.
  2. Admire the gorgeous bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I. Her parents were the controversial King Henry VIII, and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Queen Elizabeth’s 45-year reign was among the most popular in English history.  
  3. Visit the marble statue of Virginia Dare that Maria Louise Lande sculpted in 1859.
  4. Explore the Sunken Garden, which features an antique fountain with stonework from 16th-century Italy.
  5. Check the events page for upcoming events like the seasonal Virginia Dare birthday celebration. 
  6. Tiny travelers can check out the John White Butterfly Center and Discovery Cottage.
  7. Educational group tours are available for guests who want to experience the Elizabethan Gardens with guidance from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Plan your next vacation in a place booming with history and gorgeous ocean scenery. Book your stay today with Atlantic Realty and choose from our selection of luxury vacation rentals, with many options featuring amenities such as hot tubs and oceanfront pools.

The History Behind The Lost Colony

The Lost Colony debuted on July 4, 1937, during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships many people faced, it was a full house! The show was only going to last one summer. However, after President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the show, it created national interest that assured its continuation. 

Fast forward to 2022, The Lost Colony is now celebrating its 85th anniversary at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theater. It is the longest running outdoor symphonic drama! The season started on May 27, 2022, and will conclude on August 20, 2022. Don’t miss your chance to experience American history! 

The Lost Colony Drama
The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama at Waterside Theater

Where to Stay

While getting your tickets, don’t forget to find a place to stay! Atlantic Realty has many great OBX vacation rental options that will exceed your expectations! We offer vacation rentals across the Outer Banks, from budget-friendly options to luxury condos.  

The Story Behind The Lost Colony Play

The mystery of the lost colony has sparked curiosity among historians and inspiration for TV shows, movies, and the annual play. The mystery began in 1587 when 117 pilgrims created the first English colony on Roanoke Island. Shortly after, Virginia Dare became the first English child born on American soil on August 18, 1587. Virginia’s grandfather, John White, returned to England 10 days after her birth to get more supplies. He never saw his granddaughter again.

He returned on his granddaughter’s third birthday to find the entire colony abandoned. The carvings “CROATOAN” and “CRO” were the only explanation left behind. Before he could explore further, a storm damaged his ship. He returned to England and never raised enough money to go back to Roanoke Island. 

5 Theories Of The Lost Colony Of Roanoke
  1. John White assumed the carvings meant that the Roanoke colony moved inland to Croatoan, or south to what is now Hatteras Island. 
  2. The First Colony Foundation found evidence that some colonists moved to or near Salmon Creek in Bertie County. The Choanoke king, Menatonon, permitted them to settle on designated lands where they could provide for themselves. 
  3. The Dare Stones are engravings from Roanoke survivors, with only the first stone found appearing authentic. It said due to illness and war with neighboring tribes; the colony dwindled to just 24 people who fled inland.
  4. In 1607, the Jamestown Colony members searched for information on what happened to the Roanoke colony. A Chesapeake leader told them he had all the Roanoke colony members killed in the Chesapeake Bay region.
  5. Historians Hugh Talmage Lefler and Albert Ray Newsome believe the Roanoke colony sailed back to England and got lost in the Atlantic ocean. In their book North Carolina: The History of a Southern State, they wrote that John White left a boat for them.

Atlantic Realty Rentals

We have plenty of rental options within easy driving distance to Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theater and other historical landmarks. Make sure to book your vacation rental through Atlantic Realty today to experience the history of the Outer Banks yourself!

4th of July Celebrations Around the OBX

There has never been a better place to celebrate the 4th of July than the OBX (Outer Banks) of North Carolina. Our barrier island community was the site of the first attempted colonization in the “New World,” 20 years before Jamestown. You and yours can celebrate our country’s independence right from America’s First Beach! 4th of July celebrations in the OBX boast incredible beach weather, warm ocean temperatures, and plenty of fellow travelers searching for a bit of a slice of historical paradise. 

Atlantic Realty has all the best OBX house rentals, perfect for starting your barrier island experience. Since 1982, generations of families have found relaxation, fun, and a place to truly get away from it all during their OBX vacations with help from our talented team of local experts! This 4th of July season, enjoy an affordable and adventure-packed vacation with many can’t-miss festivities along the scenic coastline. Keep reading for more details—

Girl on Beach with Fireworks
Spend Independence Day on the Outer Banks

Spend Your 4th of July in the Charming OBX

Of course, you can always indulge in some peaceful 4th of July relaxation at one of Atlantic Realty’s many gorgeous family vacation rentals. All of our properties are equipped with complete kitchens, so whip up a  delicious OBX-inspired dish and gather with family for a patriotic feast! Staying in oceanfront NC accommodations? We recommend bringing along beach toys and games, in addition to the two complimentary beach chairs you’ll receive with our Fun N Sun Perks Pass. Check out our “What to Bring” page for more useful vacation planning tips before Independence Day. 

Seeking some adventure with your family and friends? A 4th of July road trip to see all the best OBX festivities from Corolla down to South Nags Head will be just up your alley. See our recommend event lineup below: 

Corolla:  

Historic Corolla Park will be the site of the Independence Day Celebration, packed with live music, food, drink, and fireworks! Activities begin at 5:00 p.m. with free admission, parking, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. 

Duck:

The Town of Duck has an annual 4th of July Parade that winds through the neighborhood behind Scarborough Faire.  This year’s parade will begin at 9am on Monday, July 4, 2022.  

Kill Devil Hills:

 Folks love watching the stunning fireworks show held annually at the beaches around Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills. 

Nags Head: 

You and yours can head a little south, catching the showstopping Town Of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular, blasting off over the ocean waves. Fireworks are even sometimes visible from Nags Head rental homes

If you are traveling with all adults (21+), consider participating in the Independence Beer Mile, presented by the Outer Banks Brewing Station on July 3. Start a new family vacation tradition and come celebrate the 4th of July with Atlantic Realty this summer. Our amenity-filled rental homes in the OBX are well-maintained and perfectly suited for all families and large friend groups. Save money by booking directly on our website today!

Have Some Fun ‘N the Sun with Atlantic Realty || OBX Vacations

Summers in the OBX (Outer Banks of North Carolina) will transport you worlds away from your everyday hustle and bustle. Our family-friendly vacation destination is made up of over 100 miles of wide-open shoreline, Southern hospitality, and a mix of quaint seaside villages boasting unique personalities and rich history. Although we are a short drive away from major cities and airports, our barrier island communities feel remote. The OBX is where our beloved country got its start, so it’s only fitting that your summer vacation traditions start here!

Enjoy the Ocean with an Outer Banks Vacation

The Best OBX Vacations Start with Atlantic Realty 

Atlantic Realty is truly where your barrier island experience begins, supplying families with the best places to stay in the OBX every year. Since 1982, multiple generations of families have joined us in enjoying waves of fun and quiet relaxation. We offer a wide range of OBX vacation rentals from Corolla to South Nags Head, centered on amenities, togetherness, and affordability. Whatever you’re searching for, we’ve got something in store for you. 

If you are looking for a family vacation spot void of crowded spaces and busy cities, we welcome you to start a new family tradition and indulge in a much-needed OBX vacation. This summer, the friendly Atlantic Realty team will help you get more bang for your buck with our guest perks. Get ready to stretch your OBX vacation dollars as far as they can go with our acclaimed Fun N Sun Perks Pass Program—

Vacation Like A Local with Atlantic Realty’s Fun N Sun Perks Pass

Our Fun N Sun Perks Pass elevates all OBX vacations, no matter the time of year. This program is an exclusive vacation amenity providing complimentary local attractions, activities, and discounts for guests staying with us. We offer such great value to ensure your OBX vacation goes beyond the doors of our fabulous accommodations and beautiful outdoors. Take your summer stay to the next level with one (or more) of our recommended recreational activities! 

Explore the Shore This Summer with Atlantic Realty

At Atlantic Realty, we already know you’re excited to head down to our barrier island community straight away to begin the best OBX summer vacation possible. With our Fun N Sun Perks Pass in your back pocket, your family and friends will be able to enjoy affordable fun. Book one of our stunning OBX vacation rentals online today! 

Host Your Family Reunion in the Beautiful Outer Banks, NC

We’ve all been away from our extended families for too long after these past few wild years! It’s time to grab your address books and start calling up your loved ones for a long-awaited family reunion in the beautiful Outer Banks, NC. You’ll be able to enjoy quality time with those you love along our communities’ gorgeous coastline. There’s something for every family member, young and young-at-heart, in the OBX! 

Family Reunion
Gather the family and head to the OBX!

Atlantic Realty, a trusted name in local vacation rentals, offers the best places to stay and host the most spectacular family get-togethers in the Outer Banks. Since 1982, multiple generations of families have escaped to our charming barrier island properties, enjoying ultimate relaxation and waves of fun. We have amenity-packed homes suitable for larger celebrations, from family reunions to corporate retreats. This year, allow us to help you plan and host an unforgettable Outer Banks family reunion. Keep reading for more useful information! 

Let’s Plan Your Dream Family Reunion in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is perfect for large gatherings and family reunions, with over 40 gorgeous miles of coastline and space for your family to comfortably spread out. Atlantic Realty’s affordable accommodations mean you can get more bang for your buck and focus on what really matters most: family! We’re also dedicated to making your OBX reunion getaway “worry-free,” offering a flexible payment plan for 2022. It’s ideal for large group vacations where multiple families may be chipping in on vacation costs. 

Our Event Homes

We have homes ranging from 1 to 28 bedrooms, all the way from Corolla to South Nags Head. Our group event homes in the Outer Banks come equipped with spacious gathering spaces, comfy bedrooms, and resort-style amenities, like pools and theater rooms. Planning a huge family reunion with over 40 family members? We recommend reserving The Pine Island Lodge, a stunning 28-bedroom home boasting generous ocean views, ample kitchen space, dining areas for days, and a huge sparkling pool. Head down the private beach access with your loved ones, preparing for days filled with beach games and good times! 

Love your extended family, but don’t want to stay under the same roof? We have curated a list of some of our Outer Banks vacation homes and condos located near each other. Every group will have their own space, with the opportunity to gather for photos, meals, and vacation excursions. You can find the list here

Large Event Services

Planning a family reunion or any large gathering can be stressful. That’s where our event services page comes into play! We have compiled a list of all our trusted local vendors, from caterers to event planners, who can help make any reunion a true success. You’ll never be alone in the planning process!

Additionally, our guests are treated to free or discounted daily activities with the Fun N Sun Pass Program. Set your family reunion apart from the rest by vacationing like a local! Our event homes and spaces go quickly, so start planning your perfect Outer Banks family reunion with Atlantic Realty now. Contact us today and book your dream family getaway by calling (877) 858-4795! We cannot wait to host you!

5 Outer Banks Inspired Seafood Dishes & Sides You Need to Try 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is the ideal year-round destination, filled with charming seaside villages, exciting outdoor activities, delicious seafood dishes, and miles of open shoreline. You and your family can escape the typical vacation crowd of congested vacation spots, further adding to your overall experience. Break away from routine and enjoy a budget-friendly escape with the ones you love! 

Hushpuppies are an Outer Banks staple to accompany seafood meals

Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks has all your family’s vacation needs covered, from affordable beach vacation homes to insider travel tips. We want to help you get more bang for your buck! Our properties have fully-equipped kitchens so guests can craft delightful family meals inspired by our coastal surroundings. The Outer Banks is all about good dining, so grab some fresh seafood and try the following five recipes at your Outer Banks house rental—

  1. Outer Banks Sunset 

This iconic OBX beverage can be made for adults or kids. No matter how you make it, sans alcohol or not, this colorful drink mimics the blazing sunsets that illuminate our shores every evening. Use any alcoholic beverage or kid-friendly substitute, just as long as it keeps its classic orange-red hue! We loved sipping these during family brunches. 

  1. Hatteras Clam Chowder

This simple broth-based chowder hails from the Outer Banks town of Hatteras. It’s an amazing dish to warm up with during chilly beach nights, filled with briny clams, potatoes, and chopped vegetables. We love how light and filling this chowder is—the perfect recipe to make for large gatherings. 

  1. Homemade Hushpuppies

No Outer Banks seafood spread is complete without hushpuppies! This tasty comfort food is an excellent side that can be found at any authentic Southern fish fry. Pair them alongside any seafood dish or gobble them up on their own. You may want to double this easy recipe as hushpuppies are known to disappear quickly. 

  1. Grilled Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is available to catch all year long in the Outer Banks, with the best catches occurring between October and June. This fish is delicious with a great sear, accompanied by a nice marinade and lemon. With your rental’s charcoal grill, you can whip up this quick marinaded yellowfin tuna dish.

  1. Apple Uglies

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe, located around one hour from the Atlantic Realty offices, created the fluffy miracles known as Apple Uglies. They are a dense take on an apple fritter, oozing with sweet apples, cinnamon, and coated with sugar. Even though they feel heavy, these apple uglies will melt in your mouth. This homemade recipe yields a slightly-differing duplicate of the original. 

Cook Up a Storm in Your Outer Banks House Rental

We at Atlantic Realty are excited to see all the yummy dishes you’ll create during your Outer Banks getaway. Your barrier island experience begins as soon as you step foot in one of our affordable house rentals. All homes come equipped with a full kitchen and other fantastic amenities. Book your stay with us online today!

Plan a Paw-sitive Spring Break in Pet-Friendly OBX

There’s no time like the present to start planning your family’s spring break! As we enter a new year full of possibilities and hope, folks all over the country are looking forward to a nice break from work and school. You all deserve it, including your furry family members. This year, head to the pet-friendly OBX, otherwise known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our barrier island communities offer a sweet reprieve from bustling crowds, hectic attractions, and essentially all things that can make spring break undesirable. The pet-friendly OBX will allow you to fully enjoy your short family vacation, with so many incredible attractions and activities. 

Kids and Dog on the beach
Pet Friendly Vacations are easy on the Outer Banks

Your barrier island experience begins when you stay with Atlantic Realty, where travelers consistently find the best places to stay on the Outer Banks. Since 1982, families have enjoyed spring breaks in our lovely OBX vacation homes, dotting the gorgeous shoreline. We’ll help you get more bang for your buck during your stay and we proudly provide several pet-friendly OBX vacation rentals. Follow our quick guide to a paw-some spring break adventure, all within perfect reach from your OBX vacation home—

Pet-Friendly Itinerary for Your OBX Spring Break

Your family’s spring break vacation can be rewarding for both humans and pets. The OBX has always been an incredible pet-friendly destination, drawing in visitors from all over! We have compiled a list of pet-friendly things to do to help with your vacation planning process. 

Where to Stay

Atlantic Realty has your vacation rental needs and wants covered! Our pet-friendly rentals ensure that you don’t have to leave your well-behaved pup behind this spring. We offer over 40 pet-friendly OBX homes, spanning from Corolla all the way to South Nags Head. There is something for every family, including great modern amenities and beautiful views. 

Where to Eat

What to Do 

Make sure to check out our helpful “Traveling with Pets” page for more valuable tips and tricks. You can also feel free to ask our knowledgeable staff for information! Book your pet-friendly OBX vacation home with Atlantic Realty online today—just in time for spring break!

Celebrate the New Year with an Outer Banks Vacation

Welcome 2022! Finally, we have entered a new chapter of our lives and can start enjoying it to its fullest. All around the country, we’ve wrapped up our New Year’s celebrations, coming away with refreshed memories and new resolutions. A common resolution among folks is traveling more often. There is no better way to begin fulfilling that resolution than a vacation to the beautiful Outer Banks, NC. As your family and friends start slowly easing back into travel, our barrier island communities provide a wonderfully safe relief from crowded spaces and congested vacation destinations. Let the seaside breezes wash over you! 

Celebrate 2022 with a Trip to the Outer Banks

Atlantic Realty is where your NC barrier island experience begins. We know that folks traveling during the new year are looking for more affordable vacations and accommodation options. For that very reason, we offer amazing amenities and great specials. You’ll get more bang for your buck by using Atlantic Realty guest perks, including discounted tickets and specials. Our selective vacation rental portfolio spans the lovely island Outer Banks communities, from Corolla to South Nags Head. As you get ready for your new year’s Outer Banks vacation, take a quick look at some of our great value opportunities—

Explore the Shore Guest Program

Pack up your family and get ready to vacation like a local in the Outer Banks! Our Explore the Shore program allows you to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, services, and dining deals. We’ve partnered with local businesses to ensure you have a good time.  You can explore the OBX without hurting your pocket! 

Fun ‘N Sun Perks Pass

We encourage you to utilize this guest pass, an exclusive vacation amenity that will get you and yours outdoors! There are fantastic savings to be had up and down the Outer Banks, including ice cream discounts and a free fishing pier pass. When you stay with Atlantic Realty, we want to make sure you get out to enjoy the natural beauty of our surrounding areas. 

Flexible Payment Plan

Atlantic Realty makes booking your 2022 Outer Banks getaway worry-free with our thoughtful flexible payment plan. You can book your stay today, enter the promo code FLEXPAY2022, and just pay 25 percent of the rent amount. You then make your monthly payments on your schedule. Some restrictions apply, so make sure to visit our website. We are committed to helping you find a home that suits your family’s size, style, and budget. 

Book your affordable Outer Banks vacation with us online today! We cannot wait to welcome you and your family to our barrier island.

10 Jar Date Ideas during Your OBX Getaway- Romantic Vacation

You may think of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, lovingly known as OBX, and only picture quaint seaside villages, surfing, fishing, and beautiful sandy beaches. Our lovely barrier island communities do consist of all those incredible attractions, activities, and more. However, OBX is a wonderful place for a romantic getaway, especially during the amorous month of February. You’ll feel like you entered a whole new world, far away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. 

Date night on the OBX can be lots of fun!

Treat your significant other to a romantic OBX getaway this year and stay with Atlantic Realty, your premier vacation rental and real estate company in the Outer Banks. When you choose one of our beautiful, diverse vacation homes, your barrier island experience will begin! Follow this easy guide to ten jar date ideas during your OBX getaway and romantic vacation—

Fall Hard during Your Romantic OBX Getaway

You don’t need a jar at all—simply look at our list of ten jar date ideas during your stay with Atlantic Realty, roll a 10-sided die, and the number it lands on is your date! 

  1. Grab a tasty handcrafted brew at one of the top three Outer Banks breweries, like Outer Banks Brewing Station 
  2. Visit a local spa (or two) for a nice, relaxing date all centered on rejuvenation and wellness
  3. Reserve an intimate dinner experience at Kill Devil Hills’ upscale, eclectic French restaurant, The Colington Cafe 
  4. Spend a day indulging in self-care at 723 Salty Duck — Colony By The Sea Unit 306A, your new favorite  cozy Atlantic Realty vacation rental
  5. Journey down to the beach and enjoy the gorgeous sunrises OBX is known for. Or catch a sunset on the Sound. The Duck Boardwalk is a great viewing spot!
  6. Go to the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo and stroll around in lush botanical paradise 
  7. Venture through Downtown Manteo, which was recently voted one of the ten most romantic towns in North Carolina
  8. Rent a convertible and take your loved one down the Outer Banks Scenic Byway
  9. Embark on a horseback riding tour, which you can read about on our blog page
  10. Shop ‘til you drop with your significant other at the Outer Banks locally-owned shops and boutiques and be sure to check out the local discounts offered with the Atlantic Realty Fun N Sun Perks Pass

Set the mood and reserve the perfect romantic vacation rental with Atlantic Realty. We offer a wide range of rentals, from condos to beachfront homes. Book your stay with us online today!

Celebrate the Holidays with Atlantic Realty OBX

This year, make the holidays an unforgettable time by celebrating them in OBX with Atlantic Realty. A beach vacation is always a fun time, but it gets increasingly fun when you come down during the holiday season! Atlantic Realty offers families, friends, and everyone with beautiful vacation accommodations throughout the Outer Banks community. From Corolla down to South Nags Head, you will get your bang for your buck at our OBX vacation homes. With your family’s size, style, and budget in mind, we are excited to offer you some tips and tricks for celebrating the holidays with Atlantic Realty. Keep reading for more! 

Spend the holidays on the Outer Banks!

Seasons Greetings at Your OBX Holiday Vacation

There are year-round holiday celebrations in the Outer Banks, but for now, we’ll focus on the fall and winter seasons. Every month, there are holiday celebrations suited for families, lovers, friends, and all. Locals and tourists alike love staying in OBX because of the strong sense of community our towns provide to all. 

For Thanksgiving, you can rest assured that your Atlantic Realty vacation home will be your home away from home. Our vacation homes and condos are all completely equipped with furnished kitchens, so you’ll be able to plan and cook a brilliant holiday meal. Incorporate these authentic North Carolina recipes into your Thanksgiving meal. We provide dishes, glassware, and silverware so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything but your loved ones, recipe ingredients, and an enormous appetite! If you don’t want to cook for yourself (you are on vacation, by the way), check out the ten best Outer Banks restaurants that offer takeout. It will make your holiday vacation extremely unique and relaxing if you are wondering what all you need to bring during your OBX holiday stay, check out our helpful What To Bring page. 

If you want to celebrate Christmas and other related holidays, you will also be in the right place! We all know how stressful gift shopping can be, but when you are in OBX, you’ll be amazed at the ease and convenience our local shops offer locals and tourists alike. Come Christmas morning, there’ll be a bounty of unique surprises under the tree—you’ll have to bring your own tree. After grabbing some gifts, attend Winter Lights, the Outer Bank’s top holiday tradition. Inside, you’ll be able to stroll along several illuminated walkways of the Elizabethan Gardens. Hang out with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites; this event is free. Check out some of the past Christmas and New Year’s events here, but be aware that some attractions may be closed, canceled, or experiencing shortened hours of operation. 

Celebrate Your OBXmas with Atlantic Realty

Here at Atlantic Realty, we believe your barrier island experience begins when you check in to one of our OBX vacation accommodations. We have a selective portfolio of affordable Outer Banks homes, from oceanfront luxury properties to quaint condos. You’ll be right at home during your OBX holiday vacation. Book your stay with us online today

© 2024 Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Web Design by InterCoastal Net Designs Vacation Rental Housekeep Professionals Vacation Rental Management Association