If you need a brief reprieve from daily life, you’re in luck. Heading out for an OBX pier fishing weekend is an excellent way to recharge. Lounging on a pier overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean and breathing in the crisp, salty air. Atlantic Realty’s vacation rentals, found at various locations along the Outer Banks, is the perfect place to stay during your fishing trip. You can find a fishing pier close to nearly every beach house!
OBX Fishing at a Glance
Fishing on the Outer Banks is a dream come true for most sport fishermen. It should be noted that you may need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish here. After that, you may want to visit a local bait and tackle shop such as T.W’s Bait & Tackle or Bob’s Bait & Tackle. You can even rent fishing gear if you don’t want to go through the hassle of bringing your own. Pros of the fishing business, especially when it comes to the Outer Banks, these bait and tackle shops are sure to have everything you’ll need.
What You Need to Know about Pier Fishing
Pier fishing provides an inexpensive way to cast a line in deeper waters without renting or bringing a boat. They’re also great for teaching your kids about saltwater fishing. Luckily, there are several piers from which to choose on the Outer Banks, so hopefully, you won’t have to worry about them being too crowded. Here’s a list of a few fish you may reel in during your Outer Banks Vacation:
Croaker
Spanish Mackerel
Bluefish
Spot
Sheepshead
Cobia
Flounder
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you may want to ask a local bait shop what’s in season and what’s the best time to cast a line, or you can do a little research of your own.
Cast a Line near Your OBX Beach House
OBX fishing is excellent for a couple’s weekend, a solo retreat, or a beach house vacation the whole family can enjoy. Sitting out on the pier with an angler in the water, the sun warming your face, and a beverage of your choice in hand is exactly what you need to relax from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Atlantic Realty Outer Banks vacation rentals offer an array of oceanfront rentals (some of which are even pet-friendly!) that make for an excellent fishing-trip stay. Start planning your relaxing, OBX pier fishing vacation and give our staff a call today at 855-486-2150.
Atlantic Realty is thrilled to participate the first ever Vacation Rental Week! This week celebrates the unique and value added benefits of professionally managed vacation rentals both guests and property owners alike, and we encourage you to book your next vacation or choose a professional manager to rent your vacation property.
As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels, offering much more for your money; additional space to spread out and relax, privacy, convenience, and amenities all to yourself! Along with this added value, your options are constantly increasing as more and more properties are available to fit your family’s size, style, and budget.
Vacation rentals also allow you the unique opportunity to create a more personalized and memorable vacation experience when compared to traditional resorts or hotels. You’ll have the practical comfort of an actual home, the ability to explore the neighborhood “like a local”, and the opportunity to discover aspects of the area that you may miss in a more commercial setting. If you’re traveling with family or friends, vacation rentals are an excellent option that typically offer multiple bedrooms and baths, full kitchens, laundry facilities, and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and activities.
For property owners, renting your second home through a professional manager can be an easy and reliable revenue source, transforming your home into an asset that offers significant return on your investment. You’ll also be able to use the property when you choose, spending your own vacations there with family and friends, while renting to guests the rest of the year.
A professional vacation manager handles the logistics, secures responsible guests, and maximizes your return through expert knowledge of the market. They’ll also advertise the property, handle inquiries, collect deposits and balances, generate legal agreements, take care of cleaning and minor maintenance, and follow up after check out, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the experience.
Atlantic Realty can help manage both side of the transaction. With almost 40 years in the vacation rental business, we are experts in helping guests find their perfect vacation home and helping owners protect and maximize their vacation home investment. Contact Atlantic Realty today! 800-334-8401
Year after year, families chose to vacation in North Carolina for spring break, especially in the Outer Banks. The oceanside towns offer countless activities for children of all ages. Whether you’re splashing in the water, strolling through downtown, or decorating a sandcastle, Outer Banks will keep your family smiling all vacation long. Each town offers a unique set of activities, so regardless of your Atlantic Realty’s vacation rental location, there will be many things to do “near me.”
Water Sports
One of the most popular Outer Banks activities is exploring several nearby water sports. If you’re hoping to reserve Outer Banks equipment rentals watercrafts, such as jet skis and boats, the sound is an ideal place to explore. However, use these rentals with caution since certain areas are very shallow. When it comes to non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, paddleboarding, and surfing, visitors can utilize several more areas in the Outer Banks.
Kiteboarding and windsurfing are quickly rising to be a top activity in the Outer Banks. Spend the day learning this new skill with lessons from Kitty Hawk Watersports. Your family will laugh all day long while watching each other face plant into the water. Our team loves Kitty Hawk Watersports because they boast several other watersports rentals, such as jet skis, kayaks, parasails, paddleboards, and more! For an extra treat, our Fun N Sun Pass gifts Atlantic Realty guests one free on-site stand up paddleboard or kayak rental per day, thanks to Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School.
Beachcombing & Hunting for Ghost Crabs
Ghost crabbing is a fun daytime or nighttime activity for kids and adults alike.
If you’ve ever taken a stroll down the beach at night, you must have noticed the highly-active tiny Ghost Crabs. These nocturnal creatures are best revealed under the glowing moon or a flashlight. However, you can also go hunting for Ghost Crabs during the day—dig in the shallow water and along the tide’s breaking point on the beach. You’ll be surprised by just how many critters live below the surface, such as sand daggers and sand crabs.
North Carolina Aquarium
One of the top things to do during your Outer Banks family vacation is spending time at the North Carolina Aquarium. Children and adults of all ages enjoy watching aquatic animals swim and splash about in the aquarium’s realistic habitat. The aquarium’s exhibits feature rare animals, such as Alligators, Black Widow Spiders, Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Sea Otters, and more! One highlight of the North Carolina Aquarium is the mock Sea Turtles healing center and Observation Center. Here, visitors can pretend to assess Sea Turtles’ health, determine a diagnosis, and nurse some Sea Turtles back to health. At the end of your long day exploring Outer Banks activities, return to your Atlantic Realty vacation rental. We boast a wide selection of beach houses in the Outer Banks to accommodate various family sizes, so we’re confident you’ll be eager to visit North Carolina for spring break the following year. Start planning your epic spring break and give our staff a call today at 855-486-2150.
When vacationing in Outer Banks, North Carolina, it’s essential to take in every picturesque view. There are roughly 105 miles of shoreline that offer ample amounts of sunshine, sugary sand, and piercing blue water. Luckily for you, Outer Banks bike rentals make it possible for you to see every inch! When it comes to biking, our team here at Atlantic Realty knows the ins and outs for you to have the Outer Banks Vacation possible. If you don’t know where to begin, start with our favorite OBX bike rentals listed below.
Biking is a great way to see the Outer Banks
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Location: Corolla
Price: $30 – $125
Rental Options: Tandem bicycles, beach cruisers, electric bicycles, fat-tire bikes, and “kiddie kart trailers” for children to be pulled in.
Why Choose Ocean Atlantic Rentals? We enjoy Ocean Atlantic Rentals because their inventory accommodates all visitors regardless of build, gender, age, or physical ability. Our guests also love Ocean Atlantic Rentals because their equipment is delivered right to your door. However, you may also choose to visit their store in person to check out their other beach equipment rentals, such as umbrellas, golf carts, coolers, and even beach play yards for young children.
Kitty Hawk Kites
Locations: Corolla, Duck, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Avon, and Hatteras
Price: $10 – $45
Rental Option: Beach cruiser
Why Choose Kitty Hawk Kites: Our staff loves Kitty Hawk Kites because there are several locations across Outer Banks, North Carolina. So no matter our guests’ OBX beach houses are, they can nearly guarantee a Kitty Hawk Kites is nearby. Our past guests have expressed that they enjoy Kitty Hawk Kites because their shop is full of other exciting beach rental equipment. After trying out the Outer Banks bike rentals, consider trying out hang gliding, parasailing, jetpacking, surfing, or any one of their adrenaline-inducing adventures.
Just for the Beach
Locations: Corolla, Duck, and Kill Devil Hills
Price: $10 – $62
Rental Options: Beach cruisers, tandem bikes, fat-tire bikes, and kiddie carts
Why Choose Just for the Beach? Atlantic Realty’s team loves Just for the Beach because they’re a part of our Fun N Sun Program. In addition to bike rentals, they also offer water sports gear, beach supplies, baby equipment, and cottage necessities. Forget waiting an unreasonably long time to receive your Outer Banks bikes rentals because Just for the Beach offers an express delivery option that guarantees your rental will arrive before your arrival.
Moneysworth Home Equipment Rentals
Locations: Kitty Hawk
Price: $45 – $55
Rental Option: Beach cruiser
Why Choose Moneysworth Home Equipment Rentals? Moneysworth Home Equipment Rentals is best known for being the only company in the Outer Banks with free delivery and free pickup. All you have to do is order your rentals online, and they’ll be waiting for you at your Atlantic Realty rental.
OBX Beach Cabana Services
Locations: Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores
Price: $40
Rental Option: Beach Cruiser
Why Choose OBX Beach Cabana Services? Many of our guests like OBX Beach Cabana Service because they’re a full service set-up company. This means they’ll deliver you equipment, set it up, and take it down at the end of the day. They also offer drop off service at your rental home.
Are There Additional Bike Paths Near Me?
If you find yourself loving the Outer Banks bike rentals, consider extending the equipment’s lease and explore the local cycle trails. The Outer Banks is an active biking community, so you’ll frequently see neon yellow signs reading, “Bicycles- Share the Road” along busy roads such as NC 12, US 264, US 64, and US 158. These trails are slightly wider than the shoreline trails because more experienced cyclists travel quicker and may pass fellow riders. Keep in mind; cyclist paths are most crowded during our summer months, so check them out soon!
Atlantic Realty
After your long day exploring Outer Banks on bike rentals, head back to your Atlantic Realty vacation home. We’re confident that our wide variety of beach houses in the Outer Banks will not only make you feel at home but help create memories that last forever. To learn more about how you can start planning your Outer Banks vacation, talk to our friendly staff at 877-858-4795.
Atlantic Realty rents Vacation Homes and Condos on the Outer Banks of NC. With properties available from 1 to 16 bedrooms, in areas from Corolla to South Nags Head, we are sure to have the ideal vacation home for your family’s size, style and budget. Here are 20 reasons why you should book your 2020 Outer Banks vacation with us!
1.Easy to Use Website – Full of Large Photos and Floorplan Tours, www.atlanticrealty-nc.com makes it easy to find the perfect vacation home available the dates that you want to visit.
2. Online Booking and Payments – Real Time availability allows you to book your vacation anytime – even when our office is closed. View your reservation and make payments whenever you like through our Guest Portal.
3. Pet Friendly Rentals – With over 40 homes available that allow pets, you can bring the entire family on your Outer Banks vacation.
4. Partial Week Stay Search – We offer the ability to search for short stays online. No need to call the office to see what’s available for a long weekend, you can search and book online anytime!
5. Flexible Payment Plan – Book with just 25% down, 25% due by April 15th, and the balance of your reservation due 45 days before arrival.
Homes Available from Corolla to South Nags Head
6. No Credit Card Fees – Unlike some other vacation rental companies, we do not charge guests additional fees to pay by credit card.
7. Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff – Our Vacation Planners live right here on the Outer Banks and can give you the best local advice on where to stay and what to do during your vacation.
8. Senior Discount – Guests over age 65 receive a 10% discount on select homes with Atlantic Realty.
9. Travel Insurance – We offer Travel Insurance to all guests to protect their vacation investment. Anything can happen before or during your vacation, and Vacation Travel Insurance can offer reimbursement in the event of a last minute cancellation or Hurricane Evacuation.
10. Vacay Your Way Homes – This select group of homes provides flexible arrival dates and flexible stay dates year round! Only want to visit for 3 nights in July? No need to wait until the last minute to see what’s left – you can book that vacation today in our Vacay Your Way Homes.
Atlantic Realty provides exceptional services and amenities
11. Educator Discount – Teachers and Administrators receive a 10% discount on select homes year round.
12. Free Activities – Our Exclusive Fun N Sun Pass provides Atlantic Realty guests with FREE local activities each and every day of their stay. Take a wild horse safari, dolphin cruise, play mini golf and more all for FREE!
13. More Discounts – We’ve teamed up with over 30 local businesses to provide guests with exclusive discounts on restaurants, activities, and services with our Explore the Shore Program.
14. Clean Homes – Our housekeepers are trained and held to the highest standards. Each home is inspected before guest arrival to ensure that you will be satisfied.
15. Keyless Entry – Almost all of the Atlantic Realty homes provide convenient keyless entry with Express Check In. No more having to worry about losing keys on vacation and no need to check into the office when you arrive. Go straight to the home to begin you vacation!
H2OBX Waterpark is the newest attraction on the Outer Banks
16. H2OBX Ticket Discount – As a partner of H2OBX Waterpark, Atlantic Realty guests get an exclusive discount on waterpark tickets.
17. No Event Fees – Our Event Homes do not charge any additional fees for Weddings, Parties, or Corporate Retreats.
18. Local Heroes Discount – We celebrate Military (Active and Retired), Fire, Police, and EMS workers with a 10% discount on full week rentals year round on participating properties.
19. In House Maintenance – Should any maintenance issues arise during your stay, our friendly and helpful maintenance team will get it corrected quickly so as not to disturb your vacation.
20. Guest Referral Program – Share Atlantic Realty with your friends and family! When they book a 2020 vacation with us, we’ll waive the Admin Fee ($135 value) on your reservation as a Thank You.
One of the most popular Christmas traditions on the Outer Banks (as well as any town) is looking at the local Christmas light displays. The Outer Banks has some truly amazing light displays, one of which has even been on national television. Below is a list of some of our favorites. If you happen to visit the Outer Banks during the holiday season, be sure to check these out!
Private Homes
The Corolla Christmas House, right along N.C. 12 in Corolla– this thoroughly modern light display entertains visitors with their impressive computerized light show.
Grandy Lights, 118 Woodhouse Drive, Grandy– 70,000 lights hooked up to 140 musical segments. Only one word describes it; Wow.
206 Clamshell Drive, Kill Devil Hills– The Mennicucci family collects donations for the food pantry, so bring some cans when you come look at the lights.
959 Wingina Ave., Manteo-Lights timed to music, courtesy of the Dillon Family
The Outer Banks Christmas House, Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills– This is the famed Outer Banks Christmas house, owned by the Poulos Family as seen on the Today show and other extreme decorating shows. You have to see it to believe it!
The Poulos Family has been setting up this massive Christmas display for almost 40 years
Government Sites
Aviation Park, Kill Devil Hills Town Hall, Veterans Drive- Aviation Park does fun things with their frog pond and lights.
Manns Harbor Post Office- A post office? Seriously? Yes. Just across the bridge is a tiny post office with a musical light display and definitely worth the trip.
Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island Festival Park– You might have seen the Elizabeth II before, but you’ve never seen her all decked out in lights. Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Elizabeth II all lit up. Photo courtesy of OBX Entertainment.
Elizabethan Gardens Winter Lights
Over a million lights, wooden sculptures, inflatables and more make up this spectacular display of Winter lights at the Elizabethan Gardens, one of the most beautiful places on the Outer Banks. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for youth, and $6 for children. You can find out more about the Elizabeth Garden’s Winter Lights here.
Winterlights at the Elizabethan Gardens features displays including Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth in lights.
Do you know of any amazing displays that we missed? Be sure to share in the comments below. We would love to add to our list.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and hope to see you on the Outer Banks soon!
It inevitable, Hot Summer Days can sometime mean rainy days. There’s nothing worse than planning all year for that perfect family beach vacation only to have a rainy day ruin it. Don’t stress! When the kids are tired of puzzles, board games, and movies, The Outer Banks has some great alternatives to keep the family entertained on rainy days (or any days).
1. Escape Room
If you are not familiar with an escape room adventure, imagine the entire family working together to find clues within a room to solve a puzzle or mystery before time runs out. It’s a lot of fun! There are two escape rooms located on the Outer Banks. Will You Escape the OBX is the original and is located just one mile over the Wright Memorial Bridge on the Currituck Mainland. It features rooms like The Office (a diamond heist) The Nautical Room, Under the Sea Adventure, and The Wacky Wizard. These rooms offer multiple difficulty levels and are appropriate for family members of all ages. Guests of Atlantic Realty receive 1 Free Admission per reservation per day to Will You Escape the OBX with our Fun N Sun Pass.
The OBX Escape Room features more themed rooms such as Mutiny on The Lark, Cold Case Murder of Dawn Renee, and Cell Block 4 Death Row. These rooms are geared more towards teens to adults and tend to be more of a a challenge.
Both rooms require reservations and may get busy on rainy days, so be sure to call ahead.
2. Laser Tag
It’s true. Laser tag has come to the Outer Banks. It’s great fun for the whole family from 4 years old all the way to adult. But that’s not all, there’s also an old fashioned arcade attached when you can win tickets to redeem for prizes. There are even bounce houses for the youngest members of the family. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. The kids won’t even notice it’s raining.
3. Roanoke Island Festival Park
Downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island are a great spot for a day trip, rain or shine! Explore the shops and restaurants on the waterfront, visit the NC Aquarium, and don’t forget to make time to see The Lost Colony, the oldest running outdoor drama in America.
This site features both indoor and outdoor attractions, so it’s a great destination for days with intermittent showers. You can learn about the original colonists, the legend of two path, tour a replica colonial settlement, Native American village and composite 16th century sailing ship. There are also fake ‘ducks’ to ‘hunt’, history of the Outer Banks and a lot more. This one museum where kids are encouraged to touch everything; they can even dress up in periodic costumes and have a grand old time.
4. OBX Art Studio
Though it opened as Glazin’ Go-Nuts about 20 years ago, the OBX Art Studio has grown into a great rainy day destination. It features paint your own pottery, canvas painting and fused glass creations. No matter what kind of art you and your little artists are into, you can find it at the OBX Art Studio. Not only do you get to make your own Outer Banks vacation souvenir, you will make a lot of great memories too.
5. Centers For Wildlife Education
With 2 locations; one in Corolla, and one in Manteo, these little known sites sponsored by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission are museums that feature exhibits and animal lessons. There are taxidermied animals (no live ones) historical duck decoys, movies, simulators and more. Each one of the centers has its own theme and feature an indoor ‘animal’ scavenger hunt. Once the weather breaks, you can explore the outdoor nature trails.
6. Jumpmasters
Jumpmasters Trampoline Park
One of the newest attractions on the Outer Banks, Jumpmasters is a locally owned indoor trampoline park. It has trampolines, an American Ninja style obstacle courses and a climbing wall. You can buy a ticket for all day or just a few hours. However, if it’s raining the all-day ticket is a steal. Don’t forget, Atlantic Realty guests get one Free Admission with the Fun N Sun Pass.
7. Miss Kitty’s Old Time Photo
What would be a better memory and Outer Banks souvenir than a fun costumed photoshoot with the family and friends. Miss Kitty’s can certainly provide that. She has all kinds of themes to choose from, from the traditional western, Victorian and gangster themes, to old time beach, mermaids, pirates and a lot more. No matter your favorite time period in history, Miss Kitty can accommodate. Shoots can accommodate up to 60 people, and you can even bring your pet. Now THAT’s fun for the entire family.
8. Monkey Business
You’ve heard of Build-A-Bear; now meet Create-A-Critter (same principal, but they have a wider selection of animals.) Kids can have a fun day creating their own critter and buying it outfits. Then they’ll get a kick out of seeing all the other toys nearby, including a breathtaking Construx Ferris wheel. And best of all, they’ll have a great souvenir to forever remind them of the Outer Banks.
9. Turfs Up
Go head to head with the zombie team.
Zombie Dodge Ball anyone? That’s just one of the fun games you can play indoors on the virtual ‘courses’ of Turfs Up. This alternate reality venue also features golf, basketball, carnival games and many more. In fact, they’re always changing up the games, so be sure to check it out.
10. Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Now this one can only be done at night, but if you can’t go ghost crabbing on account of the rain, it’s a good alternative. The Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre features a new show every year as well as a sit down dinner. The show is always family friendly and a lot of fun. It’s a great thing to do on a rainy night, but be sure to reserve tickets in advance.
Don’t let a little rain ruin your Outer Banks vacation. Enjoy some of our suggestions here, or check out our Things to Do Page on our website for more ideas. The showers will pass and you’ll be back on the beach in no time!
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays! With family and friends gathered together for fun and especially food, memories are bound to be made. What could be a better way to get everyone together than with a destination Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks? We’ll provide the home with plenty of room for everyone including gathering spaces, large dining tables, and gourmet kitchens for pulling off the best Thanksgiving meal ever!
Don’t feel like cooking? Never fear. The Outer Banks has several restaurants dedicated to helping you have a fantastic Thanksgiving. Whether you want a big bountiful buffet, a fancy multi-course meal or you want food to take home and serve in that great house you rented, we have you covered with a variety of options. After all, you’re on vacation too!
Thanksgiving Dinner is easy on the Outer Banks
Buffets
Ready for a food coma? These buffets can provide it. Not only is it all you can eat, the food is varied and fantastic which will please even the pickiest of eaters. There are many traditional favorites as well as things unique to the Outer Banks like oyster dressing. Yum.
Red Sky-Duck
This restaurant featuring Chef Wes is always a treat. Some of the highlights include turkey with cranberry relish, she-crab bisque, prime rib, and of course, a variety of oysters.
Of course, Captain George’s is always a buffet, but for Thanksgiving, they offer the “The Captain’s Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet”. It includes some items not usually on the menu such as turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes, and of course seafood. Lots of seafood.
One of our oldest restaurants on the water, this menu is really something. Highlights include the usual turkey and prime rib, but then also things that are uniquely Outer Banks like oysters, ham hocks, crab dip and local fresh fish.
This restaurant burst onto the scene a few years ago and has really made its mark. Not only does it have the traditional favorites, it has Outer Banks favorites like oyster dressing, fisherman’s’ stew and cranberry relish.
This restaurant features traditional favorites of ham, turkey and beef, along with Outer Banks favorites like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and oysters.
https://mulligansobx.com/
Multi Course Meals
If you’re not a buffet person, then you still have options
for Thanksgiving. These restaurants serve a 3 course meal from a set menu with
several choices. These types of menus
make for a longer, more relaxing meal with your family.
Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar-Kitty Hawk
This is one of the few restaurants that offer a four course
menu instead of a three course. The appetizer course has things like sautéed
shrimp, meatloaf and oysters. The next course is either soup or salad, and
includes favorites like the Bistro Salad or beef and barely soup. The main
course has not just turkey and prime rib, but also flounder and scallops. It is
the Outer Banks after all. And the desserts offer such things as apple and
cranberry tart or bourbon pecan chocolate chess pie.
This four course meal also has plenty of options. From
appetizers of blue crab dip and mushroom bisque to the salad, to the entrees of
turkey, seafood and prime rib, it has it all. There’s even a vegetarian entrée
option. Dessert has everything from flourless chocolate torte and pumpkin
spiced Swiss roll.
The only one of two oceanfront restaurants in Dare County, the Beach Bistro is a little more laid back than most other multi course meal restaurants. Entrees center on turkey, steak, seafood and Portobello mushroom (good for vegetarians). There’s a soup or salad. Dessert is a variety of traditional Thanksgiving favorites along with flourless chocolate cake.
Feel like having Thanksgiving in that great house you rented but don’t actually want to be the one to cook it? Don’t worry. These restaurants have you covered. They specialize in take-out Thanksgiving that you can get the day before and then just heat up at home. You can fill the house with those great Thanksgiving smells and just relax on the actual day.
Coastal Provisions — Southern Shores
This long time local’s favorite offers an oven ready (raw) turkey that is brined and already has the spices and veggies on it. But it doesn’t stop there. If you don’t love turkey you could also get ham or crab cakes. The huge list of sides is impressive and ranges from traditional stuffing; Outer Banks stuffing, mashed potatoes and even spinach dip. There is going to be something on this menu for everyone.
Ducks premier grocery, deli and bakery, Tommy’s offers all sizes of turkeys and you can get them baked, fried, prepped or completely raw. Naturally, they have all the popular sides, salads and a wide variety of homemade cakes, pies and rolls to go with them. If you want a good old fashioned Thanksgiving feast, Tommy’s is the place to go.
https://tommysmarketobx.com/
Bones Doghouse BBQ
BBQ for Thanksgiving? Of course. Not only can you get the typical pork, brisket and ham, you can also get a Turkey, smoked or fried. The sides are more BBQ than Thanksgiving, but with choices like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese (for the kids) new potatoes, pasta salads and roasted red peppers, you can find something the whole family will love. Best of all, you don’t even have to go pick it up. Bones Doghouse BBQ delivers.
bonesbbq@gmail.com
Grocery Stores
As a last resort, stores like Publix, Harris Teeter and Food Lion offer take home Thanksgiving meals, so if that’s something you’re interested in, be sure to check them out. The prices are economical and provide everything you need for a stress free meal.
Still haven’t made your Outer Banks Thanksgiving plans? Search our Vacation Rental Homes here. We have availability for the week or just the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Halloween is coming. The Outer Banks may be well known for it’s spooky history and ghost stories, but not so much as a Halloween destination. If you’re a horror movie and Halloween fan, you won’t want to miss the 4th Annual International Halloween Film Festival on the Outer Banks.
The 4th Annual Outer Banks Halloween Film Festival is October 3rd – 5th, 2019
This 3 day event feature indie films from prominent and up-and-coming indie filmmakers from all over the world. There are prizes for the films as well. It’s like our very own mini Academy Awards!
This event features three days of Halloween fun with all kinds of film from super short to feature length. There are also question and answer sessions with the directors and stars, photo ops on the orange carpet and nightly meet and greets. There are even after hours parties featuring additional fan films not shown during the festival, costume parties, Scaryoke, and a whole lot more!
The movies are shown at the Outer Bank’s largest movie theater; R/C Theatres Movies 10. It features a 36 foot movie screen, stadium seating and all the concessions you’d expect from a movie theater. And of course, the theater has that ‘Outer Banks’ vibe. To buy tickets and see a complete movie list, visit OBX Entertainment’s website.
For decades the Outer Banks has been known as a fishing haven with so many options — surf fishing, pier fishing, and even charter boat fishing. There are many types of charter trips on the Outer Banks to pick from; it can be hard to know what kind is right for you. This article will help you book the best Outer Banks Charter for you and your family to make great memories, and catch some fish.
What Does Your Group Need To Be Comfortable?
This is a question that has no universal ‘right’ answer, but
rather an answer that is very ‘right’ for your unique group. For example,
elderly people need to comfortable and have shade, while children need to move
around. The ‘right’ answer for your
group is to choose a charter where everyone will have a good time.
Catch of the Day
Does Anyone Have Special Needs?
Special needs is a broad topic that covers everything from
seasickness to sunburns to panicking if you can’t see land and a whole host of
other issues as well. Sometimes, soundside or inshore charters work best,
sometimes only a real ocean charter will do, and sometimes a dolphin tour, eco
tour or pontoon boat is just the ticket.
The Bathroom Situation
No one likes talking about this one. I get it. But you’re
going to be on this boat for at least half a day or longer, so it must be
addressed. Larger commercial boats that go out in the ocean have a bathroom
like an airplane bathroom; cramped, but private. However, many smaller outboard
boats only have a seat cushion you pull up where the ‘head’ is under it. This
works for some people, but not so well for others. If it matters to you, ask
before you book.
What Do You Want To Catch?
What you want to catch also plays a part in the type of Outer Banks charter you book. For example, if you want to catch billfish, they are only in the gulf, so the decision of the type of charter you rent has been made for you. However, you can also catch tuna, croaker, stripers, flounders, crabs and many others. Ask the boat you’re thinking about chartering about the type of fish you’re planning to catch.
Kids enjoy catching fish too!
Is A Private Charter A Must?
When people think of charters, they often think of private
ones. However, make up charters are also a thing. This is where a boat captain
collects the names of a bunch of singles or couples who want to fish but not
rent a whole boat. Then, when the captain has enough people, they let all the
makeup people know so they can go out together.
Another option for a non-private charter is a head boat.
This is a rather large sound-going boat that holds about 100 people. Yes, you’re all competing for fish, but you
will catch some anyway. The big advantages of head boats are the price, the
lack of waves (since they don’t go in the ocean,) the normal bathroom and a
lounge area to go in if it gets too hot or uncomfortable. It’s a great
family-friendly option.
Charter Boat Fishing on the Sea Hunter
How Long Do You Want To Spend on The Water?
Charter boat trips come in three lengths; whole day, half
day and two hours. A two hour tour boat only represents a small number of the
boats, and they are sound boats, so you’ll most likely spend either a whole day
or half day on the water. Sometimes you can dictate how long the charter is,
but many times, your destination will dictate it. For example, going gulf
fishing takes a whole day. Decide on how
long your group can stand to be on a boat before you book.
Do You Really Want To Catch Fish Or Do You Just Want A Day On The Water?
Do you really want to catch fish or just enjoy a day on the
water? It’s possible to charter a pontoon boat with the purpose of just
spending a day on the water and not catching fish. Pontoon boats can take you
exploring nature, swimming, and tubing and drop you off at hard-to-get-to
islands. And yes, they can catch fish and crabs too. There are even private sunset cruises.
Day on the Water with the Pontoon Man
To Sum Up
When it comes to booking a charter on the Outer Banks, there are certainly a lot of choices. None of the choices are ‘bad’, but not all the choices are right for your family. Keeping these considerations in mind will help you make the best choice for you and for family so they can look back to this day and think about what a wonderful day it was.
Be sure to check out our Explore the Shore Program for discounts on activities including Charter Boat Fishing from local boats.
