Liz Askew, Author at Atlantic Realty Outer Banks

July 31, 2019May 31, 2022

Fall Getaways on the Outer Banks

Fall is the absolute best time to visit the Outer Banks. The weather is great (less heat and humidity than in Summer), the water is still warm, the Summer crowds have left, and the shops and restaurants are still open. Best of all, the vacation rental rates are low–up to 60% off peak Summer rates! Gather your group and make a plan to getaway to the OBX this Fall. We make it easy with affordable weekend and weeklong stays.

Girls Getaways

Grab your besties and head to the beach for a Fall Getaway on the Outer Banks. Imagine spending the day lounging on the beach with a great book or catching up on some great conversation with your friends. How about a night out? There is plenty of entertainment even in the Off Season and wine tastings are available if you want to keep things a little more low key. Treat yourself with a rejuvenating trip to one of our local Spas or an incredible piece of art or jewelry from any one of the galleries and shops up and down the beach. The option to do everything the OBX has to offer (or even nothing) all weekend is yours!

Enjoy a little retail therapy on the OBX

Guys Getaways

We can’t leave the fellas out of an Outer Banks Fall Vacation. With amazing outdoor activities available including Golf (FREE at 2 separate 18 hole courses with the Atlantic Realty Fun N Sun Pass), Charter Fishing Trips to the Gulf Stream, Pier Fishing and even Brewery Tours, there is something for all the guys in your group! Who will be the daredevil to try hang gliding on Jockey’s Ridge or Skydiving with OBX Skydive?

Hang gliding lessons are available from Kitty Hawk Kites

Couples Getaways

The Outer Banks was made for couples! From the gorgeous sunrise and sunset views each and every day here, to the romantic walks along the beach, there could not be a more perfect setting to spend the weekend away with your better half. Tour the local historic sites and attractions such as the Elizabethan Gardens or Currituck Lighthouse for a perfect photo op or cruise on down to Hatteras or Ocracoke Island for an amazing day trip.

Wine glass on the beach — Outer Banks Romantic Getaways

The Outer Banks is the perfect Fall destination. In addition to all of the things to see and do here year round, Fall brings several annual events and festivals to the area including the Outer Banks Seafood Festival and Duck Jazz Festival.

Give us a call today! Our Vacation Planners would be happy to help you plan your Outer Banks Getaway. Can’t wait? Browse our Vacaton Rental Homes now.

July 15, 2019March 22, 2023

5 Reasons a Beach Vacation is Good for your Health

It’s official. You’ve always known that you felt better at the beach, now there is actual scientific proof of that fact. It’s long been accepted that being in nature is a great way to lower stress. However, a study published in Health Place, shows that of all the nature you could ‘be in’, that the beach is clearly the superior choice. Here are a few reasons why.

Listen To The Waves Crashing

Waves crashing are a known ‘white noise’ sound, that calms the body and relaxes the nervous system. Many white noise machines are designed to mimic this sound, and the most popular ‘sleep tapes’ involve waves gently crashing on a beach. That sound, (known as ‘non-threats’ to the scientific community,) can help you achieve a conscious meditative state that is proven to both heal and strengthen you brain.

There’s Nothing Like The Feeling Of Sand Through Your Toes

You love walking on the beach, and it turns out it’s good for you too. Walking in sand is more challenging to your body than walking on flat roads. However, since this ground works with your body in a natural, forgiving way, (unlike asphalt which is very unforgiving,) you’re less likely to strain yourself while getting a better work out at the same time. Plus, you get to hear waves and smell ocean. And there’s another bonus too. Walking barefoot in all that sand naturally sands off all the dead skin on your feet better than any pedicure. So not only do you feel better, your feet will look great in flip flops!

walk on the beach — Walking on the beach is soothing

The Ocean Is A Natural Spa Day

Ever notice how a day at the beach shrinks your pores, heals cuts, and makes your skin look better? It’s not your imagination, and it’s not simply because you’re happy. Its’ because the combination of iodine, salt and other trace minerals in ocean water work as a detoxifier, an antibacterial and an antifungal. There’s nothing better for your skin than ocean water. And when the warm sun opens up your pores, it does an even better job. See, all the more reason to get out there and soak up some sun — Vitamin D!

There’s A Wide Array Of Exercise Available At The Beach

Not everyone likes exercise , but everyone loves playing on the beach. Whether you’re walking, running, playing Frisbee with the pup, volleyball with the kids, swimming, jumping waves, digging holes and so on, there are all kinds of ‘exercise’ you can do on the beach that simply feels like play. You’ll feel better in both mind and body, and you’ll want to do your favorite ‘workout’ again.

Smell That Salt Air

Taking your first steps on the beach and inhaling deeply is practically instinct. And it’s not just your imagination that makes you feel better. It’s the air itself. The quality of the air is purer on the beach. The air is actually infused with salt and negative ions that make it easier to breathe and absorb oxygen into your lungs. And of course, the fact that you’re breathing deeper now that you’ve relaxed doesn’t hurt either.

Going on a beach vacation is something that has unending benefits. These benefits were well known to our ancestors, which is why 18^th and 19^th century doctors often prescribed ‘seaside getaways’. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for a doctor to prescribe one, (though wouldn’t that be cool,) you can just ‘getaway’ right now.

There’s still time to plan your seaside getaway to the Outer Banks either for a Summer Vacation or Fall Weeks. Check out our available homes here.

June 19, 2019March 22, 2023

What’s New on the OBX in 2019

The summer season is just about here, and everyone is gearing up for our visitors. So in keeping with that, let’s take a look at some of the new things available on the Outer Banks for the 2019 season.

The Casey Logan Disc Golf Course

Owned by the town of Kill Devil Hills, the new disk golf course is tucked away behind the First Flight High School and offers free disk golf for all. This project was 8 years in the making and recently became a reality thanks to generous donors. Now, any time you want to play disk golf, you can just go to Kill Devil Hills and have a great time.

Shipwrecks Restaurant

A new restaurant is always exciting, and it’s even more exciting when you know the food is going to be good. Shipwrecks Restaurant is moving into the old Hooters building, and is brought to you by the people who own Sooey’s BBQ and Sandtrap Tavern. The restaurant promises great food and a ‘retro’ Outer Banks feel. Recent tastings from the restaurant promise to have something for everyone!

Nu-Quality Ice Cream Shop

When you pass by the Food Lion in Southern Shores, you’ll notice a little yellow building. No, it’s not a bank. It’s a drive through ice-cream place. The owner has had a successful ice-cream business in Elizabeth City and is now coming to the Outer Banks. The ice cream shop will be open year round and have limited seating. However, everyone is excited about the drive through. It’s the only ice cream drive in on the Outer Banks, and will taste so good after a long day in the car.

Jumpmasters

Now in its first full year, Jumpmasters is the Outer Banks only indoor trampoline park. It features all kinds of fun activities like trampolines, climbing walls, and an American Ninja style obstacle course. Kids and adults love Jumpmasters. Atlantic Realty guests get to enjoy a free admission through our Fun N Sun Pass Program.

Axe Throwing Lessons

Unleash your inner Viking and learn how to throw a real axe at a wooden target. No experience required. You’ll learn axe throwing in a safe controlled environment from a master instructor. There’ no better adrenaline rush than learning to throw an axe with precision.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

OK, so this one isn’t exactly new new. It’s now in its 5^th season and is in a new location at the Ramada. It has a new menu which is a buffet. It also features a new mystery. So even if you saw it last year, come on by and see it again. It won’t be like last year, and it’s an experience you’re not going to have anywhere else on the Outer Banks.

H2OBX Waterpark

Now, in all fairness, this was here last year as well. But this year, they’re offering a NEW weekly pass to the park. That’s right. When you buy the weekly pass from Atlantic Realty, you can go as much as you want all day every day (between Saturday and Saturday) for your entire week for one low price.

New Event Homes

Atlantic Realty now does event homes. Currently we have three of them, with the possibility for more in the future. The Pine Island Lodge is our largest and sleeps 80 people with 28 bedrooms. Our other two event homes are Crew Quarters and Knot Home. Each home sleeps 38-40 people with 16 bedrooms each. All three homes have great amenities like a swim up bar in the pool, outdoor entertaining areas, gyms, game rooms, extra sitting rooms and so much more.

We hope you’ll check out some of these new activities on your next visit to the Outer Banks. Let our Vacation Planners help you plan your next Outer Banks adventure or start browsing Vacation Ideas here.

May 22, 2019May 31, 2022

Outer Banks Tiny Home Festival

Have you heard about the Tiny Homes? They’re more than just a lifestyle, they’re a social movement. Tiny Homes are popular with people both for their relatively low cost and small environmental footprint. As people become more socially aware and more interested in minimalism, tiny homes are really starting to take off.

In general, a tiny home is usually less than 500 sq feet, with some of them being as small as 100 square feet. They feature clever ways of storage and furniture layout such as drop down storage cabinets, living rooms with hidden storage, two floors, and living rooms that turn into bedrooms. Staircases, industrial piping, and vinyl or wood flooring and a many more options are available. Some tiny homes are built to sleep four people.

The Sweet Pea Tiny Home will be on display at the Outer Banks Tiny Home Fesitval June 8-9

Some people think of Tiny Homes as ‘trailers’ but nothing could be further from the truth. A tiny home is more like their full sized counterpart, and their exteriors reflect this. Tiny homes can look anything from a dollhouse, to a Victorian, to a farmhouse even a chapel. Tiny Homes can be portable, since they do fit on hauling trailers, or they can stay in one place built on a foundation just like their full sized counterparts. They also make great offices, mother-in-law suites, and craft houses.

There are even Tiny Home communities popping up, (one is planned on Hatteras Island.) These communities offer all the benefits of both the Tiny Home movement and the closeness of a real neighborhood. After all, all the neighbors already have one thing in common; a love of Tiny Homes.

Currently, there aren’t many Tiny Homes on the Outer Banks, but that will soon change…

The Oak Island Tiny Home will appear at the Outer Banks Tiny Home Festival June 8–9th
(Photo courtesy of Sam Ross The Radio Scout)

The Outer Banks is pleased to announce the Outer Bank’s first annual Tiny Home Festival. This event runs the weekend of June 8^th and 9^th and is going to be a great family friendly event. Tickets are low, $10 for one day or $15 for both days. There will be lots of tiny homes to see along with speakers, hosts, musical entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden and plenty of arts and crafts vendors selling great stuff for your tiny (or regular sized home.)

A good time is guaranteed to be had by all. So stop by, see some great Tiny Homes, and enjoy a family friendly day full of fun, dreams, and great memories. And if you need a place to stay for the festival, be sure to check out our VacayYourWay program. These homes aren’t exactly “tiny”, but offer short stays year round when most vacation homes require full week stays.

May 1, 2019May 31, 2022

Outer Banks Firsts that Last

Darius Rucker asked in his recent Billboard hit “For the First Time,” …when was the last time you did something for the first time…”

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has a history of “firsts.” We were the first English colony in America – located on Roanoke Island and founded by Sir Walter Raleigh. We were first in flight when John T. Daniels captured an image Orville and Wilbur Wright’s glider lifting off the dunes of Kitty Hawk in December of 1903. We were the home of the first English child born in the new world – Virginia Dare. And, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university to open its doors in America.

Indeed our “Firsts” have a history of being memorable. Recently, VisitNC, North Carolina’s Tourism Marketing arm, was recognized for championing North Carolina’s Firsts That Last campaign when it received a total of nine AAAwards from the American Advertising Federation. The campaign prominently featured all of the firsts that are possible on the North Carolina Outer Banks and focused on one young family’s first visit to the ocean – reminding us that it is the simplest of “firsts” that are the most special.

Whether it is your first time or your 50th time, find your Firsts with Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks. “

We would like for you to be a part of our summer campaign. Share your “Firsts” photos with us on Social Media (FaceBook or Instagram)using #weAReOBX or email them to share@weAReOBX.com . From all of the monthly photos that are received, we will hold a random drawing of 5 monthly winners (1 each month) for a package of vintage Atlantic Realty swag. This campaign will run from May through September. Join in the fun and share your firsts with #weAReOBX!

Disclaimer – by submitting photos you are allowing us, at our discretion, to use the photo in future marketing at Atlantic Realty