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—
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.
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.
Head down OBX this fall and stay with Atlantic Realty for exclusive vacation amenities and specials! The entire family will have a great, spooktacular OBX fall vacation as our barrier island community takes all things spooky, family, and fall-related very seriously. Since we are located on the southern East Coast, you will still enjoy nice weather and beautiful beach breezes. Who doesn’t want a beach vacation during the fall! We have compiled a comprehensive list of all the OBX fall things to do this year:
Plan your Fall Outer Banks Vacation today.
OBX Halloween and Fall Celebrations
Halloween on the North Carolina Outer Banks will undoubtedly be one to remember! Our barrier island towns are full of rich history, lore, and ghost tales. There is something for everyone to enjoy when you visit in the fall. Our beautiful state is home to one of America’s first “unsolved mysteries”: the vanishing 1587 settlement of Roanoke. In addition to that tantalizing historic event, we also have several less terrifying sights and activities, including shipwreck artifacts, pumpkin patches, and more. Check out this list of all the OBX Halloween and fall celebrations and sights:
Please note most businesses and activities are operating at limited capacity and times of operation. Make sure to call in advance of your visit. Atlantic Realty has a fantastic Fun N Sun Pass, which offers our guests exclusive access and discounts to several local attractions, businesses, and events. Call us at (877) 858-4795 for more information!
Plan Your Fall OBX Fall Vacation Today
Here at Atlantic Realty, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect OBX vacation rental, no matter your preferred location, family size, or budget! Our friendly staff will know all the best OBX fall and Halloween things to do during your visit- just ask. Experience the OBX barrier islands like never before, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning guest. Book your stay with us online today!
Get a taste for some authentic Southern cuisine from your Outer Banks rental at Atlantic Realty. While dining out at restaurants is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and taste some local treats, sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle. Take advantage of our Outer Banks vacation rental’s full- equipped kitchens, pick up a few groceries, and try your hand at some delicious North Carolina recipes.
Grits are essential to Southern cuisine. Put this Carolinian spin on a traditional grits recipe, and have yourself a scrumptious lunch or dinner. Throw your ingredients into a slow cooker and stir every 45 minutes or so for a couple of hours. This North Carolina recipe is perfect for an early evening of lounging around your Outer Banks house rental.
Take your hot dog game to the next level. In addition to grilling up some beefy franks, make your slaw and quick chili mix. While the Carlina Style Hot Dog recipe involves a few extra steps, the delicious results are worth it.
Flavor your BBQ chicken with a Carolina Cheerwine soda. Sip on a crisp beer while the chicken sizzles on the grill, and breathe in the refreshing ocean air. Serve this savory North Carolina recipe with a side of coleslaw and biscuits.
We can’t put together a list of North Carolina recipes and not mention buttermilk biscuits. Serve as a side, with honey butter for breakfast, or keep some around for snacks. You can never go wrong with a traditional Southern Buttermilk Biscuit.
Indulge in the sweeter side of life with a Grilled Peach Sundae. Grill some sweet, southern peaches, assemble a tasty crumble, and serve with a side of ice cream in a crunchy waffle bowl. You’re sure to sate your sweet tooth at our North Carolina rental with this simple dessert recipe.
Make Yourself at Home at Our Outer Banks Beach Rentals
Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a place to spend the holidays, or a well-deserved vacation, Atlantic Realty has precisely what you need. Choose the perfect vacation home for your needs from our expansive selection of rentals and sweeten the deal with our exclusive specials. To learn more about our excellent rental offerings, please give us a call at 877-858-4795.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s turkey day, or rather oyster day, as we like to think of it here at the Outer Banks. And if you’re staying in a large home with all your family, it can be overwhelming to have to cook Thanksgiving dinner in an unfamiliar kitchen.
Thankfully, since we’re talking about Thanksgiving, there are plenty of places on the Outer Banks where you can have Thanksgiving Dinner. This article features the highlights. To see the offerings in more detail, visit the individual websites.
Thanksgiving Buffets
Thanksgiving is simultaneous with ‘all you can eat’. That’s why so many restaurants offer buffets with hams, turkeys, and plenty of oysters. Check out these buffets.
Hungry? This restaurant opens as early as 10:30 with their full buffet, including shrimp and grits, oven roasted turkey, pan blackened local catch, fried jumbo green tailed shrimp and more. It’s a Thanksgiving like no other.
Mulligans
Looking for oyster stuffing? Mulligan’s has that. They also have a lot of other great things on their buffet too such as Oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, and oh yes, turkey too. It’s all you can eat with an assortment you’ll love.
Pamlico Jacks
It’s time for Pamlico Jacks’ annual Thanksgiving and oyster feast. This buffet opens at 10am so you can even have Thanksgiving dinner for breakfast, giving you the rest of the day to play.
Argyles
This restaurant features over 25 things on their menu, including prime rib, Shrimp Daniel and many more favorites.
Red Sky
Turkey, prime rib, topped oysters, and bacon and red blissed potato soup are just a few of the tempting treats that await you at Red Sky’s buffet. They fill up fast, so reserve early.
Captain George’s
Already famous for its seafood buffet, on Thanksgiving, this restaurant goes all out. It features a traditional Thanksgiving buffet and all the trimmings along with their famed crab legs, shrimp and more.
Special Menus
If you’re looking to avoid all the hassle that comes with a buffet, than these restaurants might be just the thing to please your family rather than a buffet, they offer a special menu, crafted with care.
Lifesaving Station
This classic Outer Banks restaurant in Duck is serving a four course plated meal in an upscale atmosphere. Choices include turkey, blue crab baked brie, scallops and more.
Ocean Boulevard
This restaurant is offering a four course plated meal with lots of seafood and some Outer Banks favorites such as hunters stew (hearty stew with duck) sea scallops, oyster chowder, panko crusted turkey and even chocolate pot de crem with toasted marshmallow. And that’s just the beginning.
Take Out
If you’d rather have Thanksgiving at the house you rented, there are also plenty of places that do Thanksgiving take out.
Tommy’s Natural Foods Market
An upscale grocery in Duck, Tommy’s offers a variety of either fully cooked or ready to cook items. This way you can have dinner at that beautiful home you rented.
Currituck BBQ
More than just barbeque, you can also get fried and smoked turkeys and hams to go. Orders must be made in advance, so order early.
Grocery Stores
Many of the Outer Banks grocery stores offer premade or ready to make meals that you can order in advance. Some popular stores include the Publix, the Food Lion, The Harris Teeters, and the Fresh Market.
Coastal Provisions
Even though this restaurant is closed the day of Thanksgiving so the employees can be with their families, you can pick the food the day before Thanksgiving. They offer a premade holiday feast for 6 for only $99. It includes oven ready turkey with stuffing, cranberry orange relish, rolls, green been casserole and more. Itâ??s a perfect way to have a no fuss no muss Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful. When you rent a home at the Outer Banks you don’t have to worry about where to put everyone, because the home is plenty big. And by utilizing some of these options, you don’t even have to stress about cooking. All you have to do is have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Fall is one of the most popular times of year to visit the Outer Banks. The weather is still nice, with an occasionally 84 degree day, the fishing is great, the shops and restaurants don’t have the summer crowds, and the vacation rental homes are at their “Off Season” rates! And of course, thereâ??s Halloween, everyoneâ??s favorite October Holiday. If you happen to be on the Outer Banks for Halloween, you donâ??t have to miss your favorite Holiday. Here are some great Halloween events and activities to take part in during your visit.
Wanchese Woods Haunted Trail — Fridays and Saturdays in Oct
Get ready to scream…. with delight. Famous for being the largest haunted trail in the state, the Wanchese Woods turns everything you know about haunted trails on its head. Set the beautiful (and somewhat creepy) location of a real woods, this trail is old school with chainsaws, clowns and creatures from local legends.
*Note; there is both a regular version and an extreme version of this attraction. Choose accordingly. To purchase tickets, please visit wanchesewoods.com.
Pumpkin Patch Saturdays– All Oct
Just because youâ??re not at home, doesnâ??t mean you canâ??t have a pumpkin. But why settle from one from the store when getting one can make a memory? Saturdays in October, the Island Farm will have you take an ox cart to their very own â??pumpkin patchâ??, where you and your family can pick your own pumpkin to take home. Not only can you go home with a pumpkin, youâ??ll get to go back in time too with animals, reconstructed building and living history. Itâ??s most fun you can have on a farm.
Haunts For Hunger — Oct 19-21 & 23-25
Fight hunger and go on a great ghost tour at the same time! The first annual Haunts For Hunger by Outer Banks Tastes and Tales, takes you through Downtown Manteo and regales you with true scary stories of the area. They have both a normal scary tour, and an earlier â??just scary enoughâ?? tour for little ones. All proceeds go the local Food Pantry. And if you have any leftover nonperishables, you can bring those along too. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Halloween Arts and Crafts Expo — Oct 24
Held at the Secret Island restaurant, this arts and crafts festival is the perfect way to get yourself into the Halloween â??spiritâ??. It features dozens of local vendors selling handcrafted items. Admission is free, which is great because with so much to choose from, youâ??ll be hard pressed to decide what youâ??re taking home.
14th Annual Trick Or Treat Under The Sea — Oct 24 and 25
Due to its immense popularity, Trick or Treat Under the Sea at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island will be held not one night, but two! Tickets must be purchased in advance and cannot be bought at the door. There are games, magic, contests, special programs, live animal encounters, places for the kids to â??trick or treatâ?? and more. Itâ??s a safe environment where kids can enjoy the fun of Halloween, even if they arenâ??t local.
Halloween International Film Festival — Oct 25 – 27
The third annual Outer Banks Entertainment Halloween International Film Festival spanning 3 days is a great event for older teens to adults who canâ??t get enough horror. Held in the R/C theaterâ??s decaplex, it features meet and greets with some of the filmmakers, question and answer sessions, photo ops and of course, itâ??s a chance to meet like-minded Halloween lovers.
October 26th features an After Party at the Secret Island restaurant. *note: this event is not suitable for small children.
Trick or Treat Night — Oct 27
Thereâ??s no need to miss Halloween just because you aren’t home. First Flight Elementary sponsors a night thatâ??s open to the public. It includes food, photo booths, crafts, a cakewalk, and so much more. Youâ??re kids and you will have a blast. Plus, you get the added bonus of helping out the local school (since this is their fundraising event of the year.) So, come on down and have a great time!
Halloween Costume Parade — Oct 28
Originally founded by Mike Kelly, the costume parade is now in its 5th year. This is a free parade for everyone, even the family dog. Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are given out for best costumes in each category, and there are certainly a lot of categories. The parade begins at 3pm at Aviation Park.
Prior to the parade there is Trick Or Treat party, suitable for all ages. A good time will be had by all.
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum Haunted House — Oct 31
This is a great haunted house attraction for kids and adults. The antique boats and scary sea stories make a perfect backdrop for an evening of Halloween fun.
After the haunted house, thereâ??s a trick or treat expedition to Downtown Manteo, where kids can knock on the doors of the historic home with their costumes, buckets and pillowcases. If you have a child upset about missing Halloween while on vacation, this is the must do.
Many families flock to the Banks for October. But just because youâ??re far from home doesnâ??t mean you canâ??t have some Halloween fun. There are plenty of events so that your kids, and all Halloween lovers will have a frightfully good time. Give us a call today to get your Outer Banks accommodations for Halloween all set!
Not only is the OBX a great place to visit during the summer, it’s a great place to come for the Holidays. It’s true it’s too cold to swim, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Here are just a few of the things you can check out when you’re here in December.
Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive (Whole month of December)
This is your chance to see the NC Aquarium and help out a great cause at the same time. You can get into the Acquarium for FREE when you bring a 7 lb bag of dog food. The food is given to the local shelter so we can continue to care for dogs and cats until they can find their forever homes.
It’s been called ‘the biggest small town celebration’. That means Manteo knows how to throw one heck of a party. This parade features floats, marching bands, singing and more. The highlight it when Santa arrives on the firetruck. In past years, as many as 50 floats were in the parade, and it just seemed to bet bigger each year. After the parade, kids can get some one on one time with Santa.
Duck Yuletide Celebration and Elf Hunt (Dec 2)
There’s actually two parts to this unique celebration. The first is a traditional parade and celebration featuring carolers, live music, hot chocolate and more. It culminates with Santa’s arrival on the firetruck. The second part is the Elf Hunt. ‘Hunters’ pick up a â??Great Yuletide Elf Hunt Passportâ?? at select locations, then visit selected shops in search of the ‘elf’, filling up your passport as you go. At the end of the day, all successful hunters (those with a fully filled in passport) will get to enter a drawing for a chance to win some fun prizes.
Holiday Homes Tour (Dec 2)
Now’s your chance to see some historic Outer Banks homes, along with new ones built the ‘Manteo Way’ (renovated buildings that serve as business and residence.) Check in point is at Outer Banks Craft Distilling where you can partake of some light refreshments. Manteo Cyclery will provide bikes on a first come first serve basis. Commemorative ornaments are available.
TRiO Holiday Market (Dec 9)
Looking for last minute gifts? There’s no better kind than the ones handcrafted by local artisans. From candles to jewelry, to soap and everything in between, the Holiday Market is your place to pick up some great stocking stuffers or last minute gifts.
St. Nicholas arrives at Island Farm (Dec 9)
Looking for a place for your kids to meet Santa? St. Nick is coming to the Island Farm. Instead of reindeer, he’ll come by ox cart then sets up in one of the quaint farm houses with a roaring fire, waiting for your kids to come and enjoy. They’ll be hot apple cider, ginger cookies, ox cart rides, and a lot of fun.
Great White Fishmas (Dec 9)
Join the NC Aquarium’s Great White Fishmas. They’ll be crafts, cookie decorating, special programs, live music and more. And don’t forget the animals. You’ll see otters, jelly fish, alligators, turtles and so much more. There are even sharks you pet. Yes, SHARKS.
Poulos Family Christmas (Dec 17 – 31)
The famous Outer Banks ‘Christmas House’ has been featured on HGTV the Today Show and YouTube. It takes 12 weeks to set up and $3500 in electric bills to run. A delightful mix of old and new Christmas traditions, you’ve never seen something quite like this before.
New Year in the New World (December 31)
Ok, so this is technically a new year’s thing, but it is in December and it is fun, so it’s worth mentioning. Best of all, it’s family friendly. For this celebration, the streets of Downtown Manteo are closed and there will be a street fair party, complete with an early ball drop for kids. Live music, family friendly activities and food vendors are just the beginning of your great time. The highlight of the evening will be the largest fireworks display in the state, and it will be choreographed to music. It’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year.
Olde Christmas (Jan 6)
The fun isn’t over yet. Hatteras Island is one of the last places in the country to celebrate “Olde Christmas” on the traditional date. It’s not the Christmas you’re used to because this one is steeped in Island Tradition. It features caroling, music, dancing, and the traditional Christmas food, oysters. The highlight of the evening is when ‘Old Buck’ the bull appears. In all of Rodanthe History, Old Buck has always been played by two locals, but the costume is supposedly made with the horns of the real ‘Old Buck’ who lived in Trent Woods. Old buck plays with the revelers, doing his own dance through the crowd and mock goring people. He brings luck for the New Year.
There’s no better place to spend the holidays than on the Outer Banks. Even though you can’t go in the water, the beach provides endless opportunities to walk, and commune with nature. And the people of the Outer Banks have enough going on that you can celebrate Christmas in style. If you need to rent a house for your family, you can do that here.
