It’s Vacation Rental Week

Atlantic Realty Outer Banks is thrilled to participate in the fourth annual Vacation Rental Week! Professionally-managed vacation rentals provide value and benefits for guests and property owners alike. This celebration of Vacation Rental Week is our chance to highlight these and to encourage you to book a stay with a professional manager. As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels in every aspect, offering you much more for your money, including additional space, privacy, convenience, and amenities. Vacation rentals also present you with a unique opportunity to create a more personalized, memorable vacation experience when compared with traditional hotels.

Vacation Rental Week celebrates the value, privacy, and convenience vacation rental homes provide.

You’ll have the practical comfort of an actual residence, the ability to explore the neighborhood, and the opportunity to discover aspects of your destination you might not encounter when staying at a hotel. If you’re vacationing with family, vacation rentals are an excellent option, typically offering multiple bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and easy access to local entertainment.

Now is the best time to plan and book your 2023 beach vacation on the OBX. In addition to experiencing our beautiful beaches, local attractions plus numerous family fun opportunities, we encourage you to start your journey by browsing our website.  We offer accommodations from 1 to 28 bedrooms, oceanfront to soundfront with houses in between too.  Likewise, booking direct gives you access to the best pricing along with local staff supported communications from pre-arrival to check-out.  We are here for you.  We create vacation memories for you, OUR GUEST.

Atlantic Realty Vacation Homes offers:

  • Enhanced Safety
  • Best Value
  • Endless Options
  • Rental Ready and Cleaned to Industry Standards
  • Local Flavor – Our small team has 170 years of vacation rental management experience
  • Family Friendly accommodations
  • Event Homes for Weddings and Reunions

Let’s get started!  Call one of our vacation planners today at 855-421-4336

10 Best Outer Banks Restaurants that Offer Takeout

The barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina make for the perfect summer vacation. Sun, sand, and beaches, the Outer Banks has everything you can ask for. This quintessential holiday destination also has an amazing range of restaurants that you can choose from during your stay at Atlantic Realty. Let us explore some of the best Outer Banks restaurants that offer takeout.

Outer Banks Restaurants are offering takeout options for visitors

  1. NC Coast Grill & Bar

One of the newest restaurants in Duck, NC Coast Grill & Bar not only offers takeout (with online ordering) but also is currently offering indoor dining with 50% capacity. Take in the amazing water views and experience the chef-driven, fresh, and fit coastal cuisine. As an Atlantic Realty partner, NC Coast Grill & Bar offers free desserts to Atlantic Realty guests as part of our Fun N Sun Pass program. Just mention this promo and enjoy!

2. Argyle’s Restaurant

The perfect place for a wholesome breakfast or lunch, Argyle’s Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant serving fresh local seafood and an exciting range of entrees, too. 

3. Mulligan’s Grille

Mulligan’s Grille and Restaurant is located in the historic cottage row area of Nags Head (just past Jockey’s Ridge) and offers a wide variety of entrees sure to please the entire family’s palate (including pets). Their unique outdoor dining deck is pet friendly and Mulligan’s offers a complimentary dog meal with the purchase of an adult meal as part of Atlantic Realty’s Fun N Sun Pass Program.

4. Ashley’s Espresso Parlour

This cute coffee shop is a popular hangout in the area. Ashley’s Espresso Parlour is known for hand-roasted coffee beans and excellent brews.

5. Avenue Waterfront Grille

This fantastic Outer Banks restaurant has a nice casual vibe and serves some of the best seafood in the area. Avenue Waterfront Grille offers chef-prepared dishes for shellfish lovers, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free eaters alike. 

6. Bad Bean Baja Grill

If you are looking for a casual place to have lunch, Bad Bean Baja Grill is it. They serve fantastic tacos, quesadillas, salads, and every other Mexican food you can dream of.

7. Barrier Island Bagels

Located at the Marketplace Shopping Center, Barrier Island Bagels serves some of the best bagels. You can also have some Acai Bowls and Homemade Smoothies if you like. Their bagels are never frozen and always fresh.

8. Bros Sandwich Shack

Bros Sandwich Shack is a restaurant owned by brothers who make some of the best food in the Outer Banks. You know a place has good food when they have a line of people waiting outside on the door every day for their fresh homemade burgers, pickles, and ranch dressing.

9. Freshfit Cafe

If you are on a diet, but still want to enjoy some delicious food, Freshfit Cafe is the place for you. This is a nutrition-oriented and health-focused cafe which fresh and balanced breakfasts and lunches.

10, Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe

Offering some great beer brews, Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe is one of the best hangout beer places in the area. The food is also diverse and fresh & it never fails to disappoint.

Enjoy the Best Outer Banks Restaurants at Atlantic Realty

Enjoy dishes from the best Outer Banks restaurants near your North Carolina rental at Atlantic Realty. You’re in for an unforgettable family getaway experience at our oceanfront vacation homes. For more information, check availability online

Vacation Rental Week March 8 – 12, 2021

Atlantic Realty Outer Banks is thrilled to participate in the second annual Vacation Rental Week! We’d like to use this opportunity to highlight the value and key benefits of professionally-managed vacation rentals for guests and to encourage you to book a stay with a professional manager.

Vacation Rental Week
Celebrate Vacation Rental Week March 8 – 12, 2021 and the learn benefits of renting a vacation home.

As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels in every aspect, offering you much more for your money, with additional space, privacy, convenience, and amenities for no extra charge! Vacation rentals offer a cleaner, more socially-distanced experience as well, with less touch points and outside interaction compared to hotels, which is a key benefit as we navigate the last mile of the pandemic.

Vacation rentals also present you with a unique opportunity to create a more personalized, memorable vacation experience when compared with traditional hotels. You’ll have the practical comfort of an actual residence, the ability to explore the neighborhood, and the opportunity to discover aspects of your destination you might not encounter when staying at a hotel. If you’re vacationing with family, vacation rentals are an excellent option, typically offering multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, laundry rooms, and even private amenities such as pools, game rooms, theater rooms and more!

Ready to book your Outer Banks vacation rental? Let one of our helpful Vacation Planners find the perfect place for your family today! Give us a call at 800-334-8401 or visit weAReOBX.com to start your vacation rental search.

Vacation Rental Week March 9-13, 2020

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.

Vacation Rental Week

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.

Vaction Rental Homes

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

February 6, 2019 is #BookDirect Day

Today is #BookDirect day!!  You may have seen many social media posts or emails with the #BookDirect hastag, but what does it mean?  

When searching for a vacation rental home, there are many websites and apps out there that list properties.  They show the photos, the descriptions, and even pricing.  But, did you know that the best place to book your next vacation rental home is directly through the property manager?  Here’s a list of 5 reasons why you should always book directly through a vacation rental manager.  

1.  Avoid the Fees

The best pricing can always be found by booking directly through the property manager.  Listing sites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Homeaway, and Expedia charge guests (and Owners) a fee for their services.  Those Owner fees are always passed on to the guest in increased rents and service fees.  You can save hundreds by cutting out the middle man and booking direct. 

2.  Discounts and Promotions

Booking directly through the property manager’s website or by calling their office ensures that not only do you avoid the service fees, but you are able to take advantage of any discounts and promotions that are not available on any other website. 

3.  Availability

Did you know that not all vacation rentals are listed on 3rd party sites?  By shopping only on these listing sites, you could be missing out on your dream vacation home! Booking direct through a professional property manager ensures you get the most current availability.  

4.  Local Expertise

When you book your vacation direct with a professional property manager, you get access to the locals who live and work here.  They can tell you about the best places to eat or the closest lifeguarded beach access to your vacation home.  Our staff has personally seen all of our properties and can tell you the details of each one.  Third party listings sites are usually not located in the same state as the vacation homes and can’t give you the tips that only a local can!

5.  Help when things go wrong

If you booked your vacation rental through Expedia or Homeaway and were to get locked out of your vacation rental while on vacation, who would you call?  If the house you were renting sprung a leak or was not cleaned up to your standards, how would you get that fixed?   Professional property managers are available 24/7 and are located nearby so they can handle issues quickly.

Get the most out of your vacation budget and have the best experience by booking directly through a professional property manager.  Ready to get started and plan your perfect Outer Banks getaway?  Contact our Vacation Planners today.  We’re ready to help you have the best vacation ever! 

Start your Vacation Search Now!!

What’s New on the OBX

Summer is almost here!   And, with a new season comes “New Things to See and Do on the Outer Banks”.  Check out the fun new things we’ve found . . . . . .

 

Mulligans Dog Menu

Mulligan is not a new restaurant. In fact, itâ??s been in business for over 20 years.  Itâ??s famous for its burgers, Orange Crushes, and now it will be famous for something else; itâ??s dog menu. Thatâ??s right. Mulligans offers tons of outdoor seating options, from the downstairs porch to the enclosed deck upstairs with an ocean view. And now, they offer a â??dog menuâ?? so you can go out to eat without leaving man’s best friend behind. 

The menu is relatively small, but features everything a dog wants to eat; chicken, beef, and brown rice. Water is complementary, and the meal even comes with an adorable Frisbee that you take home and play with afterward.   Atlantic Realty is pleased to welcome Mulligan’s to our Fun N Sun pass program, where guests who stay with us get to try out the dog menu out for FREE.

 

Jumpmasters  Jumpmasters Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is pleased to welcome its first indoor trampoline park.  Kids of all ages will be excited about this one!  As part of the Fun N Sun Pass Program, guest of Atlantic Realty homes get to experience one free hour of jumping per day. Of course, if you absolutely love it and want to stay longer, day passes are available for purchase through the park itself.

Jumpmasters features enough to do for kids of all ages, and has separate â??jump timesâ?? for toddlers so they donâ??t have to jump with the big kids. An on premise food truck will be happy to provide lunch, or you can go to one of the many local favorites in Manteo.

 

H2OBX Waterpark

True, H2OBX techincally opened last year, but since it opened midseason and many visitors missed the chance to check it out, we’re still considering it ‘new.’ H2OBX is the largest waterpark to open anywhere near the OBX, ever.  The park offers rides and slides for ‘kids’ of all ages, from the littlest ones in the toddler area, to the tweens, intermediate, and then there’s the BIG slides.  Don’t forget to take a spin on the Endless Wave FlowRider.  It’s just like the ocean — only better! 

Of course, for the more laid back adults there is always the 1000 foot lazy river, the wave pool, and availability of some adult slushies.  Atlantic Realty is a partner with H2OBX Waterpark and offers the biggest ticket anywhere.  Get your tickets in advance, avoid the lines, and head right to the gate!

 

Paparazzi- Under 21 Dance Club & Music School 

If your teen is looking for something new and fun to do, then check out the newest addition to the Outer Banks, Paparazzi!  This Under Dance 21 Club features nightly entertainment for teens. Since no one over 20 is allowed, and there is a strict dress and security code, you can be assured of safe and wholesome fun.

During the day, the dance club turns into The School of Music and Arts, which offers lessons in music, modeling, acting, on-air hosting, video recording, and more.  It’s so much fun; the kids won’t even realize they’re learning while on vacation.

 

 

Will You Escape The OBX?

While the Escape Room itself isn’t new, it has some new rooms you’ve never seen before, including the Enchanted Garden and the Spooky Fun Mansion. The Enchanted Garden is the perfect adventure for the fairy loving child or adult in your life.  The Spooky Mansion is reminiscent of the Scooby Doo type spooky, so not too scary for young ones.

The Mad Scientist Lab and Under The Sea is coming soon.  Best of all, one member of your group gets to escape for Free with the Fun N Sun Pass.

 

The Farmers Market at Dowdy’s Park

If youâ??re here on the second Thursday of the month, youâ??re in for a treat. Dowdyâ??s Park will have a Farmers Market from 9am-2pm throughout the Summer. It will feature local produce from Currituck farms, as well as food, vendors, art and more.

Everything will be produced locally in either Dare or Currituck Counties. So if youâ??d like to be immersed the truly local culture, this is an event not to be missed.

 

The Murder Mystery Dinner Theater 

This attraction is now in its 5th Season, and the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre has a new story, a new location, and new food!   This is the only murder mystery dinner theatre on the Outer Banks, and it features wholesome family fun for all ages.

Thereâ??s nothing scary about this show, in fact, itâ??s hilarious, so even the little ones can enjoy it. Itâ??s one of our Explore the Shore partners, so be sure to ask about the discount for Atlantic Realty guests. And, be sure to get your tickets early, because guests are “dying” to get in.

 

 

One of the best things about the Outer Banks is that itâ??s always changing. So whether youâ??ve been visiting forever, or itâ??s your first time here thereâ??s enough to do and see to make everyone in your group happy.  And, we have the perfect vacation homes to come back home to. Check them out here.

Shelly Island

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you will have noticed the appearance of a new “island” right off The Point, by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Called “Shelly Island”,  this massive land structure seemed to appear out of nowhere. It received national attention and many people have come out just to see it. There have also been some daring rescues from it, including a human chain. But what is it, and where did it come from? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Shelly Island.

Where Did It Come From? 

Aerial photos reveal that Shelly Island has come and gone since at least the 1940’s. The reason it made the news this year was because it was largest incarnation of this ‘island’ to date. It also seemed to pop out of nowhere fully formed. That’s not quite how it happened of course, but the extreme currents and weather around the Outer Banks has been known to create dramatic shifts in the landscape before such as the creation of Oregon Inlet, the new inlet where the patchwork bridge now is in Rodanthe,  and even created a new inlet in Frisco (which has since been filled in). 

Why Is It Called “Shelly Island”?

When the island first emerged from the sea, it was littered with whalebones, pieces of shipwreck, and most of all, shells. Lots and lots of shells! In fact, a lot of the sand on the beach is ‘shelly’ sand, which is sand made up entirely by tiny broken shells, tumbled smooth by the water. The island was named by a child as homage to all the shells on it. Today, the bones and shipwreck pieces are mostly gone. However, the currents bring in a new batch of shells almost daily. It really is a beachcombers paradise!

What’s The Best Way To Reach It?

The island is not super accessible, but it’s not hard to get to either. First, you have to cross The Point, a stretch of sand about a mile and a half long. If you have a four wheel drive and a permit to drive on the beach (available from the park service) you can drive right to the tip of the point.

From there, you’ll need a way to reach the island itself. Depending on the tides, some people wade out to it. However, that’s not recommended. What the tide gives it can also take, and several people have already had to be rescued from Shelly Island once the tide drowned the land bridge. That current is nothing to mess with.

Instead, the best way to see it is with an ocean kayak and a strong knowledge of how to use one. If you’ve never used a kayak before, you’ll want to be sure to take some lessons before going out there. After all, this is open ocean.

What Kind Of Wildlife Is On The Island? 

Aside from the usual ghost crabs and birds, there are no animals on the island itself. However, around the island is another story. Back when Shelly Island was first formed, the same currents that created it brought in large Manta Rays and even Tiger Sharks. 

Today, the wildlife is less extreme, with the normal fish you’d find around The Point, such as Blues, Flounder, Croakers, Spot and more. In fact, The Point is a very popular fishing spot and some people fish on Shelly Island too.  Because of the currents, it’s still not the best place to swim.

Will It Be Here Next Year?

Well, that’s a hard question to answer. Ariel photography dating as far back to the 1940’s show it’s always been ‘here’. At different times in this island’s lifespan it simply goes underwater only to come back again a few years later. The science behind Shelly Island and the fact that we are heading into storm season says that it will most likely be underwater by next year. However, the good news is it will come back again– eventually. It always does.

If you want to see Shelly Island, it’s best to plan a day trip to Hatteras. Staying somewhere centralized, such as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills can make getting to the island an enjoyable trip, while still being close to all the activities you love to do and the restaurants you love to eat at once you’re done. Be sure to check out our homes those locations. 

Beach Nourishment

As you may be aware, the Outer Banks is currently undergoing a beach nourishment project in the Towns of Duck, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.  Below is an article describing what Beach Nourishment is and some of the benefits of this project.  For the most up to date information on the project including maps, photos, videos and more visit morebeachtolove.org or visit the Beach Nourishment Page on the Atlantic Realty Website. 

 

What Is Beach Nourishment?

The Outer Banks is a unique, beautiful, and very fragile place. It’s one of the few beaches in the world created entirely from sand, with no natural rock formations to get in the way of your good time. However, this also means that the beach needs extra care. Without a solid foundation of rock to keep the beach in place, the sand does exactly what you expect sand to do, it slides back into the ocean the same way sand slides through to the bottom of an hourglass.

Manmade rock formations, jetties, and hard structures are not an option for our beaches.  They aren’t good for the environment in that they affect wave patterns and currents.  Not to mention, many people view them as unsightly.   Beach nourishment is the process where you take sand from further out into the ocean and pump it back on the beach to make it bigger.

Where Does The Sand Come From?

Introducing foreign sand from other areas would be an ecological disaster. This is why the best option is to use sand that comes from a few miles right off our own coast.  Special boats pump sand and seawater through a large pipe that sits on the beach. It gushes out onto the beach in sections of about 200-300 feet at a time.  Heavy equipment such as bulldozers then push the sand and flatten it on the beach. 

Not only is a lot of fun to watch, all that dredging brings forgotten beachcombing treasure to the surface, such as sea glass,  strange shells and fossilized sea creatures. When they did nourishment in Nags Head a few years ago, one lucky beachcomber even found a fossilized megalodon tooth.

How Long Does This Take?

Like any construction project on the beach, it depends a lot on the weather. Fortunately, the beach will only be closed in segments of about 1000 feet or so at a time for safety reasons. Since all OBX beaches are public beaches, you can just walk or drive over to another area and enjoy the beach the same way you always have.

Now, this schedule is always changing, so you’ll want to make sure to check out www.morebeachtolove.com for the most up to date information.

What About Corolla and Nags Head?

Nags Head did their nourishment a few years ago, so they don’t need to do it this year. As for Corolla, it has a natural sand bar that keeps the worst of the waves away from the beach, keeping their beach nice and wide.  However, both of these Towns may revisit the Beach Nourishment project in the future. 

Will the beach near my vacation home be affected?

The beach will be closed in 1000 foot sections around where the equipment is working for your safety. Once you get bored with watching the nourishment in action, you can just head down the beach either by car or by foot, (or by cute street legal golf cart,) to 1001 feet and continue to enjoy the beach. It’s also a good opportunity to explore other beaches, such as the one by Jennette’s Pier, the beaches in Corolla, or even discover the joys of the sound. It is a big water playground after all. It’s also a great time to take advantage of your Fun N Sun pass to discover things you haven’t already seen and make some new memories.

Is It Going To Happen Again?

Yes. Just like the way you need to maintain important structures like roads, bridges, and even your home, beach nourishment needs to be done periodically in order to continue to be effective.  The good news is that with repeated nourishment, the newly deposited sand in the water will eventually create a protective sandbar, similar to the one in Corolla. Over time, this will widen our beach naturally and provide protection from storms. These are the cumulative effects of repeated nourishment.

Hidden Benefits of Beach Nourishment

When it’s all said and done, we’ll have a wider beach that blends in perfectly both in looks and environment with our existing beach. There are also a lot of hidden benefits that come with beach nourishment such as:

  • Beachcombers delight
  • Less damage from storms
  • Expanded habitats for wildlife
  • More beach to love (that one’s not so hidden, but it’s still great)

No Turtles Were Harmed in the Making Of This Beach

Here’s a fun fact; in addition to being the perfect time to nourish the beach, it’s also happens to be turtle nesting season. Fortunately, our tireless volunteers at NEST are taking care of the turtles during this time. Nests in affected areas are moved to non-affected ones.  Some higher risk nests are handed over to the aquarium so they can monitor and protect these nests. 

Thanks to the foresight of doing beach nourishment, you, your children, and even your future grandchildren can enjoy the Outer Banks for many decades to come.

What’s New for 2017 on the OBX

What’s New on the Outer Banks?

Summer is almost here and visitors will begin to make their way back to the OBX for a little Fun in the Sun.  On your next visit, be sure to check out these new attractions and restaurants that are opening soon! 

H2OBX Water Park

The Outer Banks is about to get a bit splashier.  Opening in June 2017, the H2OBX Waterpark will be a thoroughly modern waterpark with its roots firmly established the rich history and culture of the Outer Banks.   Located just over the bridge in Currituck, H2OBX will have everything from enclosed and open waterslides, to tidal and surf pools, to a lazy river all with an Outer Banks theme.   Ticket sales will be limited each day to ensure that guests have a great experience with short lines and low crowds which will really make this new park enjoyable for the whole family.  Book your vacation with Atlantic Realty and you will not only get your water park tickets at a discount, but you can buy them in advance.  Call us today to find out how!

Grandstaff and Stein

The Grandstaff and Stein will soon be moving into the former location of the Flying Fish Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills. This unique restaurant and bar has the feel of a speakeasy, complete with bookstore façade in the front to keep up with the prohibition theme.    The hidden passage behind the bookshelf is where things really happen. You can gain access with a password (revealed weekly on their Facebook page) and the décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1920’s.

The OBX Escape Room  

This new concept in family entertainment opened just over the bridge last year, but with its newly themed rooms and recent addition to our Fun N Sun Pass Program, we thought this activity was worth mentioning.   The concept is simple; you and your group are locked in a themed room with a set time to figure out clues and escape. There’s a murder mystery room, a diamond heist, a witch’s lair, Blackbeard’s treasure and even a haunted room.  A gingerbread room was recently added for the youngest clue solvers.  Reservations are required and Atlantic Realty guests get a free admission each and every day of their stay with the Fun N Sun Pass Program.  

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga

If you have a great sense of balance, the spirit of adventure, or just like getting wet, then stand up paddleboard yoga might be for you. It’s everything you love about traditional yoga, only on a paddleboard.   It makes poses like downward dog and crane a bit more interesting as the gentle sound waves add to your experience and help you relax and commune with nature. 

Corolla Light Town Center Mini Golf

The name is not official yet, but there will be a new mini golf course in the location of the old Corolla Skate Park was in Corolla Light Town Center.  The course will be open to the public and will include several unique water features such as ponds and waterfalls.   There will also be sloping inclines, rock features and beach themed ‘ruins’ which should enhance the experience increase the challenge for all skill levels.   We canâ??t wait! 

The Outer Banks has something for everyone and these new activities and restaurants are just a fraction of the exciting sites to see on your next OBX visit.  Call today to make your vacation plans and let Atlantic Realty help you have the best Outer Banks vacation experience ever! 

Choose the Outer Banks for your Next Vacation Destination!

Thinking about a new family vacation destination this year?   The Outer Banks is a great destination with fun for the whole family.  But don’t take our word for it! 

US News recently listed the OBX as ‘Best Family Vacation’ spot taking the number thirteen slot on a list of 15.  That’s quite an accomplishment considering we were competing with areas such as Rome, Sydney, London, Disney World, The Bahamas, and Costa Rica.  The endless miles of wide open beaches, the history, the wildlife, and the lifestyle all combine to make the Outer Banks a perfect place for families to vacation.

Let’s see how U.S. News ranks us in other categories.

#8 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations

OBX took number eight on this list. It acknowledges that summer is the peak season, so prices can climb. However, renting a house as opposed to staying in a hotel is an economical choice. A private home or condo gives you more square feet per dollar.  Having a full kitchen provides the opportunity for preparing family meals which is also a money and time saver. 

#5 in Best Affordable Family Vacations

Another reason private residences are a winner over hotels is the space and privacy they provide.     Instead of renting multiple hotel rooms with virtually no common gathering space â?? imagine all of your family members being under one roof to celebrate special occasions and still have private spaces too.  

#4 in Best Affordable Honeymoons in the USA

After your dream wedding, there’s still the honeymoon to think about.  With a wide variety of activities and dining choices, the Outer Banks makes for a terrific honeymoon destination.  For the outdoor enthusiast try an outdoor tour that includes wild horses or dolphins.  If you prefer a dining adventure, there are many upscale and casual restaurants to delight your taste buds. Touring a winery or a distillery is also a real possibility.  And letâ??s not forget the miles and miles of beaches for true relaxation.

#4 in Best Beaches in the USA

What makes the OBX the 4th best in United States Beaches? Well, miles of open and unspoiled beaches and wildlife for one.  There is plenty of room between the blankets and umbrellas.  Watch flocks of migrating and exotic birds in a natural setting. Be witness to Sea Turtles hatching and making their way to the Atlantic Ocean.   At night, you can grab a flashlight and go ghost crabbing. The beach is also great for beachcombingwhere you can find anything from sea glass to shells to a fossilized megalodon shark’s tooth or even a shipwreck!

#4 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA   

Unlike some other beach resort areas the Outer Banks is a peaceful, family oriented spot  to get away from it all.   Unlike some other beach areas, we have no boardwalk allowing plenty of room for fishing from a pier or from the surf, and even during the â??in seasonâ??, there is plenty of space for spreading out on the beach.   One can literally walk for miles and in many towns your furry 4 legged friend can join you.  Be sure to check out Atlantic Realtyâ??s pet friendly homes.

#1 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the USA

It’s no mystery why the Outer Banks was rated THE BEST family beach in the United States.  Not only do we boast on having the best beaches, and a multitude of wildlife, the local community works hard to keep this a family friendly beach.  Restaurants on the Outer Banks have a fun atmosphere and appeal to the young and young at heart. There are plenty of playgrounds, a children’s museum and shows for children. For older family members there are harnessed adventure parks, laser tag, ghost tours, an escape room, a murder mystery dinner theatre and even a waterpark in summer 2017.

With so much to do and see on the Outer Banks, why not plan on a visit in 2017?  Its great fun for everyone!   Start your Vacation Search Now!  

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