A Brief Guide to Some of the Rich Outer Banks History

Few places in the nation are as rich in American history as the Outer Banks. From the first attempted English settlement to where the Wright Brothers made history with their first flight, the Outer Banks is much more than a premium beach vacation spot. Atlantic Realty is delighted to offer travelers a wide range of Outer Banks vacation rentals with a lot of bang for your buck. 

Many of our vacation homes and condos have premium amenities like full kitchens, private pools, theater rooms, and way more space than a hotel room could ever provide. Our Fun ‘N Sun Perks Pass lets guests enjoy complimentary activities and local discounts. Whether your heart desires a luxurious oceanfront property or an affordable condo rental, we have the perfect Outer Banks rental for you. 

Woman sitting on the Manteo Waterfront
The Manteo Waterfront features a boardwalk, shopping and restaurants

12 Places Overflowing With Outer Banks History

  1. Civil War Trail: Learn about the rich Outer Banks Civil War history on this self-guided trail of historical sites. 
  2. Elizabethan Gardens: Explore lovely gardens as authentic to the Elizabethan period as possible.
  3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore: the dangerous waters of the Outer Banks are called the Graveyard of the Atlantic, where over 600 shipwrecks have tragically claimed many lives throughout history. Shipwrecks are now rare today, but storms can uncover the remains of past shipwrecks along the Outer Banks beaches.
  4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Visit the lighthouse that has protected some of the most dangerous waters on the Atlantic Coast.
  5. Chicamacomico Life-saving Station Historic Site: Learn about the history of the North Carolina US Life-Saving Service/US Coast Guard at this historic site in the Outer Banks.
  6. Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center: Explore the nature trails, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of the original people who inhabited Hatteras Island.
  7. Island Farm: Experience the living history of people who lived in the Outer Banks during the 1850s.
  8. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Learn about the first attempted English Colony that mysteriously disappeared, the cultural heritage of Native Americans, and the Freedmen’s Colony established for formerly enslaved people. This is also where you can enjoy America’s second longest running outdoor drama – The Lost Colony.
  9. The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum: Learn about one of the most highly awarded rescue crews in the nation which was skillfully ran by an all-Black crew. 
  10. Roanoke Island Maritime Museum: Explore the rich Outer Banks’ maritime history.
  11. Roanoke Island Festival Park: Immerse yourself in living history through the Settlement Site, the Elizabeth II ship, the American Indian Town, and the Roanoke Adventure Museum
  12. Wright Brothers National Memorial: Visit where the Wright Brothers made history with their first flight off the shores of the Outer Banks.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Outer Banks by booking your stay with Atlantic Realty!

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

Top 5 Autumnal Outer Banks Activities

Spring and fall are the perfect times to visit Atlantic Realty because the temperatures are less hot and humid, and there tend to be fewer people. While crowds have thinned, there’s still a plethora of fantastic autumnal Outer Banks activities to keep you entertained. Treat yourself and your loved ones to our beach house rentals, NC, and a tranquil coastal getaway.

1. Perfect Weather for Beachy Outer Banks Activities 

The average temperature highs during September and October range between 73 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is prime for swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, and other outdoor ventures. If you’ve booked a Nags Head rental, consider hosting a bonfire on the beach. You’ll have to get a permit to do so, but it’s worth it. Roast corn, hot dogs, and marshmallows over a peaceful bonfire while watching the moon rise over calm, Atlantic waves. 

2. Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch

Hit up a local pumpkin patch for that authentic autumnal experience. Meander through farms with a hot cider in hand, sign up for an oxen ride, and pick out your favorite pumpkin. You can even make use of your private Outer Banks house rental to paint or carve your pumpkins.  

3. Sip Some Autumnal Outer Banks Brews

While the classic IPA’s of summer are super crisp and refreshing, there’s something comforting about the spiced lagers, ales, Belgians, and porters that hit brewery taps in the fall. Whether you prefer a sweet pumpkin ale or a classic lager, you’re sure to find a brew to your liking at a nearby OBX brewery. There’s a wide variety of price ranges and on-tap selections, so don’t shy away from trying out a few in order to find your favorite. 

4. Check out the Outer Banks Fall Events

Just because the crowds have thinned doesn’t mean there aren’t many local events to partake. It’s quite the opposite! If you love seafood, their Seafood Festival is a must-go Outer Banks activity. Find out what other festivities might pique your interest:

Jockey’s Ridge Kite Festival

5. Dune Climbing at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Autumn is the perfect time of year to take on the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. They’re much easier to climb when the sun doesn’t burn as hot, and you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views. Plus, the park is open all day, so the possibility of bumping into other tourists is slim. 

Your Ideal Fall Getaway Awaits at Our OBX Vacation Rentals

Plan the perfect autumnal vacation at our Outer Banks house rentals via Atlantic Realty. Take advantage of the local festivities, gorgeous weather, and our fall getaway specials. To learn more about seasonal Outer Banks activities, or to make a reservation, please give us a call at 877-858-4795.

Top 5 Reasons to “Coastal Distance” on the Outer Banks

Coastal Distancing is social distancing – Outer Banks style!   Here are the top 5 reasons you should make plans to Coastal Distance on the OBX this Fall! 

  1. Privacy – You have the entire home or condo unit to yourself!  No common areas like hotels or resorts or sharing rooms/spaces like in Airbnbs and VRBOs. 
  2. Cleanliness – Our properties are cleaned by professional housekeeping staff who follows industry guidelines for disinfecting and sanitizing homes between guests.  We use commercial grade products to ensure your home is safe and clean for your arrival. 
  3. Safety – Linens are delivered from a commercial laundry company and left if their sanitary plastic wrap for guest to use.  This limits handling.    
  4. Keyless Entry – to further enhance the contactless experience, almost all of our homes feature keyless entry.  No need to check in at the office – go straight to the home to begin your vacation. 
  5.  Internet Acccess – With high speed internet access in most homes, it’s easier than ever to work and attend school virtually from anywhere – even the beach!  
Work remotely or learn virtually anywhere with coastal distancing

So, grab your family (and your masks) and head to the Outer Banks this Fall!  Search for vacation homes here:  weAReobx.com

Top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in the OBX

Rain, rain, go away.

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

Roanoke Island Festival Park 16th Century Sailing Ship

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 Trampolline Park
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

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 on the Outer Banks

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.

http://www.redskycafe.com/

Captain George’s-Kill Devil Hills

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.

https://captaingeorges.com/

Lone Cedar Cafe -Nags Head

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.

http://lonecedarcafe.com/

Roosters — Kill Devil Hills

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.

https://roosterssouthernkitchen.com/
https://roosterssouthernkitchen.com/

Mulligans — Nags Head

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.

https://www.obbistro.com/

Lifesaving Station -Duck

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.

https://www.sanderling-resort.com

Beach Bistro — Kill Devil Hills

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.  

https://www.obxbeachsidebistro.com/

Pumpkin on a beach
Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks

Pick Up Meals

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.

http://coastalprovisionsmarket.com/

Tommy’s Market — Duck

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!!

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.

Jumpmasters Trampoline Park

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 5th 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.

H2OBX Waterpark

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.

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