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Even though we’re well into the new year, it’s never too late to come up with a resolution! Why not change up your New Year’s resolution this year? Instead of making the usual pledge of getting a gym membership, why not make an investment resolution on the OBX? (Or, if you’re ambitious, do both!) Owning a second home on the Outer Banks could be an easy and profitable New Year’s Resolution.

Own A Piece Of Paradise

Owning an OBX vacation home is like owning your own piece of paradise! Your mornings can be spent sipping coffee and watching the sunrise over the ocean. You’ll be able to make memories with your own friends and family at your Outer Banks home. Additionally, you’ll give other families the opportunity to make memories on the Outer Banks as well!

Make a Quality Investment

Investing in a vacation home on the OBX can be a great move financially. Even more so when you list your home with Resort Realty. We have over 34 years of experience and are locally rooted. We’re are leader in the OBX vacation rental industry and we make sure you get the most out of your home. We’re always here for you and give you the best advice on making your home profitable. We ensure that your guests are happy and content during their vacation!

Our Professional Staff Has You Covered

At Resort Realty, we’re blessed with some of the best staff on the beach. We all want to make sure your home is taken care of and you get the maximum profit out of your investment. The Resort Realty family will make sure your home gets the rentals it deserves and shines in its best light!

See Why Our Homeowners Love Us

We aim to keep our homeowners as pleased as our guests! See why listing your rental home with Resort Realty is the best choice you could make.

“…I very much appreciate your high standards and the attention that you have given to our homes.  It certainly brings peace of mind.  Especially during the busy rental season, with every little thing that can go wrong, I’m confident, cleanliness isn’t going to be one of them if you are in charge.  Thank you so very much.” –  Property owner of a Duck vacation rental home

“Thank you Resort Realty for a successful season with 16 rentals! This is my first year with Resort Realty and this was the most rentals I have ever had in the 30 years that I have owned the property. I truly appreciate everything you all do and I’m looking forward to next year!” – Property Owners of a Nags Head vacation rental home

Make This New Year’s Resolution Count

Make your New Year’s Resolution of owning a vacation home on the Outer Banks come true! Take a look at all of the homes for sale on the Outer Banks. When you find the perfect vacation home and you’re ready to make profit on your investment, contact our Director of Business Development! Email debbie.harrell@resortrealty.com or calling (800) 458-3830. You can also get more information on our rental program on the Resort Realty Owner page of our website!

If you haven’t recently seen all over news outlets on the internet, a new beach has popped up off of the Outer Banks coast! A new sand island has formed off the coast. First noticed in April, this mile long sand bar has gotten bigger over time. It’s been described as “the mother of all sandbars,” by County Commissioner Danny Couch. The island was named by 11-year-old Caleb Regan. Caleb visited the island with his father over Memorial Day weekend. They discovered scattered shells all over the island, and Shelly Island seemed like a fitting name.

Shelly Island // Image via CBS News courtesy of @chadonka on Instagram

Sharks off of Shelly Island // Image via Coastal Helicopters, LLC 

Although Shelly Island is a unique addition to our awesome island, it’s best to look at from a distance if you’re not experienced in the water. Seeing the island up high from a helicopter or airplane tour (check out OBX Biplanes or  Barrier Island Aviation) is a great way to see it. If you do decide to adventure out to the island, it’s best to tackled by experienced kayakers or paddle boarders, but definitely DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM. While the waters are shallow that connect Oregon Inlet, rip currents are a major threat and the shallow waters are home to dozens of sharks. We don’t know how long Shelly Island will be around for, (it could disappear just as fast as it appeared) but you should definitely take the opportunity to get a view of this anomaly this summer!

 

A day at the beach can solve all problems and when you come prepared for hours in the sun, it makes it even better! We’ve come up with a guide to a few beach day essentials that will ensure that you’ll have stress-free fun in the sun!

 

1 // Big Beach Bag

You have to have a big bag to put all of your essentials in! Any big, durable bag will do, but this bag by Billabong will definitely get everything from the car (or the house) to the sand!

 

2 // Radio/Bluetooth Player

A portable speaker is sure to put you in a beachy mood with your favorite radio station or a beach playlist. (You should check out our Spotify playlists if you haven’t already!) This radio/speaker combo from Sunnylife is perfect for a perfect day spent by the beach.

 

3 // Beach Blanket

Beach chairs are a no brainer when heading to the beach, but if you have a bigger group of friends and family, a big circle of beach chairs is no fun. A big beach blanket has enough room for everyone to sit or lay comfortably while still being able to have a view of the ocean and great conversation with everyone. The Billabong beach blanket is shown in the photo, but you can find one almost anywhere.

 

4 // Sandals

Going barefoot on the beach is ideal, but sometimes the sand is just way too hot. Save yourself some time and pain and wear sandals or flip flops while you’re trying to find that perfect spot on the beach! Something like the women’s Billabong sandal and the men’s Reef flip flops are perfect for weathering the scorching sand.

 

5 // Healthy Snacks

Unless you go to Jeanette’s Pier or Outer Banks Pier, you’re going to have to leave the beach to get a quick snack. If you’re all about getting as much beach time in as possible, pack some snacks or even a full lunch! A salad in a jar is a great, healthy meal and there’s no mess when eating it! Something nice and cool like the corn, avocado, and black bean dip pictured above is a great snack that will keep you cool in the sun too. Don’t forget to help do your part and bring an extra bag to put your trash in, lets keep the beach clean!

 

6 // SPF Lipbalm

We tend to often neglect our lips when we’re out in the sun. Since the skin on our lips is so thin, they can burn super easily. An SPF lip balm can protect your lips from the suns harmful rays.

 

7 // Sunscreen 

Last, but definitely the most important is sunscreen! Sunscreen is super important to use regularly while you’re outside. You should look for sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Sun Bum sunscreen does both and helps protect against skin aging too!

Road trips can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone and the kids are getting restless in the backseat, you can’t wait to get that OBX vacation started. With these 10 family travel apps, the traveling process from packing to pit-stops will be seamless!

1. USA Rest Stops

This travel app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate. The app shows traditional rest areas as well as welcome centers. The app also allows you to mark rest stops as favorites, gives you notifications when you’re in range of a rest stop, and lets you leave reviews and see other reviews of the rest area.

Screenshot of USA Rest Stops, a family travel app that helps users find the closest rest stops along their route.

2. Petting Zoo

Do you remember your favorite childhood book? This app is perfect for the kiddos that need entertainment. This family travel app has many beautifully animated animals that offer storylines to keep them at bay. Petting Zoo was created by illustrator Christoph Niemann and is perfect entertainment for ages 3 and up. This app does come with a $4 price tag, but it’s well worth it!

Screenshot of Petting Zoo by C. Niemann, a family travel app that'll keep little ones entertained during road trips.

3. Whiteboard: Just Draw Together

Are you or your kids interested in Art? The app, Drawing Pad is the perfect app to keep your kids entertained for hours. The app features a clean whiteboard and several basic colors making it the perfect family travel app for kids ages 4 and up.

Screenshot of the Whiteboard: Just Draw Together app for child entertainment during road trips.

4 . Spotify

What’s a road trip without some quality music? Spotify is free to use and features music from every artist you can think of. If you search “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find kid-friendly songs that everyone will love. While you’re at it, search for Resort Realty, give us a follow, and listen to our monthly Music Monday playlists to put you in that summer vacation mode! Don’t worry, our playlists are family friendly too!

Screenshot of the Spotify app for family road trip entertainment.

5. Kids World Atlas

The Kids World Atlas is a free app that’s perfect for kids to learn about places all over the world. The free version of this family travel app allows you to learn about animals all over the world with text and video along with quizzes that test your child’s animal knowledge.

6. Mad Libs

Remember playing Mad Libs in the car and it was so hard to write when the car was moving? Now there’s an app for that! The free Mad Libs app has 21 free stories that allow you to save the stories to re-read and laugh at them for hours. The app is kid-friendly and you can play solo or with friends and family. The app is suitable for ages 9 to 11, but let’s be real, you’ll probably play Mad Libs as much as the kids will!

7. GasBuddy

GasBuddy is the app you need if you’re trying to find the cheapest gas anywhere. You can choose to view gas stations by distance or price, report gas prices to help others find cheap gas, and you can enter to win $100 in free gas every day!

8. First Aid by American Red Cross

Accidents happen, hopefully not during your travel or on vacation, but they happen. Just to be prepared, the American Red Cross has provided an app that helps you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. The First Aid App also gives you tips on how to prepare for emergencies, can call 911, and locate the nearest hospital making it the perfect family travel app to keep you safe and prepared.

Screenshot of First Aid: American Red cross family travel app to keep the whole family safe and prepared

9. Waze

Waze is like the wonder app of traffic. Seriously. This family travel app helps you avoid accidents, road closures, police traps, and gives you real-time traffic updates. It also gives you turn by turn voice guided navigation. You can also send your ETA and real-time drive to update people you’re meeting at your Outer Banks vacation rental.

Screenshot of Waze, a family travel app that gives traffic updates, accidents, road closures, and more.

10. Candy Crush

Oh good old Candy Crush. This game will work on problem solving with your child but you’ll probably end up wanting to play a couple of rounds too! This family travel app is sure to keep everyone, no matter their age entertained on your Outer Banks road trip.

Screenshot of Candy Crush, a family travel app that will keep everyone entertained.

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What Is Beach Nourishment?

Beach nourishment is the process of pumping sand onto an eroding shoreline to widen the existing beach. Sand is taken from either a sandbar, a dredged inlet, or an offshore borrow site on the ocean floor. Beach nourishment increases defense from coastal storms and beach erosion saving beaches and homes and business that border the beaches. Beach nourishment provides More Beach To Love!

jennettes

Jennette’s Pier before and after 2012 beach nourishment – via the Town of Nags Head

Here on the Outer Banks, tropical storms and hurricanes are the norm and we usually take a beating from these storms. The last hurricane we experienced, wiped out part of Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk. Beach nourishment, in short, will save the existing shoreline from eroding and prevent some damage when hurricane season rolls around.

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Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk after Hurricane Matthew 2016

Not only will beach nourishment protect the Banks from storms, it also allows more space for visitors and locals alike to spread their beach gear out without being on top of each other on nice beach days.

 

 

How Will The Beach Nourishment Process Affect Me? 

Any given section of beach might be shut down for 4 to 6 days to ensure public safety. Bulldozers, loaders, and excavators will be used in this process. This equipment contains back up lights and alarms so it may be a bit noisy. Shore pipeline will be laid to allow for sand to be pumped from the offshore station to the active construction site. This pipeline will run parallel to the beach so they will be visible, however, sand ramps will be built over the pipelines to allow safe access from the beach to the ocean. All in all, you can still enjoy soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, and spending time with friends and family and make OBX memories that will last a lifetime!

For more information and updates visit the More Beach To Love website!

 

 

Are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by the sea this year? If not, you’re in luck- we can help you find your Outer Banks treasure to make sure you get to the beach this year! Check out some of our vacation homes  inspired by St. Patrick’s Day that’ll be sure to make you feel like you found a lucky four leaf clover.

Lucky Ducklings (4411) – Duck

lucky duckligns

Enjoy th.e Outer Banks in the oceanside home of Lucky Ducklings! With only a short walk away from the beach and access to the community pool and tennis court, you’ll be sure to feel lucky on your Outer Banks vacation. Lucky Ducklings also features a volleyball court, horseshoes, and cornhole right in the comfort of the backyard!

 

Magic Triangle (5540) – Nags Head

magic triangle

Your next Outer Banks visit is bound to be magical while you’re staying at Magic Triangle. With 6 bedrooms and 6 and a half bathrooms, this spacious home is the best place to relax! Magic Triangle features all new decor, a state of the art kitchen, and an elevator so everyone can enjoy the home. Located just across the highway from the Outer Banks Mall, you’ll have easy access to shopping, restaurants, and more!

 

Golden Drake (3929) – Duck

golden drake

Located in Duck, the Golden Drake will offer you fun in the sun or shade, depending on where you sit on the giant wrap around porch! Play a game of horseshoes or volleyball in the backyard or go on a kayaking adventure with the kayak that comes with the house. With only about 500 yards to walk to the beach, your next Outer Banks vacation will be as rich as that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

 

The Green Turtle (4160) – Duck

green turtle

If you’ve got a big group of family and friends, The Green Turtle is perfect for you! With 7 bedrooms and 7 and a half bathrooms, everyone will have their own space but will still be able to spend quality time together by the private saltwater pool, hot tub, or sand volleyball court in the backyard!

 

The Shamrock (5795) – Nags Head

Shamrock

The Shamrock will have you feeling lucky to be on the Outer Banks! Located in South Nags Head, The Shamrock is a short drive away from Jockey’s Ridge, the Lost Colony, and local shopping and restaurants. With an ocean view, sun decks, and more, The Shamrock will have something for everyone to enjoy on your next vacation!

 

 

Wright Off (1890) – Corolla

wright off

You’ll be green with good luck on your vacation at Wright Off! This 5 bedroom 4 and a half bath located in Corolla is only a short walk from the beach, local shops, and restaurants. Wright off is located in the community of Ocean Sands where you’ll have access to the tennis courts and the community lake!

 

 

Four Horsemen (5560) – Nags Head

four horsemen

Make all of your friends back home green with envy at Four Horsemen. This luxury Nags Head vacation home is steps away from the beach and with 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 2 and a half bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Four Horsemen features a private pool, sports bar, game tables, and more so everyone in your group will be happily entertained on your next Outer Banks vacation!

 

 

Herbie’s (5005) – Kill Devil Hills

l1

This little green beach box would make any leprechaun happy! Herbie’s is the perfect place to stay if you’ve got a small group of friends or a single family wanting to stay right on the ocean. This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home has the classic old-school Outer Banks beach box look but updated features to keep it modern!

 

 

Kinnakeet Retreat (7620) – Avon

kinakeet retreat

Have the luckiest vacation yet at Kinnakeet Retreat! Located in Avon, this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home offers oceanfront views, and so much more. This Klub Koru home gives you unlimited acces to the Koru Village gym (including all fitness and yoga classes), the Avon Pier, and the Koru Village oceanfront pool!

Vacation just wouldn’t be the same without your four-legged best friend, right? Make sure you and your pet are well prepared with our how-to guide on traveling with a dog.

 

1 – Know Your Dog

Do you know if your dog has travel anxiety or gets car sick? Take them out for test drives if they don’t like to ride around already. Start with short rides of 10 to 15 minutes to help your dog acclimatize to your car and the motion of the vehicle. Then, increase the time daily or weekly until it’s time for your trip. If your pet does exhibit anxiety or car sickness, talk to your vet and they may be able to prescribe them a light sedative or something to help nausea.

 

 

2 – Stay Safe

According to AAA, 30,000 accidents a year are caused by unrestrained pets roaming freely around the vehicle. Keep your dog secure by either using a pet barrier, crate, or pet seatbelt.

 

3 – Plan Your Pit Stops

Plan to stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can get out and exercise, use the bathroom, or have a snack!

 

4 – Hydrate

The ASPCA recommends you should have a gallon of cold water handy so your pet doesn’t dehydrate on the road trip.

 

 

5 – Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone

 

On an 85 degree day, a car can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes. If you have to stop somewhere that isn’t pet-friendly, like a restaurant, leave the windows down at least an inch and order your food to go. If it’s available, go through the drive through.

 

6 – Don’t Let Your Pup Hang Out Of the Window

As much as they love the wind flying through their fur, please don’t let your dog hang his head out of the window. High wind speeds can cause damage to the dogs’ already sensitive ears and lungs. Flying debris and cars driving too closely also can pose dangers to your pup.

 

7. Have Documents Handy (Just In Case)

Just in case the unimaginable happens, happens, make sure you have important documents handy. Proof of vaccination, microchip registration, and insurance are just a few examples of what you should bring along.

 

Just a few more tips:

Now that you know how to travel with your four-legged family member, check out the array of pet-friendly vacation homes Resort Realty has to offer you! Between this checklist and our awesome homes, you and your pet will have the best vacation yet!

 

Resort Realty has come up with summer guides for you to check out the best places to eat, visit, and play! The town we’re featuring this round? Kitty Hawk! Home to some of the best dining, shopping, beaches, and more; Kitty Hawk is one of the best places to visit on the Outer Banks. Check out our Kitty Hawk summer guide that features our top recommendations for your summer visit below and get ready for the best summer yet!

Kitty Hawk Places to Eat

Rundown Cafe

Rundown Cafe is a local favorite. Specializing in an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Pacific Rim flavors, Rundown features dishes like their famous noodle bowls, Tsunami dinner salads, and Baja Fish Burritos. Run Down Cafe also features some of the most insane Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! Rundown is the perfect island-inspired restaurant for your Kitty Hawk visit.

John’s Drive-In

John’s is the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach. This local favorite features any and every milkshake combination you can imagine plus, some killer post-beach meals. Their famous dolphin boats are a must-try. John’s Drive-In also features hot dogs, North Carolina-style barbeque, and burgers for those who aren’t seafood-obsessed. Word to the wise, there’s very limited parking at John’s so if you can walk over from the beach, that’s going to be your best bet as this is a jumpin’ joint during the summer months.

Kitty Hawk Places to Play

Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve

The Kitty Hawk Woods reserve is home to delicate and diverse wildlife that contribute to the Outer Banks ecosystem. Learn more about the surrounding marshes and sounds of the Outer Banks. You’ll also be spending time outside on the designated trails throughout the reserve. Learning and getting in some fresh air; a win-win!

Wave Riding Vehicles

Looking for surf equipment or beachside fashion? Wave Riding Vehicles is your go-to! Wave Riding Vehicles or WRV features surf boards and equipment, fashion, and everything in between. You can rent a surfboard and go catch some waves or learn how to hang 10 if you’re not sure how to ride. Side note, WRV also hosts an annual pro surf tournament on the Outer Banks every Labor Day Weekend! Even though it’s not necessarily a Kitty Hawk event, it’s worth driving down to Nags Head to check out if you’re in the area!

Paradise Fun Park

Have fun with the whole family at Paradise Golf & Arcade! Paradise Golf features two mini golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars, and and Wipeout; their newest amusement ride! Paradise Fun Park is perfect for families of all ages. If one of those rainy OBX days hits, the arcade is the perfect place to have fun with classic arcade games.

Kitty Hawk Places to Unwind

TRiO Wine, Beer, & Cheese

Looking to relax and unwind with a pint of beer or glass of wine? TRiO is the place for you! TRiO offers different wines to taste and flights of beer to sample along with a small food menu perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends and family. Our favorite on the menu? TRiO’s house grilled cheese. It’s made with an artisan cheese blend and a drizzle of truffle oil; YUM!

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Hatteras is a unique island that is part of the Outer Banks. Full of history, beauty, and local culture, Hatteras is an exceptional gem that you’ll definitely want to visit. Check out our Top 10 Things To Do in Hatteras guide and start planning your Hatteras getaway today!

1 – Lighthouse Climbs

Cape Hatteras is home to two different lighthouses; the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse boasts 257 steps while the Bodie Island Lighthouse has just over 200. The climb isn’t for those who have heart, respiratory, or other medical conditions but climbing is up to your discretion. The view from the ground is as stunning as the view from the top of the lighthouses so even if you’re unable to climb, you still won’t miss out!

2 – Visit Avon Pier

Enjoy a morning sunrise or spend the day fishing away at Avon Fishing Pier.  First opened in 1963, Avon Pier is home to many famous catches and the giant Red Drum that like to swim around the pier. A fishing license is not required to fish on Avon Pier and if you don’t have the right gear, the Pier House has you covered.

3 – Ferry Ride

Hatteras is home to the Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry. Plan a trip down to Ocracoke and hop off the Ferry. The ferry ride is only about 40-45 minutes long. The Ferry can transport your car, bike, or even you just on foot! Take a ride across the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke for a day you’ll never forget.

4 – Visit Frisco Native American Museum

The Frisco Native American Museum is a treasure on Hatteras Island. The Native American Museum showcases historical artifacts like drums, weapons, clothing and more from different local Native American tribes. There are also nature trails that wind through several acres of Hatteras forest. Along the trail, you can also dig for fossils in the fossil pile. Fun and education meet at this little museum!

5 – REAL Watersports

REAL Watersports offers a place to shop for surf, skim, skate, and kiteboarding gear. Cape Hatteras is recognized as the best place to kiteboard in the world and is one of the top surfing destinations on the East Coast. If you’re in town on July 21st, REAL hosts Roxy Beach day; a day full of surfing, beach yoga, kiteboarding, and more (and it’s all free!) REAL Watersports also offers kiteboarding, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding lessons. Try a new sport and who knows, you might be the next professional surfer or kiteboarder!

6 – Chicamacomico Life Saving Station

Chica-what?! Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station (pronounced CHICK-a-mah-COM-ick-o) was one of seven lifesaving stations commissioned in 1871. Learn about the history of Live Saving Stations in North Carolina and how they helped contribute to what the United States Coast Guard is today.

7 – Pea Island Art Gallery

View artwork from over 100 local and regional artists at the Pea Island Art Gallery. With pieces like pottery, glass, jewelry, wood, sculpture, and more there’s something for everyone to look at. If you really fall in love with a certain piece of art, you can buy it to bring home with you!

8 – Tour by Air

A unique way to experience Hatteras Island is by viewing it by air! Burrus Flying Service has three different tours you can choose from. The South Tour will fly you over Hatteras inlet and move toward Ocracoke.  The Cape Tour takes you over the Pamlico Sound and the Canadian Hole where you can get a sky view of windsurfers. The North Tour takes you over the sound towards Waves and Salvo where you can see different shipwrecks from a bird’s eye view!

9 – Eat Locally

Hatteras Island is known for being a fishing community, like many other towns on the Outer Banks. With fishing communities comes the freshest seafood you will ever find and let us tell you, there’s nothing like it. Hatteras restaurants like Café Pamlico feature dishes made from seafood right from the waters of Hatteras and all over the Outer Banks.

10 – Beach It

No commercialization means a lot more room and a greater connection to nature and the beauty of the beach. Unlike other Outer Banks beaches, the Hatteras seashore has no other buildings or homes right on top of the beach. Hatteras beaches are pet-friendly and 4-wheel drive capable (with a permit). Spend a beach day in the ocean or relaxing in the sand. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

With all of these activities to do and more, why not plan your next vacation on Hatteras Island? Resort Realty offers many different vacation homes in Hatteras that will suit your every need. Check them out and book your next Outer Banks vacation in Hatteras with us today!

 

Top 10 Hatteras

 

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Bodie Island Lighthouse

 

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Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station

 

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Cape Hatteras Beach