The town of Corolla (properly pronounced Cor-RAH-lah), is a small town on the Outer Banks full of history. Now known for it’s wild horses, 4 x 4 beaches, and amazing vacation homes, this historic OBX town was once a quaint village that was unrecognizable to what it is today!
Native American tribes called Currituck home. The barrier island of what is now Corolla was used for fishing and hunting. Europeans began settling in the area and resided on the mainland in the late 1600’s.
By the mid-1800’s, there were several communities on the island. The Currituck beach lighthouse was set to be built in 1873. The lighthouse was lit on December 1st, 1875 and the U.S. Lifesaving Service was in full effect.
Corolla has been home to wild horses for over 500 years! The horses can be dated back to the voyage of the colony known now as the Lost Colony. The expedition was led by Sir Richard Grenville in 1587. With so much equipment being brought to the new world, ships had to lighten their load in order to stay afloat in the shallow, Carolina waters. Livestock, including the Spanish mustangs, had to be sacrificed. It is thought that the horses that currently roam the beaches in this town are direct descendants of the voyage of 1587!
Corolla maintained its long reputation as a hunting and fishing community. In 1922, what is now known as the Whalehead Club, was built by Edward and Marie-Louise LeBel Knight. The home provided work opportunities for the towns residents as caretakers and hunting guides for the Knight’s and their guests.
During World War II, the Whale Head Club was leased to the United States Coast Guard to aid in patrol of German U boats. As a result of the war being over, the population of Corolla dwindled significantly. In the 1950s, the population became so low the school closed and the church remained empty. By the 1970s, only 15 people lived in the village.
The number of year-round residents in Corolla is about 500 people. During the summer, the population can be more than 50,000 a week! People are attracted to this quaint town because of its beauty, vast beaches, and rich history! Rest, relaxation, and amazing food can be found all over this OBX beach town.
Plan your next Outer Banks vacation! Visit the amazing, historical, and beautiful town of Corolla. With over 120 properties located in Corolla, Resort Realty has a vacation home that is sure to suit you and your family! Visit our website, browse the properties, and book your stay online! You can also call us at 1-800-458-3830 and one of our amazing vacation reservation specialists will be happy to assist you!
Get ready for a weekend full of green! The Outer Banks during St. Patrick’s Day is a weekend for friends, family, fun, and even a little leprechaun magic! See everything St. Patrick’s Day weekend on the OBX has in store!
March 17th @ 8:00 AM | 2234 S Lark Street, Nags Head
Run to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Choose from either a 5K or 10K run! Each finisher will receive a medal and an event t-shirt. There will also be awards for the top 3 male and female finishers in both distances. After the race, enjoy the Irish-themed after party including Irish stew, sweet potato biscuits, beer, and a costume contest! For more information and registration, visit the OBSE website.
March 17th @ 2:00 PM| Outer Banks Brewing Station
Participate in a Leprechaun themed beer mile at The Brewing Station! The St. Paddy’s 1 Mile Beer Run is chip timed with a backyard party after! The run is strictly 21 and up. Prizes will be awarded to the overall fastest female and male. Wear your St. Patrick’s Day best and get ready to race! The Beer Run is limited to 100 participants and price is $30 per person. To register, visit the OBX running company website!
March 18th @ 1:00 PM | Starts @ Bladen St.
Enjoy a classic Outer Banks tradition! The 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is full of fun, friends, floats, and candy! The parade route starts at the intersection of Bladen St. and Virginia Dare Trail and ends at Driftwood Street. The parade will start at 1 PM. You can find parking and a good seat along the route, but be sure to get there early!
Live music at Mulligan’s Restaurant
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks! Restaurants like Mulligan’s and The Jolly Roger feature St. Patrick’s Day dishes, specials, and live music to get you into the spirit!
St. Patrick’s Day weekend on the Outer Banks is full of fun! Why not take the time to come visit? Resort Realty has many homes available for spending St. Patty’s Day weekend on the beach! Stay for a week and attend some of the Outer Banks Taste of the Beach events or just come for a weekend stay in a home that allows partials! Whatever you decide, Resort Realty has you covered!
March 9th marks the National Day of Unplugging! For 24 hours, log off of your lap top, turn off that tablet, and put away that cell phone. Use this time to explore and bond with your family. Are you on the Outer Banks? See our guide on different ways to spend your unplugged time on the OBX!
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The Outer Banks in the summer time is the best place to be! Everyone else thinks so too. If you’re an OBX vacation veteran, you’ll know that traffic coming in and out can get super congested. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide on how to avoid Outer Banks traffic. With everyone coming in on the same day and leaving on the same day, it can get a little congested. If you’re not trying to sit in your car for hours on your next vacation, read on to see how to beat the infamous Outer Banks traffic
The thick of Outer Banks traffic happens roughly between 11 AM and 3 PM due to everyone coming in. This can vary by an hour. However, by leaving early in the morning you can get on the OBX by 9 or 10 AM. This means you won’t have to deal with incoming traffic. Let the kids can sleep in the car so you can get a little peace and quiet. When you get here, explore the OBX while you’re waiting for check-in! There are plenty of things to see and do before your vacation rental is ready for check-in. From going to the beach to exploring amazing Outer Banks landmarks, there’s so much to choose from. To get an idea on what to do while you’re waiting browse through the following blogs:
Top 10 Hidden Gems On The Outer Banks
Top 10 Free Things To Do On The Outer Banks
Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget
Top 25 Outer Banks Rainy Day Activities
The most traffic on the Outer Banks on turnover days occurs on the route coming in over the Wright Memorial Bridge. While the GPS may say that taking an alternate route may take more time, it’ll save you from sitting in traffic; especially if you’re vacationing from Kitty Hawk south. Taking highway 64 instead of 158 may add miles to the journey but you’ll be moving at a steady pace and will be on the OBX in no time! Plus, who doesn’t want a good Bojangles biscuit?!
If leaving early or an alternate route to avoid Outer Banks traffic isn’t in the cards for you and your group, have a plan for possibly sitting in traffic. See which rest stops and restaurants are along your route, and pack enough snacks and entertainment for the kids. We’ve come up with a list of great apps for kids to help car rides to the Outer Banks pass faster! You can see them here.
Travel apps like Waze and Gas Buddy can help you travel with ease. The Waze app can help you avoid accidents, road obstructions, and gives you real time traffic updates. Plus, it offers turn by turn voice navigation and ETA. You can share where you are exactly with people you may be meeting at your vacation home. Gas Buddy can help you find the best and closest gas prices along your route. You can also enter to win $100 in free gas everyday, too!
Most people coming to the Outer Banks book a vacation rental home that has a check-in and check-out day that falls on Saturday. This is why traffic on Saturday is usually the worst. If you book a home with a turn over day that’s a Friday or Sunday, not only can you avoid traffic, you can also save money! Most homes with check-in and check-out that aren’t Saturday are typically cheaper! Resort Realty has homes with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday change over. This allows you to customize your Outer Banks vacation however you see fit!
See everything Resort Realty has to offer and get your (minimal traffic) Outer Banks vacation started today!
When it comes to your home, you want it to be comfortable, cozy, and of course stylish. Take a few notes from the design trends we’ve gathered from across the internet, local businesses, and even our own homes to spruce up your own space!
Modern light fixtures like these found on pinterest can really brighten up your space! (Pun fully intended). With rattan being so on trend this year, it perfectly matches the beachy, laid back aesthetic of the OBX. Metallic colors like silvers, bronzes, and golds are also always on trend in home decor. You have so many options to make your home super up to date!
Modern Beach House, a local Outer Banks interior design service and store hit the nail on the head with this buffet table display. The natural, tan colors of the table and the stark, white walls and topping are beautifully offset by the green plants! This look is easily achievable and can really brighten up your home. To see more great inspo and before and afters of local Outer Banks homes, take a look at the Modern Beach House website!
If you’ve ever set foot in a classic OBX beach box home, one thing you will see is dark and dreary shiplap and wood paneling. This can make the home look dark and dingy, but fear not, shiplap is making a comeback in a major way! A fresh coat of paint and bright interior furniture or furniture covers and take a drab room and make it fab in no time.
When you’re on the Outer Banks, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the porch with a tall glass of sweet tea. Make sure your porch space is inviting and comfortable. Install porch swings or update the current seating you have with outdoor durable pillows and cushions for the ultimate relaxing spot!
Tired of the same old paint? Make a statement with fun walls! You can get inexpensive wall paper and tile and create a focal point in a room to make it bright and inviting. You don’t have to stop at the walls either, a huge design trend for 2018 is statement floors and ceilings too! Think outside the box and be creative, just make sure you don’t go too overboard, pick one wall and off set the vibrancy with simple furniture and other decor!
Minimalism is a huge trend that we don’t see going anywhere anytime soon. There’s just something about clean lines, crisp colors, and the simplicity of a great room that makes it super relaxing and serene. Add pops of color to the walls and accent pillows to put a little color in the space. Fun lamps like the wave ones pictured in this bedroom from property Atlantic Breeze #5411 can really pull a minimalistic bedroom together!
Summer is coming up and that means making arrangements now for Summer vacation! One of the biggest questions that is posed during vacation planning is where will you stay? Hotels may seem like the cheapest option but they can actually end up costing you a fortune. Between hidden fees, small spaces, and limited access to basic amenities, hotels can be more of a hassle than you may realize.
By renting a vacation home with Resort Realty, you’ll end up having way more space, saving money, and so much more. Take a look at our info-graphic to see why you should rent a vacation home instead of reserving a hotel room for your next Outer Banks vacation!
Ditch overpriced and overcrowded hotel rooms this summer and find the vacation home of your dreams! By renting an OBX vacation home with Resort Realty, you’ll be sure to make your vacation fun and memorable. Everyone will have plenty of space to relax and unwind, you can bond over family dinner, and even spend endless hours in the sun, sand, and surf! Book your next Outer Banks vacation with Resort Realty today by visiting our website or by calling us at (800) 458-3830!
The Outer Banks is full of popular attractions. Honestly, what’s an Outer Banks vacation without a visit to the aquarium, climbing Jockey’s Ridge, and eating your favorite meal at your favorite, local spot? Although these attractions are amazing, there are so many more hidden places to see, things to do, and food to eat that you may not know about! Check out our 10 hidden gems of the Outer Banks to add to your to-do list this Outer Banks vacation.
Glenmere Ave Beach Access, Kill Devil Hills
Not very many people have heard of the Little Red Mailbox of Hope. Started by Sue and Eddie Goodrich and the Town of Kill Devil Hills, this little mailbox spreads messages of hope and love. When you come to the Outer Banks, make sure you take some time to read some of the messages in the Little Red Mailbox journal and even leave a note. You might find something you didn’t know you needed at this Outer Banks hidden gem.
Hwy 12, Frisco
This unique UFO sighting is found in Frisco off of Highway 12! Full of UFO inspired decor and items, the 26-foot wide dwelling is one of the few Futuro homes left in the United States! Because it is not up to code, you can’t enter it to visit but you can definitley pose in front of this ornamental structure for a great photo. The Futuro House is a strange sight to see but definitely a gem on the Outer Banks!
Downtown Manteo
Full Moon Cafe, The Lost Colony Brewery, or The Full Moon Brewery – the restaurant of many names. Whatever you call it, there’s no denying that there is great food and great, craft beer to be had at this Manteo eatery! Initially opened in 1995 as a restaurant, Full Moon Cafe doubled as a brewery in 2011 and continues to make uniquely crafted beer and amazing food. “We are the home town restaurant where first dates, prom dates, wedding proposals, family gatherings, showers, and birthdays, have taken place for 22 years,” which is why Full Moon has earned it’s spot as a hidden Outer Banks gem!
Windsurfers from all over the world come to Canadian Hole to windsurf during the spring and summer months. However, if you’re not an avid windsurfer, Canadian Hole is still a really cool place to go and watch windsurfers sail over the sound with their colorful kites! Additionally, the area is ideal for families with young children because of the shallow waters and lack of waves!
This public monument located in Kitty Hawk honors the achievement and the history of flight! The Wright Brothers completed the first successful flight right here on the Outer Banks on December 17, 1903. This monument honors successful men and women who contributed to the history of modern flight and aviation that we continue to use today!
If you’ve been to the Outer Banks, you’ve noticed the colorful winged horses. They stand proudly outside of different local businesses. The winged horses were in commemoration for the Wright Brothers centennial of flight! This project went on from May 2002 to October 2004. Many of the horses are still on display today! Check out photos of all the horses and a list of current winged horse locations!
On Hatteras Island, you’ll find Burrus Red & White Supermarket. There’s nothing super special about this grocery store…except for the 6 toed cats! The cats that wander around the supermarket are descendants of a ghost ship from a few hundred years ago. When the ship was looted, locals brought them ashore and more six-toed (or polydactyl) cats appeared over time. The store owner, Allen Burrus, cares for the cats. They’ve all been spayed and neutered.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a local and visitor favorite. Even though this restaurant is very popular, not everyone knows about the Lone Cedar residents; Ricky and Lucy! Ricky and Lucy built a nest right outside of Lone Cedar to raise their young. They have returned each year and Lone Cedar even named their bar the Osprey Lounge! Ricky and Lucy’s nest is located outside of the windows. You can see them while you dine at Lone Cedar!
Few people know that the Outer Banks was home to lurking German U-Boats during World War I and World War II; patiently waiting to attack the U.S. coast. Allied forces from England were sent to the US to protect the coastline, and many English troops ended up guarding the Outer Banks and Ocracoke. Their valiant efforts, however, resulted in the destruction of a number of ships and submarines. A cemetery was created for the bodies of two unnamed British Soldiers who washed up on the beach during WWII. This cemetery is technically British soil and is a rich part of the history of Ocracoke Island.
Full of nature, walking paths, and beauty, Nags Head Woods is a must visit on your next Outer Banks visit. Nags Head woods spans over 420 and over 5 miles of different trails from advanced to leisure! On a nice, sunny day, the secret sound access is the perfect place to go relax and get away from it all!
February is coming to a close and March (and spring) will be here before we know it! With the weather beginning to warm up, there are so many events popping up all over the Outer Banks. Check out everything there is to do and see on the Outer Banks in this months’ edition of the OBC!
5:00 PM – 9:00 @ The Sanderling Resort
Calling all brides! The Outer Banks Vendors Meet and Greet is your opportunity to meet with talented photographers, videographers, event coordinators, and more for your big day! Everything you need to plan the perfect wedding on the OBX is all in one place. You don’t need to be a Sanderling bride to attend this can’t miss event. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information, visit the Sanderling website.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ The Outer Banks Brewing Station
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Leprechaun themed beer mile at The Brewing Station! This race is chip timed with a backyard party after! The run is 21 and over only and prizes will be awarded to the overall fastest female and male. Wear your St. Patrick’s Day best and get ready to run! Run is limited to 100 participants and price is $30 per person. To register, visit the OBX running company website!
From Bladen St. + Virgina Dare Trail intersection to Driftwood St. @ 1 PM
Enjoy an Outer Banks tradition! The 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is full of fun, friends, and most importantly, candy! The parade route starts at the intersection of Bladen St. and Virginia Dare Trail and ends at Driftwood Street. The parade will start at 1 PM so find parking along the route and get a good seat early!
Recurring Daily @ Participating Restaurants
4 full days of food and fun, the Outer Banks Taste of The Beach weekend allows you to try different food and drink from multiple local restaurants! From wine dinners to tapas, this weekend is full of it all! Over 60 events are offered at over 30 different venues. Event pricing can range from $10 to $105. For a list of all events and vendors, visit the Taste of The beach website.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM @ The Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills
A day of family fun, come out to the Dare County Parks and Recreation Easter EGGstavaganza! From 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, kids can take part in face painting, egg spoon races, ring toss, and so much more. Even better, this event is FREE to the public!
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ The Whalehead Club
Run, bike, and run on the Outer Banks! This duathlon is welcome to all ages and skill levels and the registration fee is $70. The run course will take you through the historic villages of Corolla and the bike portion is a 28 mile bike ride through Northern Corolla including by the Currituck Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. Each participant will receive a finisher award and a post race party will follow! For registration, click here.
8:00 PM @ The Waterside Theater in Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Learn more about one of America’s longest running mysteries. Join ghost hunters that have discovered paranormal activity on the site of The Lost Colony. See where ghost appearances have occured and learn more about the story of The Lost Colony of 1587. Adult tickets are $20, children ages 6-10 are $15, and children under 5 are free. For more information, visit the Lost Colony website.
10:00 AM @ Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head
Kites, Easter egg hunts, and an appearance from the Easter Bunny, this FREE event will get you in the Easter spirit! Fly Into Spring with Kitty Hawk Kites! Enjoy the kite festival on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Easter Egg hunts will be happening all throughout Jockey’s Ridge! For more information, visit the Kitty Hawk Kites website!
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM @ The Elizabethan Gardens
The largest egg hunt on the beach! Have fun at the Easter Eggstravaganza hosted by The Elizabethan Gardens! Members of The Gardens get in free, non-members pay standard admission. One child under 5 is admitted free with each paying non-member. Activities include egg spoon races, hat contest, musical acts, dancers, and more! Bring your own Easter basket for collecting eggs and prizes! This event begins at 10:00 AM. For more information, visit The Elizabethan Gardens website.
Spending a ton of money on your vacation to the Outer Banks should be the last thing on your mind! You can easily have a great vacation and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. Check out our top tips on how to have an amazing vacation on the OBX while on a budget!
From strolls on Jennette’s Pier to going ghost crabbing at night, there are so many free OBX activities to do on your vacation!
There are so many great Outer Banks activities that are either free or super inexpensive! You can explore Jockey’s Ridge, spend all day on the beach, visit lighthouses, and so much more without spending a ton of money. Check out our “Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget” blog for even more ideas on how to have fun without going broke!
A home made seafood roast with local OBX seafood? Yes please!
With so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, it’s hard to not want to try them all! While dining out can be a great and tasty experience, it can be costly. The average entree on the Outer Banks will run you around $12-$15 depending on what restaurant you go to. When you’re going out to eat with your family, that can really add up. Instead of dining out every night, maybe pick a night to go out and prepare meals at your rental homes the rest of the time! You can get fresh, local seafood from many places on the Outer Banks and prepare it yourself or even cook your own catch if you’re into fishing!
With a visit in the off season, you’ll find uncrowded beaches and money saved!
During the peak vacation months of June to August, vacation homes and accommodations can be at their most expensive. If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, visiting the Outer Banks in the off season can end up being much cheaper. Many locals will say that visiting the Outer Banks in the fall and spring seasons are the best time to come because there is less traffic, less crowds, and beautiful weather! See “Why We Love Fall On The Outer Banks” and plan an off season vacation to get the best bang for your buck!
Vacation homes like Beacham Cottage #7810 are perfect for an affordable weekend getaway to the OBX!
Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need! Mini vacations are great alternatives to staying a whole week. The rates can be cheaper, you’ll save money, and you’ll still get to explore the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has many homes that offer weekend and short stays! See all the homes that offer partial vacations!
Budget for fun OBX activities like a trip to the H2OBX water park!
It’s okay to splurge, you’re on vacation after all! Sit down with your family and make a list of things that you want to do on the Outer Banks. Determine how much money you want to stick to spending and then divvy out a set amount to specific activities like dining, souvenirs, and attractions. Stick to this budget all week long and this way you can still do the activities you want to do and have control of your money!
Sea Cabin #7590 is an oceanfront OBX rental that can rent for as little as $695 per week!
Many Outer Banks vacation homes can be super lavish and luxurious but super expensive. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort and style on your vacation. There are many homes in the Resort Realty family that are inexpensive, beautifully decorated, and comfortable that you and your family can rent without breaking your budget!
Home of the free because of the brave, to honor your service, Resort Realty offers a Hometown Hero vacation discount to save you money on your Outer Banks vacation || Image via Pinterest
Resort Realty has many deals and specials to help you save money on your Outer Banks vacation! Our Hometown Heroes discount is offered all year long on select properties and specials like our President’s Day sale and our Summer Kickoff Sale will save you money for a limited time! Plus, select homes will often put certain weeks on special! Check out our Deals and Specials page to get the perfect OBX vacation rental at a lower price.
Luxury vacation homes can be super expensive, but if you have a great group of people to split it with, it can be super affordable! A luxury home split between a group of people can be as low as $53 per night per person! See all of the luxury homes Resort Realty has to offer you, find a great group to vacation with, and start your affordable, luxury vacation!
So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!
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To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!
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