Everyone needs a vacation, now more than ever! If you’re planning an OBX vacation but want to save some cash, have no fear, Resort Realty has you covered. Since 1987, we’ve learned a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. We’ve got a few tips on how to snag the perfect, affordable, OBX vacation.


Plan Early

Planning your OBX vacation early allows you to budget better, making your vacation affordable.


We say it all the time but we mean it! By planning your Outer Banks vacation early, you have more time to budget and you’ll get first dibs on the house of your choice. Our biggest booking days fall in December and January. Planning earlier for the vacation year ahead allows you flexibility financially, time-wise, and preference-wise.


Visit During A Shoulder Season

Shoulder season vacations tend to be more affordable than peak season vacations on the Outer Banks.


Shoulder seasons are the fall and spring months on the Outer Banks. Summer has either passed or is upon us, the weather is great, but not everyone is flocking to our beaches all at once quite yet. Shoulder season vacations come with significantly lower rates than peak season. An example? A 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom oceanfront Signature Series home in Salvo will run you around $3,100 for a week in mid-May. That same house goes up to almost $11,000 for the week in July! You can easily save more than half the price by taking an OBX vacation in the spring or fall months.


Take Advantage of Payment Plans

With payment options like venmo and paypal, you can pay for your Outer Banks vacation easily!


Resort Realty is proud to offer payment options like PayPal and Venmo! With PayPal and Venmo wallets, not only does it make check-out easier, but it also allows you to easily request payment from other families you’re vacationing with, allowing you to split the cost of rent and making your vacation affordable. You can learn more about our Outer Banks vacation payment plans here.


Vacation Together


This one goes hand in hand with the above. Here’s another example for you. During peak season, one of our most high-end, oceanfront Signature Series homes with a private pool can be around $21,000 which can cause some sticker shock. But let’s look at it in a different light. This house sleeps 12 people comfortably. When you divide that fee among 12 people, it comes out to around $1,700 per person. Broken down further? $252 per night per person. Again, this is for one of our standout properties. Many of our properties end up being around $71 per night per person when broken up by occupancy! Seems like an affordable vacation option when you look at it that way, right?


Avoid Hotels


While there are some seriously awesome hotels on the Outer Banks, they’re not typically the best option for an affordable vacation. For an oceanfront hotel room with a king bed during July, you’d be paying about $2,300 for the week. While that sounds like similar, cheaper pricing compared to our rentals, you don’t get all the same amenities we offer. When you rent an Outer Banks vacation home, you have access to an entire house or condo, allowing you to host at least 2 people. You’ll have access to a kitchen where you can easily prepare meals for the entire crew. You’ll also be able to relax in a living room or rec room without feeling confined to one space. Hotels can be great, don’t get us wrong…but sometimes a rental home is the best option, financially and comfort-wise.


Consider A Mini-Vacation


A mini-vacation is also a great option to save on your stay! Taking a 3-night trip to the OBX is sometimes all the time you need, especially when you live within an easy drive of the Outer Banks. Mini-vacations or partial week stays allow you the flexibility of checking in on a day that works best for you and not having to commit to an entire week. Partial week stays require a 3-night minimum. Find homes that offer partial stays here.

Cheers to a new year! It’s 2018 and with the new year comes new Outer Banks events. While we’re well into the off-season now, there’s still plenty to do on the beach! Check out everything happening on the Outer Banks in this months edition of The Outer Banks Calendar.

Jan. 1st – 4th // Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive

Recurring Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM // North Carolina Aquarium, Manteo

‘Tis the season for giving! Help out the furry friends at the Outer Banks SPCA and donate to the Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive. This is the last week for donations and they’re direly needed. Donate a bag of dry pet food weighing at least 7 pounds and receive free admission to the Aquarium that day! Anyone that donates any pet food item, toy, or cleaning product will have a chance to win a painting created by the river otters at the Aquarium! For more information and a list of most needed items, visit the Outer Banks SPCA website.

Jan. 2nd – 20th // WInterLights

Fridays & Saturdays 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM  // The Elizabethan Gardens – Manteo

This month is the last month to check out all of the sights and magic that WinterLights has to offer! With beautiful flowers and illuminated plants and trees, WinterLights is an event that you need to see. Open this month only on Fridays and Saturdays, admission for adults is $11, youth ages 6-17 are $9, and children 5 and under are $6. For more information, call The Elizabethan Gardens at (252) 473-3234 or visit The Elizabethan Gardens website.

Jan. 5th // Spirits Forgiving Bourbon Tasting

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM // Rooster’s Southern Kitchen, Kill Devil Hills

Sample bourbon and snack on tapas-style appetizers for a good cause! For a $25 donation, guests will sample 6 different types of bourbon. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. The Outer Banks Relief Foundation helps assist people and families that struggle financially due to a debilitating disease or illness. To secure your space, visit Rooster’s Southern Kitchen with cash or local check of $25 per person payable to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. For more information about the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, visit their website.

Jan. 9th // Plastic Bag and Film Collection

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM // North Carolina Aquarium – Manteo

Reduce, reuse, and recycle with the North Carolina Aquarium. Drop off clean, dry plastic film and bags to the Aquarium to help save the environment and keep our beaches and oceans clean! Collections will be happening the second Tuesday of every month so start off 2018 with a helping hand and drop off all the plastic bags you have!

Jan. 13th & 14th // Outer Banks Wedding Weekend

Recurring Daily @ 10:00 AM // First Flight Middle School & High School, 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills

Planning your Outer Banks dream wedding? The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo is the place to be. During Wedding Weekend, see over 200 wedding professionals and the opportunity to tour the most wanted wedding venues! Also get discounts at local restaurants and shops, plus, enter the Dream Wedding Giveaway! General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $45. For more information, visit the Outer Banks Wedding Association website.

 

The history of flight and The Wright Brothers go hand in hand. Almost everyone knows who the famous flying brothers are and how much they contributed to the science of aviation. However, not everyone knows that the first flight took place right here on the Outer Banks! On December 17th, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history with the first successful powered airplane flight.

Wright Bros. first flight, 1903 (Lynn Brooks)
The First Flight

The first flight actually took place in Kitty Hawk even though the park and the memorial are both located in Kill Devil Hills. Wilbur and Orville chose Kitty Hawk because the tall sand dunes and high winds would give them enough lift and all of the sand would allow a soft place to land. On the day of December 17th, 1903, 5 other people witnessed the first flight. Adam Etheridge, John T. Daniels, Will Dough, W.C. Brinkley, and Johnny Moore. John T. Daniels took the now-famous photo of the first flight. Statues of all 7 people on this historic day are actually at the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills!

Fast Facts About the Wright Brothers:

–  Orville Wright was the first brother to fly the glider because of a coin toss

– The Wright Flyer flew at 10:35 AM and was airborne for 12 seconds before landing

– The first flight spanned 120 feet

– After the first flight in 1903, the Wright Flyer was destroyed by a strong gust of wind

– Wilbur is the oldest of the two brothers

– John Daniels had never seen a camera before taking the photo of the first flight; in fact, he was so excited about what he was seeing he almost forgot to take the photo

Where the Wright Brothers slept and ate while doing their research and testing in Kitty Hawk
Busts on top of the Wright Brother’s Monument
Left: Bust of Orville || Right: Wright Brothers Monument
View from the top of the Wright Brothers Monument

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays! The Outer Banks has so many spectacular holiday events happening this month, including WinterLights! Presented at the Elizabethan Gardens, WinterLights is a month-long event full of festive lights, sights, and so much more. Resort Realty went to see the lights for ourselves and let us tell you, it did not disappoint! A spectacular array of light displays cover the expansive and lush Elizabethan Gardens. The perfect family-friendly holiday event, check out just a small glimpse of what WinterLights has to offer!

During WinterLights, the Elizabethan Gardens is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Each section of the gardens has a different array and display of lights all around. Sections included, characters from the 12 Days of Christmas, sealife, gingerbread town, and more! You can even make your way to the heart of the gardens and make s’mores, drink hot chocolate, and even enjoy a movie. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer was the movie of choice the night we attended!

For a schedule of dates, and different WinterLights events, visit the Elizabethan Gardens website.

Christmas is officially two weeks away! Christmas shopping can be a stressful job. You want to find the perfect gift but you also don’t want it to be thoughtless and un-orignial. If you have an Outer Banks lover in your life, why not get them a gift from their favorite place? Support local businesses and put a smile on the faces of your friends and family this year! We’ve come up with an Outer Banks Gift Guide with present ideas that’ll make this Christmas unforgettable.

An Outer Banks Christmas Ornament

For the Corolla fanatic in your family!

Trim the tree with a memory! The Christmas Mouse in Nags Head has a wide array of Outer Banks ornaments that will be perfect for the Outer Banks obsessed friend or family member.

 

Customized Necklace

A custom All Washed Up necklace is sure to please this Christmas

To remind them of their favorite place, get a custom made necklace with coordinates of the OBX! All Washed Up Jewelry is a locally owned and ran business that sells jewelry inspired by the sea.

 

A Personalized Tumbler

YETI and The Outer Banks? Count us in!

Keep those drinks cool in the summer (and warm until then) in a custom OBX YETI tumbler! Parrot Bay located in Kill Devil Hills has these awesome ramblers. They make amazing gifts, and are sure to keep a smile on any Outer Banks lovers face!

 

A Handmade Mug

Handmade with love

A gift as unique as each wave in the ocean! These hand thrown and hand painted mugs from Swell Ceramics are great for your beach loving family member or friend. They can hold 12-14 oz, which is just enough coffee to get you through until you’re back on the Outer Banks!

An Outer Banks Painting

Keep a reminder of your favorite Outer Banks spot in your home all year round! A painting like this one from local artist Red Dawn Designs is a great gift that will look beautiful in any beach lovers home.

 

An Outer Banks Vacation

The perfect gift…an Outer Banks vacation!

The obvious gift for your Outer Banks obsessed loved one is an Outer Banks vacation, right?! With Resort Realty, booking is super easy. Just pick the property you want on our website, and check out is as simple as 1,2,3! Plus, with our EZ Pay plan, paying for your vacation is easy and affordable. An amazing Christmas gift with no wrapping paper required! Visit our website today or give us a call at (800) 458-3830!

The weather is turning cooler which means it’s time to prepare your home for the winter! We’ve got 10 great tips to help keep your home warm, safe, and cost efficient this winter.

1 // Turn Down Your Hot Water Heater

Most standard hot water heaters are set to 140 degrees, but most homes don’t need that much heat. You end up paying for hot water you’re not using. By lowering your heaters temperature to around 120 degrees, you can reduce your water heating bill by around 6 to 10 percent!

 

2 // Turn Down The Heat

When you leave your house, remember to turn the heat down! For every degree you turn the heat down, you can save around 1% to 3% on your heating bill!

 

3 // Caulk + Seal

Air leaks in your home can severely decrease energy efficiency and make it hard to heat up the house in the winter. Take a good look corners where different materials meet like around chimney, around windows, and along the foundation. You can have someone stand outside with a blow dryer and blow air around suspected leaks to confirm where you need to caulk or weather strip.

 

4 // Stop Drafts

Drafty doors can waste anywhere from 5% to 30% of energy. Draft snakes are super inexpensive (you can even DIY your own) and effective!

 

5 // Reverse Fans

Fans sure do keep you cool in the summer, but did you know they can keep you warm in the winter too? There’s a little switch at the top of the fan that changes the blade direction to clockwise. Clockwise rotation pulls warm air from the ceiling and brings it back down to keep you warm and toasty. This can cut as much as 10% off of your heating bill!

 

6 // Winterize you A/C + Hoses

Keep your air con pipes and hoses from freezing this winter. Make sure any excess water has been drained from piping and equipment. If you have any window A/C units, make sure to remove them and put the window down to avoid drafts. For water hoses, make sure they’ve been drained and put away and make sure to turn off any water spigots on the outside of your home.

 

7 // Tune Up Your Heating System

Make sure your heating system is clean and in tip top shape to avoid any chilly outages and to save on your heating costs. Call and make an appointment with an HVAC technician to have them take a good look at your furnace.

 

8 // Insulate Piping

Keep your pipes from freezing and bursting by insulating your piping. Insulating your piping can also decrease your hot water bill. Pipes that are warm are the ones you want to insulate. Most hardware stores sell foam that will wrap around the pipes. Then just cut it to the right size and duct tape it.

 

9 // Take Care of Outside

Even though we don’t get a ton of snow here on the Outer Banks, it’s still a good idea to clean out gutters and take care out your outside areas. Clean out gutters of all debris so that rain and snow can drain efficiently. Cut down any tree branches that hang over your house and cars. Snow and ice build up can cause branches to get heavy and fall.

 

10 // Bring Plants Inside

Tropical and annuals that don’t do well in the cold need to come inside before the first frost hits. Spray plants that look like that might have pests like spiders, then make room in your house or garage for them. Cut back on watering and don’t apply any more fertilizer until the weather warms back up.

A successful rental home has a very specific recipe. You have to know your rental audience along with having tasteful decor and thoughtful amenities. Knowing who you’re renting to and what vacationers want when they come to visit can make a world of difference to your home, your rental year, and your wallet! Here are some top tips of what vacationers want when they come to spend time and make memories in your rental.

A few quick facts: Most people coming on vacation bring their families (pets included). Vacationers are willing to pay extra for pet-friendly rentals that have larger yards and space indoors. Millennials are slowly beginning to rent more lavish homes, their taste is more expensive and they are more likely to rent a home with their friends.

Top 3 Things Guests Look For In A Successful Rental Home

1 // Cozy Kitchen

While there are a ton of amazing restaurants to try while on vacation, guests actually use the kitchen way more than you would guess! 2 out of 3 meals eaten on vacation have been cooked in the rental home. Only a handful of people actually eat out for every meal while away on vacation.

Renters look for easy to use, updated appliances when searching for a rental home. Little things like easy to clean surfaces, stainless steel appliances, and even a wine opener will up the success of your rental property. An appealing and spacious kitchen is the key to many renter’s hearts.

2 // Outdoor Entertainment

When guests arrive on vacation, their number one priority is relaxation! Guests enjoy unwinding outside and even grilling out. They are willing to pay extra when homes have updated and well kept outdoor areas.

Hot tubs and pools add so much value to your rental property as well. Even if adding a pool or hot tub to your home isn’t in the budget, you can still add other, affordable updates. Think of adding updated outdoor lounge furniture and games like cornhole, can jam, and spikeball to up the ante of your home.

3 // Location

Renters, especially visitors to the Outer Banks, want to be close to the beach. Obviously you can’t up root your home and move it to the oceanfront, but if you’re close to some of the best Outer Banks attractions, make sure that’s advertised! Mention the best dining or the most fun mini golf in your description. When people go on vacation, convenience is the top factor in the vacation rental selection and the mention of great, local businesses to visit helps renters know that you know the OBX.

The OBX offers what most places have lost…

Few sights on earth can fill us with the wonder, curiosity, and perspective that stargazing can. With light pollution filling up most of the skies these days, it can be hard to find a place to view the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. Less than 100 years ago, almost anyone could look up and see the starry night sky. Now, millions of children across the globe will never get to experience the Milky Way where they live.

Luckily, you can still escape to the Outer Banks to take in all the wonders the universe has to offer.

Pinterest – OBX Connection – Credit: Dave LoSapio

Few places in the world offer access to such ideal stargazing locations. In fact, the Outer Banks holds 2 of the 12 best places to stargaze in North Carolina, as named by QC Exclusive.

QC Exclusive

Come, lay on the beach, and let the universe show you a whole new outlook on life. Spend the early evening beside a bonfire, watch the sunset over the water, then get lost soaking up the marvels of the night sky.

The fall and winter months are the perfect time to visit the Outer Banks. Rates are lower, traffic is scarce, and you can have the beach to yourself. The weather is mild and the beaches are gorgeous.

With up to 7 planets visible at any one time, November is one of the most ideal stargazing months for North Carolina. Island Free Press tells us just what to look for in OBX November skies.

Plus, with all the new technologies out there, it is easy to spot the most alluring sights, learn new constellations, and entertain the whole family with interactive maps. We suggest checking out the free “Sky Guide” app.

Beached Boat Ocracoke Island

There is always something to be thankful for, especially when you’re spending Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks! With amazing local seafood, top restaurants, and great family fun, it’s time to start a new Thanksgiving tradition here on the beach!  Check out some of the amazing local restaurants ready to serve you and your family this Thanksgiving!

Argyles Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, local seafood, vegetables, choice meats, and so much more at Argyles! Argyles will be serving a buffet style Thanksgiving meal with over 25 different items to choose from! The buffet will be $31.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under the age of 10. The buffet starts at 11 AM and ends at 4 PM. You can view their menu here and reservations can be made by calling them at (252)-261-7325.

Owens’

Bringing you Southern Coastal Cuisine, Owens’ Restaurant is serving a buffet style Thanksgiving Dinner along with special menu options. Dishes like baked local rockfish, Biltmore honey and brown sugar Carolina ham, Miss “O’s” Crabcakes, and so much more are available for your choosing. You can view the entire menu here. Prices are $34.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 eat free. For more information call 252-441-7309 or visit Owen’s website.

Basnight’s Lone Cedar

This family owned and operated restaurant provides the perfect setting for your Thanksgiving meal. With choices on the buffet ranging from fresh fried green tail shrimp to pecan glazed pork tenderloin, there is sure to be something to suit everyone in your party. Buffet opens at 10:30 AM and ends at 7:00 PM. To view the complete menu, click here. Dish prices are $35 for adults, $18 for children under 12, and children under five eat free! For more information, visit Lone Cedar’s website.

Mulligan’s

Mulligan’s Restaurant is famous for their burgers, but they have a rave-worthy Thanksgiving buffet too! With options like shrimp and grits, Oysters Rockefeller, carved turkey, and so much more, you will gobble til you wobble! The entire menu can be viewed here. Prices are $32 for adults, $26 for seniors, and kids 10 and under $16. For more information and reservations call Mulligan’s at 252-480-2000 or visit the Mulligan’s website.

Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern

Kelly’s Restaurant offers a traditional Thanksgiving buffet for friends and family to enjoy! The buffet prices are $38 for adults, $29 for senior, $14 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 are free. Kelly’s is now taking reservations by phone at 252-441-4116. For more information, visit Kelly’s website.

Life-Saving Station at Sanderling

The Lifesaving Station located in Duck serves a 5-course meal on Thanksgiving day. Featuring dishes like Blue Crab quiche, slow roasted free-range turkey, and so much more, you can’t go wrong with choosing the Lifesaving Station for your Thanksgiving meal! Meal price is $55 per adult and $25 for children ages 4-12. To view the entire menu, click here. Call them at (888) 714-3625 to make reservations for you and your group.

 

 

Whether you know it or not, the Outer Banks is full of a ton of history and folklore. This includes some pretty scary stories. Halloween is here! So we’ve come up with 5 of the spookiest, most famous ghost stories of the Outer Banks! Read on if you dare!

Cold Blood at Black Pelican

The Black Pelican is known today as one of the most delicious oceanfront restaurants on the Outer Banks. However, the Black Pelican has a rich history. This popular restaurant was once Station Six, one of the lifesaving stations built on the Outer Banks.

In 1884, the keeper of Station Six, Captian James Hobbs had an argument with a surfman named T.L. Daniels. T.L. had offended Captain Hobbs’ wife so badly, the Captian shot T.L. dead. After the incident, the crew of Station 6 cleaned up and buried T.L.’s body at sea. The spirit of T.L. still lives on at Black Pelican today. Black Pelican staff have even reported seeing a figure around the restaurant, hearing footsteps, and doors closing on their own.

A Headless Haunting at Teach’s Hole

Edward Teach was a fearsome and ruthless pirate. You may know him better by the name of Blackbeard. Blackbeard called the island of Ocracoke his hideout and looting grounds for many years. On November 22, 1718, Blackbeard met his fate at the hand of Lt. Robert Maynard, giving the name Teach’s Hole to the cove where he was defeated.

As proof of defeat, Lt. Maynard severed Blackbeard’s head and hung it from the bow of his ship. His body was thrown overboard. Legend is, Blackbeards’ head was still screaming after the beheading and his body swam around the ship before death. There have been stories of a headless body swimming in the cove at Teach’s Hole and a headless Blackbeard walking around searching for his head.

The Legend of the White Doe

Many locals and visitors know about the mystery of the Lost Colony. 110 men, women, and children came to Roanoke Island from England to start a new life. Supplies ran short and the colony mysteriously disappeared after three years. Speculations have been made but no one knows for sure where the colony went, and the colony is now best known as The Lost Colony.

Virginia Dare is documented as the first English Child to be born in the new world. She was one of the members of the Lost Colony. Legend states that Virginia was transformed into a white doe after death by a Native American shaman. The ghost of Virginia Dare roams Roanoke Island still today in the form of a glowy white doe; seen every now and then by locals and visitors.

Ghost Ships in the Atlantic

The coast of the Outer Banks has been named the Graveyard of the Atlantic for a reason. Thousands of ships have wrecked since the 16th century. The dangerous rocks make the waters hard to navigate and can destroy ships. Storms that pass can close inlets, open up new inlets, or even make seemingly passable inlets too narrow for ships to pass. The inlets had become such a problem that lighthouses were built to guide ships and the U.S. Lifesaving Service was initiated to save lives and coastlines from wrecks.

To this day, reports have been made of seeing ghost ships sailing on the waters. Sounds of drowning and ghastly screaming have also been heard.

Mr. Roscoe the Postman

Oh, Mr. Roscoe; previous owner of the Roanoke Island Inn. He was everyone’s favorite postmaster…until the day he lost his job in the 1800s. Roscoe was so humiliated that he lost his job, he secluded himself from his friends and family. He never left his room except if he knew no one was around. Years later, Roscoe’s time came to an end and strange events began.

People at the Roanoke Island Inn would sometimes see a man in a post uniform leaving and returning to the house. Some report seeing a tall figure climbing the stairs. Other reports include footsteps in room number seven, blinds moving in windows, a radio turning on by itself in room number three, and vases breaking.

November is just around the corner! More fall Outer Banks events are happening up and down the beach. While you’re here enjoying autumn on the Banks, check out some great local events! (Plus, fun events are just one more reason to start planning your next Outer Banks vacation!)

Oct 27 – Nov 4th // Outer Banks Fall Restaurant Week

Recurring daily @ participating restaurants

Enjoy 3-course meals at some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks! Restaurants like Rooster’s Southern Kitchen, Owens’, and many more are offering meals at either $20 or $35 for you to savor. This event is recurring daily and ends with Oystoberfest! For more event information and tickets, visit the Outer Banks Restaurant Week website.

Nov 1st – Nov 5th // USA Surfing Prime Junior Event

Recurring daily @ Jennette’s Pier

Watch up and coming USA Junior Olympic surfers compete and train! This event is free and occurs daily!

Nov 5th // 8th Annual Outer Banks Shrimp Cook-Off

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ Ocean Boulevard in Kitty Hawk

A shrimp lovers paradise! Come to the Outer Banks Shrimp Cook-Off and sample shrimp dishes prepared by local chefs. Guests can sample all shrimp dishes and vote for their favorite! Tickets are $25 and benefit the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research. Visit the event site here for more information.

Nov 10th – Nov 12 // Outer Banks Marathon Weekend

The Outer Banks Marathon is upon us! This 26.2-mile run is a Boston Marathon qualifier. TowneBank is sponsoring this running event plus shorter runs like the Southern Fried Half Marathon, Southern 6, Take the Challenge!, 8k, 5k, and fun runs! For more information, visit the Marathon site here.

Nov 11th // PBR Classic Fishing Tournament

6:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ Avon Fishing Pier

The PBR Classic Fishing Tournament at Avon Pier is a red drum and blue-fish based event! The tournament will benefit the American Legion. The entry fee for the tournament is $90 ($60 for annual pier pass holders). For more information and tournament registration, visit the website here.

Nov 25th // The Big Curri-Shuck

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg

All you can eat steamed oysters?! Yes, please! The Big Curri-Shuck has all you can eat steamed oysters and steamed crabs and BBQ while it lasts. Local wine and beer sampling will be happening as well. Plus, live local music! To purchase tickets, visit the Sanctuary Vineyards website.

Fall is officially here and with colder months approaching, it is important to get ready to winterize your home to keep it safe. Whether you have a rental home or are a year-round resident, check out these fall maintenance tips!

1 // Fall Clean

Image via Pinterest

A new season means a fresh start. Open the windows and give your house the deep clean it deserves. Pay careful attention to areas that get overlook and that collect dust like shelves and corners.

 

2 // De-Goop the Gutters

Image via Pinterest

Gutters keep water from sitting on your home. Make sure they’re doing their job by cleaning out blockages caused by leaves, twigs, and pine needles. Make sure no spouts are loose and use a water hose to rinse out the gunk and make sure that your gutters are in tip-top shape.

 

3 // Store the Hose

Image via Pinterest

Water hoses that still have water in them can freeze and burst when the temperature drops. When the weather takes a turn for the chilly, make sure your hose is drained and stored properly.

 

4 // No More Drafts

Image via Pinterest

Instead of cranking up the heat (and the electric bill) buy or create a draft guard for under doorways that leak cold air. You can find an easy DIY tutorial on Pinterest.

 

5 // Eyes on the Thermostat

Image via Pinterest

Colder temperatures mean the AC will soon be switched to heat. Average households tend to spend 50 to 70 percent on their energy bill. Make sure to turn down the thermostat when you’re not home and save energy and money. You could save around $180 a year.

 

6 // Cleaner Air

Image via Pinterest

Dirty air filters = low airflow and more energy demand. Make sure you’re changing your air filter once a month for cleanliness and efficiency.

 

7 // Go Clockwise

Image via Pinterest

Not only do ceiling fans keep you cool in the summer, they can keep you warm in the winter too! By changing the fan direction to clockwise, it’ll push hot air that’s along the ceiling towards the floor!

 

8 // Clean Your Vents

Image via Pinterest

One of the most flammable materials in your home is dryer lint. Keeping your dryer free of lint will help your clothes dry more efficiently and prevent the risk of a house fire. You can prevent buildup by emptying out the lint trap after every use.