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!
4th of July isn’t complete without a cookout and a cookout isn’t complete without dessert! If you need a few recipe ideas, check out our Memorial Day recipes post here, but if you’ve got a sweeter tooth, we’ve got you covered! Here are 4 of the best sweet treats for the 4th of July!
(To make the image larger, just click on it!)
4th of July on the Outer Banks is nothing short of spectacular. From the festivities to the fireworks the patriotic fun is happening all day long up and down our beautiful banks! We’ve come up with the 4 prime spots to ring in the 4th of July on the Outer Banks.
If you’re in Manteo:
image via Matt Lusk Photography
Check out the 4th of July festivities in historic Downtown! Starting at 10 AM there will be food, contests, music, and more for you and your family to enjoy! After sun down, find a place on the waterfront dock or make your way over to Roanoke Island Festival Park for a firework shoe you won’t soon forget!
If you’re in Nags Head:
Park and walk over to Jockey’s Ridge! From the top you get sound and oceanside views so you can see fireworks from all towns! Grab a blanket and your closest friends and family and get ready to enjoy the show.
If you’re in Kill Devil Hills:
Make sure you get a spot at Avalon Pier to watch the firework show! This year, the firework display for the town of Kill Devil Hills will take place on Friday July 7th. Avalon Pier is the prime spot to see the amazing firework display seeing as that’s where they shoot them off!
If you’re in Corolla:
Make a trip to the historic Whalehead Club! All day there will be food vendors, corn hole tournaments, watermelon eating contests, and much more. When night falls, it’ll be time for the fireworks display!
Summer is here, your bags are packed, and you’re ready to embark on that 8+ hour trip to the Outer Banks! With all that excitement on packing and thoughts of the beach, make sure preparing your home for your leave doesn’t fall through the cracks. Resort Realty has come up with 10 tips that will help your keep your home safe and keep your mind at ease when you’re on vacation!
If you’re going to be away for a week or so, consider hiring someone you trust to stay at your home while you’re gone. They can water your plants, check your mail, and if you didn’t bring your furry friend, they can watch over your pets as well. If someone you trust is at your home, it’ll make you feel better about leaving for an extended period of time.
The number one thing that tips off home intruders is the look of an empty house. A timer that will turn your living room or bedroom lights on in the evenings makes your home look like someone is there and won’t tip off possible intruders.
Lock all the doors, even the doors that you normally wouldn’t. That kitchen door that you leave unlocked for emergencies needs to be locked and secured before you go on vacation. Double check windows and secure sliding glass door jambs with either a piece of wood or metal to keep it from opening.
In the technologically dependent time we live in, it’s hard not to post your every move of your life, especially when you’re on vacation. No matter how much you want to post pictures of the wild horses or the pristine beaches to make your friends super jealous, try to refrain until you get back home. Posting pictures of you relaxing on the beach and not at your home is an easy way of showing potential robbers that your home is uninhabited right now. If you just can’t stand the thought of not posting while you’re on vacay, turn off your location and geotags before you post.
Unplugging televisions, computers, phones, and any other technology can help save energy while you’re away and help protect your devices from possible power surges or outages that could happen while you’re away. Unplugging lamps and kitchen appliances like toasters, coffee pots, and microwaves can help protect your home and save energy all at once!
This one is a little more obvious than the others. A home security system is a great way to protect your home from potential intruders when you’re away. Home security systems can be pricey, however, you can purchase home security signs to place outside your home even if you don’t have a system installed. The sign itself will deter burglars and they won’t take the risk of triggering the alarm (that they think you have).
7 // Maintain the appearance of your home
If you’re one to make sure your lawn looks great all the time and you’re always outside cutting the grass or tending to your plants, keep up your lawn and plants while you’re away. Hire a landscaping company or a friend to help keep your yard in top shape so it won’t seem as if you’re not home to tend to it.
There’s a debate that is up on whether or not you should close your blinds and curtains when you go out of town or if you should leave them open. The answer is super simple; just do what you normally do. If you leave your blinds and curtains open on a daily basis, do the same when you leave. If you leave them closed, leave them that way when its time for vacation.
Nothing says “no one’s home” like an overflowing mailbox or yellow newspapers scattered on your front porch. You can put your mail on hold with USPS or you can enlist the help of a friend to collect your mail and newspapers for you while you’re gone.
Should the unimaginable happen to you or your home while you’re on vacation, it’s important to have an emergency contact back in your home state or city. A family member or close friend or co-worker you trust is great. Make sure you exchange phone numbers and give them the address of your rental and what town you’re vacationing in.
There’s no question why someone would want to have a wedding here on the Outer Banks. Beautiful beaches and beautiful weather go hand in hand with the first day of the rest of your life. While weddings usually call for dressing up, the most dressing up you find on the Outer Banks is a nice pair of sandals. From a beachside wedding to something just a little fancier, we’ve got you covered in our What To Wear To An Outer Banks Wedding guide!
Floral and Flowy
Most wedding locations call for a beachside ceremony and sometimes a beachside reception as well! The last thing you want to do is try to walk around on the beach in high heels. Dressy, strappy sandals can be cute, comfortable, and practical. A long maxi dress, mermaid-esque jewelry, and a simple clutch adds to the casual but dressed up vibe that weddings by the sea usually have.
Casual & Cool
With such a laid back, shirt and shoes optional lifestyle the Outer Banks has, weddings are no exception. A casual, but put together look is perfect for a wedding on the beach. A short sleeved button down will keep you cool on muggy summer evenings and khaki chino pants will keep you comfortable while you break it down at the reception! Keep sunglasses handy if you’re attending a soundside evening wedding (you want to be able to see the bride and groom!) With a look like this, you can wear flip flops but if you want to opt for something with a little more structure, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic vans.
Chic, Sophisticated, & Comfy
The beach isn’t the only venue for a wedding. The Outer Banks is home to many different wedding venues indoor and out. A beach wedding can be casual, but that isn’t always the case. For a dressier wedding, opt for a printed shift dress or a solid color shift dress with some detail. You’ll still be cool and comfortable but classy and chic at the same time. Gold sandals dress up your outfit even more. Pair with a small, simple clutch or cross body bag and you’re Outer Banks wedding ready!
Casual & Classic
Structured slacks and a nice linen button-down is a great choice for a more formal wedding. You’re classic and clean but still give a beachy vibe. Tan details in the boat shoes, sunglasses, and belt keep it slightly casual but a nice timepiece gives you a put-together look.
All of these outfits can be found online or if you prefer to shop in town, local surf shops like Secret Spot, Outer Banks Boarding Company, and Whalebone will have similar laid back styles while Tanger Outlets in Nags Head is where you can find the dressier styles from J. Crew Factory or the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. What style are you going to choose for the next OBX wedding?
Here’s the third guide in our Outer Banks Summer Guide Series! The town of Duck is home to amazing dining, awesome views, and just so much to explore. Resort Realty’s Summer Guide has the best restaurants to try and things to do in this quaint but amazing little town. So take a look and get ready to have the best summer yet!
The Paper Canoe offers gourmet dining in an unbeatable waterfront setting. Enjoy dishes like Shrimp and Grits with smoked gouda or the Duck Sausage wood fired Pizza!
Open since 1989, The Blue Point offers seasonal dishes with Southern flair! With options like Outer Banks sea scallops, green tails shrimp ramen bowl, and more, you’ll be sure to be satisfied at The Blue Point!
Red Sky Cafe features dishes with fresh, local Outer Banks seafood in addition to serving poultry, beef, and duck dishes. Red Sky provides a casual gourmet feel with an out of this world meal!
It’s not a trip to Duck unless you stop at the original Duck Donuts! Duck Donuts serves up the tastiest home made donuts that you can customize with whatever toppings you like! From chocolate drizzle to peanut butter icing, Duck Donuts will be sure to please!
Shopping with a beautiful soundside view makes the perfect recipe for a great day! Experience 2 different restaurants and 16 different stores, including Life’s a Beach, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store!
The Cotton Gin has gifts, apparel, and more for the whole family! From Vera Bradley purses to Vineyard Vines t-shirts, everyone will find something at The Cotton Gin!
Take some times to start a new practice or continue your yoga routine at Village Yoga! From beginner to advanced practices, Village Yoga offers yoga classes in the studio, privately in your home, or even on the beach!
Music Monday is back with your monthly Spotify Playlist! Put on your boots and get ready for a post-beach day clam bake with our Clambakes and Cowboy Boots playlist! So crank it up, listen to some great country music, and get ready to throw down some seafood. If you need some OBX clambake inspiration, check out our clambake post! Be sure to follow us on Spotify at “resortrealtyobx” to listen to all of our monthly playlists and to stay updated with new playlists too!
If you’ve never experienced sunsets on the OBX, you’re missing out. It’s something that is totally indescribable. The colors that the sky takes on looks like something out of a painting and the stunning sunsets of the Outer Banks look a little different each night. So grab your camera, your crew, and make plans to see some amazing sunsets because these 10 Outer Banks places are the best spots to check out!
Duck
Enjoy amazing, gourmet food with a stunning view of OBX sunsets all at once at The Paper Canoe. Located right on the soundfront, The Paper Canoe specializes in serving fresh-caught seafood along with other dishes influenced by Southern styles with an ethnic twist. Your taste buds will be wowed by the food and your eyes will be wowed by the front row sunset view!
Nags Head
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With dishes featuring freshly caught local seafood and homegrown herbs, spices, and vegetables, you’ll get a taste of local cuisine with a stunning OBX sunset view all the while!
Manteo
The North End is a title among natives describing the north most end of Manteo on Roanoke Island. The North Carolina Aquarium and The Lost Colony are located on this end of Manteo and where the older Manns Harbor bridge begins is where the day ends. The view of the sun setting over the sound is something you will never forget.
Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge during the day is amazing as it is, but at that golden hour of the sun setting, it’s breathtaking. When you climb to the very top of the sand dunes, you’ll get a view of both the sound and the ocean and it’s truly amazing. Make sure you take your camera for an amazing photo opportunity!
Manteo
Because Downtown Manteo is located right on the sound, the sunsets are spectacular. In this charming OBX town, you can have a front row seat to stunning sunsets right on the waterfront. Many benches line the dock for your convenience and there’s even a playground for your little ones. Hang out by the Marshes Light Lighthouse and watch the sky catch fire!
Hatteras
Canadian Hole is a windsurfers and kiteboarders paradise, it’s also an OBX sunset chasers paradise too! Canadian Hole isn’t just popular for watersports enthusiasts, the location along the Croatan Sound is popular among young families and beach lovers. Because of the steady breeze and calm waters, Canadian Hole is perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset over the sound!
Nags Head
The Condos at Sugar Creek offer a sunset view right from the comfort of your vacation home. You can sit on your deck and watch the sunset or walk down to the private covered soundfront deck. At Sugar Creek Condos, you’ll have stunning views of the OBX sunsets everywhere. Check out the condos available here!
Kill Devil Hills
Located right off of Hayman Street, the Bay Drive Gazebo is perfect for watching OBX sunsets after a long day. Take your kayak out on the sound and sit and float or sit on the gazebo and just watch the sun go down.
Kill Devil Hills
Climbing up the Wright Brothers Monument is well worth it when the sun goes down. At the height of the monument, you’ll be able to see across the street to the ocean, and an amazing view of the OBX sunset that will definitely be one of the best you’ve ever seen.
Don’t forget to save this to your Pinterest board to come back to during your Outer Banks vacation!
March came in like a lamb and is definitely going out like a lion this year, but April is right around the corner and so is warm Outer Banks weather! This month, we’ve got some great activities and events happening in April. Check them out, try something new, and come back next month for more!
April 1st 10:00 AM // Daffodil Festival
The Elizabethan Gardens have planted thousands of Daffodils for visitors to enjoy all month long. The bloom and variety of the daffodils will vary based on the changing weather of the Outer Banks. Enjoy the beautiful daffodils and hundreds of other flowers The Gardens have to offer all throughout this month.
For more information call 252-473-3234 or visit The Elizabethan Gardens Website.
April 1st 5:00 PM // Outer Banks Wedding Vendors Meet And Greet
via Flower Girls OBX
If you’re planning an Outer Banks wedding, you don’t want to miss the Outer Banks Wedding Vendor Meet and Greet. The Sanderling Resort in Duck will be hosting over 30 vendors to make sure your special day is perfect.
The meet and greet starts at 5PM and ends at 9PM. Advance tickets are $10 and $20 at the door the day of. Visit The Sanderling’s website for more information on vendors and to purchase tickets.
April 6th – 9th // John Deas Photography Workshop
via John Deas Photography
Learn how to photograph beautiful Outer Banks landscapes in a workshop lead by photographer John Deas. Over the 3 day course, you’ll visit and shoot everywhere from the Currituck Lighthouse to Manteo. The class size is limited to 15 people to ensure 1-on-1 learning.
Visit his website here for more information and to register.
April 8th 10:00 AM // Woofstock
via The Elizabethan Gardens
Spend a day with the dogs at Woofstock at the Elizabethan Gardens! Have fun with your dog and participate in contests and shop for treats for you and your pooch from local vendors. Woofstock starts at 10AM and ends at 1PM.For a list of vendors, dog policies, and more visit
For a list of vendors, dog policies, and more visit The Elizabethan Gardens website.
April 14th 10:00 AM // Kitty Hawk Kites Fly Into Spring
Celebrate Easter weekend with Kitty Hawk Kites as they launch several 30- to 100-foot kites flying high over the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. In addition, pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny and hunt for thousands of hidden Easter eggs at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. This event is FREE to the public.
For more information visit Kitty Hawk Kites’ website.
April 15th 10 AM // Easter Eggstravaganza
via The Elizabethan Gardens
Come out and participate in an Outer Banks tradition. Hosted by The Elizabethan Gardens, the Easter Eggstravaganza is full of crafts, games, an Easter egg hunt, and more! Make sure you bring your own Easter basket to collect all your goodies and join in on fun for the whole family.
Admission for members of The Gardens is free. Non-members pay adult admission with one child being admitted for free. For more information on event time, vendors, and activities visit The Elizabethan Gardens website or call 252-473-3234
April 21st – 23rd // First Flight 5K & Flying Pirate Half Marathon
via Outer Banks Sporting Events
Put on your running shoes and play a part in the Flying Pirate Half Marathon or First Flight 5K! Experience the beauty of the Outer Banks on the running courses and compete with hundreds of other runners.
Check-in and registration begins April 21st at 12:00 at the Youth Center in Kill Devil Hills. For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the Flying Pirate Website.
April 29th 12:00 PM // Duck and Wine Festival
via Duck & Wine Festival
The Currituck-Dare Community Foundation invite you to come out to the Duck and Wine Festival on April 29th. Sample different duck recipes and wines from restaurants, chefs, and wineries from all over the Outer Banks. Visit different shops and boutiques at the Waterfront Shops while you eat and sip.
Tickets are only sold online on February 1, 2017. Visit The Duck and Wine Festival Website for ticket purchases and more information.
The second summer guide in our series is dedicated to the town of Nags Head! With its rich history, charm, and many things to do and check out, Nags Head is an ideal spot to vacation and visit for the day. Check out some of the best places to eat, shop, play and more in Nags Head!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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