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:
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!
My, my, my it’s almost July! With summer in full swing, there’s a bunch of different events and entertainment for you to enjoy! Check out the events that are going on around the Outer Banks this month:
4th Of July Parade July, 4, 2017 9:00 AM
Enjoy an Outer Banks tradition and celebrate the 4th of July at the 13th annual 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration in Duck! The parade route covers a one mile stretch starting on Scarborough Lane and ending on Pamela Court. After the parade, enjoy live music and food and watch the awarding of parade trophies.
For more information visit the Town of Duck website.
Kill Devil Hills Independence Week Fireworks // July 7th, 2017
This year, the fireworks event will be conducted not on July 4th but on July 7th off of Avalon Pier, with a rain date of July 8th. So, pack a snack, bring a chair, unroll a blanket, get some sand between your toes, and have a dazzling good time at Kill Devil Hills’ Independence Week fireworks celebration on Friday, July 7th, with a rain date on July 8th, at dark on the beach!
Manteo 4th Of July – July, 4, 2017 10:00 AM
Celebrate the 4th of July on the waterfront in Downtown Manteo! Local food vendors, crafters, and boutiques and more are ready for you to explore all they have to offer you! Participate in the ongoing activities all day and when the sun goes down, watch the spectacular fireworks display over the sound. This free event is open to all!
For more information, visit the Town of Manteo’s website or call Nadine Daniels at 252-473-2133
Independence Day At Island Farm – July, 4, 2017 10:00 AM
Celebrate the 4th of July 1850’s style at Island Farm! Pack a lunch for the family and enjoy games, musket-fire and more to celebrate the birth of our nation!
Admission is $8 but children 5 and under are free
BIC SUP One Design Series – July, 6, 2017 9:00 AM
A series of FREE stand up paddleboard races featuring BIC’s One Design race style SUP. This event is a fun and family-friendly competition. Brief clinics will be held prior to each race, making this series great for beginners and experts alike. For more information, visit the Kitty Hawk Sports website.
Outer Banks Skim Jam – July, 15th & 16th 2017 8:30 AM
Watch or participate in the annual OBX Skim Jam with competitions for amateurs, semi-pros, and professionals at Jennette’s Pier.
39th Annual Wright Kite Festival – July 15th & 16th
Take flight with Kitty Hawk Kites where history was made at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Enjoy large display kites filling the air, free stunt kite flying lessons, and a kite making station for the kiddos. Admission to the park is required but festival participation is FREE!
Light Up The Night – July, 25, 2017 8:30 PM
Join Kitty Hawk Kites at Waves Village Watersports Resort in Rodanthe and enjoy a relaxing evening on the sound. Participate in free NOCQUA kayak and paddleboard demos (weather permitting), have fun with light-up games and toys, and a enjoy a movie under the stars on a large inflatable movie screen. Don’t forget to bring a blanket! This event is FREE to the public.
For more information, visit the Kitty Hawk Kites website.
Zoso // July, 29, 2017 6:00 PM
Calling all Led Zeppelin fans, this event is for you. Zoso is a tribute band covering all Led Zeppelin classics. Tickets are $20 in advance. Priority day of tickets sold at Festival Park are $10. For more information and ticket sales, visit Zoso’s website.
One Design Regatta // July, 29, 2017 10:00 AM
The 15th Annual One Design Regatta is free to all who want to watch and for those who wish to compete, the entry fee is $20 and includes dinner and a t-shirt. Registration begins at 10:00 AM with the first race starting at noon. For more information, call 252-475-1750
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!
1 // Sitters Club
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.
2 // Let there be light
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.
3 // Lock it up
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.
4 // Social media savvy
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.
5 // Unplug and unwind
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!
6 // Invest in home security
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.
8 // Everything is normal
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.
9 // Hold your mail
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.
10 // Have an emergency contact
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.
A few more tips:
- Notify your bank that you’re going out of town so your debit or credit card won’t decline from unusual charges
- Make sure that perishable food has been thrown away and taken out before you leave so you won’t come home to a stinky mess
- Tackle laundry before you leave
- Spray for bugs
- Adjust your thermostat
Hot dogs and hamburgers are great, but if you’re coming to the Outer Banks for Memorial Day weekend, then you need to take advantage of all the fresh local seafood and produce we have to offer! These 5 Memorial Day Recipes are easy, fun, and most importantly, delicious! Check them out, try them for yourself, and let us know what you think! Just click on the image below to enlarge
(Psst…just click on the image to enlarge it)
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?
What better way to kick off our Bite Of The Banks series than to feature a new Outer Banks restaurant? If you’re in the mood for pizza, look no further than Nags Head Pizza Company! This new pizza spot just opened on April 19th and they literally have everything for everyone.
Nags Head Pizza Company keeps everyone’s dietary needs in mind, with gluten free crusts, vegan cheese, tons of veggies, and traditional pizza options, the whole family will be pleased! You can even build your own whole pizza or slice (like pictured above). Beyond pizza, Nags Head Pizza Company has tons of appetizers and giant salads to choose from too.
The location of Nags Head Pizza Company is prime too! Located on the causeway in Nags Head, it’s just a 2-minute drive from popular beach accesses like Jeanette’s pier. They’re also located right on the sound with indoor or outdoor seating. They just stocked the fridge with sodas, wine and beer, and are even looking into providing live entertainment as the summer goes on! If you get take out or pizza delivered to you, you just might see a #pizzaboxquote of funny inspiration when you open your box, our favorite one is pictured above 😉
Next time you visit the Outer Banks, Nags Head Pizza Company is a must visit. With friendly staff, amazing food, and a laid-back local atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed!
Get on board! Looking for a splash of adventure? You’re ready to try OBX watersports. The Outer Banks of North Carolina, a stunning string of barrier islands, is the ultimate playground for watersport lovers! Surrounded by temperate waters and reliable winds, it’s perfect for everything from thrilling kiteboarding to peaceful paddleboarding. The natural beauty of these barrier islands creates a unique setting where gentle breezes, good waves and clear waters set the stage for fun and excitement, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Check out where to learn and enjoy OBX watersports.
Sail
LEARN
Nor’banks Sailing and Watersports offers sailing lessons to anyone interested in sailing in Duck. If you’re down South 12, check out Hatteras Island Surf & Sail and Rodanthe Watersports. With friendly instructors and hands-on lessons, you’ll get the hang of the ropes.
RENT
Nor’Banks allows you to rent sailboats for your own personal use so you can get out on the water all vacation long!
CRUISE
If you’re not really down with the whole “learning how to sail” thing, you can always take a sailing cruise where you can sit back and relax. Downeast Rover and Kitty Hawk Kites sailing cruises launch out of Manteo either during the day or at night for a unique experience exploring the Outer Banks.
Stand Up Paddleboard
LEARN
Kitty Hawk Kites offers paddleboard lessons for kids.
RENT
When you’re ready to paddle out on your own, you can also rent a paddleboard from Kitty Hawk Watersports. Ocean Atlantic Rentals also offers paddleboard rentals along with life jackets for additional safety.
TOUR
Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School offers guided paddleboarding tours in Duck, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, and Avon. If you consider yourself a paddleboard pro, give SUP Yoga a try!
Kiteboard
LEARN
REAL Watersports in Waves is the place to go if you’re looking to learn how to kiteboard or just brush up on your skills. Join a camp for a week or just learn for a day. Kitty Hawk Kites in Rodanthe offers kiteboarding lessons as well.
RENT
If you’ve already got the hang of kiteboarding, REAL Watersports offers rentals plus all the gear you need to get out on the water (and in the air).
Surf
LEARN
If you want to learn how to surf, you’ve got a wide array of local businesses to learn from! Outer Banks Surf School has you covered from Corolla to Hatteras and offers private lessons that cover the basics of surfing. You can also learn from Outer Surf, Corolla Surf Shop, and many more.
RENT
Local businesses like Duck Village Outfitters and Ocean Atlantic Rentals offer surfboard rentals for you to get out and get on the waves!
It’s not just the conditions that make Outer Banks watersports special —the local vibe is fantastic, too! Friendly shops and instructors are eager to help you make the most of your time on the water. They’ll set you up with the best gear and offer guidance so you can feel confident and ready to ride the waves or enjoy a serene paddle. With so much to see and do, grab your gear and get ready to explore!
It’s safe to say that the cold weather is gone and beautiful beach days are upon us for May! With the weather warming up during springs’ finest month, there’s so much to see and do on the Outer Banks. Check out the OBC for May and get out and do something new!
ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships
May 5, 2017 – May 7, 2017
Watch Surfers from ages 13 all the way to 60 and up compete in the Eastern Surfing Association Championship hosted right here on the Outer Banks at Jeanette’s Pier! Watch surfers compete on shortboards, longboards, and bodyboards at this free and fun event!
KidsFest
May, 12, 2017 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Enjoy a fun day for you and your children at KidsFest on May 12th. This free event is for kids ages 5 and under. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, music, and more.
For more informations visit the Children and Youth Partnership website.
Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K
May, 13, 2017 7:00 AM
Spend the day in beautiful Nags Head Woods for the Yuengling 5K. The Double race starts at 7 AM and the main race starts at 8. Cheer on mom this Mother’s Day Weekend.
Check out the 5K Facebook page for more informationa and registration.
Artrageous Art Extravaganza And Dowdy Park Opening
May, 13, 2017 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Join in on a fun and historic event. The 28th annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza will be hosted at the new Dowdy Park in Nags Head. The theme for this year is Art Is the Heart of the Park. Artrageous is a free event for families to express their creativity. This year is special because of the grand opening of Dowdy Park.
For more information about Artrageous, visit their website.
Hang Gliding Spectacular
May, 19, 2017
Top hang gliding pilots from around the world are invited to participate in the world’s longest running Hang Gliding competitions, right here in our backyard! Experience the friendship and culture that defines the sport and community of hang gliding. There is an entry fee for pilots, but FREE for the public to watch.
For more information, visit their website.
OBX Shredfest
May 20, 2017 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The second annual OBX Shred Fest is hosted by Dare2Care OBX and build awareness for Veterans and encourages inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Outer Banks. Shred Fest will feature live music, demos by professional skateboarders, BMX riders, roller derby women, and Special Olympic athletes, food, art a silent auction, games and much more!
Visit the OBX Shred Fest website for more information.
Soundside Live Sunset Concert Series
May 25, 2017
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau will be hosting a summer concert series for 3 weeks. May 25th, June 1st, and June 8th will be the dates of the series. The series will feature a line-up of local, regional, and national artists. Local food, beer, wine, games, and vendors will be on the site for everyone to enjoy!
Tickets are free and parking is $10. For more information, visit the Visitor’s Bureau website.
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!
Dine
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!
Shop
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!
Move
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!
The Outer Banks is definitely a unique place, from the wild horses that roam our beaches to the vast history stemming from the Lost Colony and ending with our locals. If you’ve ever really listened to a born and raised Outer Banks local, you’ll notice a slight accent. A mix of southern twang with a little something you can’t really put your finger on. The Brogue dialect of the Outer Banks is a combination of good old southern drawl mixed with the remnants of old English pronunciations and terms that you probably haven’t ever heard in your life! So, we’ve given you a short list of pronunciations commonly used Outer Banks terms, words and their meanings so you can keep up with the locals and learn something new!
The Brogue dialect of the Outer Banks is a combination of good old southern drawl mixed with the remnants of old English pronunciations and terms that you probably haven’t ever heard in your life! So, we’ve given you a few commonly used Outer Banks pronunciations, terms, words and their meanings so you can keep up with the locals and learn something new!
Hoi toide on the Saindsoide
(High tide on the sound side)
How locals (usually born and raised Ocracoke natives) pronounce the phrase “high tide on the soundside”; describing that the tide is high on the sound side of the island.
Corolla (Core-all-ah)
Northernmost Outer Banks town; home to the wild horses that roam the beaches
Mommucked (Moh-mucked)
To be worn out and tired or to mess something up
“I’ve been out on the beach all day, I’m pure mommucked” or “She really mommucked up that cake”
Slickcalm/ Slickcam
When the water is flat and glassy; no wind at all
“The water is so pretty when it’s slickcam”
Pizer
(pie-zir) – Porch
“It’s a nice night to sit out on the pizer”
