Warmer weather is upon us! On those nice, mild Spring and Summer days, it’s nice to have a cold glass of sweet tea, sit out on the pizer (local slang for porch), and relax. Check out some of these Outer Banks vacation homes with awesome porches for relaxing and watching the sunset or sunrise!
Herbie’s (5005)
Kill Devil Hills
Herbie’s has the best of both worlds. It gives you amazing views of the ocean from your screened porch and is a smaller beach rental that’s perfect for a small family or group of friends!
Options (5509)
Nags Head
This soundfront OBX rental not only features sound-facing furnished sundecks, but Options also features a private dock right on top of the sound. You can relax and unwind on the ample seating with friends and family and have the most ideal front-row seat to Outer Banks sunsets during your stay.
Miss Grace (5446)
Nags Head
Miss Grace is a classic Outer Banks beach home with modern updates and a killer ocean view. The wrap-around porch features some amazing hammocks, chairs, and picnic tables so the whole family can chill out and have some quality porch time.
Seaducktion (3675)
Duck
Seaducktion is located right in the middle of Duck, so you can see the sunrise soundside and the sunset oceanside. The hammock swings, hammock chairs, and Adirondack chairs offer enough seating for everyone in your group so you can hang out, spend some time together, and relax on the porch like locals do.
Surf House (5985)
Nags Head
This oceanfront Nags Head rental has one of the best porch-sitting views on the OBX. Just steps away from the beach, Surf House allows you direct access to the beach. You’ll also have the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise!
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!
The Paper Canoe
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!
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
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!
The North End
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.
Jockey’s Ridge
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!
Downtown Manteo
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!
Canadian Hole
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!
Sugar Creek Condos
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!
Bay Drive Gazebo
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.
Wright Brothers Monument
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Road trips can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone and the kids are getting restless in the backseat, you can’t wait to get that OBX vacation started. With these 10 family travel apps, the traveling process from packing to pit-stops will be seamless!
1. USA Rest Stops
This travel app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate. The app shows traditional rest areas as well as welcome centers. The app also allows you to mark rest stops as favorites, gives you notifications when you’re in range of a rest stop, and lets you leave reviews and see other reviews of the rest area.
2. Petting Zoo
Do you remember your favorite childhood book? This app is perfect for the kiddos that need entertainment. This family travel app has many beautifully animated animals that offer storylines to keep them at bay. Petting Zoo was created by illustrator Christoph Niemann and is perfect entertainment for ages 3 and up. This app does come with a $4 price tag, but it’s well worth it!
3. Whiteboard: Just Draw Together
Are you or your kids interested in Art? The app, Drawing Pad is the perfect app to keep your kids entertained for hours. The app features a clean whiteboard and several basic colors making it the perfect family travel app for kids ages 4 and up.
4 . Spotify
What’s a road trip without some quality music? Spotify is free to use and features music from every artist you can think of. If you search “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find kid-friendly songs that everyone will love. While you’re at it, search for Resort Realty, give us a follow, and listen to our monthly Music Monday playlists to put you in that summer vacation mode! Don’t worry, our playlists are family friendly too!
5. Kids World Atlas
The Kids World Atlas is a free app that’s perfect for kids to learn about places all over the world. The free version of this family travel app allows you to learn about animals all over the world with text and video along with quizzes that test your child’s animal knowledge.
6. Mad Libs
Remember playing Mad Libs in the car and it was so hard to write when the car was moving? Now there’s an app for that! The free Mad Libs app has 21 free stories that allow you to save the stories to re-read and laugh at them for hours. The app is kid-friendly and you can play solo or with friends and family. The app is suitable for ages 9 to 11, but let’s be real, you’ll probably play Mad Libs as much as the kids will!
7. GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the app you need if you’re trying to find the cheapest gas anywhere. You can choose to view gas stations by distance or price, report gas prices to help others find cheap gas, and you can enter to win $100 in free gas every day!
8. First Aid by American Red Cross
Accidents happen, hopefully not during your travel or on vacation, but they happen. Just to be prepared, the American Red Cross has provided an app that helps you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. The First Aid App also gives you tips on how to prepare for emergencies, can call 911, and locate the nearest hospital making it the perfect family travel app to keep you safe and prepared.
9. Waze
Waze is like the wonder app of traffic. Seriously. This family travel app helps you avoid accidents, road closures, police traps, and gives you real-time traffic updates. It also gives you turn by turn voice guided navigation. You can also send your ETA and real-time drive to update people you’re meeting at your Outer Banks vacation rental.
10. Candy Crush
Oh good old Candy Crush. This game will work on problem solving with your child but you’ll probably end up wanting to play a couple of rounds too! This family travel app is sure to keep everyone, no matter their age entertained on your Outer Banks road trip.
Don’t forget to pin for later!
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!
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.
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 having a gallon of 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:
- Bring a few snacks or treats to reward your furry friend for good behavior
- Bring along a familiar toy or blanket to make them more comfortable
- Turn off the speakers in the back of the car to avoid damaging your pets’ hearing
- Give them positive reinforcement and lots of love along the way
Now that you know how to travel with your four-legged family member, check out the array of pet-friendly vacation homes Resort Realty has to offer you! Between this checklist and our awesome homes, you and your pet will have the best vacation yet!
Resort Realty has come up with summer guides for you to check out the best places to eat, visit, and play! The town we’re featuring this round? Kitty Hawk! Home to some of the best dining, shopping, beaches, and more; Kitty Hawk is one of the best places to visit on the Outer Banks. Check out our Kitty Hawk summer guide that features our top recommendations for your summer visit below and get ready for the best summer yet!
Kitty Hawk Places to Eat
Rundown Cafe
Rundown Cafe is a local favorite. Specializing in an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Pacific Rim flavors, Rundown features dishes like their famous noodle bowls, Tsunami dinner salads, and Baja Fish Burritos. Run Down Cafe also features some of the most insane Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! Rundown is the perfect island-inspired restaurant for your Kitty Hawk visit.
John’s Drive-In
John’s is the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach. This local favorite features any and every milkshake combination you can imagine plus, some killer post-beach meals. Their famous dolphin boats are a must-try. John’s Drive-In also features hot dogs, North Carolina-style barbeque, and burgers for those who aren’t seafood-obsessed. Word to the wise, there’s very limited parking at John’s so if you can walk over from the beach, that’s going to be your best bet as this is a jumpin’ joint during the summer months.
Kitty Hawk Places to Play
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods reserve is home to delicate and diverse wildlife that contribute to the Outer Banks ecosystem. Learn more about the surrounding marshes and sounds of the Outer Banks. You’ll also be spending time outside on the designated trails throughout the reserve. Learning and getting in some fresh air; a win-win!
Wave Riding Vehicles
Looking for surf equipment or beachside fashion? Wave Riding Vehicles is your go-to! Wave Riding Vehicles or WRV features surf boards and equipment, fashion, and everything in between. You can rent a surfboard and go catch some waves or learn how to hang 10 if you’re not sure how to ride. Side note, WRV also hosts an annual pro surf tournament on the Outer Banks every Labor Day Weekend! Even though it’s not necessarily a Kitty Hawk event, it’s worth driving down to Nags Head to check out if you’re in the area!
Paradise Fun Park
Have fun with the whole family at Paradise Golf & Arcade! Paradise Golf features two mini golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars, and and Wipeout; their newest amusement ride! Paradise Fun Park is perfect for families of all ages. If one of those rainy OBX days hits, the arcade is the perfect place to have fun with classic arcade games.
Kitty Hawk Places to Unwind
TRiO Wine, Beer, & Cheese
Looking to relax and unwind with a pint of beer or glass of wine? TRiO is the place for you! TRiO offers different wines to taste and flights of beer to sample along with a small food menu perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends and family. Our favorite on the menu? TRiO’s house grilled cheese. It’s made with an artisan cheese blend and a drizzle of truffle oil; YUM!
February flew by and now March is upon us! Summer and warmer weather are getting closer and closer. With Spring starting this month, different Outer Banks events are starting up as well. Check out Resort Realty’s OBC (Outer Banks Calendar) each month to see what’s going on around town!
March 11th 10:00 AM // First Flight Cruisers Shamrock Car Show
Enjoy over 200 different vehicles from classic to modern at the 10th annual Shamrock Show at First Flight High School. Admission is free so come out and ooh and ahh over all the different vehicles on display.
March 11th 8:00 AM // Running Of The Leprechauns 5K
Run to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K hosted by Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern. The race starts at 8:00 AM and finishes at 11:00 AM. Registration is $38 for both the 5K and 10K. Visit Kelly’s website for more details and registration.
March 12th 1:00 PM // Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Join in on a 28 year long Outer Banks tradition. The annual Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest in the state of North Carolina. The parade is free and it starts at 1:00 and runs until about 4:00. Visit Kelly’s website for more details.
March 23rd – 26th // Outer Banks Taste Of The Beach
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach is 4 days filled with food, drink, and fun. Restaurants from all over the beach participate in Taste of The Beach every year. Events start at $21.50 and wih over 60 different events, the possibilities are endless.
Visit the Taste of the Beach website for more information, ticket prices, and registration.
Summer is just around the corner which is super exciting, but the beginning months can sometimes interfere with beach time here on the Outer Banks. It’s that awkward time of year when sometimes it’s way too hot to be at the beach without jumping in the ocean but the ocean is way too cold to stand for more than a few seconds. What do you do? Spend the day poolside of course! Resort Realty offers over 60 homes that have their own private pool and many houses and condos that provide access to community pools as well. So take some time to cool off and check out our list of Cool Pools to make this Outer Banks vacation your best one ever!
Virginia Dare (5460) – Nags Head
This is one pool you want to spend the day at. Virginia Dare features a pool with a shallow area perfect for the kids and a deep end perfect for adults and the kids that want to be mermaids and sharks. Virginia Dare also offers a grilling area so you can grill out while enjoying the pool on those hot summer days.
Atlantis (5570) – Nags Head
Atlantis features a pool that is worthy of exploring! With a super shallow end that you can sit or ease yourself in and a deeper end that features built-in bar seating, the options of hanging out poolside are limitless. A hot tub is also featured for so you can enjoy those chillier Outer Banks nights too!
Twelve Is Enough (1893) – Corolla
Twelve is Enough, a stunning vacation rental located in the heart of Corolla, North Carolina. This expansive 12-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom home is perfect for large families or groups, accommodating up to 30 guests in comfort and style.
Ocean Star (5410) – Nags Head
Luxury awaits you at Ocean Star! This home is an oceanfront oasis equipped with a state of the art kitchen, home theater, and of course an amazing in ground pool! The pool area is equipped with grill area, outdoor flat screen television, and enough poolside lounge chairs for everyone to relax and unwind!
Seas The Day (2934) – Duck
Seas the Day is an Outer Banks vacation rental nestled on the oceanside of Duck. This spacious Outer Banks rental offers everything you need and more. It’s perfect for families or groups looking to unwind and enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Seas the Day is located on a private street with private beach access, allowing you easy, endless beach days. Seas the Day is also close to local attractions, including charming shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Wench’s Pad 4 (5373) – Kill Devil Hills
Oceanfront luxury living is found right here at Wench’s Pad 4! This exquisite Outer Banks rental has everything you need and more to experience a once-in-a-lifetime Outer Banks vacation. Located in Kill Devil Hills, Wench’s Pad 4 is conveniently located to everything you need and more during your stay. With 20 bedrooms and 18.5 bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for a multiple-family stay!
Rodanthe Fantasea (7017) – Rodanthe
Beautiful ocean views await at Rodanthe Fantasea, a stunning semi-oceanfront retreat located in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Perfect for large families or groups of friends, Rodanthe Fantasea comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests. This OBX rental is also just a short drive away from local shopping, dining, and historical attractions on Hatteras Island. Even better? Rodanthe Fantasea is just steps from the beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore, allowing you endless beach days with your friends and family.
Atlantic Breeze (5411) – Nags Head
Splish and splash around in this luxury pool at Atlantic Breeze property 5411. Atlantic Breeze is a luxury oceanfront home that features cabana service, an awesome game room, and an amazing pool perfect for cooling off on those warm Outer Banks summer days!
The Ice House (4664) – Southern Shores
The Ice House is a perfect Outer Banks vacation home for family, friends or both! This fantastic oceanfront beach home has beautifully decorated and spacious rooms, including two inviting and comfortable family spaces, five large bedrooms, a well-appointed large kitchen and dining area — not to mention incredible ocean views from all floors!
No matter what pool you choose, you can’t go wrong with renting a vacation home with Resort Realty! Check out all of the rentals we have to offer and get stoked on summer!
Kids have to have fun on vacation too! The Outer Banks is full of kid-friendly activities that the whole family will enjoy. From getting outside and being active to learning more about marine life and conservation, check out our list of a few Outer Banks Kid Friendly Attractions!
Dowdy Park
Formerly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, Dowdy Park is a new Outer Banks playground for all families in the community to come play. Visitors and locals alike will love the new Dowdy Park that features a playground with equipment for every child, including a Liberty Swing so children in wheelchairs can play too. The park also features a garden area, playing fields and courts, and a pavilion. Dowdy Park will have its grand opening on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Children at Play Museum
The Children at Play Museum is a place where children can learn, play and explore different features of the Outer Banks in one convenient play center. Kids will get to explore and pretend in sections like Carolina Flare which is a kids size replica fishing boat, the living swell focuses on the feel of surfing and daily activity and more. Each exhibit helps developmental skills like motor skills, creative thinking, community awareness, arts, and much more. Fun meets education on vacation!
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Get up close and personal with sand tiger sharks, sting rays and more at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The aquarium is where kids (and adults) can learn more about marine life on the Outer Banks and how to preserve it. With over 7 exhibits to explore, the North Carolina Aquarium is a great place to spend time with the kids.
H2OBX
Have wet and wild fun at H2OBX Waterpark! Not only is the park a great time for the whole family, there’s an area just for younger kids and toddlers! The kids play area features a small scale wave pool, jungle gym with splashy attractions, and smaller slides so everyone can join in on the fun.
