Aquaholic – adjective. Addicted to water; of a place, or person, that is happier on or near a body of water. If this definition applies to you, we’ve got some of the best OBX vacation rentals that’ll be sure to please. Check out these top OBX homes with amazing views!

The Sea’s Embrace #5587 

Oceanfront – Nags Head | 4 bed + 3 bath

This newly updated home provides stunning ocean views that any ocean lover will enjoy! Spend time relaxing on the back porch listening to the waves crash or lounge in the living room and enjoy the best of oceanfront vacationing.

Gift Of The Sound #1538

Soundfront – Corolla | 5 bed + 5 bath

Experience all Corolla has to offer you at Gift Of The Sound. This soundfront home features a hot tub and pool that overlook the sound. Plus, you have your own private dock for launching a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.

Kevin’s Corner #4735

Oceanfront – Kitty Hawk | 3 bed + 2 bath

Kevin’s Corner is the perfect home for ocean lovers. Located literally steps away from the ocean, this home features classic decor and a ton of fun playing on the beach.

Options #5509

Soundfront – Nags Head | 3 bed + 2 bath

This soundfront OBX vacation home features a private dock for boating, SUP boarding, and kayaking plus front-row views to stunning OBX sunsets!

Nags Head is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina. Full of rich history and gorgeous beaches, this historic OBX town is undoubtedly appealing to visitors all over the U.S. and the world. Check out these 5 fast facts about Nags Head and learn more about this amazing Outer Banks town!

1. Nags Head Was The First NC Tourist Destination

In the 1830s, Nags Head was deemed North Carolina’s first tourist destination. Families from neighboring Bertie, Chowan, and Pasquotank counties would visit the Nags Head area and sell vegetables and fish to visiting families. Summer homes and hotels began to rise, and by 1885, 13 beach cottages were built on the Outer Banks oceanfront.

2. It’s Home To One Of The Oldest Restaurants

Sam & Omie’s opened its doors in 1937. Sambo Tillett (hence the name) opened the restaurant and was a local charter fisherman. Located across the street from Jennette’s Pier, Sam & Omie’s is one of the Outer Banks’ oldest restaurants. With good, old-fashioned southern breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the slew of local fishermen that frequent this little historic restaurant, it’s no surprise why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Nags Head Is Home To Jockey’s Ridge…

If you’ve ever been to the Outer Banks, you’ve seen Jockey’s Ridge. It’s the tallest living dune in the United States. However, Jockey’s Ridge holds a secret. Did you know there’s a putt putt course located underneath the dunes? Earlier in the 1970s, an 18-hole mini golf course was opened near Jockey’s Ridge. Obstacles included a giant octopus, a pirate’s ship, and an oversized sand castle. Due to the ever-shifting OBX winds, the dunes began to shift. Eventually, it overtook the course. Consequently, the sandcastle you see today on the ridge’s horizon is the visible remains of the old putt-putt green.

4. Jennette’s Pier Was One Of The First Fishing Piers

Built in 1939, Jennette’s Pier became one of the first fishing piers along the Outer Banks. The pier cost $6,000 to build and was 754 feet long and 28 feet wide. Hurricane Isabel came through in 2003 and ultimately destroyed the pier. At last, in 2011, the new Jennette’s Pier was opened. The new pier currently sees millions of visitors every year.

5. Bodie Island Lighthouse Is In South Nags Head

The Bodie (pronounced as BODY) Island Lighthouse is located in South Nags Head. Built in 1939, the lighthouse stands at 156 feet tall. The lighthouse still stands today and is open for visitors to climb.

All throughout history, Lighthouses have been important to the safety of sailors and the coast. Lighthouses have played a huge role in the history of the Outer Banks as well. Learn about the different lighthouses that line the coast and plan to visit them on your next visit to the OBX!

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Probably one of the most notable OBX lighthouses, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects the most treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that’s erect now is actually the 2nd lighthouse on Hatteras Island. The first lighthouse was completed in 1803 but was ineffective. The new lighthouse was first lit in 1870. In 1999, the lighthouse was moved because of beach erosion. The beam of light spans 20 miles into the ocean and the lighthouse stands at 208 feet tall!

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Pronounced “body”, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is located in Nags Head on the sound side and stands 156 feet tall. In 1837, this OBX lighthouse was commissioned by the US government because of how dangerous the waters of the coast were. Construction began but problems in the structure caused an indefinite delay. In 1858, a second lighthouse was commissioned but it only lasted 2 years due to the Civil War. The third and final lighthouse was completed in 1872. The Bodie Island Lighthouse that is standing today is the result of the final construction.

Marshes Light Lighthouse

Located in Downtown Manteo, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is one of the smallest OBX lighthouses. The lighthouse currently standing today is a replica of the original lighthouse that was constructed in 1877. It was originally located in Wanchese to help local fishermen and sailors find their way to port. The Marshes Light Lighthouse lights up at night, but the light is fixed and is used to help sailors navigate their way to Shallowbag Bay.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located in Corolla and borders the historic Whalehead Club. This lighthouse, built in 1875, still functions today as a guide to all mariners. It stands at 162 feet tall. Its’ light can be seen from 18 nautical miles away. The large, red lighthouse was intentionally left unpainted to set it apart from the other lighthouses on the Outer Banks and for visitors to see how many bricks were involved in the construction.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse in operation, and the second oldest in the U.S. At only 65 feet tall, the Ocracoke Lighthouse was constructed in 1823. The lighthouse isn’t open for climbing and doesn’t feature a gift shop or museum, but it’s definitely a piece of Outer Banks history you’ve got to see.

Manteo is one of the most historically rich towns on the Outer Banks! Located on Roanoke Island, Manteo features iconic OBX activities like the North Carolina Aquarium and the Elizabethan Gardens. Full of so much to see and do, Manteo is an idyllic OBX town. Learn a few fast facts about Manteo and make sure you take a trip on your next visit to the OBX.

1. Manteo Is The Birthplace Of Virginia Dare

Virginia Dare was the first English child born on Roanoke Island on August 18th, 1587. Born to Ananias Dare and Eleanor White, Virginia is known as the First English Child born in the New World. She was also a part of the colony known now as The Lost Colony.

2. It’s Also Home To The Lost Colony

The colony of 1587 is now historically known as the Lost Colony. This group of 117 men, women, and children arrived to Roanoke Island to establish a permanent English settlement. The start of the Anglo-Spanish war left the colony without replenishment of essential supplies. When ships came 3 years later to bring the much-needed supplies, they found that the colony had vanished and their site had been abandoned. The mystery of the colony still remains to this day. The Lost Colony is now a play that has been running on the Outer Banks in Manteo for 81 years, making it the longest-running outdoor drama in the country.

3. The Town is Named After A Native American Chief

Manteo was a Native American Croatan Indian who was a chief of his tribe on Roanoke Island. Manteo befriended the English explorers and colonists that became known as the Lost Colony. No one knows if Manteo went with the abandoned settlement and details of his death are still unknown. The Town of Manteo is named after the chief in 1873.

4. It’s One Of The Oldest Communities In North Carolina

Since it’s establishment in 1873, Manteo is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. A lot of the original family names like Daniels, Etheridge, Meekins, and Tillett still remain and are prominent around Manteo and the Outer Banks.

5. Andy Griffith used To Call Manteo Home

Star of The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, Andy Griffith was a Manteo local until his death in 2012. Andy Griffith was a major part of the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama for many years. In 2010, Brad Paisley filmed a music video on the OBX for his song Waitin’ On A Woman which Andy Griffith appeared in. Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy, NC, and died in his home on the north end of Roanoke Island on July 3, 2012. You could often see Mr. Griffith around town at the grocery store, Island Pharmacy, and Owens’ Restaurant.

When you visit the Outer Banks, going to places like Jockey’s Ridge and The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island are no brainers. While these places are fun to visit and super educational, there are many more historic sites the OBX has to offer! Check out these OBX historic sites that you must visit on your next vacation!

The Elizabethan Gardens + Fort Raleigh

Manteo 

At The Elizabethan Gardens, there are stunning views of the sound on the north-end of Roanoke Island. Enjoy museum quality Renaissance sculptures and beautiful blooms. Next to the Gardens, discover Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Learn more about the colony of 1587 that is now known as The Lost Colony!

Roanoke Island Festival Park

Manteo

Roanoke Island Festival Park is a hands-on, interactive park that features a real, working blacksmith’s shop, a fun and educational museum, and a historical representation of a merchant vessel from 1585! Festival Park is a fun place for the whole family to learn about what life was like when Roanoke Island first began.

Monument to a Century of Flight

Kitty Hawk 

The Monument to a Century of Flight was dedicated on November 8, 2003. The monument commemorates aviation’s first century. At the monument, you can see airplane wing shaped pylons with designs of the progression of flight and a time capsule that’ll be opened in 2103.

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station

Rodanthe

Pronounced Chick-ah-mah-com-eh-co, the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station was the first of 7 Life-saving stations built in North Carolina. Learn about life-saving service training, see an original surfboat, and even watch a breeches buoy demonstration!

Frisco Native American Museum

Frisco

Learn about the history of Native Americans on the Outer Banks at the Frisco Native American Museum. With exhibits that feature thousands of artifacts, nature trails, and an awesome gift shop, the Friso Native American Museum is a must visit on your next OBX vacation.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Kill Devil Hills

Visit the spot where the Wright Brother’s took their first flight! See what life was like while they did their research on the Outer Banks. The Wright Brothers Monument is a great place to learn more about the birth of flight right here on the OBX!

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Hatteras

The Graveyard Of The Atlantic museum offers educational and fun filled activities all year round. You can see new exhibits and learn about the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks!

Everyone can agree, the Outer Banks has some of the most beautiful beaches. However, did you know that in 2015, there were over 5.25 trillion of pieces of trash in the ocean? According to National Geographic, 269,000 tons of that trash float on the surface. As unfortunate as this is, we all have the power to change this by taking simple actions! Whether you’re on vacation, or live on the Outer Banks year round, try to create new habits this summer that can protect what you love and save our beaches and oceans!

1 // Ditch The Straws

Reusable straws can help keep the Outer Banks and oceans way cleaner than you many think. It’s estimated that 500 million plastic straws are thrown away every day in the U.S. It’d be one thing if all these straws ended up in landfills and in the trash, but they usually end up in the ocean and on beaches. Not only does this look bad, but it causes a serious threat to marine life like sea turtles. If you’ve ever seen the video of a poor turtle with a straw stuck up his nose, you’ll never want to use another straw again.

Many OBX restaurants have done away with plastic straws and have switched to recyclable paper straws or no straws at all! Take a tip from these great establishments and use your own recyclable straws and cups.

2 // Try To Stray Away From Single Use Plastics

Remember what we said about how straws pollute the ocean? Single use plastics do the same thing! Your coffee cup, plastic utensils, carryout trays, and more can all end up in the ocean if they’re not disposed of properly. Try to limit your use of single use plastics by saying no to plastic silverware on to-go orders and bringing your own cup to the cafe! Front Porch Cafe offers a discount if you bring in your own cup, an even better incentive to reduce and reuse! The environment and beaches will thank you for this simple switch.

3 // Use Recyclable Bags

Since the 8 year plastic bag ban has been lifted on the Outer Banks, stores are now allowed to use plastic bags for customer goods. It’s estimated the 100 billion plastic grocery bags are used in the United States every year. Now imagine how many of those bags end up in the ocean. Plastic bags are detrimental to the environment because they don’t decompose and sea animals confuse the bags as jellyfish when they float in the ocean. Make the switch to using recyclable bags when you go shopping. Grocery stores like Harris Teeter and Food Lion offer a discount if you shop with recyclable grocery bags. You can save money, Outer Banks beaches, and save trips to the car when it’s time to unload!

4 // Pick Up Your Trash + Someone Else’s

When you go to the beach, make sure you clean up after yourself. Even though those single use plastic grocery bags are terrible for the environment when they’re littered, they’re good to keep in your beach bag for trash on the beach. Make a game with your family and see how much trash each member can collect in 5 minutes! A fun way to keep the Outer Banks and the beaches clean.

5 // Clean Up After Your Pet

While it’s fun to take your pup to the beach, it’s not so fun stepping in another pups poo. Not only is stepping in dog mess super gross and annoying, leaving it on the beach and not picking it up is bad for our beaches. Dog feces carry bacteria that can cause infection in other dogs, humans, and marine life. So just take the simple step and clean up after your pet!

6 // Quit Smoking

Okay, so we know it’s not that simple, but not only is smoking bad for your health, it’s bad for Outer Banks beaches! Cigarette butts are one of the leading pollutants on beaches, so if you can’t kick the habit, at least dispose of your butts properly and not in the sand, ocean, out of your window, or on the side of the road.

7 // Educate Yourself

The North Carolina Aquarium is a great place to start if you want to learn more about ocean conservation and beach cleanliness. Take a trip to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Outer Banks and how to do your part in keeping the OBX clean and beautiful.

8 // Break Down Your Tents + Chairs

Not only is it illegal on most parts of the Outer Banks to keep up your tents and chairs from the beach day, it can harm wildlife and the beach. It’s illegal to leave beach equipment on the beach overnight. Your items are subject to wind damage and the risk of ending up in the ocean. The strings and ties from canopies can also be hazard to critters that call the beach their home. Break down all your equipment at the end of the day to keep our beaches safe for everyone.

9 // Keep Off The Dunes

The dunes that line the Outer Banks beaches are more important than you may think. They are home to different animals and they also protect homes and roads from hurricanes during the stormy season. Keep this in mind when you’re enjoying the beach and keep off the dunes!

10 // Get Involved

Beach clean ups are always happening around the Outer Banks. OBX 5 Minute Beach Cleanup features cleanups all the time that you and your family can go to and lend a hand to make the OBX even more beautiful than it already is! You can also tag them on instagram to show how you’re doing your part in keeping the OBX clean!

Think summertime, think 4th of July! In honor of America’s birthday, why not throw your own patriotic party? With a few fun recipes, decorations, and games, it’s as easy as apple pie! See how to throw your own 4th of July party at your home or beach house:

1 // Set The Scene

4th Of July decorations can be super easy and inexpensive to make! You can find mason jars and paint at Dollar Tree or Walmart. Paint them red, white, and blue, and fill them with fresh flowers for beautiful patriotic decor!

 

Celebrate the 4th with a tropical twist! Spray paint pineapples red, silver, and blue like pictured above!

 

Get the kids involved with a fun craft that doubles as decor! The Suburban Mom has a super easy and super fun popsicle stick fireworks craft that the little ones will love.

2 // Have Fun Food

 

Let’s face it, 4th of July isn’t 4th of July without a cookout! Pinterest has tons of recipes from fun desserts, side dishes, and grill ideas!

 

These waffle fry slider burgers from the Neighborhood Food Blog are fun, easy, and perfect for a 4th of July cookout! Check out the recipe here.

 

This parmesan grilled corn recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser this Independence Day!

 

Patriotic Punch from Mom Endeavors is a fun drink for kids (and can be a fun drink for adults too!)

 

3 // Let’s Play!

Get everyone involved this Independence Day with fun and easy games! Corn hole is a family classic that everyone will love!

 

The kids will love the fun game of rocket toss, a patriotic spin on the fun can carnival game! This bottle ring toss game from Everyday Dishes is perfect for the whole entire family! Check out their blog for super easy instructions to make your OBX 4th of July party a blast.

 

4 // Watch The Fireworks!

 

When the sun sets, it’s time for the fireworks! Some of the best spots on the Outer Banks to watch fireworks are right on the beach! Jockey’s Ridge provides a great view of shows in Nags Head and in Manteo as well! Remember though, these firework shows are put on by professionals and all fireworks are prohibited on the beach. The Towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Manteo allow legal, ground display fireworks and sparklers away from the beach on concrete. The towns of Nags Head, Duck, and Southern Shores prohibit all use of fireworks, sparklers, smoke bombs, etc.

Father’s Day is this Sunday, do you have a gift for dad yet? If not, don’t sweat it, we’ve got an idea he’ll be sure to love! Surprise dad with a visit to the Outer Banks! Whether dad loves to fish, golf, or just simply enjoy some beach time with the family, he’ll love an impromptu trip to the Outer Banks!

Treat Dad To An Adventure

If you need ideas on where to take dad on his OBX Father’s Day adventure, check out our blog on the top 10 Spots on the Outer Banks for Dad. With summer just beginning, this is the perfect time to bring dad and the whole family to the Outer Banks.

Plus, with Resort Realty’s amazing Father’s Day special, you can treat dad even more! Resort Realty offers over 500 amazing rental homes own the Outer Banks! You’ll be sure to find something that’ll please everyone, including the most important man of the hour, Dad!

Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you can’t give dad the gift of an Outer Banks vacation, give him a gift handmade from the OBX! From locally distilled rum to sea salt straight from the beaches of the Outer Banks, get dad a gift as unique and as special as he is this year! To enlarge the image, just click on it!

 

Trying to find more information on the awesome local goods mentioned? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Just follow the link to get more information and purchase these awesome gifts for dad!

// Outer Banks Sea Salt //

locally sourced sea salt perfect for the chef in your family

// Manteo Blacksmith //

uniquely made hand forged art

// Morning View Coffee House //

Freshly ground coffee + quaint coffee shop on the OBX

// Kill Devil Rum //

The first legal distillery on the Outer Banks and home to locally made rum

// Outer Banks Bees //

100% pure, local honey. Also available at Seagreen Gallery 

// Milk Street Soap //

Ocracoke Island handmade soaps

// Opus Stone //

Uniquely and locally made concrete decor and countertops

What’s better than a gift of tie and socks? Spots on the OBX your dad will love! Whether your old man is an avid fisherman, a golf master, or anything in between, the Outer Banks has something that will be sure to please dad this Father’s Day! If you’re celebrating dad’s big day on the Outer Banks, or just want to treat you dad on your next vacation, take him to discover these top 10 spots he’ll love!

1 // Fishing Piers On The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is home to some of the best fishing in the United States! Take dad to one of the great fishing piers to cast out a line. Even if dad isn’t an avid fisherman, he’ll still enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

2 // Oregon Inlet Fishing Center + Offshore Fishing

Speaking of fishing, Oregon Inlet has the largest charter fleet on the East Coast. Plus, there are over 30 charter boats that are available for offshore fishing trips! Whether you’re going fishing or seeing what the boats brought in at 4:00, dad will love a day at Oregon Inlet.

 

3 // Surfing

Treat your dad to a board meeting that he’ll actually enjoy! Local places like Farmdog Surf School will teach you how to surf or provide you with surfboard rentals if you already know how! Let dad catch a few waves on the Outer Banks this Father’s Day.

 

4 // OBX 4WD Beaches

Let dad explore the Outer Banks in a different way! Whether you take a trip to Corolla or down to Hatteras, you can drive on the beaches. Just make sure you have a 4WD vehicle, you can rent one with Outer Banks Jeep Rentals to ensure a fun Father’s Day!

 

5 // Kilmarlic Golf Club

If dad loves golf, the Kilmarlic Golf Club is the place for him! Resort Realty also offers homes that offer special golf rates and access to the Kilmarlic Golf Club! A golf filled vacation is just what dad needs.

 

6 // Roanoke Island Festival Park

For the history lover, take dad over to Manteo and explore Roanoke Island Festival Park. Learn about what life was like on Roanoke Island in 1585, see a real life blacksmith, and take a look around the Elizabeth II!

 

7 // Seeing The Outer Banks From Above

Getting a bird’s eye view of the Outer Banks will make dad happy! If your dad is an adrenaline junkie, surprise him with a skydiving trip! If he loves Warbird airplanes or just seeing the Outer Banks from a different perspective, checkout OBX Air Tour Adventures.

8 // The Beer Garden

If dad is a beer enthusiast, let him checkout The Beer Garden in Corolla! with over 60 craft beers, wine, and 17 rotating taps, dad will be able to try different beers and wine! The beer garden is family and pet friendly too!

 

9 // Spotting Wild Horses

While you’re in Corolla, make sure you take Dad to see the wild horses! The wild Colonial Mustangs on the Outer Banks are descendants of horses that came with early settlers almost 500 years ago!

 

10 // On The Porch

The perfect place for dad this Father’s Day? On the porch taking in a sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand. Resort Realty offers plenty of homes that will be sure to delight your whole entire family, especially dad. Visit our website to find the perfect home for you or call us at 800-458-3830 to talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists to treat dad this Father’s Day!