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Windswept beaches. Radiant sunsets over the sound. Gourmet kitchens where conversations seem to linger. Or an oceanfront hammock made for napping. No matter your perfect Outer Banks getaway, don’t let it get away.

In a study done by the U.S. Travel Association last year, working Americans left 429 million vacation days on the table.*

According to the study, “Americans are overwhelmed—but they aren’t taking the breaks they’ve earned. Nearly three-quarters of workers say they are stressed at work, with one-in-four reporting they are either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressed. It’s no surprise that Americans feel this way. Many workers leave their paid time off unused, despite near-universal recognition of the importance and benefits of time off, from reducing stress to improving productivity when we return to work.”

Now is the time to take one more day.

With over 400 million vacation days going unused every year, most of us will miss out on some truly unforgettable moments.

Imagine…missing the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. Missing 400 mornings building sandcastles and afternoons jumping waves. Missing storytelling that will evolve into the some of the best memories you’ll ever have.

It’s a proven fact that vacations makes us happier, more productive and closer to the ones we love….so to help you focus on what’s important in life, Resort Realty wants to help you make your moments count in 2016. Make a pledge and leap into your 2016 OBX vacation by taking those well-earned vacation days and spending them on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Longing for a secluded getaway on Hatteras Island? Wherever and however, Resort Realty invites guests to spend time with family and friends by taking just one more day of vacation to travel.

With Leap Day adding one more day in 2016, you have the perfect chance to do more on your Outer Banks vacation. So, we ask…what would YOU do with just #OneMoreOBXDay?

Here are a few of our suggestions…

The Freshest Seafood…Right to Your Table

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If you’re looking for fresh, “right-off-the-dock” seafood, then a vacation on the Outer Banks is just for you. From 2nd and 3rd generation commercial fisherman to offshore charter groups bringing back their daily catch from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, fresh seafood is everywhere on the OBX.

But you don’t have to set foot off land to find the best in Outer Banks seafood.

Many Outer Banks restaurants, seafood markets, and grocers specialize in locally caught seafood as part of the local “Outer Banks Catch” program.This designation — found on the doors and menus of many OBX locations — signifies that the seafood served or sold is locally caught and bought.

Put that gourmet kitchen in your OBX vacation home to good use! Stop by a local seafood market for a wide variety of Outer Banks seafood selections that were likely just pulled out of the water…hours before they hit the display counter.

 

 

Land the Catch of Your Life

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Given the Outer Banks’ reputation as one of the best fishing destinations on the East Coast, it’s no surprise that the Outer Banks is home to many big beautiful charter boats. Offshore fishing is one of the biggest draws for vacationing anglers, due to the Outer Banks’ proximity to the Gulf Stream.

Beginning in the Caribbean and ending in the North Atlantic, the Gulf Stream is one of the world’s best fishing spots — and North Carolina’s bountiful waters are nothing less than world renowned. Depending on the time of year, a day in the Gulf Stream will often result in tuna, wahoo, mahi, sailfish, white and blue marlin — along with other perennial favorites.

And while we may be a bit biased about NC fishing, a quick glance at the numbers of billfish caught here each year and we think you’ll agree. For the Oregon Inlet fleet to catch and release 200 billfish in one day is not unusual…and neither are big fish.

The Outer Banks offers plenty of offshore fishing opportunities…from Hatteras Harbor Marina to Pirates Cove to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center – -home of the largest fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard and where the whole offshore game got started.

Witness Epic Battles, Indian Dances & the Pageantry of the Queen

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First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. Millions have seen the compelling story that celebrates the 117 English men, women, and children whose dream still lives on in this American original.

Performed each summer, on the exact same site where these actual events occurred, a cast of over 100 actors, dancers, singers, and technicians create a magical Outer Banks experience for the entire family. Help solve the mystery of what happened to the colonists as you are surrounded by epic battles, haunting Native American dances, elegant costuming, and beautiful music in this enormous outdoor production set on Roanoke Island, NC.

Experience a night surrounded by the mystery at The Lost Colony. The 2016 Lost Colony season runs May 27th – August 20th, every Monday-Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Get to Know the Locals

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photo by Brooke Mayo Photographers 

Where the pavement ends, north of Corolla, you may get a glimpse of the Corolla Wild Horses.

Unique and precious to the Outer Banks, the Corolla wild horses, are, undoubtedly, the most sacred and respected wildlife of the area. The history of how the horses came to inhabit the barrier islands, derived from years of research and historic journals, is remarkable. A mascot for the ages, they represent the natural splendor and the truly indomitable spirit of the Outer Banks.

Presently, the horses share 7,544 acres north of Highway 12 with nearly 700 houses and thousands of Outer Banks visitors. So the next time you find yourself in wild horse country, perhaps you’ll have a new appreciation for these awe-inspiring Spanish Mustangs — and the hundreds of years they’ve survived on our barrier island.

 

A Challenging OBX Adventure for the Whole Family

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Take a break from beach play and try a daring adventure over the sound at First Flight Adventure Park — the only aerial adventure park on the Outer Banks!

Located at MP 16 in Nags Head, this sound front ropes course will have you scaling walls, zip lining, and enjoying the unique view with you family and friends. This adventure is one you need to try!

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outer banks vacations

Don’t contribute to the over 400 million vacation days going unused this year. With nearly 600 OBX vacation homes to choose from, you’re such to find the perfect OBX beach home, in the right location, with the right amenities, for the right price.

Email us now, or call (800) 458.3830 to make your moments count in 2016.

 

 

 

*U.S. Travel Association article entitied Overwhelmed America: Why Don’t We Use Our Paid Time Off?