The Outer Banks in the summer time is the best place to be! Everyone else thinks so too. If you’re an OBX vacation veteran, you’ll know that traffic coming in and out can get super congested. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide on how to avoid Outer Banks traffic. With everyone coming in on the same day and leaving on the same day, it can get a little congested. If you’re not trying to sit in your car for hours on your next vacation, read on to see how to beat the infamous Outer Banks traffic
Leave Early
The thick of Outer Banks traffic happens roughly between 11 AM and 3 PM due to everyone coming in. This can vary by an hour. However, by leaving early in the morning you can get on the OBX by 9 or 10 AM. This means you won’t have to deal with incoming traffic. Let the kids can sleep in the car so you can get a little peace and quiet. When you get here, explore the OBX while you’re waiting for check-in! There are plenty of things to see and do before your vacation rental is ready for check-in. From going to the beach to exploring amazing Outer Banks landmarks, there’s so much to choose from. To get an idea on what to do while you’re waiting browse through the following blogs:
Find An Alternate Route
The most traffic on the Outer Banks on turnover days occurs on the route coming in over the Wright Memorial Bridge. While the GPS may say that taking an alternate route may take more time, it’ll save you from sitting in traffic; especially if you’re vacationing from Kitty Hawk south. Taking highway 64 instead of 158 may add miles to the journey but you’ll be moving at a steady pace and will be on the OBX in no time! Plus, who doesn’t want a good Bojangles biscuit?!
Keep Calm + Plan Ahead
If leaving early or an alternate route to avoid Outer Banks traffic isn’t in the cards for you and your group, have a plan for possibly sitting in traffic. See which rest stops and restaurants are along your route, and pack enough snacks and entertainment for the kids. We’ve come up with a list of great apps for kids to help car rides to the Outer Banks pass faster! You can see them here.
Use Travel Apps
Travel apps like Waze and Gas Buddy can help you travel with ease. The Waze app can help you avoid accidents, road obstructions, and gives you real time traffic updates. Plus, it offers turn by turn voice navigation and ETA. You can share where you are exactly with people you may be meeting at your vacation home. Gas Buddy can help you find the best and closest gas prices along your route. You can also enter to win $100 in free gas everyday, too!
Book A Home With A Friday or Sunday Turn Day
Most people coming to the Outer Banks book a vacation rental home that has a check-in and check-out day that falls on Saturday. This is why traffic on Saturday is usually the worst. If you book a home with a turn over day that’s a Friday or Sunday, not only can you avoid traffic, you can also save money! Most homes with check-in and check-out that aren’t Saturday are typically cheaper! Resort Realty has homes with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday change over. This allows you to customize your Outer Banks vacation however you see fit!
See everything Resort Realty has to offer and get your (minimal traffic) Outer Banks vacation started today!
While the grand opening was on Wednesday, February 28th, the Outer Banks is still buzzing over the arrival of Publix! If you’ve ever been to the Outer Banks, you know that we have no shortage of grocery stores, however, Publix isn’t just another grocery store, they’re the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States! With so many different food options for different individuals with dietary restrictions and a taste for the uncommon or just for the basic need of great produce and more, Publix is your place to go! See just a glimpse of what the grand opening of the Outer Banks Publix held!
Publix is located in First Flight Square right next to Lowe’s. The address is 1530 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills NC. If you’re staying in any of our Kill Devil Hills or Kitty Hawk vacation rental homes, check out Publix for all of your vacation grocery needs!
Summer is coming up and that means making arrangements now for Summer vacation! One of the biggest questions that is posed during vacation planning is where will you stay? Hotels may seem like the cheapest option but they can actually end up costing you a fortune. Between hidden fees, small spaces, and limited access to basic amenities, hotels can be more of a hassle than you may realize.
Why Rent a Vacation Home?
By renting a vacation home with Resort Realty, you’ll end up having way more space, saving money, and so much more. Take a look at our info-graphic to see why you should rent a vacation home instead of reserving a hotel room for your next Outer Banks vacation!
Vacation Homes vs Hotels
Ditch overpriced and overcrowded hotel rooms this summer and find the vacation home of your dreams! By renting an OBX vacation home with Resort Realty, you’ll be sure to make your vacation fun and memorable. Everyone will have plenty of space to relax and unwind, you can bond over family dinner, and even spend endless hours in the sun, sand, and surf! Book your next Outer Banks vacation with Resort Realty today by visiting our website or by calling us at (800) 458-3830!
The Outer Banks is full of popular attractions. Honestly, what’s an Outer Banks vacation without a visit to the aquarium, climbing Jockey’s Ridge, and eating your favorite meal at your favorite, local spot? Although these attractions are amazing, there are so many more hidden places to see, things to do, and food to eat that you may not know about! Check out our 10 hidden gems of the Outer Banks to add to your to-do list this Outer Banks vacation.
Little Red Mailbox of Hope
Glenmere Ave Beach Access, Kill Devil Hills
Not very many people have heard of the Little Red Mailbox of Hope. Started by Sue and Eddie Goodrich and the Town of Kill Devil Hills, this little mailbox spreads messages of hope and love. When you come to the Outer Banks, make sure you take some time to read some of the messages in the Little Red Mailbox journal and even leave a note. You might find something you didn’t know you needed at this Outer Banks hidden gem.
The Futuro House
Hwy 12, Frisco
This unique UFO sighting is found in Frisco off of Highway 12! Full of UFO inspired decor and items, the 26-foot wide dwelling is one of the few Futuro homes left in the United States! Because it is not up to code, you can’t enter it to visit but you can definitley pose in front of this ornamental structure for a great photo. The Futuro House is a strange sight to see but definitely a gem on the Outer Banks!
Full Moon Restaurant + Lost Colony Brewery
Downtown Manteo
Full Moon Cafe, The Lost Colony Brewery, or The Full Moon Brewery – the restaurant of many names. Whatever you call it, there’s no denying that there is great food and great, craft beer to be had at this Manteo eatery! Initially opened in 1995 as a restaurant, Full Moon Cafe doubled as a brewery in 2011 and continues to make uniquely crafted beer and amazing food. “We are the home town restaurant where first dates, prom dates, wedding proposals, family gatherings, showers, and birthdays, have taken place for 22 years,” which is why Full Moon has earned it’s spot as a hidden Outer Banks gem!
Canadian Hole
Windsurfers from all over the world come to Canadian Hole to windsurf during the spring and summer months. However, if you’re not an avid windsurfer, Canadian Hole is still a really cool place to go and watch windsurfers sail over the sound with their colorful kites! Additionally, the area is ideal for families with young children because of the shallow waters and lack of waves!
Monument To A Century of Flight
This public monument located in Kitty Hawk honors the achievement and the history of flight! The Wright Brothers completed the first successful flight right here on the Outer Banks on December 17, 1903. This monument honors successful men and women who contributed to the history of modern flight and aviation that we continue to use today!
Winged Horses of the OBX
If you’ve been to the Outer Banks, you’ve noticed the colorful winged horses. They stand proudly outside of different local businesses. The winged horses were in commemoration for the Wright Brothers centennial of flight! This project went on from May 2002 to October 2004. Many of the horses are still on display today! Check out photos of all the horses and a list of current winged horse locations!
Hatteras Cats
On Hatteras Island, you’ll find Burrus Red & White Supermarket. There’s nothing super special about this grocery store…except for the 6 toed cats! The cats that wander around the supermarket are descendants of a ghost ship from a few hundred years ago. When the ship was looted, locals brought them ashore and more six-toed (or polydactyl) cats appeared over time. The store owner, Allen Burrus, cares for the cats. They’ve all been spayed and neutered.
Lucy + Ricky’s Nest
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a local and visitor favorite. Even though this restaurant is very popular, not everyone knows about the Lone Cedar residents; Ricky and Lucy! Ricky and Lucy built a nest right outside of Lone Cedar to raise their young. They have returned each year and Lone Cedar even named their bar the Osprey Lounge! Ricky and Lucy’s nest is located outside of the windows. You can see them while you dine at Lone Cedar!
Ocracoke Island Cemetery
Few people know that the Outer Banks was home to lurking German U-Boats during World War I and World War II; patiently waiting to attack the U.S. coast. Allied forces from England were sent to the US to protect the coastline, and many English troops ended up guarding the Outer Banks and Ocracoke. Their valiant efforts, however, resulted in the destruction of a number of ships and submarines. A cemetery was created for the bodies of two unnamed British Soldiers who washed up on the beach during WWII. This cemetery is technically British soil and is a rich part of the history of Ocracoke Island.
Nags Head Woods
Full of nature, walking paths, and beauty, Nags Head Woods is a must visit on your next Outer Banks visit. Nags Head woods spans over 420 and over 5 miles of different trails from advanced to leisure! On a nice, sunny day, the secret sound access is the perfect place to go relax and get away from it all!
Spending a ton of money on your vacation to the Outer Banks should be the last thing on your mind! You can easily have a great vacation and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. Check out our top tips on how to have an amazing vacation on the OBX while on a budget!
Take Advantage Of Free Activities
There are so many great Outer Banks activities that are either free or super inexpensive! You can explore Jockey’s Ridge, spend all day on the beach, visit lighthouses, and so much more without spending a ton of money. Check out our “Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget” blog for even more ideas on how to have fun without going broke!
Cook Meals Instead Of Going Out
With so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, it’s hard to not want to try them all! While dining out can be a great and tasty experience, it can be costly. The average entree on the Outer Banks will run you around $12-$15 depending on what restaurant you go to. When you’re going out to eat with your family, that can really add up. Instead of dining out every night, maybe pick a night to go out and prepare meals at your rental homes the rest of the time! You can get fresh, local seafood from many places on the Outer Banks and prepare it yourself or even cook your own catch if you’re into fishing!
Be Flexible With Travel Dates
During the peak vacation months of June to August, vacation homes and accommodations can be at their most expensive. If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, visiting the Outer Banks in the off season can end up being much cheaper. Many locals will say that visiting the Outer Banks in the fall and spring seasons are the best time to come because there is less traffic, less crowds, and beautiful weather! See “Why We Love Fall On The Outer Banks” and plan an off season vacation to get the best bang for your buck!
Consider A Mini Vacation
Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need! Mini vacations are great alternatives to staying a whole week. The rates can be cheaper, you’ll save money, and you’ll still get to explore the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has many homes that offer weekend and short stays! See all the homes that offer partial vacations!
Make A Budget + Stick To It
It’s okay to splurge, you’re on vacation after all! Sit down with your family and make a list of things that you want to do on the Outer Banks. Determine how much money you want to stick to spending and then divvy out a set amount to specific activities like dining, souvenirs, and attractions. Stick to this budget all week long and this way you can still do the activities you want to do and have control of your money!
Check Out Budget Friendly Homes
Many Outer Banks vacation homes can be super lavish and luxurious but super expensive. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort and style on your vacation. There are many homes in the Resort Realty family that are inexpensive, beautifully decorated, and comfortable that you and your family can rent without breaking your budget!
Take advantage of Deals + Specials
Resort Realty has many deals and specials to help you save money on your Outer Banks vacation! Our Hometown Heroes discount is offered all year long. Plus, select homes will often put certain weeks on special! Check out our Deals and Specials pages to get the perfect OBX vacation rental at a lower price.
Rent A Home With A Group
Luxury vacation homes can be super expensive, but if you have a great group of people to split it with, it can be super affordable! A luxury home split between a group of people can be as low as $53 per night per person! See all of the luxury homes Resort Realty has to offer you, find a great group to vacation with, and start your affordable, luxury vacation!
So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!
What Kind of Outer Banks Vacation Are You?
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To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!
Even though we’re well into the new year, it’s never too late to come up with a resolution! Why not change up your New Year’s resolution this year? Instead of making the usual pledge of getting a gym membership, why not make an investment resolution on the OBX? (Or, if you’re ambitious, do both!) Owning a second home on the Outer Banks could be an easy and profitable New Year’s Resolution.
Own A Piece Of Paradise
Owning an OBX vacation home is like owning your own piece of paradise! Your mornings can be spent sipping coffee and watching the sunrise over the ocean. You’ll be able to make memories with your own friends and family at your Outer Banks home. Additionally, you’ll give other families the opportunity to make memories on the Outer Banks as well!
Make a Quality Investment
Investing in a vacation home on the OBX can be a great move financially. Even more so when you list your home with Resort Realty. We have over 34 years of experience and are locally rooted. We’re are leader in the OBX vacation rental industry and we make sure you get the most out of your home. We’re always here for you and give you the best advice on making your home profitable. We ensure that your guests are happy and content during their vacation!
Our Professional Staff Has You Covered
At Resort Realty, we’re blessed with some of the best staff on the beach. We all want to make sure your home is taken care of and you get the maximum profit out of your investment. The Resort Realty family will make sure your home gets the rentals it deserves and shines in its best light!
See Why Our Homeowners Love Us
We aim to keep our homeowners as pleased as our guests! See why listing your rental home with Resort Realty is the best choice you could make.
“…I very much appreciate your high standards and the attention that you have given to our homes. It certainly brings peace of mind. Especially during the busy rental season, with every little thing that can go wrong, I’m confident, cleanliness isn’t going to be one of them if you are in charge. Thank you so very much.” – Property owner of a Duck vacation rental home
“Thank you Resort Realty for a successful season with 16 rentals! This is my first year with Resort Realty and this was the most rentals I have ever had in the 30 years that I have owned the property. I truly appreciate everything you all do and I’m looking forward to next year!” – Property Owners of a Nags Head vacation rental home
Make This New Year’s Resolution Count
Make your New Year’s Resolution of owning a vacation home on the Outer Banks come true! Take a look at all of the homes for sale on the Outer Banks. When you find the perfect vacation home and you’re ready to make profit on your investment, contact our business development team at [email protected]. You can also get more information on our rental program on the Resort Realty Owner page of our website!
Everyone needs a vacation, now more than ever! If you’re planning an OBX vacation but want to save some cash, have no fear, Resort Realty has you covered. Since 1987, we’ve learned a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. We’ve got a few tips on how to snag the perfect, affordable, OBX vacation.
Plan Early
We say it all the time but we mean it! By planning your Outer Banks vacation early, you have more time to budget and you’ll get first dibs on the house of your choice. Our biggest booking days fall in December and January. Planning earlier for the vacation year ahead allows you flexibility financially, time-wise, and preference-wise.
Visit During A Shoulder Season
Shoulder seasons are the fall and spring months on the Outer Banks. Summer has either passed or is upon us, the weather is great, but not everyone is flocking to our beaches all at once quite yet. Shoulder season vacations come with significantly lower rates than peak season. An example? A 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom oceanfront Signature Series home in Salvo will run you around $3,100 for a week in mid-May. That same house goes up to almost $11,000 for the week in July! You can easily save more than half the price by taking an OBX vacation in the spring or fall months.
Take Advantage of Payment Plans
Resort Realty is proud to offer payment options like PayPal and Venmo! With PayPal and Venmo wallets, not only does it make check-out easier, but it also allows you to easily request payment from other families you’re vacationing with, allowing you to split the cost of rent and making your vacation affordable. You can learn more about our Outer Banks vacation payment plans here.
Vacation Together
This one goes hand in hand with the above. Here’s another example for you. During peak season, one of our most high-end, oceanfront Signature Series homes with a private pool can be around $21,000 which can cause some sticker shock. But let’s look at it in a different light. This house sleeps 12 people comfortably. When you divide that fee among 12 people, it comes out to around $1,700 per person. Broken down further? $252 per night per person. Again, this is for one of our standout properties. Many of our properties end up being around $71 per night per person when broken up by occupancy! Seems like an affordable vacation option when you look at it that way, right?
Avoid Hotels
While there are some seriously awesome hotels on the Outer Banks, they’re not typically the best option for an affordable vacation. For an oceanfront hotel room with a king bed during July, you’d be paying about $2,300 for the week. While that sounds like similar, cheaper pricing compared to our rentals, you don’t get all the same amenities we offer. When you rent an Outer Banks vacation home, you have access to an entire house or condo, allowing you to host at least 2 people. You’ll have access to a kitchen where you can easily prepare meals for the entire crew. You’ll also be able to relax in a living room or rec room without feeling confined to one space. Hotels can be great, don’t get us wrong…but sometimes a rental home is the best option, financially and comfort-wise.
Consider A Mini-Vacation
A mini-vacation is also a great option to save on your stay! Taking a 3-night trip to the OBX is sometimes all the time you need, especially when you live within an easy drive of the Outer Banks. Mini-vacations or partial week stays allow you the flexibility of checking in on a day that works best for you and not having to commit to an entire week. Partial week stays require a 3-night minimum. Find homes that offer partial stays here.
Whether you know it or not, the Outer Banks is full of a ton of history and folklore. This includes some pretty scary stories. Halloween is here! So we’ve come up with 5 of the spookiest, most famous ghost stories of the Outer Banks! Read on if you dare!
Cold Blood at Black Pelican
The Black Pelican is known today as one of the most delicious oceanfront restaurants on the Outer Banks. However, the Black Pelican has a rich history. This popular restaurant was once Station Six, one of the lifesaving stations built on the Outer Banks.
In 1884, the keeper of Station Six, Captian James Hobbs had an argument with a surfman named T.L. Daniels. T.L. had offended Captain Hobbs’ wife so badly, the Captian shot T.L. dead. After the incident, the crew of Station 6 cleaned up and buried T.L.’s body at sea. The spirit of T.L. still lives on at Black Pelican today. Black Pelican staff have even reported seeing a figure around the restaurant, hearing footsteps, and doors closing on their own.
A Headless Haunting at Teach’s Hole
Edward Teach was a fearsome and ruthless pirate. You may know him better by the name of Blackbeard. Blackbeard called the island of Ocracoke his hideout and looting grounds for many years. On November 22, 1718, Blackbeard met his fate at the hand of Lt. Robert Maynard, giving the name Teach’s Hole to the cove where he was defeated.
As proof of defeat, Lt. Maynard severed Blackbeard’s head and hung it from the bow of his ship. His body was thrown overboard. Legend is, Blackbeards’ head was still screaming after the beheading and his body swam around the ship before death. There have been stories of a headless body swimming in the cove at Teach’s Hole and a headless Blackbeard walking around searching for his head.
The Legend of the White Doe
Many locals and visitors know about the mystery of the Lost Colony. 110 men, women, and children came to Roanoke Island from England to start a new life. Supplies ran short and the colony mysteriously disappeared after three years. Speculations have been made but no one knows for sure where the colony went, and the colony is now best known as The Lost Colony.
Virginia Dare is documented as the first English Child to be born in the new world. She was one of the members of the Lost Colony. Legend states that Virginia was transformed into a white doe after death by a Native American shaman. The ghost of Virginia Dare roams Roanoke Island still today in the form of a glowy white doe; seen every now and then by locals and visitors.
Ghost Ships in the Atlantic
The coast of the Outer Banks has been named the Graveyard of the Atlantic for a reason. Thousands of ships have wrecked since the 16th century. The dangerous rocks make the waters hard to navigate and can destroy ships. Storms that pass can close inlets, open up new inlets, or even make seemingly passable inlets too narrow for ships to pass. The inlets had become such a problem that lighthouses were built to guide ships and the U.S. Lifesaving Service was initiated to save lives and coastlines from wrecks.
To this day, reports have been made of seeing ghost ships sailing on the waters. Sounds of drowning and ghastly screaming have also been heard.
Mr. Roscoe the Postman
Oh, Mr. Roscoe; previous owner of the Roanoke Island Inn. He was everyone’s favorite postmaster…until the day he lost his job in the 1800s. Roscoe was so humiliated that he lost his job, he secluded himself from his friends and family. He never left his room except if he knew no one was around. Years later, Roscoe’s time came to an end and strange events began.
People at the Roanoke Island Inn would sometimes see a man in a post uniform leaving and returning to the house. Some report seeing a tall figure climbing the stairs. Other reports include footsteps in room number seven, blinds moving in windows, a radio turning on by itself in room number three, and vases breaking.
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!
