July has been super awesome and August is right around the corner! With summer coming to a close, the Outer Banks is full of events you need to attend. Whether you’re a local resident or just here on vacation, check out what’s going on all over the OBX in this month’s edition of The OBC!

August 1 // OBX Watermelon Festival

10:00 AM @ Jockey’s Ridge Crossing – Nags Head

This fun family tradition helps benefit The Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition! Enjoy music, games, food, and of course, juicy watermelon provided by Food Lion! Admission to this event is free, but games and watermelon fun vary in price.

August 1 – 2 // Hatteras Island Arts + Crafts Show

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM @ Cape Hatteras Secondary School – Buxton

View work from over 50 local artists, photographers, artisans and more at the Hatteras Island Arts + Crafts show! This 2 day show features artists from all over the Outer Banks and the region of North Carolina and Virginia. You can enter a raffle to benefit local art students. Food is available at this event as well.

August 10 – 11 // Surfing For Autism

@ Jennette’s Pier – Nags Head

Join in and volunteer for a great cause. Surfing For Autism supports families and individuals with autism by raising money and having a fun day in the surf for a little sea therapy. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, visit the Surfing For Autism Website.

August 11 // Kids Fishing Tournament

8:00 AM @ 104 Fernando St. – Manteo

Open to all kids ages 4-17, this fun fishing tournament is free! Bait is provided, but bring your own rod and reel. Fishing is permitted from all downtown Manteo docks and an awards cookout will follow at 11:45. Salt water fishing license required for kids age 16 and up.

August 16 – 17 // Rip Curl Grom Search

@ Jennette’s Pier – Nags Head

Watch some of the most talented, young surfers at the Rip Curl Grom Search! This event is free to watch, and for those who are interested in competing, you can register on Rip Curl’s website.

August 18 // Virginia Dare Night

7:30 PM @ The Waterside Theatre – Manteo

Celebrate the 429th birthday of the first English child born in the new world! The Lost Colony presents its annual tradition of using a real baby during the August 18th show. For Virginia Dare Night, the prop baby typically used is replaced with a real baby. Many local citizens have had the honor of being part of this tradition.

August 26 // OBX Wedding Fest

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Duck Woods Country Club

Sample food, meet coordinators, and more to make your special day on the OBX perfect. The OBX Wedding Fest is a great summer wedding expo to get everything in order for your wedding day. Admission to this event is only $10. For more information and ticket purchase, visit the Outer Banks Wedding Association Website.

August 29 – September 5 // WRV Pro

@ Jennette’s Pier – Nags Head

Sponsored by Wave Riding Vehicles, the OBX WRV Pro surf contests brings talent of World Surf League surfers right here to the Outer Banks! This contest is free to watch and is sure to please. For more information, visit the WRV Pro website.

Summer on the Outer Banks is amazing! Great weather, amazing beach time, and so many events makes the OBX super appealing during the warmer months; especially in June! See why you and your family should plan your vacation during the first official month of Summer!

Lower Rates
Luxury homes like Atlantic Breeze #5411 are available at cheaper rates at the beginning of the season!

During June, rates for vacation rental homes haven’t gone up to peak season prices. You still get warm, summer weather without the expense of renting a home during the middle of the season!

Less Crowds

In the beginning and middle of June, many schools haven’t let out for the summer yet so you get first dibs on houses, less wait time at restaurants, and more space to set up your spot on the beach! What more could you ask for?

Less Traffic

Less people means less traffic. During June, your drive to the Outer Banks (and back home) will be much quicker than traveling during the peak of summer! Plus, with our guide on how to avoid traffic, you’ll be out of the car and on the beach soaking up the sun in no time!

Amazing Weather

Did we mention how amazing the weather is during the beginning of summer? It’s not nearly as humid as the July and August months so you can genuinely enjoy being outdoors! The average temperature on the Outer Banks in June ranges from 83º and breezy during the day and 70º at night, it’s the perfect temperature to get out and explore or lounge on the beach.

The Best Time To Swim

With warm, comfortable weather comes warm, calm waters! The ocean temperature in June ranges from the low to mid 70s which is perfect for cooling off after lying in the sun! When the winds come up from the gulf stream, warm, clear waters appear! It’s the best time to get to the beach and take a dip.

Fun Events
Dare Day in Manteo | image via Outer Banks This Week

Early June is the best time to visit if you’re looking for fun, family friendly events! Events like Dare Day, the first annual Food Truck Festival, The Soundside FunFair, and more are great attractions for you and your family to take part in when you visit the Outer Banks!

View our wide selection of Outer Banks vacation homes and plan your getaway to the OBX now!

March came in like a lion…and is going out like a lion! With all the Nor’Easters we’ve had, we’re ready for the warmth and sunshine that April is sure to bring! Along with great weather on the OBX, April brings great events too. Check out the best Outer Banks events and what’s going on throughout April right here!

April 7 // Graveyard of the atlantic museum underwater heritage symposium

10 AM – 5 PM @ The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum 

Learn about German U-Boats off the North Carolina Coast, different shipwrecks, diving experiences, underwater photography, and more! Professional divers and underwater archaeologists will educate you at this free and informative symposium! For more info call 252-986-0720, email mary.riddle@ncdr.gov, or visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum website.

April 14 – 15 // First Flight 5K + Flying Pirate Half Marathon

Recurring Daily

Calling all runners! This famous OBX race is perfect for you! The First Flight 5K and Flying Pirate Half Marathon is a great event for all to participate and attend. The First Flight 5K takes place on April 14th at the Wright Brothers Memorial at 7:30 AM. The Flying Pirate Half Marathon starts at 7 AM on April 15th at 5300 Woods Road and ends at the end of Nags Head woods! For more information and registration, visit the OBX Sporting Events Website.

April 14 – 21 // OBX – Wind

Recurring Daily

The biggest windsurfing event in America is held right here on the OBX! Enjoy watching or taking part in windsurfing competitions and clinics all around Hatteras Island! From long distance to freestyle, there is an event for everyone. Participation prizes will be awarded as well! For more information and updates, visit the OBX Wind website!

April 20 – 29 // Outer Banks Bike Week

Recurring Daily

Bikers and bike enthusiasts, this is the week for you to come visit the Outer Banks! With different events all over the OBX, there’s so much for you to do! Over 100 vendors, live music, pig pickins, and more are all happening during this exciting week! For more information, visit the Outer Banks Harley Davidson website.

April 28 – 29 // BlackBeard’s Half Marathon, + Scallywag 5K/10K, Family Fun Run

1050 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke NC

Explore Ocracoke and run for a good cause! Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, and Fun Run that occur on Saturday, April 28th and half marathon that takes place that Sunday. All finishers will receive a medal and runners in the 5K and 10K will receive a t-shirt. Join in on the 2nd Annual Lt. Maynard’s (famous for his defeat of Black Beard 300 years ago) Challenge and run on both days! All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Community Radio, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and the Ocracoke Community Park. For more information, visit the Run Ocracoke website.

 

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

By leaving early you'll be able to avoid the dreaded Outer Banks traffic with ease!

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:

Top 10 Hidden Gems On The Outer Banks

Top 10 Free Things To Do On The Outer Banks

Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget

Top 25 Outer Banks Rainy Day Activities

Find An Alternate Route

Going off the beaten path is our type of adventure. Instead of 158 to the Outer Banks, hit highway 64 and avoid Outer Banks traffic jams.
image via Pinterest

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

Charcuterie boards are so in style...and they make great snacks for when you know you just won't be able to avoid Outer Banks traffic.

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 can help you figure out what traffic is going to look like, where your rest stops are, and more.

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

Homes with less conventional turnover days can end up saving you time in the car and help you avoid Outer Banks traffic!
Crosswinds #5716 has convenient access to the beach, great amenities, AND a 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!

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

image via The Virginian-Pilot

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!

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! 

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Dine

THE PAPER CANOE

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!

THE BLUE POINT

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

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!

DUCK DONUTS

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

THE WATERFRONT SHOPS

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

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

DUCK VILLAGE YOGA

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 second summer guide in our series is dedicated to the town of Nags Head! With its rich history, charm, and many things to do and check out, Nags Head is an ideal spot to vacation and visit for the day. Check out some of the best places to eat, shop, play and more in Nags Head!