SeasideVacations

Outer Banks Jeep Tours

2008-12-30T21:29:00Z

Jeep Tours Are an Excellent Way to See the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks (OBX) is one of the most remote and naturally preserved coastal areas on the East Coast, if not the entire Continental US, and the best part is that the area is readily available for all to enjoy. Gorgeous beaches stretch for miles, endless outdoor activities are easily accessible, and a large portion of the natural environment is preserved allowing an abundance of wildlife to thrive.

A great way to get the full OBX experience is to take advantage of a self-guided Jeep tour. Companies on the Outer Banks rent Jeeps and map out routes for you to explore on your own. Renting a Jeep is a perfect way to explore the sections of the Outer Banks that are impossible to traverse in a mini-van. Jeeps can be used to get up close and personal with amazing wildlife that you would otherwise not be able to see from the beaten path Sunset tours are a particularly great way to see the outer banks.

It is always a great time to visit the outer Banks (it was 68 degrees on Dec. 28!!), and great vacation homes are available year round.

December 30, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | beach, environment, Jeep, nature, OBX, outer banks, tour, tours | No Comments

Holiday Spirit on the Outer Banks

2008-12-23T16:48:00Z

The Holiday Spirit is alive and well on the Outer Banks.

The Holidays are more than gifts wrapped under a tree; the genuine meaning behind our beloved winter holidays is a renewed appreciation for the truly important aspects of life…friends and family, health, a roof over your head and food on your table. Nowhere is this meaning more evident than the Outer Banks, specifically the Interfaith Community Outreach.

The Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) is an interfaith organization of volunteers who are supported by more than 20 local faith communities and network partners. The (ICO) provides emergency gap services and referrals to people on the Outer Banks and surrounding areas who have no other place to turn for help.

ICO Services Include:

· Food

· Utilities

· Transportation

· Shelter

· Medical care

· Home rehabilitation

· Child care

· Community disaster recovery

Due to the sluggish economy this year, the ICO is stretched further than usual. The ICO is almost $25,000 over budget due to the difficult times many local residents are having. Volunteers and donations are greatly appreciated. For more information please visit the Interfaith Community Outreach’s website at: http://www.interfaithoutreach.com.

In an effort to be thankful for all the blessings we have and show our support for local residents who may be less fortunate, Seaside Vacations chose to forgo an end-of-the-year holiday party in lieu of a donation to the Interfaith Community Outreach. Instead of a fully catered party to celebrate the successes of 2008 and welcome in a great 2009, the employees of Seaside Vacations felt it would be more appropriate given the time of year and the current economic slowdown to help those who may be in need. A check was donated last week during an office pot-luck lunch.

Outer Banks, A Vacation Favorite of Jimmy Buffet

2008-12-19T15:33:00Z

Outdoor enthusiast and singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffet, spent some free time on the Outer Banks last month.

Buffet drove his “veggie burning beach cruiser,” dubbed the “Green Tomato” from New York to Florida, and on his way South he took the time to drive the full length of Rt. 12 (a.k.a the “Beach Road”), from Kitty Hawk to Ocracoke.

What does Jimmy do on his vacations to the Outer Banks? Jimmy is a big fan of the Outer Banks and an outdoor enthusiast. He spent his time visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial, local restaurants, and spent most of his time enjoying nature and the world-class outdoor activities the Outer Banks has to offer. Buffet is an experienced surfer, so he spent some time surfing in Hatteras, and he made time for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

You can find more information on Jimmy Buffet’s trip to the Outer Banks on his website.

Outer Banks 105th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' Flight

2008-12-16T21:13:00Z

The 105^th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers famous first flight will be held on Wednesday December 17^th beginning at 8:30am at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

During the ceremony the National Park Service will recognize the Wright Brothers for their outstanding achievements in aviation. The event will be held in the exact spot that the first flight actually took place.

A series of jet and fighter planes will be scheduled to fly by the monument to pay tribute to the Wright Brothers.

James May, a distinguished guest speaker and president of the Air Transport Association will also be in the audience to give a speech honoring the brother’s achievements. There will be activities planned throughout the day and the park opens at 8 am.

Please join the celebration.

You can find further information at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

December 15, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | outer banks, OBX, Wright Brothers, national park, anniversary, 105th, celebration, December 17 | No Comments

Outer Banks "Taste of the Beach"

2008-12-12T21:42:00Z

Outer Banks “Taste of the Beach”

On March 5 – 8, 2009, the Outer Banks Restaurant Association will host the Outer Banks “Taste of The Beach” weekend event. The “Taste of the Beach” has enjoyed great success and was even named in the top ten Seafood and Wine Festivals in the nation by Coastal Living Magazine.

The weekend will be full of great food and drinks and fun activities; all taking place in the gorgeous OBX setting.

Some of the activities that will be offered for this event include:

· Wine tastings,

· Cooking classes,

· Special menu presentations,

· Guest chef appearances,

· brewery tours, and more.

The event will conclude with a “Taste of The Beach” expo on Sunday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk.

You can find additional information at www.OBXTasteoftheBeach.com.

Make your travel plans early. Many great vacation homes still available.

December 12, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | festival, food, OBX, outer banks, Taste of the Beach, wine | No Comments

Ice Skating & Sleding on the Outer Banks

2008-12-05T21:21:00Z

Ice Skating & Sledding on the Outer Banks

Thoughts of the Outer Banks usually conjure ideas of warm weather and time on the beach, but OBX offers great attractions year round…even in the winter!

A short drive off the barrier islands will bring you to the first ice skating rink in Northeast North Carolina. Ice Haus is in its second year, and this year they have even added a sledding hill! In addition to the local natural, cultural, and historic attractions of the Outer Banks, you can now enjoy winter fun on the ice.

Ice Haus is located at the Weeping Radish Brewery in Currituck. The rink opened on November 26^th for the winter. The price of admission is $7 for kids under 12, and $8 for adults; the fee includes 2 hours off skating. The rink is open from noon until 9 p.m. The 140′ rink is available for private parties, ice skating lessons and ice hockey.

December 3, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | activities, attractions, Currituck, Ice Haus, ice skating, OBX, outer banks, sledding, to do | No Comments

Outer Banks 2009 Travel Guide

2008-12-01T20:18:00Z

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is proud to release the 2009 Outer Banks Travel Guide.

The Guide is designed to help you plan and enjoy your trip to the gorgeous barrier islands off the North Carolina coast.

The guide offers:

· High-resolution pictures of the area

· Editorials with local commentary

· Websites, phone numbers and information about historic sites, accommodations, and restaurants

· Information about beach accesses, public boat ramps, fishing, lifeguard locations, ferry service

· Getaway Card that offers reduced rates and discounts at over 109 locations for travelers between mid-September and mid-May.

The Guide is available free of charge at the official travel website OuterBanks.org.

December 1, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | outer banks, vacation, OBX, tourism, Travel Bureau, Travel Guide, 2009 | No Comments

Please Support Local Outer Banks Business. OBXmas

2008-11-24T20:17:00Z

The holidays are an important time to show our support for loved ones, but also for local communities we love.

This holiday season the Outer Banks is promoting a “shop locally” campaign; “Make it an OB-Xmas”. Even if you are not local, it is a great reason to give a piece of the Outer Banks this holiday season.

Shopping locally means increased jobs on the Outer Banks.

Sales tax dollars go to Outer Banks’ counties and State—better schools and beaches.

Recycle “the green”—a dollar spent locally is re-spent seven times in our communitThe more people that get involved the bigger impact we can make!

Please visit OBXmas.org for a list of local businesses, many of which offer great websites for online shopping.

November 24, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | Christmas, holiday, holidays, local business, New Years, OBX, outer banks, shop, shopping, Thanksgiving, XMas | No Comments

New Outer Banks Bridge? Mid-Currituck Bridge Alternatives

2008-11-17T15:57:00Z

A new bridge to the Outer Banks?! For anyone who hasn’t heard, there is a possibility that a bridge connecting mainland Currituck to the beaches of Corolla could happen within the next four years. There has been much deliberation about this subject among citizens of Currituck and Dare Counties over the past few years.

In February, citizens’ workshops took place and over 550 people attended. Citizens were presented with multiple alternatives. The primary goal of the alternatives would be to improve the existing roads in the area, with the possibility of building a new bridge that connects the mainland of Currituck County to the beaches of the Outer Banks, with various other improvements to the roads.

After the workshops, over 350 citizens commented on their thoughts about these alternatives. The people who commented consisted of residents, property owners, employers, and local officials. Most respondents expressed concerns with the need to reduce traffic congestion, and to improve the ability to evacuate in the event of emergencies, such as hurricanes. Another concern expressed was the need to enhance access from our beaches to the mainland. Many stated the fact that a new bridge would best address the traffic congestion problems. Other respondents expressed concern about adverse affects the bridge may have on the area’s natural resources and pristine environment.

Since the workshops have taken place, The North Carolina Turnpike Authority has narrowed the alternatives to three. These three alternatives include ER2, MCB2, and MCB4. ER2 is an alternative that would not include a Mid Currituck Bridge but would include a 6-8 lane superstreet. MCB2 would include a Mid Currituck Bridge and the 6-8 lane superstreet. MCB4 would include the new bridge, but no superstreet. The Turnpike Authority has also put together a timeline for this project. The timeline is as follows:

Financial Feasibility Study- Completed
Draft Environmental Impact Statement- Early 2009
Final Environmental Impact Statement- Mid 2009
Record of Decision- Late 2009
Award Project Contract- Early 2010
Project Open To Traffic- 2013

If you would like further information and would like to keep track of the project’s progress, including the results of recent traffic and market surveys, please click here.

Written by Brennan Jones

November 14, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | bridge, Currituck, mid-currituck bridge, OBX, outer banks | No Comments

Vacation Rentals Are A Great Alternative..................... Escpecially On The Outer Banks

2008-11-06T19:48:00Z

The vacation rental industry is gaining tremendous momentum. The industry is in a clear period of growth. Vacation rentals are becoming more familiar to the general public, and vacationers are realizing the great benefits a vacation rental has over the typical hotel stay (lower costs, larger, more comfortable accommodations, a personal touch, linens and towles provided, “clean house guaranett”, private pools and hot tubs, many are dog friendly, etc.).

The well educated consumer is helping the industry grow and forcing improvements within the industry. For example, guest reviews are gaining in popularity. In addition to a well educated consumer, a major factor in the growth trends is the current state of the economy. There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period, and the general public is being much more prudent with disposable income. Vacationers want more for their money, and vacation rental homes offer much more than a typical hotel stay.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights these growth trends and industry improvements.

November 5, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | outer banks, vacation, OBX, tourism, travel, vacation rental, Wall Street Journal | No Comments

Outer Banks Wildlife Festival

2008-11-04T19:48:00Z

12th Annual Wings Over Water Festival

A Celebration of Wildlife & Wild lands in Eastern North Carolina
November 4-9, 2008
Register Now at (252)441-8144 or www.WingsOverWater.org

Travel and nature enthusiasts converge on the Outer Banks to enjoy its beaches, attractions and laid back atmosphere. Most don’t realize that the Outer Banks has much more than sun, sea, and sand to offer. Some of the most underappreciated and unexplored attractions are the Outer Banks’ diversity of wildlife, natural history, and scenic views.

The 12^th Annual Wings Over Water Festival highlights these natural attractions. The six day event celebrates the natural wonders of the area and offers many opportunities to explore and discover the richness of the region’s environment.

Dare County alone has more than a quarter of a million acres of property in conservation – as compared to just 16,000 acres available for development. Dare, Currituck, Tyrell and Hyde counties boast a diverse and fascinating array of wildlife to view and waterways to paddle. In addition to a wealth of marine life, Eastern North Carolina is home to black bears, alligators, red wolves, deer and hundreds of species of birds. The waterways invite kayakers and canoeists to glide through the back waters, the sounds and even the ocean. And natural history attractions draw both young and old who want to know more about the place where the first English settlements were born. Year ‘round, there are nature programs offered by state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits.

Events:

· Venturing into areas with combined bird lists of nearly 400 species.

· Visiting North Pond on the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island, the hottest spot for fall birding in North Carolina.

· Traveling to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse area to search for a variety of shore and water birds.

· Experiencing Ghost Town Birding on Portsmouth Island

· Taking a ferry to the pirate Blackbeard’s hang-out on Ocracoke Island to enjoy the quaint fishing village and check out the birds.

· Visiting the ancient maritime forests at Buxton Woods and Nags Head Woods for a look at these rare ecosystems.

· Traveling to Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge where eagles and other raptors are likely the causeway and entrance road.

· Exploring a blackwater swamp in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

· Sliding into a kayak or canoe to explore a salt marsh environment.

· Wade in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows and wrens at Oregon Inlet.

· Heading for the blue waters of the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras to search for pelagic birds.

· Experiencing a Red Wolf Howling where the nearly extinct animal is now fighting its way back.

October 31, 2008 Posted by seasidevacations | Uncategorized | outer banks, OBX, fun, festival, November, family friendly, wildlife, Wings Over Water, birgs, bears, wolves, alligators | No Comments

North Carolina & The Outer Banks Coastal Hazards Website

2008-10-30T15:57:00Z

North Carolina & the Outer Banks Coastal Hazards Website

Nature is a powerful force that can strike when least expected, or perform unanticipated feats even when the worst is expected. Coastal regions are especially vulnerable. Coastal hazards are exacerbated by the tremendous power of the vast body of water that nestles up to the land.

A new web site developed by coastal experts from East Carolina University (ECU) brings research from ECU’s Institute for Coastal Science and Policy, the departments of Geological Sciences and Geography, and work from scientists across North Carolina together on one user-friendly site. The site is designed to help minimize the impacts of coastal hazards on North Carolina citizens through education and shared ideas and data.

The site is referred to as the North Carolina COastal HAZards Decision Portal (NC COHAZ), and can be found at: http://www.coastal.geology.ecu.edu/NCCOHAZ/.

The site has several mapping tools and has a strong focus on hurricanes, storm surges, shoreline erosion and their potential effects on the North Carolina coast, including economic effects. For instance, some of the mapping tools overlay satellite images of the Outer Banks and demonstrate areas that are at high risk of flooding and erosion from natural events along the coast, and these events have a direct impact on the economics of the area.

Coastal hazards can have major consequences for people who live, work, and recreate in areas along the North Carolina coast. Visit NC COHAZ for updates on North Carolina’s coastal hazards and the impacts they may have on you.

Outer Banks Wild Horse Study

2008-10-28T19:46:00Z

Outer Banks Wild Horse Study

The proper size of the wild horse herd on the Outer Banks continues to be a contentious subject.

Currituck County officials, The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge have been debating the size of the herd for years. The three parties agreed on a management plan in 1999 which set the limit of wild horses to 60, but as of September the count is up to 101. The Wild Horse Fund feels the size of the herd needs to be increased to at least 120 to 130 to encourage long-term health. A recent study conducted by a genetics expert indicates that the wild horses have a low genetic diversity stemming from the breeding patterns of a small herd; this low genetic diversity can lead to defects in the future. The National Wildlife Refuge is concerned about the impact the wild horses, especially a larger herd, have on the surrounding environment.

A recent article by Jeff Hampton in the The Virginian-Pilot points out that additional science will soon be added to the debate. “The Corolla Wild Horse Fund plans to commission a study led by North Carolina State University that would examine the effect of the herd on marshes and grasses crucial to waterfowl habitat,” said Karen McCalpin, executive director of the fund. The study would also measure the impact of humans and feral hogs in the area.

Halloween On The Outer Banks. Corolla Haunted Hayride

2008-10-23T20:28:00Z

Outer Banks BBQ & Beer Fest. 2nd Annual Pig Stein.

2008-10-21T19:37:00Z

Pig Stein is a celebration of beer, barbecue and the Outer Banks. 2008 marks the second annual combined beer festival and barbecue cook-off in North Carolina’s Outer Banks hosted by High Cotton BBQ and Chip’s Wine & Beer Market.

When: October 25, 2008; Noon – 8 p.m.

Where: 105 Promenade Lane, Kitty Hawk, NC (MP 0)

October is a beautiful time to enjoy the Outer Banks with gorgeous weather and no summer crowds. The festival will offer a full day of live music, comedy and fun activities for the whole family.

Portions of proceeds from Pig Stein go to support Dare Home Health & Hospice, who offer end of life care to Dare County residents who are under or un-insured.

Beer:

Pig Stein is a full-scale beer festival with breweries from around the world pouring more than 100 beers. Brewery representatives will be on hand to answer questions about their brews. The beer tent will open at 2:00 p.m. and close at 6:00 p.m., just in time for the last band of the day. While national and international beers will be available, the tent will feature the two local breweries, Outer Banks Brewing Station and Weeping Radish, as well as North Carolina breweries. Entry to the beer tent will be controlled in two sessions, to insure participants full access during each three-hour session.

BBQ:

Pit masters from around the state start slow roasting their hogs at the festival site late Friday night to be ready to face the judges at 11:00 a.m. on festival day. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three pit masters. Professional carvers will then move in to dazzle the crowd with their chopping skills and serve up exquisite BBQ the rest of the day, $5 for a sandwich, $7 for a plate. No tickets required. The barbecue extravaganza is hosted by High Cotton BBQ.

Tickets:

You can listen to music, watch the standup comedy, visit the vendors, all for free. There will be BBQ, drinks, beer and snacks available for purchase. However, you must have a ticket to enter the beer tent.

· Tickets available at:

o Chip’s Wine & Beer Market, MP6 in Kill Devil Hills

o High Cotton BBQ, MP 1 on the “Beach Road”, Kitty Hawk

· Beer Tasting General Session – 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. $30

o Unlimited 2 ounce tastings of more than 100 beers

o Pig Stein tasting glass

· VIP Tasting Session – 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. $50

o One hour in the tasting area with a limited number of people (only 300 VIP tickets available)

o Entry to General Session as well

o Reserve beers not available in general sessions

o Unlimited 2 ounce tastings of more than 100 beers

o Pig Stein tasting glass