OBX Fireworks 2018

Outer Banks Fireworks Shows & Info

If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to the Outer Banks during the 4th of July for Independence Day celebrations you’re in for a great time. The OBX fireworks shows for 2018 will be amazing.

There’ll be four fireworks shows on Wednesday, the 4th of July, up and down the Outer Banks. From Kill Devils Hills at Avalon Pier, down to Hatteras Island off the Avon Pier in the Village of Avon.

Check out the different locations below for information and helpful directions. See our tips for beating the crowds as well.

Avalon Pier Fireworks

Kill Devil Hills NC

The Town of Kill Devil Hills has secured a great fireworks contractor from Pennsylvania to do the honors this year. Admission is of course free, and it’s best to bring a towel and settle on the sand to enjoy the show. Fireworks will begin at dark somewhere just after 9pm.

Nags Head Fishing Pier Fireworks

Nags Head NC

One of the most popular Fireworks displays on the OBX, the Town of Nags Head and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is putting on Nags Head’s July 4th fireworks show. To be close to the action you should arrive early, and use the public beach accesses to find a spot on the beach.

Another great option is to view the fireworks show from Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The park will remain open for those wanting to perch atop the dunes and see fireworks. You’ll be able to catch views of other fireworks shows in the distance too!

Manteo Sound Fireworks

Manteo NC

The Town of Manteo makes July 4th Celebrations an all day affair with tons of family fun. The festivities usually began by 3pm, and everything from live bands to genuine Americana on the downtown Manteo waterfront.

You can even begin your day visiting Island Farm where there’ll be Independence Day themed activities and children will love seeing the farm animals.

Cap the night off with music provided by the 208th Army Band out of Concord NC, and an amazing fireworks display. The pavilion lawn at Roanoke Island Festival Park will host the Army Reserve Band and the fireworks will fire off over the Manteo Sound.

Avon & Hatteras Island Fireworks

Avon NC

Dubbed “Fireworks at the Beach” Avon Fishing Pier will be the spot to enjoy fireworks out on the Cape. Radio Hatteras will broadcast a special Independence Day show on FM 101.5 with patriotic tunes and more.

Bring some towels and put your toes in the sand to enjoy this fireworks show up close, but know that you’ll have good visibility all along the Avon Beachfront.

Parking will be limited so be sure to walk, bike, and/or carpool.

We want everyone to have a fun and safe time enjoying Independence Day celebrations on the 4th of July, so we thought we’d provide some insider info.

Also note that many show’s rain delay date will be July 5th should weather not cooperate on the fourth.

North Carolina prohibits the possession and use of any pyrotechnics that launch or propel into the air and explode or make a sound. Learn more about local policies regarding fireworks and bonfires.

If you’re still reading this and haven’t booked your OBX vacation home to enjoy the holiday there’s still available vacation rentals to choose from.

Check out our vacation rentals as well as last minute specials to get to the Outer Banks and enjoy some summer fun!

TIPS FROM OBX LOCALS FOR WATCHING THE FIREWORKS

Parking spots at beach accesses fill up FAST and once the show is over, it will be awhile before you’ll be able to get out of the parking lot (because of so many pedestrians)
Better to park and walk, the farther away from the beach and the farther you’re willing to walk from your car to the beach, the easier it will be to get your car back on the main highway and to your rental home
Ideally you’ll have booked an oceanside property near one of the shows so you can walk to the beach without having to cross the highway. Better yet, book oceanfront so you don’t have to walk at all
Get their early, set up camp, enjoy the show and relax for an hour or so on the beach afterwards until the crowds clear out.
Don’t blocking driveways beacause you could be towed
Don’t trespass on private property to get to the beach
Don’t fire dangerous fireworks near crowds

Remember to be safe, be patient, and take care of your fellow patriots so we all enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks together.

What You Should Know About Hurricane Season on the Outer Banks

The location and unique geography of the Outer Banks causes hurricanes to potentially be a major threat. The high winds and surges associated with these powerful storms can cause devastating flooding to the area. Hurricane season starts in June and lasts through the end of November but it should not restrict your plans to vacation on the Outer Banks. Educate yourself about what to do in the event of an impending storm.

The peak season for hurricanes in this area is mid-August through September. Knowing that, it would be wise to purchase travelers insurance when you have that option. It’s also important to remain flexible with your plans. While planning a vacation during hurricane season it’s wise to keep an eye on sites like Accuweather.com for seasonal forecasts and to track storm development within a week or two of your trip.

If you’re on vacation during a hurricane watch, contact us about our hurricane preparedness plan. During a hurricane warning, carefully follow the directions of local officials in your area, and immediately leave if they advise it. In the event of an extreme wind warning/advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or higher are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Stan White Realty offers Traveler Interruption Insurance with Red Sky Travel Insurance. Having this coverage will save your investment and possibly your vacation, and also give you peace of mind during such disasters. To purchase the policy, initial in the space provided on your lease agreement.

The fall months on the Outer Banks are the best time of year to visit. Summer crowds have returned home, the weather is comfortable, and the water temp is still enjoyable. Prices also go down during the beginning of the shoulder season. In fact, everything in all aspects is generally cheaper such as dining, shopping and accommodations during this time.

Each year the weather is different, just like anywhere else. It can be a season filled with a bunch of small storms or one large one. Following are some valuable links to check out:

Outer Banks Weather
Red Sky Traveler Interruption Insurance

The National Hurricane Center has the most up-to-date information on hurricane developments, forecasts and weather alerts, discussions analyzing the data and more.

Nags Head Beach Nourishment Postponed Until 2019

Nags Head Beach Nourishment

The town of Nags Head has plans to preserve our precious beaches through a process of beach nourishment beginning in 2019. Also called beach renourishment, the Nags Head beach nourishment project will help control erosion and extend the width of the beach. The project calls for not only dredging sand, but also to help secure the dunes through new fencing and sprigging.

How Is The Nags Head Beach Doing?

You may have heard that the project was to take place in 2018, but a report by The Outer Banks Sentinel sites a review by Coastal Science & Engineering and Nags Head Board of Commissioners. They found that “The Nags Head beach is in pretty good shape still.” They found that 64% of the 2011 nourishment sand still remains, and although there is work to be done, it will be more cost effective in 2019.

The work will begin on the Nags Head beach nourishment project in the spring of 2019 and take place between milepost 11 and milepost 21. For more information and a informational video visit the Dare County NC beach nourishment page.

We’ll update this Outer Banks blog post with updates when work begins on the Nags Head beach nourishment project in the spring of 2019, but until then come visit Nags Head!

Come Visit Nags Head in 2018

The summer of 2018 in the Outer Banks will be free of any construction work on the beaches and an ideal time to head out to Nags Head for a beach vacation. As one of the premier Nags Head vacation rental companies we have a host of great Nags Head rentals still available for summer. Many even have discounts you can use to save even more than our regular great rates. Check out our Outer Banks specials page to browse Outer Banks rentals with discounts for summer 2018.

24th Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open

24th Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open
The 24th anniversary of the popular Hatteras Village Offshore Open is once again the Kick-Off Tournament in the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s Cup Series. The event was inspired and organized by the Hatteras Charter fleet.

Each year the Hatteras Village Civic Association hosts participants from all over the east coast in the quest for Hatteras’ big blue marlin. The rules are very simple. The Island is very welcoming. And the fish are out there. This is your chance to make a difference.

Registration

Entry forms and fees can be mailed ahead of time. On site registration starts at 5 p.m. on May15 at the Hatteras Village Civic Center. All boats fishing the tournament must be registered by 8 p.m. on May15.

Fishing Days

Fishing days are any three out of the four days from Wednesday, May 16 through Saturday, May 19, 2018. The non-fishing day must be reported to one of the official reporting stations listed below prior to 8 a.m. of the day declared a non-fishing day.

Release Forms

All marlin released must be reported on a release form the same day as the fish is released. Release forms must be turned in at the Official Weigh Station at Hatteras Harbor Marina by 6:30 p.m. each day except for the last day when they must be in by 6 p.m.

Awards

Cash prizes and plaques will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in Level 1, and cash prizes for Level 2 which are billfish levels. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place in Level 3. Level 4 is winner take all and a plaque for the largest blue marlin landed as specified in the rules. Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest tuna, dolphin and wahoo weighed in daily in Level 5. Cash prizes will be awarded for the greatest number of daily billfish release points in Level 6. The Hatteras Village Civic Association will retain 15% of the entry fees.

Lay Day Reporting Stations

Oden’s Dock: 252-986-2555
Teach’s Lair: 252-986-2460
Hatteras Harbor Marina: 252-986-2166
Village Marina: 252-986-2522

Lay Day forms must be turned in to and of these marinas by 8 a.m. of the day declared a non-fishing day. Lay Day forms will not be accepted at the Civic Center.

Making Plans for a Beach Wedding on the Outer Banks

If you’re one of the many brides whose heart is set on an outdoor beach wedding you must consider the Outer Banks in North Carolina! When planning a wedding on the Outer Banks we can set you up in the perfect vacation rental homes that will accommodate your entire wedding party.

Making Plans for a Wedding on the Outer Banks

One of the most important factors to consider when planning a wedding outdoors is the weather. Besides the obvious concern over rain, also consider the extreme summer heat and strong winds like the type you’d find during hurricane season. Somewhere between all of these extreme elements of weather are many very beautiful days quite suitable for a beach wedding anywhere on the Outer Banks.

Spring days during March and April are chock full of some beautiful days with a few chilly days with strong winds coming in off the ocean. May, June and early July are probably the best days to have a ocean front wedding before the extreme heat arrives. Keep in mind that hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30 each year. By late September the weather starts to cool off a bit.

Making Plans for a Wedding on the Outer Banks

  Making plans for a wedding on the beaches of the Outer Banks takes time so begin making plans as soon as you can. It will be anyone’s guess what the weather holds for your special day. The best advice is to make your plans for a beach wedding but have an alternate indoor back-up plan too just in case of inclement weather. You’ll have advance warning of that so you can relocate indoors with plenty of time to spare. This way you’re prepared no matter what the weather brings.

At Outer Banks Rentals we have a large assortment of vacation rentals that will be perfect for your visiting guests as well as some cozy properties where you can escape to spend your honeymoon! Browse our website to see our inventory of properties and if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Things To Do When It Rains On Your Vacation

We all hope for perfect weather when we plan a beach vacation but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans for us. If you find it raining during your vacation don’t fret. There are still plenty of things to do to occupy your time. Up and down the coastline of the Outer Banks there’s always something entertaining and even educational going on. Below are a sampling of what you can enjoy in the various parts of the Outer Banks.

Raining on Your Beach Vacation

Northern Towns of Corolla and Duck:

TimBuck II
785 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
TimBuck II is a shopping center located in Corolla North Carolina. It features 60 different shops, restaurants and recreation.

Miss Kitty’s Old Time Photos & Gifts
794 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
Time travel to the past through Miss Kitty’s Old Time Photos in Corolla. With backdrops, accessories and costumes for the Old South, Wild West, Pirates, Civil War, American Indians, Roaring Twenties, Victorian-era and more, you can be transformed into a fantasy figure and leave with an original photo.

Eden Day Spa & Salon
817 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927
An Aveda Concept Salon and Spa that has been creating beauty and cutting edge style since 1996. Eden Day Spa and Salon uses an array of Aveda products that soothe and treat hair and skin. Three Locations one in Corolla, Duck and Currituck North Carolina.

Beach Braids
791 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
This family owned business specializes in styling hair with braids with or without beads, hair wraps, and even henna tattoos. All a perfect beach souvenir. Some of the styles include custom Henna/Jagua tattoos in brown or black, full color temporary tattoos, braiding & cornrows, and even feather extensions. Beach Braids has three locations – Corolla, Duck and Nags Head.

The Town of Duck
1200 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
The Town of Duck has the well-known reputation as one of the best vacation spots on the Outer Banks. Duck has appeared on a number of national best beach lists including Travel Channel’s Best Beach Directory. With a mix of independent businesses and the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk, Duck Village is a perfect rainy day destination.

Aqua Restaurant and Spa
1174 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Aqua Restaurant offers fresh regional cuisine and various cultivated wines. The casual dining in an elegant waterfront setting. Overlooking tranquil waters on the sound front, this is where you’ll find complete peace while on the Outer Banks. The expert attendants use the highest quality organic products to renew and relax you during the treatments while fulfilling your individual needs.

Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head:

Scarborough Lane Shoppes
1171 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
This collection of cool clothing boutiques, restaurants and shops vary from home décor to pet pampering. Stay dry while browsing from store to store under the covered porches that connects the shops.

SeaDragon Gallery
1171 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
SeaDragon Gallery in Duck has a collection of traditional and contemporary handcrafts and fine arts. The gallery is filled with jewelry and works in pottery, glass, metal and wood by local Outer Banks, North Carolina artists and artisans from across the United States. Located in The Waterfront Shops in Duck along the Currituck Sound.

Integration Massage & Bodywork Therapy
2603 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
If the weather is being a little difficult take advantage of this time to pamper yourself. At integration Massage & Bodywork Therapy is available daily in the Kitty Hawk and Nags Head massage studios, as well as mobile massage offered in the comfort of your home or rental cottage.

The Comedy Club of the Outer Banks
1701 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
For a wonderful evening of fun and laughter, don’t miss The Comedy Club of the Outer Banks. The comedy shows are frequently listed as “OBX top 10 Things To Do this Week” for evening entertainment.

Destination Fun
1217 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
This is the Outer Banks only indoor, black light 3-D mini golf and is a great place for family fun indoor activities. Live action laser tag, enclosed bound house play area, and over 60 arcade games, everyone is sure to have a good time.

Jennette’s Pier
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Jennette’s Pier is a state-of-the-art educational center and fishing pier complete with a pier shop, classroom and banquet hall. There are various unique educational programs perfect for indoor experiences.

OBX Bowling Center
200 W Satterfield Landing Rd., Nags Head
A perfect place for full entertainment when it’s raining in paradise. The OBX Bowling Center is the only bowling alley on the Outer Banks. The center has 24 lanes of automatic bumpers, a snack bar/café, a pool hall, and a bar and large game room. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday bowlers can party from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Neon Rock ‘n’ Roll party.

Gallery Row
The Gallery Row Arts District is a unique area in the heart of Nags Head North Carolina, a coastal community surrounded by the beauty of the Outer Banks Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The district was designed by the Town of Nags Head to showcase its fine art galleries, dinning, unique shops, and other cultural heritage ties. Galley Row is located north of Bonnett Street and in between S. Virginia Dare Trail & Rt 158 Bypass.

Manteo City:

Outer Banks Distilling
510 Budleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954
The first “legal” distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Located in historic downtown Manteo. The site offers Kill Devil Rum tastings and tour on site. Kill Devil Rum by the bottle is available at the distillery, local OBX restaurants and ABC stores for purchase. Distillery tours are available Tuesday – Saturday. Must be 21 years or older.

Bianca’s Readings
205 Sir Walter Raleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954
Something different to try on a rainy day is Bianca’s Tarot Cards & Horoscope Readings. Bianca is genuinely able to offer a wide variety of insightful service such as traditional psychic readings, tarot readings, and fend shui. All Readings are private and confidential.

Dare County Arts Council Gallery
300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954
A non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity. Art in every medium and style is offered at the local arts council gallery in downtown Manteo. The arts council has exhibitions that change monthly in the gallery and open every first Friday of the month. Usually two artists are featured.

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
The 68,000 square-foot complex covers all aspects of aquatic life under the surface of the ocean and sound waters bordering the Outer Banks. Experts from the website https://www.ellisclinic.com/medicalrecords/xanax/ found that there are many drugs stimulating the brain. In case of wrong use, they can cause drug intoxication, and in case of regular use- severe addiction. One of these medicines is Xanax (Alprazolam). The aquarium is one of three in the state located along the coastline that were opened to promote appreciation and conversation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

Inspiration for 2018 on the Outer Banks

Perhaps we can offer a little encouragement to join us on the Outer Banks this year with a montage that our friends at Swell Productions filmed for the website.

A Little Inspiration

Has Spring Sprung Early?

It’s getting so nice so early this year it seems like spring is already here. Although we may have a little more cool weather to deal with ahead, it’s these little glimpses of warmth that bring back those memories of summers past.

There’s something magical in the changing of the seasons, a connection between us and the promise of new experiences. Lately, as the sun has lingered longer and longer each evening, and the unseasonably warm days have driven us to enjoy the outdoors, it’s been almost profound how much spring can lead to not only a renewal of life around us, but within us.

We hope you take time to enjoy the premature blooming of ornamental trees, the warmth of a borrowed spring breeze, and feel a sense of renewed spirit to remember those times you went to the edges of the earth to explore and truly live.

Be Inspired You Won’t Regret It

If you’re inspired let us know. Even more importantly plan your own adventure to the OBX this year. All of us at Outer Banks Rentals would love to help with a great rental home to begin with. Browse our best vacation homes and plan your escape to the edge.

Pamper Your Dog with a Getaway Vacation to our Comfortable Pet Friendly Rentals

We know that pets are family members and nobody wants to leave them behind when it’s time for the family vacation. It spoils a vacation in part if you spend time worrying about how they’re doing while you’re away. You won’t have to look far on the Outer Banks to find pet friendly accommodations that welcome animals. At Stan White Realty we have plenty of pet friendly rentals to choose from and you can check them out right here on our website. If you have any questions at all, just give us a call at 800-338-3233.

Pampering Your Dog with a Getaway Vacation

The pet friendly rentals we have come in an assortment of types and sizes. Some are small and cozy while others are large and capable of sleeping more than 12 people. When you vacation with pets it’s important to keep in mind that you are renting a vacation home, so you must treat it even better than you would your own home and that includes Fido, too. To ensure that happens there is usually a non-refundable pet deposit required.

Pet friendly rentals accept well-behaved and non-troublesome animals. Sometimes there are weight restrictions on the size of pet you can bring, while many others have no limits at all. These are details you need to be aware of before you make your reservations.

Pampering Your Dog with a Getaway Vacation
If your pet is accustomed to a special bed or blanket where they sleep, bring it with you. This makes your pet feel at home and comfortable in the new surroundings. Pets know where they are supposed to lie down because they have their familiar items to designate the space that is “theirs.”

Many of our rentals are happy to accommodate your pets. Some will supply animal comforts such as pet beds, bowls, toys and treats to help your pets feel the most comfortable in an unfamiliar home. The area offers plenty of outdoor adventures that your pets can participate in such as hiking, beach walks, and plenty of water sports.

When you’re looking for pet friendly rentals in the Outer Banks area, take a look at what we have to offer at Stan White Realty. We’ve delighted many families and their pets that have stayed with us in the past and always look forward to their return.

Celebrating the Holidays on the Outer Banks

The holidays have arrived and there’s plenty of ways to celebrate while enjoying your stay in any one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals. Choose from among any of the following events and you can’t go wrong!

Winter Lights

WinterLights presented by Southern Bank
Eliizabeth Gardens, 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo
November 25, 2017 – January 20, 2018. 6 to 9 p.m.
Tuesdays to Saturdays in December; Friday and Saturdays in January. (Closed on Dec 24,25, 31 and Jan 1);

Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Price: Adults $11, Youth (ages 6-17) $9, Child (5 and under) $6.WinterLights Season Pass is $17.00 for adults, $14.00 for youth and $11.00 for a child. Extended passes available. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org. Phone: 252-473-3234

The Outer Banks Christmas House – Poulos Family Christmas
Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills
Through December 31, 2017

Featured on The Today Show and HGTV, this Outer Banks tradition is a must-see. This Christmas light spectacular takes 12 weeks to set up and over $3,500 in energy bills every month. Viewing of the Poulos Family Christmas lights is held through December 31st.

New Year In Manteo
New Year in the New World
Downtown Manteo
December 31, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Two of Manteo’s most fun-loving business owners, Tod Clissold of Poor Richard’s and Cory Hemilright of Bluegrass Island, with the sponsorship of the Town of Manteo, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and Southern Bank, are putting together a New Year’s Eve street fair party the likes of which the Outer Banks has never seen. The town is closing the downtown streets so that everybody can gather for live music, family-friendly activities and an early ball drop for the kids. Local food vendors will be on site, and the downtown restaurants and bars will be open late. Topping it off is a full-on fireworks show, the largest in the state, choreographed to music.

All of us at Outer Banks Rentals wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

8 Great Reasons to Take a Spontaneous Vacation Now!

While it’s good to plan ahead, at Stan White Realty & Construction we know how tough that is to do some times. Every now and then we’re surprised with some unexpected down time and at this time of the year it couldn’t be more welcomed! When you need to take some time off and the Outer Banks are calling you, check out the last minute deals and special offers we have on Outer Banks Rentals.

We have 8 properties that are available the week of November 25 that will make you say, “Oh yeaaaaaah.” We get it that you can’t always plan ahead and sometimes it’s just good to be rewarded for being spontaneous…almost as if you planned it that way!

C’mon down, or over, or up, whichever the case may be. Just don’t miss the sweet deals on our last minute accommodations because they won’t last forever!

Give us a call at Stan White Realty at 800-338-3233 or contact us online and we’ll assist you in finding that perfect last minute place to stay on the Outer Banks!