Manteo is a charming town located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Here, you’ll find a variety of historical sites to explore, unique shops to browse, and a waterfront that is perfect for a day spent outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a new place to explore or are just looking for some ideas on what to do in Manteo, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this delightful town!

One of the first things you’ll want to do in Manteo is explore some of the historical sites. The Lost Colony which commemorates the first English settlement in America is a great place to start. You can also visit the Elizabethan Gardens, which are beautiful in any season. If you’re interested in learning more about the area’s history, be sure to check out the Outer Banks History Center.

When you’re ready to do some shopping, you’ll find plenty of options in Manteo. The Island Farm is a great place to find local produce and handmade goods. If you’re looking for something unique to take home with you, be sure to stop by one of the many art galleries in town. You’ll find everything from paintings to pottery to jewelry. The Lost Colony Brewery is always a hotspot for taking a break from shopping.

No visit to Manteo would be complete without spending some time on the water. The waterfront is perfect for fishing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Whichever activity you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your time spent on the water in Manteo!

So, whether you’re looking for a place to learn about history, do some shopping, or just enjoy the outdoors, Manteo is the perfect destination for you. Be sure to add it to your list of places to visit!

Have you ever been to Manteo? What are some of your favorite things to do in this charming town? Let us know in the comments below!

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.

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.

A new land mass known by the name of Shelly Island began forming first as a sandbank around April 2017. The island is located off of the tip of Cape Point in Buxton, North Carolina. The crescent shaped island measures one mile long and more than 500 ft. wide. Although all parts of the island are constantly changing. The amount of sand that moves past the Outer Banks may be the largest in the world. The OBX is known for rapidly shifting sands, thanks to high-energy wind and waves. Small landmasses frequently appear and vanish in this area, but Shelly Island is notable for its size and speed with which it was formed. It’s not out of the ordinary for patches of ground to appear and then suddenly ease off. This is caused from the mixing of the cold water of the Labrador Current crashing into the warm Gulf Stream waters. This area of water is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic due its shallow region of harsh winds, hidden sandbanks and swirling tides.

Photo credit: National Geographic

It was nicknamed Shelly Island by locals because of the vast quantities of shells that are found on the shore. The discovery of the new island is drumming up a great deal of attention, but experts warn that it’s surrounded by dangerous currents. National Park Service officials have issued warnings about trying to swim or walk across the channel. There has been reports of sand tiger sharks and oceanic manta rays that were brought into the channel by the fast moving waters that separate the island from the rest of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

NASA recently released images that show the formation of Shelly Island.

Photo credit: Myfox8.com

Shelly Island could be gone with the next storm, or could get bigger for a while longer, but only be for a short period of time. Stanley Riggs, a retired geology professor and author who has written books about North Carolina’s coast says “Nothing here becomes a fixture. Nothing is the same from one hour to the next. There’s no such thing as normal.” The next hurricane that comes along could blow the island back into the Atlantic as quickly as it appeared.

A truly unique find among North Carolina water parks, H2OBX brings the best of the Outer Banks’ storied past together with its vibrant present! This brand new world-class waterpark is themed from classic North Carolina beach architecture with splashes of the rich history of the Outer Banks. H2OBX Waterpark is sure to top the list of best family activities on the Outer Banks. Opening summer 2017!

Explore more than 30 rides, slides and attractions at the newest outdoor waterpark on the Outer Banks. A few rides include Flow Rider surf & boogie board ride, Lounge-worthy Adventure River, Wave Pools, Challenge Lagoon, And so much more!

If relaxation is more your speed, H2OBX also features resort-style amenities. Friends and Family can experience inspired shopping and dining options while taking in the stunning views of the Outer Banks. If it’s either wild family fun you want or upscale resort getaway, H2OBX is the place to be on the Outer Banks this summer 2017.

To increase the action and excitement, H2OBX will limit ticket sales every day to ensure a guest experience like you’ve never had before. Stan White Realty has partnered with H2OBX to offer our guests exclusive access to advanced ticket sales as well as discounted pricing.  Book today for the opportunity to purchase your tickets for your 2017 Outer Banks vacation.

For more information about the park, visit H2OBXWaterpark.com

H2OBX Waterpark
8526 Caratoke HWY
Powells Point, NC 27966
252-491-3000
Email: info@h2obxwaterpark.com

The grand opening of Dowdy Park is scheduled to take place on May 13th, 2017.  Dowdy Park is located in the northern portion of the town of Nags Head and sits on five acres of land formerly occupied by Dowdy Amusement Park.

The park will provide needed community gathering and recreational space to all residents of the Outer Banks.  It will include a play area inclusive for all ages and needs with an integration of art play elements and educational components for hands on learning.

The park will also feature garden areas and bike racks, and there is even an event plaza and pavilion along with the multi-use turf area.  This is designed for hosting events and activities such as concerts, performance, art shows, craftsman’s fair, outdoor classroom space for educational programs, and other community social gatherings.

Dowdy’s Amusement Park was opened in 1962 by Joe Dowdy.  The park was a feature attraction in the area for over 40 years.  Many locals and visitors alike have fond memories of summer vacations enjoying the old Dowdy Park.  The town anticipates the re-purpose of the site and hopes that Dowdy Park will help create new memories for upcoming generations.

Visit the Town of Nags Head website for the project timeline, updates and a schematic design.

2017 Beach Nourishment

The Outer Banks will be undergoing additional beach nourishment this year in the towns of Duck, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Beach nourishment is a process by which sediment (sand) lost through long shore drift or erosion is replaced from sources outside of the eroding beach. The purpose of the project is to help widen our existing beaches. The project will include pumping sand from the ocean floor onto the beach to build up the eroded areas. The widened shoreline provides defense from coastal storms and protects our community, particularly properties along the shoreline, from beach erosion.

DUCK – 1.7 miles of shoreline will be replenished, beginning north of the Army Corps of Engineers and expanding to just north of Oyster Catcher Lane. This will take place from April through June 2017

KITTY HAWK – The proposed project area is 3.58 miles of shoreline, which will span from the town’s northern border with Southern Shores down to southern border with Kill Devil Hills. It is expected to take place from June through August 2017.

KILL DEVIL HILLS – The project will span to almost 2.6 miles, beginning at the northern border with Kitty Hawk and ending south of Prospect Avenue. This will take place from August through October 2017.

The beaches will remain open but access to certain areas will be restricted during the construction phase. Please keep in mind that these are preliminary schedules and are subject to change. The contractor for the project is Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company (GLDD).

For schedule updates and more information about Beach Nourishment,  visit http://morebeachtolove.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE OBX

We asked our staff here at Stan White Realty & Construction what were some of the most commonly asked questions they are being asked while they help you plan your Outer Banks vacation.

Please feel free to call one of our reservationist if you have any other questions we didn’t answer in this blog post.

We would be more than happy to help!

#1-800-338-3233 or email us at info@outerbanksrentals.com

Q: What is the difference in all of the various home locations?

A: We have properties located in all different areas of the islands all the way from the towns Corolla to South Nags Head.

Location Descriptions

Q: How do I get to your offices?

A: We have three office locations

Corolla Office
812 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927
#1-800-753-6200

Duck Office
1232 Duck Road
Duck, NC 27949
1-800-992-2976

Nags Head Office
2506 S. Croatan Hwy
Nags Head, NC 27959
1-800-338-3233

Stan White Realty Offices

Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish?

A: A Coastal recreational Fishing License is required on the Outer Banks. Children under 16 are exempt. An individual doesn’t need a license for charter boat and pier fishing. Both are covered by a blanket license.

Q: Where can I buy a fishing license?

A: At a local bait and tackle shop and at any of the piers.

TW’s Bait & Tackle
Stop N Shop – fising tackle
Nags Head Fishing Pier
Jennette’s Pier

Q: Are fires allowed on the beach?

A: Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills – No

Nags Head and South Nags Head – yes with a permit.

Beach Pit Fire Information

Q: Should I worry about traffic traveling to the OBX?

A: Yes. When traveling to the OBX in the summer season (June through August) plan ahead for traffic delays across the Wright Memorial Bridge and Highway 12 north through Duck during the early morning and afternoon on the weekends. To avoid this traffic take alternate routes like Highway 64 over Roanoke Island. Or try arriving earlier in the day or late evening.

Q: What are the leash laws for dogs?

A: Corolla and Duck is all year round with a leash. Southern Shores is before 9a.m. and after 6p.m. Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk are with a leash. Nags Head is year round with a leash.

Q: Where can I launch my personal boat on the OBX?

A: Kitty Hawk – Kitty Hawk Boat Ramp and Hand Launch

West Kitty Hawk Road and Bob Perry Road
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Q: What does express check-in involve?

A: During the summer at the Nags Head office our staff provides Express Check-in. This is set up in the parking lot and allows guests to quickly and easily drive thru the outdoor check-in without having the leave their car. The purpose of Express Check-in is to shorten the check-in process and get you to your OBX rental home and on vacation sooner.

Express Check-in

Q: Do you offer travel insurance on my vacation?

A: We do offer travel insurance through an outside company, Red Sky Travel Insurance. We encourage all of our guests to purchase the Travel Interruption Insurance with their Outer Banks vacation rental by including this policy with your reservation. To purchase the policy, initial in the space reservation on your lease agreement. To decline just leave the space blank and it will be deducted from your total.

Red Sky Travel Insurance

Q: Where can I go in case of an emergency?

A: Need care and relief for a minor injury, ache or pain during your stay on the Outer Banks? Or maybe even your pet needs some emergency care. Here is a list of urgent care centers.

Sentara Urgent Care
The Outer Banks Hospital Urgent Care Center

For your furry friends:

Martin’s Point Veterinarian Hospital
Animal Hospital of Nags Head
Coastal Animal Hospital