4th of July Events Happening on the Outer Banks

It’s hard to believe that the 4^th of July is almost here, and we know that many families love to vacation at the beach during that week. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation homes will keep you close to where the fun and action will be happening all around the island. We promise you that there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy on your next vacation. Let’s take a look at some of the fun happenings around the Outer Banks this year for this fun holiday.

4^th of July Concert on the Pavilion

If your family is staying close to Manteo, then you won’t want to miss the July 4^th Concert on the Pavilion. This concert is held at the Roanoke Island Festival Park and is a free event to attend. Here you will be able to listen to the 208^th Army Reserve Band play some patriotic tunes as a family. After the concert is over, sit back, relax and enjoy the fireworks show that will begin at dusk. The gates will open at 6:00 pm and the concert will begin at 8:00 pm. What a great way to enjoy the 4^th of July together as a family.

14^th Annual Town of Duck 4^th of July Parade

Nothing says 4^th of July than watching the 14^th Annual Town of Duck 4^th of July Parade beginning at 9:00 am. This will start on Scarborough Lane and end on Christopher Drive in Duck so be sure to arrive early for a good viewing. After the parade head over to the Duck Town Park for some more fun for the day. Here you will be able to enjoy some live music, refreshments and even get to see the winners of the parade. Don’t miss out seeing this parade with the family as it’s fun for everyone.

Firework Displays

There will be many different fireworks displays along the Outer Banks. This year you can choose where you will be able to see them depending on where you are staying.

Nags Head

If you are staying in Nags Head, then we can suggest you head over to the Ocean Pier around Mile Marker 11.5. There will be parking at and near the fireworks display site if you choose to drive over. Another good spot is Jockey’s Ridge State Park where you can see the fireworks display and you can also see other local fireworks displays in the distance.

Corolla

The fireworks display for the town of Corolla will be held at the Whalehead Club this year. There will be the 26^th Annual Festival of Fireworks at this Historic Corolla Park that you don’t want to miss either. From 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, your family can enjoy a day of celebration of family fun including a cornhole tournament, a watermelon eating contest and more. Following the fun at the Whalehead Club, you will be able to see a beautiful firework display in the sky.

Kill Devil Hills

The Town of Kill Devil Hills will be having a celebration that ends with a bang. Beginning at 8:00 pm, your family can head over to the Avalon Pier where you can watch a firework show you’ve never seen before. This year they will be having an award-winning fireworks company come in and present the show. While you can’t watch the fireworks from the pier, you will be able to view them on the beach. So be sure to bring a towel, blanket or beach chair and sit back to enjoy them.

While there are many other fun activities and firework displays around the Outer Banks, these are the few we thought you would enjoy. If you are still looking for an Outer Banks vacation rental for your 4^th of July vacation, we can help you. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe 4^th of July!

What You Need to Know About Sea Turtle Nesting Season on the Outer Banks

May is here and so is the start of sea turtle nesting season here on the Outer Banks. Each year hundreds of sea turtles come our beaches during late spring to make their nests for their eggs. When you stay in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals, you may have the opportunity to see a nest or two. Let’s look at what you and your family need to know about sea turtle nesting season here on the Outer Banks below.

When Does the Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begin?

Many visitors and locals love this time of the year not only for the warmer weather but also in hopes to see a nest or a sea turtle. Starting on May 1^st every year is the beginning of the most magical times on the North Carolina coast. This is the start of the sea turtle nesting season and it’s something you don’t want to miss while on vacation. During the night is when you might have the opportunity to see a turtle come to the shore and lay their eggs in their nests they have built. All along the Outer Banks is where you will find most of their nests and eggs. Sea Turtle nesting season doesn’t end until the beginning of September here, so while you are on vacation during the summer, know that it’s sea turtle nesting season.

Help Protect our Sea Turtles on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks takes protecting our sea turtles very serious as they have made their home on our beautiful shoreline. There are several hundred local volunteers who check the beaches every morning in search for a new nest that had been built the night before. These nests are all marked with rope, posts and a sign showing the number of the nest. The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T) monitors each nest for the safety of the eggs and hatchlings and also for the vacation goers. Here are a few rules to follow while you and your family are vacationing on the Outer Banks during sea turtle nesting season:

Please keep your distance from any of the nests,
turtles or eggs.
Do not disturb the nests, posts or ropes that
are around each nest. Having these items helps protect each nest and the
hatchlings.
Please don’t use a flashlight or leave the lights
on outside your Oceanfront vacation rental. The turtles do use the moonlight to
help guide them back to the ocean and any other lights will disorientate them.
Clean up after your day at the beach by bringing
back your beach chairs, umbrellas and toys to your vacation rental.
Please keep our beaches clean from any trash or
plastic on the days you spend on the beach. We like to keep our beaches free of
trash to help with the new hatchlings as much as we can.
If you happen to see a mother who is in
distress, injured or find any unmarked nests, please contact N.E.S.T. today at 252-441-8622.

While there are many other things that you can do to help protect the nests and hatchlings while on vacation, these are the most important ones we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t made your family vacation reservations, check out our Oceanfront vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you on your next vacation to the Outer Banks this summer!

What to Pack in your Beach Bag

Do you have a spring break vacation planned to the Outer Banks this year? If the answer is yes, then we understand that spending the week sitting on the beach soaking up the rays is just what you need. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will keep you close to the beach but having the right things in your beach bag will allow you to enjoy your vacation. We have compiled a small list of what to pack in your beach bag for your next vacation to the Outer Banks below.

Beach Bag Items

Beach Towels

When you are on vacation making sure you have packed everything before you leave home is essential. So be sure to pack a towel for everyone in your family whether you are going to sit in the sun or swim in the ocean. Bringing an extra towel with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones with you. Allow each member in the family to pick out their own beach towel as most likely they will have a different design on it. This can help keep up with whose towel is whose without a meltdown on the beach for someone grabbing the others towel.

Sunscreen

With the hot, southern sun sunscreen is a must for any beach bag. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists suggests that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. And don’t forget to Reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation the very first day your here with a sunburn. If you happen to get a little more sun than you expected be sure to pack a bottle of aloe vera. To help cool the sunburn a little more, place the bottle of Aloe in the fridge and it will help soothe the burn a little better.

Sand Toys Bag

Anytime you go on vacation with kids, you have to bring a ton of sand toys with you. We understand bringing sand back with you into your vacation rental is not necessary and can be quite a hassle. So, if you pack a mesh bag such as a laundry bag or a bag specifically for beach toys can help eliminate the mess. Just throw the sandy toys into the bag, give it a good shake or two and leave the sand behind at the beach.

Hats & Sunglasses

Both sunglasses and hats can be very useful for anyone who visits the beach. The sun is much hotter than it is in the north, so we want to make sure that your eyes and face are protected. Having sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun bright rays and will offer you some relief when trying to keep an eye on your little ones playing. Whether you have a floppy hot or a baseball cap, you will be happy that you brought these along with you. Don’t forget to pack one for everyone in the family.

Sand-Free Hack

This is one item that you may not have thought about, but it is a must whenever you visit the beach. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a nice scent too. This is perfect for everyone in the family and not just the kids.

Reading Material

One way that you can improve your tan and your mood is by bringing a book or magazine to the beach. We understand that bringing your children to the beach means less time to read a book, but maybe bring a few of their books too. This way when you are ready to read a little, have them come play in the sand near where you are or have them sit under the umbrella and read a little bit of their own book.

There are many other things that you can pack into your beach bag, but these are the must have items for your next vacation. If you haven’t made your reservations for your vacation, then check out our Oceanfront vacation rentals today. We can’t wait for your family to come and vacation with us!

4th of July Concert on the Pavilion

14th Annual Town of Duck 4th of July Parade