Guide To OBX

Experience the ultimate boating retreat at Pirate’s Cove Marina located in Manteo, North Carolina on the beautiful Outer Banks. There is simply no better way to relax and unwind and take in the all the stunning surroundings. 

Pirate’s Cove in the Outer Banks is a full service marina that is positioned as one of the worlds finest and experienced.  The marina consists of 179 slips and a charter dock of 24 sportfish boats.  Offshore fishing will definitely produce some great catches such as black fin tunas, white marlins, and bluefish.  This is definitely the place to have that catch of a lifetime– you might even make it in time to register for one of the six annual Big Game Tournaments. 

In Pirate’s Cove’s mission statement, emphasis is made on the high-quality service provided by the staff.  This will be especially noticeable when team members provide the transients fuel, ice, bait, and anything else that may be needed.  Courtesy vans are also available during hours of operation.  Dockage rates include water, electric, and cable.  No worries if you need access to the internet, it’s available in their shipstore. 

Enjoy all the amenities offered on or off the docks.  On the property, you can find a private lounge, saunas, showers, outdoor Jacuzzi, swimming pool, tennis courts, play ground, and a state of the art fitness center.  Along the docks, there’s an exceptional seafood restaurant, Hurricane Mo’s, with a fantastic view overlooking the marina. You’ll also find Mimi’s Tiki Hut.

Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or a vacationer looking for a good time, you’ll be sure to find it at Pirate’s Cove Marina.  Come alone or bring the family and enjoy all of what the marina has to offer.

Pirate’s Cove Marina is approximately ten miles inside and north of Oregon Inlet via a deepwater, well marked channel. The fixed bridge clearance of the Manteo/Nags Head causeway is 60′ at mean high tide.

More information about Pirate’s Cove Marina:

Pirate’s Cove Marina, 2000 Sailfish Dr Manteo, NC 27954
Toll Free: (800) 367-4728
Tel: (252) 473-3906
Web:  www.fishpiratescove.com

No Comments »

North Carolina takes pride in preserving the natural wonders of their enchanting wildlife such as the wild horses that roam in herds along the shores.   Corolla Wild Horses are one of North Carolina’s most significant historic and cultural resources in the coastal area.   These magnificent horses have survived 400 years of harsh conditions and inadequate vegetation to roam free along the beaches.  Brought here by early explorers, these horses are descendants of Spanish Mustangs.  They are definitely a site not to be missed!

This is a perfect time of the year to view these majestic animals and bring home some memorable photographs.  Off-road tours and jeep rentals allow visitors to see parts of the coastal area of North Carolina that otherwise might not be found.

If you’re interested in exploring the area or seeing the horses with or without a guide, try contacting one of the tour companies listed below:

• Wild Horse Tour- From Mild to Wild
• Wild Horse Safari- A Family Fun Eco-Adventure
• Bob’s Off-Road Wild Horse Adventure Tours-Entertaining Families for over a Decade
• Beach Jeeps of Corolla- Off Road-Escapade
• Corolla Outback Adventures- Riding Retro

Visit each site for more information such as pricing and reservations.  In season these tours book fast so make sure to make a reservation early.  Prices in previous seasons have started around $30/person for a guided tour and more for your own rental vehicle. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magnificent wild horses frolicking along the coast.  Have an incredible time exploring the habitat of nature North Carolina’s preserved wildlife!!

1 Comment »

Take a walk through history in the special gardens that commemorate the first English colonists who came to North America in 1584-1587. The Elizabethan Gardens, off the shores of Roanoke Island, is located on the same site which the colonists first landed. Take pleasure in one of the finest examples of gardens of this period and the exquisite antique statuary located on the premises.

By walking through the garden, created by the Garden Club of North Carolina, you will quickly learn why this spot has been featured in many landscape books and calendars. Do not fret if you cannot make it to this destination during the spring as it is open 7 days a week year round.

Each season brings in a colorful, fresh and invigorating array of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Garden highlights include:

• The thatched roof, 16th century-style gazebo that overlooks Roanoke Sound
• A marble statue of Virginia Dare carved in Italy by Maria Louisa Lander
• The ancient live oak thought to be more than 400 years old
• The Sunken Garden with an antique Italian fountain as its central focal point
• The Shakespearean Herb Garden
• The Queen’s Rose Garden featuring pierced brick walls and The Queen Elizabeth Rose which was given to The Elizabethan Gardens by Queen Elizabeth II
• The world’s largest bronze statue of HRH Queen Elizabeth I

The environment of this 16th century pleasure garden is especially enchanting while partaking in programs and events hosted by The Elizabethan Gardens such as their Easter egg hunt and Mother’s Day event. You can also relive history through their plays and cultural events. The Elizabethan Gardens also provides an excellent venue for wedding receptions, family gatherings, educational workshops, meetings or other special events.

Plan a visit to tour the majestic garden with its plethora of beautiful flowering plants, wildflowers, shrubs and trees located at the historic site of The Lost Colony. Check out their website to take a virtual tour and obtain general information at www.elizabethangardens.org.

Contact Information:
The Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-3234

No Comments »

If you are a lover of nature and all its glory, Jockey’s Ridge State Park may be the spot for you. This park is known for the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States located in Nags Head.This is definitely one of the most significant landmarks on the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a place where anyone can relax and cut loose. If walking the sandy dunes isn’t on your agenda, take a stroll along the 384-boardwalk. Enjoy the spectacular view from the tree-lined walkway while reading the panels that describe the various plants and animals found around the dunes. Take a seat on the bench and rest your feet while you overlook your family and other visitors playing on the dunes. Also, with a 24-hour prior notice, transportation to the top of the dune may be available.

You can enjoy all the commodities of the Jockey’s Ridge State Park year round. If you plan on walking the dunes, plan accordingly, the sand is usually 25 to 30 degrees higher than the air temperature. If you find the need to explore, enjoy the self-guided trails such as the Soundside Natural Trail and the Tracks in the Sand.

Experience the world of the desert with its shifting sands and high winds comparable to the Sahara Desert. Take your visit to new heights by flying the same skies as the world’s most famous pilots such as Orville and Wilbur Wright. Fly a kite in the sky or better yet you can hang high in the sky by hang gliding. Take advantage of what nature has to offer by working on your tan or even sandboarding and kiteboarding in selected areas.

Let your inner student learn all about the history and cultural of Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks at the park’s exhibit hall. Here you will learn how and what the dunes are made from. You can also discovery the history where the names “Kill Devil Hills”, “Nags Head”, and other legends such as Blackbeard’s treasure originated. There are also special programs available for students and educators.

Anyone can enjoy Jockey’s Ridge State Park with its wide range of recreational activities. Where else can you learn about history, enjoy a breathtaking view, have a picnic, partake in some extreme sports, or simply take a hike—for free? Contact the park’s office for more details such as required permits and park hours at (252)441-7132.

Contact Information:
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959
http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/
252-441-7132

2 Comments »

If you are searching for some old fashion fun and entertainment for the entire family, check out the Outer Banks Daredevils. This local baseball team is definitely a reason baseball remains America’s favorite pastime.

The active baseball league, located in the Outer Banks, is a member of the Coastal Plain League. This team is supported by those far and near, by volunteers and sponsors, who go as far as to open their home so a player may have a place to stay during the season.

This team is as traditional as a home baked apple pie with each home game played at the First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Fans are always welcomed to come out and meet the players and walk away with an autograph from one or all of the Daredevils. Who knows, you may even encounter a future MLB player as they are known to have 15 players who have been drafted to play in the pros within the past two years!

Don’t expect to dig deep in your pocket to enjoy a great baseball game. The Outer Banks Daredevils offer affordable ticket prices and special group rates, with individual tickets starting at $5. Take advantage of the discounts if you are a senior citizen or student, plus if you have a child who is under the age of five, they are free.

There’s entertainment for the entire family. Cheer on the team with “Homer” the wild pony mascot and bring out your kid at heart. Also, if you want to share the “hometown” experience with others, the Daredevils can host your summertime fun events such as birthday parties or corporate outings. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the game with a bite to eat from their concession stand.

With less than 70 days left until opening night, you have plenty of time to plan for a priceless night of memories. You can purchase your tickets at the gate or pay for them advance online. Visit their website at www.obxdaredevils.com for more information.

Contact information:
111 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
252-202-1842

No Comments »

What To Do At The Outer Banks During Bad Weather

I have been at the Outer Banks about the same time frame in May for the last two years – about the second or third week of May, and both times it has been junky weather. There has not been much of any sun, the wind is blowing like crazy, and the rain seems to keep coming.

So, when you are vacationing in a spot where the beach truly is the main attraction, what else is there to do when you can’t go to the beach? Here are some ideas to help you make it through your vacation and not think that you picked the worst week to come to the Outer Banks. Of course, these depend on the different weather conditions you may be having – rain, overcast, windy, cold, etc.

• Mini Golf – probably the most obvious and easiest one to check off your list while on vacation. As soon as your cross onto the Island, you are hit with a ton of different options to play mini golf at. There is the grass mini golf course, the lost treasure course, and even the courses where you can play all day for one low price. No matter which course you choose, you should have a good time – remember you are on vacation, so do not take the game too seriously. Here is a recent listing of the mini-golf courses on the Outer Banks, including their phone number and location:

Miniature Golf Courses
(252) 261-4900 – The Promenade (Kitty Hawk)
(252) 261-0101 – Bermuda Greens (Kitty Hawk)
(252) 441-7626 – The Grass Course (Kitty Hawk) (252) 480-0142 – Lost Treasure Golf (Kill Devil Hills)
(252) 441-5875 – Pink Elephant Mini Golf (Nags Head)
(252) 441-4541 – Blackbeard’s Miniature Golf Park (Nags Head)
(252) 441-6841 – Jurassic Putt (Nags Head)
(252) 995-5480 – Avon Golf (Avon)
(252) 995-6366 – Cool Wave Ice Cream Shop & Mini Golf (Buxton)
(252) 453-4198 – The Grass Course (Corolla)

• Go To The Movies – now, do not think that you will be the only family there. As soon as the clouds come out and the rain starts, the movie theatre gets lined up. Being the only theatre now, it will be busy, so either buy your tickets online at Fandango or get there early. You can call the theatre for movie times or check them online. Since it is now the only theatre, they are featuring the newest movies that come out, so go enjoy the show and some popcorn.

• Wright Brothers Memorial Monument and Museums – If you are a history buff or just interested in doing some of the “touristy” things and seeing the sights, check out the Wright Brothers Memorial. Ever since the centennial celebration, they have added a bunch of newer museums and exhibits. The current price is $4/person but for many, it is worth it. Make the climb up to the monument and get some great pictures with the kids where the first flight took place! For more information about fees and hours, visit the National Park Website for the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

• Hit the Outlet Mall – OBX does not have a lot of chain/commercial shopping, but a lot of smaller boutique type stores. So, if you don’t want to drive from store to store (even though they are not that far apart), you can always make your way to the Outlet mall. The mall features many of the favorites and usuals that you would expect at any Outlet mall include Polo, Nautica, Coach, Bass shoes, and much more. This is definitely a spot where you could spend a bit of a cloudy afternoon getting in some retail therapy! Check out the Tanger Outlets website for hours and a full list of stores: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/nagshead

• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – If you are a fan of the beach, the ocean, and animals, then you and your family should make your way to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The Aquarium is the largest in the state and features a 285,000 gallon ocean tank complete with sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of fish. The Outer Banks Aquarium is located on Airport Road just three miles north of Manteo off of Highway 64. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and feedings happen around 3 PM. For more detailed information, you can visit their website: http://www.ncaquariums.com/ri/riindex.htm
  

What do you like to do when it is bad weather along OBX? We will be posting more ideas for cloudy day fun as the summer goes along! Also, be on the lookout for more restaurant reviews and other things to do.

1 Comment »

Even though there may not seem like there is a lot to do on a chain of islands, there really is a lot to do and see. Hopefully this site will give you some more options or ideas while you are on your vacation and in case you get a rainy day while staying in OBX.

Places we will highlight include:

• Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Sand Dunes
• Hatteras Island Light House
• Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
• Different Mini Golf Courses
• Kitty Hawk Kites shopping complex
• Duck and Corolla
• Ocracoke

And of course much more! Keep a look out for it coming soon.

No Comments »