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OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS, NORTH CAROLINA |
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Why Vacation in Outer Banks |
| Vacation rentals in Outer Banks offer a perfect escape on this splendid slice of “Heaven on Earth.” Composed of a string of barrier islands, Outer Banks of North Carolina are peacefully bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and a sequence of wide and shallow sounds, which offer enough opportunities to delve into your favorite water sports and its rich history. |
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Outer Banks Vacation Rental Information |
| The 130 miles of unspoiled coastline offers a variety of oceanfront vacation rentals and beach vacation rental homes. Outer Banks vacation rentals range from beach cottages to golf vacation rental condos and Outer Banks luxury vacation rental homes. Vacation rental houses are available for family groups exclusively, with comfortable 5-bedroom or 6-bedroom sets, offering stay for 12 to 14 |
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vacationers. Outer Banks vacation rental condos or condominiums with 2-bedrooms to 3-bedrooms are also available for single romantic couples and small families.
Most Outer Banks vacation rental properties provide telephones, televisions, and DVDs or VCRs. Elevators, hot tubs, basic cable services, satellite TV and Internet access are provided at many vacation rentals here, however, they cannot be guaranteed. Heated swimming pools and housekeeping services might be available, at some of the Outer banks vacation rentals, for an extra charge. |
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Special Information for Booking Vacation Rentals in Outer Banks |
Most Outer Banks vacation rentals have a minimum one week stay barring three nights stay, which is available during the mid and off seasons. Check-in time at most vacation rentals is between 4 PM - 6 PM, and check out time is latest by 10 AM. Some Outer Banks vacation rentals offer complimentary breakfast for early checkout between 7 AM - 9 PM.
There is a minimum of 30 days advance booking period during the peak summer season. Full vacation rental advance is required 30 days prior to the arrival date. The payment includes administrative fee plus 12% taxes. Outer Banks vacation rentals also charge a mandatory security deposit against damages, clean-up and timely checkout.
Outer Banks is quite a pet-friendly area. A majority of vacation rental homes allow pets. A one time non-refundable pet fee will be charged per pet for the vacation rentals homes that do allow pets. Certain laws such as a leash law and a “pooper scooper” law are strictly enforced, so pet owners must clean up after their pets. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the pet laws of the region that you are going to visit.
Quite a few vacation rental homes in the area are outfitted for the physically challenged and are wheelchair accessible. None of these vacation rentals meets all the ADA standards for the physically disabled; nevertheless, they do have ramps, elevators and/or accessible baths. |
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Must See in Outer Banks |
The Lost Colony at Manteo is a not-to-be-missed site. The symphonic outdoor drama shares a slice of the rich history of the Outer Banks. Get a peek into the area’s rich heritage as you visit Wright Brothers National Memorial, the tribute to the Wright brothers for their contribution to flight. A climb up the tallest lighthouse in the USA, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is also an essential part of your coastal Outer Banks experience.
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Sights and Attractions in Outer Banks |
| Outer Banks lures every visitor with its endless array of sights and attractions. Unique to the region are its lighthouses, each with a distinct history and architecture. The area offers some unique nature parks, state parks and wildlife refuge as well. Of course, once you are at Outer Banks, you can’t think of leaving this place without visiting Wright Brothers National Memorial, which is a memorial to the first flight of Wright brothers.
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Elizabethan Gardens
• Roanoke Island Festival Park
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Currituck Beach Lighthouse
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Jockey's Ridge State Park
• Alligator River Wildlife Refuge |
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Outdoor Recreation in Outer Banks |
| Sandy shores of Outer Banks of North Carolina offer enough activities to keep you on your toes throughout your stay. Be it hunting, bicycling, hang gliding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing or wind surfing, you'll never be bereft of choices once you are at Outer banks.
• Hunting and Fishing
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Wind Surfing and Surfing
• Hang Gliding
• Bicycling | |
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Golfing in Outer Banks |
| Temperate climate and wonderful sunsets over pristine beaches and beautifully manicured championship courses have united to make the Outer Banks a golfer’s haven. Test your golfing skills at The Carolina Club, which is an 18-hole, 7000 yard, par- 72 championship course. Surrounded by 300 acres of superb wetlands Kilmarlic Golf Club, the 18-hole championship course offers picturesque views as well. Located on the rolling dunes of Outer banks is Sea Scape Golf Links, another 18-hole championship golf course. Duck Woods Country Club is a full service club offering golf, tennis, swimming, dining and social activities for people of all ages. |
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Outer Banks Fairs and Festivals |
| The Outer Banks region’s calendar is dotted with several events and festivals throughout the year. The one that holds the prime importance is The Lost Colony Outdoor Symphonic Drama, which is an amazing spectacle and offers you an insight into the area’s 400-years history and mystery.
• The Lost Colony Outdoor Symphonic Drama
• Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
• SilverArts Exhibition
• Rogallo Kite Festival |
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Dining and Nightlife in Outer Banks |
The stunning Outer Banks offers a host of gastronomic delights ranging from BBQ to the freshest of local seafood to Southwestern, Italian and French fares. Choose from a relaxed, friendly atmosphere or an intimate and crisp ambience from over 160 restaurants featuring casual to fine dining.
Some of the most popular restaurants include a funky Southwestern restaurant Chilli Peppers at Kill Devil Hills - a global cuisine with its award-winning BBQ can be enjoyed with some margaritas and live entertainment. Innovative and contemporary preparations by the accomplished chef Ed Daggers can be savored at the family, waterfront bistro, Austin Creek Grill at Hatteras Island.
Savor a wine from a cherished wine list and enjoy live music as you eat unique Roanoke Island Crab Cake, along with other seafood delicacies, at Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant. Sample some authentic flavors of Eastern North Carolina Barbeque with a glass of sweet tea at High Cotton. If dining in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere on freshest of Atlantic seafood is what you want, then 1587 Restaurant is the place for you.
Do as the locals do, raise a toast to a stunning sunset over the roaring waves, or if you happen to be a party animal, there are quite a number of bars and dance floors spread across the islands. You can find lots of action all the way from Corolla to Ocracoke. Bars serve food and liquor until 2 AM.
Famous for hottest live music in Kill Devil Hills, Quagmires Oceanfront Bar & Restaurant offers live entertainment, volleyball, horseshoes and ring toss, along with frozen beverages, margaritas and other alcoholic drinks. The most loved night haunt of Outer Banks, Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern, invites you for dancing to live DJ music on the area’s largest dance floor. Surf-themed, 3-level, log cabin entertainment complex, Pit Surf Shop Boardriders’ Grill, features a host of national live music acts and prominent local music bands, dance DJs and “All Ages” nights. Or, untangle interesting murder mysteries as you enjoy your dinner at the Outer Banks Murder Mystery Theater, LLC.
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Shopping in Outer Banks |
A host of exclusive shops and galleries are concentrated along the shores of Outer Banks. The stores ranging from traditional to local or branded ones sell specialty items as well as souvenirs and small mementoes for tourists such as t-shirts, surf boards, lighthouse replicas, nautical items, jewelry, local photography, Christmas ornaments, artist prints and much more.
Dolphin Watch Gallery is known for its authentic art works, etchings, photographs, jewelry, pottery, metalwork and custom framing and matting. Birthday Suits, the swimsuit specialists – voted “best swimsuit shop on the beach” – offer an excellent variety of beachwear for men and women. Acknowledged by In Store magazine as one of the coolest shops in America, Diamonds ‘n Dunes is a distinctive jewelry store offering contemporary and traditional jewelry. Carrying a feel of a 1950’s general store, the Outer Banks Nut Company is famed for its gourmet nuts, unique, handmade gift items and lots of other goodies. |
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Best Times to Visit Outer Banks |
Outer Banks’ weather is a combination of bright sunny days and gentle ocean breezes. The temperature can get as low as 36° F in winters and as high as 86° F in summers, enjoying a year-round average hovering around 70° F. Summer season offers mild temperatures, ideal for vacationing.
Wind is an everyday occurrence here and ranges from calm southwest breezes to harsh northeast storm winds. However, the weather changes fast here and can be quite unpredictable, as well. Spring is most prone to these weather changes, and is frequented by tropical storms and hurricane.
May through June is the most pleasant weather of the year, when warm summer days are tempered by cool sea breezes. In winters temperatures drop below 40° F, hence making summers the ideal time to visit Outer Banks. Most of the festivals, including The Lost Colony’s “Land of Beginnings Festival,” kite flying competitions, lighthouse tours and even water activities can be enjoyed during these summer months. |
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Time Zone for Outer Banks |
| Eastern Standard Time. |
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Getting To and Around Outer Banks |
Norfolk International Airport in Virginia is the closest major airport. The Outer Banks can be reached by road via highways 168 and 158 and in North Carolina by highway I-64 in 1 ½ hours time. Private and chartered aircrafts can use Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, Currituck County Airport, or Wright Memorial Airstrip in Kill Devil Hills.
The Outer banks can be reached in 3 ½ hours from Richmond, Virginia and in just 5 hours from Washington, D.C. Ferryboats are also available from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to reach Ocracoke Island, via the Hatteras Island.
A four-wheel drive car is a must to sample the true Outer Banks beach experience. Some of the most beautiful sights and spots are only accessible by car. So get behind your wheels and zoom in.
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