Tag Archives: Hatteras Island Vacation

03/24/22

Top Outer Banks Beach Vacations

Some of the finest vacation beaches are in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and Ocracoke and Buxton were ranked as two of the top ten beaches in the USA! Dr. Beaches, aka Dr. Stephen Leatherman, is a coastal research specialist. He’s been compiling this list every year since 1991. He compares more than 650 beaches, and his choices are based on water and sand quality plus 50 other criteria. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach and Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach are consistently in his top ten. We understand why.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is a haven that can only be reached by sea. Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will find lifeguards present during the season. Whatever time of year you choose to go, you will find beaches that are pristine, wild, uncrowded, and clean.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

The nights are clear and made for stargazing. Obtain a permit from the National Park Service, and you can build a bonfire on the beach. While there, visit Ocracoke’s lighthouse. With five-foot thick walls at its base, it is a sold beauty and the second oldest lighthouse in the nation.

Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach on Hatteras Island is another experience. This stretch of beach attracts surfers and other ocean sports aficionados. The same energy that creates superb surf carries seashells to the shore; it is a joy for beachcombers. Rent a boogie board or a surfboard. Go to nearby Kite Point, Canadian Hole, or Cape Point for windsurfing, kiteboarding, or surf fishing. Or, simply spread your towel on the beach, get into your chaise, pull out a good book, and marvel at the power of the ocean.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse towers over beach dunes near Buxton, North Carolina, US

This is the perfect time to plan your beach getaway. The Outer Banks is made for honeymoons, romantic escapes, or a friends and family vacation. The top-rated beaches of Buxton and Ocracoke have unparalleled appeal. Make plans for your dream beach vacation today! 

08/13/14

Behind the Scenes: Capturing a day on Hatteras Island

Photographer Ryan Moser Captures the Hatteras Island Sunrise

Photographer Ryan Moser Captures the Hatteras Island Sunrise

When given the opportunity to fill two beautiful full-color pages of Outer Banks This Week’s summer magazine – we knew right away what to do – feature our charming island to give people a glimpse into a day in the life of a Hatteras Island vacation.

But how could we possibly show the depth of character of the island and include all that there is to do on a vacation here in just a day? All we could do was try – and so we ventured out one beautiful June morning to do our best to capture one real life Hatteras Island vacation day from dawn until dusk. Click here to take a look at the magazine spread! (page 12-13)

If you’ve been here, you might guess that we came back with more footage than we could ever fit in the space – and we barely scratched the surface as far as all you can do here!

Hatteras Island’s villages are full of real people and authentic places each with a unique and incredible story. Talk with someone long enough you’ll find that each story gives way to a dozen more. That’s the beauty of it – you can come down every year for 50 years and discover something new each time.

Take a look at some of the images we couldn’t fit between the pages, below:

Miles of pristine seashore make the perfect place for a morning stroll.

Miles of pristine seashore make the perfect place for a morning stroll.

You can always find a steady stream of locals and visitors walking, biking or driving to the Orange Blossom for coffee and breakfast every morning in Buxton.

You’ll always find a steady stream of locals and visitors walking, biking or driving to the Orange Blossom for coffee and breakfast every morning in Buxton.

Even a deer made an appearance on the new paved pathway along the road.

This deer made an appearance on the new 4 mile pedestrian pathway in Avon.

A must-stop on any visit, Buxton Books was featured in this same issue.

A must-stop on any visit, Buxton Books was featured in this same issue.

Ray from Michigan was enjoying the morning watching the waves while he fished.

Ray from Michigan was enjoying the morning watching the waves while he fished.

Hatteras Island has some of the very best surf on the East Coast.

Hatteras Island has some of the very best surf on the East Coast.

Some of our beaches are even accessible with a 4wd vehicle!

With a beach driving permit from the Park Service, you can discover your own “secret spot”

Our photographer wasn't afraid to get wet to get the right shot!

Our photographer wasn’t afraid to get wet to capture the action.

Splash! Ellisa from Koru Village leads the group Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Splash! Ellisa from Koru Village makes Stand up Paddleboarding fun.

Stopped for an incredible lunch at the new Pangea Tavern in Avon.

We stopped into the new Pangea Tavern in Avon for an incredible lunch.

We caught Beth watering the flowers on the gracious front porch of Kinnakeet Clayworks in Avon.

Then caught Beth watering the flowers on the gracious front porch of Kinnakeet Clay Works in Avon.

The Avon Pier - fishing fun for the whole family.

The Avon Pier – a great place to fish or just sight see.

Sandcastles and Snacks - highlights for the little ones.

Sandcastles and snacks – this family loves both at the beach.

No visit is complete without a trip to "America's Lighthouse"

No visit is complete without a trip to “America’s Lighthouse”

We are grateful the Zeman family welcomed us in to their beach house to capture their vacation.

The Zeman family welcomed us in to their beach house to share their evening.

No matter that he is from Colorado, Drew quickly became a crab cracking expert!

No matter that he is from Colorado, Drew quickly became a crab cracking expert!

Abby was a little skeptical of all the seafood but she thought the hushpuppies and corn were great!

Abby was a little skeptical of all the seafood but she thought the hushpuppies and corn were just right.

Just a little after dinner square dancing on the oceanfront deck.

Time for a little after dinner dancing on the oceanfront deck

And just like that, the sun was setting on our beautiful Hatteras Island day.

And just like that, the sun was setting on our beautiful Hatteras Island day.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t end here! There’s all this and so very much more waiting here for your next vacation. Do you love Hatteras Island as much as we do? Click the link at the bottom of our homepage to easily join our e-club for Hatteras Island updates, news, events and vacation rental specials.

 

 

07/19/14

Check In Day Activities

Hooray!

We know, you’ve waited ALL YEAR for your Hatteras Island vacation and you just can’t wait to get it started. Here are some fun check-in day events and activities that let your vacation begin the moment you hit the Outer Banks.

SUBU Saturdays (Show up and Blow Up) at Watermen’s Bar & Grill in Waves. With live music from 12-3, outdoor dining, and a giant lawn with plenty of room to stretch out after a long drive and let the kids run off some energy, this is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and kick-off your Hatteras Island vacation. Did we mention the food and drinks they serve are amazing? They have a full service coffee bar and strive to use only the very freshest local and regional ingredients.

Welcome Party at the Wreck – just outside the Hatteras Landing Marina. Every Saturday from 12:30 – 4:00, the Wreck hosts a free and family friendly event with Live music, drink specials at the tiki bar and great food.

You can also always hit the beach – the Salvo Day Use Area has showers and bathrooms and shallow waters perfect for wading, and launching a kayak, stand up paddleboard or sailboat. Or spend the day fishing and hanging out at the Rodanthe or Avon piers. Both have parking and refreshments – the Avon Pier has showers and the Rodanthe Pier has a fun oceanfront arcade.

Speaking of watersports, there are a number of places you can rent equipment. Try our friends at Rodanthe Campground and Watersports right on the sound (next to Lisa’s Pizza) where you can enjoy a captained sail, take a sailing lesson or even take out a 16′ Hobie Cat if you know what you’re doing. They also rent jet skis, wave runners, kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Mention we sent you and you might just get a discount on your rental.

Day Trips are another fun option. Start your vacation with a ferry ride to Ocracoke and spend the day strolling the village shops and restaurants or rent bikes to see the town. Or take time to check out Manteo – visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, the reasonably priced North Carolina Aquarium with it’s fantastic new Sea Turtle Exhibit or go to Island Farm where you are invited to participate in living history, Roanoke Island circa 1800, complete with live oxen and century old house, barns and outbuildings you are invited to walk (and climb) through.

Try a pottery or beading class at one of our local coffee shops/art studios, do some shopping, or enjoy a late lunch / early dinner at one of our great island restaurants.

Whatever you decide to do, we’re so glad you’re here to spend an entire week on Island Time.

Watermen's Bar and Grill behind REAL watersports has plenty of room for everyone.

Watermen’s Bar and Grill behind REAL watersports has plenty of room for everyone.

You are invited to touch and experience the artifacts on site at Island Farm on Roanoke Island.

You are invited to touch and experience the artifacts on site at Island Farm on Roanoke Island.

02/18/13

Your 2013 vacation is right around the corner!

It never fails that towards the end of February, most everyone starts to get a little antsy in anticipation of warmer days ahead. We get tired of the short, chilly days of winter and look forward to longer days spent under the sun. This could be most anyone’s request at this late winter date, but if you’re like many people across the US, you’re more than ready to book your vacation getaway and it can’t get here soon enough!

Where will you go? When can you get there? Who will you bring along? What style of vacation rental home will best suit your needs? These are all questions that are sure to follow once you take the plunge and say “yes” to an annual family vacation!

If you’re having trouble deciding exactly where to go, your options include Hatteras Island, Hatteras Island, and Hatteras Island or you can view your choices as Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, or Hatteras. Either way you look at it, you’re sure to find a village and vacation rental home that welcomes you with open arms to your well-deserved beach vacation! Each village is spectacularly unique and offers it own special attractions and feel…

If you’ve ever talked to someone who has ventured to Hatteras Island on vacation, more than likely their first response will be, “Only __ more days until we return,” which is then followed by, “It was amazing,” and “I want to move there!” You get the picture…Hatteras Island is the perfect vacation destination! Miles of uncrowded beaches surrounded by natural beauty, many historical attractions, and endless opportunities to get out in the water in some of the most favorable conditions on the East Coast!

Take a minute to browse our website and see why Hatteras Island is THE place to VACATION! Along with an efficient and smooth booking process, we’re able to offer flexible payment options which allow you to budget as needed. You have the option of dividing your payments into 3 or 4 installments, as well as our Traditional 2-Day or Pay in Full terms. Click here for more info.

Request one of our 2013 Vacation Planners here.

We look forward to seeing you at the beach in 2013!

03/28/12

Easter Events on the Outer Banks

Hop on over to Hatteras Island for a week filled with family fun and Easter festivities! Plan your Hatteras Island vacation today and enjoy these EGG-cellent holiday events!

April 5: Glass Fusion Sun Catchers Class at Studio 12

9:30am -10:30am. This will be a fun class putting together different shapes and colors of glass to make your very own sun catcher. Pre-cut pieces allow kids to not have to cut glass, older students can use some basic tools to cut shapes. Projects are kiln fired and ready for pick up the next day. Ages 4 and up. Class Price: $24.00. Studio 12 is located in Avon on Hatteras Island and offers various classes throughout the season as well as a full art gallery and working studio.

April 6: Colorful Acrylic Wall Art Classes at Studio 12

10am. A fun class for ages 4 and up that loosens you up to make colorful fun paintings working with acrylics. Whether you are a novice or experienced painter you are sure to have some fun in this class! Great for both kids and adults! Studio 12 is located in Avon on Hatteras Island.

April 6 & 7: Kitty Hawk Kites Fly Into Spring & Easter Egg Hunt

This annual spring event will be held during National Kite Month,on April 6th and 7th,the kite festival will be from from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.The Easter Eggstravaganza will ONLY be on Saturday from 11-1pm. This Festival is a free event and is open to the public. Easter Eggstravaganza will take place at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head. It is the LARGEST Easter Egg Hunt on the Outer Banks! Several hunts will be held from 11am to 1pm. This is a fun event for all ages! The Easter Bunny will be at Kitty Hawk Kites for photo opportunities. For more information, call (877) FLY-THIS or (252) 441-4124 kittyhawkkites.com

April 7: Easter Art Show at Indian Town Gallery

10am to 5pm. Enjoy a fun day at the art show, located outside in the fresh open air at Indian Town Gallery on Hatteras Island. Meet local artists and browse everything from paintings, prints, recycled art, carvings, metal works, pottery and photography to sea glass jewelry, handmade jewelry, handpainted furniture and so much more! Indian Town Gallery is located at milepost 65 on highway 12 in Frisco. For more information, call (252) 995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

April 7: EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Elizabethan Gardens

10:30am- 2pm. Enjoy an Outer Banks spring tradition held in the midst of the beautiful spring blooms featuring a family fun scavenger egg hunt, photo opportunities, a homemade bake sale, egg roll on the Great Lawn, story time, educational crafts, games, an Easter bonnet and hat contest, and more kid-geared fun. Children under 5 are free with a paying adult. The Elizabethan Gardens are located at 1141 National Park Drive in Manteo on Roanoke Island.

April 7: Easter Egg Hunt at Cape Hatteras Baptist Church

11am. The Cape Hatteras Baptist Church, located in Frisco Villlage on Hatteras Island, will be hosting an Easter egg hunt for kids and parents! Lunch is provided with hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.

April 7: Easter Egg Hunt at Hatteras United Methodist Church

2pm. Hatteras United Methodist Church is located in the heart of Hatteras Village next to the post office. Hop on over for an Easter egg hunt and fun times with Mike the Magician. Ice cream will be served as well!

March 31 – April 7: Sea Turtle Egg Hunt

Join the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and learn about one of our local endangered species, the sea turtle. This activity is more than just an egg hunt! Children will take part in a sea turtle program, come face to face with a loggerhead turtle, and make a craft to take home. The program will conclude with an egg hunt on the Aquarium grounds as children search for eggs filled with treats! Event will be held rain or shine. (Ages 3-7) Preregistration required by calling the Aquarium at 252-473-3494 x232.

April 9: Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Opens for the Season

10am- 5pm Monday – Friday. With its two stations and five outbuildings, Chicamacomico (pronounced chik a ma COM i co) is the most complete site of remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the nation’s most complete sites. This site is located on Hatteras Island in the village of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Its purpose is to restore, preserve, protect, educate and interpret the rich history of these valiant men and their dedication to the U.S. Life-Saving Service, as well as interpreting the history of the buildings and artifacts. Open to the public from mid-April through November, and provide visitors with tours, programs, reenactments and special events. Don’t miss the Chicamacomico Summer Porch Programs held Monday through Friday in season.

April 8: Easter Sunrise Service on Hatteras Island

Avon: Avon Fishing Pier at 6:30 a.m. Pastors Bryan Gray and Roger Dill will be leading the service.

Buxton: Old Lighthouse site at 6:30 a.m. with Rev. Cory Oliver of the Hatteras United Methodist Charge. Sunrise services will be followed by worship service at Little Grove UMC at 8 a.m., Buxton UMC at 9:30 with a cantata presentation by the Hatteras Charge choir, and at 11:15 at Hatteras UMC with cantata.



Rodanthe: Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site at 6:15 a.m. with the Rev. Jim Bliss of Fairhaven and Clarks Bethel United Methodist churches.

Ocracoke: Lifeguarded Beach at 6:30 a.m. with pastors from Ocracoke United Methodist Church and Ocracoke Assembly of God Church

Book your Hatteras Island vacation today and check out our specials page for egg-cellent last minute savings!

03/6/12

Bonner Bridge One Lane Until Memorial Day

For vacationers planning a trip to Hatteras Island from now until Memorial Day, Bonner Bridge will be down to one lane while repair work is completed. This may increase travel time so please plan accordingly.

The D.O.T. says crews are replacing deteriorating sections of steel girders over the main channel of the bridge. Work began today and is scheduled to finish by May 22nd, just in time for Memorial Day. There will be a lane closure along a quarter mile section of the bridge. The first couple of days that closure will only be during the day, but will eventually go into effect 24 hours a day. Special decking placed underneath the bridge for workers to use will also reduce the height of vessels traveling through from 65 feet to 61 feet.

02/24/12

Picture of the Week

This is what a Hatteras Island vacation is all about! Gathering with friends and family at the beach vacation home and enjoying fun times together, relaxing by the ocean! The best memories are made on Hatteras Island!

Photo submitted on Facebook by Laurie Holley