07/23/15

Hatteras Island’s Other Coast

Soundfront Homes

The waters that surround an island often contribute to its character. It’s  the Pamlico Sound, the Atlantic Ocean’s quieter counterpart, that sets the slower pace of life on Hatteras Island with its calm waters, saturated sunsets, endless views, and open starry skies.

A low, sandy barrier island, Hatteras Island sits 30 miles “out to sea” from the mainland of North Carolina. The “sea” between the island and the mainland is actually the Pamlico Sound. Part of a large interconnected network of lagoon estuaries, the sound is part of one of the biggest estuaries in the United States, second only to the Chesapeake Bay. Alive with waterfowl, fish, crabs, shellfish, marsh grasses, seals and turtles, the sound also serves as an important habitat for spawning fish like striped bass, shad and herring. Even larger species like dolphin can occasionally be found spending time there. Fed by inlets from the Atlantic Ocean and freshwater rivers to the west, the sound water is a brackish mix of salt and fresh water and is shallow throughout, with an average depth of 5-6 feet. These shallow depths, paired with the soft sandy floor, make it an attractive place for kids to play and swim and have helped make Hatteras Island a world-class kiteboarding and watersports destination.

SoundSUP

A Soundside Vacation

Vacationer Kathleen Holmes explains why  her family chooses to rent a home on the sound: “…not only are the  views wide-open and amazing, but our family likes to spend all day on the water, boating, fishing, crabbing, stand up paddleboarding and swimming. Some of us may head to the ocean for a while, but we all come home to enjoy dinner together every night in the glow of the setting sun. Then we soak in the hot tub underneath the millions of stars visible in the unpolluted night sky. It’s truly a giant breath of fresh air coming from New York City.”

Some soundfront vacation homes have their own dock or walkway and a number of neighborhoods on the sound have a community sound access or boat ramp. Surf or Sound Realty manages premier vacation homes, while homes on the sound may be valuably priced there is no shortage of amenities, like elevators, private pools and hot tubs.

Surf or Sound Realty is  known for offering some of the Island’s most spectacular oceanfront homes, but the soundfront experience is one that’s equally incredible. No matter where you stay on Hatteras Island the ocean is never far away.

Sound Sunset


07/8/11

Hatteras Island Events: This Week on the Outer Banks

We’ve compiled the best Hatteras Island activities, events and fun things to do on the Outer Banks for July 11th thru July 17th. Below you will find events just for the kids, family events, evening events and a lot of FREE activities to make your Hatteras Island vacation unforgettable!

    FOR THE KIDS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
National Park Service Program: Especially for Kids

Time: 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This program offers hands-on activities that allow kids to have fun learning about the seashore. Check at the visitor center to learn the topic of the day. Free for all ages.

July 12-14
REAL Kids Camp

Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: REAL Watersports in Waves village

Get your son or daughter into the water in a safe and positive instructional environment with the REAL Kids Camp! Let the coaches at REAL show your kids the ropes in and around the water. Surfing, Kiteboarding, Standup Paddleboarding and more. Ages 7-12. Call for information: (866)REAL-548 | (252)987-6000 or visit: REALWatersports.com

Tuesday, July 12
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites

2 locations and times: 10am -12pm in Hatteras Village -at Hatteras Landing Shops, next to the ferry and 4pm – 6pm in Avon village
Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Tuesday, July 12
Muster 1861: Children’s Civil War Programs
10:30am – 11:30am at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

Wednesday, July 13
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites

4pm -7pm at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Rodanthe at Waves Village. Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Thursday, July 14
Children’s Nautical Crafts (ages 3+)

10:30am – noon at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

    FOR THE FAMILY

July 11th & 14th

Waterfront Concerts at REAL Watersports
6-10pm The Kona Summer Concert Series featuring The Wilder Brothers July 11th and MoJo Collins July 14th! -This is a family friendly event! Enjoy the concert outside on the waterfront deck at the REAL Flagship Store in the Village of Waves. Dinner and drinks are available at all shows from MOJOs Sunset Café. Enjoying live music on the Bermuda grass lawn area on a beach blanket or chair is the best way to wrap up any day in Cape Hatteras with your family! For more information, call 252-987-6000.

Monday thru Saturday
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers weekly events throughout the summer. Admission is free and the museum is fun for all ages!
The museum is located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village and is open Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Monday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm

Tuesday:“Tuesdays at 2:00” Speaker’s Series: The Pea Island Life Saving Legacy 2pm -2:45pm

Wednesday: Island Quilting Traditions 10am to noon; Civil War Mini-talks with Drew Pullen 2pm -2:30pm and 3pm-3:30pm.

Thursday: Canvasback Decoys with Sam Green 12:30pm – 4pm

Friday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm.
For more information about the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, call (252) 986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

    Thursday, July 14
    Sea Glass Wrapping Jewelry Class
    Time: 10am – 2pm (Classes run 20-25 minutes and start on the ½ hour -reservations required!). Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village

    Learn to wrap a piece of sea glass into a necklace pendant with instructor Betty Kungle. Class size is limited to 8, so call early to make reservations! $10 per person plus a $5 kit fee which includes a piece of genuine sea glass! For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

    Friday, July 15
    Beading Class -Make your own bracelet or anklet!

    Time: 2pm -5pm (Classes run 20-25 minutes and start on the ½ hour). Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village

    This is a fun and enjoyable class for ages 7 and up! Students learn design and good color selection along with crimping skills so your jewelry will last a long time! The cost is $10 for the class and a $5 kit fee, which includes materials and use of tools. For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181 or visit indiantowngallery.com

      SUMMER PROGRAMS

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station and the National Park Service offer Daily Summer Programs. Below are some fun events for you to check out during your Hatteras Island vacation!

    WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN… Evening events on Hatteras Island offered by the Park Service

    Wednesday, July 13
    Night Lights

    Time: 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a short walk to search the tide line for glowing marine plankton and the sky for planets and constellations. Find out why protecting the dark is valuable to both people and wildlife.

    Thursday, July 14
    Night Climb
    Time: 8pm and 9pm. Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Enjoy a guided tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. ..at NIGHT!
    You will need to pre-purchase Night Climb tickets in person between 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the lighthouse ticket booth Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the week you intend to climb. Each program is limited to 30 participants and tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable and children must be at least 42″ tall. Bring a flashlight!

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station Summer Programs
    Time: All programs are at 2pm
    Location: Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station – 23645 NC Highway 12, or Milepost 39 ½ (Programs are outdoors and thus weather dependent. Programs are free with Regular Site Admission Fee)

    Monday, July 11
    Nights in Rodanthe the Movie — Behind the Scenes
    Nearly all exterior scenes were actually filmed right here in Rodanthe, where Chicamacomico is located. Site Operations Manager, Linda Molloy, was cast as Jill Torrelson opposite Richard Gere in a brief but pivotal role. Come get the scoop! Linda will autograph and personalize your book and DVD purchases here for a truly unique vacation souvenir. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Tuesday, July 12
    America’s Forgotten Heroes
    Discover the forgotten yet fascinating history of the United States Life-Saving Service, the original “Storm Warriors” who were the predecessors of today’s U.S. Coast Guard… Absorb the unbelievable details of actual rescues done here, especially the dramatic SS Mirlo story- the most highly awarded maritime rescue in U.S. history, right here! Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Wednesday, July 13
    The Real Taffy Of Torpedo Junction
    This fictional novel tells the daring antics of an independent young teenager living on Hatteras Island during World War II. ‘Taffy” was based on the real-life Carol Dillon, Hatteras Island native. She will enthrall you with her stories of what was fiction and what was not.Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Thursday, July 14
    Beach Apparatus Drill
    The U.S. Life-Saving Service required all stations to practice this rescue method weekly. Chicamacomico is now one of only two places in the country– and the ONLY one to be performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel–that performs the complete Drill. It is recommended to arrive by 1:30. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Friday, July 15
    What Really Happened to “The Lost Colony”?
    Where did they go? Right here on Hatteras Island, where they actually first started. Scott Dawson’s compelling delivery will have you spellbound. Documentation & evidence abound. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    FREE Park Service Events:

The Cape Hatteras National Park offers FREE Hatteras Island events for the family and kids of all ages.

Daily in the Summer:
Sentinel of the Shore

Time: Daily 12:00pm to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Learn about the rich history of, and future plans for, the park’s majestic lighthouses.

Daily in the Summer
Hatteras Island – Pirates!

Time: Daily from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -In the 1700’s, pirates frequently visited the Outer Banks. Find out why the area was so attractive to pirates and how the golden age of piracy dramatically ended.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Hatteras Island – Soundside Snorkeling

Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -It’s not the Caribbean, but the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound are home to an array of small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Limited to 20 participants.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Civil War on the Outer Banks

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a view of the Outer Banks’ role in the Civil War!

Tuesday
Old Days at the Weather Station

Time: 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Location: Hatteras U.S. Weather Bureau Station, in the heart of Hatteras Village.
Join this tour of the restored Hatteras Weather Bureau Station and hear about the villagers who worked there during both tranquil and stormy times.

Tuesday & Thursday
Graveyard of the Atlantic

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Countless ships have met their end off the Outer Banks. Learn how storms, shoals, war, and commerce have contributed to the wreckage, and hear stories of those who risked their lives to save the victims.

Wednesday Events:
Explore the Shore: Beach Walk

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am. Location: Old Lighthouse site parking lot
Enjoy an early morning ranger-led walk across the undeveloped ocean beaches of Hatteras Island. Learn about this changing shoreline and the plants and animals that make this dynamic environment their home.

Cast Netting

Time: 9:30am. Location: Pre-register at the Hatteras Island Museum at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Give it a try or just come to observe the action. You’re welcome to bring your own cast net. Wear wading shoes. Limited to 25 participants.

Seashore Arts

Time: 11:00am to 11:30am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Get in touch with your artistic side and create a lasting memory of the seashore! Bring a cotton t-shirt or pillow case to create a seashore-inspired masterpiece. Limited to 16 participants.

Thursday
Coast Guard Station Tour

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -The U.S. Coast Guard and its predecessor, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, have a long and heroic history on the Outer Banks. Sign up today and enjoy a unique tour of an active U.S. Coast Guard Station. Limited to 20 participants.

Outer Banks Events and Activities for the Family -North of Hatteras Island

    July 12-14
    Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball Game
    The Daredevils are part of a summer collegiate baseball league offering experience for college players in a wood bat environment and a chance to refine skills for the pro level.

    Time: Gates open at 6 pm, game at 7pm. Location: First Flight High School Baseball complex. Just south of Wrights Bros. Memorial, off hwy 158 turn on Colington Road. For more information, call 252-202-1842 or visit: obxdaredevils.com


    July 16 – 17
    Kitty Hawk Kites Wright Kite Festival

    Wright Brother’s Memorial (mp 8), Kill Devil Hills. Fun for all ages! Come see large sea animal kites and our deltas and parafoils dance in the air during this jaw dropping event. There will also be stunt kite demos, games, kids kite making and contests. Kids can make and fly kites where flight began! Events begin at 10am and continue through the afternoon. For more information, call 1-877-FLY-THIS or 252-441-4124

    Monday through Saturday
    74th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

    Time: 8:30pm. Location: Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. -Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. Featuring lavish costumes designed by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long and directed by Robert Richmond, the story comes to life summer nights at the open air Waterside Theatre. Children 12 and under $10.00, Group rates for 10 or more. Complete the experience with a Waterside Sunset Picnic and pre-show Backstage Tour at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call (252) 473-3414 or visit thelostcolony.org


11/4/09

Wings over Water Wildlife Festival runs from Nov. 3-8

The 13th annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, a celebration of wildlife and wild lands in Eastern North Carolina, will run from Tuesday, Nov. 3, until Sunday, Nov. 8. The six-day event celebrates the natural wonders of the Outer Banks and offers many opportunities to explore and discover the richness of the region’s environment. Continue reading


07/24/09

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers free summer activities

Island quilting traditions, canvasback decoy construction, the Civil War on Hatteras Island, children’s crafts, stories by the sea, maritime heritage speakers and even a birthday party for Blackbeard are some of the free activities at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com) in Hatteras village for this summer. Continue reading


07/22/09

Attention Kids! Grab a kite and fly during Kids Kite Day in Hatteras Village!

Kitty Hawk Kites will be hosting a kite day for kids of all ages on July 23, 2009 at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Hatteras Landing, Hatteras Village. The event is free and open to visitors and locals alike, and the fun begins at 10:00 a.m., and lasts until 4:00 p.m..

The Hatteras Kids Kite Day offers a wide range of entertaining activities for everyone who attends. Kids and their families will enjoy free kite making throughout the event. Children can also color and decorate their own personal kite, and learn to fly it with the help of Kitty Hawk Kites’ professional staff. Continue reading