OBX Blog by Joe Lamb Realty

Top 6 Fun, Historical Places on the OBX - #5

2009-07-09T00:51:00Z

#5 - Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station

Maritime history buffs will not want to miss the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Built in 1874 as a lifesaving station for the U.S. Life-Saving Service (later the U.S. Coast Guard), the station was manned until 1954. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Historic Albemarle Tour, the station is most famous for the dramatic rescue of the British tanker, the S.S. Mirlo, in 1918. The station is open from mid-April through November, with activities, reenactments and tours given on a regular basis. Every weekday throughout the summer, stop by for one of their free, family friendly programs. Visit www.chicamacomico.net for more information on programs and times.

Top 6 Fun Historical Places to Visit on the OBX - #4

2009-07-05T00:38:00Z

#4 - Take a Tour of the Area's Lighthouses

Some of the Outer Banks' most renowned landmarks are its lighthouses. Currituck Beach Light with it's red brick, Bodie Island Light with its horizontal stripes, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with its candy-cane black and whites, and Ocracoke Lighthouse in its austere white... they're beloved by the locals and visitors alike. All lighthouses are still functional; in fact, Ocracoke Light is the oldest working lighthouse in North Carolina. Only the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are currently open for climbing, though you may visit the grounds of the other lighthouses. I have a special place in my heart for Bodie Island Lighthouse, I was married nearby and several of my wedding photos have the lighthouse in the background. Visit outerbanks.org for more information on the lighthouses, as well as their location and contact information.

Top 6 Fun Historical Places to Visit on the OBX - #3

2009-07-02T03:08:00Z

#3 - The Whalehead Club

Back in the 1920s, wealthy northern businessman Edward Collings Knight, Jr. and his wife built a mansion in Corolla that is today known as the Whalehead Club. Never in the years before or since has the Outer Banks seen such opulence in a home. Over the years, the mansion has had many incarnations... as a private residence, a hunt club for the wealthy, a private boys' school, and at different times it was used by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the space program. In the 1990s, Currituck County purchased the land and the mansion and began its restoration as a historic site. Today visitors are able to walk the grounds and, for a small fee, tour the Whalehead Club. Visit www.whaleheadclub.org for information on tour types, rates and hours. There's a tour for nearly every age or interest: ghost tours for the kids, restoration tours for the history buffs, and even a "Nuts and Bolts" tour for those interested in the building's architecture and construction.

Top 6 Fun Historical Places to Visit on the OBX - #2

2009-06-27T22:10:00Z

#2 - Visit the Elizabeth II in Manteo

While I'm on the subject of The Lost Colony, another fun, kid-friendly historical site to visit is the Elizabeth II in the Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. The Elizabeth II is a replica of a 16th century sailing vessel, named after the Elizabeth ship that sailed to the New World in 1587. Learn about what life was like for the earliest settlers as they made the treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean more than 400 years ago. Costumed guides dressed as both colonists and mariners bring the history to life. I haven't toured the Elizabeth II since I was a kid, but I remember being completely fascinated by the first colonists, their bravery and the hardships they must've faced. Visit roanokeisland.com for more information.

Top 6 Fun Historical Places to Visit on the OBX - #1

2009-06-23T15:45:00Z

I love lists... whether it's for grocery shopping or tasks I want to accomplish in the day, I enjoy putting words down on paper (or on the computer screen) to organize my own little world. I had friends in town on vacation a few weeks ago, and I made them a list of sights to see and fun places to go. I realized that the Beach Blog could use a little bit of this insider knowledge, so I'm passing it on to you! As for this list of Fun, Historical Places to Visit on the OBX, these are simply places I enjoy that I think others would, too. If I'm forgetting something, PLEASE chime in! So here goes...

# 1 - The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
If you passed sixth grade history, then you've heard of The Lost Colony. They were the first group of English settlers who came to America in 1587. This brave bunch of 120 men, women and children set up camp right here on Roanoke Island. Running low on supplies, they sent John White back to England. When he returned 3 years later, the whole colony had vanished. Only one clue remained, the word "Croatoan" etched into a tree.

Since 1937, The Lost Colony outdoor drama has been retelling the mysterious tale to audiences on the very ground where the settlers once lived. This amazing show that includes elements of music, dance and drama, is performed Mondays - Saturdays at 8PM at the Waterside Theater in Manteo from May 29 - August 20. For information, visit www.thelostcolony.org.

I've seen the show twice, and have been absolutely amazed by the story, the dancing and the fabulous costumes. It's a great way to spend an evening under the stars. One word of advice... bring mosquito repellent.

Fourth of July Festivities

2009-06-19T18:29:00Z

If you happen to be in town to celebrate Independence Day on the Outer Banks, then you're in luck! There are tons of fun, family-friendly and FREE things to do and see over the weekend... and of course fireworks! Here's a brief rundown of events, parades and firework displays:

July 3, Town of Duck Annual Parade - Take note, the parade is actually on July 3, so as not to conflict with the traffic over the weekend. The one mile parade route starts at Scarborough Lane, down Ocean Way and onto Christopher Drive. It begins at 9 am and ends with a concert at the Duck Town Park featuring Ruth Wyand & Friends.

July 3, First Friday in Manteo - The first Friday of each month is a reason to celebrate in Manteo. Stop by to listen to bluegrass music, climb the rock climbing wall, enjoy a hot dog cookout, facepainting and magic tricks for the kids, and shop the boutiques and galleries that stay open late just for First Friday. From 6PM - 8PM.

July 4, 17th Annual Independence Day Festival of Fireworks - If you're on the Northern Beaches, this is the Fourth of July event to attend. Held at the Currituck Heritage Park, there will be food, entertainment and fireworks at dusk.

Fireworks Displays:
Town of Kill Devil Hills - Fireworks will be held at Avalon Pier (MP 6) at dusk.
Town of Nags Head - Fireworks will be held at the Nags Head Fishing Pier (MP 11.5) at 9:25PM.
Corolla - Fireworks will be held at the Currituck Heritage Park at dusk.

Take a Guided Hike Through Nags Head Woods

2009-06-15T18:50:00Z

One of the most unusual outdoor places to visit on the Outer Banks is the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. I've blogged about it before, and you can find more information on the park at www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/art5618.html. The 1,000 plus acres of forested dunes, active dunes, marshes, ponds and wetlands is home to a wide array of plant and animal life. You can take a walk through the preserve's trails on your own, or you can sign up for a guided two-mile hike with the Nature Conservancy. The guided hikes are available on Tuesday mornings from now until August 11. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 3-12. Space is limited, so call ahead to make a reservation at 252-441-2525 or e-mail jgilbreath@tnc.org.

Don't Forget to Stop at the Farmer's Markets!

2009-06-10T18:00:00Z

If you're like a lot of vacationers, you probably speed right on through Currituck on your way to the beach. You've probably never stepped foot outside of the car on this lush farmland, unless you just crossed the border from Virginia and filled up your tank at Southland. And I must admit, in the fall and winter if I drive through Currituck I rarely take notice of my surroundings. But the spring and summer are completely different. With flowers in bloom, bees a-buzzin', and the sun a-shinin', this is a farming paradise! This is the time of year to reap the bounty of these fertile fields... from ripe and juicy tomatoes to crisp cucumbers to crunchy golden corn, I must say that if you speed past every single one of the farmer's markets on your way south to the Outer Banks, then you've missed out! I have a penchant for boiled peanuts (I grew up in Georgia), and these farmer's markets are the only places I can ever satisfy my craving. In addition to fresh and locally grown fruits and veggies, you can often find other sweet homemade treats like cookies, jarred honey and fruit pies. So next time you're on your way down to the OBX, stock up in Currituck and eat fresh and local while you're here!

Free Kid's Classes in Southern Shores

2009-06-10T17:50:00Z

I just got the word that Barr-ee 2 (that's the Barr-ee Station Clothing Store in Southern Shores, NOT the one in the Waterfront Shops in Duck) will be holding FREE classes for kids this summer. Every Wednesday evening from June 13 - August 19, Barr-ee 2 will feature a different kid-friendly class, with themes ranging from "Food Art" to "Make Your Own Mobile Out of Shells". The classes will cater to kids from the toddler group on up to the teens. This is a great FREE activity for the kids, while moms and dads get to shop! For more information and a specific class schedule, call Barr-ee 2 at 255-1660.

Delbert McClinton Concert This Friday

2009-06-04T00:42:00Z

I have to hand it to the Roanoke Island Festival Park... they've really been pulling in some big-name headliners lately. Last Friday Darius Rucker (of Hootie and the Blowfish fame) graced the stage in Manteo. I was at the Daredevils game and missed his concert, but heard it was a real crowd-pleaser. And this Friday, June 5th, Grammy Winner Delbert McClinton will perform at the Festival Park. McClinton's music career spans the decades and genres (a little rock, a little country and a little blues), and he's collaborated with artists like Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks and Bonnie Raitt. In 2006, he was awarded the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. General admission tickets are $20, although VIP level tickets are available. Gates open at 5pm; the opening act goes on at 6pm; and McClinton begins his show at 8:30pm. The concert is free for kids under ten, so feel free to bring out the little ones. For more information, visit roanokeisland.com and click on the "Welcome to Festival Park" link.