Outer Banks Vacation Rental Beach Blog by Joe Lamb Realty

Duck Research Pier

2010-03-18T17:56:00Z

The Duck Research Pier is one of the few places on the Outer Banks that I --believe it or not-- have never explored. When I was asked to blog about it, I was at a loss... where to begin? It turns out that the Duck Research Pier is actually a pretty important place for oceanography studies. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the FRF (Field Research Facility, i.e. Duck Research Pier) is "one of the few places in the world that provides a dependable means of obtaining comprehensive measurements even during severe storms when significant coastal changes occur." Since 1977, the USACE has been monitoring local tides, waves, meteorology and currents. Results from the research done here have been published in over 400 journal articles and reports.

The facility itself includes a 1840' pier, an observation tower, a main building and two field support buildings. If you'd like to tour the facility, the Duck Research Pier offers sixty minute walking tours at 10am from mid-June through mid-August. Admission is free. Call 252-261-6840 ext. 401 for more information.

Light 2 Light Run: Running for a Great Cause

2010-03-15T17:34:00Z

Local man Chuck Parker accomplished an amazing feat on Saturday, February 27th... he ran 43 miles from Currituck Light in Corolla all the way to Bodie Island Lighthouse! Parker's efforts were for a good cause; he ran to raise money for the Northeast North Carolina Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The run took just under eight hours, and Parker's friends and family ran with him much of the way to keep him company. Parker raised $4,000 for the group with his incredible feat of endurance. Plans are already being made for next year's run, so I'll try to keep you posted on the 2011 "Run the Day for FCA".

If you're interested in making a tax-deductible donation, it's not too late. Please make checks out to FCA and mail them to:

NE NC FCA
Light 2 Light Run
PO Box 452
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

St. Patty's Day Parade a Success!

2010-03-14T19:54:00Z

Just got home from the Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade, and WHAT A BLAST! We camped out with friends in front of the Lucky 12 after enjoying some of their delicious pizza. There were plenty of fun floats, monster trucks, high school bands and people in funny green costumes to keep us entertained even in the drizzle. I would guess that this year was the biggest one yet... at least from my perspective it seemed like there was a bigger crowd and the parade lasted longer. Overall, between the fabulous Taste of the Beach events and the St. Patty's Day Parade, it was a fantastic weekend to be on the Outer Banks. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next year! It's truly the kickoff of the Outer Banks' Spring season.

21st Annual St. Patty's Day Parade -- ROUTE CHANGE!

2010-03-09T04:05:00Z

I rarely miss the Annual Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade... and I know I'm not alone. It's one of the great local traditions that I love. Just about everyone I know shows up to watch the high school bands, community groups, antique cars and the like parade their way through the Beach Road in Nags Head. That's why I'm blogging about it in advance... first of all to let you know what a fun, family-friendly, community event this is, and secondly to let you know of the ROUTE CHANGE. This year's parade will begin, as always, south of Bladen Street in Nags Head. It will now end at Admiral Street. Parade officials say that this change was made to alleviate traffic congestion and help with crowd management. The parade will go on, rain or shine, at 1PM on Sunday, March 14.

I've already planned to park near the Lucky 12 and watch the parade go by with a group of friends and their kids. Weather permitting, I'll attend as always and likely blog about it afterward. See you there... and don't forget to wear green!

Mark Your Calendars for Outer Banks Bike Week!

2010-03-09T03:43:00Z

The Outer Banks is quickly becoming the place to go for Bike Week. Forget Myrtle Beach and Sturgis... Harley riders are falling in love with the Outer Banks, and every year Bike Week keeps getting bigger. This year's Bike Week will be April 18-25. With over 100 vendors, daily and nightly live music, poker run, chopper builders, stunt riders, bikini contests, tours, a pig pickin' and more, you won't want to miss out on the Eighth Annual Outer Banks Bike Week. You can even enter to win a $1000 Harley-Davidson shopping spree. Check out http://www.harleybay.com/custompage.asp?pg=bikeweek for a complete schedule.

Joe Lamb Jr. is an official accommodations sponsor for the 2010 Bike Week. That means, if you're planning on staying in one of our fabulous houses, you're in luck! Just mention Vertigo Tattoo when you book and you'll receive a $25 gift certificate from the Kelly Hospitality Group to use at any of their 3 restaurants: Kelly's Outer Banks Tavern, Pamlico Jack's and Mako Mike's.

OBX Chowder Cook-Off

2010-03-02T21:19:00Z

There are no shortage of fun things to do during the four-day Taste of the Beach festival, but perhaps my most favorite event of all is the OBX Chowder Cook-Off. Held outdoors in the Southern Shores Marketplace (where Coastal Provisions is located), this is one of those family-friendly events that I never miss. For the past three years, Joe Lamb, Jr. has sponsored this fun, family-friendly event.

Last year it was an absolutely gorgeous day outside. Adam and I enjoyed yummy chowder and cold beer while we watched Sam dance to the live music. Dozens of the Outer Banks' best restaurants are scheduled to have booths there, all competing for the "Best Chowder" award. Tickets are $20 per person, and the event is March 13 from noon to 3PM. Check out this link for more info: http://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/scheduleofevents.htm#ChowderCookOff.
See you there!

Taste of the Beach is Right Around the Corner...

2010-02-26T02:45:00Z

One of the most beloved and fastest-growing Outer Banks events is the annual Taste of the Beach weekend. For the past 20 years, the Outer Banks Restaurant Association has sponsored this spring festival of Outer Banks restaurants to wow locals and tourists with their culinary creations. Whether you wish to sample locally brewed beer, dine on seafood caught just off our coast, or take part in the great chowder cook-off, there is no shortage of fantastic fare or culinary events to attend. In fact, Taste of the Beach was named by Coastal Living magazine as one of the "Top 10 Seafood & Wine Festivals". Check out the article for yourself here: www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/top-10-seafood-wine-festivals-00400000000703/.

This year's festival spans four days (March 11-14), and includes cooking classes, a restaurant tapas crawl, an evening champagne lounge and much more. Taste of the Beach culminates on the final night with The Beach Expo, an event comprised of 20 local restaurants competing for the honors of "People's Choice", "Best in Show" and the like. If you're interested in attending or would like to know more about tickets for the various events, visit www.obxtasteofthebeach.com.

OBX for Haiti Benefit at the Outer Banks Brewing Station

2010-02-18T13:15:00Z

I don't know anyone who wasn't moved by last month's tragedy in Haiti. Over 200,000 people have been declared dead, and they are still finding more bodies every day. Such a devastating event--which continues to devastate as injuries, disease and crime prevail--touches everyone. I am proud to say that the Outer Banks community has really pulled together over the past month to donate money and time to help Haiti. A friend of mine is leaving soon to volunteer because she felt she couldn't just stand by helplessly while so many were in need.

If you'd like to help, you can attend this Saturday's event, OBX for Haiti, at the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills. Starting at 9PM, the fundraiser will benefit the Red Cross International Response and Save the Children. Numerous local businesses have generously donated to be a part of the Silent Auction and Raffle, all to raise money for these two organizations. The band 9:58 will headline, along with other local favorite artists such as Laura Martier, Ruth Wyand and Rubber Pants. There's a $5 donation at the door. For more information, call 252-449-BREW.

1st Day of Spring Just a Little Over 1 Month Away!

2010-02-10T14:42:00Z

I must admit, this winter has been a bit more brutal than winters past. The East Coast has felt the wrath of Mother Nature with snowstorms and Nor'Easters, and the wind on the Outer Banks has been downright biting. Today I drove to work in blowing snow. Blowing snow! There's no accumulation, of course, but I couldn't help feeling a little winter-weary. This prompted me to Google the first day of spring, for your sake and mine, so that we all know warm, sunny weather is around the corner. I'm pleased to announce that we have just a little more than one month left of winter. The first official day of spring 2010 is March 20. The end is in sight!

Calling All Wine Lovers!

2010-02-09T19:54:00Z

My favorite place to shop for wine (or beer, for that matter) on the Outer Banks is Chip's Wine and Beer Market at Milepost 6 in KDH. Less expensive than the box stores like Food Lion and Harris Teeter and locally owned by two really fascinating and knowledgeable wine connoisseurs (Chip and his wife Tammy), I always appreciate the experience I have when I walk through their doors. Chip calls his store a "No-Snob Zone", and for those who are intimidated by purchasing wine when there's so much to choose from, his philosophy is a breath of fresh air. I often walk into the store and say, for example, "What cabernet do you recommend for under $15?" Without hesitation, Chip or Tammy will always lead me in a great direction. I've made some really delicious wine discoveries just by asking them questions.

All that aside, I also love things that are FREE! And since I love to pass along great FREE things happening on the Outer Banks, I suggest you check out "Free Wine Friday" at Chip's Wine and Beer Market. Lasting from 4PM - 6:30PM, Free Wine Fridays will include tastings of selected wines. Here's a hint: if you sign up for their e-mailed newsletters, you can get 10% off the selected wines. Free Wine Friday starts this Friday, so happy tasting!