Kids Day at Kitty Hawk Kites on the Outer Banks!

877.FLY.THIS

Kid's Day at Kitty Hawk KItes.

Southern Shores Realty would like to focus your view on Kitty Hawk Kites for a moment, a favored and well known store of kites. They have one of the best selections of kites and gear on the Outer Banks, and also many other services. Kitty Hawk Kites is all about introducing people to flight. They take pride in teaching the world how to fly, and giving people an incredible experience, according to the Outer Banks Voice. I personally would have to agree. Kitty Hawk Kites takes full advantage of the Outer Banks offering fun induced activities that put you right into OBX surroundings. The wind, dunes, sound, and ocean provide flooring to extremely exciting activities which include hang gliding, kite boarding, parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, sailing cruises, kayak tours, surf lessons, standup paddleboarding, etc. Kitty Hawk Kites gives all of us the chance to experience these awesome sports in the PERFECT place to do so!

Kitty Hawk Kites does a fabulous job, all summer long, with events for the family. Earlier this month, Southern Shores Realty took a trip out to their Nags Head location for the 5th annual Watermelon Festival. Everyone was having a blast while eating tons of watermelon! It could not have had a better turn out. Anyways, every Wednesday during the summer months of July & August, Kitty Hawk Kites shouts out to the kids for “Kids Day” at all locations. Sadly, today was the last “Kids Day” at Kitty Hawk Kites for the season, although they will start back up again next year for those of you who missed out this summer. This free event involved face painting, toy demos, parachute races, games, kite making, and much more.

What I am really trying to get to is that Kitty Hawk Kites does an outstanding job of providing a great service to Outer Banks Vacationers. Southern Shores Realty loves how they really welcome the summer community by hosting all-around events that involve the entire family. Not only will the kids have a great time, but so will you. Make sure to stop by this amazing kite store next time you visit the Outer Banks with Southern Shores Realty, and be sure to stop by once in a while to check whether or not Kitty Hawk Kites has an upcoming event for the next time you are in town! You never know, some events may even be worth an extra visit, like the Annual Stunt Kite Competition, Soaring 100, or the Annual Ocean Games and Surf Kayak Competition!

Enjoy!

Southern Shores Realty

 

Tackle and Bait Shops on the Outer Banks

An ocean full of fish.. imagine the possibilities.

Southern Shores Realty

Have you thought about trying out one of the most popular sports on the Outer Banks, fishing? Or is it already a must do on your list of OBX activities for the week? Well, either way you are going to need to locate a local bait & tackle shop, and possibly some insight on the best fishing gear, if you happen to not know. The Outer Banks offers many different bait & tackle shops down the entire beach for you to choose from, including the piers. Furthermore, most of the bait & tackle shops conveniently rent out fishing gear.

Fishing is a much beloved sport on the OBX; people travel from all over just to enjoy one of the best fishing spots in the country. It really does not matter which way you decide to go: surf fishing, pier fishing, bridge fishing, or charter fishing. You are going to have a great time, and even though I am not a fishing expert I do know that you will need to locate a tackle and bait shop! The “something” that draws me to the idea of fishing is that it is an activity that pulls a family together for a lovely time while at the beach. If your children are not familiar with fishing, go ahead and plan a day for fishing is a great sport to introduce to the younger generation. Just think about it, fishing involves some of the simplest yet most important tools to life: teaching, learning, patience, sharing, helping, smiles, and we can not leave out all the laughs you tend to pass back and forth during a fishing extravaganza!

Local Shops:

Corolla, NC:

  1. Corolla Bait & Tackle – (252) 453-9500
  2. TW’S Bait & Tackle – (252) 453- 3339
  3. Tackle N Tours – (252) 453- 4266

Duck, NC:

  1. Bob’s Bait & Tackle – (252) 261- 8589

Kitty Hawk, NC:

  1. TW’S Bait & Tackle – (252) 261- 7848
  2. Whitney’s Bait & Tackle – (252) 261- 5551
  3. Kitty Hawk Bait & Tackle – (252) 261- 2955

Kill Devil Hills, NC:

  1. TI’S Bait & Tackle Shop – (252) 441- 3166

Nags Head, NC:

  1. TW’S Bait & Tackle – (252) 441- 4807
  2. Fishing Unlimited – (252) 441- 5028
  3. Whalebone Tackle – (252) 441- 7413
  4. Tatems Tackle Box – (252) 441- 7346

 

 

 

August 31, 2011 on the Outer Banks

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

For the most part, everything is back to normal on the Outer Banks! This morning feels just delightful. Temperatures are in the low 70′s, and expected to rise to about 77 by 3 this afternoon. We have a nice NNE wind around 14 mph, a very bright sun, and the ocean is nothing but stunning in Kitty Hawk, NC! Just another great day at the beach for you to enjoy!

Southern Shores Realty predicted right, this week is one of the best yet so go get your toes in the sand already!

Before, During, and After Irene on the Outer Banks

I have put together this short video for easier viewing of Hurricane Irene on the Outer Banks. Keep in mind that sadly there are still many, many families who are still in desperate need for help. Hatteras Island was completely demolished by the storm including highway 12, leaving it almost impossible to deliver food and water to the island. Thanks again for your interaction this weekend! Enjoy this video from Southern Shores Realty with your Outer Banks Current.

August 29, 2011 on the OBX!

Happy Tuesday Morning from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Here is to being at the beach! Finally, right? Just breathe, your week will turn around in no time at all : )

Outside of our office... head south so that our cleaning crews can clean your home!

Southern Shores Realty hopes all vacationers who checked in yesterday had a great start to their week. For all those with a Duck destination. . . take a look at this picture! Our priority at the moment is getting you checked-into a cleaned home! Our dedicated cleaning crews need to get to Southern Shores Realty’s vacation rentals so that you can begin your week comfortably. All that we ask you is to understand this issue, and please try to hold off by turning around and heading back south down the beach. Try one of our unique Outer Banks restaurants, walk along the beach, or check out some of the neat beach shops in the area!

Note that Dare County is under a Boil Water Advisory (rescinded 8/30/11). State officials have stated that the public should take precautions when swimming in coastal and sound-sidewaters, as excessive rains and flooding can increase levels of bacteria in the water (Dare County Website.) You must also take precautions before drinking water, or bathing of you are still without power. There should be an update around 1 p.m today on this information.

Besides this horrible inconvenience that Hurricane Irene has created for the OBX, today is going stay slightly cool. You are currently feeling steady temperatures in the mid 70′s, a nice breeze on the beach with high surf in certain areas, and the forecast is predicting a summer storm for this afternoon. We have a few clouds out there, but don’t let them scare you! Have a great day at the beach, and remember to breath. : )

Southern Shores Realty!

 

What to do after a hurricane on the Outer Banks?

Well, Hurricane Irene has passed over the Outer Banks leaving us residents an extraordinary amount to clean up. Power companies, realty companies, and labor workers have been busting their butts to pick up the aftermath so that safety is ensured in our communities.

Currituck, and Dare county have lifted evacuations, and re entries have been announced throughout today. Now that our guest of this week are here I want to let you in on a little fun. There is no need to be bummed out, because with a little creativity and motivation, this could be the best week to vacation on the Outer Banks yet!

Take a moment to breath.. feel the wind through your hair, sand between your toes, and most importantly feel the stress lift up from your shoulders. Your at the beach, and nothing else matters at the moment. You have been waiting for this moment all weekend long, and now it is here.

The most obvious fun after a hurricane is the great surf! Some of the best waves seen on the Outer Banks come after a hurricane. Surfers in the area go absolutely crazy; they even come from all over to JUST surf. Although, please watch for red flags in some areas for the ocean may still be very rough. Anyways, I am suggesting that if you have ever been interested in taking a surf lesson, now is the time to do so! Stop by an Outer Banks surf shop for details. Surf lessons can be a great learning, and fun experience. I recommend this one for all ages.

OR

Go on an Outer Banks exploration! Driftwood is rare to spot these days, with so many people interested in it. It is a very popular activity to go driftwood searching on the Outer Banks, even on a normal day. But, after a hurricane you are sure to spot tons! To only think of the many many things you can do with wash upped driftwood. hmm.. Take a beach walk with the children, and see who can collect the most driftwood. If you collect a lot then you can create any room into a lazy day in a beach cottage. Sounds nice, huh? Picture frames, wall art, furniture, are just some of the possible creations when using driftwood. It mainly depends on the shapes, and how much you gather. Get creative! Seashells are more available after a hurricane, also. While the children are collecting the pieces of driftwood, you can collect seashells. There is an endless amount of stuff to create with your Outer Banks shells. Such things include jewelry, lamp shades, light fixtures, signs, etc.

Help out! It’s obvious that you are on vacation, but helping others is a huge “thing” on the Outer Banks. If you are feeling up to it, make a pile! Help us locals out by lending a hand. Nothing would be more helpful than that. :)

Guest, Southern Shores Realty really wishes everyone a happy week at the beach. Do your best to ENJOY every moment!

 


Aftermath in Duck, NC

Aftermath of Hurricane Irene in Duck, NC. Just wanted all guests to see why you can not check in to Duck. The town is hard at work cleaning up the destruction left by Irene; they want to ensure the community’s safety first! Here are just a few photos…

 

Hurricane Irene Update for Monday, August 29.

The latest update for the Outer Banks of North Carolina. First of all, we appreciate all of your patience with Southern Shores Realty. Karen, our marketing manager, worked extremely hard throughout the storm to keep you all informed on Hurricane Irene. Thankfully, the OBX was not demolished. We understand that frustration is starting to rise, but please work with us, and know we are doing everything we can to get you into your rental property at the moment.

If you haven’t heard:

Re-entry to the Outer Banks for visitors. . . 

Thank goodness, certain portions of the Outer Banks are now accessible! The areas include Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. The Wright Memorial Bridge is now opened up to the public.

  • The Town of Duck will open to guests tomorrow at 10 a.m.
  • There is still no word on Corolla. Hoping for an update later this afternoon.
  • Hatteras Island is still under major flooding conditions, and will not be accessible by anyone until further notice.

Southern Shores Realty has begun to check people into their rental properties, as of this morning! Please be patient, and know that we are working extremely hard to get you into your Outer Banks Vacation Rental. If you have any questions regarding your check-in, please give our office a call @ 800-334-1000.

Travel Safe Southern Shores Realty‘s guests. We will see you soon!

 

Bridge Fishing, Anyone?

Anglers and fish have one definite thing in common on the Outer Banks- they enjoy hanging out around structure. Too bad for the fish in this case. . . Since many different types of fish like to crowd around structure in the water, anglers see better days when keeping close to bridge pilings. My father’s favorite spot is actually right next to a bridge; it is the secret spot according to him! You can find anglers either hanging out literally on the bridge, or in a boat close by. If you do happen to have access to a boat, you will find that it is extremely easy to motor right up to a bridge piling. Luckily if your on vacation without your boat, the Outer Banks offers a few bridges that are very safe to fish from. Actually, even locals find themselves fishing from our bridges quite often. What should I expect to catch while fishing near a bridge on the Outer Banks? The most commonly caught fish around Outer Banks bridges includes Trout, Sheepshead, Spot, Black drum, Striped Bass, and Croaker.

Bridges you can access on the Outer Banks to fish from:

  • Nags Head Causeway Bridge – Referred to as “The Little Bridge.” This bridge is one of the most popular ones on the Outer Banks, and can get kind of crowded here and there depending on the season. There is a side walkway provided specifically for anglers to fish from, and it makes an easy cast into the Roanoke Sound. Definitely a great fishing spot! Located at the very end of Nags Head before the Washington Baum Bridge.

 

 

  • Herbert Bonner Bridge – There is a catwalk at the southern end of this bridge over Organ Inlet. This is specifically dedicated for Anglers to fish from so that they are completely safe from the road. You may park in the lot on the southern side of the bridge also. Located in Organ Inlet.

 

 

 

  • Washington Baum Bridge – Underneath the west end of this bridge is a convenient pier and dock. This bridge spans the channel between Roanoke Island and Nags Head. You can access this bridge and parking lot across the street from Pirates Cove Marina. Located at the very beginning of Manteo right after “The Little Bridge.”

 

 

Southern Shores Realty wishes you the best luck when fishing off of an Outer Banks bridge!


Hurricane Irene’s Lastest Update

Outer Banks Current with a Hurricane Irene Update.

Southern Shores Realty

As of right now Hurricane Irene is a monster, and heading straight for the Outer Banks. Her track is changing by the minute, so we will keep you updated with all of the latest information. Hurricane Irene is a serious threat to the Outer Banks, and is very large while moving at a slow speed. Hurricane force winds with potential flooding, and over wash on highways and roads is expected when Irene hits. She is 645 miles South of Cape Hatteras, and there are only 2 days left before reaching the Outer Banks since the hurricane has moved more westward. Irene has stayed steady since yesterday afternoon, and due to increasing wind shear, she may still be a category 3 or a strong 2 with winds around 100 mph when she reaches our coast.

 

  • A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for all of Dare County and Currituck County visitors. The roads are busy so please, stay alert to avoid unnecessary problems. The toll has been lifted on The Chesapeake Expressway as of this morning to help prevent traffic comgestion. DRIVE SAFE if you have not already left the Outer Banks.
  • An order for a Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for all Dare County residents beginning at 8 a.m Friday, August 26. So for all you warriors out there, make sure you take precautions to ensure your safety.
  • Governor Perdue has issued a State of Emergency for all counties east of Highway 95.

The State of North Carolina will opening 2 shelters at 10:00 a.m Friday morning for Dare County evacuees, at the following addresses-

·  TJ Davis Recreation Center 400 E. Sixth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870; Pets will not be co-located at this shelter, but accommodations will be available and information will be provided upon arrival.

·   Northampton Cultural & Wellness Center, 9536 Hwy 305 North, Jackson, NC 27845 Pets will be co-located at this site.

Reach a safe location, be sure to stock up today, get gas & cash, and prepare for an eventful weekend!

Southern Shores Realty