Jennette’s Pier – Outer Banks Blue's Vacation Tips

8 Best Beaches in the NC Outer Banks

Did you know that the NC Outer Banks have over 100 miles of shoreline? These beautiful barrier islands stretch more than 175 miles, from Corolla in the north to Cape Lookout in the south. And almost 60 percent of that area consists of a public beach. READ MORE

10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Outer Banks

Heading to the Outer Banks with children in tow? You’ll be glad to know that these beautiful barrier islands offer countless opportunities for family-focused fun. Here are a few suggestions. READ MORE

Enjoy a Perfect Day at Nags Head, NC

There’s more to the Outer Banks than sun, sand, and serenity. At Nags Head, you can spend a fun-filled day with your entire family, both on and off the beach. You can fish from the state’s longest public pier, climb the Eastern seaboard’s tallest dunes, visit a thrilling adventure park, then cap off your day with a delicious dinner at a nearby eatery. READ MORE

Ocean Memories – Memory Monday 4/30/18

Greetings from the beautiful Outer Banks. The weather is amazing today and it is expected to be the first “hot” week of the year. Temps will be reaching into the 80’s by mid-week and it is a sure sign summer is not far away. This week’s Memory Monday photo submission gives us a quick reminder of how quickly the ocean can change.

This picture, submitted by Terri Fazio of Fairfax Station, Virginia who stayed with Outer Banks Blue recently at the Nags Head vacation rental property “All Seasons.”

During Terri’s stay the winter storm “Riley” passed by which made for some angry surf – much different than today. A common event in the winter here on the Outer Banks.

Terri captured a shot of the ocean in its angry state and passed it along as a memory of her vacation.

Jennette’s pier held steady through the storm as it has so often before when the ocean kicks up. The pier, getting ready to celebrate its 7th year of operation in just a few weeks, is an engineering marvel. The original pier dates back to the 1930’s, and after being damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was completely rebuilt with concrete and opened as a part of the North Carolina aquarium system in 2011.

The pier has become a center piece of Nags Head tourism. It offers exhibits, self sustaining electric and water, a very popular event space (it is one of the most popular wedding reception locations on the Outer Banks), and most importantly it provides the opportunity for great fishing to visitors. One of our favorite features of the pier is the hand made fish shaped inserts on the walkways that people have purchased to pay tribute to others. It is worth the time to go to the pier just to read some of the captions. Jennette’s pier is definitely worth a visit during your next stay – whether there is a storm brewing or not.

Thanks to Terri for sharing her photo memories. We look forward to serving Terri and her family again soon.

All the best from the beach!

Aerial View – Memory Monday 4/9/18

Greetings from the Outer Banks! We hope you are enjoying your Monday and looking forward to coming to see us at the beach very soon. This week we bring you a different perspective on the beach – an aerial view.

As you probably know the Outer Banks has deep roots in aviation. The Wright Brothers migrated to this ribbon of sand about 120 years ago to conduct experiments that ultimately led to this area being the birthplace of aviation. On December 17, 1903 the Ohio brothers successfully launched the first self powered aircraft in what is now Kill Devil Hills.

One of the great things to do while on vacation is to take an air tour of the Outer Banks. At the Manteo airport, which was a key military air field during world war II, there is a company that offers breathtaking aerial tours of the Outer Banks.

This week Sue Kehrig shares her photo memories of the experience.

Sue, of Sterling Heights, Michigan stayed with Outer Banks Blue in Nags Head and shot this picture while on a plane tour. That is Jennette’s Pier in the foreground of the picture, and Roanoke Island in the background of the photo.

If you get the opportunity you should definitely take the time to see the beach from the air. The Wright Brothers would be jealous of your view!

Sue also sent a 2nd Memory Monday photo to us and that is of the Corolla wild horses roaming on the beach.

We thank Sue for sharing her photo memories and we invite you to come and visit with us this summer to create your own photo memories. Be sure to share them with us here at Everything Outer Banks so you can see them one Monday in the future.

Until then, we look forward to serving you and your family soon.

All the best from the beach!

Piers on the Outer Banks

It’s no secret that one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Outer Banks is fishing. We know that not everyone who visits the OBX is a fishing enthusiast, or maybe only one or two in the group are. The whole point of family vacation is to spend time with loved ones in spite of differing interests. That’s why the various Outer Banks piers are a great way to meet everyone’s requests, fishing, lounging, entertainment, children’s activities, and the beach, all in one!

Here’s a quick rundown of some local piers and what they offer to help you plan your next Outer Banks trip.

Avalon Fishing Pier: Mile Post 6, Kill Devil Hills

Avalon Pier is great for the night time or adventurous angler. The Pier has its own bait shop and even has a webcam, so you can check out what the waters look like before even heading out. Once you have a stamp good for the day, you can take advantage of this 700-foot-long pier to catch everything from blues and flounder to cobia and kings! This pier even has a “no bystander” policy for the end of the pier to keep the clutter of extra lines, coolers and chairs out of your way while you fight reel in your catch of the day.

If fishing isn’t really your “thing” don’t worry! There’s an awesome arcade inside complete with pool tables and foosball. You can grab a bite to eat or a nice cold beverage at the snack bar while you’re there.

Nags Head Fishing Pier: Mile Post 12, Nags Head

With a bait shop and restaurant on-site, Nags Head Pier takes customer service to a new level with their “you hook ‘em, we cook ‘em” meal option allowing you to do the angling and them do the cooking. They’ll even serve it to you with French fries, slaw and hushpuppies. Even if you don’t have all your gear with you to catch your own dinner, the full-service tackle shop offers rod and reel rentals in addition to the appropriate bait and/or tackle for your desired catch.

After you’ve gotten your fishing fix and fill to eat, take a trip over Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar and Grill for specialty drinks, over 30 beers on tap, live music during the in season, karaoke and dancing for a full day and night of OBX fun!

Jennette’s Pier: Mile Post 16.5, Nags Head

First built in 1939, Jennette’s Pier is truly a one-of-a-kind pier from its concrete structure that extends 1,000 feet into the beautiful Atlantic to its partnership with the NC Aquarium educational programs, aquariums full of local species of fish and special events areas for weddings and other gatherings. The pier has taken a serious beating from the rough wind and waves of hurricanes since it was built, but has been reconstructed into the wonderful landmark it is today. There’s plenty to do at Jennettes’s Pier to make a full day trip for the whole family. Even just strolling the pier can be entertaining as you read the fish plaques people have purchased in honor or in memory of loved ones and events.

As the longest OBX pier, this is a favorite spot for experienced anglers and pin riggers who are out to catch more than the occasional trout or blue. Their website has a fishing report that is updated daily to keep everyone updated on what kinds of fish are in the area and what they can expect before even arriving. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins or a Humpback Whale like the one seen on December 18, 2017.

Outer Banks Fishing Pier: Mile Post 18.5, South Nags Head READ MORE

Top 10 Activities for Kids on the Outer Banks

Every parent desires to build memories with their child and what better way to build memories than when you’re on vacation. Going on vacation can get costly especially if you have kids, but fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Here is a list of activities you can do with the kids for little to no cost while you are staying in the Outer Banks.

Go Crabbing

This is a fun activity for all ages. When I was a young child we would go crabbing in the sound all the time. There are a few things you will need for this activity. First you will need a bucket, a net, some raw chicken, and some string (strong enough to hold the chicken.) Once you have this you will want to cut the chicken into chunks and tie the string around it. After that you are ready to go. Once you get to the sound dump your chicken into the water while holding onto the string. Soon enough you will have a crab gran onto the chicken. Scoop the crab out of the water with the net and place it in the bucket with water. Once you have had all the fun you can handle you can release the crabs you have caught. You are able to keep them as long as they meet requirements. I would check with a local bait and tackle shop to see what the requirements are as they may change.

Visit a Lighthouse

Making a trip to the lighthouse can be both fun and educational. There are three different lighthouses to choose from here in the Outer banks. First you have the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla, then you have Bodie Island located in South Nags Head, and last you have Cape Hatteras which is located in Buxton. The kids will enjoy climbing to the top and seeing the view.

Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

This would be a fun rain day activity. Many places you visit will have an aquarium close by but the kids always seem to enjoy going. At the aquarium kids will be able to see alligators, otters, and the largest collection of sharks in the state. They will love the touching tank full of stingrays and the hand on sea turtle rescue exhibit. If you go when it is not raining make sure to check out the nature trail and the sound side pier.

The Island Farm in Manteo

After visiting the Aquarium make sure to stop by The Island Farm for a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Here you will be able to experience island life as it was more than 150 years ago. Children will get the chance to dress up, play with toys and games from the 19th century, and play and feed the farm animals. Be sure to check their event page online before going. They offer special programs such as ox-drawn wagons rides and wash day on the farm only certain days of the week.

Visit Jockey’s Ridge

What could be more fun than climbing a large sand dune?! Nothing! That is why visiting Jockey’s Ridge is on our list! Kids will love running up the large sand dunes and then rolling down. Be careful though! In the summer the sand can get hot.

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial READ MORE

Chillin’ in Corolla: Memory Monday August 25, 2014.

Chillin’ in CorollaThis week’s first submission for Memory Monday comes to us from Nancy Stymacks of Landing, New Jersey who stayed with Outer Banks Blue in the vacation rental property “Looking Glass.” As you can see Nancy and family enjoyed all of the Outer Banks as they got to the 4-wheel drive territory north of Corolla to see the wild horses.

Kissing Horses

Nothing better than a nice soak in the hot tub after a long day of travel to the Carova area and Nancy’s dog seems perplexed about why he can’t join Dad in the hot tub!Thanks Nancy for sharing your Memory Monday photos!Also this week we have photos from Jen (no last name) who shared this memorable photo from their family vacation with Outer Banks Blue. Let’s hear it for Summer Vacation 2014!!!Thanks Jen for sharing.All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

3 Ways to Fish in the Outer Banks, from Corolla to Nags Head

A Fisherman’s Delight: 3 Ways to Fish in the Outer Banks READ MORE

Enjoy a meal on us!

Happy July from Outer Banks Blue, it is such a great place to spend a vacation with your family & friends. =&0=&

Tag: Jennette’s Pier