Pet friendly properties – Outer Banks Blue's Vacation Tips

Caught one! Memory Monday 3/2/2010

Good Monday morning from the Outer Banks! Temperatures are expected to rise to near 70 degrees today, tomorrow and Wednesday of this week. We feel like we caught some luck this week here on the beach. Spring is definitely in the air and it appears that the Groundhog was right when he predicted an early spring last month! READ MORE

Rescued – Memory Monday 2/24/20

Greetings from an unseasonably warm and sunny Outer Banks on this last Monday of February. A great day to be rescued from your daily routine and mentally get away to the Outer Banks. READ MORE

Kick Back – Memory Monday 3/4/19

Greetings from a crisp and breezy Outer Banks on this Monday morning. March has definitely rolled in like a lion here on the beach with cool temperatures and brisk overnight breezes. Definitely not a day to kick back and enjoy the beach from a favorite chair. READ MORE

OBX Sunrise – Memory Monty 5/7/18

Good Monday morning from the beautiful Outer Banks. It is once again time for Memory Monday here at Everything Outer Banks and this morning we get a photo from a guest that stayed with us just two weeks ago and snapped this early morning photo. We are calling it OBX Sunrise.

Special thanks goes to Bob and Sandy Taylor who stayed with Outer Banks Blue at one of our most popular properties in Kill Devil Hills – “Shades of Blue.”

Shades of Blue is an oceanfront property just south of the Avalon Fishing Pier. At just 3 bedrooms, it is a rare find on the oceanfront as so many properties are much larger these days. It is also rare in that it accepts dogs to stay with you at no extra charge. Add that to comfortable furnishings, and the fact it is well maintained folks definitely like to reserve this property.

Summer is fast approaching. It seems like just yesterday we were talking about Easter coming, and now we see Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start to the summer season will be here in just a few weeks. Have you made your summer vacation plans yet?

Outer Banks Blue still has some great affordable vacation opportunities for you and your family for this summer. Check out our specials page to see several properties that have special promotional pricing for June weeks, and of course there are still some sporadic openings in July and August throughout our inventory of fine properties. Regardless, we encourage you to make a decision soon as we expect summer 2018 to be very busy here on the beautiful OBX.

Special thank again to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor of Langhorne, Pennsylvania who submitted this weeks photo. We look forward to seeing and serving you again soon.

All the best from the beach!

The What, Where & How of Bringing Pets to the Outer Banks

Wondering if you should bring your furry best friend on your Outer Banks vacation? Good news! The Outer Banks is a pet-friendly destination with plenty of parks, restaurants, beaches, trails, and rentals that welcome dogs. Bringing pets to the Outer Banks is easy because of there are so many dog-friendly destinations:

Outer Banks Dog-Friendly Beaches and Sounds

Dogs love the beach, and in the Outer Banks you’ll find safe, wide-open stretches of land where your buddy can run to his heart’s content. Just be sure to adhere to the rules to ensure a fun and safe time. All municipalities require that pets wear a current rabies tag, so don’t leave home without it. Leashes are required on Corolla, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke, Southern Shores, Nags Head and Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches at all times. The beach at Kitty Hawk is leash-free before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Duck is a popular dog playground because it’s leash-free year round.

For a less crowded option, take your K-9 kid to the sound side of the Outer Banks. Roanoke, Croatan, Currituck, and Pamlico Sounds have gentle water and shallows that are fun for smaller dogs and breeds that love to play games of water catch. If your dog is shy or not well socialized, the public access between Avon and Salvo is rarely visited, giving them a quiet, safe place to explore without distraction.

All beaches require that you clean up after your pet and keep a watchful eye on their interactions with other visitors.

Beach Safety for Dogs

The sand can be hot enough to burn your dog’s paws during midday, so it’s best to visit the beach in the morning or late afternoon when the sand has cooled. Don’t forget to bring fresh water, a bowl, shade, and a towel — your buddy will be hot, thirsty, and wet after his romp.

Dog-Friendly Hikes

If your dog is ready to burn off some energy, head to Nags Head Woods. The Roanoke Trail, the Town Trail, and any gravel roadway are dog-friendly as long as your pet is on a leash. Currituck Heritage Park and Fort Raleigh National Historic Park are both great dog walking and picnicking spots with plenty of things for both of you to explore.

For the canine with boundless energy, take a hike on the Duck Trail — a seven-mile path full of exciting wildlife smells. If you’ll be hiking on wooded trails, it’s a good idea to pick up a tick collar for your dog if he or she isn’t on monthly tick prevention.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Most restaurants with outdoor patios are dog-friendly as long as dogs are leashed and well behaved. In Kitty Hawk, dogs and their bipeds can visit BK Shuckers, Capt’n Franks, Jimmy’s Buffet, John’s Drive In, and Zen Pops for patio or sidewalk seating. American Pie in Kill Devil Hills welcomes pets on their patio, as do Aqua Restaurant in Duck and Bacchus Wine and Cheese in Corolla. Steamers Shellfish in Corolla is a great place to watch the sunset with your buddy.

Also in Southern Shores, Tropical Smoothies has sidewalk seating that’s perfect for a quick break. In Manteo, try Ortegaz Southwest Grill for delicious food on their beautiful patio. Nags Head has plenty of pet-friendly dining, including Surfin Spoon, Mulligans, Sooey’s BBQ and Sonic. You’ll likely find bowls of water for your dogs at these pup-friendly spots, but it’s a good idea to take your own just in case.

Shops and Services

The Outer Banks are truly paradise for dogs. There are even pet-friendly shops and bakeries where they can enjoy their own special vacation treats. Outer Barks, also known as “the dog store in Duck,” is a favorite stop for dog (and cat) treats, toys, beach toys, collars, leashes, and accessories. Pet parents will also find pet-themed gifts, art, and jewelry. In season, you won’t want to miss their famous Yappy Happy Hour where dogs get to party with doggie daiquiris, puppy pasta, and cake while enjoying baby pools and paw painting.

If you’ve forgotten a pet essential at home or just want to pick up a new beach toy for your friend, try Dog Nutz in Corolla, The Pet Gallery in Kill Devil Hills, or Puparazzi Pet Bow-tique in Manteo. Salty Paws Biscuits in Nags Head offers homemade biscuits and treats for dogs — without by-products, salt, or anything artificial.

Need a vet while you’re vacationing? No problem. The Animal Hospital in Nags Head, Coastal Animal Hospital in Kitty Hawk and Martins Point Veterinary Hospital in Southern Shores all see furry visitors who need medical attention.

The Outer Banks is one of the most enjoyable, pet-friendly destinations on the coast. Your baby can enjoy new adventures, open stretches of beach, interesting hikes and al fresco dining with the family. Grab your tennis ball and we’ll see you on the sand.

The 12 Days Of Christmas Outer Banks Style

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … a vacation in the beautiful islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina! Many people think of beach vacations as a summer adventure, but the Outer Banks offer breathtaking beauty and a wide variety of attractions during the winter months as well. This Christmas, plan an island getaway complete with gorgeous ocean vistas, twinkling holiday lights, and plenty of memory making.What does the Outer Banks offer during the holiday season? Plan an unforgettable Twelve Days of Christmas vacation with these festive ideas.

Day 1: December 14

Welcome to the Outer Banks! Settle into your rental house in the afternoon, where you will find all of the comforts of home and much more. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at one of the many local seafood establishments, such as The Dunes Restaurant in Nags Head or The Blue Point Bar and Grill in Duck. From shellfish bars to traditional North Carolina barbecue, the Outer Banks offer dining experiences to satisfy every taste.

Day 2: December 15

See the wild horses of Corolla. The island of Corolla is home to one of the few remaining herds of wild horses on the East Coast. Seeing the beautiful Spanish mustangs in the wild is an experience you will not want to miss. Book a tour through one of several local companies and enjoy a ride across the beaches, sand dunes and forested areas in search of these majestic Outer Banks residents. Most companies guarantee a sighting, and you will learn about the history of the horses as well as current efforts to protect them.

Day 3: December 16

Take a boat tour. Explore the waterways of the Outer Banks with one of the many first-class boat rental experiences. Choose from a variety of options, including private cruises, boat tours, and even a Pirate Adventure. If you prefer a more individualized experience, consider renting a kayak or sailboat for your day on the water. You can also rent a skiff or charter boat to explore the coastal waters on your own. The Outer Banks offer excellent fishing for those with a fishing license, so be sure to bring your rods and reels if you enjoy catching your own seafood.

Day 4: December 17

Attend the annual First Flight Celebration. Celebrate the Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kill Devil Hills on the exact site where modern aviation originated. Reflect and remember with other aviation aficionados in this annual celebration, where you will hear an engaging account of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s historic accomplishment. Stick around until dusk to enjoy the First in Flight Holiday Lights featuring a 20-foot Christmas tree in Aviation Park.

Day 5: December 18

Visit the North Carolina Aquarium. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is home to many of the species native to this area as well as the largest shark collection you will find in North Carolina. Learn about sea turtle rescues, wetlands conservation and coastal freshwater animals as you observe the living treasures of the Outer Banks. Enjoy watching animal feedings and live dives as well as taking part in animal encounters and aquatic-themed games. The aquarium supports conservation efforts for native animals and also actively participates in research devoted to supporting biodiversity in the coastal waterways.

Day 6: December 19

Visit the five lighthouses of the Outer Banks. Lighthouse lovers will enjoy visiting each of the five lighthouses scattered throughout the Outer Banks: Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo, Bodie Island Lighthouse just south of Nags Head, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island, and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island. Enjoy Christmas lights at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Christmas ambience of Hatteras village as you take in the sight of these well-known coastal landmarks.

Day 7: December 20

Compete in the Festivus Road Race and Jingle Jog. Engage in some friendly competition and fun for the whole family with the annual Festivus Road Race. Serious runners will enjoy participating in the 10K or 5K through the town of Southern Shores, while young runners can join in the Little Elf ¼-mile race or the 1-mile Jingle Jog. Santa will make an appearance on race day as well, so be sure to bring your camera for some special photos.

Day 8: December 21

Visit the Island Gallery and Christmas Shop. Celebrate the first day of winter with a visit to the Island Gallery and Christmas Shop in Manteo. Browse through 12,000 square feet of Christmas wonder and fine art in five connected buildings. Pick out some last-minute gifts from the toy or jewelry sections or purchase some special decorations and ornaments to make your vacation home feel more festive. The Christmas Shop has been a winter wonderland destination since 1967, and it offers a fabulous Christmas shopping experience for all ages.

Day 9: December 22

Finish your Christmas shopping. Plan a shopping day to fill those Christmas stockings and discover some must-have treasures for yourself. Visit Hatteras Island’s fabulous local shops where you will find everything from souvenirs and T-shirts to jewelry, clothing and artwork. If you are looking for more traditional shopping, the Tanger Outlets in Nags Head offer more than 30 stores where you will find something for everyone on your Christmas list.

Day 10: December 23

Visit the

Winter Lights READ MORE

Pet-Friendly Resources in the Outer Banks

If you’ve decided to vacation in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina and want to bring along a pet (especially a dog), will you run into inconveniences? Not if you’re willing to do a little preplanning. Here’s how to make certain the locations you visit are pet-friendly and/or where to board your dog on days when he can’t come along.=&0=&

“Make This a Family Tradition”: Memory Monday August 11, 2014.

The first Memory Monday photo submission this week comes to us from Ashley Cordelli of Hagerstown, Maryland who stayed with Outer Banks Blue in the vacation rental property “Salt Shaker.”

Yes, I know I am cute!

These pictures bear out the point that Ashley made when she sent in the photos when she said “We had an amazing time and plan to make this a family tradition!”

Hello Fans!

Thank you Ashley for your photo memories!We also are adding a second Memory Monday this week due to the huge number of photos that we’ve been receiving lately.This second set of photos comes to us from Brandy Meadows of Metropolis, Illinois who has stayed with Outer Banks Blue at the properties “Robins’ Nest” in Corolla as well as “Metedeconk” in Kill Devil Hills. Brandy said Robins’ nest “was great” and “you can’t beat the views at Metedeconk!”Nothing like a couple of beautiful ladies on the beach to get our attention on a Monday morning!Thanks Brandy for sharing your photo memories!All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

Memory Monday 7/7/14

Two for one Day…

We have received so many Memory Monday Photo submissions recently we are going to start sharing two photo memories this week.

The first photo memory we have comes to us from Sharon Rowland who stayed with us at Outer Banks Blue in the vacation rental property “Sentimental Journey” in the Sanderling in Duck. Here’s a great serene shot of the soundside in Duck.

This next photo Sharon refers to as “The Happy Dance!”

Finally after a lot of playing at the beach sometimes you just need some shade to rest under.

Thanks Sharon for sharing your photo memories. Sharon tells us her family had so much fun at Sentimental Journey the last time around they have two more visits scheduled for later in 2014!

The second Memory Monday Photo Submission we have for you this week comes to us from Angie Ellsworth of Wilmington, Delaware who stayed with Outer Banks Blue the week of June 21st in the property “Reel Retreat” in Corolla.

Angie proves with this photo that you can relax and fish with a beautiful view on the Outer Banks.

Thanks Angie for sharing your photo memories with us this week!