Beach Buzz

As a newcomer to the Outer Banks, I’m always looking for an inexpensive way to explore all the area has to offer! My most recent discovery is the Manteo waterfront. Full of charming boutiques, eclectic dining and a lovely view of the boats coming into dock, I’m officially in love. First Fridays are held on the first Friday of every month and I had a great time visiting pubs like Poor Richards, restaurants like the Full Moon Cafe and listening to music performances on the street. Some art galleries had extended hours while restaurants sold plates of food off their porches.

This Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on the north end of Hatteras Island is the annual Fishing and Crabbing Rodeo. The family event sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society is for an event for all ages hoping to try their luck at bringing home a seafood dinner! In order to fish make sure you have a saltwater fishing license and the daily crab limit mandated by the state is 50 crabs per person. Crabbing does not require a fishing license.

The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Fishing Tournament will be held on June 16, 2010 at the Outer Banks Pier, Nags Head Pier and Avalon Pier. It's a great family friendly actvity that your kids will enjoy. Fritz Boyden was a member of the Nags Head Surf Fishing Club for over 30 years. Frtiz was known for saying "If you take your kids fishing, they will never get in trouble." He started the very first Youth Fishing Tournament for the Nags Head Surf Fishing Club in 1971. Age groups for the tournament are 4-9 and 10-16. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m and the fishing is from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.

Top Ten Things to do with Dad on the OBX. Father’s Day is just around the corner! Here’s a list of the top ten things to do with your Dad on the Outer Banks. Book your Father's Day getaway and Take $75 off any new 3-7 night vacation between June 13 and June 27th. 10. Go fishing. Whether you take a deep sea charter or throw a line off the Avalon Pier for a couple of hours, there is no better way to sit back, relax and enjoy some quality time with your dad than in between bites.9. Go Crabbing. Lay a crab line out into the sound or set up some traps.

An epic day of surf was documented by ESPN Surfing contributor Matt Lusk when he hit up the Southern Outer Banks coast with locals Jesse Hines, Jeff Myers and a few other notorious Outer Banks shredders. With the summer season well on its way, these surfers are making the best with what waves are still rolling in.

Sun Realty hosts hundreds of families in their vacation homes every year so we are always in search of great activities for all ages. During June 7th – June 11th, 2010 the beautiful Heritage Park in Corolla is offering a series of kid-friendly activities! Visitors come to the spacious, meticulously maintained park to play, have a picnic, fly kites, crab and tour the historic Whalehead Club. Now there are even more activities for kids that are not only exciting but educational. They can participate in a family scavenger hunt, take guided specialty tours and learn how to fly a kite.

The Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the enhancement and protection of the world’s waves and beaches is hosting a beach cleanup this Saturday, June 5. Everyone is invited to attend. The cleanup will take place in Nags Head at the NH Bonnet beach access at 10 a.m. To send less trash to the landfill bring a reusable bucket or bag from home that you won’t mind getting dirty and leave the disposable or latex gloves at home instead bring work or gardening gloves.

If you’ve traveled to the Outer Banks, you’re probably familiar with the fact that some islands can be reached by the North Carolina Ferry system. I use the ferry for travel when going on my own vacations, as recently as this past Memorial Day weekend. From the perspective of a fellow traveler, if you have not already experienced this alternate form of transportation, I would highly encourage you to try it sometime.

Ok, so I'm a big history nerd. I love old architecture, Civil War history, WWII stories, sepia photos, and yes, the History Channel. For all my fellow history nerds out there, let me tell you about one of my favorite galleries on the Outer Banks... Head south on the Beach Road (also known as Virginia Dare Trail) until you reach Mile Post 11. Be on the lookout for a charming beach cottage with propped blue shutters and a welcoming ambiance. Step inside Yellowhouse Gallery and begin searching for your own special treasure! This locally-owned Outer Banks gallery is bursting with unique finds.

Cape Hatteras, NC in the Outer Banks made Dr. Beach’s Top Ten List of America’s Best Beaches again this year at the #4 spot. Fifty different criteria are used to determine the best beaches. Criteria include; sand softness, water color, smell, pests, and wildlife. Cape Hatteras Beaches are known for thier breathtaking views and secluded family-friendly beaches. Strict conservation laws preserve the natural beauty and the family-friendly attitude all year long.