In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to help you not look like a fool during your Outer Banks vacation!
Don’t leave your trash on the beach. Unfortunately, after a long day of fun in the sun, many people will forgetfully leave cigarette butts and other trash on the beach. Birds and marine life often mistake litter for food and become entangled in or ingest items, blocking and affecting their ingestion, as well as introducing cancer-causing chemicals into their bloodstreams. Also, garbage slicks and wash-ups close beaches to swimming and are detrimental to tourism and the coastal economy.
Do clean up after yourself and others. Organizing a family trash cleanup could teach children the importance of helping maintain a healthy ecosystem. The local marine life will thank you!
Do be sure to check out the wild horses of Corolla. These wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs have roamed the 4x4 beaches since they were brought to the area by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Take an open-air excursion with one of the local wild horse tour companies, who will enlighten you will lots of information and local lore.
Don’t feed the horses or get too close. According to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, their highly specialized diet only includes native plants and grasses. If they become accustomed to taking food from humans, they may have to be removed from the wild. Also, be sure to not come within 50 feet. Although they seem docile and friendly, they are wild and will always be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. And it’s against the law!
Don’t throw away unused non-perishable food items. Any unused and unopened non-perishable items such as canned goods, crackers, peanut butter, cereal bars, etc. can be brought to any Sun Realty office upon check-out and will be donated to the local food pantry.
Don’t get caught in a rip current. Great beach weather doesn’t always mean it’s safe to swim!
Do be aware of the signs of a rip current, which can be found here. Also, most of the beaches of the Outer Banks are lifeguarded from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Find more information on lifeguarded beaches here.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Not only is a sunburn painful, but it can cause long-term skin damage.
Do take advantage of the local fare. Grab your fishing pole and head to the pier or charter an offshore boat to catch dinner, or make haste to one of the local restaurants or seafood markets for the freshest local catch!
Don’t stress. Vacations are supposed to be fun!
Do relax! Unplug and unwind, making memories to last a lifetime!