Blogging the Beach

During the height of the summer season the Outer Banks are more alive than ever! There’s nothing like spending the early morning on the beach with a relaxing stroll along the shore, or a lively game of volleyball or cornhole while the wild mustang play in the nearby dunes. We like to think this is a great time to come visit because it marks a time when most people have finished their vacations, leaving plenty of beach vacation rentals available. August is a great time to gather everyone for a week-long family reunion in a multi-room beach cottage, or one last weekend getaway with the kids before school starts.

Wednesdays through August, you can stop by the Whalehead club from 3-7 PM for Wednesday Wine tastings. For a $20 fee you can taste the best whites and red and enjoy live music as the sun sets. If you have a taste for something sweet, consider a visit to Martin Vineyards on Knott’s Island, where the peach orchard may have some choice fruits available for picking. Be sure to call ahead for availability.

If you think you have what it takes to build the best sand castle in the Outer Banks or out-kayak the competition, you’ll want to try your luck at the Ocean Games, sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites (with locations in Currituck and Nags Head). The fun starts early on August 8 and registration is free.

For more fun family-oriented Outer Banks events, be sure to visit our online calendar for new additions and schedule changes. Don’t let August pass by without a visit - school is right around the corner!

Have you been to Knotts Island lately? This beautiful area in the Currituck Outer Banks is home to Martin Vinyards, one of three wineries in the immediate area. If you have a taste for fruit wine or a delightful Viognier, this is the place to visit this summer.

The grounds of Martin Vineyards also provide for great seasonal fruit picking opportunities. Right now, peaches and apples are ready for harvest, but be sure to call ahead for availability. Families are welcome to pack a picnic lunch and tour the winery. Fruit may be picked by the basket. Look for seedless grapes to sample and enjoy around this time, too.

Depending on how you come, you may need to take the Currituck Sound ferry, so don’t forget to check the schedules. There is no charge to take the ferry to Knotts Island, and each ferry is equipped with restrooms and a climate controlled lounge so you can relax and enjoy the view of the sound as you’re carried across the water.

For more information on activities and events on Knotts Island, come to our beach online and discover that Currituck is more than you imagined!

by Kathryn Lively

With the three-day holiday fast approaching, don’t think it’s too late to find a place to stay in the Outer Banks. Bring along family and friends, and you may find you can still rent a vacation home at the beach for a reasonable price.  What you do during your vacation once you get to Currituck or other parts of the region is up to you - and most assuredly the options are endless. Memorial Day in the Outer Banks, however, does offer a few special celebrations for locals and visitors to come together and remember those who fought for our freedoms, that we can enjoy our leisure time throughout the year.

Come to Currituck this Memorial Day weekend and join use for the following events:

ResortQuest Outer Banks Memorial Day Cookout

This fun-filled family event is sure to delight anyone in the family! We’ll have hot dogs, watermelon, lemonade, snowcones, popcorn… and Magic Mike will be here to entertain the kids! So come and hang out with your friends and family for an afternoon of food, music, live entertainment, and more!

Date: Mon,May 25, 2009
Address: ResortQuest Outer Banks: 1023 Ocean Trail, Corolla
Info: 252-453-3033

Currituck Jazz Festival Wine Dinner Hosted by Weeping Radish

Kick off the Currituck Wine & Jazz Festival Weekend with the best in local Currituck Cuisine and wine! Four courses of local foods from Weeping Radish paired with five distinct wines from Sanctuary Vineyards! Reserve your seat at the table now, space is limited!

Date: Fri,May 29, 2009
Address: 6957 Caratoke Hwy.
Info: 800-637-2446

Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $50.00 per person; $80.00 a couple
Event Web site: click here
Email: info@sanctuaryvineyards.com

Moonrise Bay Art Show

Cost includes light refreshments, wine tasting, entertainment by Bill Mann; smooth jazz saxophone and artwork by local artists.

Date: Sat,May 30, 2009
Address: 134 Moonrise Bay Landing, Knotts Island
Info: 252-429-9463

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: $30.00