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Where Are They?

How many people actually stay at OBX hotels when visiting the Outer Banks?  Sure there are plenty of hotels available.  They are located in all of the main towns, although more centrally located in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. 

Why Stay at a Hotel?

There are a few reasons why people feel compelled to stay at a hotel.  Familiarity, ease of booking, in room supplies, room service daily and linens are but a few.  Some hotels offer breakfast as well as a swimming pool.  You can see a good sample of OBX hotels here.

Why Stay at a Vacation Rental Property?

While you see the reasons why people choose to stay in OBX hotels, there are very good reasons for you to consider private vacation rental properties instead.  You can never truly get that “at home feeling” in a hotel.  You can work directly with the owner of the property and not a desk person with no skin in the game.  You will often get a full kitchen or kitchenette.  The booking process is often very easy with a rental property.  Just as easy as a hotel.  You an also find a rental property that supplies linens, although it seems more guests have no problem bringing their own.  Also, depending on the vacation rental location, you will find a host of amenities available, such as a swimming pool, bikes, kayaks and other equipment. And another thing…there are many OBX purists who believe these high rise hotels do not belong on the beach.

So What Do You Think?

Why not give a vacation rental property a try?  Ultimately, you’d be surprised at how affordable a VR property can be as opposed to a hotel.  I encourage you to reach out to the VR property owner and talk to them.  Not only will they be excited to get you into their accommodations, but you will also find that many of us are destination experts as well. We can absolutely make your vacation a great experience instead of a good one.  Have a look at our availability here.

We look forward to having you as guests!

Aris

Our OBX Drive On The Beach

A couple of weeks ago we decided to have our very own OBX drive on the beach.  Back in December, we decided to sell our tried and true Ford F150 for an upgraded 4 door F150 with 4×4.  One of the thoughts being that we could now confidently drive on the beach.

Departing the Condo

We set out from the condo and headed North on the bypass (Hwy 158).  The ride up to the 4×4 beach access point is roughly 40-45 minutes.  It’s a leisurely drive though and we made a couple of stops for coffee, water and a final bathroom break before hitting the sand.  Rolling through Southern Shores, Duck and Corolla you get to see and appreciate how different the towns are.  It’s a very different feeling than Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.

Preparing the Truck

We stopped in a parking lot about a half mile before the beach access so that we can air our tires down to 15psi.  If you decide to drive on the beach, you should have a decent tire gauge so that you’re able to air down your tires and get to that 15psi level.  It will also allow you to check your air level again when it’s later time to air up your tires.

Hit the Beach

We rolled onto the beach and immediately switched to 4×4 mode.  The sand is very soft and deep at the entrance to the beach.  Welcoming you onto the beach is the A1 Towing Service parked and ready to act.  There are dozens of pictures on the internet of people who attempt entry onto the beach and then get stuck because they thought it a good idea to bring their all wheel drive Porsche or 2WD pickup truck/SUV onto the beach.

Driving on the Beach

It’s a pretty neat feeling rolling away on the beach.  It is good practice to head North closer to the water, but not too close.  You don’t want the saltwater or spray to get onto your vehicle.  You’ll see other vehicles heading South and because they don’t want to encounter deep sand, they’ll make their way closer to the water and almost be head to head with you at times.  Just hold your line and let them move up the beach.  We headed all the way up to the Virginia line in Carova and turned around on the beach and started back again.  No horses were seen on the ride up, like we hoped.  It was decided to go into the neighborhoods that are adjacent to this “beach road”.  I will say, GPS is your friend here because the roads are all sand and not labeled.  But you will see them labeled on your GPS. 

Encountering the Horses

While roaming around the neighborhood streets we came across a Wild Horse Tour vehicle that was stopped.  Why else would they be stopped with folks taking pictures?  We pulled up next to them to discover a group of Mustangs grazing and in the shade for a bit next and under this house.  Remember, by law you need to stay at least 50ft from these animals.  They are wild creatures and unpredictable in how they may act.  You don’t want to get bitten or harmed.

Off the Beach

After making our way back down the beach and off the sand, there are signs that point you to the Corolla Historic Village.  This is a park area that is about 1.5 miles from the beach entrance.  There are signs that point you here so that you can air up your tires again at this park’s air stations.  Remember, your vehicle doesn’t like to be on asphalt with 15psi of air.  So, ride cautiously, slowly and with no sudden movements.  Make your way to the air station and air those tires up.  The air pumps are surprisingly fast and you’ll be on your way in no time.  Be sure to air up your tires to what the manufacturer suggests.  The manufacturer suggestion is located on a sticker on your driver’s side door jamb.

We certainly enjoyed our jaunt on the beach and hope you will too.  Be sure to have a look at our other blog post regarding the OBX horses.

We look forward to having you as guests!
Aris

OBX Taste of the Beach Recap

The famous weekend known as the OBX Taste of the Beach has come and gone.  Crystal and I attended one of the weekend’s event a couple of years ago with another friend of ours.  We attended the cornerstone event named the Chef’s Grand Tasting and Bubbly Bash, where 15-20 restaurants and their chefs, showcase their skills.  All types of entree samplings and desserts.  Again, what was two years ago at the now defunct Port O Call restaurant.  The Bubbly Bash portion is due to an equal number of bartenders from various establishments showcasing their cocktails and drink specialties.

Taste of the Beach 2019

This year, two friends and myself attended two events.  We decided to attend the BBQ and Wings Showdown on Saturday afternoon and the Chef’s Grand Tasting event.  Both were at the Soundside Event Site venue in Nags Head.  

BBQ and Wings Showdown

Not really knowing what to expect, we bought our tickets for this event and figured we’d have a good time regardless.  How can you go wrong chowing down on BBQ, ribs and wings?  That’s exactly what this was.  We walked into the tent at the event site and were handed a docket of participating restaurants, which also became your scoring sheet to rate the food.  You are encouraged to vote for best ribs, best wings and best BBQ as well as best in show.  You are also handed a punch card which entitles you to three drinks.  More drink cards (3 drinks) are available for purchase for $10.  There were a handful of stations from local breweries and NC wineries there for you to sample their products.  So you make your way around the tent and grab as much or as little as you’d like to sample from each of the restaurants.  You get to speak to the chefs and find out what they’re thinking and how they come up with their selections.  So many wings, sauces, ribs, sauces and all sorts of pulled pork BBQ.  Some chefs decide to go a step further with their own interpretations, like chef Jeremy Worthy from the Sandtrap Tavern, who offered up his 4oz pork shanks in his own mustard sauce.  When it’s all said and done, they announce the winners for each category.  However, there are People’s Choice awards granted as well as Judge’s Choice awards.  My final comment on this event is that it is the most I have eaten in quite a long time.

Chef’s Grand Tasting

Having done this event a couple of years ago, I sort of knew what to expect when I walked into the tent for this one.  You are handed a docket/menu/voting card in one hand and a mini tray and champagne flute in the other.  You are then told to make your way from restaurant to restaurant to sample their entrees and confections.  This setup takes up about half of this huge tent.  On the other side of the tent, you’ll find local breweries, wineries and bartenders offering their products.  The kicker?  Free of charge for the drinks.  No punch card, no gimmicks.  You are encouraged to leave tips for the bartenders which also serves as the way to count votes for the best drinks!  The proceeds are counted up and serve as vote tallies.  The proceeds go to the Beach Food Pantry.  We walked around and sampled a ton.  Rare tuna on herb tabbouleh, seafood cocktail, smoked mac n cheese with bacon wrapped shrimp, a couple of different seafood and pork egg rolls.  It doesn’t end there.  Scallops over Gouda with a bacon chutney (our favorite) from the Chef at Striper’s.  The same chef offered up a sous vide prepared rockfish over sweet potato puree.  The offerings were tremendous.  Key Lime pies, little berry tarts, exotic bread pudding, and more.  Again, when it’s all said and done, the votes are tallied and a People’s and Judge’s Grand Champion is awarded.

Closing Thoughts

Both events were run tremendously well.  My one criticism?  In my opinion, both events seem to long time Outer Banks Restaurant Association members.  Restaurants and Chefs that have been on the beach for a long time.  There were many awards given that completely surprised me.  Surprise as in I…I would not have placed these folks in the top 5, but somehow they won the main awards.  How and why?  Not for me to determine. I will say that I tend to judge food more on the substance and not the sauces that they are covered in.  Regarding the wings and ribs, I believe many may have judged the sauces.  Would I do it again?  The Grand Tasting?  Absolutely!  It’s such a carefree and worthwhile event if you are a food person.  The BBQ and Wings showdown?  Not so much.  At the end of the day, there are only but so many wings and so many ribs that you can eat and have them taste different. My advice to you?  Plan on going next year and book your time early.  As I did this year, I will wait until about a week before the event before I buy tickets to any events and block off the condo for our use.  It’s fair game for someone else before then! 🙂

Visit our M Villa OBX Facebook page or Instagram page to see pictures from the event. While you are there, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram. Don’t forget to read about “our” Taste of the Beach.

We look forward to having you as guests!

Aris

OBX Lighthouses

How many of you have visited a lighthouse?  How many of you have visited a lighthouse somewhere other than the Outer Banks?  Did you know the OBX has not one or two, but FIVE lighthouses!  How many of you have visited any of the OBX lighthouses?

What Are the Five OBX Lighthouses?

• Starting from North to South the lighthouses are:
• Currituck Beach Lighthouse
• Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Ocracoke Lighthouse

Have a look at our OBX top 10, which includes the OBX lighthouses.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

This lighthouse is unmistakable in appearance.  It’s made up entirely of brick that was left unpainted.Built in 1875, it’s considered a First Order lighthouse.  This means it has the largest Fresnel lens available.  There are 7 different sizes of these lenses.  It’s open 9am-5pm March 16th-December 1st, 2019.  Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it’s open Wednesday’s and Thursday’s until 8pm.  This is all weather permitting of course and the cost is $10 for anyone over the age of 7.

Notables:

• Number of steps: 220
• Visibility of light beam: 18 nautical miles
• Height to top of its roof: 162 feet
• Number of bricks: about a million
• Saturday, December 1st, 2019 celebrates the lighthouse’s 144th anniversary and climbs are free.

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

This lighthouse is also very unmistakable in how it looks.  However, unlike the other lighthouses on the OBX, this one is not the original.  It’s actually been rebuilt 4 times.  The location in Manteo is also not the original location.  That location was at the entrance to the Croatan Sound in Wanchese.  The first lighthouse was built in 1831.  It went neglected and rebuilt in 1858.  It was devastated due to surrounding environmental conditions in 1872.  The next (third) lighthouse was built in 1877.  It performed its duties until the 1950s when it was deemed not necessary and decommissioned in 1955.  It was sold privately and ultimately lost in the sound when the attempt to move it inland was made.  In 1999, the 4th recreation began construction in Manteo and became operational in 2004.  During the warm weather months, the lighthouse is open from Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm. Free parking nearby and no charge to visit.

Notables:

• Height: 37 feet
• Extends into the Sound: 40 yards
• Fresnel lens: Fourth order

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island lighthouse is yet another example of a structure that has been rebuilt at least 3 times.  It also doesn’t reside in its original location.  In 1837, the need for comprehensive guidance was asked for by Lt Napoleon Coste.  He stated that “…more vessels are lost here than any other parts of our coast.”  Construction began in 1847 South of Oregon Inlet, on Pea Island.  It was completed in 1857 and abandoned in 1859 due to construction hazzards.  It was leaning.  The second lighthouse was built quickly in 1859 but didn’t last long.  Retreating Confederate troops blew it up in 1861 for fear that Union troops would utilize it.  In 1871, construction began on the 3rd lighthouse on the current 15 acre site, North of the Inlet. It went into service in 1872.  There was a keeper’s quarters constructed onsite as well.  However, with electricity being supplied to the lighthouse, the need for a keeper was no longer needed in 1932. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open 9am-4:30pm from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day (in early October). Climbing tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children under 11.

Notables:

• Height: 156 feet
• Number of steps: 214
• Fresnel lens: First order

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Perhaps the most interesting and recognizable of the lighthouses is the Cape Hatteras lighthouse.  Not only has it been extended in height, but it no longer resides in its original location.  Construction began in 1799 to a height of 90 feet and first lit in 1803 using whale oil.  It was made of sandstone and blended into its environment.  It was deemed too short and not colorful enough to do its job effectively.  In 1853, the height was taken to 150 feet and the new addition was painted red.  A first order lens was added.  Due to the need for extensive repairs, a new lighthouse was constructed in the late 1860s.  The new lighthouse was lit in 1870.  The original was demolished in 1871.  The black and white paint job was added in 1873.  Operations were actually suspended from 1935-1950 due to the beach erosion near the lighthouse.  A metal skeletal tower took over duties.  The beach was restored by 1950 and the beacon was moved back to the lighthouse.  In 1999, the decision was made to move the lighthouse 2,900 feet inland due to erosion once again. The lighthouse is open 9am-4:30pm  from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day (in early October). Climbing tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and children under 11.

Notables:

• Height: 193 feet
• Number of steps: 257 steps
• Fresnel lens: First order
• Tallest brick lighthouse structure in the United States and 2nd in the world.
• Full moon climbs during four evenings in 2019.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The area in and around Ocracoke Inlet became very busy by the 1700s. The need for a lighthouse there was well observed and the decision was made to construct one in 1794.  Completed in 1798, it was deemed obsolete by 1818 due to migration of the main channel.  The lighthouse and keeper’s quarters were destroyed by lightning in that year.  In 1822 land was secured at the South end of Ocracoke Island and a new lighthouse was constructed in 1823.  This 75 foot structure still stands today. It’s solid whitewashed exterior is recognizable and unique.  While you cannot climb the lighthouse, you can visit the grounds daily.

Notables:

• Height: 75 feet
• Fresnel lens: Fourth order
• Second oldest operating lighthouse in US.

So as you can see, you can make a good part of your vacation just visiting lighthouses.

We look forward to having you as guests!
Aris

Basnight Bridge

The Bonner err Basnight Bridge is finally complete and open for business!  There was a huge wait to see what the newly constructed bridge over the Oregon Inlet would be called.  That decision has been made and it shall be called the Marc Basnight Bridge.

History of Marc Basnight

Who is Marc Basnight anyway?  Basnight served as a NC State Senator from 1984 to 2011, when he resigned due to health issues.  Basnight is an OBX native who grew up, and subsequently graduated from Manteo High School.  He became a local, successful business owner before being elected to state senate.  His legacy lives on in the restaurant he owns in Nags Head.  The Lone Cedar Cafe actually burned to the ground in 2007 and was fully rebuilt.

The Old Bridge

The old, Herbert C. Bonner Bridge is set to be demolished by the end of 2019.  That 2.7mi bridge was named after former US Congressman, Herbert Bonner, who served from 1940 until his death of cancer in 1965.  The bridge was built in 1963.  For years, there was a natural connection between the Northern OBX beaches and the Southern OBX villages of the now “Hatteras island”.  Hatteras island was formed when a hurricane ripped an inlet through the island in 1846.  It was recognized that these southern villages now needed a lifeline to the North.  Ferries performed this task, but operations were expensive.  Bonner made that bridge happen, to the tune of $4 million.  As you can imagine, tourism flourished as people could freely access the southern villages.  In recent years, it was discovered that many of the pilings had deteriorated to the point of not really supporting anything below the surface of the water.

The New Bridge

The new, Basnight Bridge is open as of February 25th.  It spans 2.8mi and cost $252 million.  Construction began in March of 2016.  At its highest point, it scales 90ft over the Oregon Inlet.  Showcasing a bit of technology, the bridge is the first in the state to be made of reinforced stainless steel.  This material is said to make the bridge a 100 year bridge due to it’s salt corrosion resistance.

So how many folks look forward to utilizing this new bridge when they visit the Outer Banks?  I for one, look forward to checking it out.  We missed the opportunity a few weeks ago to traverse the bridge on foot.  The first and last time it’s said to be open for pedestrian traffic…right down the middle of the roadway.

**UPDATE** There was an official ribbon cutting on April 2nd, 2019 for the new bridge. Read all about it here: https://islandfreepress.org/outer-banks-news/gov-cooper-and-local-state-officials-attend-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-for-new-bridge/

We look forward to having you as our guests!
Aris

OBX Jobs – So You Want to Work in The Outer Banks?

I think there are many folks who decide that it may be a good idea to move to and work these OBX jobs.  Then again, there are those who may want to live and work there seasonally. That is, during the summer months, on a temporary basis. 

Who’s Working Out at The Coast?

What people are looking for these OBX jobs? At one end of the spectrum, you’ve got people nearing retirement age and remain employed either in a part time of full time capacity.  They’ll work in the profession they have had while living there for many years.  You’ll also see many others working in the local stores and shops that lend themselves to the vacation industry.  Whether they be chain franchises or local businesses.  On the younger side, you’ll often see an influx of foreign students during the end of the spring and into the summer months.  By the time fall rolls around, they make their way back to their native countries to resume their studies.  They like to see a little bit of America and what better place than the North Carolina coast?  These students will secure short term/summer housing with perhaps 4 or more residents to a rental.  They’ll rest up at the beach and have fun all day and work all night.  And of course, you’ll have some that do the opposite and work during the day and enjoy the nightlife after dark.  Any way you cut it, they’re making decent money at a coastal location and getting to know the US as well.  In the middle, are the normal, run of the mill workers who keep the community running.

What Types of Jobs?

As with any popular coastal community, it should be no surprise that most work revolves around the vacation industry.  That or tourism actually.  

• Real Estate Agencies
• Vacation Rental Agencies
• Hotels
• Gift and novelty shops
• Hundreds of eateries
• Tour Companies and operators
• National Parks
• All of the maintenance companies supporting the industry.  Painters, construction businesses, electricians, plumbers, hvac specialists, appliance sales and repair, cleaners, handymen, lifeguards etc. 

You would think these are normal businesses and not necessarily involved with the vacation industry.  May be so, but all of these folks run ragged in the months leading up to vacation season and even during the season.  They have to be available for any issues needing immediate attention during the stay of guests.And let us not forget the servicemen and women who support the municipalities.  Not only during the vacation season but all year long.  Police, EMS, Fire and all of the support staff at each area’s Town Hall as well as the urgent care centers and hospitals.  Ohhh…almost forgot.  The various supermarkets up and down the Outer Banks also employ hundreds of workers.  And actually, they are probably the one entity that employs every demographic and type of worker that has been talked about.

So as you can see, other than tech companies and any sort of industrial plants or warehouses, you can pretty much find your calling if you are so inclined to work out at the OBX. OBX jobs do exist. If you’re interested and aside from the normal job sites, there are several Facebook groups dedicated to employment and housing on the Outer Banks. https://www.facebook.com/groups/629240940573706/

We look forward to having you as guests!

Aris

Outer Banks Marathons

OK, so it’s no secret…I am not a runner.  I do like my long walks and that’s all that they are.  There are many people who run.  Daily.  If not daily, then several times a week or weekly.  So, it should not be a surprise that many of these folks partake in organized marathons.  These marathons and half marathons are put on by hundreds of organizations and for hundreds of causes.  One such organization, Outer Banks Sporting Events, hosts several events every year.  Marathons, half marathons, cycling events and more.  Their bread and butter event is the OBX Marathon held every November.

The Different Events

There are literally dozens of runs every year out in the Outer Banks.  There are runs on various holidays, such as Thanksgiving and New Years.   When people talk about the main run events at the OBX, the OBXSE events are the ones that come to mind.  These events offer great camaraderie, competition, as well as health and fitness.  If that’s not enough, you’ll get t shirts, medals and an after party afterwards.  These parties include food and beer!

• The season starts with the Running of the Leprechauns in March.  This is a new event for this year,  It involves a 5K or a 10K event at the Nature Conservancy.  I am sure we will see runners out in their Irish best.
• April brings the Flying Pirate Half Marathon and First Flight 5K.  This is a years old run where folks dress up in pirate garb and run on the West side of Hwy 158.
• The OBX Triathlon takes place in September.  A triathlon is a combination swim, run and biking event.  This particular event begins and ends in Manteo.  You can even elect to form a relay team where each leg of the event is performed by separate individuals.
• Another September event brings the Outer Banks Cycle Event.  The event takes place in Manteo along various routes depending on length.  There is a 50 mile, 40K, 20K and 8K event.  If cycling is your thing, this definitely warrants a look.
• And then the big kahuna event every Veteran’s Day weekend in November, is the Outer Banks Marathon.  There is a 5K, 8K and Southern Fried Half Marathon on day one.  Day two brings the picturesque, full fledged, Boston Marathon qualifying run in the Outer Banks Marathon.  I say picturesque because the main event starts in Kitty Hawk and takes you through Nags Head.  From there, you’ll go across the Baum Bridge, Virginia Dare Bridge, Manns Harbor Bridge and ending in Manteo.

So what are you waiting for?  If running is your game, have a look at these events and start planning your stay with us. Don’t forget, there are other things you can do if running is not on your list of things to do. https://mvillaobx.com/our-obx-top-10/

We look forward to having you as our guests!
Aris

Our OBX Taste of The Beach

Every March, there is an OBX Taste of the Beach event that takes place across the Outer Banks, celebrating all things food.  Participating restaurants showcase the best of their menu or special menu items across 4 days.  This is often coupled with special events, like a cook off or cooking showdown, wine tasting, tapas crawls, cooking classes and more.  The final day of the 4 day spectacle always has a Grand Tasting event.   Multiple restaurants gather in one location and customers are able to sample infinitely from their offerings.  Each event offers tickets for a fee.  If interested, you should review the Taste of the Beach website and make your plans.  Careful and act fast!  Some of these events sell out.  https://www.obxtasteofthebeach.com/

Our Taste of The Beach

While the TOTB event is organized by the Outer Banks Restaurant Association, Crystal and I often conduct our own TOTB event.  With each visit out to the coast, we have our own list of restaurants that we consider visiting.  There are so many, that we can never get to them all.  So we compromise based on what we had our prior visit and what we feel like eating currently.  It becomes quite the debate at times.  After all, food at the OBX made it into our top 10. https://mvillaobx.com/our-obx-top-10/ Please see our list below.  Note that they are in no particular order.

Our OBX Restaurant List

Burgers

• Art’s Place, Kitty Hawk.  Local hang out.  You will not be disappointed.  1/2 lb of fresh burger greatness.
• Jack Browns Beer and Burger Joint, Kill Devil Hills.  Local hang out, right next door to the condo. Wagyu beef and craft beer.
• John’s Drive In, Kitty Hawk. Legend. Careful parking as their parking lot is almost non existent. Fresh Angus burgers (10.6oz for their large). Their Dolphin (Mahi) boat is a must.

Seafood and more

• Blue Moon Beach Grill, Nags Head.  Fried oysters and crabcake are fantastic. One of the best shrimp n grits.
• Black Pelican, Kitty Hawk.  Fisherman’s risotto and mixed grill (steak and fish) are favorites.  Coconut creme pie for dessert.
• Kill Devil Grill, Kill Devil Hills.  Their blackboard specials are legendary.  Go early, they sell out.  Key lime pie for dessert.
• Coastal Cravings, Southern Shores.  We’ve tried their crabcake and lobster roll.  Very good.
• I Got Your Crabs, Kitty Hawk.  One of the best she crab soups.  Fresh shellfish. Happy hours 2-3pm and 6-7pm during the week off season. $6 per dozen for oysters and clams.
• Colington Cafe, Kill Devil Hills.  Better make a reservation.  Great mix of steaks and seafood.
• Barefoot Bernie’s, Kitty Hawk.  Love their lunch menu and specials.  Red snapper reuben is awesome.
• Miller’s Steaks and Seafood, Kill Devil Hills. Right down beach road. Get seated between 4-5pm and take 20% off your entrees.

Breakfast

• Jolly Roger, Kill Devil Hills.  $1.99 breakfast off season. Scratch made foods.
• Ten O Six, Kill Devil Hills.  Local to the condo.  Very good for a quick stop to pick up a breakfast burrito.
• Stack em High, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. Family owned legend.  A bit of everything.
• Biscuits n Porn, Nags Head.  Big, flavorful biscuits.  Cheese biscuits.  Must try.
• Bob’s Grill Eat and Get the Hell out! Huge platter sized pancakes and usual breakfast items.

Cheap eats, but VERY good

• Spanky’s, Kitty Hawk.  Everything on the menu.  Burgers, hot dogs, fish sandwiches and more.  Fresh food.
• Hurricane Mo’s, Kitty Hawk.  Known for their shrimp and wing special during happy hour.  3-6p off season.  3-5p in season.  35c wings and 15c shrimp.  $1 tacos

Tacos and the like

• Bad Bean Baja Grill, Kitty Hawk.  Very gourmet style tacos.  Fresh. $2 tacos on Thursday nights offseason.
• Mama Kwans, Kill Devil Hills.  Legendary mahi tacos.  Love their fried green beans as well.

Pizza

• Slice, Kill Devil Hills.  Can’t go wrong.  $10 cheese pizza pies off season.
• Sal’s NY Pizza, Kill Devil Hills.  Local to the condo.  Good.

Deli

• Country Deli, Kill Devil Hills. Huge, fresh sandwiches and sides.
• Stop n Shop, Kill Devil Hills. Good sandwiches.

Desserts

• Duck Donuts, all over the OBX.  An institution.  Careful, they close early off season.
• Jolly Roger, Blue Moon Beach Grill, Kill Devil Grill, Miller’s Steaks and Seafood and the Black Pelican all have house made desserts.

Fresh Seafood

• Billy’s Seafood, Kill Devil Hills. Mini mart and fresh seafood. Great place to grab the day’s catch and cook it at home. You can get crabs and shrimp steamed here as well.
• Austin Fish Company, Nags Head. Another good place to grab food to cook at home. They also have a kitchen area where they will cook prepare fish sandwiches and the like for you.
• O’Neals Seafood Harvest, Wanchese. Wanchese is the seafood Mecca, where many of the commercial outfitters are. O’Neals has a nice little seafood market and they also prepare many of the items for lunch.

There are so many other places that are on our list to try. It’s just so difficult to move on from what we know and love already. We’ll slowly try to branch out and report back. Enjoy and bon appetite!

We look forward to having you as our guests!

Aris

OBX Fishing

I’m not an avid fisherman by any means. It’s hard not to mention the OBX and not think about fish.  After all, if you like seafood, it all starts with catching the seafood.  Right? So how about we learn about some OBX fishing!

OBX Fishing History

Best I have found, fishing on the Outer Banks began back with the Native Americans who were in the area. When Arthur Barlowe reached the Outer Banks back in the 16th century, the Native Americans showed him what the sea had to offer.  When they showed him how to bow fish, it was all over and he was “hooked”. Prior to the Civil War, commercial fishing was limited.  The lack of refrigeration made it difficult to travel with the goods.  The fish would have to be salted and dried.  After the Civil War, the US transportation system flourished and goods were able to reach their markets with better speed.  Perishable products were transported and sold as “fresh”.  Fishing as an industry and way of life became possible and lucrative. Aside from fishing, boat building on the Outer Banks took off as well.  Vessels were needed to meet the demand of procuring seafood.  Boat building also allowed for smugglers to run rum during prohibition times. Wanchese became the center of the commercial fishing industry on the Outer Banks.  Located at the South end of Roanoke Island, you can still go and get the day’s fresh catch and see the shipbuilding warehouses there.

Private Fishing

There are many areas on the Outer Banks which allow for you to grab a charter boat and go out into open water for a great day’s worth of fishing.  For those of us who don’t mind shore fishing, there are a couple of ways to go about on your own.  If you venture out to one of the local piers, you pay a nominal admission fee and can fish all day if you’d like.  You can bring your own fishing gear or rent from them.  They’ll sell you the bait you need for the type of fish you’d like to catch.  They’ll give you advice and more importantly, you’ll not need a fishing license as you’re an attendee of the pier and covered by them.  You can also venture out on your own and fish from the beach.  Of course, you’ll need to stop by the local tackle shop to grab a license.  While you’re there, speak with the store personnel.  They’re fishermen as well.  They’ll tell you what you need, where to go, and what bait to buy.  Prices are very reasonable.  Plus, you’re supporting locals!

We can go into a whole other segment speaking about the different fish and seafood that is available out at our favorite coastal destination.  For a brief summary, also look at https://mvillaobx.com/fishing-outer-banks/

We look forward to having you as our guests!

Aris

OBX Weather

When it comes to the our beloved Outer Banks, folks often ask, “How’s OBX weather?” More specifically, people ask for general weather and temperature for different times of the year.  So let’s answer the question with data for Kill Devil Hills:                   

Avg High F            Avg Low F

• January              52                         36
• February             54                         38
• March                 60                         43
• April                    69                         52
• May                    77                         59
• June                   84                         69
• July                    88                         73
• August                86                         72
• September          81                         68
• October              72                         58
• November           64                         49
• December           56                         40

The Tale of The Tape

As you can see, it really doesn’t get all that cold.  In this way, the Outer Banks can be enjoyed all year round.  January happens to be the coldest month and July, the warmest.  On average.If you plan to visit during the offseason, why not take advantage of the lower prices for accommodations as well as the offseason specials at many of the local eateries.  September thru November is still a great time of year to visit, as is March thru May.  Of course as I write this, we’re coming off of the coldest few days that we’ve had out there this year.  Sunday night thru Tuesday this week was brutal.  The high last Monday was 29 degrees F!  We pick and choose whether we rent to folks during the coldest winter months for this reason.  Nobody wants to be out there during that weather AND you have to worry about frozen pipes and the heating system keeping up. We were still warm, but the heat pump was working overtime for sure.

How About Rain?

As for rain, or overall precipitation rather, it looks like August is the wettest month with 5.69in on average.  Surprisingly, April seems to be the driest month with 3.13in of precipitation on average.

Whatever the weather, I think most of us agree that life is better at the coast.  Correct? Have a look at some more OBX weather info here: https://www.outerbanks.org/plan-your-trip/obx-weather-seasons/

We look forward to having you as our guests!

Aris