Why is Soft Shell Crab Season the best at The OBX?

June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 by arismvilla

Why is Soft Shell Crab Season the best at The OBX?

How About 10 Reasons?

10. Soft Shell Crabs are Unique.

What makes soft shells unique? They are harvested and eaten when they molt their shell. You eat the whole crab, since there is no shell!

9. Soft Shells are fresh and delicious.

To enjoy them fully, you should eat soft shells within 4 days of being caught. Most seafood mongers have them live even! Buy local!

8. Soft Shells are Only Available During a Specific Time.

Soft shells are in season from late April or even May to the early September time frame. Basically, when the waters warm up enough for the crabs to make an appearance. This makes them a specialty and highly anticipated.

7. Soft Shells are an Outer Banks Delicacy.

I am not sure what it is about the combination of flavors that makes the soft shell, such a commodity. The combination of sweet tender meat, crunchy, salty, battered exterior (fried) make it something you have to try. All crabs molt their shells, but the blue crab is the only one that is sold to be eaten commercially.

6. Soft Shells Are Prepared and Served in Many Ways.

You can have them grilled, sauteed and fried. Put them on a bun with some lettuce and tomato. Top a hamburger with them. Put them in a tortilla and make tacos! Really, one way is better than the next.

5. OBX Restaurants Know How to Prepare and Make Soft Shells a Superstar of Your Meal.

Since most of the eateries at the OBX have been showcasing this ingredient for generations, you can bet that you will get a tremendous meal. Tip: Go to The Kill Devil Grill in Kill Devil Hills and get a soft shell crab sandwich for lunch. You will want another. Instantly.

4. The Science and Art of Harvesting Soft Shells.

During its lifetime, the blue crab goes through several growth stages and may shed its hard outer shell near 20 or more times during its short three-year lifespan. Each time the crab molts, it’s a soft shell for only a few hours and must be removed from the water immediately in order to prevent the shell from hardening. Crabbers separate the crabs according to their progress in the molting process. When the crab molts, it’s very vulnerable and must be removed from the water. They should be kept alive until immediately before cooking.

3. You Can Cook the Soft Shells Right There in Our Kitchen.

However you decide you want to prepare these delights, we have what you need to get the job done. What’s better than getting your food fresh and cooking it that same day it was caught?

2. Support the Local Fishermen and Crabbers.

When you buy your soft shells out at the OBX, know that you are supporting the local OBX fishermen and crabbers that help deliver these scrumptious specimens to your plate. You get a fresh product and they continue to stay in business. It’s a win-win .

1. Soft Shell Crab Season is the Perfect Season to Visit the OBX.

Making an annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks during soft shell crab season is a perfectly valid reason to come visit us year after year. If you don’t like the crowds as much, come in May or September. Why not make it a new family tradition? YES! Mark your calendars and come hungry. We can help with your stay.

Planning Your OBX Beach Vacation

February 21, 2018 by arismvilla

Planning Your OBX Beach Vacation

So you want to head to the beach. Where do we go? Where do we stay? What are we bringing? What are we going to see and do? Where and what will we eat? Now is the time to start planning for your trip!

Where do we go?

But of course we will be going to America’s favorite coast! The Outer Banks of North Carolina. You’ll have to decide what area of the OBX to visit. Whether it’s the Northern most area of Carova or Corolla in Currituck County, or down past Hatteras, there is plenty of space for everyone. Each area is unique onto its own, with a different look and feel. Of course we are partial to Kill Devil Hills, which is why we decided to buy here. It’s got a little bit of everything all around you.

Where do we stay?

Will you be looking to stay in a hotel, motel, beachfront home, soundside home, condo, cottage or beach box? The answer will depend on a comnbination of preference as well as budget. That being said, you’ll also have to consider how many people you’ll be going with as well as taking into account how much cooking you’ll want to do. Not to be neglected is the question again about what you’ll have around you as far as food and entertainment. If you want to have everything around you with enough room for 6, and still have money leftover to be able to enjoy your vacation, the practicality of a condo has much to offer.

What are we bringing?

You’ll have to decide on whether you want to bring absolutely nothing or are ok with saving some money and bringing a few items with you. If you’re staying with us, please ask for any specifics as well as consulting the site to sew

Beach supplies:
Cooler
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Beach towels
Bathing suits
Goggles/masks, snorkels, and fins
Beach toys
Frisbee or football
Beach read and/or magazines

Cooking/Kitchens:
Your favorite coffee grounds and special filters
Insulated cup to keep drinks cold on the beach
Paper dinnerware for easy clean up (dinnerware supplied but may want paper)
Zip lock bags and/or aluminium foil

Supplies:
Garbage bags
Dish soap
Dishwasher detergent (starter supplied)
Laundry detergent
Paper towels (starter supplied)
Favorite bath soap (starter supplied)

Bathroom items:
Toiletries (including shampoo) (toilet tissue and shampoo/conditioner starter supplied)
Toothbrush

Comfort: Sheet sets
Favorite pillow or blanket (we supply pillows and comforters) Slippers/socks
Flip flops
Light jacket or wind brreaker

What are we going to see and do?

There is so much to see and do on the OBX. You’ll have to do some research here and of course ask us for recommendations. Our site has a lot of information in this regard. https://mvillaobx.com/our-obx-top-10/

What and where will we eat?

Are you looking to eat out for the different meals while on vacation? Will you want to cook your own meals to save some money or even to sample the local seafood on your own? Depending on those questions, we have compiled various recommendations that are supplied to you when you stay with us.

We look forward to having you as our guests!

Aris

King Tides and The OBX

January 31, 2018 by arismvilla

What are King Tides?

Between January 29th, 2018 and February 2nd, 2018, the NC coast will be susceptible to the highest of high tides. To that end, we’ll be subject to the lowest of low tides as well. This phenomenon is called King Tides. King Tides occur when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This must also co occur with a full or new moon. It’s not a rare event by any means as they occur multiple times of year.

Why are King Tides Important?

King Tides are important because they show what water levels may look like in the future, based on the rise in sea level predictions.

Can King Tides be Problematic?

King Tides can certainly become problematic when they occur at the same time as storm conditions. Imagine the highest of tides under normal weather conditions, and then add in the storm surge that is created when another weather event happens. You will absolutely see localized flooding, if not more widespread flooding, in our coastal regions.

What’s Going on This Week?

Special this week is the fact that on January 31st, there will also be a blue moon and a supermoon. For 77 minutes, the full moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow, casting an orange hue over the moon. It will also be a blue moon because it’s the second full moon in the calendar month. The first occurred on Jan. 2. This type of event hasn’t happened in over 100 years. This is called a Blue Blood Moon!

What was big in 2017?

January 13, 2018January 8, 2018 by arismvilla

Do you have an idea of what was big in 2017?

Hi beachgoers!

As we’ve gotten past the New Year, it’s a good time to reflect on a few of the big things that happened out at our favorite coast. This may be a good way to see what would interest you when you decide to visit. Three areas come to mind:

Back in May, Dowdy Park opened in Nags Head. It’s down on S Croatan Hwy (158). Dowdy Park is a nice recreational area for the whole family. It sits on 5 acres, so there is plenty to do to get some exercise or get the kids to burn some energy.

A short time later, the H2OBX Water Park opened in Powells Point. This had been an idea for the area for some time and it finally came to fruition. As you head past Kitty Hawk and 3 miles past the Wright Memorial Bridge, you won’t miss the park as it sits off the main road. There are over 30 rides, slides and attractions to keep everyone in the family entertained. It may very well be a great way to try and cool everyone down in the summer!

Another item that garnered National attention this past year was the formation of Shelly Island off of Cape Point. This is the little island that formed due to shifting sands and tides. Cape Point has long been known for being one of the most renowned fishing areas off the Atlantic Coast. Shelly Island now gives another reason to visit the area. With a little finesse and a 4×4, you too can get to that area and see what everyone is talking about. Shelly Island has a great following with many locals as a great place to find intact seashells. This is especially evident after a storm. Truth be told, Hurricane Irma changed this landscape a bit and now connects Shelly Island to Cape Point. This still doesn’t change the allure and overall attraction.

So as you can see, these are exciting times out near our favorite Outer Banks Vacation Rental! Maybe it’s about time you start planning your next trip. As always let me know how we can help!

Until you can put your toes in the sand again,

Aris