Explore Southern Shores

Southern Shores, NC is a private residential community that is located between the sound and the sea.  The community is made up of primarily residential homes.  It was established in 1979, and does not offer a public beach access.  

Photo Courtesy of Southern Shores

The beauty of Southern Shores is the community.  Throughout the town there are walking trails and places for visitors and residents to bike.  Southern Shores has beautiful trees that provides a lot of shade on the way to the beach. 

Southern Shores does not have a lot of shops to visit but you can have a blast on the beach!  In Southern Shores there is a private country club that also has swimming and tennis.  

If you are looking for a place to buy great tasting food you must make time for Coastal Provisions.  This place provides a wine bar and cafe as well as a butcher, fresh seafood and even takeout food.   There are a few other restaurants in Southern Shores but if you want to find the grocery store it is just up the road in Kitty Hawk.

Southern Shores is the perfect place to live year round, or have a second home.  You will always enjoy the peace and quiet of Southern Shores, NC which is only steps away from the beach and the sound.

 

Exploring Corolla, NC

Corolla, NC is located on the northernmost reaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks and is located in Currituck County.  Corolla is a great place for a family vacation, weekend getaway or even year round living.  Getting to Corolla can be a challenge in the summer but well worth the drive.

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Corolla has beautiful beach homes and condos, restaurants, golf courses, a variety of shopping destinations and something for everyone to enjoy.  For people looking for a more remote home and experience you can rent a home on the 4wd beaches.  

While visiting Corolla you need to plan time to visit the Whalehead Club, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. 

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 No trip is complete without seeing the Corolla wild horses.   These Spanish wild mustangs roam free and survive in a coastal environment that used to be remote.  These horses are thought to have arrived approximately 500 years ago.   The only way to see the horses are in a 4wd vehicle and it is best to take a tour from one of the local companies as they know where to find the horses. 

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There are a variety of restaurants located in Corolla, from Seafood, Italian to barbecue.  Most restaurants you can eat in or even bring it back to your house to eat.    Corolla has two grocery stores and an ABC store so you can even prepare your own food if you don’t want to eat out.  Be warned if you travel off season you will find a lot of these restaurants are closed for the season and the grocery store has limited supplies.  

During the season Corolla has a movie theater and The Currituck Club hosts a comedy show and outdoor family movie night.  The Whalehead club offers daily events such as Wild Horse Days, 4^th of July Fireworks, and a concert series.  New this year will be a weekly Lighthouse 5k series starting July 11^th and going through August 1^st.   

Whatever you discover while visiting Corolla, you will make memories that last a lifetime which will have you returning year after year or looking for a place you can call home in Corolla, NC. 

Source: Uploaded by user on Pinterest

 

4th of July in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is the perfect place to celebrate the 4^th of July.  You can celebrate with parades, cook-outs, beach adventures and fabulous food.  

 

These are some of my favorite 4^th of July Activities:

1. Ducks 8^th Annual 4^th of July Parade – The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. on the 4^th of July with music, food and a parade.
2. The Outer Banks Firecracker Freedom 5k and Little Sparkler Stroll – This event will support OBX’s local Veteran’s Association and Operation Wounded Warrior Project.   
3.  OBX Killer Dunes 2 Mile Run/Walk – conquer the toughest 2 miles on the Outer Banks.
4. Head to the Beach – All you need is your chair, some drinks and snacks.
5. Fly a Kite at Jockeys Ridge 
6.  Go to the Faire Day Festival – Live Horse Rides, Juggles, shopping and so much more.
7. Go Fishing – we have lots of piers to choose from as well as open water fishing adventures
8.  Have a picnic – Pack a picnic for the beach or have a cookout 
9.  Explore the Aquarium - Great way to get out of the heat and learn about the ocean. 
10.  The 440^th Army Band with Fireworks – Enjoy a patriotic concert at 8:00 followed by a firework show at 9:30.  Nothing like patriotic music and fireworks to celebrate the holiday.  

I hope that you enjoy your 4^th of July Holiday in the Outer Banks.  For a listing of fireworks and events in the Outer Banks go to:  Outer Banks Events.

Explore Duck, NC

Duck, NC is located on the north end of The Outer Banks.  Duck is a great town to explore on a vacation getaway or live year round.  The charm of Duck is you can explore the area by foot or on a bike.  Everything is located close together and easy to get too.

There are so many delightful shops, from bookshops, art galleries, souvenirs and more.   If you enjoy the water you can find all kinds of water adventures from windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking and fishing.  The Town of Duck has a beautiful town park that includes 11 acres of trails, swamps, soundside views and plenty of green space.  The town park includes a playground, picnic area, public canoe/kayak launch as well as fun family friendly summer events.

In the town park you have access to the boardwalk which allows you to stroll through shopping areas, dining establishments or lovely views of the sound.  Not to be missed is Duck’s annual 4^th of July Parade, A fantastic family parade that includes something for everyone.   To discover other events for Duck check out their event page.   

If you like great food you will find a variety of fare from seafood, steak, bakeries and donuts.  You can find casual dining all the way to fine dining to please everyone in your crowd.  If you want to prepare your own feast you can head on over to our local gourmet market and wine store. 

If you are looking to be spoiled you can find four spas in our area or even have someone come to you.  The best part of Duck is our beautiful beaches where you can spend hours playing in the waves, soaking up the sun or hunting for sea shells.  Whatever you decide to do while visiting Duck, you are guaranteed to make lifelong memories that will have you returning year after year or looking for a home so you can call Duck home.

This Week's Best Buys on the Outer Banks!

MLS#73480 – This oceanfront in Corolla is truly priced to sell!  $975,000

MLS#73488 – This is an adorable home in the heart of Duck for only $549,000!

MLS#73460 – You’ll just love this custom built Semi-Oceanfront in Nags Head!  $989,000

MLS#73474 – This needs some work, but what an awesome price for Oceanside in Southern Shores!  $369,000

MLS#72743 – What a very good looking home in the wonderful Villages at Ocean Hill!  $619,900

MLS#72726 – Unbelievable Oceanfront deal in Duck!  Over $800 a month positive income!  $798,000

This Week's Best Buys on the Outer Banks!

MLS#72957 - This is such an adorable home.  Are you looking for a second home in Duck?  This is it!  $449,000

MLS#72965 - 3rd row in Nags Head for only $268,000!

MLS#72966 - Canalfront, private pool, wooded lot and very cute! $474,900

MLS#70500 - Good rentals, private pool, nice views in Corolla for $374,900

MLS#69653 - Excellent golf course home with lots of hardwood, great views and fireplace.  $344,900

MLS#71866 - Great little 4th row beach cottage in Nags Head only $314,900

Progress made on erosion in Duck, NC

It comes with the territory of Oceanfront property. At some point in time good ‘ole Mother Nature will take its toll on the shore line. We’ve recently experienced some pretty severe erosion in a section of Duck impacting the Carolina Dunes subdivision.

There is very little beach left in the area. However, according to Andy Garman, the Town’s Director of Community Development, no homes have been deemed uninhabitable at this time. The Town of Duck recently proposed a new ordinance addressing any potential threatened structures as a result of the erosion. A public hearing was held July 6^th and based on various questions raised at the hearing the ordinance was sent back to get some revisions.

So what happened? Well, most likely the cause of the erosion is three-fold. A combination of very high tides, wind and waves from the northeast and the lack of an off-shore sandbar in front of the erosion area. About 20 years ago the community of Sanderling experienced the same issue. In that situation the community established a Special Assessment and actually had the affected dunes rebuilt by bringing in sand and other materials to get it re-established. In addition to that Mother Nature also helped in balancing things out for that area.

I’m pleased to report the Homeowner’s Association of Carolina Dunes has quickly jumped into action. They are promptly notifying all owners and arranging communication with the Town. There most certainly is a solution and really no need to panic. As we speak, the Town of Duck has acquired funding to do a beach erosion study. After the year long analysis a proposal will be made about what if any nourishment will take place. If approved, owners in Duck can expect some kind of assessment to help with the funding, just as Nags Head is currently experiencing.

One thing is certain, the homeowners and Town officials both recognize the vital importance of the beaches. They are definitely an important asset to the Town and it is critical they remain open and unobstructed. It’s simply part of the process of owning beachfront property. A solution will be found!

I’ll be following this story and providing updates. Follow my blog for the most up to date information on this and other issues affecting the Outer Banks of NC.