This was a big off season weekend in the Outer Banks. You had the 20th Annual Kellys St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Shamrock 8K, and the Outer Banks Polar Plunge. It would be tough to find a better winter weekend to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks.

 

The weekend's weather was rainy but that definitely did not deter the enthusiasm on those out enjoying the activities.

 

Outer Banks Polar Plunge Video:

Polar Plunge Video 2

Thanks to Seaside Vacations for posting the videos.

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The snowstorm of 2009 brought a few inches to the Outer Banks along with some brutal wind and low temperatures. Snow is such a rarity it is fun while it lasts.

 

Snow in the Outer Banks

 

 

Its Snowing in the Outer Banks

 

 

Dogs in the Snow in the OBX

 

 

Sledding Outer Banks Style

 

Outer Banks Sledding Video from Seaside Vacations

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What beats Valentine's Day and Oysters?  Not much, that's why its a great reason to spend a day at the 25th Annual Stumpy Point Oyster Fest.  This is a winter Outer Banks tradition.  This year the fest falls on valentine's Day.

Information from WNCT.com

Stumpy Point on the Outer Banks will be holding their 24th Annual Oyster Feast this Valentines Day, Feb. 14.

The event will be held at the Stumpy Point Community Center from noon to 5 p.m. and will include all you can eat fried and steamed oysters, fried fish, and all the trimmings. Participants can even look forward to a bake sale for dessert.

The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.

For more information contact the Bayview Chapel at 252.473.5869.

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Local Congressman Walter Jones, is working to ease the restrictions on beach driving.  According to WECT, Jones said, that small businesses on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands are being hit by the economic downturn, but also by federal rules that bar or restrict access to some beaches. The businesses heavily rely on beach fishermen. It does seem as if one local politican is trying to carry some weight in Washington to keep the economy of the Outer Banks as healthy as possible. 

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Beach nourishment is a very touchy subject along the Outer Banks. Most people seem to either fully support or are 100% against beach nourishment. Often, the difference is where the home is located of the person asked .If their home is located oceanfront or semi-oceanfront, they are often quite supportive of beach nourishment.

 

Both sides have some interesting points. How and when full scale beach nourishment comes to the Outer Banks remains to be seen. It does seem as if something will be done. This week on Channel 20, they are showing Peter Revella's presentation on Beach Nourishment Financing. The presentation was sponsored by Nags Head and the Dare County commissioners.

 

Against OBX Beach Nourishment:

 

 

For OBX Beach…

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There is an article today in the News & Observer, on the value that trails have on tourism.  It mentions the Outer Banks several times.

..."A recent N.C. State University study found that $6.7 million spent to build bike paths and wide road shoulders on the Outer Banks resulted in an annual economic impact of $60 million in increased tourist expenditures and the creation of 1,400 tourism-related jobs..."

..."The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a 1,000-mile trail stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks..."

It makes some interesting coralations.  Read the rest of the article.

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Outer Banks Foreclosure and Short Sale Information

Are you ready to learn more? Join the Outer Banks Foreclosure and Short Sale List

Frequently Asked Questions about Outer Banks Foreclosures and Shore Sales

Why should I consider an Outer Banks foreclosure or short sale?

When searching through the current foreclosure list, it is often possible to find homes well under their tax assessed values.  Conditions have made it prime for buyers to take advantage of foreclosures and short sales in the Outer Banks.  Currently, you can find foreclosures in towns like Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Avon, and more.

Aren't the foreclosed homes often destroyed and in poor condition?

While this…

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Rumors are swirling that the Mid Currituck Bridge will begin construction in 2009.  This sounds like great news for home owners and vacationers of Corolla.  There might be nothing worse than starting your vacation stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

The proposed bridge should definitely work to alleviate much of the traffic currently coming over the Wright Memorial Bridge.  The bridge when complete should make getting to places like Corolla Light or Villages at Ocean Hill, much, much easier.  The time savings for everyone looks to be incredible.

The amazing thing about the Mid Currituck Bridge is it looks to be North Carolina's first PPP, public private partnerships. Here is what the NC Turnpike Authority says about PPP, "With a PDA the NCTA will…

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 A concern of everyone in the Outer Banks has been the effect the U.S. economy will have on tourism.  This summer was unaffected by the early troubles of the economy.  The off-season has been slower than the year before, but people are still coming down for the holidays.

The 2009 rental season is one of concern for many OBX home owners and locals.  Initial reports I have received show a drop off from last year but nothing remarkable.  That is very promising considering the daily news coming out of Washington.  We will have to see if the trend continues.

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During this weekend's OBX Marathon, I was having a conversation with some friends about how many vacationers request homes with pools.  I was explaining how having a home that offers a private or community pool can be the difference in renting for many people.  They could not figure out why people would want a pool when the ocean is so close.  I told them about a recent encounter I had with a guest staying in one of the vacation homes managed by Kitty Hawk Rentals.

This guest, who will remain nameless, came into one of the offices to look for a restaurant recommendation.  Luckily, I happened to be in the office at the time.  The guest were treated to hearing about some of my favoriteOuter Banks restaurants .  The discussion turned to how the…

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