Many who are reading this have been to the wonderful Outer Banks of NC. Some have not. Either way, when one gets on the topic of the OBX it usually connects to the feeling of a beach experience thought or memory before all else. But, take a moment to think upon this name for a moment ……” Outer Banks”.
There is an air of uniqueness, mystery and “relaxation” to the actual name….OUTER BANKS……which is confirmed due to how detached it is from mainland living! It is literally a string of islands for the most part. Yes, there is Mainland OBX on the Northen and Mid-portion. The Northern part is connected to the mainland of NC as well as Virginia! The mid-portion roads lead out to the piedmont of NC. There are ferries that connect the string of islands from Hatteras to Ocracoke. Then, Ocracoke has a ferry service to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter, NC. In between are the more visited areas of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head; North to South reaching the Oregon Inlet. Then, we have Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Frisco and Hatteras areas. All of have their fan base as well as ocean front to sound front property offerings.
The Relaxing element about the Outer Banks is that, once one visits, they immediately feel the laid back, “I’ll get to it tomorrow” attitude because of the “I am going to the beach today” vibe. As well, the rows of the beach homes display the nostalgic, charming, cedar shake “Beach Box” as well as the larger more current Homes geared towards large family and friends which say “Welcome to the Beach!” The local, historically influence architectural elements of the homes here, which include the already mentioned Cedar Shake siding, also have wrap around covered porches, grand windows to enjoy ocean views and plenty of decks for morning coffee or evening favorite beverages while the seagulls call out and beach grass sways from the seashore breezes.
If one digs enough into the history of the Outer Banks, they will find Pirate Stories and learn of shipwrecks due to hurricanes and storms. These stories are what books and movies are made of! Actually, there are supposedly descendants of the infamous Blackbeard, one of the most notorious Pirates, still living in the Outer Banks. Now that is an incredible story! Another notable mention is the locals in the villages of Hatteras and Ocracoke dialect still has this Old England influence. Some call it a “Hoity Toity” accent. This phrase means “High Tide” and it sounds as "hoi toi" when an elder local says "high tide". National Geogrpahic did an investigative story into the local dialects/accents years ago and traced it to the English Explorers and Pirates that came here long ago. Back to the ship wrecks…..the wild horses (Photo at top of Blog) of Corolla are actually descendants of a Spanish Mustang herd which was proven by a DNA test. How cool is that?!
Like all places, growth and change occurs. A beach community which was visited only by ferry back in the 1920’s and 1930’s had a bridge built from the mainland in 1930. It was named “Wright Memorial Bridge” in honor of the Wright Brothers who literally started the aviation movement here in the USA! The first flight took place in Kill Devil Hills and the wonderful Wright Brothers National Memorial Park is a fine place to learn about the first flight. There is so much local history to enjoy, get inspired from and learn about.
Eventually, one will come to realize how the metamorphosis from a quaint and “sleepy”, little coastal get away occurred to be one of the most endeared family vacation locations on the east coast. With that, they recognize the little beach boxes, cottages which now are few due to newer homes being constructed having transitioned to the larger accommodating quality, glamourous beach homes lining up and down the ocean front. Think about it…..Great Grand Parents brought their children to the beach, their children started having children and family accommodation needs increased…..hence, small beach cottages of 2 or 3 BR’s, while some still exist, are replaced with larger homes which includes Bed Room quantities of 5 to 10 Bedrooms and higher! These are so popular and is cause for opportunity for fans of the OBX to help pay for their dream house at the beach through renting to vacationers. The hospitality industry here in the OBX is the number one source of the local economy.
Regardless of which level home an Outer Banks Fan enjoys, they all get to enjoy the local restaurants, shops, fishing piers, and of course the wondrous beaches…..and most folks feel and enjoy that Relaxed, Special and Unique way the Outer Banks gives! They say, “Once you get a little Outer Banks sand in your shoes you never get rid of it!” The charm of the OBX means adoration grows more and more each visit. Because of this many end up buying a beach home here.
That is where I come in…..Give me a call at 252-207-4554 and let’s get your questions answered, and get you into a beach property.
Posted by Mike Bishal on
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