‘Tis the season for love! Valentine’s Day this year is all about romance on the Outer Banks. Your favorite seaside destination is perfect for a romantic couples’ getaway. Whatever you plan to do on Valentine’s Day, we know all the things to do to make it extra special.
Rent a beach house
To start off your Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing better than a scenic view from your front porch. With one of Joe Lamb Jr.’s beach houses, everyone is welcome, whether it is with a partner or the whole family. The beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina are the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or an entire week, you’ll have a great time.
Watch Sunrise on the Beach
The sunrise on the Outer Banks is unmatched. Stroll the island’s eastern side to watch a spectacular display of light shine across the Atlantic. Give your date a lifetime memory by sharing this experience! Enjoy the sunrise from the romantic comfort of one of our oceanfront homes while you catch a glimpse of the sunrise.
Watch Sunset at Jockeys Ridge
Jockeys Ridge is the largest sand dune on the east coast. Allowing for panoramic views of both the sound and the ocean. This time of year, there are fewer crowds on Jockey’s Ridge, which makes it an ideal spot to watch sunsets over the Roanoke Sound. During sunset, the sand dunes are unmatched.
Romantic Dinner
There are a number of different culinary experiences that you can enjoy on the Outer Banks. A wide range of dining options are available on the island, so you can choose the one that suits you best. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, many restaurants offer special dinner menus for their customers. We recommend making reservations (if possible) for your favorite local restaurant in advance.
Take a Stroll in the Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Fort Raleigh National Park. This garden has become one of America’s most beautiful and unique gardens since the first attempts to colonize America by England under Queen Elizabeth I. The Roanoke Sound’s tranquil setting makes this scenic year-round garden a perfect spot for a Valentine’s Day stroll. Find out more about the fascinating beauty of camellias as one of the featured flowers in February.
Star Gazing
Observe the Milky Way and shooting stars! Among the most popular things to do on the Outer Banks is stargazing. The Outer Banks have dark skies and limited light pollution, and are a romantic place to stargaze with your loved one. Valentine’s Day beneath the stars.
Scene from Crabdady Festival, Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg.
Fall is the best time to be on the Outer Banks. Summer is wonderful, but when fall arrives the magic happens. The days are still warm but the summer heat has backed off a bit; ocean water temperature is very manageable and there aren’t quite as many people here as the summer, but still enough that all the businesses are open.
But what really makes fall so special was that’s when the event calendar explodes.
We’ve compiled a list of events through October and included some remarks about three of them.
Be sure to schedule a visit at one of our Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates homes and check out all there is to do on the Outer Banks.
11th Annual Surfalorus Film Festival
September 18-21, 2022
Sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council, this three day film festival includes some great surf films from five minute shorts to feature length movies.
At various locations. Don’t forget to purchase your passes today.
*Face masks are required for access to all Surfalorus venues due to the continue threat of COVID-19 and its variants.
CrabDaddy Wine/Beer Festival
Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg
October 8, 2022
Wine, crabs and music. We probably don’t have to say much more than that. But just to make a visit even more enticing, the setting is beautiful undertone tall trees on the north end of the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg and the event is very family friendly.
Grab your tickets today for general admission into this fun & exciting event. You can also get a VIP Table that includes: seating for 8, table service, 3 bottles of wine & a charcuterie board.
Events
WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest
Jennette’s Pier
Nags Head
August 31- September 5, 2022
Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Nags Head
September 9 – 11, 2022
Outer Banks Triathlon
Old Swimming Hole
Manteo
September 16-17, 2022
ESA-Eastern Surf Finals
Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head
Sept 18 – 24, 2022
Pridefest
Nags Head
September 16-18, 2022
Dare County Motorcycle Toy Run
September 24, 2022
Outer Banks Jeep Jam
Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
October 7 – 9, 2022
Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Roanoke Island Festival Park
October 20-22, 2022
Outer Banks Parade of Homes
October 6-9, 2022
First Friday
September 2, 2022
Manteo
Duck Jazz Festival
Town of Duck
October 8-9, 2022
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival
October 18-23, 2022
Fall Restaurant Week
Outer Banks
October 10-16, 2022
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
October 15, 2022
The NC VIP Fishing Tournament
Jennette’s Pier
Nags Head
October 17-19, 2022
Brewtag
Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
October 22, 2022
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum Boat Show
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
Manteo
October 29, 2022
Harvest HayDay
Island Farm
Roanoke island
October 29, 2022
As you can see the Outer Banks is full of events this fall and we can’t wait to hear which event or events you went to. If you’re still searching for an Outer Banks vacation rental to stay in this fall, give us a call today!
t’s hard to believe that Easter is less than a month away. Now is the time to start getting excited over your Easter vacation. Spending the week of Easter here on the Outer Banks has its perks, including all of the fun local events happening. Staying in one of our Kitty Hawk vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the action. Let’s peek below at what fun things you can do this Easter on the OBX.
Fly into Spring & Easter EGGstravaganza
One of the most awaited Easter events on the Outer Banks each year is the Kite Festival and the Easter EGGStravaganza. The kite festival is sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites and will be on Friday, April 15th, and Saturday, April 16th, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Each day. As we’re headed into celebrating National Kite Month, Kitty Hawk Kites wants to share their love of kites with everyone. You’ll see demonstrations of different sized kites being flown over Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This festival will also include pictures taken with the Easter Bunny with an egg hunt. Admission to the Kite Festival is free for all, however there is a $5 fee for each child who wants to participate in the egg hunt.
Easter at Elizabethan Gardens
Another great event on Easter weekend is the egg hunt at The Elizabethan Gardens. This has been deemed one of the largest egg hunts on the OBX. It will include well over a thousand eggs! Additional activities for your family to participate in include, egg spoon races, hat contest, coloring contest, and more! You will need to purchase your tickets online in advance to participate in the fun event at the gardens. The event is on Saturday, April 16th starting at 10:00 am and will end around 2:00 pm. Joe Lamb Jr & Associates is a proud sponsor of this event and The Elizabethan Gardens.
Easter EGGcitement at your Vacation Rentals
If you’re looking to explore Easter activities at your vacation rental here’s a short list.
Dying & decorating hard-boiled eggs with the entire family.
Filled plastic egg hunt around your vacation rental.
Baking & decorating Easter and Spring themed cupcakes.
Watch an Easter movie or your favorite family movie and just relax together.
Take an early morning or late night stroll on the beach taking in the sights and calming sounds of Outer Banks this holiday season.
Don’t forget to pack the kids Easter Baskets for the egg hunts.
There are many other things that you can do this Easter weekend, and the possibilities are endless, but we wanted to share these with you. Now is the time if you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Kitty Hawk vacation rentals. We look forward to seeing you and your family this Easter!
Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades.
Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.
Spend the holidays on the Outer Banks to make them even more memorable. Every month, there are plenty of fun events for the entire family to celebrate while staying in your vacation rental. We’ve included some of the big holidays and events taking place in our communities below.
For a complete schedule of activities during your stay, go to the Area Guide tab and look under Things to Do In The Outer Banks.
Tree Lighting
Each year, cities and communities on the Outer Banks hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies. With a few exceptions, the festivities are normally conducted after Thanksgiving and after dark and are sometimes sponsored by towns, business areas, or malls. There may be entertainment, Santa Claus, and sing-alongs at the Tree Lighting festivities. They can also be found at larger events like festivals, and parades. You may want to attend one of the following tree lighting celebrations. All of the events listed are free and open to the general public.
Town of Manteo
The Manteo tree lighting ceremony, which takes place in front of the historic old courthouse, is a musical-dramatic celebration of that indefinable spirit of selfless joy that has touched the lives of Roanoke Island residents at Christmastime for over 400 years and inspired them to persevere against all odds in pursuit of their dreams.
Browse some of the beautiful Nags Head vacation rentals available which is a wonderful town just a short drive from Manteo.
Price: FREE
Age limit: Fun for the whole family!
When is the Event?: Friday, December 3, 2021 – 6:00 pm
Christmas Tour
There is an amazing holiday-themed tour for all of the festive activity seekers here in the Outer Banks. It takes place in the wonderful town of Corolla at The Whalehead. If you are interested in visiting the OBX to attend one of these tours we have plenty of stunning vacation homes in Corolla to help you with your accommodation needs.
Whalehead’s Candlelight Christmas Tour
The Whalehead Candlelight Tours are a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Enjoy music, drinks, and the wonderfully adorned Whalehead estate. Live performances on Whalehead’s original Steinway piano, caroling, and an exclusive peek of the new Starkey Room exhibit and new acquisitions will all be included in the tour.
Candlelight Christmas Tour Details
Dates – Tours will take place starting November 26, 2021, thru December 18th, 2021 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The exact dates are November 26th and 27th and December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th.
Admission – $20 per person Tours are very limited. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register call: 252-453-9040
Holiday Festival
Keep that Christmas energy going with this engaging holiday festival. Get there early to enjoy all the shops and dining the town of Duck has to offer. Shop local and find something for everyone on your nice list this year!
If you want to make a vacation out of this visit look into staying at one of our conveniently located coastal home rentals available to you in the town of Duck.
Duck Yuletide Celebration
Join the town of Duck for live Christmas music, sweets, and an elf scavenger hunt as we await the arrival of our special guest: Santa Claus, who will swap in his sleigh for a spectacular arrival on a Duck Fire Truck.
Price: FREE
Age limit: All ages
When is the Event?: Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Santa will be waiting!
So what are you waiting for, come celebrate your holidays on the Outer Banks by attending our holiday OBX-mas events this month? We strongly encourage you to participate in the month of holiday activities and entertainment for the whole family. We hope to hear from you and see you and your friends & family soon! Best wishes and Happy Holidays.
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Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades.
Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.
Hitting the Roads In Search of Live Music In The OBX
Dream, explore, and discover culture & tourism while listening to LIVE music in the Outer Banks all Summer long!
When the weather warms up, the OBX live music scene comes out of hibernation. From small acoustic events at your local brewery or club to unique festivals and bigger events and concerts featuring nationally touring groups, there is something for everyone’s musical preferences.
Bars, Pubs, and Piers
There are so many late-night activities on the Outer Banks that it’s difficult to decide what to do!
Are you up for some fun dancing or bar hopping?
For thumping sounds and dancing, enjoy the Outer Banks nightlife when staying in Kill Devil Hills. The Backyard Venue at the Outer Banks Brewing Station has music throughout the week and the vibe is different every time. Alternatively, you can keep things low-key by listening to acoustic performers sing in some eclectic small bars all around the OBX. Bands with local and even national acclaim can be found touring around eateries, pubs, and other outside venues so keep checking in for some of your favorites during this beach season.
Throughout the summer, keep an eye out all along the Outer Banks for live music events that bring in the big-name country and bluegrass performers, as well as local musicians who perform regularly at some of the most unique hidden gems. For the more daring, karaoke evenings on the Outer Banks are a great way to sing your unique anthem. It’s difficult to spend an entire night at one spot on the Outer Banks because there are so many possibilities.
You can find live music around the piers throughout the week. Visit Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar and Grill at the Nags Head Pier for a night full of live music and entertainment! Another great spot for music a few nights a week is FISH HEADS on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier. (Some foodie travelers might just find out how to eat like a local as well!)
Public Fishing Piers In The Outer Banks Featuring Live Music
Outdoor junkies plan to attend one of the area’s popular, family-friendly festivals on your next visit to take your Outer Banks vacation to another level. With so many festivities and special events taking place throughout the year, there’s a high chance you’ll be able to attend one of the festivals that make the Outer Banks so enjoyable.
The Under the Oaks Arts Festival, held on the grounds of the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, features a brilliant assortment of vibrant artworks and crafts. Visitors may expect to find paintings and prints, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworks, and much more at this popular event, which brings together a mix of creative artists. This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind local treasures.
Molasses Creek will perform live music at the Festival on Wednesday, June 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m.
Corolla Cork & Craft (fka Whalehead Wednesday)
June 16 – September 8th. Every Wednesday | Whalehead Historic Corolla
Every Wednesday, join the Currituck County Department of Travel & Tourism for local wine & beer tastings and handpicked craft vendors in Historic Corolla Park’s magnificent and serene environment. With your $15 General Admission ticket, you’ll get a souvenir wine glass, a complimentary tour of Historic Whalehead, and tastings of Sanctuary Vineyards’ featured local wines and beer from the Weeping Radish Brewery, North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery…all while listening to live music.
If you want to buy a ticket, please bring a photo ID with you.
The Duck Jazz Festival
October 9-10, 2021 | Duck Town Park
On Columbus Day weekend, the Town of Duck invites jazz to Duck Town Park. This event is open to the public and is not ticketed. Food and drinks can be purchased from local establishments, and chairs can be rented. Food, coolers, chairs, blankets, and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. The event does not allow beach umbrellas or tents. Rain or shine, the Duck Jazz Festival takes place.
Each year, we hope that visitors would prolong their stay on the Outer Banks to take advantage of jazz-themed events and promotions at Duck businesses and everywhere else on the OBX. *** (not technically summer but still a fun event)
As you can see from just a few examples above there are music festival events ranging from rock to jazz and bluegrass all summer long.
Concerts In The Outer Banks This Summer
Are you a culture chaser looking for a favorite artist that you have seen in the OBX before on this trip? Check out some of these concerts going on this summer. The Outer Banks has so much to offer, and the events calendar is always filled! This summer, join in the fun!
Joint Operation
July 2, 2021 | Secret Island Tavern, Kill Devil Hills NC
The Baltimore, Maryland-based rock band Joint Operation is a force to be reckoned with. This energetic five-piece has created a name for itself on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Joint Operation boasts a lineup that includes some of the genre’s top names. Hello, and welcome to the rock ‘n’ roll circus!
Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, special guest Hirie
July 19, 2021 | Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo NC
Lead singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez, bassist Eric Wilson, and drummer Carlos Verdugo founded Sublime With Rome in 2010. The band is presently on tour in support of their critically acclaimed 2019 album BLESSINGS, with hits WICKED HEART and LIGHT ON gaining traction on alternative radio.
Zoso
August 5, 2021 | Klub Kora, Avon NC
The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience was founded in 1995 with the goal of providing the most authentic and enthralling Led Zeppelin experience since the original. It’s much more than just an homage for Zoso. It’s about reliving a musical epoch. In terms of energy, tight-wound talent, and honesty, Zoso epitomizes Page, Plant, Bonham, and Jones.
Michael Franti & Spearhead
August 18, 2021 | Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo NC
Michael Franti is a world-renowned musician, humanitarian, activist, and award-winning filmmaker known for his high-octane live performances, inspirational music, commitment to health and wellbeing, global philanthropic initiatives, and belief in the power of optimism. Franti has three Billboard No. 1 singles in his multi-decade career.
Carbon Leaf
August 20 & 21, 2021 | Koru Village & Spa, Avon NC
Since the band’s early touring days, Carbon Leaf has played some legendary spots down on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, including beach gigs dating back to 1997. They haven’t played down here in a few years, and the band is beyond thrilled to be back! They are going to make a weekend of it, and they would love for you to join them. This concert is a great fit for weekend travelers and memory makers planning for memories to last a lifetime!
Go Have Some Fun & Book Your OBX Stay Now!
Some Outer Banks events are family-friendly, while others are exclusively open to people over the age of 21, so double-check the details before deciding on an evening activity. Every season also gives its unique take on Outer Banks nightlife. Take a look at the options above and decide what you want to do. Some bucket listers could be tempted to do everything!
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Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades.
Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.
At this two-day festival with a variety of activities, car lovers will meet and greet with fellow enthusiasts while exploring some of North Carolina’s most beautiful coastlines. The OBX Rod And Custom Festival is a unique celebration of vintage and antique automobiles that will include a variety of family-friendly events such as local food, cruise-ins, and car shows that will delight automotive buffs of all ages and tastes.
With over 300 hot rods registered for the show at The Soundside Event Site, the inaugural OBX Rod and Custom Festival drew attention from car and truck enthusiasts from every state on the East Coast on May 3-4, 2019. “I’ve had this dream of creating a car week for at least six years now, ever since I took my OBX, SS Monte Carlo, onto the show circuit,” explains event organizer Michael Tillett. “I’ve been out there ever since, building my credibility as a serious car guy and laying the groundwork to finally show the car world my home, the Outer Banks.”
This year the Custom Hotrod Festival runs from April 30th through May 1st, 2021. For 2021, the event will again be spread out over a number of locations, to allow social distancing and safer gathering. There are also additional sites for off-site trailer parking. If you are planning to make memories to last a lifetime and decide to bring the whole family you might want to consider booking one of our featured OBX vacation rentals to enjoy during the weekend festivities.
Dates for the 2022 show will be May 6-7. Registration for 2022 will open at midnight 12/31/2021. Additional information can be found on OBXRC.com, or you may call the Public Relations Director, Michael Tillett, at 252-305-5789.
Where Does The Festival Take Place?
The main event location will be the Vertigo Event Site located at 7594 Shipyard Road in Manns Harbor, NC. This is a four-acre site and will accommodate several of the static displays, vendor tents, and food. There will be multiple additional locations throughout the Outer Banks hosting static displays and cruise-ins. These additional locations will be announced prior to the event. The previously announced event site in Nags Head is unavailable so please stay tuned to their Facebook page.
During the weekend-long party, there will be cruise-ins, static exhibits of antique cars, special events, games for adults and kids, and plenty of food to eat in between the action. This event is designed for you to make new memories together with your friends and family on the Outer Banks. In addition, guests are welcome to bring their own car treasures and enjoy a thorough tour of the Outer Banks’ numerous historic sites. The OBX Rod And Custom Festival, based in Kill Devil Hills, has the fortunate privilege of being close to a wide range of scenic roadways and attractions, from Corolla’s northern beaches to the sandy shorelines of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Past Charities and Affiliations
The festival’s mission is to create, promote and produce an event for the automotive enthusiast in a family-friendly environment.
They will be using the outer bank’s beautiful landscapes as a backdrop for their shows. Reflecting their historical significance, and all the attributes that make our area unique. Money raised through their sponsorship program will be used for the promotion of the event, with residual proceeds donated to local charities.
Just like Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates, The OBX Rod and Custom Festival likes to do good in the community. Both have given generously to some of the following local Outer Banks charities and organizations in the past.
OBX Rod and Custom Festival 2019 & 2020 Charities:
Children & Youth Partnership (CYP) for Dare County is a private, non-profit organization that connects kids and their families with resources to help them thrive. Created following the second State of the Child Conference in Dare County in 1994, the organization was charged with focusing on issues brought forward at that conference and worked to establish the Wright Place for Youth and the Dare County Youth Center. In 1997, the Partnership began administering North Carolina’s nationally recognized Smart Start early childhood program for Dare County, ensuring that all children are ready to succeed upon entering school. Since then, CYP has sponsored three additional State of the Child Conferences to focus work on what all kids need to thrive. Today, CYP works with the help of many community groups, businesses, and individuals to offer a variety of programs and services to ensure the healthy development of all children from birth through adolescence.
Dare County Motorsports Charity Group’s mission is to offer and promote Motorsports events to benefit underprivileged children in Dare County. Our three main events are the Dare County Motorcycle Toy run, The Cat5 Jeepers Toy Run, and the OBX Bike Rally. Each of these events is designed to raise funds and Toys for the needs of the children of Dare County during the Christmas holiday season each year.
Joe Lamb Jr. is a generous supporter of local educational activities and fundraisers in the Dare County School System. The Lambs place high importance on education. Since 2007, the Joe and Ann Lamb Scholarship has been open to students who have been admitted to UNC-Chapel Hill, with Dare County students receiving first priority, followed by students from other North Carolina counties.
The Dare County Relay for Life is one of the largest fund-raising activities in the area, committed to finding ways to prevent and cure cancer. This annual American Cancer Society event brings people from all over the world together to honor those who have fought cancer, remember loved ones, and join the fight to end cancer forever. Joe Lamb Jr. has been a supporter of the Outer Banks Relief Foundation since 2004. The Outer Banks Relief Foundation has grown into one of the OBX’s most important charities, and Joe Lamb Jr. walks hand in hand with them every year as a sponsor of the Couture by the Shore fundraiser in May.
We encourage you to dream, explore, and discover culture & tourism here in the beautiful Outer Banks. With plenty of gorgeous weather on the horizon and more sandy beaches than you will know what to do with the OBX is a wonderful place to book your next vacation!
— Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades.
Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.
Eure Best In Show: Matthew Grimes “Lagrimas Negras” (mixed media)
Held the last weekend of January every year, the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show is one of the must see and do events on the Outer Banks.
The 2020 show marks the 42nd annual Frank Stick Show and for some time it was held at Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery in Nags Head. But the show kept getting bigger and a few years ago it was moved to the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in Manteo.
Good thing it had moved, too.
With 122 artist bringing their work to the Gallery this year, it was the largest ever.
What makes the Frank Stick Show so wonderful is how diverse the representation of art is. There is mixed media, sculptures, paintings, photography. It makes for a marvelous representation of the creative scope of local artists.
Another feature of the show that sets it apart is that it is a non-juried show. Another words, a show committee doesn’t sit and decide who’s in and who’s not before the show. The show is open to any member of the DCAC who wishes to show their work.
Because of that, over the years, quite a number of young artists have gotten their start at the Frank Stick Show.
The Saturday evening opening reception is always very well attended and this year more so than ever. It’s difficult to say just how many people were there but that upstairs gallery was packed.
Need a break for the routine? Come stay with us at Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates for a week or two. Make your reservation today.
Riding old Buck in the 1950s at a Rodanthe Old Christmas.
They’re celebrating Old Christmas at the Village of Rodanthe today. It’s a tradition that goes back at least 250 years. Maybe even a bit longer, it’s hard to say.
It all depends on when a group of isolated villagers in Colonial times along the Outer Banks were told that England had adopted the Gregorian Calendar—the calendar we use today. Great Britain switched over from the Julian Calendar in 1752.
That calendar had been steadily losing time and becoming less accurate because it didn’t account for leap years accurately.
When England switched, the only way that Parliament could see to do that was to simply delete 11 days from the year—that’s how inaccurate the Julian Calendar had become.
When the good folks of Rodanthe heard about the new date for Christmas—well they chose to ignore it and a wonderful tradition was born.
We’re not sure how the villagers celebrated Christmas back in 1752, bu nay the early 19th century tradition was taking hold, a tradition that included a lot of food and games music and the appearance of the mythical Old Buck. early
Old Buck it seems, was a bull who escaped from a shipwreck and came ashore somewhere on Hatteras Island. According to legend the local cows took a real liking to him. At some point in time, it’s unclear exactly when, he disappears from everyday life, making his appearance only at the Old Christmas celebration.
The Rodanthe Old Christmas is held every year at the Rodanthe Community Center on the first Saturday before the Epiphany.
There is always something interesting happening on the Outer Banks. Plan your stay with Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates and discover what live on this sand bar is really all about.
The New Year ball drops and confetti flies at 8:00 p.m. in Manteo so the younger set can join in the festivities.
There is something so perfectly small town life about the Manteo New Year’s Eve Celebration that once it is experienced it almost always becomes an annual tradition.
Maybe it’s the 8:00 countdown and ball drop for the kids; maybe it’s the street fair atmosphere with food trucks and local charities serving hotdogs, hamburgers, Reuben sandwiches and funnel cakes.
Perhaps it’s the music that was outstanding this year with local band Formula starting things off at 8:00 followed by Urban Soil and their hard driving combination of urban blues, jazz and hiphop that played until it was time for the New Year.
Maybe it was the fireworks that were really spectacular this year.
Or the lighting of the new year, blazoned in luminescent blue number, “2020” from the deck of the Elizabeth II.
It’s hard to say, but the combination is irresistible.
Starting things off with the kids and the 8:00 o’clock ball drop is magical though.
OK…it’s not fancy. In fact, it’s kind of quaint and Rube Goldberg, with the ball that lights up a ten seconds minus 8:00 p.m. It’s attached to a rope on the balcony of Dare County Arts Council Gallery. That’s the building that was once the County Courthouse.
The rope descends in one second increments with the kids, and some parents, counting down “…ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five…”
It doesn’t matter if it’s unsophisticated and low tech. It works and the kids love it.
Who know exactly what it is about the New Year’s Celebration, but whatever it is, it is so perfectly Outer Banks that it is perfect.
It’s a New Year so new plans are being made. Be sure to include Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates in your vacation plans for 2020.
There are a lot of ways to bring in the New Year. Some people sit at home contemplating the year gone by. Sometimes friends gather to spend a special evening with the people who mean the most to each other. Others head out to a favorite nightspot, especially if there is entertainment and sparkling wine involved.
We have to admit, though that the New Year’s Eve celebration that has taken a special place in our hearts is Manteo’s annual New Year in the New World celebration.
When Manteo puts on a celebration it is very much all about family and the NYNW evening is no exception.
Think back to childhood and how long the wait was for the ball to drop on TV at Time’s Square. When you’re seven or eight, midnight can be a long time coming.
Manteo has solved that. They drop a ball at the old County Courthouse—now the Dare County Arts Council Gallery, at 8:00 p.m. OK, it’s not Time’s Square, but the ball drops and in the past the kids have loved it.
The entire event takes place on the Manteo Waterfront, in a street fair atmosphere with music right up to the stroke of midnight.
And then the fireworks light the sky, welcoming 2020 with with a burst of light over the Elizabeth II, the replica ship of the boat that brought the English settlers to the Lost Colony in 1585.
The weather is looking like it’s going to cooperate this year. Last year it was great but two years ago, it was bitterly…very bitterly…cold. Not this year at all. Perhaps a bit chilly but the low temperatures are forecast to be well above freezing with any rain falling earlier in the day.
Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates is your source for the best time there is on the Outer Banks. Reserve your Outer Banks home today.
