Elizabethan Gardens Archives - Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

Outer Banks Valentine’s Day Getaway

‘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.

Easter Happenings on the OBX

Bouquet of spring yellow tulip flowers and colorful Easter eggs top view on white wooden background. Easter background with copy space.

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

Portrait Of Five Children Wearing Bunny Ears On Easter Egg Hunt In Garden

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 15^th, and Saturday, April 16^th, 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 16^th 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

Joyful family wearing bunny ears headbands gathering at table in modern light kitchen and paining Easter eggs together

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.

Experience the Elizabethan Garden in Manteo in the Outer Banks

Vacationing to the Outer Banks any time of the year has its perks for many different reasons. One of the reasons is the many various parks that are located on the island. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will allow you and your family to enjoy all the beautiful parks and wildlife refuges located on the OBX. From Pea Island Wildlife Refuge near Hatteras Island to exploring the Elizabethan Gardens just over the bridge in Manteo. The Outer Banks is bursting with natural history for you to share with your family. So grab your camera and start exploring this unique barrier island located off the NC coast.

The Outer Banks Secret Gardens

If you have ever read the book “The Secret Garden,” you know that within the walls stood a beautiful garden hidden from the world. The Elizabethan Gardens happens to be just like that garden only located here on the Outer Banks. The gardens are lush with beautiful greenery with flowers and bushes you may not have seen before. Take a stroll down one of the many paths that the gardens have to offer or sit on one of the many carved marble benches. Treat yourself to a day to explore the park a little with the family.

What to Do in the Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens is part of the NC Birding Trail, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see some incredible birds native to our area? Not only are there birds to spot and photograph, but you can see some history as well. Some of the other extraordinary exhibits that you will find at the gardens are the Virginia Dare statue, or the bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I. Take a stroll beneath the Crepe Myrtle trees as you listen to the water in the fountain nearby. There are so many different options and things to explore when you visit the Elizabethan Gardens.

A Little More Information on the Elizabethan Gardens

Visiting the Elizabethan Gardens can be one of the highlights of your trip as you explore the land and sea here on the Outer Banks. The gardens are located a little north of Manteo over Roanoke Island and are within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. It’s just a hop, skip and jump over to the Elizabethan Gardens from Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk. Admission to the park is $9 plus tax for adults, $6 plus tax for Youth (6-17), $2 plus tax for Children (5 & under) & $3 plus tax for 1 Pet per owner. Imagine how many memories will be made when exploring the exquisite grounds of the Elizabethan Gardens!

We here at Joe Lamb, Jr & Associates are proud sponsors of the Elizabethan Gardens, and we invite you to explore the garden on your next stay with us. By staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will find your next vacation relaxing and restful. We look forward to hearing all about your visit to The Elizabethan Gardens on your next trip!

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.

Lighting the Outer Banks Sky-The Poulos Family Christmas Lights

Some of the many decorations at the Poulos home for the public to see.

In the darkest of nights, which is what the winer solstice is, the beauty of Christmas lights have a power beyond the decorations of the season.

A lot of homes and businesses take the time to create Christmas scenes with their lights, but, there are two places on the Outer Banks that take that whole concept to a new level.

The Elizabethan Gardens designs their Winter Lights every year with something a little different, and walking through the gardens on a cold winter night is absolutely breathtaking

But no one has given what the Poulos family has given to the Outer Bank community over the past 40 years. That’s how long Jim and Ann Poulos have been treating the locals and visitors to their own vision of Christmas lights.

Ann passed away last year, but according to a number of reports she made Jim promise the tradition going.

And what a tradition it is.

Located on Ocean Acres Drive, on maybe two acres, wandering around the paths packed with lights and decorations lifts the spirit and is a wonderful reminder the spirt of Christmas is truly found in giving.

Finding a parking place approaching the property can be a bit of a challenge. Our recommendation is to grab the first open spot on Ocean Acres after it turns into a dirt road. There may be a bit of a walk to the lights, but it is worth every step.

Santa is almost always on hand, to the delight of children, of course. But what makes the Poulos lights so magical, is that for kids, Santa is one part of a glorious experience.

Families have been coming back year after year, and it has become a true part of Outer Banks Christmas tradition.

The family will keep lights going through December 31. Make an effort to see it. It’s worth it.

Winter is a marvelous time to explore the Outer Banks. Plan a winter getaway with Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates and take the time to learn about life on a sandbar.

Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens – Christmas on the Outer Banks

Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens is a wonderful holiday event.

There is so much happening during the Holiday Season on the Outer Banks that it’s hard to make a simple recommendation. So we’ll hand out multiple recommendations over the next few weeks.

Our first recommendation, and it is a must do, is Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens.

At any time of the year, the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island is exquisite. But on a December night when the dark of winter seems to last so long, the magic of thousands and thousands of miniature lights illuminating the trees and statuary of the Gardens is exquisite.

There is so much that makes this special.

Certainly the beauty of the lights and how they are used to create stories all their own is wonderful.

There is, though, more to the evening than just the lights, as spectacular as they may be.

In the Great Lawn, which is in the heart of the Gardens there is always a roaring pit fire with free marshmallows and tongs of roasting. Do not be cynical and channel that inner child. Roast a few marshmallows. Or better yet, go with a child and roast marshmallows together.

There is usually a very family friendly Christmas movie playing on a screen that has been brought it as well.

Elizabethan Gardens is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Years, which still leaves a lot of opportunities to go.

It is weather dependent. If it is raining too hard, the evening event will be cancelled, so it won’t hurt to call ahead if there are any doubts.

An important tip—the wind off Croatan Sound can be very cold. Dress accordingly.

There is so much to do on the Outer Bank at this time of the year. Play your stay with Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates to see what it’s all about.

Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens a Holiday Delight

One of the many illuminated paths during Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens.

Roasted Marshmallows and Beautiful Lights

Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens is one of those Christmas traditions that is a reminder of how special the holiday season can be.

Any time of the year is a great time to visit the Gardens, a 10 acre site immediately adjacent to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island. But on a cool—or perhaps even cold—winter’s night there is magic in walking along the paths and witnessing the thousands of lights that illuminate the statues and trees.

The light show runs through the holidays until January 15 so there is plenty of time to check it out, but there is something special about the lights and Christmas.

There are, of course, Christmas lights everywhere—and some quite spectacular. But what makes the Winter Lights so special is how wonderful the experience is for the whole family.

In the middle of the Gardens there is the Great Lawn, and open space dominated by huge live oak and with a fire pit in the middle.

Next to the fire pit, a large screen plays the version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer that was narrated by Burl Ives. Best of all, though, is an endless supply of marshmallows and tongs perfect for roasting the marshmallows in the fire.

The artistry and creativity that has gone into some of the displays is remarkable. There are heron ponds that sparkle with shades of blue and sand colored lights around the edge. The statues that are so much a part of the wonder of the Garden are individually illuminated, creating a different vision of what they represent.

Winter lights is truly one of the unique holiday treats waiting visitors and residents during this time of the year.

If you are going, be sure to dress warmly. Roanoke Sound borders Elizabethan Gardens and the breeze off the water can be chilly.

Any time of the year is a wonderful time to visit the Outer Banks. The best accommodations are always available at Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associate.

Finding the Holiday Spirit on the Outer Banks

Illuminating the night and creating holiday spirit at the Elizabethan Gardens Grand Illumination.

Thanksgiving is almost here and that, of course means the Holiday Season is just around the corner.

Sometimes it takes just a bit of effort to get into that Christmas spirit, so in the interests of promoting goodwill and cheer among all our visitors to the Outer Banks and local residents, here are two Thanksgiving weekend events that we think will get just about anyone into the spirit of the season

Grand Illumination-Winter Lights

Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island is a magical place at any time, but as the days get shorter and the nights darker, strolling the paths of the Gardens, illuminated by thousands and thousands of lights in the trees, plants and everywhere is amazing. There are also some wonderful special decorations that seem to create a wonderland.

This is a not to be missed Outer Banks tradition.

The Grand Illumination is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it s a wonderful celebration of the Outer Banks community. High school choirs perform, there are cookies and cider—and best of all, maybe, the fire pit in the middle of the Garden seems to have an endless supply of marshmallows for roasting.

It’s hard to imagine a better way to find the holiday spirit.

Handel’s Messiah at All Saints Catholic Church

Located in Kitty Hawk, All Saints Catholic Church is as close to a perfect setting to perform Handel’s classic holiday opus as there could be. Spacious with amply seating, with it’s high ceiling and hard walls, sound reverberates. Perfect for the Messiah.

John Buford, who is conducting, is the First Flight High School music director, but that is just one small part of what he does. A remarkably talented musician, he is classically trained and has a real knack for bringing out the best in his choirs.

The performance begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Easter Egg Hunting Time on the OBX

The Easter Bunnies are revving up their greetings, the weather is looking fantastic for the weekend and there are some great Easter Egg hunts on tap for the kids on the Outer Banks.

We admit it…we’re suckers for watching kids scramble across grassy fields or almost any open space searching for Easter Eggs. There is something so innocent and so fun about seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they find an egg that makes the world seem like a better place.

And there’s a pretty good selection of Easter Egg hunts, or “Eggstravaganzas” as many of them are called on the Outer Banks this weekend. So there’s no excuse for not taking that son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter or yourself to one of the events.

Be sure to check the dates on the events. Some are on Friday the 14th some Saturday and some Sunday.

Have fun, find lots of eggs and take lots of pictures.

23rd Annual Cotton Gin Easter Egg Hunt

Cotton Gin, Jarvisburg

April 16

2:00 p.m.

On the north lawn. Hayrides, the Easter Bunny and 1000s of eggs.

Whalehead Club Egg-Stravaganza

Whalehead Club, Historic Corolla Park

April 14

1pm to 3pm

Little kids (2 & under) at 1:45pm; Older kids (3-5 & 6-8) 2:00pm. Also, visit with the Easter Bunny, sack races, jellybean counting contest, bean bag toss, bake sale, hot dogs and, much more!

Kitty Hawk Kites Eggstravaganza

Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head

Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Start the 2017 season off right with Kitty Hawk Kites. Whether you’re visiting for the holiday or “stuck here on purpose,” come out and watch massive 30 – 100 foot kites flying high over Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Across the street from the dunes, take your picture with the Easter Bunny, and let your kids join in the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing egg hun

Easter Eggstravaganza 2017

Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo

April 15

10a.m-1:00 p.m.

Egg spoon races, hat contest, musical acts, dancers, special visit from Sir Walter “Peter” Wabbit, make and take crafts, egg roll race, find special prize eggs to win: prizes, gift certificates, stuffed animals and more! Hop on over to attend our “Please bring your own Easter Basket for collecting eggs and prizes.”

Elizabethan Gardens Winter Lights-Outer Banks Beauty

Rhododendron Garden during Elizabethan Gardens Winter Lights.

Surrounded by hundreds of thousands of lights, nights at the Elizabethan Gardens are turned into a holiday wonderland. Throughout December and for the first three weekends of January, Winter Lights fill the paths, trees and plants of the Gardens with the magic of imagination and color.

Of all the Outer Banks traditions during the holidays, this may be one of our favorites.

The beauty of the lights begins as soon as the doors of the gatehouse open into the gardens. The Rhododendron walk is filled with twinkling lights like miniature flower buds.

There are subtle changes every year, so there is always something new to see. Last year the design team started putting miniature laser lights in the trees and they add a three dimensional feel to the night sky.

Other changes can be seen as well. New this year is the heron pond. Blue lights flood the ground giving the sense of water. Green lights surround the pond and perched in the middle are white lights in the shape of herons.

As wonderful as the light show is and the new designs on display, some of the most traditional features of the evening are the favorites of young and old.

In the middle of the Great Lawn there is a fire pit with a roaring fire. Benches ring the pit and on a table beside the benches the Elizabethan Gardens crew have thoughtfully left marshmallows and tongs.

It is a perfect gathering place for families with children or an innocent moment of fun on a date.

Elizabethan Gardens has a number of events scheduled during its Winter Lights Festival. Perhaps most importantly, every Friday and Saturday, Santa makes a visit. The weekends feature music from local schools and bands.

Winter Lights is Tuesday through Saturday for the month of December and Friday and Saturday in January 21. Winter Lights will not be held, however, on Christmas Eve, which is a Saturday.

Thanksgiving Start of Outer Banks Holiday Traditions

Decorations at the Elizabethan Gardens Grand Illumination.

Thanksgiving is a pretty special holiday on the Outer Banks. It is certainly a family time when many of our homeowners come with their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters to celebrate the holiday. Of course for the those of us who live here, it’s much the same—a day to treasure time with family and close friends.

The holiday weekend is also when many of the traditions that have become so much a part of our season fill the days.

We’re highlighting four that are occurring over Thanksgiving weekend but there is much more to do on the Outer Banks. Check out our Joe Lamb Jr., & Associates Event Listings for more information.

Grand Illumination

Friday, November 25

Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island

Every December the Elizabethan Gardens fills the paths, plants and trees of the Gardens with hundreds of thousands of lights. It is a wonderful, dazzling spectacle and one that creates a lifetime memory.

The Grand Illumination is the first night of the event and includes children’s and high schools choirs, hot chocolate and a visit for Santa Claus.

Hanging with Santa and Kites with Lights

Friday & Saturday, November 25, 26

Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head

Thanksgiving is traditionally when Santa makes his first appearance and the jolly elf has been stopping by Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing for as long as anyone can remember. Friday and Saturday, Santa stops by for a visit, late morning to early afternoon. Saturday evening, huge kites take to the sky over Jockey’s Ridge State Park festooned with lights.

Curri-shuck

Saturday, November 26

Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg

Oysters, and lot of them…all you can eat. Steamed to perfection, local beer and wine, crab and barbecue while it lasts. Sanctuary Vineyards is part of a working farm and there are hayrides for kids and kids at heart as well as live music.

Christmas Arts and Craft Fair