Ultimate Outer Banks Vacation Guide: Unveiling Hidden Gems

Welcome to the ultimate Outer Banks vacation guide, brought to you by Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates. If you’re seeking an unforgettable beach getaway, you’ve come to the right place. Explore the hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and abundant natural wonders that make the Outer Banks a dream destination. Let us be your guide as we uncover the best-kept secrets of this coastal paradise.

A brown horse walking on the sandy beach while waves crash into the shore in the Outer Banks

Uncovering the Charms of Corolla

From pristine beaches to iconic wild horses, Corolla is a family-friendly town that offers a picturesque escape from the everyday. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its coastline and take a wild horse tour to witness these majestic creatures up close. Remember to visit the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse for panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Embracing the Coastal Magic of Duck

Duck, with its laid-back atmosphere and coastal village vibes, it is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the charm of the Outer Banks. Discover outdoor adventures like kayaking on the Currituck Sound or simply relaxing on the beach. Indulge in a culinary journey at the waterfront restaurants and explore the unique boutiques for a delightful shopping experience.

A beautiful Outer Banks sunset

Thrills and History in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head

For a mix of excitement and history, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head have it all. Explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial and pay tribute to the birthplace of aviation. Experience the thrill of water sports, sandboarding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, or a horseback ride during a mesmerizing sunset along the shoreline.

Escaping to Tranquility on Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island beckons with its uncrowded beaches and natural beauty. This secluded paradise is a haven for nature enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts alike. Embark on a fishing charter, climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic views, or unwind on the pristine shores, letting the sound of crashing waves soothe your soul.

A child running along grassy sand dunes in the Outer Banks

Discovering Ocracoke Island’s Maritime History

To truly escape it all, Ocracoke Island is a must-visit. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat. Explore the island on a bike, visit the historic Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, and dive into the rich maritime history at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.

With breathtaking beaches, rich history, and unspoiled natural wonders, the Outer Banks is a coastal paradise that promises an unforgettable vacation. From the wild horses of Corolla to the tranquil shores of Ocracoke Island, each town offers a unique experience. Let Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates be your trusted guide as you plan your dream vacation to the Outer Banks. Pack your bags, embrace adventure, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Start your journey today!

Book Direct, Why Should That Matter To You?

This person is booking a vacation on Book Direct day which is February 3rd 2021

Advantages of Booking Direct With Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates:

You might be wondering why you should book direct when there are so many online travel agencies with fancy online ads and tons of suggested listings. Here are a few huge benefits to booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates: 

You will receive better rates and “from time to time” there are special offers by booking directly with us. It will be much easier to add different packages, add travel insurance, and filter your search. For instance, if you are looking for a home within a certain town, location, property type, or a home with specific amenities you can refine your search with the advanced search filter.

We offer more flexibility and an overall better booking experience when you book directly with us on our website. You will have direct access to our local staff that lives in the area and can offer knowledgeable tips and ideas about exploring the Outer Banks.

The best benefit of booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is that you communicate with a live human so you will also get amazing one on one customer service while on your OBX Vacation, these are things that computerized OTA’s just can not match!

This is a frustrated woman trying to book a vacation using an online travel agency.

Things To Think About When You Do Not Book Direct:

When not booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates not only do you not save money but you actually end up spending more! 

Online travel agencies are full of upcharges and fees, sometimes they are in plain sight and clearly explained but sometimes they are hidden and leave you feeling like a bait and switch just happened. That is no way to start your Outer Banks vacation!

Orange and pink color sky as the sunrises on the Outer Banks North Carolina with Jeanette's Fishing Pier in sight. Water a soft orange and pink glow along with the sand on the beach from the sunrise.

When you do not book directly you also miss out on the chance to learn about all the properties Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates has to offer in our inventory because OTA’s only highlight and feature a certain amount of beach homes or oceanfront condos for you to search.

We Have Made Booking Direct Easy!

Booking an Outer Banks Vacation Rental direct with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is a simple process that we have worked very hard on making as streamlined as possible so you have the best user experience possible!

You can book direct with us using our desktop website or our mobile browser for those on the go or spur of the moment trips. Here you will find our powerful search feature that delivers your vacation rental search results quickly and efficiently. Our user-friendly layout means you can navigate through all of the different amenities you need in your vacation home as simple as clicking a drop-down from the menu and pressing search now.

Do you want to bring the family dog on your trip? No problem our website has plenty of choices. Need an oceanfront view to wake up to that beautiful ocean every morning? We have a search feature that covers that too! We encourage you to book your next family vacation directly on our website.

Whether you need to know about our check out procedures or want to know about what to bring you can find all the answers to your questions on our extremely detailed FAQ page, it gives you all info you will need so that you can feel confident in booking your Outer Banks vacation rental directly with us! We look forward to seeing you and your family on your next Outer Banks 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.

Get Ready for National Plan for Vacation Day on January 25th

Welcome to the New Year!  As we all sit back and think of the new adventures we wish to seek in 2022 we know that advanced planning will help us achieve those goals. 

Planners actually do travel more than non-planners. **More than half (56%) of Americans who typically planned their time off took an overnight vacation in 2021 compared to 33% of non-planners.

Senior african american woman reading a book while sitting on deck chair at the beach. travel vacation retirement lifestyle concept

If you have been dreaming of a relaxing vacation sitting on the beach and enjoying the sound of  waves crashing, your children playing in the background, and the shorebirds singing in the air. We, however, have a very important question to ask you, have you booked your 2022 vacation to the Outer Banks yet? The National Plan for Vacation Day has been set aside for January 25th to encourage travelers to plan their vacations.

So save the date, January 25th and use that day to pre-plan your family vacation for 2022. 

Why Vacations are a Good Decision for You

After we’ve all been through the past two years, it’s time to start thinking about you and your family’s health and wellbeing. Many Americans are still feeling burnout, and they’re ready for a change of scenery. But did you know that many Americans still are not utilizing all of their vacation days, and the majority of them are saying they’re desperate for a vacation. Instead of feeling burned out yourself, start planning your family vacation now to stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals and don’t lose out on your time to relax & renew with loved ones. 

More Reasons Why a Vacation is Important to All

Stress Relief – Relaxation and vacations go together, so it’s only natural that you’ll feel more relaxed once you’re enjoying time on vacation with your friends and family. Decompressing from everyday routines and taking time to read and bike allow you to clear your mind. 

Better Sleep – Another reason you’ll find relaxing about vacationing on the Outer Banks is that your sleep will improve. There’s something about taking a vacation, sleeping in a new environment that will allow you to relax and have a better night’s sleep.

Better Mood – Vacations can not only relieve stress and allow you to sleep, but they can boost your mood too. Getting away from life at home, having new scenery, and making new memories can give you a better outlook on life and put you in a better mood.

Anticipation – After you’ve figured out how many days you can vacation in 2022 and you’ve coordinated with your family when would be the best time to go on vacation, comes the anticipation of booking your vacation. You will sense the anticipation of your time off from work growing and you’ll get to see your kids’ excitement build as the calendar draws closer as your vacation together approaches. 

Book Direct Day – This year take advantage of both #PlanYourVacation Day on January 25th and #BookDirect Day on February 2nd, 2022. When you book direct with us you will receive better rates and from “time to time” some special offers. We want to make sure that you and your family have the best experience in booking your next vacation.

Silhouette Happy family people group celebrate jump for good life on weekend concept for win victory, person faith in financial freedom healthy wellness, Great insurance team support retreat together in summer.

This year instead of trying to decide where you should go and when you should take your vacation, you’ll be ahead of many Americans who haven’t taken advantage of the #PlanForVacation Day. Spending your time in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will allow you and your family to disconnect from life at home and enjoy your time together.

**Source: Destination Analysts, 2021

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 & 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.

Eco-Tourism on the Outer Banks: What to Bring to Your Vacation Rental

Welcome back to our blog series on Eco-Tourism when visiting here on the Outer Banks. We hope you have enjoyed this fun series that we have at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have been sharing. In the past couple of months, we have learned how to keep our beaches clean along with some earth-friendly activities. Since this will be the final post on this series, we thought it was natural to let you know how you can bring eco-tourism to your OBX vacation rental and even your own home.  We understand how important it is to make sure that our beaches are free of trash for you to enjoy and the wildlife. But let’s take a peek at how you can help bring eco-tourism to your vacation rental and even back to your home after your vacation ends. 

Vacation Rental

Shower Head with Water Stream on Black Background

Did you know that eco-tourism is much more than keeping our beaches clean and finding earth-friendly activities? It also starts in your OBX vacation rental during your trip. You can help out by making sure that you can take advantage of the natural light within your rental. Many of our homes do have plenty of windows and doors to help bring in that natural sunlight. Just opening up the blinds or curtains within your rental can help save on the amount of electricity used. Another way that you can bring eco-tourism into your vacation rental is by conserving water. This can be done a few different ways, like watching how long the showers are, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, or leaving the hose turned on while you’re outdoors. And the last thing we wanted to share with you is making sure that you’re utilizing the outdoor trash cans and recycling bins.

Home Sweet Home

Recycling garbage such as glass, plastic, metal and paper

As you leave your vacation rental after you’ve had a wonderful vacation, why not bring some of the things you’ve learned during our eco-tourism tour home with you? Remember to reuse, reduce & recycle all products within your home. And finding fun, eco-friendly activities to do outdoors can go a long way. But it can also help you raise awareness around your community. Using energy-efficient light bulbs within your home can help save you some energy or by just turning off a light switch when you leave the room. Purchase things from a local store to support local businesses within your community. There are so many options that you can do to help bring eco-tourism back to your hometown.

There are many other options to help you bring eco-tourism into your vacation rental and your own home, and we wanted to share those with you. Remember we are still participating in the Plastic Bag Bench Project and we are still taking plastic bag donations at our main office. If you are still searching for that perfect OBX vacation rental for your next eco-friendly vacation, we have plenty to choose from. We hope that you enjoyed this blog series, and we hope to bring you more in the future.

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.

Popular Fish Found Along The OBX Coastline

A Joe Lamb Jr. Blog Series –

Welcome back to our Outer Banks fishing blog series. During this second post of the three blog post series, we’ll be looking at different fish species, popular in the OBX area. Be sure to check back next month to find out how we wrap up the world of OBX fishing for our outdoor enthusiasts with some awesome local spots to throw a line in! 

Where two large currents meet, a variety of fish species thrive. To be honest, the waters off of Outer Bank, NC, rank as one of the world’s most productive fishing regions.

There are many ways to fish on the Outer Banks, but last month we broke down the 4 most popular Types of Fishing in the area. 

Are you ready to find out what types of fish you can catch within a short walk, bike ride, or drive from your vacation rental in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a weekend warrior or a full week fall vacationer?

Beach Fishing

Sea fishing, surf fishing, fisherman into the waves try to cast the line

What can you catch from the beach?

On the Outer Banks’ more than 100-mile shoreline, there are countless opportunities for surf fishing.

In North Carolina, the weather has a direct impact on surf fishing opportunities. Depending on the season, the weather, the tides, and the contour of the shoreline itself, different species can be abundant or non-existent.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the beach in the OBX:

  • Gulf Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Croaker
    • Also Known As: Hardhead fish, pinfish, kingfish
    • Limits: None
  • Black Drum
    • Also Known As: Drum
    • Limits: 14” – 25” long, bag limit of 10 per day
  • Red Drum
    • Also Known As: Redfish, Puppy Drum, Channel Bass
    • Limits: 18” – 27” long, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Sheepshead
    • Also Known As: None but they are often confused with Black Drum
    • Limits: 10” long minimum, bag limit of 10 per day

Sound Fishing

Group of friends sitting on pier by the sound and fishing.T

What can you catch from the sound?

More than just saltwater fishing can be found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina West of these islands is a complex network of sounds, canals, and inlets where freshwater (from inland rivers) meets salt water (from the Atlantic) to create a brackish mix. 

You can cast a line in some of the local sounds like Roanoke, Croatan, and Pamlico.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the sound in the OBX:

  • Speckled Trout
    • Also Known As: Spotted Seatrout
    • Limits: 14” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Gray Trout
    • Also Known As: Weakfish
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Spot
    • Also Known As: Yellow Belly
    • Limits: None
  • Striped Bass
    • Also Known As: Rockfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Summer Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 6 per day

Pier Fishing

a pier extrending out into the ocean with people fishing off it

What can you catch from the piers?

Looking for a little more adventure but not too far away from the coast? A few blocks away from our vacation rentals in Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras Island are the legendary ocean piers of the Outer Banks (Avon and Rodanthe). Because blanket licenses cover all fishing piers, you won’t need to get individual licenses. While pier fishing is very accessible, you will have to pay a small fee.

Consider checking a recent fish report before heading out to the pier. Here is a link to Jennette’s Fishing Report.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the piers in the OBX:

  • Dolphinfish
    • Also Known As: Mahi Mahi 
    • Limits: No minimum length, bag limit of 10 per day
  • King Mackerel
    • Also Known As: King, King Fish
    • Limits: 24” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Spanish Mackerel
    • Also Known As: Horse Mackerel, Spotted Mackerel
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day
  • Hogfish
    • Also Known As: Hog Snapper
    • Limits: 17” long minimum, bag limit of 2 per day
  • Black Sea Bass
    • Also Known As: Blackfish
    • Limits: (North of Cape Hatteras) 12.5” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day | (South of Cape Hatteras) 13” long minimum, bag limit of 7 per day

Charters / Fishing Excursions

Fishing rods are stored on top of a charter boat roof ready to be used for fishing.

What can you catch from the charters and excursions?

Want to catch a few big fish away from your Outer Banks vacation rental? Book a fishing trip to the open seas off the coast of the OBX. There is a higher price tag for these trips, but they can be shared with friends and family, so it’s worth looking into the maximum number of people who can come with you.

A full day of offshore charters begins at 5 a.m. because the trip to the Gulf Stream takes about an hour. Food, drinks, sunscreen, and seasickness remedies are all that you need to bring; the captain and crew will provide everything else, as well as any guidance.  For easy access to the ocean, Outer Banks charter fishing boats are located near the inlets (there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks so there are no Outer Banks charter fishing boats there either). Marinas usually offer services for cleaning the fish you catch.

Film tourists can visit the filming location of the famous National Geographic show Wicked Tuna North vs. South. All of the boats featured in Wicked Tuna South are slipped out of Outer Banks Marina in the fishing village of Wanchese. Depending on the filming schedule people can book a private charter on a few of these boats.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the open seas of the OBX:

  • Grouper
    • Also Known As: Black Bass 
    • Limits: 20” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Blue Marlin
    • Also Known As: Billfish
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • White Marlin
    • Also Known As: Marlin
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • Amberjack
    • Also Known As: Allied Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Cobia
    • Also Known As: Black Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.

More To Come

Keep an eye on this blog for some great local fishing hotspots around the Outer Banks in our last blog of the series coming next month! And don’t forget to share your fishing pictures from your OBX vacation with us online! Using the hashtag  #bestcatchjoelambjr. In the meantime, check out some other fun things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we wish you tight lines until next month!

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.

Shell Hunting On Your Next Outer Banks Vacation

Do you and your family find yourselves walking along the shoreline of the OBX shell hunting to find priceless trinkets to take home? If the answer is yes, then allow us with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates to share some of the seashells you may find along our beaches. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will allow your family to be close to the sand and the water. Let’s take a peek at what seashells you may find while you’re on vacation here on the OBX.

Scotch Bonnets

Did you know that each state that borders either the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean has an official seashell? North Carolina’s official seashell is the Scotch Bonnet. These shells are harder to spot on the OBX, and it’s a treat when you do find them. Scotch Bonnets are about 1 ½ – 4 inches long with around 20 spiral grooves. They are brown and white, and they often resemble a bonnet or cap worn by the Scottish.  

Atlantic Giant Cockles

Atlantic Giant Cockles are like the Atlantic Cockles you often find on the beach but just a little bigger. The shells are easy to find as they look like a heart and come in various colors and shapes. Bring them home with you on your next vacation or use them to decorate sandcastles.

Coquina Shells

Coquina Shells are actual clams, and they are the most common you’ll find on the beach. They are small shells about an inch long, and you’ll find them in different colors. Often, you’ll find the shells are still alive by the water as they burrow themselves back into the sand.

Whelks

Whelks are another shell you’ll find on the east coast, especially here on the Outer Banks. Many people who see these shells will often get mixed up as conch shells as they look similar. Whelk shells come in many different sizes and different colors. There are also various species of whelks such as Knobbed Whelks, Lightning Whelks, and Channeled Whelks. All the whelks will make beautiful shells to add to your collection at home.

Shark Eye Shells

Have you ever found a shell that looks like something is looking at you? Those ones our friends, are known as Shark Eyes or Atlantic Moon Snails. You can spot them along the sand and shoreline as they have large bodies with an inward spiral that will form the “eye.” The eyes come in many different colors, such as purple, blue, and orange. See if you can “spot” one before it “spots” you!

Sand Dollars

Sand Dollars are another fun shell that you may find on the Outer Banks. These are often found by the shore, and they are white or tan. If you happen to find one alive, it will be brown, and please leave it be. Sand Dollars are about 1 – 4 inches in diameter, and they are very delicate. So be sure if you find one or two, just be careful with them as you travel home.

Fulgurite

Did you know that not only does lightning hit the water, but it can also hit the sand? When this occurrence happens, it will form what’s known as Fulgurite. Many people who have seen a popular early 2000’s movie think that when the lightning strikes, it will create glass, but that’s not the case. Instead, it will look more like rocky tubes, commonly in small pieces. Each piece of Fulgurite is unique as lightning doesn’t always look the same when it hits the sand.

Sea Glass

Sea Glass on the OBX is another excellent find and often is one of the best finds for many beachgoers. They are bits of broken glass from bottles, shipwrecks, and tableware that have been weathered down from rolling on the ocean floor & the saltwater. Sea Glass is found on any beach you may visit, but it’s always a treat to see it along our coast. You’ll find it in different colors such as blue, green, brown, and white. Every once in a while you may find red & pink sea glass along the shoreline and if you do, they are the most desirable to have in your collection. 

Scallops

Scallops are another great find on the Outer Banks as they are often easy to spot. They do come in various sizes, and the coloring on them makes it easy to spot them too! Many will think that when they find them, they are cockles. Rest assured that you’ll want to add them to your collection when you see them, as they come in many different colors and often have a pretty pink and red in the coloring to them.

Many other shells can be found along our shoreline, but a few other finds we wanted to mention to round out your collection are Ocean Quahogs, Atlantic Surf Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Driftwood. For our guests to find these shells, some great local organizations help keep our beaches clean. Some of those organizations are the NC Sea Grant and Surfrider Foundation. Another great thing that you can do while on your vacation to help keep our beaches clean is to do a little cleanup. If you happen to find trash while you’re hunting for shells, pick it up and place it into a bag and then toss it in a trash can. This can help you and your family enjoy the beaches and keep the sea turtles and other sea life safe.

We at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates look forward to seeing you and your family as you vacation in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals. On your next stay, take pictures of those shells that you found, and we’d love to see them!


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 Fort Raleigh on your Next Vacation to the Outer Banks

One of the best things about vacationing to the Outer Banks is all of the fantastic parks in the area. We wanted to share with you one of the National Parks located in Manteo, Fort Raleigh, which happened to be England’s first home in the new world. Staying in one of our OBX vacation rentals will allow you and your family to be close to this fantastic National Park. Let’s read more below on what you and your family can experience when visiting Fort Raleigh. 

A Little History on Fort Raleigh

You and your family can head on over to Fort Raleigh, located on Roanoke Island in Manteo. This National Park was England’s first colony in the New World and is on a beautiful land stretch. While the settlement doesn’t have any structural remains on the land, you will find that there are mounds of earthwork that help preserve the fort. Families moved to the new settlement back in 1587, but many settlers disappeared from the colony by either leaving to find a new settlement or heading back to England. But there are still plenty of things left by the first settlers at the fort for you to check out. In 1896, the Roanoke Colony Memorial Association erected a stone tablet of granite from North Carolina, and the base is made up of granite from Virginia. This tablet is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has information inscribed on it about Virginia Dare’s birth, christening, and the christening of Manteo, NC. 

Visiting the Fort

Fort Raleigh is known for having “The Lost Colony,” which is Fort Raleigh’s outdoor drama that many love to see. While it was closed for the season in 2020, it will return for the 2021 season beginning on May 28, 2021. How exciting is that? Your family will also visit the Visitor Center, which is open daily from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. Some trails are available for your family to explore and a beach as well to enjoy. Admission to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is free, and the park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week but be sure to check their schedule before you head on over for the day. They are closed on several Holidays or may have limited hours posted. 

We here at Joe Lamb, Jr & Associates are proud long time sponsors of “The Lost Colony”. There are many other cool things about Fort Raleigh, but we wanted to save those when you visit the park. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to OBX, now is the time. We look forward to seeing you and your family and hearing about your visit to the Fort Raleigh Historic Site. 

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!

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.

Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park on your next Outer Banks Vacation

Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park on your next Outer Banks Vacation

Spending time at Jockey’s Ridge State Park when on vacation in the Outer Banks is always a fun and different activity for families to enjoy.  Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals near Nags Head will allow you and your family to stay close to the park and not miss any of the beauty and excitement. Let’s look below at how you and your family can explore and enjoy Jockey’s Ridge State Park when visiting OBX.

Nature Trails & Boardwalk

One of the benefits of going to Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the nature trails and the boardwalk available. Getting out and seeing the wildlife is what many love to do while on vacation. Don’t forget your camera because there may be a few animals that you may have never seen before. Animals commonly seen are raccoons, rabbits, deer, red fox, and also the gray fox. Be on the lookout, however, for snakes as you will be in their natural habitats, if you happen to see one just stay still, and they will go on about their business. The boardwalk is a favorite among visitors and locals as it is around 360 feet long. Located near the parking lot is where you can step onto the boardwalk and start exploring the park and seeing wildlife while never having to go onto the sand. How amazing is that?!

Outdoor Recreation

Did you know that you can take flight at Jockey’s Ridge State Park? Hang gliding is available to visitors that retain both a US National Park Permit as well as a United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA) rating. If your feet don’t want to leave the sand than you might enjoy swimming, wading, or paddling on the soundside of the dune. Looking to enjoy some calmer waters, then the Roanoke Sound is the place to be. This is perfect area for families to sunbath, stretch out and relax. Think of all the new memories you can make at Jockey’s Ridge State Park while you are on vacation in the Outer Banks.

Fun in the Sand

One of the best things to do at the park is spending time in the sand. Enjoying the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast offers many sandy activities. If you ever wanted to try out sandboarding this is the place to do it. You don’t have to have a board either. Overtime we have seen kids and adults use anything from plastic lids from containers to even a cardboard box.  If you want to try and glide on the sand a little then try sandboarding across the dune while flying a kite. Think of the fun that you and the kids will have by watching each other try and fly their kite and surf in the sand at the same time.

While there are many other things that you and your family can do while you are on vacation to the Outer Banks, we wanted to share this fantastic park with you. If you haven’t booked your next holiday to stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals near Nags Head, now is the time. We can’t wait to see your vacation pictures and hear all about your visit to Jockey’s Ridge State Park!

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.