Outer Banks 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.

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!

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.

Outer Banks New Year Resolution

Now that we are in 2023, people are starting to make changes. Spending time with family, learning new skills, relaxing more, or creating new memories might be on your list of resolutions. An Outer Banks vacation allows you to accomplish all of these things. Contact us today to reserve your 2023 vacation!

Learn to Surf

Besides its picturesque beaches, the Outer Banks is an ideal destination for surfers. World-class surfing spots are found around the Outer Banks, attracting surfers from all over the globe. However, these waves are not just for professionals but vacationers looking for water fun. Various surf schools offer lessons for vacationers of all ages. Try dancing on the water this year as a new year’s resolution.

Visit all 5 Lighthouse

There are five lighthouses on the Outer Banks, which protect its shores. Driving along the barrier island coast will allow you to see these lighthouses. Reach the top to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the island. Take an Outer Banks lighthouse road trip this year and visit them all!

Try a New Local Spot

Local restaurants, shops, and attractions are plentiful along the Outer Banks. This year try something new that you have never experienced before. Embrace a first experience this year!

Buy your Own Vacation Home

Buying a beach house has always been a dream of yours. Find that perfect beach home with the help of one of our real estate agents. Get in touch with an agent by clicking this link.

Reel One In

A favorite fishing spot has always been the Outer Banks. Known as “The Billfish Capital of the World,” fishermen travel far and wide to catch a bite. Perhaps you can fish deep sea, from the pier, or even from the beach. If fishing piques your interest, make this your destination. There may be a record catch this year.

Spending time with family

A vacation on the Outer Banks is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Aside from the beach, there are plenty of activities to be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time together, experience new things, and create new memories.

Go somewhere new

There is always room for new adventures. This year, why not spend some time on the Outer Banks beaches? Vacations are a great way to relax, have fun, and appreciate nature. Relax at the beach as you deserve it.

Fall on the Outer Banks – An Event for Everyone

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!

The Famous Outer Banks

Sunrise from Nags Head Pier in North Carolina

The Outer Banks is well known worldwide (or just in the US) as the perfect location for a relaxing vacation. But did you know that it has also caught the eye of many series and movie directors who wanted to glimpse our beautiful islands? We at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates wanted to share a pop-culture blog post on what famous movies and series have been filmed on the Outer Banks.

Movies

Small group of people watching movie outdoors at sunset. Open air cinema concept.

The Peanut Butter Falcon – This movie was filmed by local Outer Banks native Tyler Nilson and was out in 2019. This movie not only shows the beauty of our islands but also the dreams of one young man who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. You can find The Peanut Butter Falcon on several streaming services & is out for you to add to your movie collection at home.

Brainstorm – While this movie was not filmed entirely on the Outer Banks, it has one scene. That location was at the Wrights Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil Hills. Have you seen this film before?

Call Sign Romeo – Another movie that should be hitting the big screen that was filmed on the OBX is “Call Sign Romeo.” It’s based on events during a State Championship wrestler in 2016 at First Flight High School.

Nights in Rodanthe – This film is based on a Nicholas Sparks book that made people fall in love with the Outer Banks even more as soon as it hit the theaters. This was filmed in the Village of Rodanthe, which you can view as you drive down Highway 12.

Message in a Bottle – Another film based on Nicholas Sparks’ book is Message in a Bottle. This film was released in 1999 and featured Kevin Costner and Robin Penn. It’s a love story that will make you want to have a romantic getaway to the OBX soon.

TV Series’

A marina / boat dock in Outer Banks, NC at sunset. The sun is setting on anchored fishing boats.

Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks – You can catch this series on the National Geographic Channel or Discovery Plus. It follows local fishermen navigating out through the Oregon Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean, where they battle for Bluefin Tuna. This series has been on the air for over seven seasons and is still going. Become a fisherman for the day and try your luck at catching a Bluefin Tuna too!

American Horror Story: Roanoke – Roanoke was the 6^th season of American Horror Story TV series. While the season was not filmed on the Outer Banks, it follows The Lost Colony’s true story. The original farmhouse they based their “farmhouse” on in the series is nearby Martin County, NC.

Outer Banks – As an honorable mention, Netflix’s hit TV Series Outer Banks is not filmed on the Outer Banks but is filmed on location in Charleston, SC. In this series, you will see where they make it seem like it takes 30 minutes to get from the OBX to our Capital City, Raleigh…but we must tell you it takes roughly 3 ½ hours.

We hope you enjoyed this fun blog post on our “Famous” Outer Banks as much as we did writing it. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will have you feeling like a “star!” Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates hope you and your family experience the OBX just like the movie stars do.

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.

What To Pack In Your Beach Tote When Visiting The OBX

Do you have a family vacation planned to The Outer Banks of NC this year? If the answer is yes, then we here at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates understand that spending a week or more sitting on the beach soaking up the rays is just what you need. Staying in one of our oceanfront vacation rentals will keep the beach at your backdoor, but having the right things in your beach tote will allow you to enjoy your vacation even more. Let’s look at what we recommend you pack in your beach bag so you can have a fun family vacation when visiting the Outer Banks .

Beach Tote Items:

Beach Towels

When you are on vacation making sure you have packed everything before you leave home is essential. So be sure to pack a towel for everyone in your family whether you are going to sit in the sun or swim in the ocean. Bringing an extra towel with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones. Having a beach towel with a different design for each family member can help keep track of whose towel is who’s. This can help keep you organized not only on the beach but in the laundry room to avoid any misunderstandings between siblings or cousins. For a more detailed search on rental properties offering in-home washer and dryers you use our amenities detail search feature.

Sunscreen

The sun in North Carolina is hot along the coast, so making sure sunscreen is in your beach bag is a must. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists suggest that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. Be sure to reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation the very first day you’re here with a sunburn. If you happen to get a little more sun than you expected be sure to pack a bottle of Aloe Vera. To help cool the sunburn a little more, place the bottle of Aloe in the fridge and it will help soothe the burn a little better.

Mesh Bag For The Sand Toys

Anytime you go on vacation with kids, you have to bring a ton of sand toys with you. We understand bringing sand back with you into your vacation rental is not necessary and can be quite a hassle. Packing a mesh bag such as a laundry bag or a bag specifically for beach toys can help eliminate the mess. Just throw the sandy toys into the bag, give it a good shake or two and leave the sand behind at the beach.

Water Resistant Phone Pouch or Plastic Bag

Between the water, sun and sand, the beach is filled with many things that can damage your phone. Bringing a water-resistant pouch to the beach can be a lifesaver for many. If you come on vacation and realize you don’t have one, a sandwich bag or resealable bag will do the same as the phone pouch. They will keep your phone protected from the elements at the beach and you can even use it while it’s in the bag or pouch. This way you can keep in touch with family members, coordinate meeting times, and order pick-up or delivery meals while sitting in your beach chair without having to worry about your phone being damaged.

Books & E-Books

Be sure to pack a book or two when preparing to visit the Outer Banks this summer. If digital books are more your thing then take a moment and download a few new book releases to your favorite e-reader before you arrive and be certain to bring your power cord. You don’t want to be stuck without being able to power-up your e-reader halfway through.

Beach Spike for Drinks

One thing that is often missed when packing items to go inside their beach bag is something to keep your drink sand-free. You can purchase a beach spike from any local beachwear store on the Outer Banks. With a beach spike, you can rest assured that your drink will be safe from the sand. You may often find them that include a place for your cell phone or sunglasses and your drink.

A Little First Aid Kit

When you are on vacation, having kids means that someone will get hurt or injured even on the beach. Having a little first aid kit with shells that can be broken along the shoreline or kids just being kids is a must. You can use a waterproof reusable cosmetic bag and add band-aids, Neosporin, aloe, burn cream, ace bandage, Benadryl, Motrin, or Tylenol. Just be sure to have enough for a quick dosage before heading back to your vacation rental for the day.

Sand-Free Hack

This is one item that you may not have thought about, but it is a must whenever you visit the Outer Banks. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a nice scent too. This is perfect for everyone in the family and not just the kids.

Vacationing With Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

There are many other things that you can pack into your beach tote, but these are the must have items for your next vacation. For a full list of all the items we suggest to bring on your next visit please check out the vacation packing section of our website. Out of an abundance of caution we also direct you to stay informed about health and safety updates due to COVID-19 before you visit. Please take a moment to review the latest area travel status for the Outer Banks.

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates, a trusted name in Outer Banks rentals for over 50 years with the largest selection of quality vacation homes to choose from. If you haven’t made your reservations for your vacation, then check out all of our outer banks vacation rentals today. We can’t wait for your family to come and vacation with us!

2022 Summer Beach Renourishment on the OBX

The Beach Nourishment with the equipment, the crab and a walkover on the OBX.

Do you have a vacation planned on the Outer Banks of North Carolina this summer? If you do, then allow us to share with you a little information about a much needed project taking place on our beach. Staying with us in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will keep you close to the beach. We at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates wanted to share a little more information with you on what is happening on the OBX this summer with the beach nourishment project.

What is Beach Nourishment?

This is a question that is often asked many times for those who may not live at the beach, “what is beach nourishment?” Beach nourishment is something that is done periodically to most beaches whether it’s on the east coast, the gulf, or the west coast. Beaches are prone to natural erosion due to hurricanes and weather patterns; these types of natural erosion can alter the way the shoreline looks.

A peek from the first beach nourishment project at Jeanette's Pier in Nags Head, NC. — A peek from the first beach nourishment project at Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC.

You will notice that not all the beaches will be affected at the same time of the nourishment project. The crews will typically work on a section of the beach for about 2-3 days. During this time, they will be dredging sand from the bottom of the ocean floor and pumping it back to the shoreline that needs additional sand. They will use large machinery and large pipes to help pump the sand onto the shoreline. While this is taking place that section of the beach is closed but after the work is completed, they will move onto a new section of the beach.

What Are The Causes of Beach Erosion?

This is "The Crab" a 3-wheeled apparatus to measure what has to be done. — This is “The Crab” a 3-wheeled apparatus to measure what has to be done.

Beach erosion happens often on the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico coast. The reason is due to a high influx of wind & storms including hurricanes that impact the barrier islands. The constant wind wiping and strong waves lapping along the shores of the barrier island change their shape, shoreline, and beaches. Often, we will generally see a change in the way one of the islands looks after a major hurricane comes through the area. But it’s not always just storms that can cause erosion. The wind, waves and tide changes also play a big role in the erosion as it will often take sand back into the ocean causing a change to the beach.

Benefits of Nourishment

A view into what the completed area looks like after it's renourished including a walkover the pipe. — A view into what the completed area looks like after it’s renourished including a walkover the pipe.

The Outer Banks beaches are a big portion of why people continue to vacation here. We continue to keep our beaches clean, and we will continue to invite those back for years and years to come. The Outer Banks is part of the barrier islands of North Carolina and play a big part in keeping the mainland from the brunt of major storms and tides. Just like the upkeep on your home, nourishments on the OBX are required for our beaches.

Looking out onto the first beach nourishment at Jeanette's Pier in Nags Head, NC. — Looking out onto the first beach nourishment at Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC.

We are excited to see the results of the beach renourishment when it’s complete in September 2022 as there will be more beaches to love afterwards. Having strong and wide beaches provide storm protection for coastal structures, create new habitats, and enhance the beach for recreation. Staying in one of our OBX vacation rentals will allow your family to reconnect with each other this summer. We at Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates are looking forward to seeing you and your family this summer as you make new memories.

To learn more about the beach nourishment program and specific information on project updates please click here.

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.

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!

Where To Vacation In The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks, frequently abbreviated OBX, is an ideal place to unwind and relax. The beaches are family-friendly, making them a perfect destination for a family vacation. With miles of sandy beaches fun off-shore activities, the Outer Banks offers a wide variety of activities that are well suited for everyone. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks!

Where To Vacation In The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is filled with quaint towns and fishing villages. An Outer Banks Vacation Rental gives you and your family a private home or condo to call yours for the duration of your vacation.

Three story blue vacation home on the Outer Banks of NC with a private pool.

To the north, Duck and Southern Shores are the newest communities on the Outer Banks.

Centrally located, the towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head are more populated, especially in the summer, with plenty of locally owned bars, restaurants, and shops. The town of Manteo wraps around Shallowbag Bay on the eastern side of Roanoke Island.

To the south, on Hatteras Island, isolated towns sit nestled right along the ocean. Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras: one road leads to them all.

Explore the Outer Banks and learn more about the OBX Towns. On your way, you’ll pass through Corolla, where you can spot wild horses roaming the beaches.

Brown horse walking along shoreline in Corolla, NC.

What To Bring To The Outer Banks On Your Vacation

What to pack for in the Outer Banks depends on when you’re traveling. The weather on the Outer Banks of North Carolina varies drastically. We have perfect sunny days, windy days, rainy days, and yes even sometimes snowy days. All in all, the Outer Banks has a lot to offer any time of the year.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a bathing suit, and layered clothing are all a must. Although if you forget something, you can pick them up at many of the local stores. If you plan on exploring different areas of the island, be sure to bring comfy shoes or flip-flops.

Read more about what to pack in your beach tote when visiting the Outer Banks. You can also view our Outer Banks Weather Guide to see the current or upcoming weather on the OBX.

Waves crashing under the pier with a young boy playing in the surf along the coastline in the Outer Banks, NC

Pet-Friendly Areas Of The Outer Banks

We understand that no one likes having to leave their dog behind when the family goes off for a fun-filled vacation. It’s for that reason that we make sure to have plenty of Outer Banks pet-friendly vacation rentals for our guests. Each Outer Banks town has different beach regulations regarding dogs. Please review information about having your dogs on the beach or feel free to contact us.

Woman walking a dog up a dune path towards the beach access. Outer Banks, NC.

Plan Your Outer Banks Vacation Today

No matter where you choose to stay during your vacation to the OBX, we’re sure you’ll have fun! View all of our Outer Banks Vacation Rentals here and start packing your bags for your next family vacation.

Reasons Why Staying in a Small Vacation Rental is Perfect for Families

Colorful beach houses in Nags Head on the North Carolina Outer Banks, showing different sized homes on the Outer Banks, NC

Have you ever wanted to sneak away to the Outer Banks for your family vacation, but you’d like to stay in a smaller vacation rental? We understand that while many families love to stay in some of the larger homes we offer, many want to have a comfy & cozy home feeling too. We at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates have plenty of small to mid-sized vacation rentals that you can allow your family to enjoy. Let’s look below at three reasons why staying in a small vacation rental is perfect for all families of all sizes.

Budget-Friendly

female hands puts a coin in a pink piggy bank. The concept of saving money.

We know that going on vacation with your family can be expensive, especially if you stay in a hotel and must get more than one room. Between paying for individual rooms and daily food, most aren’t left with much money to spend on the extras. When you stay in a smaller vacation home, you’re not only saving money in the long run, but you’ll also have the extra space for everyone. We also have several specials that we run on our small vacation homes, so sneaking away from life at home for a weekend is doable and affordable.

Always More Space

Another great reason staying in a small to mid sized vacation rental is perfect is that you’ll still have more room to be comfortable than inside a hotel room. Depending on how many are in your family, we have vacation rentals that will fit your entire family for a short getaway year-round. You will also have a full-sized kitchen which can help save money as you can cook your meals right there at the rental. Plus, there should be zero arguments from the kids on how long one may be taking in the bathroom, as you’ll have more than one. Some of our homes also have rec rooms or outdoor space for you to enjoy together. We can’t forget about mentioning that many of our small to mid-sized homes are also pet-friendly, so don’t forget those four-legged friends too!

Relaxation is Key

Going on vacation with the family can seem overwhelming, especially if you have small kids. But when you stay with us in one of our 2-4 bedroom OBX Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to enjoy some relaxation too. Several smaller vacation homes have great amenities to help the parents relax with a hot tub, pool, or even that soaking tub in the primary bedroom. Everyone in the family can take a deep breath and breathe a little easier when you stay on the Outer Banks. With the light breeze that comes off the ocean to the smell of the salt air, you know that once you are over that bridge, you’re on island time. Sit back and relax with the family on your little getaway.

There are so many other reasons why staying in a small vacation home on your next trip to the Outer Banks; we wanted to share these few. If you’re still looking for a great last minute special, always check our Facebook page or want to head out of town just for the weekend, call us today at 800-552-6257. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed your stay with us!

Rent a beach house

Watch Sunrise on the Beach

Watch Sunset at Jockeys Ridge

Romantic Dinner

Take a Stroll in the Gardens

Star Gazing

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

Things To Think About When You Do Not Book Direct:

We Have Made Booking Direct Easy!

Learn to Surf

Visit all 5 Lighthouse

Try a New Local Spot

Buy your Own Vacation Home

Reel One In

Spending time with family

Go somewhere new

11th Annual Surfalorus Film Festival

CrabDaddy Wine/Beer Festival

Events

Movies

TV Series’

Beach Tote Items:

Beach Towels

Sunscreen

Mesh Bag For The Sand Toys

Water Resistant Phone Pouch or Plastic Bag

Books & E-Books

Beach Spike for Drinks

A Little First Aid Kit

Sand-Free Hack

Vacationing With Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

What is Beach Nourishment?

What Are The Causes of Beach Erosion?

Benefits of Nourishment

Fly into Spring & Easter EGGstravaganza

Easter at Elizabethan Gardens

Easter EGGcitement at your Vacation Rentals

Where To Vacation In The Outer Banks

What To Bring To The Outer Banks On Your Vacation

Pet-Friendly Areas Of The Outer Banks

Plan Your Outer Banks Vacation Today

Budget-Friendly

Always More Space

Relaxation is Key

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