Plastic bag ban tested on Outer Banks

Manteo, N.C. — An experiment ordering big grocery stores to stop giving away disposable plastic bags on the Outer Banks took effect Tuesday.

The law requires big stores on the barrier islands to offer paper bags made of 100 percent recycled paper or coax customers to try reusable shopping bags. The law applies to large stores on islands or peninsulas in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.

Saw this on an Outer Banks real estate blog. The Examiner took a look at a Labor Day forecast for the Outer Banks. Let’s hope they are correct.

OUTER BANKS (OBX)

Swimming like a fish in the largest fishbowl is not such a bad idea to enjoy your Labor Day weekend. It may be chilly but still to reach the 80’s over the weekend as the Outer Banks can bring a peaceful ending to a long summer breeze. Experience the clean air, the ocean wide and the gulls that fly pass squawking, not a bad way to end the summer.

Route 12 can be met may different directions, that is if you are coming from the Atlantic Ocean. There are only two ways to truly enter Route 12 of the Outer Banks, either take a ferry (1-800-byFerry) or drive from the north peak. This is one of the enjoyments of life that normally takes a couple of days, such as all three days of Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Outer Banks Labor Day traffic should not be a serious issue.

Whalehead Club Wednesday Wine Festivals

Wednesdays in July, August and September from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come and celebrate the interesting world of wines! All wine connoisseurs and novices are welcome! Enjoy a Wednesday afternoon of wine tasting and entertainment under the tents on the north lawn of Currituck Heritage Park. With your $20 admission adults can sample wines from North Carolina and the world; keep your souvenir glass; take a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club; listen to popular local musical artists perform on the stage; sample food from local vendors. Children and leashed pets are welcome. Admission to taste the wines is $20 - parking free. For more information call 252-453-9040.

(MANTEO) — The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau reported that domestic visitors to and within Dare County spent an estimated $777.41 million dollars in 2008. This is an increase of 1.9 percent from 2007, according to county-by-county data released by the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

“These figures reflect what we on the Outer Banks of North Carolina have always known, that tourism is our lifeblood,” said Renee Cahoon, Chairwoman of the Dare County Tourism Board. “The better we are at promoting tourism, the better our economic development will be.”

Gov. Beverly Perdue had announced earlier this year that visitors to North Carolina spent a record $16.9 billion in 2008, an increase of 2.1 percent from 2007. The figures come from the “2008 Economic Impact Of Travel On North Carolina Counties.”

One of the highlights of any vacation, is getting to do something you have never or don’t normally do. Taking advantage of the ocean and sound on your Outer Banks vacation is a must. If you have always wanted to take a kayak tour, rent a kayak or enjoy a surf lesson, be sure to check out Kitty Hawk Kayaks. It is a locally owned Outer Banks business that offers excellent tours and lessons. For more information on their services visit their website or give them a call at 866 702 5061.

I was fortunate to sit-in on one of their surf lessons. It was amazing for me to get back out surfing and to see the transformation of people who have never surfed into possible life long aficionados.

Here is some great news from the Outer Banks Daredevils. Over 1,400 people attended the game, which helped set a new attendance record for the Daredevils.

The Outer Banks Daredevils rallied from a five run deficit - scoring seven unanswered runs to defeat the Petersburg Generals 7-5 in front of the largest crowd ever at First Flight Baseball Complex. More than 1,400 fans packed in the stadium to watch the exciting come-from-behind victory by the Daredevils, which included a big two run homer by Josh Whitaker (Kennesaw State) in the fifth inning.

Read the Rest of the Article

Just saw this over on - The OBX Team’s Blog

The OBX made Time Magazine as one of the best American Experiences.

It may stink to be a sea captain in Hatteras, but for a diver, it can be pretty great. The area is known as the graveyard of the Atlantic, and the waters just off the coast have claimed many a vessel over the years. Dozens of wrecks lie on the bottom, including wooden vessels from the 19th century, steam freighters and even a German U-boat. You need master certification to dive to many of the wrecks but not all. Some of the boats are submerged just a few feet underwater and can be reached from the beach or on a beginner-level scuba dive: try the Outer Banks Dive Center or Nags Head Diving. Kindly forward 10% of whatever treasure you find, care of me. Dives: from $75, including gear.

What beats doing a little diving while your in the OBX?

The 3rd Annual Town of Duck Jazz Festival is taking place on Sunday October 11th. This is going to be a great weekend of music in Duck. The headline act is Mr. Kim Waters. The Duck Jazz Festival is part of Mr. Waters 20th Anniversary Tour. His act alone should be reason to come out. Besides Kim Waters the music festival will include: Jackie Scott & the Housewreckers, Joe Baione, Connected, and allegedly Joe Mapp & The Coordinates featuring the Outer Banks own Laura Martier.

This is going to be a fun-filled weekend in Duck and throughout the Outer Banks. Need a hotel for the night? Check out the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk or The Sanderling Inn, both are quite close to Duck, with the Sanderling being the closest.

Here’s a taste of the artist for the Duck Jazz Festival…

Kim Waters

Joe Baione

I know it is a bit late, but it has been a busy summer. Unfortunately, I was unable to make the fireworks but luckily someone did and put a video up. Below are 2 videos on the 4th of July Fireworks. Thanks to Keepertom, for posting the videos.

4th of July OBX Fireworks

OBX Fireworks 2009 Grand Finale

Come on out Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Whalehead Club in Heritage Park. Celebrate the interesting world of wines! From connoisseurs to neophytes, this is for all!

Enjoy wine tasting and entertainment under the tents on the north lawn of Currituck Heritage Park. Admission is only $20 for adults and allows you to sample wines from North Carolina and the world. With admission you will also receive your souvenir glass. While your here take a complimentary tour of the Whalehead Club, listen to popular local musical artists perform on the stage, and sample great local food from vendors. Children and leashed pets are definitely welcome. Admission to taste the wines is $20 - parking free.

For more information call 252-453-9040.