desperate for Outer Banks info!!

[quietgirll]

Okie-
So let me start off by saying I'm a disney planning fanatic. These boards are great for me, cause all the info i could possibly need is right here and somebody always knows the answer! We have been to Disney many times over the last 10 years or so- on-sire, off-site, hotels, rental houses...so I am quite confident on all my orlando knowledge!

That being said, we are going to the Outer Banks at the end of April for the very FIRST time, and I am struggling to find the info I need!! I have looked on the message boards on trip advisor, and have scoured the internet, but am having such a tough time! This is going to be a very laid back vacation, so its not a crisis other than RENTING A HOUSE!! argh- i feel like my eyes are going to cross from perusing vrbo, and of course, I had to make it more difficult by deciding to do what is apparently an atypical stay for the area- Wed-Tues.

I am hoping someone here has some experience with Outer Banks, and renting houses, and can help me out with what to look for, what to expect, etc...I'm so excited, and yet so nervous about the whole thing at the same time!! TIA for any help, info, suggestions, anyone can give!!

 

[pantherlj]

Here is an OBX message board that might provide some help

http://www.obxconnection.com/outer-banks-forum/

What dates are you going? Bike week is the 21st to 29th so could make it a bit more difficult to find a spot. And, yes, those check in/check out days are hard to come by.

I can't help with housing but if you have other questions, post away!

 

[delmar411]

we always use sunrealtync.com to rent houses. Your dates are very odd for the area. Houses are normally rented on a weekly basis.

When we go down there we just hang out and relax so no real help on activities. We stay in Duck and I find that area to be very nice.

 

[mcorbo]

Here is an OBX message board that might provide some help

http://www.obxconnection.com/outer-banks-forum/

What dates are you going? Bike week is the 21st to 29th so could make it a bit more difficult to find a spot. And, yes, those check in/check out days are hard to come by.

I can't help with housing but if you have other questions, post away!

I rent from kittydunes.com and joelambjr.com. Both very reputable with a lot of houses. During the summer you would never find a house with a mid week check in. Only Saturday and Sunday with a very rare friday. They so have some houses that you can do a partial stay in (provide your own check in and check out dates) Be prepared for the extras in addition to the rental price. The sales taxes are high (over 10%), they will charge an admistration fee and if you get optional insurance (which I would recommend) I think it's an additional 8%.

You can also rent linens and towels, and remember to bring a roll of toilet paper with you, there may be none in the house when you arrive!

 

[cart-mom]

We rented a house through vrbo last year and got a deal from the owner because we were coming down the last week of august. Ended up coming in late because of Hurricane Irene and was lucky enough to get a refund for sun/mon since we couldn't get on the island before Tuesday. This is the good thing about renting from the owner - sometimes they are flexible. That being said, most houses rent sat-sat or sun-sun. It depends on the owner and if the house is available. My point is - it never hurts to ask. It saved us $300 (before Irene). I know there is alot to look at, especially if you have never been there before. We stayed in Corolla and loved it. That was our laid back vacation too. Most houses rent like a year in advance so you are really cutting it close if you don't have a place - maybe they will cut you a last minute deal. Good luck

 

[ssawka]

We've had good luck with these guys in the past http://www.southernshores.com/

I would look for places on the northern part of the island, Southern shores and up. These tend to be the more affluent places. Most of the homes are newer.

Kitty Hawk and south seems to be a mixed bag of older smaller houses. Some I'm sure are nice, but quite a few of them are not.

You might have to check many places as many of the homes will already be reserved.

 

[quietgirll]

Here is an OBX message board that might provide some help

http://www.obxconnection.com/outer-banks-forum/

What dates are you going? Bike week is the 21st to 29th so could make it a bit more difficult to find a spot. And, yes, those check in/check out days are hard to come by.

I can't help with housing but if you have other questions, post away!

thanks for the forum link!! Actually, we are going the 25-1st, so we jive with the bike week dates- i actually almost moved it because of that, but decided we probably wouldn't be too terribly affected (thinking we'll be far enough south?) and i couldn't really find any other dates that were good that didn't take us all the way into in-season and after labor day \

id love any other info you could throw my way- one thing I'm really confused about still is the ferry schedule. I know when we go to ocracoke, we will be taking a ferry- is there anywhere else we will need to take a ferry to? What kind of waits can/should we expect for the ferries? We are also really interested in going kayaking and fishing- what would be the best places to do that? \ I'm sorry, I'm sure these are probably silly questions,but hey you offered ;o) thanks in advance!!

 

[quietgirll]

I rent from kittydunes.com and joelambjr.com. Both very reputable with a lot of houses. During the summer you would never find a house with a mid week check in. Only Saturday and Sunday with a very rare friday. They so have some houses that you can do a partial stay in (provide your own check in and check out dates) Be prepared for the extras in addition to the rental price. The sales taxes are high (over 10%), they will charge an admistration fee and if you get optional insurance (which I would recommend) I think it's an additional 8%.

You can also rent linens and towels, and remember to bring a roll of toilet paper with you, there may be none in the house when you arrive!

Thanks for those 2 links, have not tried either one of those..Ill check them out!!

 

[quietgirll]

We've had good luck with these guys in the past http://www.southernshores.com/

I would look for places on the northern part of the island, Southern shores and up. These tend to be the more affluent places. Most of the homes are newer.

Kitty Hawk and south seems to be a mixed bag of older smaller houses. Some I'm sure are nice, but quite a few of them are not.

You might have to check many places as many of the homes will already be reserved.

I actually think we are going to be staying further south- we will be coming from the south, plus i ilke the feel/look of the south rather than the touristy things i hear about the north...thanks for the link tho, i will check it out!!

 

[pantherlj]

thanks for the forum link!! Actually, we are going the 25-1st, so we jive with the bike week dates- i actually almost moved it because of that, but decided we probably wouldn't be too terribly affected (thinking we'll be far enough south?) and i couldn't really find any other dates that were good that didn't take us all the way into in-season and after labor day \

id love any other info you could throw my way- one thing I'm really confused about still is the ferry schedule. I know when we go to ocracoke, we will be taking a ferry- is there anywhere else we will need to take a ferry to? What kind of waits can/should we expect for the ferries? We are also really interested in going kayaking and fishing- what would be the best places to do that? \ I'm sorry, I'm sure these are probably silly questions,but hey you offered ;o) thanks in advance!!

Are you staying on ocracoke or are you saying you are going to go there for a day visit? If going to Ocracoke from Hatteras, you won't need reservations and there is no fee. You'll just have to wait in line. If you are going for a day visit there, avoid Sat/Sunday for shortest lines. Those are check in/check out days for most places so they tend to be busiest then.

The OBX forum would be best for your fishing and kayaking questions, not something we do much

 

[quietgirll]

Are you staying on ocracoke or are you saying you are going to go there for a day visit? If going to Ocracoke from Hatteras, you won't need reservations and there is no fee. You'll just have to wait in line. If you are going for a day visit there, avoid Sat/Sunday for shortest lines. Those are check in/check out days for most places so they tend to be busiest then.

The OBX forum would be best for your fishing and kayaking questions, not something we do much

nope, just going there for a day visit- I've looked at some houses there, but don't think thats going to be where we end up. ill check out the box forum, thanks bunches!!

 

[pantherlj]

nope, just going there for a day visit- I've looked at some houses there, but don't think thats going to be where we end up. ill check out the box forum, thanks bunches!!

My sister just called - gas is $4.18 a gallon down in Hatteras - make sure to have a full tank before heading south. Of course it could change in a few weeks but it always about .20 a gallon more that far south.

 

[quietgirll]

My sister just called - gas is $4.18 a gallon down in Hatteras - make sure to have a full tank before heading south. Of course it could change in a few weeks but it always about .20 a gallon more that far south.

yikes!! thanks for that info! thats one of those things i wouldn't think about!

 

[ssawka]

My sister just called - gas is $4.18 a gallon down in Hatteras - make sure to have a full tank before heading south. Of course it could change in a few weeks but it always about .20 a gallon more that far south.

It's already over that in the DC area. Just passed a gas station in Northern Virginia at $4.19! Sorry, I know that has nothing to do with OBX, but it's all about perspective.

 

[North of Mouse]

Okie-
So let me start off by saying I'm a disney planning fanatic. These boards are great for me, cause all the info i could possibly need is right here and somebody always knows the answer! We have been to Disney many times over the last 10 years or so- on-sire, off-site, hotels, rental houses...so I am quite confident on all my orlando knowledge!

That being said, we are going to the Outer Banks at the end of April for the very FIRST time, and I am struggling to find the info I need!! I have looked on the message boards on trip advisor, and have scoured the internet, but am having such a tough time! This is going to be a very laid back vacation, so its not a crisis other than RENTING A HOUSE!! argh- i feel like my eyes are going to cross from perusing vrbo, and of course, I had to make it more difficult by deciding to do what is apparently an atypical stay for the area- Wed-Tues.

I am hoping someone here has some experience with Outer Banks, and renting houses, and can help me out with what to look for, what to expect, etc...I'm so excited, and yet so nervous about the whole thing at the same time!! TIA for any help, info, suggestions, anyone can give!!

If you are looking for an excellent house near the beach at Nags Head, NC my dau in law's father has two newer homes right on Hwy. 12 (beach rd.). They are very nice and you just walk over to the beach. Just look up The Sandbar Beach House or www.obxsandbar.com and you can see pictures and info. We've stayed there - owner very nice - homes very clean. Have a great trip

 

[quietgirll]

If you are looking for an excellent house near the beach at Nags Head, NC my dau in law's father has two newer homes right on Hwy. 12 (beach rd.). They are very nice and you just walk over to the beach. Just look up The Sandbar Beach House or www.obxsandbar.com and you can see pictures and info. We've stayed there - owner very nice - homes very clean. Have a great trip

looks like he's booked for our dates- thanks for the suggestion tho!!

 

[shortbun]

Ok, here's the scoop. We vacation on Hatteras every year for two weeks and we always ferry tOcracoke at least once. Been going on for at least 16 years so we're very familiar with the area. To get on Hatteras, you have to go through the area of Manteo somehow. No ferry but a couple of long causeway/bridges. You can go north(toward Nags Head, Kitty Hawk) or south to Hatteras from there. Hatteras is where the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is. It's also where you get ferry to Ocrakoke. You should stay on the sound in Avon, Buxton,Frisco or Hatteras Village. The Tri-Village area of Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo is pretty battered right now from Irene although I hate waving you off that area because it's my favorite. All my best restaurant recommends are still closed there and many, many homes are still in a state of disrepair from the 10ft wall of water that ripped through there. The homes close to the ocean/oceanfront fared the best because the water came in from the mainland in a surge after the hurricane past and turned.
The only places I know that avoided the damage are condos that were very high up. Sunset Resort is managed by Midgett Realty and you might get non-traditional rental times out of them especially since you're travelling in April.
The Ocracoke Ferry loads all the way south in Hatteras Village. You will need to ask a local business-grocery-for the schedules during the spring. The ferry takes 45 minutes once you are boarded and backing out. Ocracoke is fun! We normally take an early ferry, spend time at the beach-use the walkover across from the pony corral for easy beach access. That's way before town. My favorite restaurant is The Jolly Roger which is in town on Silver Lake. It's basically an outdoor restaurant with good food, good music and a great view. Very few restaurants on Ocracoke have a water view. This one does. They also have great hush puppies-sweet. Oh and at the ferry dock back in Hatteras village(pronounced Hat -tress) is Hatteras Landings for shopping and eating(Island Perks is marvelous, huge and delicious desserts as well as great meals) AND the Graveyard of the Atlantic museum about shipwrecks. The other restaurant I've become fond of is just north of Buxton on the sound called Sandbar and Grill. There's a small game arcade on the 1st floor if you've got kids. The food is good and the view, excellent. Last food tip-Angelos, in Buxton, cheap, yummy Calzones and a large game arcade in the back. Nice little diner atmosphere. Two groceries-Food Lion in Avon-get a discount card before you shop-and Conners in Buxton. Buxton is where you get into the lighthouse and lighthouse beach, Angelos is at the corner where you turn in to the lighthouse road.
PM me if you want more info. I don't want to bore people here on the board but I could go on and on.

 

[quietgirll]

Ok, here's the scoop. We vacation on Hatteras every year for two weeks and we always ferry tOcracoke at least once. Been going on for at least 16 years so we're very familiar with the area. To get on Hatteras, you have to go through the area of Manteo somehow. No ferry but a couple of long causeway/bridges. You can go north(toward Nags Head, Kitty Hawk) or south to Hatteras from there. Hatteras is where the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is. It's also where you get ferry to Ocrakoke. You should stay on the sound in Avon, Buxton,Frisco or Hatteras Village. The Tri-Village area of Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo is pretty battered right now from Irene although I hate waving you off that area because it's my favorite. All my best restaurant recommends are still closed there and many, many homes are still in a state of disrepair from the 10ft wall of water that ripped through there. The homes close to the ocean/oceanfront fared the best because the water came in from the mainland in a surge after the hurricane past and turned.
The only places I know that avoided the damage are condos that were very high up. Sunset Resort is managed by Midgett Realty and you might get non-traditional rental times out of them especially since you're travelling in April.
The Ocracoke Ferry loads all the way south in Hatteras Village. You will need to ask a local business-grocery-for the schedules during the spring. The ferry takes 45 minutes once you are boarded and backing out. Ocracoke is fun! We normally take an early ferry, spend time at the beach-use the walkover across from the pony corral for easy beach access. That's way before town. My favorite restaurant is The Jolly Roger which is in town on Silver Lake. It's basically an outdoor restaurant with good food, good music and a great view. Very few restaurants on Ocracoke have a water view. This one does. They also have great hush puppies-sweet. Oh and at the ferry dock back in Hatteras village(pronounced Hat -tress) is Hatteras Landings for shopping and eating(Island Perks is marvelous, huge and delicious desserts as well as great meals) AND the Graveyard of the Atlantic museum about shipwrecks. The other restaurant I've become fond of is just north of Buxton on the sound called Sandbar and Grill. There's a small game arcade on the 1st floor if you've got kids. The food is good and the view, excellent. Last food tip-Angelos, in Buxton, cheap, yummy Calzones and a large game arcade in the back. Nice little diner atmosphere. Two groceries-Food Lion in Avon-get a discount card before you shop-and Conners in Buxton. Buxton is where you get into the lighthouse and lighthouse beach, Angelos is at the corner where you turn in to the lighthouse road.
PM me if you want more info. I don't want to bore people here on the board but I could go on and on.

Oh thank you so much for all this info!! the explanation you gave for getting into the outer banks is awesome-gives me a much better idea of the overall picture! So i see you recommend staying on the sound? why do you prefer on the sound over staying on the ocean? i only ask because that has been one of the hardest things for me to decide! /

We have found several rentals in Rodanthe and Salvo that I like, but i have heard now from several people that I probably want to steer clear of that area right now because of the rebuilding :-s So, it sounds like I am probably going to mark them off the list- as long as we are talking about pronunciations, is Avon pronounced like the cosmetic company?? lol- i ask cause thats how I've been saying it in my head, but i don't want to embarrass myself once we get there- lol!!

When you go to ocracoke, how early in the day do you go, and how long do you usually stay? i am consistently hearing so much good about ocracoke, and I'm really excited!!

Do you guys do any fishing? Kayaking? we are planning on doing both while we are there- anything we should know? DGF actually only has freshwater fishing gear, so we are thinking at this point that we will just wait till we get there and buy saltwater gear- is that a good idea or crazy??

Thanks so much for all the help, i REALLY appreciate it!!

 

[minnierocks]

Subbing...just decided that we are doing the beach this summer and looking to rent an oceanfront home. I was planning on going to Myrtle Beach so that we had plenty of activity in addition to the beach. The trip is multi-generational so we need something for everyone. The outer banks might be a good alternative and we have never been there. So...this is a good place to get some info...thanks!

 

[quietgirll]

Subbing...just decided that we are doing the beach this summer and looking to rent an oceanfront home. I was planning on going to Myrtle Beach so that we had plenty of activity in addition to the beach. The trip is multi-generational so we need something for everyone. The outer banks might be a good alternative and we have never been there. So...this is a good place to get some info...thanks!

minnierocks- Hi! Hopefully we can learn together! Have you been to myrtle beach before? i live about 3 hours away, so i grew up going there, and i must admit, I'm NOT really a fan of it ( Overgrown, touristy, commercial, kinda yucky- i can tolerate it in the offseason now, but HATE it in the summer / from what I've heard, OBX is much more natural, laid back, less commercial- exactly what we were looking for for this trip. You mention your trip is multigenerational- wondering what the ages are? Only ask cause I think the northern part of the banks can be more exciting for teens, cause theres more "to do"...which is exactly why we've decided to say in the southern part