Outer Banks Tourism Summit

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau hosted the 1st annual Outer Banks Tourism Summit on May 7th and 8th, 2013 in Avon. The purpose of the Summit was to bring together industry partners from all over Dare County to learn about ways to improve our business practices and raise the standard of the Outer Banks vacation industry.

 A turnout of close to 100 individuals gathered at the Koru Beach Klub for what proved to be a valuable and positive event for our local industry partners.  Among the topics discussed were marketing trends, networking strategies and imminent issues facing the Outer Banks tourist and vacation industry.  With five staff members in attendance, Hatteras Realty capitalized on this opportunity and is already looking for ways to integrate new ideas into our business.  Aside from the information extracted from the presentations and the networking opportunites, attendees also enjoyed wonderful food and breathtaking views from the venue! Hatteras Realty thanks the Visitors Bureau for creating this annual event and for its continued attention to Hatteras Island.  We can’t wait for next year’s Tourism Summit.

Additionally, Hatteras Realty was proud to host key organizers and presenters in one of our premier Oceanside homes, Jamman Again. Thank you again to owners Jeff and Mary Mortellaro for your generous donation of your home!

For more information about the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and its role in local tourism, visit www.outerbanks.org.

A Climb to the Top

A Climb to the Top

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is Hatteras Island’s most famous and well known landmark. Built in 1870, the lighthouse has stood tall through countless hurricanes, saved numerous ships from crashing into the Diamond Shoals, and survived a 2,870 foot move inland to a more secure location. Proudly standing at 210 feet above sea level, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. On a clear day you can see up to 24 nautical miles (28 miles) when standing at the top.  

Climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the number one activity and “must do” for any visitor passing through the Outer Banks. For years visitors have traveled from all over the world to experience the climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Whether it is their first climb, second climb or third climb, the experience is different every time.

The journey to the top consists of 248 steps up an iron, spiral staircase. Every 31 steps you will come upon a landing where you can peek out the window to see how far up you have gone. The landings aren’t just great for sightseeing, but also a great spot to catch your breath or take a quick photo. Don’t sit too long as you still have more stairs to climb. You will keep spiraling further up the staircase where you will finally reach the door to the iron deck at the top.

Standing on the observation deck, climbers enjoy the smell of the salt air, cool ocean breeze, and amazing panoramic views. The views of Hatteras Island and the Atlantic Ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day climbers are able to see as far south to Frisco and North to Avon.  These views are breathtaking and cannot be beat!

The next time you head to Cape Hatteras make sure you check out the lighthouse. This is an experience you do not want to miss!

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late April until mid-October. Folks interesting in climbing the lighthouse can find more information at http://1.usa.gov/qgQ8jN. 

Hatteras Storytelling Festival

A 3-day festival presented by Our State Magazine and featuring one of America's most celebrated storytellers, Connie Regan-Blake, music, local tellers, food and more. Other tellers include Clyde Edgerton, author of ten novels and numerous short stories including, recently published novel Night Train; Native son Bland Simpson who has unofficially become the chronicler of North Carolina’s Outer Coastal Plain, including tales from his old stomping ground: the Great Dismal Swamp; Tom Clawson with tales of the Outer Banks; & Ben Cherry telling tales and history of Blackbeard the pirate. Musicians include local talent Banjo Island and Clifford Swain. Yarn tellin', foot tappin' Hatteras style!

Full Festival Weekend:$100.00

Friday Only: $75.00 Saturday Only: $75.00 Sunday Events:Free For more information, please visit: http://www.hatterasyarns.org/

Travel Advisory- Ferry Service Suspended 3.6.13

Strong Winds and Rough Seas Suspend Operations of the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry Route

Service on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route has been suspended due to high winds and building seas caused by a winter storm on the North Carolina coast. The N.C. Department of Transportation's Ferry Division is monitoring the weather conditions and as soon as they improve enough to allow for safe travel on the route, normal operations will resume. 

Similar weather conditions earlier in the day caused the cancellation of 14 scheduled runs for the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach route, although service is continuing this afternoon. 

The windy conditions could cause similar changes for other routes. Travelers who have reservations or plans to use ferry routes are advised to check with the departure terminal for up-to-date information. The phone numbers are: 

Ocracoke - 252.928.1665 
Cedar Island - (252) 225-7411 
Swan Quarter - (252) 926-6021 
Hatteras - (252) 986-2353 
Cherry Branch - (252) 447-1055 
Southport - (910) 457-6942 
Fort Fisher - (910) 458-3329 
Bayview-Aurora - (252) 964-4521 
Currituck-Knotts Island - (252) 232-2683 

Travelers can also call 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and Press 1 for up-to-date ferry information. 

Turtle Rescues on Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is known for its wide variety of wildlife. One of the islands most interesting and protected animals is the sea turtle. Sea Turtles have been nesting on Hatteras Island for several generations and are known to often make their way back to the Pamlico Sound for its abundance of food.

During the winter months the sea turtle will travel into the Gulf Stream and onto warmer waters. With the large quantity of food Pamlico Sound has to offer, juvenile turtles are choosing to stay longer in the cooler waters to feed. Sea Turtles are cold blooded animals and their body temperature reflects their environment. When water temperatures drop to around 50 degrees and below, the turtles become too cold to move and are unable to swim to the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. This has caused multiple cases of cold stunned sea turtles including Loggerhead, Green and Kemp’s Ridley turtles in the waterways of Hatteras Island.

Thankfully, Hatteras Islanders have a passionate heart for these historic sea creatures and have been volunteering their time to go on a search and rescue mission for all sea turtles in need. A local organization called N.E.S.T (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) has put together a group of volunteers to go out and rescue cold-stunned turtles and transport them to the vet’s office. Volunteers check the water temperatures daily as well as search along the soundside beaches and water ways. They search endlessly for turtles that are unable to find their way back to warmer waters. So far around 30 turtles have been rescued and sent off to a rehabilitation centers. As each turtle is rescued, data is recorded about the breed, location, and size before being taken to the center. Once at the rehabilitation centers, the turtles are treated and taken care of until their set release date in the spring.  

If you find a sea turtle or know of a turtle in need, please contact NEST at 252-441-8622. The NEST hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are interested in more information about NEST, volunteering or would like to donate to NEST, please visit http://nestonline.org/. 

Photo from Hatteras Island Ocean Center

Stewie the Elf Visits Hatteras

Who doesn't love a vacation at the beach?! This year, Stewie the Elf decided to visit Hatteras and cause a little mischief while he is in town. Stewie the Elf is fittingly named after the late, great, one and only- Stewart Couch. You can follow Stewie and all of his shenanigans on Facebook and Instagram! 

 

December 3, 2012

Look who checked in this weekend! Stewie the Elf has flown in from the North Pole and will be vacationing with Hatteras Realty for the month of December. 

 

December 4, 2012

 Stewie wanted to help decorate the Hatteras Realty office today. Looks like he was a little too excited and got tangled up in the lights.

 

December 5, 2012

With the sun shining and temperature in the low 60's, Stewie could not help but take a ride out on the beach this morning. Don't worry... he has his beach pass!

 

December 6, 2012

Stewie wanted to make sure he stopped by the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse while on vacation. He thought it would look better with a candy cane stripe. Silly elf!

 

December 7, 2012

Stewie gave the staff a surprise this morning….Toilet paper anyone?

 

December 8, 2012

Stewie went horseback riding on the beach with Equine Adventures. Looks like he had a great time!

 

December 9, 2012

Stewie wanted to ride along on Hatteras Realty's parade float. Thanks Stewie for all of your help!

 

December 10, 2012

This is what happens when we let Stewie help out around the office. Copies anyone?

 

December 11, 2012

Stewie wanted to show off his artistic abilities for us today.

 

December 12, 2012

Stewie decided he would hang out with the boss lady today. Looks like he got a little "tied" up after a full night of wrapping... gifts??

 

December 13, 2012

Are you cuckoo for cocoa? Stewie sure is! In honor of National Hot Cocoa Day, Stewie dove head first into a cup of chocolaty goodness. 

 

December 14, 2012

The sun is shinning and Stewie couldn’t wait to hit the beach and play in the sand.

 

December 15, 2012

Looks like Stewie has found himself a hot date for Saturday night.

 

December 16,2012

It will be fish for dinner tonight! Stewie has turned out to be a great little fisherman.

 

December 17, 2012

No need to worry, Stewie is keeping an eye out on things.

 

December 18, 2012

Stewie is spending the day catching some rays and relaxing at the beach.

 

December 19, 2012

Oh you know, just hanging around….

 

December 20, 2012

Stewie has taken a new approach to flying back and forth to the North Pole.

 

December 21, 2012

Where is Stewie hiding at today? Looks like he's in the dunes! Silly elf!

 

December 22, 2012

Time for a quick dip in the marshmallow hot tub! What a great view!

 

December 23, 2012

Stewie wanted to stop back by the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse before heading back to the North Pole tomorrow. 

 

December 24, 2012

Today is Christmas Eve and Stewie will be returning to the North Pole. We have enjoyed having Stewie stay with us at Hatteras Realty and will miss him very much. See you next year Stewie!

 

 

 

See what some of Stewie's fans are saying:

 

"Dear Santa, I want a Stewie for Christmas. He is way cool." -Mary

 

 "Stewie is so cool... just like his namesake! Good job, Hatteras Realty peeps!" -Jackie

 

"I love your Stewie posts they make my day I look forward to see what he is into each day " -JeanAnn

 

"So Cute...Stewie is definitely smiling from above!" -Amy

 

"Merry Christmas HR! I have enjoyed Stewie's journeys and can't wait to see what he gets into next year!" -Rebecca

 

"What will this silly elf do next? He is everywhere" -Janice

 

" I love that Stewie is keeping an eye on his Hatteras Realty family!!" -Debbie

 

"How appropriate that "Stewie" is part of the holiday celebrations at Hatteras Realty!" -Jacqueline

Travel Advisory- NC 12 & Ferry Information

Emergency Ferry Service and 4WD Access

 

Priority Boarding for Hatteras Island Residents

Beginning Monday, November 5, 2012, priority boarding will be given to Hatteras Island residents traveling weekdays on the Emergency Ferry Service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe.

Priority boarding for residents will be done Monday through Friday and requires a driver’s license with a Hatteras Island address. The weekday priority will be given to residents boarding on either side of the emergency ferry route behind vehicles with essential commodities, recovery supplies, and those with medical priorities, as determined by Dare County Emergency Management and NCDOT.

The Stumpy Point/Rodanthe schedule beginning Saturday, November 3, 2012

 

Departing Stumpy Point at                                           Departing Rodanthe at

• 6:00 a.m.                                                                           7:00 a.m.
• 8:00 a.m.                                                                           9:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m.                                                                         11:00 a.m.
• 12:00 a.m.                                                                         1:00 p.m.
• 2:00 a.m.                                                                           3:00 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m.                                                                           5:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.                                                                           7:00 p.m.
• 8:00 p.m.                                                                           9:00 p.m.
• 10:00 p.m.                                                                         11:00 p.m.

Hatteras-Ocracoke Route – The following schedule will remain in place until further notice.

Departing Hatteras at                                                    Departing Ocracoke at

• 6:00 a.m.                                                                           5:00 a.m.
• 8:00 a.m.                                                                           7:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m.                                                                         9:00 a.m.
• 12:00 p.m.                                                                         11:00 a.m.
• 2:00 p.m.                                                                           1:00 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m.                                                                           3:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m.                                                                           5:00 p.m.
• 8:00 p.m.                                                                           7:00 p.m.
• 10:00 p.m.                                                                         9:00 p.m.
• Midnight                                                                            11:00 p.m.

Directions to Stumpy Point Emergency Ferry Dock from Manteo, NC -

100 Log Storage Road, off Highway 264. Take Highway 64 to Highway 264. Follow Highway 264 approximately 13 miles past the entrance to the village of Stumpy Point. Signs for Emergency Ferry Service are posted at the ferry entrance on the left.

Directions to Rodanthe Emergency Ferry  -

23170 Myrna Peters Road, Rodanthe. Turn west off Highway 12 onto Myrna Peters Road, located just north of the Community Building in Rodanthe.

Additional Information

Anticipate long lines this weekend and please be patient with ferry personnel who are working to accommodate as many as possible on each ferry.

For those utilizing the Ocracoke ferry route, keep in mind that travel from Cedar Island to Ocracoke and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke requires a reservation by calling 1-800-293-3779.

Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.

Four Wheel Drive Access to Hatteras Island

 

Access to the four-wheel-drive route along NC12 to Hatteras Island is contingent on weather and tide conditions, periods of accessibility may be intermittent. 

For up-to-date information on weather related closures along the 4WD route, click here.

Weather permitting, one lane of the Bonner Bridge and NC 12 is open to allow four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles access to Hatteras Island. Vehicles will have only access from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. to one lane of the highway and Bonner Bridge, with signals alternating southbound and northbound travel. Portions of the roadway will be gravel or sand and four-wheel drive vehicles will be the ONLY vehicles allowed to access the route. Any vehicles attempting to drive this route that do not have 4WD will be turned away. All-wheel drive vehicles will not be allowed access to the route.

The route offers one lane in each direction, except at the temporary bridge and the Bonner Bridge, where it narrows to a single lane for vehicles traveling in both directions. The department placed temporary traffic signals at each bridge to regulate traffic flow safely.

Drivers of four-wheel drive vehicles should expect a rough ride, which will include traveling over sand, damaged pavement and some water. On the sandy portions of the route, they will follow lane markers comprised of barrels, cones and/or flags.

NCDOT asks motorists to follow these important safety measures on the four-wheel drive access:

- Only drive four-wheel drive vehicles with a high ground clearance. Cross-over four-wheel drive vehicles that are lower to the ground may get stuck in the rugged terrain;

- If you drive at night, use extreme caution. There will be no lights staged along the route, so your vehicle’s headlights will offer the only way for you to see;

- Drive slowly;

- Pay close attention to the temporary traffic signals; and

- All four-wheel drive vehicles are encouraged to lower tire pressure to minimize the chances of becoming stuck.

The four-wheel drive access is open from 5 AM to 10 PM because of the hazardous driving conditions, Dare County first responders are escorting drivers before dawn and after dusk when the road is accessible to traffic.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles utilizing this route are asked to be patient and exercise caution. Delays are expected. The four-wheel-drive access will be contingent on impacts from impeding weather.

For updates on progress on NC 12, visit NCDOT.org/travel/ nc12recovery