Hang Gliding in Frisco

Life is good on Hatteras, no doubt. Yesterday afternoon was perfect to soak up some rays so after my husband finished working on our boat , you know that hole in the water you pour money into, we grabbed our son and his friend and drove out to the beach. The sun was shining, the birds were busy catching sand fleas and the kids were frolicking in the surf...what a perfect day. We built a few sandcastles, grilled out and enjoyed a little R&R. Being on the beach any where on Hatteras Island is as peaceful as it gets. Sometimes unfortunately those of us who live and work here take it all for granted as we get caught up in our busy day to day duties. When we have a moment to unwind it all sinks in that we live in an absolute paradise.

We were virtually alone on the beach which made me giggle at a comment one of our guests made. She called to book a last minute partial reservation this week for her family. They had secured accommodations in Myrtle Beach, SC and decided to head to Hatteras Island after, now get this, her husband was in the ocean and it was so crowded someone actually said "Pardon me". I am so thankful we will never experience that! With the miles and miles of undeveloped National Park Service property and vast beaches privacy is abundant. Speaking of uncrowded beaches, we had great news yesterday! Ramp 44 re-opened which of course creates more of those open beaches I referenced in my last posting.

I grew up in Manteo, my husband in Manns Harbor. As kids we used to witness the hang gliders atop Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head. It was always an amazing sight and I remember thinking how awesome it must feel to fly so freely. I was unaware until yesterday that my son, now 14, had never witnessed their graceful flight. Much to our surprise while on the beach a hang glider was flying through the air with ease, almost effortless. Upon closer review of his many flights up and down Frisco beach we were able to see the great strength required to keep gliding, turning, landing and taking off. Watching him took us a million miles away from reality. I took many photos of his colorful glider, one of which I missed when he gave me the thumbs up while gliding past...I would have loved to have captured that photo...

WUNC Interviews Vacation Traditions!

How exciting it was to receive a call from an NPR reporter inquiring about our new little vacation rental company in hopes of scoring an interview. I was more than happy to oblige, of course. It went really well. I even had someone call to reserve a home after it aired who mentioned how positive I was which made him want to book a week at the beach! With issues relative to gas prices, the perception of our beaches being closed and the economy in general, I tried my best to emphasize the positive. After all, Vacation Traditions offers many affordable vacation options that won't break the bank. I also stressed the importance of getting the word out that our beaches are definitely open. Yes, there are areas where closures are in effect, but where else can you drive your 4WD on the beach? Especially in an area that has world renowned fishing and pristine beaches. I'll tell you where, here. My husband I live in Frisco and there is a three mile stretch of beach that is wide open where you can drive and park for a day of fun in the sun and that's just one area of many that are open. Our beaches are great, our beaches are open with a few areas of exception and naturally our fishing is fantastic. Don't you wish you were here?

The really cool part was meeting the reporter and her friend who rented a property from us for few nights in hopes of enjoying all our beautiful Hatteras Island has to offer while conducting other interviews from Manteo to Rodanthe and down to Hatteras. It was a pleasure to meet them both and I look very forward to seeing them again soon! It was a pleasure Leoneda and Cynthia!

An Outer Banks Vacation Rental Home: Rest, relaxation, fun in the sun-- and price-- are just next door.

More and more people have purchased second homes in vacation areas. Many of them offset their mortgages by renting them out to vacationers, so you can find great bargain places to stay for your own vacation.

Your selection is huge-- rentals can range from family homes to condos to duplexes. Vacationing in a group or with the extended family? You can reserve a beachfront "sand castle" at much less than you'd pay at a hotel. And compared to a hotel or motel room, you have a virtual smorgasbord of accommodations to choose from, with a wide range of decor, amenities and location. Online reservations streamline the process, too. You can explore the area at your leisure from your home computer and choose the perfect vacation rental, in your pajamas.

As gasoline prices have many families re-thinking a long-range vacation, the Outer Banks is an attractive alternative closer to home for millions who live in the area. In a vacation rental home you can make up for the higher cost in gasoline by eating out less and cooking more meals in the fully appointed kitchen of the rental. Remember your amazement when looking back at how much money you spent eating out during that last vacation?

There have been several studies that compared the costs of hotels and motels to vacation rental homes in the same area. The rental home is always cheaper. Check our Web site for special deals as some owners are offering an occassional discount to fill vacant weeks.

Many vacationers who've experienced a vacation rental home will never go back to a hotel or motel. When you figure in the restrictive hours for certain services, trips to the ice machine, noisy hallways and rowdy groups in the next room, there really is no comparison. Privacy is priceless.