Nights in Rodanthe

September 26, 2008 is the release date of the movie Nights in Rodanthe based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Everyone on Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks for that matter are anxious to see the movie and to be able to recognize family members and friends who filled in as extras, musicians and other roles in the movie. It is a very highly anticipated event.

It was so exciting when the filming began in Rodanthe at the home Serendipity, the very first home on the oceanfront when you enter Mirlo Beach. Cars crept by on Highway 12 in hopes of catching a glimpse of Diane Lane and Richard Gere. They were both spotted throughout the filming in various spots such as Rodanthe, Hatteras and Ocracoke villages as well as Manteo. Locals were often crouched in the dunes spying through the beach grass to snap a photo or two of the actors for keepsakes. Our island was a little crazy when we had such big names in town.

A friend of mine's husband is one of the musicians who played during a scene shot at the Rodanthe Pier. Whenever I see him I ask for his autograph and he grins and giggles at my gushing. He is very proud, and rightfully so, of his accomplishment. He is an excellent musician and is a regular at the Frisco Jubilee. I can't wait to see his fingers flying on his instrument...after all they don't call him Speedy for nothing!

Vacation Traditions is very proud to announce that we bid and won a spot in the promotion being done for the movie in the Canadian markets!! When approached by the Dare County Tourist Bureau during their quest of finding a rental home donation we were so excited to offer an option for their consideration. When they called to let me know one of our homes, Abode Ashore, was picked as one of the two winners I could hardly contain my excitement! Our little vacation rental company is going to be a big name in Canada! :)

Hopefully with Nights in Rodanthe being such a highly anticipated movie our island will be recognized as a top notch movie location and we'll see it on the big screen even more. Wouldn’t that be nice! :)

First Time to Hatteras Island

Meet my new friends...aren't they a beautiful family! :)

My husband, Woody, and I met them while lounging on the beach in Frisco on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. I watched as he snapped photos of his family playing in the waves, laughing and having pure and simple fun. I thought he should definitely be included in a photo or two so I offered my photography services, as limited as they are, to capture a special moment for them. This is a photo they will enjoy for many years to come not to mention reliving memories from their first Hatteras Island experience. They swam for a while, walked the beaches and just seemed to really enjoy the time together as a family. Too often life gets in the way of enjoying moments like the ones they displayed. It was a reality check of how precious family is.

Their family has been vacationing on the Outer Banks for many years. He has been coming since he was a kid. With extensive familiarity with the Nags Head area they decided to drive down to check out our end of the world for a change of pace. I am so glad they did! The great news is, like so many other first timers, they fell in love with Hatteras Island. It's easy to fall head over heels for our beaches, simplicity and lifestyle. What's not to love?

I really hope I will see them again as I'd love to be a part of their Hatteras Island Tradition.

Water, Water Everywhere!

It's been a crazy week for Vacation Traditions! Business is good and I am very thankful. I can't believe it is August already.

My husband and I have been spending a lot of time in our boat lately. The tranquility is overwhelming when floating around in the Pamlico Sound. Our boat is docked in the Frisco subdivision of Brigand's Bay. It's a nice neighborhood where many locals live and several vacation homes reside. There is a house across the canal from us where we often times enjoy watching vacationing families crab and fish in the canal. The excitement the kids display when they throw their twine armed with a chicken neck or wing into the canal to entice the crabs is a joy to behold. They squeal with excitement as they bring in their catch and plop them in a bucket...some to have for dinner others to be released. Simple pleasures is what is all about.

We leave the dock and slowly work our way out into the Pamlico Sound. Once we reach our destination, which is only a short distance away, we turn the boat off and drift aimlessly on the waves. In the fast paced world of today it's very therapeutic. The other day Woody was sitting on the bow of the boat and we were chatting about the days events when a big mullet jumped right over his head. How cool is that? I felt like a kid giggling at the pretty fishy! :)

Hatteras Island is a wonderland for any water enthusiast. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, kite boarding...you name it. The wildlife is awesome, too. There is this one White Egret that frequents the canals and often times will stop to visit before moving on. He is very friendly and came within about three feet of us the other day while were sitting on the bulkhead. Their eyes are a pretty green...did you know that? Maybe next time I'll have my camera so I can snap a picture to post.