Vacation Traditions

Vacation Traditions Blog

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Full Moon Tours

Will you be in town for the Labor Day weekend? Here's a super fun and super cool thing to do.

Per the most recent Press Release issued from the National Park Service, they will be offering full moon tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on 9/4/2009. The release states:

"As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities,the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of September 4, 2009.Two tours will be given—one at 7:15 p.m. and a second at 8:15 p.m. Each tour is limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the lighthouse ticket booth between 8:15 a.m. and 4:40 p.m., September 2through September 4. Full Moon Tour tickets are non-refundable.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse stairwell, climbers will navigate the 257 steps using flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will tell stories and share information about the lighthouse that reveal its importance as a navigational beacon, as a work of art, and as a reminder of our past. At the top of the stairs, visitors will be able to view the working light up close and in motion. Out on the balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience—seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the full moon rising over the ocean. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Things to know:
*Standard admission fees apply—$7 for adults, $3.50 for children (11 and under) and seniors (62 and older). It is anticipated that tickets will sell out.

*Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh batteries. Drinking water is recommended.

*All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own—they cannot be carried. Keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.

*Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

*All participants must climb and descend with their tour group.

*Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, and can be a challenge to climb. During the summer it can be hot and humid inside. There are no internal lights, water fountains, or air conditioners.

*All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum, etc., apply. This information will be provided to you when you purchase your ticket.

*Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, September 5, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket usable only on that day. This ticket will be for day climbing only."

I do hope our guests and owners alike in town on 9/4 will be able to experience this event which is a once in a lifetime for many folks. What a great opportunity!

Happy climbing!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

BBQ & Beach Access Awareness Rally

The newest update from www.preservebeachaccess.org announced a Community BBQ & Beach Access Awareness Rally is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2009 at the Fessenden Center in Buxton, NC.

The event is a family fun day to raise awareness about beach access issues within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area and will raise funds for the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA).

Volunteers and donations are needed. If you are interested in participating please contact Rob Alderman, 252-305-2017 or via email: FishMilitia@aol.com.

There will be good food, good music, good info and good fun not to mention good info about a very important issue that affects Hatteras Island Visitors and Residents alike.

Be there or be square!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Family Fun at NC Aquarium

The Dare County Chamber of Commerce issued the following information with respect to a Family Fun Night at the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo. It sounds like a lot of fun for adults and kids alike!

"Family Fun Night August 13th"

"Enjoy extended hours for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for Family Fun Night. On August 13, 2009 the Aquarium will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The family fun begins when our doors open, then will continue for a night of exciting activities starting at 5 p.m.

At 5 p.m. see aquarium divers in the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit for our popular Dialog with the Diver program. Then at 5:30 p.m. Bruce Shwedick the Reptile Wrangler will thrill visitors with his collection of reptiles. See Carlos the Iguana, Jade the Anaconda, Alexander the Great, a Snapping Turtle and Banana Boy the 16 foot Burmese Python. After the show children and adults can have their pictures taken with The Reptile Wrangler and his amazing reptiles.

Take a trip around our world, dive deep into the oceans as you visit “Oceans Revealed: Power of the Planet” our new exhibit. See how the oceans affect our lives and how we affect the ocean.

Want to add more value to your Family Fun Night family experience, call 252-473-3494 ext. 232 and take your entire family on a Nocturnal Beach Creatures Adventure. See ghost crabs and other creatures that range free on our local beaches. Limit of 14 and cost $15 per person.

Family Fun Night begins at 5 p.m. so what are you waiting for? Join the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for this exciting night and experience 'The Waters of the Outer Banks.'”

We hope you can make it!
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