Dare County Press Release #4 Best Beach in America
Cape Hatteras named #4 Best Beach in America
Outer Banks makes Dr. Beach Top Ten for 2010
Media Contact:
Aaron Tuell, Public Relations
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
877-629-4386
tuell@outerbanks.org
(CAPE HATTERAS, NC) May 28, 2010 – The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Cape Hatteras has again made Dr. Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman’s Top Ten Best Beach list for 2010. The Hatteras Island beach has risen to the rank of #4 among America’s beaches. This incredible recognition by Dr. Leatherman validates what many have recognized for so long, that Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks simply offer a different kind of beach vacation experience.
“People are looking for a greater value these days,” explains Lee Nettles, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “Dr. Beach’s ranking gives vacationers the assurance their travel dollars are being well spent on the OBX. Memorial Day is the official start of summer, which means a lot of people will be looking for a beach to visit, and we hope they’ll consider Cape Hatteras and The Outer Banks of North Carolina. This title is something we can all take pride in and enjoy together.”
The great thing about Cape Hatteras, is that it reflects the type of beaches you can find nearly everywhere along the 130 miles of Outer Banks coastline. If you like clean sand, lots of sun and affordable places to stay, the OBX is a smart choice for a family vacation. There are four islands you can drive to, all within a half day drive from millions of Americans, and with gas prices holding, you can really save more of your extra dollars for fun stuff when you get here.
Parking is free, and there’s lots of it. You spend less time in the car and more at the beach. Spend some time on our website outerbanks.org and you’ll find great summer specials and cool vacation homes for friend and family get-togethers or hotels right on the ocean to make it easy to enjoy. But the real value of the Outer Banks comes in the experience. You can climb the tallest lighthouse in the country or run free along the biggest sand dunes on the East Coast. Take a family field trip to the place where the Wright Brothers flew the first plane or see America’s longest running outdoor drama, The Lost Colony. Take a fishing trip you’ll never forget.
To learn more, log onto the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau website www.outerbanks.org or speak to one of our information specialists toll free at 877-629-4386.
NPS Photo - Underwater Archeology near The Lost Colony
"In conjunction with the National Park Service, Professor Gordon Watts from the Institute of Nautical Archeology, along with a team of archeologists, Bill Utley, Josh Daniel and Ray Hayes, are performing underwater archeology work for several days adjacent to the shoreline in an area known as “Barrel Beach” near The Lost Colony complex. The team is searching for evidence of the first English Settlement site to further examine the geophysical anomalies previously found in the area. Several Indian artifacts have been discovered in the area.
National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: May 19, 2010
CONTACT: Jason Ginder 252-995-4474 x24
NPS Offers Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
As a 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 May 27. Two tours will be given, one at 8:15 p.m. and a second at 9:15 p.m., each tour is limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Full Moon Tour ticket sales will start on Tuesday, May 25. The lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. daily. Full Moon Tour tickets are non-refundable.
As there are no lights inside the lighthouse, climbers will navigate the
257 stair staircase using handheld flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keeper. From the watch room, visitors will be able to view the light up close and in motion and hear of the operation of the beacon, past and present - a truly unique experience. Outside on the lighthouse 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 newly risen moon on the ocean.
Things to know:
1. Full Moon Tour tickets, limited to the first 60 purchasers, must be purchased in person, in advance, at the lighthouse ticket booth. Full Moon Tour ticket sales will begin Tuesday, May 25. It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early. Standard admissions fees apply - $7 for adults, and $3.50 for children (11 and under) as well as seniors (62 and older). The lighthouse ticket booth, located at the lighthouse site, is open from 8:15 a.m. – 4:40 p.m. daily.
2. Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh, serviceable batteries.
3. All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they can not be carried! If unsure, check with the Rangers before purchasing your non-refundable ticket. Also, keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.
4. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
5. For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the group. No exceptions.
6. Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb. There are no internal lights or air conditioning.
7. 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.
8. Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, May 28, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on May 28. This ticket will be for day climbing only.
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