Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 19: Spring 2019

Publisher's Letter

Hi folks.

Happy Spring.

Have you ever pondered the many uses of the word spring in our vernacular? As always, writing these Publishers letters gives me think time. Here goes:

Spring up. Spring forward. Spring back. Spring green. Spring chicken. Spring to mind. Spring a leak. Spring into action. Spring for. Spring to life. Spring to attention. Spring in your step. Spring from. Spring clean.

Then there’s Spring Fever.

That’s the one that rolls off everyone’s vibes that I’m around these days. I, being the cold-weather lover that I am, secretly roll my eyes and internally stomp my foot over the horrible slight that we got no snow this year. But I know I’m out-numbered. All the “Only ___ more days til Spring” posts of Facebook, all the “Man, I can’t wait for 80° days” comments. Whatever.

But I will acknowledge that it’s exciting to see the Outer Banks coming back to full functioning status during Spring. Many beloved restaurants open back up after a winter hiatus, and those that sustained us through the cold (thank you!) entice us in with new Spring menus. Shops extend their hours and display the marvelous new warm weather merchandise on their shelves. Lots of outdoor adventures begin anew. Reservations for our hotels, rental homes, B&Bs and campgrounds start pouring in. And, yes, the warming breezes and all the flowers that start popping out of the ground are very nice.

Ok, ok … seeing friends emerge from winter hibernation is great too. So is going walking or running without four extra layers. And I have to give a nod to being able to get back out on the boat or onto the golf course. Then there’s the ability to throw open the windows and stop seeing power bills that make you want to faint. Spring gardens. Spring yard work. Spring beauty.

You got me. Hope springs eternal … even for a winter diehard.

Welcome back, Spring. We appreciate all you bring.

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10 Reasons to Love Ocracoke

By Molly Harrison
In the spirit of reciprocity for our Outer Banks visitors, I have a tidbit of insider information for you: When the locals from Manteo, Nags Head, Duck and the rest of the northern Outer Banks want to get away, they head to  Ocracoke Island.  That’s because Ocracoke is the perfect package. It’s easy to get to, but... Read More

Cast Your Line for a Good Time

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Changing Tides for the Corolla Wild Horses

By Hannah Lee Leidy
It is entrenched with history, photogenic as heck and constantly changing form with each passing year. No, we’re not talking about the Outer Banks; all these qualities apply to the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs of Corolla. These horses share a lot of similarities with the Outer Banks. Their history is deeply... Read More

Make Your OBX Happy Place Even Happier

By Molly Harrison
Head farther down N.C. Highway 12 to Hatteras Island, and you’ll find a vacation destination with less traffic, charming villages and warmer ocean water plus many authentic experiences and opportunities to discover a new Outer Banks Happy Place.   Amazingly, many seasoned OBX regulars – even ones who may have... Read More