Outer Banks This WeekArticles & Shorts

Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 22: Summer 2020

Publisher's Letter

If adversity makes us stronger, as the saying goes, then, damn y’all, we must be Olympic strong.  It’s been a long, strange trip with the crazy COVID, and it’s not over yet. Thousands of visitors are back, and if we could look at the Outer Banks from a bird’s view, one might think that it was life as normal down here on these islands. But, of course, from a sea level view, things are far from normal. At the time of this note, restaurants and shops are still at 50% capacity. Most National Park Service visitor centers are closed, as are the lighthouses for climbing. Accommodations are open, yet many are unable to be at full capacity. Our international students, who historically have filled close to 3,500 jobs in the summer, were not allowed to come this year, meaning that most businesses are understaffed.

Why write this? Because, now, during this time in our world where so much has changed, I think it feels better to tell the story as it actually is. We need to admit to each other that we’ve been scared (maybe still are), that many have had to restructure their businesses, that we look for but can’t necessarily find an end to this time in our lives. And we need to support each other in this admitting, restructuring and looking.

But there’s another story that gets to be told here too, and it’s just as true and important. The past three months, I’ve witnessed acts of kindness that made me cry. We’ve all been given the opportunity to have our consciousness opened up about how so many people live on the edge and the fact that that needs to change. We’ve donated and volunteered – or we’ve been the grateful recipients of that work and kindness.

Every single business represented in this magazine has had to adapt in big ways to our ever-changing world. Every single owner of every single business has had to increase their faith and trust muscles. Every single business is working harder than they were this time last year to take care of our visitors and of us locals.

I’m proud of all of us. We’re Outer Banks Strong. And we ALL win the gold medal.

VIEW A DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS ISSUE

 

Legends of Corolla

Bob's Wild Horse Tours
By Lexi Holian
There’s more than one legend tucked among the rolling dunes and peaceful maritime forests of the northern Outer Banks. Since the time of the first explorers, wild horses have been a part of Corolla’s history. The Spanish mustangs were left behind by settlers hundreds of years ago – once numbering more than 3,000 –... Read More

Manteo – A Wedding & A Town

108 Budleigh, Bloom Boutique, His Shells by Brenda, Hungry Pelican, Island Perk, It's Royalty, Laughing Lollipops, Lynn Atkins Custom Framing, Nest, Ortega'z Southwestern Grille, Sam & Winston, Sanctuary Vineyards, Sound to Sea Massage, The Gourmet Olive, Wanchese Pottery
By Sandy Semans
Hi Mom! John and I are in Manteo working on the wedding and getting to know the town a little better. I’m sorry you couldn’t come this time, but we’ll make another trip before the big day. John is fishing, so I have the day to myself to explore downtown. I can tell you, though, that our instincts were right about this... Read More

Enchanting Manteo

Town of Manteo
By Beth P. Storie
These days, it might seem naïve to describe a town as enchanting. That word is often reserved for made-up tales, right? Ones where you also expect magic and fanciful events to occur. But the story of Manteo, North Carolina, isn’t make believe. It’s a very real town on a very real island, and locals and visitors alike... Read More

Fresh Flavors for Summer

Fat Boyz
By Lexi Holian
For families that return to the Outer Banks each year, tradition is what makes the summer special. One long-standing Nags Head tradition is heading to Fatboyz Ice Cream & Sweet Treats, the classic walk-up ice cream shop across from Jennette’s Pier. If you’ve ever been to the pier, then you know Fatboyz. The beach... Read More

Adventures in Ocracoke

Ocracoke Alive, Ocracoke Island Golf Carts, Ride the Wind
By Hannah Lee Leidy
As you expect of a travel destination that can only be reached via ferry or private plane or boat, everything about Ocracoke Island comes with a touch of adventure. This is a place where “typical” isn’t really in the vocabulary. If you want what’s expected, you might be in for a (worthwhile!) surprise. A big part of... Read More