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

 

Making the Magic Happen

By Molly Harrison
Behind the Scenes with Wild Horse Adventure Tours Whether it’s your first sighting or your 50th, spotting a Corolla wild horse is always a thrill. From pastoral scenes of mares casually grazing the salt hay to the jolly spectacle of foals frolicking in the surf to the heart-stopping action of stallions in territorial... Read More

At (Your!) Home with Clambake OBX & Outer Banks Grocery Stockers

By Hannah Lee Leidy
"Let us wow you with restaurant-quality dining in the safety of your vacation home." – Doug Combs, owner Planning an event relies on endless moving pieces: There’s the location, the number of people, the time, what people want to eat and more. And while plans can change, knowing that the catering company Clambake OBX... Read More

Naturally Ocracoke

By Molly Harrison
We need the tonic of wilderness. We can never have enough of nature. – Henry David Thoreau Why do we love Ocracoke Island so much? While there are many reasons to love this tiny island, one of its most alluring aspects is its abundance of ways to connect to nature. Surrounded by Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, the... Read More

A New Age of Vacation Rentals

By Molly Harrison
What’s the secret to keeping a business thriving for more than five decades? In the case of Beach Realty & Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals, a family-owned Outer Banks company, it’s a combination of perseverance, hard work, team work, exceptional customer service and innovation. Even after 56 years in business,... Read More

Elevating the OBX Socially Distant Scene

By Molly Harrison
Yes, we are in the midst of a new era of social cautiousness, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out for a great bite to eat and a tasty cold beer. When you’ve got that itch to get out, Outer Banks Brewing Station is an exceptional choice. Space is one of the Brewing Station’s greatest advantages these days, and... Read More