Outer Banks This WeekArticles & Shorts

Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 31: Summer 2023

Summer just couldn’t make up its mind this year, could it? It’s like the sun was scared to declare that it was time to shine. Who the heck ever heard of sweaters in the middle of June around here? But there it was. Locals adapted (and grumbled); visitors braved the chill with bathing suits anyway because it was, dang it, supposed to be hot. Well … it’s hot now and summer fun is in full swing.

Full swing means so many things. Our roads are packed, so just relax, don’t sweat the small stuff, be glad you’re here and that to one side of you is the calming sound and to the other is Mother Ocean. Restaurants will, almost certainly, have a long wait list, so grab a drink, people watch and be happy that you’re just about to eat the freshest and tastiest seafood you’ve ever had. Yep, that sand is going to be blistering hot, so wear shoes and carry your littles then run joyfully into that cool ocean water.

Be happy! It’s (finally) summer, you’re here and it’s time to enjoy that beach vibe you’ve waiting for all year.

Beth

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Hot Fun in the Summertime

Kitty Hawk Kites
By Heather Frese
The tall sweep of sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge is one of my earliest memories – the thick heat, the sticky grit on my legs as I held my mom’s hand and watched my dad run, jump, then drift through the air on a brightly colored hang glider. He had a t-shirt from Kitty Hawk Kites depicting the scene in pretty pastels... Read More

Bringing People Together with Jazz

Town of Duck
By Hannah West
For two years Duck’s picturesque Town Green fell silent over Columbus Day weekend, a time of year traditionally filled with the lively sounds of the Duck Jazz Festival. But in 2022, the music returned and with it came more than 6,000 festival goers over the course of the holiday weekend. The 14th annual Duck Jazz... Read More

Find Treasure on the Corolla Outer Banks and Currituck Mainland

Currituck County Dept. of Travel & Tourism
By Leah Wingenroth
Restless adventurers, relax! Around here you don’t have to look far to find the treasures that will satisfy your need for exciting new adventures and experiences. Currituck County and Corolla are jam-packed with hidden gems and historical artifacts ready for you to discover. Treasuring Northern Outer Banks History... Read More

Old Traditions and New Experiences at The Cotton Gin

Cotton Gin, Sanctuary Vineyards
By Leah Wingenroth
Whether you’re looking for gifts for your family or a treat for yourself, shopping trips can be a tiring, all-day affair, but there is a way to save yourself from all that driving around. Thankfully, The Cotton Gin stores have everything you could need in one place. Between their bounty of coastal decor, beach wear... Read More

From Firefighter to CBD Shop Owner: A Journey of Healing and Empowering Others

House of Hemp OBX
By Maggie Miles
Gina Elko, owner of House of Hemp OBX, discovered the power of CBD when a knee injury forced her to retire from her 22-year firefighting career, the last eight of which she was a captain at the Nags Head Fire Department. Originally from Maryland, Gina began her career as a firefighter after successfully passing the... Read More