From makoman's blog Outer Banks Eats (used with his permission) - I know, this blog is called Outer Banks eats, but come on, there are other things that help to make the Outer Banks the great vacation spot that it is, and if you wait for it, you will see that even this post reverts back to eating in a way. As I noted in my introduction to this blog, my family began coming to the Outer Banks in November of 2000, with a day trip to Kill Devil Hills and Awful Arthurs on Black Friday. We came down after a great Thanksgiving meal at my sister in law's in Virginia Beach, and the rest as they say is history. Since that time we have spent at least two weeks per year in the Outer Banks as a family, usually more like 2 to 3 weeks, and I spend a few extra days with clients fishing offshore. During those trips we have stayed in just about every part of the Outer Banks including Corolla, Duck, Pine Island, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon, and Ocracoke. We have been in everything from hotel rooms to one bedrooom condominiums to lavishly appointed Lane homes. Over the past few years though, we have settled in to Kill Devil Hills as our prime location, and the Croatan Surf Club as our favorite spot to stay for our immediate family. When the extended family arrives, our needs change to a larger home, but for the four of us, we love the condiminiums at the Croatan Surf Club. First off, the location is great!
You may have noted the love of food that prompted this blog, and the location of CSC puts us right in the middle of our cluster of restaurants such as Awful Arthurs, Tortuga's Lie, Mama Kwan's, Blue Moon Grille, and Pierhouse(I told you eating was a factor). It is also in the middle of the island, allowing me to get to Manteo for fishing in under 15 minutes, and Corolla in about half an hour for our drives on the beach, kid's trip to TimBuck II, and dinner at Mike Dianne's or annual visit to the Tomato Patch! The central location makes everything we want to do easy. This year we did everything from a jeep ride on the beach at Corolla, to a horseback ride in Hatteras, to an offshore fishing trip out of Manteo, to waverunning in Kitty Hawk and Nags Head from this unit. Add to that the shopping on the bypass and the beach road, and access to the great restaurants, and it is easy to see why we have chosen to settle here.
Second, the units themselves are wonderful. We stay in a 3 bedroom oceanfront condominium that is very well appointed, has a great view of the beach and all of the modern amenities. It is one of the nicest condominiums we have stayed in. In addition, the unit has a hot tub on the deck, and the facility has a great pool, that is not only fun to swim in, but the lighting at night adds to the ambience. The grills in the front of the yard are also a nice touch, and many of the units are pet friendly. For the rainy days, there is an indoor pool and a light workout facility. The beach in front of the facility is not at all overcrowded, and the gazebo overlooking the beach is a great place to people watch.
Finally, the people at Village Realty have been great to work with, from the ease of reservations, to the keyless entry check-in, to the courtesy of delivering packages mailed to their office to our unit. My family has enjoyed staying here so much, that we are now interested in exploring ownership of one of these great units in the not too distant future. CSC and Village Realty, thank you for contributing to another great OBX vacation!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Dear Mother Perkins
Dear Mother Perkins,
Patrick and I have decided that we will rent our own Outer Banks vacation home this year rather than stay with the rest of the family in a large home. As you know, last year it did get a little stressful towards the end of the week and we prefer some privacy and some family time of our own. I know that "Boys will be boys" but I frankly do not understand how Patricia can let her children run wild all week. The soap soads in the hot tub was bad enough but when little Parker put sand in all our beds ... that was the last straw for me. I also, to be honest, will not miss cousin Albert's magic tricks either.
We have found a perfect place for us, located in Kill Devil Hills. The Croatan Surf Club complex is a luxury resort and sits on the Oceanfont. There are two pools--one outdoor and one indoors. The indoor pool is heated and open all year. There are also two spas, a beautiful Oceanfront Gazebo and a walkway to the beach.
In addition, our kids will have fun in the arcade room and I can work out in the fitness room. There are three bedrooms so it is just the right size. There are two king beds and a pyramid bunk--our twins are already figuring out who gets to sleep in the top bunk each night!
We had to make sure that no smoking and no pets were allowed because of Patrick's allergies and there are harwood floors throughout which is nice. The name of the flat --everything is on one level-- is The OBX Whale. It is on the fourth floor. There are elevators so we will not have to carry our suitcases up stairs. There are not views of the ocean from this particular condo but we will be able to see the Wright Brothers Monument and Millicent is very interested in anything to do with airplanes and flight so that is fine. The memorial is beautiful when lit up at night.
I have already read some good reviews of Outer Banks restaurants on a site called NCBeaches.com and we plan on trying Goombays, Mama Kwans, Chili Peppers and Sugar Creek. Of course we will go to Sam and Omie's --that has become a family tradition.
Village Realty manages many of the condos and townhomes in Croatan Surf Club and we found them very easy to work with. Perhaps you and Father Perkins will consider renting a place there as well. You can call Village at 800-548-9688. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that all the linens and towels are provided and that they even make the beds before check in. I can start my vacation right away! Another thing that helped me make my decision is that the posted rates on their website include everything except NC taxes and the optional trip insurance (which we always buy). No surprises or sticker shock.
Well, that wraps it up. We are renting two weeks in July and I will call you later this week to see if you are interested in renting there too. If not, we will see you over the Easter holiday.
Best Regards,
Elena (your favorite daughter in law)
Patrick and I have decided that we will rent our own Outer Banks vacation home this year rather than stay with the rest of the family in a large home. As you know, last year it did get a little stressful towards the end of the week and we prefer some privacy and some family time of our own. I know that "Boys will be boys" but I frankly do not understand how Patricia can let her children run wild all week. The soap soads in the hot tub was bad enough but when little Parker put sand in all our beds ... that was the last straw for me. I also, to be honest, will not miss cousin Albert's magic tricks either.
We have found a perfect place for us, located in Kill Devil Hills. The Croatan Surf Club complex is a luxury resort and sits on the Oceanfont. There are two pools--one outdoor and one indoors. The indoor pool is heated and open all year. There are also two spas, a beautiful Oceanfront Gazebo and a walkway to the beach.
In addition, our kids will have fun in the arcade room and I can work out in the fitness room. There are three bedrooms so it is just the right size. There are two king beds and a pyramid bunk--our twins are already figuring out who gets to sleep in the top bunk each night!
We had to make sure that no smoking and no pets were allowed because of Patrick's allergies and there are harwood floors throughout which is nice. The name of the flat --everything is on one level-- is The OBX Whale. It is on the fourth floor. There are elevators so we will not have to carry our suitcases up stairs. There are not views of the ocean from this particular condo but we will be able to see the Wright Brothers Monument and Millicent is very interested in anything to do with airplanes and flight so that is fine. The memorial is beautiful when lit up at night.
I have already read some good reviews of Outer Banks restaurants on a site called NCBeaches.com and we plan on trying Goombays, Mama Kwans, Chili Peppers and Sugar Creek. Of course we will go to Sam and Omie's --that has become a family tradition.
Village Realty manages many of the condos and townhomes in Croatan Surf Club and we found them very easy to work with. Perhaps you and Father Perkins will consider renting a place there as well. You can call Village at 800-548-9688. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that all the linens and towels are provided and that they even make the beds before check in. I can start my vacation right away! Another thing that helped me make my decision is that the posted rates on their website include everything except NC taxes and the optional trip insurance (which we always buy). No surprises or sticker shock.
Well, that wraps it up. We are renting two weeks in July and I will call you later this week to see if you are interested in renting there too. If not, we will see you over the Easter holiday.
Best Regards,
Elena (your favorite daughter in law)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Mother's Day ... the perfect gift
"On Mother's Day I have written a poem for you. In the interest of poetic economy and truth, I have succeeded in concentrating my deepest feelings and beliefs into two perfectly crafted lines: You're my mother, I would have no other!" ~Forest Houtenschil
May 7 is Mother's Day. As a mom myself I can say that one thing any mother needs and loves is some time to just relax and maybe even be pampered. We thought about this before we came up with our 2011 Mother's Day Package. This year we are offering a three night stay over Mothers Day weekend at the beautiful oceanfront complex in Kill Devil Hills, NC ... the Croatan Surf Club.
Mom can choose to relax in one of the two hot tubs on the property (inside or on the oceanfront) or swim in the heated pools. There are two to choose from; one indoors and one outside.
Each condo is beautifully decorated and the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and upgraded fixtures.
However, please take Mom out to lunch on Sunday as we are including a $50.00 gift certificate to The Pearl Restaurant on the oceanfront and just down the road. Maybe Mom would like to get a manicure or a pedicure while she is here...no problem. The package also includes a $50 gift certificate to Hairoics Salon in Nags Head.
The package includes a three night stay, the two gift certificates and a surprise gift at check-in. The beds are made before arrival and bath towels are included. Bring the kids. There is a kiddie pool and a spray ground for them.
For more information please call us at 800.548.9688 and mention the Mother's Day Package or Click Here.
May 7 is Mother's Day. As a mom myself I can say that one thing any mother needs and loves is some time to just relax and maybe even be pampered. We thought about this before we came up with our 2011 Mother's Day Package. This year we are offering a three night stay over Mothers Day weekend at the beautiful oceanfront complex in Kill Devil Hills, NC ... the Croatan Surf Club.
Mom can choose to relax in one of the two hot tubs on the property (inside or on the oceanfront) or swim in the heated pools. There are two to choose from; one indoors and one outside.
Each condo is beautifully decorated and the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and upgraded fixtures.
However, please take Mom out to lunch on Sunday as we are including a $50.00 gift certificate to The Pearl Restaurant on the oceanfront and just down the road. Maybe Mom would like to get a manicure or a pedicure while she is here...no problem. The package also includes a $50 gift certificate to Hairoics Salon in Nags Head.
The package includes a three night stay, the two gift certificates and a surprise gift at check-in. The beds are made before arrival and bath towels are included. Bring the kids. There is a kiddie pool and a spray ground for them.
For more information please call us at 800.548.9688 and mention the Mother's Day Package or Click Here.
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