Elan Vacations

Outer Banks Rental Homes

2009-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is traditionally a time where families plan and select their Outer Banks Rental. It is a great time to plan your Outer Banks vacation to ensure that you can reserve your favorite Outer Banks Rental Home. Elan Vacations understands budgets can be tight during holidays so we have a Flexible Vacation Payment Plan that makes budgeting for your Outer Banks Rental easy and affordable.

>See Outer Banks Rental Vacation Payment Plan

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Outer Banks Vacations - Upcoming Fall Events

2009-10-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Fall Events on the Outer Banks:

Halloween - Halloween is a great time time to visit with events at the NC Aquarium and haunted hay rides at the Corolla haunted Village.

Wings Over Water - November 3 - 8
The Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is a six-day celebration of the wild side of the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, is set for Nov. 3-8, 2009 which spans Veteran's Day weekend. The festival offers over 85 programs in themes ranging from paddling and wildlife photography to birding, natural history, and more! For more information visit wingsoverwater.org

4th Annual Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon- November 8
The marathon starts in Kitty Hawk, the half marathon starts at Jockeys Ridge and both cross the beautiful Washington-Baum Bridge; and finish on Roanoke Island. obxmarathon.org

Halloween Fun in the Outer Banks

2009-09-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween in the Outer Banks can be a fun filled weekend for both kids and parents alike. The weather is perfect for being outside which makes trick or treating fun for the whole family. If you are looking for other events to occupy your time, you have come to the right place. The Outer Banks has a host of activities planned for the Halloween weekend.

Kicking off the week will be the Harvest Heyday taking place at The Elizabethan Gardens. This fun filled event features games, music, hay rides and more. The festivities take place on October 25 from 2-4 PM. Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult or a Friends member. Come early to explore the fabulous gardens and history that is featured here.

For more fun with the kids, head over to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for Trick or Treat Under the Sea. Kids can participate in a costume contest, scream contest, arts and crafts activities, or just mingle with some of the creepy characters that will be roaming about. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the aquarium. The event is on October 29 and activities are from 6-8 PM.

And for the final event in October, you can visit Currituck Heritage Park for the 6th annual Haunted Corolla Village. The haunting starts at 6:30 PM and runs through 9PM. Enjoy a haunted hay ride as you are told spooky stories. After the ride, walk the park grounds for more scary adventures!

The Best Time to Visit the Outer Banks !

2009-09-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Fall is considered by most Outer Banks locals and seasoned visitors to be the best time of the year on the Outer Banks. The weather is optimal for perfect beach days: warm water, warm sunny days, cooler cozy evenings.The fishing really gets good and the Fall is loaded with all kinds of events and activities. Here are a few upcoming events in October to plan your trip around.

Take advantage of some of our seasonal Specials on Outer Banks Rentals
> Outer Banks Rental Specials

Outer Banks Fall Events

October 2 - 4
2nd Annual Outer Banks Fall Bike Weekend
It's a Roar to the Shore for historical, cultural, and scenic touring on two wheels. harleybay.com

October 3rd & 4th
The 7th Annual Outer Banks International Wine Festival:
Saturday & Sunday - October 3rd & 4th from 12- 5 pm at Native Vine in Point Harbor

http://www.obwinefest.com/

October 10
First Flight Rotary Oink N’ Oyster Roast
Sunburn Sports Bar in Kitty Hawk from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the 8th annual year for this community benefit which features “All-You can Eat Oysters “and” NC Style Bar-B-Q.” Tickets are $20.

oinkandoyster.org.

October 11
Third Annual Duck Jazz Festival
Featuring saxophonist Kim Waters and his band, will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 11 a.m. to dusk on the Town Green. Plan to join us for this popular event! (252) 255-1234 or townofduck.com

It’s never too early to Book a Summer Vacation in the Outer Banks

2009-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

While summer is coming to a close, the temperatures will start to cool off and soon it may be snowing in your part of the country. What better time to start thinking of a summer vacation?That’s right, start planning now for next summer. Booking a summer vacation this far in advance can be a big benefit to your process.

Reserving early can ensure that you get the type of rental or accommodation that you prefer. This is especially true of a vacation rental. Booking early gives you first pick of your favorite Outer Banks vacation rental or home.

Booking early also gives you something positive to look forward to. It can be a fun family activity to count down the days to next summer when you get to visit the Outer Banks again.

Reserving early also gives you a fair amount of time to budget and pay for the trip. In some cases you may be able to set up a payment plan for your vacation, or save money through the year to pay off the balance you have put on your credit card.

Élan Vacations offers specials, packages and a convenient payment plan. For more information about our specials and payment plan please see: http://www.elanvacations.com/specials.asp.

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about next summer and all the fun that you can have in the Outer Banks. Treat your family today.

Why Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel Room?

2009-09-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

When visiting a new place, you want to have time and money to be able to experience all there is to do. The Outer Banks of North Carolina has no shortage of activities for you and your family to participate in. While many of these activities are free, some are not. Making sure you have enough money set aside to enjoy your time is essential.

One of the best ways to save some money is by renting a vacation home instead of a hotel room. Vacation homes offer more space and quite often more amenities than a hotel room. More people can stay in a vacation home so you can share the cost. Also, a vacation home has a full kitchen so you can enjoy home cooked meals instead of going out for every meal.

In many cases vacation homes are more convenient as well. Élan Vacations allows you to check in as early as 1PM if your home is ready. Many hotels do not allow you to check in until after 4PM.

Some of our vacation homes are even dog friendly. There is no need to leave your best pal at home in a kennel when you can bring him along for a nominal fee. While many hotels are pet friendly, cramped space is hard on your pet. A vacation home gives them more space and the opportunity to go outside.

If you feel an Outer Banks Vacation Rental is for you, please contact one of our vacation rental specialists at 866-760-ELAN, or search for the perfect Outer Banks vacation home from our extensive list.

Off Season in the Outer Banks

2009-09-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

With the busy season winding down in the Outer Banks, now may be the best time to take a well deserved vacation or plan ahead for a winter getaway. While cooler, the weather is still very comfortable. Most months will record a high temperature of 80, with the exception of January. This cooler weather and general lack of tourists makes the Outer Banks feel like your own private island.

The off season is a great time to get the family together for a reunion. Book an Outer Banks vacation rental to accommodate everyone. Many people visit the Outer Banks in the winter months to escape the cold winters of the north, or to get their golf fix when everyone else has their clubs stored in the garage. The off season also features many deals and discounts. You can often find specials on food, activities and other fun things to do. Even if the water is too cool for your liking, you can still hit the beach to read a good book and relax as the waves crash on the beach.

If an Outer Banks vacation getaway sounds appealing, contact a vacation specialist at www.elanvacations.com. Our wide array of vacation rentals and staff knowledge of the area will ensure that you have the vacation that you have been waiting for and deserve.

Labor Day 2009 in the Outer Banks

2009-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

With Labor Day being the unofficial end to summer, why not send it out with a bang. Treat your family to an Outer Banks vacation, before the burden of school and colder weather has a chance to set in. The Outer Banks offers a little something for everyone. From kids to adults, all will have the time of their lives.

The Outer Banks is well known for its white sand beaches, world class golf, rich history and great shopping. Aside from these great activities, this coming Labor Day is host to many local activities that are full of music, fun and great food.

On September 5th, check out the Showcase Magic & Comedy show. Tickets are $19.95 and can be purchased over the phone. Please call (252) 261-7505 for more information and to buy tickets.

Also on September 5th, REAL will be hosting kite surf, surf and other demos on the beach. Lessons will be available as well as new equipment and accessories to try out. After the demo, stop into MOJO’s café for drinks and specials on the beach. Over $10,000 in prizes will be given away. Please call (252)987-6000 or click http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.cfm?page=newsitem&id=1409 for more information.

If you are more into music and food, then check out the Beach ‘n Blues Festival on September 6th. Starting at 5PM, the Roanoke Island Festival Park will come alive bringing a variety of blues music and artists together. Food, wine and beer will be available for your enjoyment. Bring chairs, blankets and your dancing shoes for this fun filled night of entertainment. More information can be found at www.beachnblues.com.

When you visit the Outer Banks for your Labor Day getaway, contact Elan Vacations for your Outer Banks rental needs. Our vacation rentals can house families large and small, so call today to reserve. See www.elanvacations.com or call 866-760-ELAN for more information.

Wild Horses of the Outer Banks

2009-08-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

During your next vacation to the Outer Banks, one adventure that you should definitely not pass up is seeing the wild horses. As you may know, North Carolina's Outer Banks is home to hundreds of horses. These horses, also known as Banker horses, Shackleford ponies, and Ocracoke ponies, are said to have descended from a breed of Spanish horses and arrived to the barrier islands during the 16th century.

The Banker horse, although somewhat small, weighing approximately 800 to 1,000 pounds, is a tough breed. They have endured hurricanes, hot and humid summers, and winter storms. They live on the tough sea grasses and at times, limited access to fresh drinking water. The horses are docile and quite friendly, although it’s not encouraged to try and approach them.

Overpopulation, inbreeding, and protection of their habitat from being overgrazed, are managed by the National Park Service, the State of North Carolina, and several private organizations.

To see the horses, you can often drive along the beach and side roads if you have a 4WD vehicle. If you don’t, there are many guided tours to choose from. A few of these are below.

At Élan Vacations, we hope you have an enjoyable vacation and take the time to share the beauty of these horses with the entire family.

Outer Banks Fun Facts

2009-08-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

When visiting a destination on vacation, it is fun to know some valuable information about the area, so you can get the full experience. Many vacation destinations are rich in history and fun facts. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is no exception. Here are some interesting facts and “firsts” that are found in the Outer Banks.

Firsts

On August 18, 1587, the first child was born in the New World. Virginia Dare was born at Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. The leader of the colony traveled to England for help and upon his return found that the colony was gone. The disappearance of the colony has remained a mystery ever since.

In 1902 the first application of radio communication was used in the Outer Banks. This application was created by Reginald Fessenden, who later established the first commercial Trans-Atlantic two-way radio-telegraph service in 1905.

Of all events, the most famous is probably Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first flight. On December 17, 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first successful motor driven flight. Now a monument is dedicated to them in the area and they can be thanked for giving birth to modern flight.

Facts

Jockey's Ridge State Park, located in Nags Head, is the home of the highest sand dune on the East Coast with peaks at more than 90 feet.

The oldest and shortest lighthouse in North Carolina is the Ocracoke Lighthouse. It's the second oldest operational lighthouse in the United States.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which stands at 208-feet, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.

And here’s one that should entice sport fisherman to come to the area. Besides the Virgin Islands, the Outer Banks is the best place to catch Atlantic Blue Marlin over 1,000 pounds!

If you are interested in learning more about the Outer Banks, visit with your family. The best way to learn is to hear it from a local, and explore where these events happened first hand.

Getting Married in the Outer Banks

2009-08-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a beautiful place. For so many, memories of family vacations and fun go hand in hand when they think about the OBX. It is no wonder why so many people choose to get married here. The Outer Banks features accommodations for large groups and settings that are rivaled by no one.

The fabulous beaches make for great photo opportunities, and the abundance of activities will keep your guests happy during down time. Guests can choose from world class golf, great shopping and a plethora of fine dining opportunities.

If you need help planning your wedding, there are many service providers in the area that can meet your needs. The Outer Banks features many florists, bakeries and other services to make your special day perfect. To find a service provider, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau has provided a list of vendors that can be found here: http://www.outerbanks.org/visitor_services/wedding_information/

If your wedding group needs accommodations, Élan Vacations can provide rentals that sleep up to 14 people. Each vacation rental home has its own unique character and charm with amenities that will keep you spoiled. For more information about vacation rentals or help with your wedding, please contact a specialist today at http://www.elanvacations.com/contact.asp.

Élan Vacations Activities Page

2009-07-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that the Outer Banks is full of activities for your family vacation. Sometimes it is difficult to decide what you want to do once you get here. Not to worry, Élan vacations has created a list of many of the area’s favorite activities and attractions. It can be found here: http://www.elanvacations.com/Outer-Banks-Activities.asp . As you can see, it is not a small list. There are so many great things to do and see, we had a hard time limiting the list.

One of the perks of staying with Élan Vacations is our concierge service. Simply check in and tell us what you are in the mood for. Our OBX experts will take it from there. They will make sure that you get to go fishing when you want, get the best tee time, and have reservations for the finest restaurants in the area. They are also a good source to ask what the local’s favorites are. Instead of asking, what the most popular restaurant is, ask them what their favorite place is, and you will be in for a treat. After a few moments speaking with our knowledge staff, you will feel like a local because of the tips you have learned.

To ensure that you are able to do the activities that you want, you should speak with our concierge when you make your reservations. This will give them plenty of time to make sure that the times and dates you are requesting for tee times, restaurant reservations and other activities are available.

Free Activities in the Outer Banks

2009-07-20T05:25:00.001-07:00

This summer, if you are looking for a vacation that won’t dwindle your bank account severely, the Outer Banks is for you. Once you arrive, you will find that there are many free activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The Outer Banks is rich in history, beaches, sun and more fun than you can imagine. Here are some of our favorite FREE activities that you can enjoy while vacationing.

One of the top reasons family’s visit the Outer Banks is for the beaches. The best part is they are free! Unlike beaches elsewhere in the country, parking is free. That’s right, no parking meters! Save your change for something else. Year after year, the beaches in the Outer Banks are top rated by some of the travel industries best publications.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park also offers an abundance of free activities. From hiking the tallest natural sand dune in the Eastern United States, to flying kites and picnicking, this park will keep you and your family entertained for hours.

For those more interested in the science of the ocean and the surrounding area, visit the Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility in Duck. Here you can learn about waves and the many devices and vehicles that scientists use to study them. Because these waves and shoreline are so treacherous, this area is also named the Graveyard of the Atlantic. It has claimed over 2,000 shipwrecks and you can learn about them at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras.

Visiting the Outer Banks doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation, as long as you know where to look. Activities are abundant and fun is also free!

2009-07-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Just north of Manteo lies a treasure that no visitor to the Outer Banks should miss. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 200 species of birds and other wildlife. Among the most special of species is the endangered red wolf.

By the early 1970’s the few remaining red wolves were captured and the red wolf was declared extinct in the wild. As a result of a five year experiment to rebuild the population, the red wolf has been reintroduced into the wild, and their numbers are increasing steadily. This task would not have been possible without the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge. Now the population is thriving, with new litters of pups born each year. For more information about the red wolf, please visit http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/.

This wildlife refuge offers visitors loads of opportunities to experience nature. Guests can access the park for many different recreational activities. The park offers hiking, birding, fishing, kayaking and more. Whatever your interest, there is something for you in this park.

The physical address of the park is:
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Milltail Road
East Lake, NC 27953

Directions from many areas can be found here: http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/directions.html

The refuge is open all year long during daylight hours.