NC – Joe Lamb Jr. Vacation Rentals

A Joe Lamb Outer Banks Vacation – Perfect in any Season
It used to be a beach vacation was synonymous with summer, but not so any longer. Most stores and restaurants now are open year-round, and more and more activities are available during different times in the year. In fact, you can give your family a special treat by vacationing on the Outer Banks for more than one different season of the year for entirely different experiences. Also, throughout the year you will find many Outer Banks vacation rental options for your family gatherings. For large family gatherings, Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates offers several homes big enough for non-stop togetherness for your family reunion; or, if you prefer, we can find you multiple smaller homes that are close together. The single family can enjoy a vacation stay in a comfortable condo or an inviting beach cottage. Regardless of the size of your family, you will discover each season on the Outer Banks has its own special appeal.
Summer
Traditionally, summer is the most active time at the beach. Many of us harbor pleasant memories of long hot days tempered by balmy ocean breezes and refreshing dips in the water. Of course, the ultimate summer experience at the Outer Banks is spending time at the beach. Here you can participate in a variety of activities. In addition to wading or swimming in the ocean, why not try surfing, body boarding, or skim boarding? You can rent a board of your choice, and you can take lessons through several local companies. For a break from the water, kids of all ages can participate in sand sculpting. Mold a giant turtle, crab, or fish as a change from the traditional sand castle. (Just remember to fill in any holes you’ve dug before you leave the beach.) For those with shorter attention spans, the easy drip-castle is a fast, fun way to demonstrate your sandy art skills. If you prefer to toss a Frisbee or football, or play volleyball or horseshoes on the beach, just remember to be considerate of those around you. There are also numerous activities away from the beach. Buy string and chicken necks so you can go crabbing in the sound. Travel to Wanchese, Oregon Inlet, or Pirate’s Cove and watch the fishing boats off load their daily catch. Rent a jet ski, or take a dolphin-watching tour. Drive a car at the speed-way, or set a putting record at one of numerous putt-putt courses. At the end of the day, a special place for an excellent seafood dinner is sure to be not too far away, and then you can enjoy the spectacular outside drama where you learn more about America’s “lost colony.”
Spring
Spring has long been the second most popular time to vacation on the Outer Banks. Warm temperatures invite people out of their houses for leisurely strolls along the beach. Flocks of pelicans and pods of dolphins are welcome sights as they glide back from their southern sojourns. Kite flying, always a favorite Outer Banks past-time, is fun for those of all ages; you can buy a kite at many local venues. Brisk spring breezes turn this activity into stunning shows of aerial acrobatics; a spectacular example of this is put on annually at the Wright Brothers Memorial. Or, how about a kayak journey? Local companies offer rentals, tours, and lessons so you can experience ocean, sound, or inlet adventures. Feeling wild? Hike the nature trails at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Nags Head’s Nature Conservancy, Jockey’s Ridge, or several other places that offer up-close glimpses of native wildlife. Or walk around in the North Carolina Aquarium where sharks and giant sea turtles will be just a pane of glass away, and you can enjoy interactive displays and hands-on activities. When you tire of walking, rent a bike at one of several bike shops or equipment rental stores and pedal down the many bike trails along the Outer Banks. Or plan ahead and reserve a special horse-riding adventure. Many springtime activities cost very little yet offer such a big reward. Restaurants and stores, even those that close during the winter, open their doors in the spring and offer delicious meals and delightful shopping adventures.
Fall
For several reasons fall is a special time to visit the Outer Banks. Since days are still warm, but evenings are cool, it’s almost like enjoying two seasons within one vacation. Shells and other ocean treasures are usually easier to find this time of year. The ocean itself is a real treat in fall. Its action and color can change from day to day, and the ocean gives the lucky vacationer a chance to witness its many personalities. The excitement of fishermen lining the piers or standing along the shore is catching. It’s easy to get a fishing license and join in the fun – maybe you will reel in your own dinner! Don a light jacket and enjoy the panoramic view from your climb to the top of Jockey’s Ridge. Tour the Wright Brothers Memorial, visit Fort Raleigh and Roanoke Island Festival Park, or meander through the Elizabethan Gardens during a time when lines aren’t as long and the weather is cool enough to enjoy the outside activities at these parks. For a more traditional fall experience, and a special family gathering, schedule your visit during Thanksgiving; you will see why we give thanks for the kaleidoscope of color on our local trees and for the cornucopia of offerings at our local restaurants. Our stores offer numerous sales and opportunities for you to find bargains and unique Outer Banks gift ideas – maybe you’ll be lucky enough to return home having already completed your holiday shopping!
Winter
An often overlooked seasonal treasure is a winter vacation at the beach. The ocean in its winter splendor is a spectacle of activity, and beautiful mounds of sea foam rival piles of northern snow. The beach will feel like your own special retreat as you walk along the sand with no one else in sight. As you enjoy the beauty of the waves, remember there may be special shell treasures for you to discover along the sand. There are no waiting lines at restaurants, and you can enjoy a special program or holiday extravaganza at Outer Banks Music Showcase. Unhurried shopping is available at a variety of venues from outlet stores to antiques malls. Marvel at the swans and other waterfowl at Pea Island or Bodie Island Marshes, and, of course, be sure to take your camera along – you never know when you’ll see a lone heron along the sound or standing watch at the edge of an inlet. Warm up with treks through local lighthouses; these famous sentries line our coast from Duck to Hatteras. As you discover more about these famous coastal landmarks, remember the Outer Banks also boasts a rich history about pirates, Native Americans, a Freedman’s Colony, and, naturally, the early days of the fishing industry and the United States Coast Guard. Winter is a nice time to tour museums, art galleries and historic sites of interest that abound here on the Outer Banks and Roanoke Island.
All of us at Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates invite you to experience more than one season of fun and beauty at the beach. Whatever season you choose we will do our best to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Please use our Outer Banks Vacation Search or call one of our vacation specialists at 800-552-6257 to investigate your next Outer Banks vacation. We are open 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 5:00, Eastern Standard Time.