Saying that the past year has been challenging may be the biggest understatement in this entire magazine. We are all looking for ways to escape the pandemic that held us hostage for over a year. Escape the rut in which we have found ourselves. We escape by planning our summer vacation to the Outer Banks. For many of us, this is the perfect remedy to all of the heaviness of the last year.

And why not find your escape on the Outer Banks? Even if you don’t have a vacation, jobs are being done remotely from our home offices. Who says you can’t have your home office in your Outer Banks vacation home?

When searching for the absolutely “perfect escape,” you’ll want to keep several things in mind. For example: make a list of conveniences that you can’t live without. This will make your search easier, regardless of whether you will take care of booking a house yourself or choosing to use one of the area’s rental companies. Your choices in rental beach houses are essentially unlimited. The size of homes ranges from a single to 10+ bedrooms. And the amenities are also endless. If you want a hot tub, private pool, ping pong table, or a pool table, you’re sure to find an Outer Banks vacation home that has just that.

One thing to consider, if you are planning a “working week at the beach,” check to ensure that your vacation home has sufficient internet and Wi-Fi service. Don’t wait to move in to find out that you can’t get that report to your boss by Tuesday.

If your family includes members of the four-legged variety, you’ll also want to ensure your escape is pet-friendly. The Outer Banks has always been known as one of the most pet-friendly beach destinations. Elaine from Carolina Designs Realty says that “Dog-friendly homes are the number one searched amenity on our website.” You’ll find numerous pet-friendly hotels and home rentals, no matter in which town you’re staying. Just be aware that pet laws vary from place to place. Something to keep in mind when deciding where you will be renting your beach house. See “Beaching it With Fido” on page 50 in this issue for local pet leash laws and various dog parks. Bringing your pet with you on vacation doesn’t have to be daunting. Just be sure your beach house is pet-friendly, and your four-legged friend will fit right in!

For vacationers staying longer than just a couple of days, and especially for families traveling with children, a washer and dryer can make your vacation a lot less stressful. Having easy access to laundry facilities can also help keep your packing to a minimum as you will be able to wash and re-wear clothes. This amenity can be more important than you think. 

Another decision to make in planning your escape is whether to book on the beach or the sound. Carolina Designs Realty also had this to say, “Possibly one of the biggest concerns that Outer Banks vacationers have is beach access and the proximity to the Atlantic or even the Sound.” If you enjoy a late-night stroll on the beach, or if you’re an early bird who loves to watch the stunning Outer Banks sunrises, a home that is on or near the beach might be right up your alley. There are rentals all along the coast that allow you to walk straight out your back door and sink your toes directly into the sand. There are also dozens of public beach accesses up and down the Beach Road. Some offer showers to rinse away the salt and sand, restrooms, and even handicapped facilities. Now, if you aren’t that much of an early riser yet still want the same fun that the beach has to offer without the crashing waves, a home between the highways or on the west side of the Bypass might be more suitable for you. Keep this in mind too, rentals situated on the sound typically offer calm and relaxed waters, even with shallow spots – both ideal for children and pets at play. And let’s also not forget the sunsets on the sound are spectacular!

Finding the perfect escape beach house for your vacation is the very start of many summer memories to come. Choose a rental by prioritizing what you want and need and what will help make the most out of your time away from home. No matter the rental, the location, or the who, what, when, where, and why, the Outer Banks will provide all you need for an extraordinary and unforgettable beach vacation! For more information, check out obxbeachaccess.com.

For those looking for a more lasting type of escape by moving to the Outer Banks, well, that is another option. Again, if you’re able to work remotely and can do it from anywhere, why not make the Outer Banks a permanent escape for you and your family. Keep in mind that this option may not be for the faint of heart. Real Estate prices are high since others are taking advantage of working from anywhere, but if you exercise a little bit of patience in finding your escape home, you too may be able to call the Outer Banks home!

Author: Greg Smrdel

Greg Smrdel, while his physical body lives in Ohio (for now), his soul will always remain on the Outer Banks.