Coastal Living Magazine recently named the Outer Banks of North Carolina as one of the "9 Coastal Wonders to See Now." Two travel journalists visited coastal sites all over the globe. The 9 coastal areas that made their list offer picturesque scenery and abundant natural beauty; however, these seaside localities are also facing serious challenges that threaten the unspoiled coastline.
I remember the Outer Banks vacations of my childhood... We usually stayed in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, but ventured both north and south along Highway 12 for sightseeing. I can remember sitting in the backseat of our Oldsmobile and peering out the window at the oceanfront cottages as we drove along the Beach Road. Being from the Blue Ridge Mountains, I was fascinated with these cheerful beach homes sitting above the sand on pilings. In my mind, I can still visualize the rows of vacation homes, protected from the tide by tall sand dunes covered in sea oats and grass. On the other side of the dune line, there was a stretch of wide, sandy beach.
Fast forward about 25 years to 2010... Fortunately, you can still find areas of the Outer Banks where beach homes are nestled behind miles of rolling sand dunes. However, you'll also find areas with no protective dunes at all. Over the years, the fragile North Carolina coastline has been whittled away by wind and waves; particularly during harsh storms called nor'easters.
With Earth Day 2010 approaching, it's not surprising that Coastal Living Magazine would highlight some of the 
world's most beautiful and endangered beaches. Along with the OBX, other "top 9" destinations include Oahu, the Everglades and the Galpagos Islands. The authors briefly outline why each locality is so special, the particular threat it faces and how you can help protect each treasured coastal area. The travel writers also offer an eco-friendly way to experience the destination. For the OBX, they suggest exploring "off the beaten path" areas by kayak.
What you can do to help... Each of us, Outer Banks vacationers and locals alike, can do a great deal to protect the delicate beaches, marshes and maritime forests of Outer Banks. Check out Sun Realty's tips for "going green" while on your Outer Banks vacation. You can take simple steps towards protecting your favorite vacation destination. Let's make sure your grandchildren and great-grandchildren can experience the same fun and memorable OBX family vacations as you do now.
~ Mel_OBX
As part of Sun Realty's 30th Anniversary Celebration, we are pleased to expand our current "green" efforts
and launch new environmentally-friendly initiatives.
Thanks so much to our guests and homeowners for doing their part to
preserve and protect this beautiful place!