..in a land far, far away. Fairy tales and bedtime stories often begin this way, but did you know that magic can be found much closer to home?

The kind of magic that lives in the world around you. The kind that is present in every moment—around every corner. The magic of a child’s laughter. The sound of waves breaking on quiet beaches. The warm glow of a sunrise over the Atlantic or an alluring sunset over the sound. The enchanting beaches of the Outer Banks are full of magic and wonder.

Sure, magic wands, genies and glass slippers are enchanting. But why limit the magic to a kingdom, a castle or a mouse? Create your own stories of enchantment on the Outer Banks. After all, this is a place where magical moments are much simpler and spontaneous than a planned adventure—a place where real magic exists. Because it’s not the big moments of grand adventure. It’s everyday moments that just happen to be especially good.

Since we have the awesome fortune of renting gorgeous vacation homes to our fabulous guests, we have the luxury of hearing a lot of great stories and living vicariously through some amazing magic moments. Sometimes we even get to play a part in the magic - and we LOVE to be a part of magic moments.

Everyday magic lives here.

"See You in Kitty Hawk"

In my position as the Director of Guest Services, I am afforded the opportunity to build relationships with all kinds of people. Some guests need special accommodations, some need extra towels, some want to have their concerns heard when they check in after a hurricane to find some sand in their pool. I am happy to hear them all. And sometimes, I get called upon to do something out of the box…magic even! Here is one of our OBX magic tales.

Bruce, and his girlfriend, Kristen, were our guests in August 2011. Bruce’s father, Fred, was a very successful lawyer, an unbelievably attentive father, and an avid pilot.

Father and son discussed aeronautics at every turn while he was a small child. As Bruce grew and went away to college, he and his father began writing letters, each one ending in, “See You in Kitty Hawk.”

Father and son planned to, one da,y visit the Outer Banks to re-create the excitement of the first flight.

The passing of time allowed for plans to be made! Yes! A trip to Kitty Hawk to fly in a bi-plane, together!

Unfortunately, life has a tendency to throw curve balls, and Bruce’s father passed away before they could realize this dream.

Kristen urged him to continue on with the original plan, and the vacation was planned for the week of what would have been his father’s birthday.

Read the rest of the story and watch the video of the unveiling...

"Could not have asked for anything better..."

We planned this trip last fall just for the immediate family - wife, two kids and possibly a friend for each.

The reunion part of this trip was small but very special. My wife had not seen or spoken to her sister for quite some time and they spent the whole week catching up.My wife's oldest son was also able to visit for part of the week. He brought his wife and three children, so, for the first time in a long while the entirefamily was together.

On top of all that, Kathryn graduated from Kent State in Ohio and we celebrated a surprise graduation party on our first night. Since we all came from different directions, we were able to arrive early and decorate the house prior to her arrival. She had no idea and was very surprised.

Thanks,
Fred