Frequently Asked Questions

 

Find out more about how our Outer Banks vacation rental agency works, what our Outer Banks oceanfront vacation rental homes include and more.

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House Info | Area Info | Twiddy Traditional | 4x4 | Travel Insurance | Payment | Pets | Pools | Miscellaneous

House Info

• Am I allowed to park an RV, camper, etc. at the home?
• What time is Check-In?
• Is there any construction going on near our vacation home?
• What amenities are standard to Twiddy vacation homes?
• Are linens and towels provided at my vacation home?
• What is the phone number at our vacation home?
• Is there a problem with the water if the home is on a private well?
• What to do when I leave Twiddy vacation home?
• Are floor plans available for all homes?
• Does every bedroom have a TV?
• What if I leave an item behind in the vacation home I stayed in?

Am I allowed to park an RV, camper, etc. at the home?

No, campers, RVs and mobile units are not allowed in any community and may not be parked at the home for additional sleeping space.

What time is Check-In?

Check-in time is 4:00 - 5:00 pm. All efforts are made to have homes ready by check-in time, but we cannot guarantee the exact time of occupancy due to unforeseen circumstances. Housekeeping and all maintenance personnel must provide services between occupancies for every home. A limited number of 1:00 pm check-ins are available. Requests must be approved by phone and paid for in advance of arrival. The fee applies whether or not you arrive by the designated time. Services such as linen deliveries, pool & spa cleaning and some maintenance calls may not be completed prior to Early Check-In and guests should anticipate service personnel arriving throughout the afternoon and early evening. If you arrive after-hours, keys and directions to your vacation home will be left in the After-Hours Exchange box if your balance is paid in full and we have your signed lease. These boxes are located beside each office’s main entrance door.

Is there any construction going on near our vacation home?

Twiddy cannot predict construction plans in the area. You may reserve a house at a time when there is no construction in progress nearby, but construction could begin prior to your arrival. We regret any inconvenience that may result, but have no control in these situations and are not able to facilitate relocations or refunds.

What amenities are standard to Twiddy vacation homes?

The following amenities are standard to all homes unless specifically noted in the cottage description: Bed Linens & Bath Towels for reservations of 7 days or more (except for Twiddy Traditional Homes), Pillows & Blankets, Coffeemaker, Toaster or Toaster Oven, Blender, Dishes/Utensils/Cookware, Dishwasher, Microwave, Iron & Ironing Board, Stereo with CD player, Telephone, TV & DVD, Cable TV (not available in the 4 x 4 area), Central Heat & Air Conditioning, Washer/Dryer, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Shower (excluding Colony by the Sea), BBQ Grill (gas or charcoal), 5 Beach Chairs per home (excluding Colony by the Sea)

Are linens and towels provided at my vacation home?

All bed linens and bath towels are provided for reservations of 7 days or more (except for Twiddy Traditional Homes). No linens are provided for cribs, portacribs or Pack N’ Plays. Beds (except trundles, top bunks, futons, rollaways and sleep sofas) are made the day of your arrival. Vendors work into the early evening. If your linens have not been delivered by around 4:30 pm, give us a call and we’ll make sure they’re on the way. For after hours service, please leave a message on our voice mail system and we will contact the appropriate vendor. If you are staying for more than one week, mid-stay cleaning and linen services are available (once per week). These services are complimentary, but must be requested in advance. They are typically scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, as that is when Twiddy housekeepers are available. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you would like to make arrangements.

For Twiddy Traditional Homes, bed linens and bath towels are not provided as a standard amenity. Guests may rent linens and towels from Beach Detail (1-800-206-2976 or visit Beach Detail website).

What is the phone number at our vacation home?

The cottage telephone number is included on your confirmation letter and check-in packet. You may also contact our office for this information. Local Calls: There is no charge for local calls. It is not necessary to dial the (252) area code. Note: Calls to Manteo/Roanoke Island are long-distance. Long Distance Calls: All homes (unless otherwise advertised) have a long distance block. Options for placing long distance calls include calling cards, pre-paid phone cards and collect calls. Any unauthorized long distance calls charged to the vacation home’s telephone will be billed to the responsible party.

Is there a problem with the water if the home is on a private well?

Homes with private wells are listed accordingly within their property description. These homes occasionally experience low pressure, salty, distasteful or discolored water. There may be an unpleasant sulfur odor. Private well water may discolor hair and/or clothing. Some guests choose to use bottled water for drinking purposes even though the water is tested regularly for contaminants. Homes with private wells in the 4x4 areas may have more prevalent water problems, even in homes with water filtration systems.

What to do when I leave Twiddy vacation home?

Place all trash in exterior cans. Remove all food from the refrigerator and adjust thermostat to the mid-level setting. Load and start the dishwashers. Close and lock all windows and doors. Set thermostat to 75 degrees for AC or 55 degrees for heat. Strip the beds and place the sheets and towels near the lower level entry door (excluding Twiddy Traditional Homes). Clean the grill with the brush provided. Tidy up the pool area, deck and yard. Return your keys and completed forms to your check-in office. If you depart before our offices open, please leave keys and forms in the After-Hours Exchange Box.

Are floor plans available for all homes?

Some floor plans are provided on our website but all are not. If a home on our website does not have a floor plan posted, then we do not have availability to them. We will be happy to give you as much information as we can in this matter.

Does every bedroom have a TV?

We do not guarantee TV's in the bedrooms. We only guarantee one in the greatroom and any others advertised on our website.

What if I leave an item behind in the vacation home I stayed in?

Twiddy will not be responsible for any items left in a home. We will attempt to locate items reported as left behind and, if found, return them for a fee of $25, which includes shipping. Items that are found but not claimed within 10 days will be donated to a local charity.

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Area Info

• What is there for my family to do on the Outer Banks?
• Where is the closest public boat ramp?
• Where is the nearest medical facility?
• Where is the closest grocery store?
• How do I get additional information on the area?
• Is there a water park in the area?
• Where is the closest airport?
• What is the difference between Duck and Corolla?
• What are the average air & water temperatures for the Outer Banks?
• Where is the closest golf course?
• Do I need a NC fishing license to fish in the ocean?
• Which communites have a fitness center?
• Where is the closest public fitness center?
• Where can I find public internet access?

What is there for my family to do on the Outer Banks?

Of course, the beautiful coastline is the main attraction for vacationing families, but there are many other activities to enjoy on the Outer Banks. Visit the Vacation Resources page of our website which provides you with a listing of local resources and activities, including Twiddy Recommended businesses. You can also obtain information from the following area establishments: Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (252) 441-8144, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (877) OBX-4FUN, North Carolina Visitor Information (800) VISIT-NC, or Currituck County Chamber of Commerce (877) CURRITUCK.

Where is the closest public boat ramp?

The closest public boat ramp is located at the Whalehead Club in Corolla, open from sunrise until dusk. Due to shallow water and grass, this ramp is suitable for small craft only. Pirate's Cove Marina in Manteo is suited for larger water craft.

Where is the nearest medical facility?

Medical House Calls - Treatment of minor illnesses in your rental home - (252) 475-2007, Regional Medical Center - located at milepost 1.5 in Kitty Hawk - (252) 255-6000, or The Outer Banks Hospital - located at milepost 14 in Nags Head - (252) 449-4500

Where is the closest grocery store?

There is a grocery store (Food Lion) located in Southern Shores at The Marketplace shopping center, located at the foot of the Wright Brothers Memorial Bridge. There is also a Food Lion in Corolla at Monteray Plaza and a Harris Teeter at the Currituck Club. These are full service markets and are within 15-20 minutes of any home in the Duck or Corolla area. The closest store to the 4x4 area is the Food Lion located in Corolla. Depending on the location of the home and beach conditions, the trip could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

How do I get additional information on the area?

The Vacation Resources page of our website provides you with a listing of local resources, including Twiddy Recommended merchants. Click here to access the page. You can also obtain information from the following area establishments: Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (252) 441-8144, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (877) OBX-4FUN, North Carolina Visitor Information (800) VISIT-NC, or Currituck County Chamber of Commerce (877) CURRITUCK.

Is there a water park in the area?

There are no water/amusement parks on the Northern Outer Banks. There is a putt-putt course and tours of the 4x4 beaches in Corolla and several watersports facilities in Duck offering wave runners, parasailing, windsurfing and more.

Where is the closest airport?

Norfolk International Airport is the closest major airport, and is located in Norfolk, VA. Visit their website for flight information & driving directions. Dare County Airport is located in Manteo, NC. Approximately an hour from Duck, this airport offers charter service. For information, call (252) 473-2600 or visit website.

What is the difference between Duck and Corolla?

Duck and Corolla are both wonderful family vacation destinations. Both are relaxed beach communities that are very unlike the busier areas of the southern Outer Banks. Duck offers a small village atmosphere while Corolla's equally quaint shops and restaurants are a little more spread out. Duck does not have a large grocery store or movie theatre. These conveniences are located approximately 5 miles south in Southern Shores. There are, however, several small markets in Duck Village. Corolla has a large grocery store and movie theatre. The village of Duck is an ocean-to-sound community offering beautiful beaches, a bike & walking path and an impressive catalogue of charming boutique shops and wonderful restaurants to its visitors. As you wind up the road through Duck village, you will find charming private neighborhoods and unique shops & restaurants. Visitors often jog or bike into the village for a morning paper, afternoon shopping or evening meal. Homes range from ultra-luxurious mansions to quaint, comfortable cottages. They are situated on the oceanfront, soundfront and everywhere in between. This lovely diversity is just one aspect of this area’s character that makes it special to both residents and visitors alike. Corolla offers wide, soft sand beaches and an impressive catalogue of shops, restaurants, recreational activities and historic area attractions. Nearby golf courses and spas entertain and spoil you. Long, sandy beaches that invite unhurried beachcombing. Homes are scattered across the island from the Atlantic Ocean to the Currituck sound. Simple to elaborate, colossal to quaint, this area has the dream vacation home and wonderful atmosphere that your family is seeking. Aside from the area’s beautiful coastline, fantastic shops, restaurants and recreational activities, Corolla enjoys several unique historical attractions. The old Currituck Beach Lighthouse and The Whalehead Club are open for tours. Corolla village’s turn-of-the-century restored private homes, schoolhouse and chapel also open their doors to visitors.

What are the average air & water temperatures for the Outer Banks?

Access a chart with the area's averages by clicking herea.

Where is the closest golf course?

There are several public and semi-public golf courses in the area: The Currituck Club, Corolla (888) 453-9400 or (252) 453-9400 - Currituck Club website; Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores (252) 261-2609; Sea Scape Golf Club, Kitty Hawk (252) 261-2158 - Sea Scape website; The Pointe Golf Club, Powell’s Point (252) 491-8388 - The Pointe website; Holly Ridge, Point Harbor (252) 491-2893; Kilmarlic Golf Club, Point Harbor (252) 491-4220 - Kilmarlic website; The Carolina Club, Grandy (252) 453-3588 - The Carolina Club website; Goose Creek Golf Club, Grandy (252) 453-4008; Nags Head Golf Links, Nags Head (252) 441-8073 - Nags Head Golf Links website

Do I need a NC fishing license to fish in the ocean?

Yes, a Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required for all anglers who recreationally fish in coastal waters in North Carolina (effective January 1, 2007). This license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis, or combined with a variety of licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Fishing licenses may be purchased from any Wildlife Resources Commission agent (includes most bait and tackle shops), online at NC Wildlife website, at any Division of Marine Fisheries at 252-726-7021 or by calling toll-free 888-248-6834. For complete licensing information, please visit this website or call the Division of Marine Fisheries at 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632. The Annual License Fee is $15 for State Residents, age 16 or older and $30 for nonresidents, age 16 or older. The 10-day License Fee is $5 for State Residents, age 16 or older and $10 for nonresidents, age 16 or older.

Which communites have a fitness center?

Communities with a fitness center include Four Seasons, Schooner Ridge, Duck Landing, Pine Island, Villages @ Ocean Hill, and Corolla Light. There is an additional charge for the use of fitness centers in Pine Island and Villages @ Ocean Hill, which are both open to the public as well.

Where is the closest public fitness center?

The Pine Island & Villages @ Ocean Hill fitness centers are located in Corolla. The OBX Adult Fitness Center, (252) 261-5231, is located in Southern Shores. The Barrier Island Fitness Center, (252) 261-0100, & Knuckle Up Fitness and Mixed Martial Arts, (252) 255-0609 , are located in Kitty Hawk. The Outer Banks YMCA, (252) 449-8897, is located in Nags Head.

Where can I find public internet access?

The following public locations have internet access available: The UPS Store located at 5561 N. Croatan Hwy in Kitty Hawk (252) 255-3397, Duck's Cottage Coffee Shop located in the Waterfront Shops at 1240 Duck Road (252) 261-5510, The Corolla Library located across from Twiddy's Corolla office (252) 453-0496, Outer Banks Coffee Company located in Monteray Plaza (252) 453-0200, & Subway which is also located in Monteray Plaza (252) 457-1080.

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Twiddy Traditional

• What are Twiddy Traditional Homes?
• Are linens and towels provided at my vacation home?

What are Twiddy Traditional Homes?

Twiddy Traditional Homes are ideal for guests who seek a classic family vacation cottage. Enjoy reasonably priced accommodations coupled with Twiddy & Company’s unparalleled service. Traditional Homes offer standard equipment and furnishings; however, bed linens, bath linens, kitchen towels and bed-making services are not included. Guests may rent linens and towels from Beach Detail (Call 1-800-206-2976 or visit website) or may bring their own linens from home. Traditional Homes offer significant cost savings in a comfortable, clean and inviting setting. Such cozy cottages have attracted visitors to the Outer Banks for many years. Create your own treasured memories in a Twiddy Traditional Home! *Please note: Bed linens, bath linens and kitchen towels are not included in Twiddy Traditional Homes.*

Are linens and towels provided at my vacation home?

All bed linens and bath towels are provided for reservations of 7 days or more (except for Twiddy Traditional Homes). No linens are provided for cribs, portacribs or Pack N’ Plays. Beds (except trundles, top bunks, futons, rollaways and sleep sofas) are made the day of your arrival. Vendors work into the early evening. If your linens have not been delivered by around 4:30 pm, give us a call and we’ll make sure they’re on the way. For after hours service, please leave a message on our voice mail system and we will contact the appropriate vendor. If you are staying for more than one week, mid-stay cleaning and linen services are available (once per week). These services are complimentary, but must be requested in advance. They are typically scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, as that is when Twiddy housekeepers are available. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you would like to make arrangements.

For Twiddy Traditional Homes, bed linens and bath towels are not provided as a standard amenity. Guests may rent linens and towels from Beach Detail (1-800-206-2976 or visit website).

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4x4

• What is the 4x4 area like?
• Do you have suggestions for driving on the 4x4 Beaches?
• Approximately, when is the best time to travel up the 4x4 beaches?
• Which vehicles are required to drive on the 4x4 beaches?
• Do you offer extended satellite parking to 4x4 area guests who do not have a 4x4 vehicle?

What is the 4x4 area like?

The fun begins where the asphalt ends on this untamed stretch of Outer Banks shoreline just south of the Virginia border. A four-wheel drive vehicle and an adventurous spirit are required to explore this beach community, where there are no paved roads, no hotels or restaurants - not even a snack shop. What you’ll find is an uncomplicated, fourteen-mile expanse of wide, sandy beaches, dense maritime forests and marshy soundside coves. Home to the wild horses of Currituck County, the extraordinary possibility of catching a glimpse of these unique creatures is practically commonplace. Keep in mind, they are wild - do not approach them. County ordinance states that you may not come within 50 feet of the horses at any time. Feeding, riding and petting a wild horse is prohibited. While a wild horse sighting is always an exciting event, please remember to use caution and keep your distance- these are wild animals.

Do you have suggestions for driving on the 4x4 Beaches?

• Always try to arrive before dark, as the beach is more difficult to navigate at night.
• Bring a tire pressure gauge. We recommend lowering your tire pressure to 18-25 psi. There is an air compressor in the parking lot of the Corolla office.
• Check area tide charts prior to arrival; low tide is ideal for beach driving.
• We do not recommend driving through the surf. Salt water is very corrosive.
• Some All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles are not recommended due to low clearance. Vehicles with higher clearance such as trucks and SUV's are preferred.
• Please follow all posted speed limits (35 mph, 15 mph when within 300 feet of pedestrians).
• Vehicles parked on the beach must be parked in the area east of the dune line and west of the hard packed sand strip, adjacent to the water’s edge. No chairs, coolers, fishing lines, holes, trenches, or any other items are permitted to block the foreshore. This would restrict vehicular movement in a north-south direction along the dune line or along the water’s edge.
• No vehicle of any type may park or unload at the North Beach Access at any time. This must be done on the beach past the 1/2 mile mark. VIOLATORS SHALL BE TOWED.
• Operators must be 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
• ATVs are NOT permitted in Currituck county.
• Currituck County does not allow personal motorized watercraft on the ocean. Jet skis and personal motorboats are allowed on the Currituck Sound. The closest boat ramp is located at the Whalehead Club in Corolla.

Which vehicles are required to drive on the 4x4 beaches?

There are no paved roads in the northern Outer Banks beaches—travel is over loose sand roads and actual sand dunes. All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles are not recommended for this area due to ground clearance and traction concerns—our experience shows that AWD vehicles in this area are problematic at best. 4WD vehicles with off-road ground clearance are recommended with reduced air pressure for beach travel. Please consult your vehicle manual and manufacturer for specific information. Twiddy & Company will not be responsible for vehicle recovery if inappropriate vehicles are used for access to the northern beaches.

For more information regarding Currituck County's rules and regulations, please contact the Currituck County Chamber of Commerce at (877) CURRITUCK or visit website.

Approximately, when is the best time to travel up the 4x4 beaches?

Low tide is the best time to travel up and down the 4x4 beaches. To view a current tide chart, please click here.

Do you offer extended satellite parking to 4x4 area guests who do not have a 4x4 vehicle?

Due to space limitations, Twiddy is unable to offer extended satellite parking for our four-wheel-drive area guests not having a 4x4 vehicle. Please be prepared to seek alternate parking. A limited number of parking spaces may be available in Corolla for a nominal weekly fee.

For rental information on 4WD vehicles, contact: Outer Banks Chrysler - call (252) 441-1146 or visit website; Enterprise Rent-A-Car - call (252) 480-1838 or visit website.

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Travel Insurance

• What does travel Insurance cover?
• Is travel Insurance Taxed?

What does travel Insurance cover?

The optional travel Insurance includes coverage for medical emergencies and cancellation insurance for a mandatory evacuation due to hurricanes. This insurance covers the rental rate and taxes paid for the home you reserve. It does not cover the $85 handling fee. We strongly urge you to purchase this coverage to cover your vacation investment, as no refunds will be offered, even in the case of a mandatory evacuation. If you have questions, please contact Travel Guard at 1-888-409-7749 (refer to product #008085).

Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania Insurance Company (NAIC #19445), with its principal place of business at 70 Pine Street, New York, NY 10270. NUFIC is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. The Policies will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states.

Is travel Insurance Taxed?

Travel insurance is not taxed. Declining this charge will have no effect on your final balance, which includes state and local tax charges.

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Payment

• What is the tax rate applied to my reservation?
• How much is my initial payment?
• When is my payment due?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Can you please explain the cancellation process?

What is the tax rate applied to my reservation?

State and county taxes apply to all rents, fees and services, excluding travel Insurance. In Dare County, North Carolina state tax is 6.75% and county tax is 5% (includes homes from Southern Shores to Sanderling). In Currituck County, North Carolina state tax is 6.75% and county tax is 6% (includes homes from Pine Island north to the VA State Line). Note: Taxes are subject to change without notice at the will of the local municipalities and the state of North Carolina.

How much is my initial payment?

One half (1/2) the base rent, the handling fee and travel Insurance (optional and not taxed) must be received by Twiddy within 2 days of the lease date. You will receive a lease electronically or by mail. (Sample lease is available to view at www.twiddy.com/lease.aspx.) Reservations that are not confirmed by a payment and signed lease within the allotted timeframe (2 days) will be subject to cancellation without notice. Please call us at 1-800-489-4339 or e-mail us at rent@twiddy.com in case of delay. A non-refundable $85 administrative fee (plus tax) is applied to every reservation. Guest will receive an email confirmation of initial payment only.

When is my payment due?

The unpaid balance of the base rent plus taxes and all other charges are due 30 days prior to check-in. Personal checks are not accepted within 30 days of arrival.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments by personal check, e-check, cash, certified check, money order or credit card. We accept only US Funds drawn on a US Bank and only MasterCard, Visa and the Discover Card if using a credit card.

Can you please explain the cancellation process?

In the event of: (i) Your cancellation of the Rental Agreement or (ii) a material breach of any provision of the Rental Agreement by You, including, but not limited to, Your failure to remit the Final Balance Due, You shall receive a refund of all payments made by You (less a cancellation fee of $85.00) but only if the Premises is re-rented on the terms set forth herein. (In such an event, Agent may, in its sole and absolute discretion, reduce the rental amount offered without notice. In this case, the guest canceling their reservation is financially responsible for this reduction and their refund will be reduced by the affect of such reduction.) If the Premises is not re-rented, Agent shall seek an amount sufficient to defray the actual damages suffered (i.e. Agent may, in its sole and absolute discretion, pursue to the fullest extent of the law the original balance owed) as a result of the cancellation or material breach. Whether or not the Premises are re-rented, You, rather than the Agent, shall be responsible for seeking reimbursement of any fees paid by You to Agent for goods, services, or benefits procured by Agent from third parties for the benefit of You that may have been paid out prior to Your cancellation.

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Pets

• Is there an additional charge for bringing my pet?
• Can exceptions be made if a vacation home lists "No Pets Allowed"?
• Are dogs allowed on the beach?

Is there an additional charge for bringing my pet?

There is no additional charge for bringing pets to houses specifying "Pets Allowed." Pets are allowed only in homes that list "Pets Allowed" in the individual description (NO EXCEPTIONS). A violation of this policy is cause for termination of tenancy. A maximum of 2 pets are allowed and some homes have additional advertised specifications.

Can exceptions be made if a vacation home lists "No Pets Allowed"?

Pets are allowed only in homes that list "Pets Allowed" in the individual description (NO EXCEPTIONS). We respect the wishes of our homeowners and incoming guests who may have allergic reactions to pet hair and dander.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

Southern Shores beaches do not allow dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All other areas of the northern Outer Banks require dogs to be on a leash at all times.

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Pools

• Which communities offer a pool?
• When are private pools available?
• When are outdoor community pools available?
• How do we request to have the pool heated at our vacation home?

Which communities offer a pool?

The following neighborhoods offer outdoor community pools: Ocean Crest, Bias Shores, Tuckahoe, Four Seasons, Sea Pines, Duck Landing, Schooner Ridge, Colony By The Sea, Sandy Ridge, Osprey, Northpoint, Port Trinite, Sanderling, Palmers Island, Pine Island, Ocean Sands, Ocean Lake, Crown Point, Buck Island, Corolla Light and The Villages at Ocean Hill. Outdoor community pools are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and are only open to guests and homeowners of that subdivision. The following neighborhoods offer indoor pools: Four Seasons, Duck Landing, Schooner Ridge, Northpoint and Corolla Light.

When are private pools available?

Private pools are available from May 2 through the weekend of October 26 (unless otherwise advertised). Availability dates and charges vary for heated private pools; see individual property information for details.

When are outdoor community pools available?

Outdoor community pools are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and only welcome Guests and homeowners of that community. Most communities do not allow Guests to use the community amenities prior to check-in, please plan your arrival time accordingly.

How do we request to have the pool heated at our vacation home?

Some homes offer the option of having the pool heated for an additional fee. If available, you will find this information listed within the property description. Availability dates and charges vary for heated private pools; see individual property information for details. Requests for this optional amenity must be confirmed prior to your arrival. An additional fee will be charged when this service is ordered at check-in or during your stay.

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Miscellaneous

• What do we need to bring?
• What time does your office open and close on check-in/check-out days?
• Where is your office located?
• What is the traffic like on check-in/check-out days?
• What time is Check-Out?
• Are fires allowed on the beach?
• Are jet skis & personal motorboats allowed on the ocean?
• Are ATV's allowed on the beaches?
• Which beach accesses have lifeguards?

What do we need to bring?

Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, garbage bags, diswashing liquids, soap, laundry detergent, crib sheets and beach towels.

What time does your office open and close on check-in/check-out days?

Normal business hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week. During the busy summer months, our rentals staff generally stay in the office until around 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday. If you arrive after-hours, keys and directions to your vacation home will be left in the After-Hours Exchange box if your balance is paid in full and we have your signed lease. These boxes are located beside each office’s main entrance door. If you depart before our offices open, please leave your keys and any completed forms in the After-Hours Exchange box located beside the front door of your check-in office.

Where is your office located?

We have two offices, one in Duck and one in Corolla. Duck Office: The Duck office (1181 Duck Road) is approximately 5 miles north on NC-12 on the right. Homes located in Southern Shores, Duck, Pine Island, The Currituck Club, Spindrift, Ocean Sands, Ocean Lake, Crown Point & Buck Island check-in at this office location. This includes cottage number prefixes A-I. Corolla Office: The Corolla office (1127A Schoolhouse Lane) is approximately 15 miles north on NC-12 on the left. Homes located in Whalehead, Corolla Light, Corolla Village, Ocean Hill, Villages at Ocean Hill, Ocean Beach, Sea Gull, Swan Beach, North Swan Beach & Carova Beach check in at this office location. This includes cottage number prefixes J-V.

What is the traffic like on check-in/check-out days?

Our busiest season is May through September. Holidays are also a very busy time here on the Outer Banks. Check-in day for the vast majority of the vacation homes on the Northern Outer Banks is either Saturday or Sunday. The standard check-in time for all property management companies in the area is 4PM. The heaviest concentrations of traffic coming onto the Outer Banks and heading north up Route 12 are generally found between the hours of 2 PM and 7 PM. Arriving early provides guests with a good chance of missing the heaviest traffic, but they will have to find a way to occupy their family until they can check into their home at 4 PM. (A limited number of 1:00 pm check-ins are available on a first come/first served basis for a fee. Please contact our office if you are interested). If you arrive early and need to pass some time, Duck and Corolla are filled with unique shops, wonderful restaurants and historical attractions. Our Vacation Resources page offers a list of many merchants and area attractions, including Twiddy Recommended establishments. There are also beach accesses with bathhouses for changing. The Kitty Hawk bathhouse and access is located at milepost 4 on Route 12 and The Currituck County public beach access is in northern Pine Island on Route 12. You can also stop off at the Aycock Brown welcome center at the foot of the Wright Brothers Memorial to change and drive to any of the many public parking accesses in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. Check-out day is very similar. Check-out time for all homes is 10 AM. In general, the earlier you leave the better. Traffic generally picks up around 8 AM and stays steady through lunch time.

What time is Check-Out?

10:00 am is check-out time for all homes without exception. Keys should be returned to your check-in office by 10:00 am. Each office has an After-Hours Exchange box for early departures. Please refer to the back of your check-in packet or your Guest Directory (found inside your check-in packet) for departure instructions.

Are fires allowed on the beach?

Beach fires are strictly prohibited in Currituck County, Duck, and Southern Shores.

Are jet skis & personal motorboats allowed on the ocean?

Motorized personal watercraft are not permitted in the ocean on the Northern Outer Banks. Duck and Corolla do allow motorized personal watercraft on the Currituck Sound. The closest local boat ramp is located at the Whalehead Club in Corolla.

Are ATV's allowed on the beaches?

ATVs are NOT permitted on the Northern Outer Banks beaches.

Which beach accesses have lifeguards?

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The following locations have lifeguards scheduled for 2008 (hours and locations are subject to change without notice): Southern Shores - Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Roving lifeguards (4x4 trucks and ATVs) are also on patrol. Stands are located at: Hillcrest & Chicahauk Trail. Duck - Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Roving lifeguards (4 x 4 trucks and ATVs) also patrol Duck’s beaches. The Roving lifeguards will also patrol from May 1st thru Memorial Day and Labor Day thru October on Duck's beaches. Stands are located at: Sprigtail Drive, Four Seasons, Schooner Ridge Drive, Plover Drive & Barrier Island. Corolla - Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm. The stands are supported by seven roving ATV units and one EMT-manned Quick Response Vehicle that patrol the area. Roving lifeguards also patrol from the Currituck county line north to Penny's Hill. Stands are located at: Hampton Inn oceanfront (Pine Island), Currituck County Public Beach Access (Pine Island), Sections D, F, O and P of Ocean Sands, Buck Island Bathhouse, Sailfish, Bonito, & Sturgeon Streets (Whalehead), Corolla Light (at oceanfront pool deck), Across from the Currituck Lighthouse, and Villages @ Ocean Hill. 4x4 - Lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm. Three roving ATV units patrol from the end of Highway 12 until the Virginia Line. If red flags are flying, swimming is prohibited. Although the flags may fly when the weather seems fine, it's hard to judge if the water is safe. Ocean swimming is not like swimming in a lake or pool, as strong littoral currents, rip currents, tidal currents near inlets, and shifting sand can make swimming dangerous.

 

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