Monday, March 21, 2016

Why the Anchor House and Why Corolla

Welcome to our beach condo
“The Anchor House”


We are in this world like a ship at sea, tossed up and down, and in danger of being cast away.  We need an anchor to keep us sure and steady.  Our anchor is hope!

Our family has loved the beach for as long as we can remember.  We have been traveling to the Outer Banks for over 30 years.  Both boys visited the Outer Banks when they were just 3 months old; Faith visited the first time when she was 5 months old, and Ellie visited within 3 months of being ‘home.’ 

The beach has always felt like home to us, and it has been our hope and dream to someday have a little place of our own… to celebrate life, hope for the future, and to unplug and reconnect. 

That time has come and although we don’t quite have our ‘sea legs’ and are unsure of what storms may lie ahead, we have hope that our little place at the beach may bless your family while you visit.

Why Corolla?     (Pronounced Ca-rah-la)  Although we’ve been going to the Outer Banks for years, Corolla is fairly new to us.  We first visited in 2006, and instantly loved it.  The beaches are beautiful and wide, the sound is gorgeous, and it has just the right mixture of family-friendly activities and adult fun.  The 4 wheel drive beach is also a bonus, for those of us J who like going out on the sand with our “toys.”  And another treat is that you may just see the Spanish Mustangs that roam the beach during their quiet and tranquil strolls, unaware of those around them.  The lighthouse also illuminates most of the town, and the Whalehead Club is a beautiful place for a picnic, crabbing or just watching the sun set. 

We chose a place in the beach community of Corolla Light.  Corolla Light has amenities for everyone.  Our condo is located directly across from the Corolla Light indoor facility, which has an 8 lane pool, 12 person hot tub, saunas, tennis, racquetball, weight facility and so much more.  The indoor facility is open year-round and open only to Corolla Light guests.  It’s a great place to visit to escape the heat or dodge the rain drops!

Also, directly across from our condo is sound-side access with pier, and the sound side pool.  I can honestly say that I’ve never seen such spectacular sunsets as I have at the Corolla Light sound side pier.  The Sound side pool is pretty awesome too, and also has a kiddie pool area.  There is also a self-guided discovery trail, an ecology walkway and nature trail, and a fishing pond. 

The Corolla Light Ocean Front area is a vacationer’s dream, with 2 heated Olympic pools, a separate gated kiddie-pool, a restaurant, beach braids, snow cones and a walkway out to the beach.  There is also a children’s playground, lighted full and half-court basketball courts, lighted shuffleboard courts, and a lighted volleyball court.  Waitresses will also come out to the beach to take drink orders!  You can also reserve chairs and umbrellas for the week, that are set up for you daily. http://www.corollalightbeachrentals.com/ In addition, during the summer season, there are daily activities including sporting contests, tye dye shirts, crafts, karaoke, bingo, etc. 

…Oh, and did I mention that a trolley can pick you up right outside of our condo, and transport you to the Ocean front area and back at the end of the day?  Yep, pretty awesome!  The trolley runs every 20 minutes during the summer season (May-September). 


What else excites us about Corolla..? 
        
  • There’s an old fashioned ice cream truck that visits the neighborhoods during the summer.  You’ve never seen adults (and kids alike) run faster than when they hear the chimes of an ice cream truck!!  Just something special that we only do on vacation!
  • There’s also a paved walkway that you can walk, bike and jog to local restaurants and shops.
  • Heritage Park/Whalehead Club:  If you visit over the 4th of July, there’s a great sound side firework show (that’s free) at Heritage Park.  Take your blanket (some bug spray) and be prepared to make memories.  There’s also daily tours of the Whalehead Club and weekly wine tasting (usually Wednesday evenings).  Or, you can try your luck at crabbing or fishing.  It’s such a beautiful place… and don’t forget to pose for a picture in front of the infamous foot bridge.
  • If you are a golfer, Corolla Light Resort guests can receive discounted golf rates at The Pointe Golf Club, The Carolina Club, Sea Scape Golf Links, and The Currituck Club.  There is also a 9-Hole 4 person scramble every week June-Labor Day at the Currituck Club. 


Currituck Lighthouse:  The lighthouse, built in 1875, costs only $7 to climb the 220 steps.  The breathtaking views are definitely worth every penny.  Just be warned, it’s pretty high up there, but oh so gorgeous. 

Historic Corolla Village:  We JUST visited this area this winter and cannot wait to go back on our next visit.  Nestled beside Heritage Park and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, you will take a step back in time...that has unique shops and Historic Corolla Chapel, http://www.corollachapel.com. The cottages in this area are on unpaved, tree-lined roads.  This area was home to more than 200 people in 1890.  Many of them were families working on the Currituck Beach Lifesaving Station, which was established in 1874.  You can browse through restored homes, visit shops, enjoy traditional NC BBQ and visit the Island Bookstore or check out the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum Store located in the old Corolla schoolhouse.  Such a cool little place!



We have this hope – as an anchor for the soul – firm and secure.  Hebrews 

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