Outer Banks planning for a July 4 rush

By Ryan Hutchins

Despite economic woes, soaring fuel prices and concern about smoky air, rental companies and tourism officials expect a solid Fourth of July week for the Outer Banks.

"It's got me mystified," said John Mignogna, general manager of Kitty Dunes Realty & Rentals.

On Friday, only four of Kitty Dunes' 450 properties hadn't been reserved for the coming week. There would typically be 50 or more vacant rentals this week, he said.

It's much the same at other rental companies.

"July Four th is looking great," said Ali Breaux of Sun Reality.

She said the following week, starting July 5, is going to be slower.

Carolyn McCormick, managing director of the Outer Banks Visitor s Bureau, echoed the same optimistic sentiment in a phone interview Friday.

"It's a challenging year - I'm not going to sugar coat that," she said.

"But we are experiencing a good Fourth of July week, particularly because it's falling on Friday."

Some vacationers have tended to shop for deals more this season, holding out until the last minute to make reservations. They also have been spending less money when they arrive.

Angie Brady-Daniels of The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce said upscale restaurants have struggled more than others this summer, and properties and hotels have seen later reservations. "Economic indicators are down nationwide, and we're really feeling it this summer," she said.

Travelers dealing with high gasoline prices appear to be coming from closer places.

Myra Ladd-Bone, the owner of Atlantic Realty, said she's seen fewer vacationers from the north booking at her 200 properties.

"We're not getting as many people from New York and New Jersey," she said.

Almost all her properties had been booked for the week by Friday, though.

McCormick's agency will launch a $100,000 online advertising campaign this week focused on attracting Virginians and people from other nearby areas to the coast.

"That's unprecedented in my career in the Outer Banks," said McCormick, who has worked here for 11 years.

Smoke from the two major wildfires has been a concern for some travelers, McCormick said, but she thinks it really isn't anything to worry about. There have been a few hotels that have seen cancellations this month because of the smoke, she said.

It's more of a concern closer to the state border, where stronger smoke continues to invade from the fire burning in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

"As I was driving there this morning," McCormick said, "I was thinking this is the welcome mat to the Outer Banks."

Ryan Hutchins, (252) 441-1627, ryan.hutchins@pilotonline.com