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by Corolla Classic Vacations

Carolina by the Sea
Oceanfront: Pine Island
Bedrooms: 9 Sleeps: 22

A View to Sea
Oceanside: Ocean Sands
Bedrooms: 7 Sleeps: 18

Waverly
Semi-Oceanfront: Whalehead
Bedrooms: 9 Sleeps: 22

Dune Deck
Oceanside: Ocean Hill
Bedrooms: 7 Sleeps: 16

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Topic: General Information

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Main Topic Post: General Information

Posted By: Guest

Subject: Carova too far from everything?

Curious to know if Carova, as beautiful as it looks, is too far from any other attractions in the outer banks?

Message Replies:

31597: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/22/2009 9:11:00 AM

Posted By: Guest

It's up in the 4 wheel drive area. So you must leave to go to the store etc.

31598: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/22/2009 9:11:55 AM

Posted By: Guest

Although some people love it, I personally think it is too isolated, and I see some other down sides. From Carova to the Food Lion is a good 15 miles or so, 12 of it on the beach. There is considerable traffic and people on the beach all summer, tradesmen going to/from work and beach goers with their trucks, tarps, dogs and kids. Click on the Message Board FAQ link and then 4WD area for more info.

31607: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/22/2009 4:03:21 PM

Posted By: Guest

Corolla (Monterray Shores) was our choice for our first OBX vacation. We loved the area, but found it too far from everything to be practical (it seemed lke we were always on the road, and it took forever to go anywhere, specially if we wanted to go much further than Duck). I can just imagine what it would be like to stay in Carova. I have always had a yen to rent a house there but have deceded that a more central location was best since we always fo with extened family and need a variety of things to keep us all happy &ccupied. Duck seems to fit the bill for us --it's convenient and also a very cool area. We'd stay in Carova only if we wanted to stay at the house most of the time; I think it would be a huge hassel to do much traveling back and forth and would take a LOT of time.

31692: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/24/2009 7:59:37 PM

Posted By: Guest

Depends on your definition of "everything". To me that word means peace, quiet, seclusion, beauty. To someone else it may mean no stores, no restaurants, a lot less people. So it depends. If you're looking for convenience, I wouldn't stay anywhere north of Corolla. Plus heading up or down the beach isn't always as romantic as it sounds! LOL

31697: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/24/2009 10:28:14 PM

Posted By: Guest

The 4x4 area is not for the faint of heart.

33069: RE: Carova too far from everything?

4/2/2009 1:20:44 PM

Posted By: Guest

It's a different experience. The pros - it's unique, fun, secluded, nice to set up a car layout on the beach and you really end up spending a lot of time with who you came with so make sure you're with the right folks. Cons - very tough on the vehicles, 30 minutes plus for a beer run (buy in bulk), night life is your deck, people will drive fast on the beach so you have to watch the kids (can be a little nerve racking).

We did it twice but now have infants and will have to wait until they're older, which is fine with me. We love Whalehead beach.

37996: RE: Carova too far from everything?

6/9/2009 3:01:37 PM

Posted By: Guest

Isn't being away from it all the whole point of a vacation? I have stayed on the 4WD beach for years, several times with my little nephews. To this day they tell me that the 4WD beach vacation was the best ever! It is definitely different. Running on the beach, flying kites, seeing schools of dolphins swim by. We love waking up to the horses wandering over the dunes, the incredible wildlife. And driving on the sand is a blast! So what if it takes a little while to get to the Food Lion or the Brew Thru -- you're on vacation -- why the hurry? ENJOY!

38292: RE: Carova too far from everything?

6/12/2009 5:04:59 AM

Posted By: LAFALTL

We've stayed 1/2m from the entrance to 4wd area and loved going there everyday to play...havent found the crowd to take w/ us for a week rental..I would do it at least once before I would say too far...paid for my 4wd to be replaced last year ..oh well everything must go sometime!

41731: RE: Carova too far from everything?

7/8/2009 12:06:55 PM

Posted By: Angre/Stressed...

Driving on the beach is terribe...worse than that...we went with 5 other families..everyone of their suv's either got stuck, caught fire(friction from the sand under the suv), or had to be towed. At $150 a pop. Having kids dodge traffic on the beach was not fun...damage to my suv was about 2k with all of the sand in every inch of my engine.The suv's were: GMC Envoy, Excursion, JImmy, Kia Sportage. Worst vacation ever

42499: RE: Carova too far from everything?

7/12/2009 2:14:44 PM

Posted By: Guest

Thanks for the info. I was going to drive my Toyota 4Runner on the beach.

46676: RE: Carova too far from everything?

8/2/2009 12:36:21 PM

Posted By: Guest

731 I have been driving my '78 International Scout up there for years (purchased new in 1978), as did my son. I conduct business up there on a regular basis and cannot recall that much damage to my vehicles (Isuzu and Toyota). Common sense is required to drive in sand, air down, SLOW DOWN, do not drive a AWD that will not do it. I take what I need when I'm there so I don't make a lot of unnecessary trips. You only live one time so why not enjoy it.

48896: RE: Carova too far from everything?

8/14/2009 7:28:58 AM

Posted By: Guest

@Angre/Stressed...

I bet you didn't drop your tire pressure. They recommend that you drop your tires to around 18 psi before driving on the sand. Also, do not make turns from the hard packed sand, up the beach - into loose sand. Always turn towards the ocean so when you lose speed you will be on the hard packed sand and not get stuck.

It really isn't that bad. We drove a Ford Explorer (04 and 98), Jeep wrangler, and 4runner on the beach last year with no problems. We even helped pull a sequoia out of the sand.

I just wanted to clear that up. It really isn't as bad as some people make it sound. It is an awesome experience!

49576: RE: Carova too far from everything?

8/18/2009 11:41:57 AM

Posted By: nosweat

I just want to know how far is carova from nags head?

55412: RE: Carova too far from everything?

9/28/2009 1:44:17 PM

Posted By: Guest

996 is the best response, and one I agree with. Its not bad driving on the sand, use common sense. when you have to go over the dune obviously you dont slow down. You give it a little gas for momentum and go over the dune. WE LOVE IT!!!!

56643: RE: Carova too far from everything?

10/16/2009 11:51:31 AM

Posted By: Guest

We have been going to OBX for several years and tried the 4x4 this past June for the first time and are HOOKED! We won't go back to the "mainland" - we loved everything and every minute about that vacation. Be sure to plan well and there will be no need to go into town - enjoy paradise.

60183: RE: Carova too far from everything?

1/12/2010 10:13:39 AM

Posted By: Guest

Stayed for a week back in September and absolutely loved it! Yes, you MUST use common sense when driving on the beach. We took my AWD even though it isn't recommended, and we DID NOT get stuck although several 4 x 4's did. Since it was the off season, traffic wasn't bad at all, but I can imagine that during the summer months it would be more crowded.
When you go to this area, slow down and relax, don't worry about rushing out to the store! :-)

62739: RE: Carova too far from everything?

2/26/2010 9:35:22 PM

Posted By: Cam

We have never been to the OBX but are thinking about renting a house in Swan Beach. We all have 4x4 jeeps and think this sounds like the perfect vacation. Would anyone be able to tell me what the beaches are like as far as places to go to relax and go in the ocean? Are you laying out on the same beaches that the cars are driving around on? Is it very crowded in the end of August? How far is Swan Beach from restaurants? Any responses are greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!

64999: RE: Carova too far from everything?

4/13/2010 12:25:51 PM

Posted By: Heather

Cam, Swan Beach is about 25 mins from restaurants.... And YES, you are absolutely going to be on the same beaches that the cars are driving on - feet away from you perhaps. Let me know if you have any other questions...have been there 3x (stayed in Seagull Beach, Swan Beach, and North Swan all in 4x4 area)

66990: RE: Carova too far from everything?

5/21/2010 1:52:25 PM

Posted By: Guest

I'm staying in North Swan on June 6th... What can you tell me about the beach life there?

Lots of cars/traffic?
How far from the main entrance?
How long of a drive to a grocery store?
Wild horses around?

67227: RE: Carova too far from everything?

5/25/2010 8:31:55 PM

Posted By: Ella

We stayed about 10 miles up on the 4x4 beach and we loved it. We became close with our neigbors, we saw them out on the beach everyday, and people would honk and wave at you as they drive by. Its a very cool experience. Waking up and seeing wild horses in your front "yard" and seeing them on the beach with the water? You can't beat that. It was so peacefull, and it was absolutely worth having to drive a couple extra miles to go to the beer store or food lion.

67917: RE: Carova too far from everything?

6/4/2010 9:07:06 PM

Posted By: GREY

I was up late one night several years ago looking for a last minute vacation spot. I stumbled upon CAROVA. We have not gone anywhere else since. It all depends on what you like. If you are of the partying / night life mindset , then you may not like the seclusion and peace that CAROVA offers. My family absolutely loves it there. There's no riff- raff and it is a very safe place (imo). It is truly a place where families reconnect and refuel. So load up at Wally world on the way in and don't look back.

68627: RE: Carova too far from everything?

6/14/2010 5:27:38 PM

Posted By: Guest

I have a Ford Edge which is a AWD.I read a post from someone else who had AWD vehicle & had no problems driving on the beach.Did you let the air out of your tires? My manuel says not to.

68632: RE: Carova too far from everything?

6/14/2010 5:41:18 PM

Posted By: Guest

I have a Ford Edge which is a AWD.I read a post from someone else who had AWD vehicle & had no problems driving on the beach.Did you let the air out of your tires? My manuel says not to.

71314: RE: Carova too far from everything?

7/20/2010 3:13:33 PM

Posted By: Jodi

Which is the closest airport with relation to Carova

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