
It was a relaxed, upbeat and invigorated Renee Tomberlin that reluctantly “checked out” after a week at Beach Therapy.
Renee was the lucky winner of a one week stay on
Upon learning of their good fortune, the Tomberlin family decided to waste no time and take the trip to Ocracoke immediately.
This was the first time they spent an entire week on Ocracoke Island, a small island south of Cape
Having visited the island from November 29th thru December 6th, Renee and her husband Dean along with their son Jordan, easily answered the question, “What do you do on Ocracoke in the off season?
Avid fishermen, they landed Red Drum in the surf, rode bikes around the island, hiked the nature trail and relaxed in a comfortable cottage aptly named “Beach Therapy.” Their accommodations were courtesy of Bob Oakes, an owner of Ocracoke Island Realty.
While they were here, they did what they love to do best – surf fish.
“We caught ‘em on and off throughout the week,” Renee said. “We fished four or five days of the week.”
On the Tuesday of their vacation week, they were fishing and catching Red Drum on the beach at South Point. It was a beautiful night, she added.
“There was a full moon, the wind laid down and we were catching fish one after another,” Renee said. “We were the only truck on the beach – it was amazing.”
Another part of the trip they really enjoyed was the comfort of Beach Therapy.
“We loved it, it was great for our needs, comfortable, clean and in a great area,” Renee said. “We loved it.”
Another fun activity she enjoyed with her son was a long bike ride on Friday. The prize package came with two free bike rentals courtesy of Beach Outfitters, located at Ocracoke Island Realty.
“Jordan and I rode for eight to nine miles,” Renee said. “We went down every road, to Springer’s Point and the lighthouse."
“We spent all day looking at the area,” she said. “We walked through Springer’s Point, which was a beautiful, beautiful area.”
In addition to the fishing, cottage comfort and natural beauty, the Tomberlins also enjoyed the hospitality extended to them while they were here.
One day when they returned to the cottage, there was gift basket full of treats, a bottle of wine and things like that from Zillie’s Island Pantry.
In addition, the realty company staff went out of their way to make the vacation special, she added.
“It was a wonderful time,” Renee said. “The helpful, friendly and nice ladies at Ocracoke Island Realty were personable and that meant a great deal.”
Now that it’s all said and done, the Tomberlins believe they may have found their new paradise.
“After that week, we’ll probably stay on Ocracoke Island again,” Renee said. “A million thanks to Will and Ocracoke Island Realty.”
Fishing Photos courtesy the Tomberlins
Renee Tomberlin of Burnside shows off a nice Red Drum she caught while enjoying a free week long stay on
Dean Tomberlin sets the hook on a big Red Drum as the full moon shines over head on South Point in Ocracoke.

The Tomberlins won a free stay at Beach Therapy, on
Off season is a beautiful time of year here on Ocracoke. Consider a visit to truly relax and experience the beauty of island life. The beaches are spectacular and accommodation prices are the lowest of the season.

Photo by Eugenie Fein
You may have heard we recently had a storm. That is true. But, the roads are open, all ferries are back on their winter schedule and we are having gorgeous fall weather here on Ocracoke.
Several of our local restaurants are open. In addition, Howard’s Pub will be offering their annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Diajo will celebrate their first season on Ocracoke with a Thanksgiving menu.
The Variety Store will be open a 1/2 day on Thanksgiving, closing at around 2:00. The Community Store will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 7 AM – 2 PM. Their regular hours are 7AM – 8 PM.
A visit to the Variety Store bulletin board can update you on what is going on here on Ocracoke. Here are a few of the more recent updates to the board along with some other news from around town...

Martin and Friends will be playing at Creekside Café on November 25th.
The Ocrafolk Festival Benefit Concert will take place at the Community Center on Friday, November 27th. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
The Ocracoke Preservation Society will host their Annual Wassail Party and Community Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 8th from 5-7 PM.
The Back Porch now offers Sunday Brunch from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Zillie's on The Back Road continues to offer Wine Tastings this Fall. Visit their website calendar for dates.
Debbie Wells is offering cakes for all occasions. 928-6080
Coastal Helicopter, LLC is now operating on Ocracoke. 928-8074
Ocracoke Community Carts is now offering golf carts for rent or for sale. Hourly, daily and weekly rates are offered. Free pick up and delivery anywhere in

Going Green on Ocracoke - "Ocracoke Community Carts" by Susan Paul
Most of the local shops and spectacular galleries are open and provide great opportunities to pick up that special gift or item you have been considering all season.
Ocracoke Massage and Day Spa is now offering Bellanina Facelift Massage. Along with Cindy and Carolyn, Ken DeBarth also now offers therapeutic massage and bodywork at Ocracoke Massage. 928-5801
NCCAT is looking for historical Ocracoke photos from the late 1800’s – 1970’s for a new photo gallery at their Ocracoke campus.
A plant sale is taking place at “Home Grown Hettie’s” at the end of
Hard Core Tees is offering custom screen printing done here on Ocracoke.
Please visit the Ocracoke Island Realty Calendar for details on events taking place on Ocracoke.
Rental cottages are available for your Thanksgiving gathering or a late fall or winter stay. Thanksgiving reservations are now available for 3 nights or more. Please call our office at 877-646-2822 for information.
Special pricing for extended off season stays is available.
Nightly rates at Captains Landing and the Castle Bed & Breakfast and Courtyard Villas are very attractive. 
Photo by Carol Scott
Photo by Thomas Stampfli
Two if by Sea Cottage- Jennifer Elsen
Pat Bleich - Ocracoke Beach
Photo by Mary Ann Sweeney
Most Ocracoke Images Selected from the 2009 Ocracoke Island Realty Photo Contest





































