Mar 18, 2024

How We Vacation with 40 Family Members Every Year

Hear from a family about their annual Outer Banks Vacation

Every year in June, the McElhenny family packs all their beach essentials, and embark on an eight-hour drive to the Outer Banks, where they’ll stay in an oceanfront home for the week. They could easily be to the nearby Maryland beaches in less than two hours, but they’ve been coming as a family to the Outer Banks for over 25 years. Why? “There is just something different about the Outer Banks,” said Rylee, one of the 25 cousins in the three-generation family vacation.

“There is just something different about the Outer Banks,” says Rylee, one of the 25 cousins in the three-generation family vacation.

It all started with parents taking their six children to the Outer Banks, where they would stay in a small cottage in June. Now, their small family has grown into 40 individuals. They now stay in a larger oceanfront home, if not multiple homes nearby. 

Once they pull up to the house on check-in day, they don’t leave the house very often. That’s why they love staying on the oceanfront, they have everything that they need right in front of them. It’s about the ease of it, they are able to pull up to the house and immediately start relaxing.  

They soak up the sunshine every chance they get, and are normally at the beach daily for over 7 hours. When all 40 of them are not in the ocean at once trying to catch the next wave on their canoe, they’ll be playing can jam or spike ball on the shore. It’s nice to relax and be on the beach all day long. They enjoy coming together as a family once a year and not worry about anything, and just enjoy being together with people they love. 

One of their longest traditions is their themed nights around food. An individual family will pick a different night and plan the cuisine around a different nationality or decade. While they’re busy cooking dinner, everyone else will come back from the beach and start getting in their costumes; which is another fun moment of seeing everyone dressed up. 

Planning for a vacation this size does require proper planning with everyone’s schedule. That’s why after the McElhennys come to visit in June, by July or August they already have next year’s house booked. They have always booked with Twiddy & Company, and they love being able to look online for different houses and book a year in advance.

Some aspects of a large trip like this can get hectic at times, like fighting over the pool aux to play music, but this family wouldn’t have it any other way. They have missed a year or two due to other events, and they all wished they could have still had their annual Outer Banks trip. 

Tips for Booking your Outer Banks Vacation 

Looking to visit the Outer Banks but not sure how to find a vacation home? We’re here to help! Check out our blog post, Tips & Tricks for Booking Your Outer Banks Vacation.

While you’re searching, be on the lookout for last minute rentals. Check out our specials page, and follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages for deals.

We also recommend using our Trips feature on our website. When you create a Trip, you can save your favorite homes, invite family members to contribute and vote, and then you’re able to book that your entire group loves! 

If you have any questions, our Vacation Specialists on our Guest Services team are happy to help! Please chat with us on our website, call (866) 457-1190, or text us at (252) 888-2598. 

Check out these homes that your whole family can relax in: 

Twelve Is Enough

Twelve Is Enough

  • Corolla
  • Oceanside
  • 12 bedrooms
  • 12 bathrooms

Plan your beach getaway in this spacious pet-friendly home with 60 foot resort style pool. Twelve bedrooms, two separate living areas connected by decking and interior doors, two kitchens with beautiful granite counters, both with full refrigerators and ample seating space, provide enough space for everyone to lounge, play and dine.

Atlantis

Atlantis

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • Oceanfront
  • 24 bedrooms
  • 28 bathrooms

Take a detour from the ordinary and visit “Atlantis.” This spectacular pet-friendly home has been carefully designed to provide the utmost in style, comfort and practicality for large groups and events.

KDH Resort

KDH Resort

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • Oceanfront
  • 36 bedrooms
  • 39 bathrooms

Your luxury Outer Banks vacation retreat awaits at “KDH Resort!” Located directly on the oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills, this premier property is a resort in itself with lavish features that can be found throughout the four levels of living space.

Summer Winds

Summer Winds

  • Nags Head
  • Oceanfront
  • 11 bedrooms
  • 12 bathrooms

You’ll be whisked away by ‘Summer Winds’ in Nags Head, an eleven-bedroom home on the oceanfront. The historic Nags Head style can be seen throughout the home and provides a sense of comfort and classic Outer Banks. Ideally located, you’re a short drive from fabulous restaurants and Jockey’s Ridge State Park!

Summer Sands

Summer Sands

  • Nags Head
  • Oceanfront
  • 11 bedrooms
  • 12 bathrooms

Get ready for an unforgettable vacation at “Summer Sands” in Nags Head! Located directly on the oceanfront, this home offers eleven bedrooms, many common spaces, and top amenities. Spend your days outside in the sunshine and your evenings relaxing or playing at the home.

The Chesapeake

The Chesapeake

  • 4x4 Beach
  • Oceanfront
  • 24 bedrooms
  • 26 bathrooms

Extraordinary in every way, this seaside pet-friendly retreat is the perfect place for your next vacation, event, or reunion. Guests will experience the unbridled beauty of Corolla’s unique 4×4 beaches, completely untouched by commerce, and arguably the most naturally breathtaking landscapes of the eastern seaboard.

Station One

Station One

  • Corolla
  • Oceanfront
  • 10 bedrooms
  • 10 bathrooms

Experience the grandeur of “Station One” in Corolla! Uniquely situated on the oceanfront in an area of Pine Island where there is just one row of homes, breathtaking views of the ocean and the sound are yours to enjoy for the duration of your stay.

Sea Stallion

Sea Stallion

  • 4x4 Beach
  • Oceanfront
  • 12 Bedrooms
  • 13 Bathrooms

New Construction for 2024! Gather your family for a memorable Outer Banks vacation at “Sea Stallion” on Carova Beach! Located directly on the oceanfront approximately 9.7 miles up the 4×4 beaches, gorgeous ocean views and salty breezes are yours to enjoy throughout your stay.

Caribbean Dream

Caribbean Dream

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • Oceanfront
  • 16 bedrooms
  • 18 bathrooms

When seeking luxurious oceanfront living and unobstructed panoramic views, look no further than “Caribbean Dream.” Breathtaking scenery of the Atlantic coastline may be seen from the expansive living areas, perfect for creating beautiful memories for a lifetime.

Sound to Sea Beach Club

Sound to Sea Beach Club

  • Corolla
  • Oceanfront
  • 16 bedrooms
  • 18 bathrooms

“Sound to Sea Beach Club” embodies lavish oceanfront living and design. With exclusive features such as a lazy river styled pool complex, over 12,000 square feet of living space, 16 master bedroom suites, custom showers with imported tile, an elevator and direct beach access, guests will encounter an unparalleled vacation and event venue.

Seatopia

Seatopia

  • Kill Devil Hills
  • Oceanfront
  • Theatre Room
  • Epic Game Room

With 24 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms (22 full, 3 half), and numerous common and entertainment areas, this home can comfortably accommodate large groups.

Pine Island Beach Club

Pine Island Beach Club

  • Corolla
  • Oceanfront
  • 12 bedrooms
  • 14 bathrooms

Relinquish your daily routine and escape to magnificent design in this luxurious oceanfront vacation home located in the sought after Pine Island Reserve. Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Audubon Sanctuary and Currituck Sound are yours to enjoy.


Emily Pack

Emily Pack

Mar 18, 2024

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