For many of those who manage rental properties in the beach towns that dot the coast of Southeastern North Carolina, this year has been a rollercoaster. COVID-19 arrived in the United States in mid-March, just as spring break bookings were beginning to pick up. Instead, many people experienced a series of cancellations. The rental season appeared to be doomed before it even started due to temporary state and local bans on short-term rentals. When the bans were relaxed, though, individuals hurried to book vacation rentals. Throughout the summer and into the fall, local rental companies have had solid bookings.