Outer Banks tips/info?

[bigmama67]

OK, so I DEFINITELY have the Disney craving going on, but it's not in the cards for us this year...I've been unemployed since September! I KNOW we're going to need a few nights away from the madness later this year, because I am in an M.A. program and will be taking very intensive coursework this summer. After that's over we would like to get away for maybe 4 nights...looking for somewhere reasonable within a half day drive (4-5 hours maximum) of northern NJ. Anyone have suggestions? Is Lake George a good option? Ideally we'd like to rent a house where we could bring our dogs as boarding them adds $50 per night to our vacation tab! The other option is to camp but I'd really prefer a place where we can cook some meals.

Suggestions welcome, thanks very much!

EDITED because the Outer Banks of NC now sounds like JUST what we're looking for (if a bit further than I thought about) and I'd love any info from people who have been. Is a week too long if we're not BIG beach people?

 

[LisaNJ25]

Northern NJ here also.

We have never done Lake George.

Some long weekend getaways we have done are Baltimore, Washington DC and Lancaster, PA

Disney also isn't in the cards for us this year but we are going to the outerbanks the last week of August. House prices really dropped that week

 

[bigmama67]

Thanks - funny you said that, I was thinking about Outer Banks or maybe Maryland. Good to know the rates go down that week...our fifteenth anniversary is in October so I REALLY wish we could go to FL (and DD is still under 3) but we're hoping for next year. Argh...!

Have you been to OBX before?

 

[LisaNJ25]

Thanks - funny you said that, I was thinking about Outer Banks or maybe Maryland. Good to know the rates go down that week...our fifteenth anniversary is in October so I REALLY wish we could go to FL (and DD is still under 3) but we're hoping for next year. Argh...!

Have you been to OBX before?

Yes, its been years though.. we went Easter week in 2002 I believe. Back than only we had 2 kids. It was beautiful.

I wanted a more relaxing (and cheaper) vacation this year. This way we can do lots of meals at the house. Alot of the houses take dogs also so that would help you out.

We booked with http://www.southernshores.com.

Last time we got a house right on the ocean but it was off season. This time we are a few blocks in but the house has a pool, hot tub, game room etc.

I am just hoping we go back to school after Labor Day this year.. if not the kids will miss a few days. Last year we went back before which was a first.

Happy early anniversary. I will be celebrating my 18th in May.

We are going to stop in Baltimore for 1 of 2 nights on the way back. I love going to the Inner Harbor.

 

[bigmama67]

Outer Banks sounds WONDERFUL! I'd love to hear more...I did call and ask for the brochure today and we may be able to get another couple we are friends with to rent a house with us. DS and their DD have been friends since they were infants.

 

[thenewgirl]

The Outer Banks ARE wonderful! And there are plenty of inexpensive or even free things to do! Starting in Kitty Hawk / Nags Head area, you can go to the Wright Brothers Memorial (the actual site of the first flight). It costs a little bit (per car) but there is a museum, the memorial itself, markers for the first flight, etc. You can go to the dunes (Jockey's Ridge - free), climb the dunes, and watch people gliding...very cool. Right behind Jockey's Ridge, there is a soundside beach that is awesome. If it is warm enough, you can wade out several feet and still not be knee deep. Not too far away (in Manteo, I think?) you can go to the aquarium and in other nearby spots, you can see lots of historical places (like Roanoke Island....home of the 'lost colony').

If you drive south, you can see - and sometimes climb - lighthouses (including the famous Cape Hatteras), watch kite surfers right on the side of the road, catch a ferry to another island (that in itself is a fun adventure for some kids!), eat amazing seafood (and there is a pizza place in Avon that is soooooooo good!)...in Rodanthe, you can see the house that was used in filming Nights in Rodanthe....they moved it recently because it was almost washed into the ocean.


Keep going south, and you can see the wild horses on some of the smaller islands...beautiful.



You absolutely would NOT regret a trip to the Outer Banks.

 

[dhuba]

I love the Outer Banks too! Definitely take the ferry over to the island of Ocracoke. It's free and it's such a quaint little island.

 

[ccstrickler]

As you can see, I know from where I speak (did that make sense?). Before I say anything, try to rent Sunday to Sunday--traffic. Saturdays can be a zoo! Local people usually hunker down until at least Monday. If you can, bring enough groceries to last until Monday. The stores are aboutn like the northern ones just before a major snow storm! Renting late in the season is a price break, but remember that these houses have been used (and abused in some cases) all summer. For the most part, everything is ok. If you bring dog (where they are allowed) there will be an extra charge added to the rent. Also be sure you have their shot records or information. I'm not sure what Southern Shores "dogs on the beach" policy is. Kill Devil Hills doesn't allow dogs during the "season, but that doesn't usually stop people. Please, bring a bag for cleanup. The stores on the OBX do not pack purchases in plastic bags so (1) bring you own doggie bags and (2) bring reusable bags if you have them. The aquarium on Roanoke is wonderful for little kids because the tanks are all the way to the ground so you are not constantly lifting up the little ones to see. There is also a "touch tank" where they can see and touch all sorts of sea creatures. Wading in the sound is fun, but use water shoes because the crabs will bite you! There are some very good, not too expensive for a resort area, restaurants. Kill Devil Grill on the Beach Road is good. Try to patronize the "local" restaurants. You can go to Outback or Applebees anywhere. You can also buy local seafood and cook it yourself. Great produce market in Seagate North shopping Center (MP 6ish)--Tarheel Too. Most of the produce stands you see on the drive down are tourist traps. You can also, as of today, still get a $5 pizza at Little Caesars in the Dare Center (MP 7). All locations are delegated by MP (mile post) locations. Definitely do the ferry to Okracoke. Bring old bread or pretzel nuggets to throw to the gulls. DO NOT put bread on your head and let the gulls pick it off! I saw someone do this and the result was not pretty! Also, pack a lunch if you go to Okracoke. You can park at any of the beach accesses and picnic on the beach. Restaurants on Okracoke can be expensive. PM me if you have any more questions. Welcome to the Outer Banks.

 

[sjms71]

Another , for OBX. We have friends who have a 2nd home in Duck so that is where we stay. As mentioned, take the drive down to Okracoke it's a great way to spend the day. Also, we really enjoyed the Lost Colony show. If you have kids I believe they have a night where they are free or discounted (can't remember) with each paying adult.

 

[bigmama67]

Thanks, I'm getting more excited the more I hear!

We absolutely ALWAYS clean up after our 2 doggie girls (drives me NUTS when people don't!) The woman I spoke with today said that Duck and Nags Head are two particularly pet-friendly towns so maybe they do allow leashed dogs on the beach? Guess we'll find out more once we pick a town to stay in. I'm sure DS would LOVE to see Kitty Hawk as we went to the National Air and Space Museum in September '09 and saw a whole exhibit on the Wright Brothers. I'm excited about Lost Colony too, as I'm a theatre person. This all sounds so exciting, and definitely worth that extra 3 hours' drive! We go up to see my Mom in Maine several times a year...365 miles...so we're used to all-day traveling; what's another 70 or 90 miles among friends?

The story about people feeding the birds off their heads (yikes!) actually reminds me of a funny thing about Maine...if you go to one of the lobster pounds and eat out on the deck, BEWARE of seagulls! They are fearless and have been known to take lobster right out of the rolls in someone's hand. We actually stopped at a roadside tourist stand once and heard them warning visitors that you DON'T get refunds or new lobster rolls if the seagulls rob you!

I love the idea of just chilling out with some wine and something yummy on the grill. This is sounding SO awesome!

 

[LisaNJ25]

As you can see, I know from where I speak (did that make sense?). Before I say anything, try to rent Sunday to Sunday--traffic. Saturdays can be a zoo! Local people usually hunker down until at least Monday. If you can, bring enough groceries to last until Monday. The stores are aboutn like the northern ones just before a major snow storm! Renting late in the season is a price break, but remember that these houses have been used (and abused in some cases) all summer. For the most part, everything is ok. If you bring dog (where they are allowed) there will be an extra charge added to the rent. Also be sure you have their shot records or information. I'm not sure what Southern Shores "dogs on the beach" policy is. Kill Devil Hills doesn't allow dogs during the "season, but that doesn't usually stop people. Please, bring a bag for cleanup. The stores on the OBX do not pack purchases in plastic bags so (1) bring you own doggie bags and (2) bring reusable bags if you have them. The aquarium on Roanoke is wonderful for little kids because the tanks are all the way to the ground so you are not constantly lifting up the little ones to see. There is also a "touch tank" where they can see and touch all sorts of sea creatures. Wading in the sound is fun, but use water shoes because the crabs will bite you! There are some very good, not too expensive for a resort area, restaurants. Kill Devil Grill on the Beach Road is good. Try to patronize the "local" restaurants. You can go to Outback or Applebees anywhere. You can also buy local seafood and cook it yourself. Great produce market in Seagate North shopping Center (MP 6ish)--Tarheel Too. Most of the produce stands you see on the drive down are tourist traps. You can also, as of today, still get a $5 pizza at Little Caesars in the Dare Center (MP 7). All locations are delegated by MP (mile post) locations. Definitely do the ferry to Okracoke. Bring old bread or pretzel nuggets to throw to the gulls. DO NOT put bread on your head and let the gulls pick it off! I saw someone do this and the result was not pretty! Also, pack a lunch if you go to Okracoke. You can park at any of the beach accesses and picnic on the beach. Restaurants on Okracoke can be expensive. PM me if you have any more questions. Welcome to the Outer Banks.

Any recommendations for a place with public beach access with restroom facilities? I am used to having a house right on the beach and this time I wil be in Corolla and not on the ocean.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Thanks, I'm getting more excited the more I hear!

We absolutely ALWAYS clean up after our 2 doggie girls (drives me NUTS when people don't!) The woman I spoke with today said that Duck and Nags Head are two particularly pet-friendly towns so maybe they do allow leashed dogs on the beach? QUOTE]

Here are the leash laws for each town
Corolla Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on Currituck County beaches but they must be under close supervision of owners at all times, whether by leash or voice command. For more information visit www.co.currituck.nc.us.

Duck Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Duck, NC unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye and contact of their owner. For more information contact the town of Duck at 252-255-1234.

Southern Shores Leash Laws
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Southern Shores between May 15 and September 15. At other times of the year, dogs must remain leashed. For more information, contact the town of Southern Shores at 252-261-2394.
Kitty Hawk Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Kitty Hawk. Between the Friday before Memorial Day and the day after Labor Day during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. During other times of the year, dogs must be restrained on a retractable leash no longer than 12 feet. For more information, contact the Town of Kitty Hawk at 252-261-3552.

Kill Devil Hills Leash Laws
Dogs are permitted on the beaches of Kill Devil Hills. Between May 15 and September 15, no dogs are allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 6p.m. unless the dog is aiding the handicapped. For more information, contact the town of Kill Devil Hills 252-480-4000.

Nags Head Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. For more information, contact the town of Nags Head 252-441- 5508.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but they are required to be restrained with a leash 6 feet or less at all times. Dogs are not permitted in areas that are closed for turtle or bird nesting. For more information, contact the National Park Service 252-473-2111.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

Another fan of the OBX. We've been twice and we are headed that way again this June with DH's family.

Such a relaxing area. I love the oatgrass and the look of the all the beach houses. We love that it's not all built up with tall condos, shopping centers, flashing lights, and minigolf on every corner. And we love that we can go there and spend very little money. So much stuff to do there is free or very cheap. We love the aquarium. If you have a membership to your local zoo, check to see if you can get into the aquarium for free. It is with ours. We have not done the ferry ride to Oracoke (sp?), but plan to this year. Looking forward to that. It's just a great pace.

Enjoy! You will not be disappointed.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

Wanted to add, we stayed in Cape Hatteras first year we went down. The beaches were practically deserted there. Almost never had more than 1 or 2 others families at a time on huge stretches of the public beach access place. We loved that, however Hatteras was a bit far from where there were things to do. I believe it was about an hours drive to the aquarium from there. So the following year, we stayed in Kill Devil Hills. Missed he solitude of Hatteras, but we felt we wanted to be closer to some things. This year we'll be in Nags Head, soundfront. Was going to be oceanfront, but BIL and SIL are now coming so we needed a house handicap accessible for SIL who has CP. Should be a great time still!

 

[ccstrickler]

Any recommendations for a place with public beach access with restroom facilities? I am used to having a house right on the beach and this time I wil be in Corolla and not on the ocean.

I'm not sure what the public accesses are in Corolla. I avoid going north during the summer. Two lane road and "Really Nutty Drivers". In Kill Devil Hills the bath house (showers, restrooms, etc.) is on the corner of Beach Road and Ocean Bay Blvd. They experimented with portapotties at the other accesses, but I didn't try them. Most accesses have shower facilities (open) where you can wash off the majority of the sand. Corolla/Duck does have nice beaches. You might ask your rental company about public accesses. As I said in previous post, try to travel on Sunday rather than Saturday. It is really bumper-to-bumper from 158 all the way up to Corolla. The ideal thing if you can is to arrive on Friday, stay in an inexpensive (relatively) motel and go to Corolla early in the am. Shop, eat, hang out until your rental is ready. PM me if you have more questions. Just remember, it is a resort area and you will have traffic--just be careful. I've seen too many people have accidents. Also, don't drink and drive. They are deadly about that here. The saying is "Come down on vacation, go home on probation!"

 

[lisaross]

We went to Outerbanks last summer - stayed at the SeaFoam Motel - its right on the beach - not fancy but clean - has a pool as well. Nice staff!

I think u can have animals - not sure - seems like lots of houes nearby to rent.

their is lots to see i'm sure u could probably spend a week - we went for 5 nights and that was good for us!

OK, so I DEFINITELY have the Disney craving going on, but it's not in the cards for us this year...I've been unemployed since September! I KNOW we're going to need a few nights away from the madness later this year, because I am in an M.A. program and will be taking very intensive coursework this summer. After that's over we would like to get away for maybe 4 nights...looking for somewhere reasonable within a half day drive (4-5 hours maximum) of northern NJ. Anyone have suggestions? Is Lake George a good option? Ideally we'd like to rent a house where we could bring our dogs as boarding them adds $50 per night to our vacation tab! The other option is to camp but I'd really prefer a place where we can cook some meals.

Suggestions welcome, thanks very much!

EDITED because the Outer Banks of NC now sounds like JUST what we're looking for (if a bit further than I thought about) and I'd love any info from people who have been. Is a week too long if we're not BIG beach people?

 

[bigmama67]

And we love that we can go there and spend very little money. So much stuff to do there is free or very cheap. We love the aquarium. If you have a membership to your local zoo, check to see if you can get into the aquarium for free. It is with ours. We have not done the ferry ride to Oracoke (sp?), but plan to this year. Looking forward to that. It's just a great pace.

Excellent! I didn't even think of checking the reciprocal list and yes, we can go there for free! Thanks.

DH and DS agree...we have a winner. I think Nags Head sounds like the best area for us but I'll look around some more.

 

[3mickeymom]

It was really nice. There is also a children's theatre in Manteo where we saw a play. That was fun. There is a small ship there( in Manteo) that you can board and tour. My son was 8 then and loved it. We bought tickets to see the Lost Colony play. I don't know what we were missing but my family HATED it. I know that is strong but it was very expensive, at night,lots of bugs, people spraying bug spray everywhere. Yuck. My kids and husband begged to leave at intermission and the guy sitting in front of us said he wished he was going with us. Have a nice trip. You will like it there.

 

[lisaross]

Definitly climb the sanddunes...