Outer Banks

[Jennifer S]

We just booked an incredible home in Duck, NC for the week of 4th of July. We are going w/ two other families. We will have 6 kids from ages 7-11.

Any tips on things to do, restaurants etc. I know it's early but I'm just so excited. I was there once 10 years ago but in the southern section.

 

[DisneyPhD]

My dad's family is from Ocracoke so we go there every summer (but we didn't last year and are not this year, so we did in the past.)

We normally just pass though Duck on the way to the ferry.

Just bumping the thread for you.

If you have any questions about Ocracoke I can answer them for you! I know of many good places to eat there. I might be a fun day trip for your group.

 

[Annette_VA]

Duck + 4th of July = Traffic!

Just leave plenty of time if you're headed out somewhere!

 

[shortbun]

We were in Rodanthe, Hatteras last year over the 4th. We loved watching fireworks on the beach for several nights. It was a very busy time there but Rodanthe and Hatteras are not as developed as Duck so I can't tell you what to expect. I can say that we always go to dinner early or get steamer pots to cook at our house. We cook in for breakfast and lunch with a few exceptions and we normally make it back to our house for apres dinner coctails as most folks are waiting in horrifically long lines for restaurants. I don't think we are making it to the beach this year as other places are calling our names. I'm jealous of you! Have fun! Nothing replaces good planning.

 

[Jennifer S]

Duck + 4th of July = Traffic!

Just leave plenty of time if you're headed out somewhere!

We are actually arriving on June 30. We rented a house for the week. We are in the Village of Duck, It says we are w/in walking distance to beach, shops, water sports, restaurants, etc. Hopefully the actual 4th we won't need to drive.

BTW we have a deck on the roof of the house - will be awesome to watch fireworks.

 

[Patty3]

Duck is one of my favorite vacation spots. The Red Sky restaurant in Duck is our favorite restaurant on the Outer Banks. Not a fancy restaurant, but incredible food. For pizza, if you like a thin crust, I would definitely recommend the Tomato Patch. It is in the Food Lion shopping center past Sanderling. If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle pack a picnic lunch and head out to the area past Corolla. Everytime we have been there we have seen many wild ponies, and they are really close. There used to be ATV tours there, but I believe they were stopped. They were alot of fun. There are so many lighthouses to visit, especially Hatteras. I am sure that you will have a wonderful time. I think that we are going to the Sanderling Inn in August for a long weekend.

 

[Jennifer S]

Thanks patty. I'm taking notes. If you think of anything else let me know.

 

[RrCoAsTeR]

We go to the OBX every year with my dad's fammily and love it. We love Coralla. WE've stayed in DUck before, but now it's a lot more corwded. Be ready for fireworks all throught the night... we went the week after 4th of July last year, and people were still out on the beach until 2 setting them off...

This year will be our 12th or 13th year in a row, and my grandparents have gone since the 70's or so. We love it!

 

[koopa]

Jockeys Ridge is awesome at sunset. Kids can run down the dunes or fly kites. The State Park there should have nature programs, so maybe you can check online. There are programs with the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo and the National Seashore, that you should look into. Always changing, but programs range from bogeyboarding with a ranger or running a net in the sound and seeing what you catch (bring old shoes).

Stop at the Welcome Center before you roll into Kitty Hawk and grab free guide and coupon books. They're pretty descriptive about everything you can do there.

If anyone likes to fish, Avalon pier has a pretty nice website with bulletin boards, web cam and daily fishing reports. Also, you can lurk or ask questions at obxer.com, an outer banks message board.

 

[momoftwins]

Not to hijack JenniferS' thread, but we are staying here with DSIL and her family.

Are all these places close to each other?

Thanks!

 

[shelly3girls]

There is a post all about the OBX on the Budget Board with tons of info. If I can find it I will post the link.

My suggestions are to bring plenty of food (grocery stores are crowded and expensive), arrive early (well before check in) to avoid traffic on the only bridge onto the island, and relax! Most of the houses have charcoal grills so arrive prepared. Rent a kayak, it is lots of fun.

 

[Annette_VA]

Not to hijack JenniferS' thread, but we are staying here with DSIL and her family.

Are all these places close to each other?

Thanks!

No, Emerald Isle and the Outer Banks/Duck are not close. They're almost at opposite ends of the state. About 200 miles apart