Vacationing in The Outer Banks---Some ?'s

[All American]

My mom got this notion to rent a place in The Outer Banks for a couple of weeks next summer.

The thing is we, (siblings and spouses) know nothing about taking a vacation there. I know it is a popular vacation destination, so I guess the million dollar question is: What's the big deal and what keeps you coming back time and time again?My husband and I have been saving our money to take our daughter to DisneyWorld, but I would give that up for a vacation where my whole family could come together, relax, and have a great time. So, some things I wonder about are:

1. Where to stay? I think a beach house would be ideal, but my understanding is that these can be rented out quite a while in advance. I am not too worried about cost as we'd all pitch in to stay someplace nice.

2. What are your favorite things to do? Besides the beach, what about historic sites? Outlet malls? Antique stores? Tacky, touristy, shops that sell shells and postcards? Boat rides/wave runner rentals? Amusement parks, putt-putt, go-carts?

3. Places to eat? Any favorites that would define a vacation to the Outer Banks?

4. Weather? Barring any hurricanes, when is your favorite time to go?

5. Extra-special activities? For example, Fourth of July or an annual boat parade or car show?

6. Close large cities? (Just to visit if we feel like it)

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[disney4us2002]

We've been several times. First, I would never choose OBX over WDW but that is just my opinion. My dh definitely would and does which is why we've been there, lol. Not sure where you're coming from but the OBX is much nicer and less crowded and congested than the east coast beaches such as Ocean City, MD, Rehoboth Beach, DE, etc. The trade-off is that there is less to do.

We've had great luck with home rentals and there are tons. Personally, we stayed right in Nags Head or the area between Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. The northern beaches of Corolla and Duck weren't of interest to us as we did want more than just beach. I understand from friends that Corolla is becoming quite popular and therefore more dining options and such but we travel further down the shoreline. This website gives many of the rental companies. We've used ResortRealty, Sun Realty, and Joe Lamb Jr. without incident. http://www.outerbanks.org/accommodations/nags_head/rental_homes_vacancies.asp

If you're not too far from Hatteras island, go see the Lost Colony show - it is fantastic! There is also a nice aquarium on the island. Of course, many lighthouses to visit if you desire that. We went to Kitty Hawk and the Wright Bros. museum which was interesting but not great entertainment if there are small ones in your party. You can visit the Dunes or even try hang gliding if you dare. Be advised that it gets VERY HOT on those sand dunes!

Many, many seafood restaurants and buffets. The ones we've liked are Jimmy's Seafood buffet in Kitty Hawk (looks like a dump on the outside, lol), Awful Arthur's Seafood, and Dirty Dick's Crabhouse in Kill Devil Hills where you can also find many somewhat naughty souvenir shirts too. For breakfast we tried Stack'em High pancakes and found them to be tasty and fairly inexpensive.

There were a few putt putt places and some were paired with a Dairy Queen or other ice cream shop which was convenient. Didn't find any close amusement parks. There are many bicycle rental places. Between Kitty Hawk and South Nags Head there is a bike/jogging trail that runs parallel to the ocean and it is great for biking or running. We rented bikes and rode it every evening when it was cooling a bit.

We usually go in mid-August when the prices drop a bit. The middle of summer is quite expensive.

I don't think there is any particular large cities closeby. You could travel through some on the way in or out depending on where you're coming from.

All in all, I think the OBX provides a very laid-back, relaxing type of vacation. If you're a Type A personality like me and love staying on the go, such as with WDW, you might find yourself bored. I usually read several novels during our week's stay.

 

[Piecey]

My parents go several times every year-- it is their ONLY vacation destination.

1) They either stay at a condo on the beach or rent a house in Kill Devil Hills, a few blocks from the beach. (Usually also a few blocks from K*Mart so they can just walk down and get anything they might need.)

2) The Lighthouses are neat. Ocracoke is a nifty day trip. The Wrights Brothers monument is pretty neat and so is Jockey Ridge-- all within driving distance.

3) The definiation of an OBX vacation to my parents, grandparents (and me, I suppose) is Awful Arthurs, right across from the beach in Kill Devil Hills!
Goombay's on beach road is also excellent-- the salsa is AMAZING!

4) I haven't been in awhile but we always went in June as a family. Now that it's just them they go October, April, June.. December. They have no favorite.

 

[mommyoeo]

OBX has always been our local vacation spot, because I lived in Chesapeake. It's nice enough but WDW is sooo much better. If your mom is paying your way, you'll love obx. If not, save your money for wdw and ask her to send you the obx sticker for the back of your car!

 

[Tybug]

I think everyone has given you good info. Just a correction or two...

The Lost Colony is on Roanoke Island(Manteo), not Hatteras Island(that's another hour south).

The Wright Memorial is actually in Kill Devil Hills. Yes, we got the recognition but it actually resides in the next town over.

The closest city is the Hampton Roads area which if you are coming from the north you will travel through. We are an hour from the Virginia state line. Not a long drive(by our standards) but it can seem endless to others. Be aware if arriving on a Sat or Sun(which if you rent a cottage you will)... traffic will be terrible from the Va state line to the islands. I suggest either arriving here before noon(even though checkin isn't until 4) or after 6pm.

We have no amusement park. The closest one is Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. a 2 hour drive. There is a small water park on Hatteras Island.

August is our prime time for hurricanes. Normally mid to late. Be absolutely certain if you come during that time to purchase travel insurance. If we are evacuated, they do not refund.

The 4th of July will bring fireworks in most of the towns. Manteo has a nice celebration on their waterfront. Other than that, no real celebration for the 4th. We do have car shows. One in May and another in August. Nothing big, about 30 - 40 cars. Roanoke Island(Manteo) does have a festival the first weekend in June called "Dare Days". Food, music and vendors selling their wares.

www.outerbanks.org
www.outerbanks.com
www.outer-banks.nc.us
www.visitob.com
www.outer-banks.com
www.darenc.com

 

[HOGFAN]

sorry if this is a double post.

Hate to be pessimistic but..
Hated it, wont go back.
Cant swim in the ocean(you can on the bay side) due to STRONG undertows.
mosquitos/sand flies will eat you up.

Positive: Wright Brothers museum,good eats, lighthouses. Hang Gliding,kiting, if thats your bag.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I am one of those odd people that Ocracoke is our final destination for our vacation. We call it the Un-WDW vacation. We did not get to go this year (kitchen remodel is our summer.) Next year we hope to have a big family get together like we did in 2005. My dad's family is from Ocracoke and he grew up summers there so going back we are semi-locals (removed a few times.) It really is another time and place.

You have to really like hot and humid and be able to "make your own fun." Not the kind at is bored easily and can't find things to amuse themselves. Part of the fun for us is just being there and away from real life (and seeing all my dad's family and old friends.) Most of the kids that I knew growing up have left the Island now, but their families are still around.

We also visit Virginia beach each trip (we are from MI so it really is a long way to go.) We have family there too (where my father was raised.) We like to stop in Bush gardens too. We get a little bit of everything on the trip.

I think last year Ocracoke made it to number one on the best beaches. That means it is retired and not going to be on the list anymore. It is a fun place. If you want places to eat, I knew them all.

My dad is very ill and we don't know if he is ever going to make it back. I am hoping and praying he will. If he does it will be us to take him next summer. That is going to be a long trip.

 

[koopa]

1. Where to stay. Do an online search and find a beach house matching your price expectations. Typical rental house listings list the property as oceanfront and oceanside (ocean is one or two houses back from the ocean, but you don't have to cross a busy street). Between the highways (still close to ocean though but some front a busy Beach Road). Sound side and Soundfront (I've never stayed soundfront, but I bet you'll see some gorgeous sunsets). Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head is pretty commercialized. Points south are nice but not as many things to do. Still, with a car, you can do a lot. The largest rental agency is Sun Realty NC. There are tons of others.

2. Things to do. Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Closed for many years, it's now open). Climb the dunes at Jockey's Ridge (Best place for watching a sunset). Lots of nice minature golf courses. Fish (plenty of piers. Haven't caught much off the headboat, you can charter a private boat and catch tuna). Kids take seminars sponsored by the National Park and Jockey's Ridge. 2 hour kayak tour. Rollerblade (it's scenic, but difficult. Trail is more for biking and running). Sit on balcony overlooking the ocean with a beverage and a good book (Lot of pelicans and dolphins to watch for).

3. Places to eat. Fresh Seafood. Sam and Omies is probably my favorite. Not real pretty, but good food. I'd recommend a restaurant on the causeway that offers soundfront viewing (Like Tale of the Whale or Basnights).

4. Weather, hotttttt. Pay attention to ocean temps. I usually go in June and the water can get cold. If you stay farther south like Frisco, the ocean is warmer. It can get buggy, even on the beach. And the area is windy.

5. Extra special events. Haven't been to any, but in early june Wanchese has a seafood festival. Minor league baseball is in Manteo.

6. Large city, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. About an 1 1/2 hour drive.

have fun.

 

[chip 'n dale rule]

We went to Duck for the first time in 2005.... LOVED IT!!!! Very quaint small town. Not mobbed with people like the larger places are. Kids loved walking to the top of the lighthouses. If you stay on the northern end (Corolla, Duck) you can watch the wild horses on the beach.

 

[dcgrumpy]

We went last year and plan on going again next summer. We went the week before Labor Day. It was considered Fall so we paid half of what we would have paid the week before. We stayed in Corolla, I liked the area.



We swam in the ocean with no problem. My kids loved seeing the dolpins jump out of the water at the beach.

 

[All American]

First, for DisneyPhD:

I hope your prayers are answered and your dad can make it back. It's so hard to watch a parent suffer when they do and have done so much for us.

Second, thanks for all of the responses and clueing me in on "OBX" as opposed to typing the whole thing out. We are coming from Utah (was raised in AL; parents live in KY) so hot and humid would be a welcome repose from the hot, dry desert. That is good to hear Williamsburg is close enough for a day trip or an overnight one for that matter. My family loves that place (sugar cookies, yum!), and my husband from CA has never been. Of course, he's never been to DW either. It'll be a tough decision.

You gave some great advice and opinions, good and bad. Off to check out some sights.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

 

[DisneyPhD]

First, for DisneyPhD:

I hope your prayers are answered and your dad can make it back. It's so hard to watch a parent suffer when they do and have done so much for us.

Thank you so much. I hope he is doing better by next summer and we can go. DH teaches college and he has July and Aug off and since I am a SAHM I can take the time too. It would take a while to get him down there (since he is legally blind and no longer can drive.) I know he would make me crazy, but I still hope we can do it. In 2005 we had a big family reunion and it was great. He had so much fun with his old friends and siblings, but it was hard leaving because he thought it was the last time he would see them all. two of his brothers has passed away since then. I really miss the place. It gets in your blood and I just need to go back every few years. It used to be annually, but the drive is long (from MI.)

Enjoy your vacation. It is fun, but it really is the anti WDW vacation. (as much as I love WDW.)

 

[shelly3girls]

sorry if this is a double post.

Hate to be pessimistic but..
Hated it, wont go back.
Cant swim in the ocean(you can on the bay side) due to STRONG undertows.
mosquitos/sand flies will eat you up.

Positive: Wright Brothers museum,good eats, lighthouses. Hang Gliding,kiting, if thats your bag.

We have gone in either June or August for the past 4 years. I don't know that we have ever encountered a bug. We bring bug spray every year and never use it. We have not had any problems swimming in the ocean either.

We choose to stay in the quieter areas of either Pine Island or Carova Beach (4x4 section where the wild horses live). We go to WDW and OBX every year. WDW is our busy vacation while OBX is our relaxing vacation. If we couldn't do both we would alternate.

There are tons of houses to rent but some of the areas rent out very quickly, Pine Island in particular. The 4x4 section is great and easier to rent a house (if not booking early). The weather is hot but since we are either on the beach or in the pool at all times it is not a big deal. June and late August are cheaper than mid summer. The ocean is cold in June. August is hurricane season but we never had rain more than one day during our week's vacation.

 

[lclark0621]

We have a house in south nags head & go every year. We are actually getting ready to go back next week through Labor Day.

There are a whole bunch of good rental agencies to rent a beach house from which I always think is a better option then a beach hotel.

We love it there. We have been at all different times of the year & always have a good time.

The summer weather is usually great. We always swim in the ocean, play mini golf, shop the outlet malls, Wildlife Refuges, Light houses, Dolphin Cruise, Aquarium, etc, etc. It is just a really nice relaxing vacation.

I dont think we would pick the OBX over WDW, but we sure do enjoy our vacations there.

 

[HOGFAN]

coworker just got back last week. she said the undertow in Nags Head was horrible. she wouldnt let her kids in very deep. she also said the bugs were bad when they had to walk thru the 'grasses' to get to the water.

 

[disney4us2002]

coworker just got back last week. she said the undertow in Nags Head was horrible. she wouldnt let her kids in very deep. she also said the bugs were bad when they had to walk thru the 'grasses' to get to the water.

Your post just reminded me of the Just Around the Riverbend song from Pocahontas, lol. The water's always changing, always flowing.....

In 2003 there was some strange event that happened just off the coast and the water was frigid - in August. We barely got in past our knees all week long. In 2005 and 2006 the water was perfect - warm and very calm. Again, that was August. Perhaps the undertow gets bad before or after a storm but I've never encountered undertow issues anywhere as bad as Ocean City, MD so it could be all in what a person is used to. I hate bugs so just plan for them everywhere and buy Bug & Sun.

 

[shelly3girls]

A couple people have mentioned bugs. We stay in the nothern area around Carolla and we have never had any bugs. We have gone early June and late August. Were we just lucky or is there a difference between the nothern and southern areas? Someone mentioned the bugs in the "grasses." Do you mean the dunes with the dune grass? Where we stay this is literally about 5 steps. I want to be prepared if they are bad this year.

 

[sandramaac]

We have vacationed in OBX the past 12 years. We love it down there, just a wonderful relaxing place. We have used Carolina Designs Rentals the past 6 years. They have wonderful luxury homes from Corolla down to Nags Head. This year we stayed in house #577 Royal Palace--12 bedrooms, 12 baths, private beach access, private pool kitchen with 2 built in frigs, 4 ovens, two dining tables that seat 24, with an addtional table that seats 6 and stools for 10, moive theater, sports bar, elevator, etc. Just a wonderful home. They are great the work with too.

The website is www.carolinadesigns.com go and see the house we stayed at.

 

[shortbun]

Hi! I've been to WDW many times and love it! I've been to Hatteras Island 4X now and I love it even more. The ocean and I are in sync. While I am sure Corolla, Duck, Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are great spots, I adore the wind swept and surfing town feel that only Hatteras and Ocracoke bring. The beaches are often deserted, the surfing and fishing are great. Things to do? Well, we stay all day at the beach, eat an early dinner and play games back at our house into the night. See a lighthouse, kayak the sound, take advantage of the National Park programs(seining the sound, beach campfires, pirate tales, etc.). One of the local seafood purveyors offers a lesson on crabbing that includes taking home your catch of the day. Fly a kite, walk the expansive beaches for shells, learn to surf, fish, ferry to Ocracoke and spend the day on the #1 beach in the country.....I could go on and on. We fill a week way too easily and always leave wishing we had spent two. Next year we have rented our house for two weeks and I'm already wondering if we'll want more time. Where to stay - a myriad of choices. I LOVE homes right on the beach but they are hard to find. Most homes have a large dune between them and the beach. Rodanthe has some that are right on the beach or have pretty much unobstructed views. Recent storms there have caused lots of erosion and tear down/rebuilding of some stellar homes even not right on the beach with great views. Second choice for me would be something in proximity to Frisco Pier as I love that beach and it's accessible. Loads of homes in that area too; some are really large. Rental/real estate agencies for Hatteras are Surf or Sound, Hatteras Realty, Outer Beaches Realty, Midgett Realty and a couple smaller ones but those are the big ones. They all have great websites or will send you books with good information.
Seriously, I was a travel agent for 25+ years and I've been very lucky to have seen lots of great vacation spots. Hatteras Island is one of the best in the United States. It's a safe and wonderful family destination that will take you back to the good old days. Flip flops and bathing suits are the norm. While there is a bit of shopping along the main road and at the south end of the island in Hatteras and wonderful seafood to be had, this is the place to bring your board games and get to know your family all over again.