Would like info on the Outer Banks

[MELSMICE]

DH & I were talking about possibly vacationing in the Outer Banks next summer. We have heard it is a great place.

I know the DISers are very honest about things, so I'm looking for opinions, recommendations on

--home rentals, cottage rentals
--hotel/motel vs. home rentals
--things to do while there
--best area of the Outer Banks to visit

Any & all info is appreciated. I know it is a long way off, I just figured I would start gathering info now.

TIA!!!

 

[Miller1412]

I LOVE the Outer Banks! We have stayed there quite a few times, always in Rodanthe which is pretty far south on the spit. It's a fairly quiet town and very reasonable as far as rental costs go. We always stay oceanside, and it's a very quick walk to the ocean. The beaches are quiet, dogs are allowed. We go through Midget (sp?) realty.

I highly recommend it!

 

[orvilleair]

How many people are going with you? For a larger group, nothing beats renting a large cottage/house in my opinion.

Some homes have their own pool or you can go to a homeowner's association type pool (Village of Nags Head for example).

I guess for starters, you have to decide where to stay (oceanfront, oceanside, between highways or on the sound). The largest realty is Sun Realty North Carolina, and they have an interactive website that will help you find a place you like. There are many other companies to rent from too like Joe Lamb or Nags Head.

The towns vary from highly commercialized to more laid back. South Nags Head is kind of in between, which is where I stay. In June, the northern cities may have cooler water in the ocean.

There is a lot to do from decent shopping to hiking the sand dunes (Jockeys Ridge). The parks have kids nature programs you can sign up for (boogeyboard, nature hike, plaster of paris casts of animal prints etc...).

Some areas can get buggy with biting flies. Some years are bad, while others you don't notice them.

 

[DisneyPhD]

We always like Ocracoke Island, but that is because my father was "raised" there (summers mostly, VA beach during the rest of the year.) We just got back and had a great time, but it really is the "anti" Disney vacation. There are no comerical or chain places at all, infact just getting groceries is a bit of the chore, but all the resturants are great.

Here is a web site for it.

http://www.ocracokeisland.com/

Here is a places that rents homes.

http://www.ocracokeislandrealty.com/index.html

It really is a laid back Island, beach and relaxing is the biggest atractions.

 

[tiggernan]

I've used Sun Realty before and had a good experience. The website was great with lots of pictures of the different rentals. We stayed in Duck and really enjoyed it.

 

[HayGan]

We the Outer Banks. It has been our regular vacation spot for many years. We actually prefer staying on the Northern beaches (Corolla, Duck, etc.) We have 2 preffered realty companies

Village Realty
Stan White Realty

I will tell you that if you are going in the prime months expect ALOT of traffic.

Besides the beach, there are lots of things to do including shopping (outlet mall in Nags Head), lots of mini-golf locations, fishing tours, tours to see the wild horses, The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island, and lots of places to EAT!

Here are a few helpful links:
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
www.outer-banks.com
Corolla Wild Horses
The Lost Colony
Aquarium at Roanoke Island

Have a great time!!!

 

[HOGFAN]

The Wright Brothers Museum in Kittyhawk is very good.

 

[shortbun]

Another vote for Rodanthe!!!! Avon is a little further south and a little more developed.
We didn't like the mega development of the northern beach areas. Just our taste. I liked Ocracoke but we hated the greenhead flies there. It is fairly pristine and the beach is amazing!

 

[tubaman]

I don't go to an outerbank beach I go to one in the southern part of NC. Its called Oak Island, and we stay on Casewell(sp) Beach. My family has been goin there for thirty years and if you like a very laid back, not crowded beach it is great. It only has like three minigolf places in the surronding area, so that alone says it's small.

The mainland that it is connected by bridge to is Southport

A small, old town that has been used in a lot of movies. It is very historic and has many nice restruants.

Here are some good pictures

Here is some more info.

I know it isnt outer banks, but it is a wonderful area. PM me for more info.

This site has really good info and pictures.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Another vote for Rodanthe!!!! Avon is a little further south and a little more developed.
We didn't like the mega development of the northern beach areas. Just our taste. I liked Ocracoke but we hated the greenhead flies there. It is fairly pristine and the beach is amazing!

um yes the green heads are bad. My DD freaks when she sees a fly now and we have to explain it is just a normal house fly.

Bug spray works pretty well.

My friend went to Oak Island with her family recently and said it was nice. She also likes Emrald Ise I think it is.

 

[cristbaby]

A nice place that we go is Emeral Isle in NC. It is south of the Outer Banks. It is a lovely place with beautiful beaches and great restaurants. We go almost every year. And you can't beat the prices! Here is a link to a realtor:

www.emeraldislerealty.com

 

[MELSMICE]

Thanks for all the info & links. I'm thinking something pretty laid back, but possibly some shopping & nice places to get a good meal.

I'm also thinking more beach house instead of house with a pool.

I appreciate all the help - at least I have a place to start.

 

[tubaman]

Thanks for all the info & links. I'm thinking something pretty laid back, but possibly some shopping & nice places to get a good meal.

It sounds like you might enjoy the Southport area. But it isn't a OB island.

 

[Allie322]

We got back last Saturday from our first trip to the Outer Banks. I had posted on the CB for info and got a lot of great replies. (I can't find the thread right now.) It was a fantastic vacation. We rented a house in Corolla through Seaside Realty. The house was located in Ocean Sands and was about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach. We loved being able to take our dog to the beach with us. Very relaxing vacation yet still things to do...Jockey's Ridge, Wright Bros. Memorial. It really was a beautiful area and we can't wait to go back.

 

[HOGFAN]

Goodness, I had forgotten about the flies. Also the undertow was pretty bad.

 

[luvwinnie]

Are the flies around in May?