Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks, NC
Travelogue: Things to Do

Welcome to the Outer Banks Things to Do Travelogue - a moderated page where you can get the inside information on activities on the Outer Banks. Be sure to check out all of the Outer Banks Travelogues! 
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night life, places to go.
-- Charles Cannoy - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 15:54:47

Did anyone find a place to ride personal ATV's anywhere at the Outerbanks other than a guided tour. Are they completely banned from the beach?
-- Tanya Jones - Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 10:33:08

We are looking for somewhere special to stay foe our 25th wedding anniversaity. We were told this ould be that specialy place. Please give us some locations of things like horseback riding parsailing, anything. thanks suzanne
-- SUZANNE FRAKER - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 17:33:11

I'll be visiting Duck with my teenage daughters and wife this summer. I am interested in any fun activities that the whole family might enjoy. Does anyone know of any family nightly entertainment shows? Has anyone done the guided kayak eco-tours or the ATV outback tour in Corolla? Are they enjoyable and would you recommend them. Thanks for your help.
-- Dave Anderson - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 19:51:48

Can i ride my atv's on or somewhere within a half-hour of the outer banks in corolla? If so what are the regulations how much is a licsense?
-- Tyler Sims - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 09:18:27

what is there to do in the off Season in Avon NC? What is weather conditions
-- Cynthia Doherty - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 16:42:59

hello, what sports activities do you have, such as, dancing, skating, bowling, biking, hiking, swimming,& boating, etc....
-- Michele Lane - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 16:52:31

Are there any places to ride personal ATV's on the beaches and/or trails on the outer banks?. The quads are both registered and insured. Thank you
-- Scott Giroux - Monday, April 5, 2004 at 22:52:20

We are a family of 6 adults, 2 juveniles, 1 toddler and i dog. We are coming week of may 23rd, we are interested in nite life and entertainment, go carts and amusemtns parks for the kids. If you have any coupons we would be forever grateful. Thank You Anne Nacke
-- Anne Nacke - Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 15:07:06

we are a family of 6 adults, 2juveniles, 1 toddler and 1 dog. we are staying on the northern shores, of course the adults are looking for entertainment and nite life. And the children go carts, amusements etc. if you have any coupons available it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Anne Nacke 
-- Anne Nacke - Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 14:56:39

A good place for renting ATV's in Corolla is http://www.corollaoutback.com/
-- brigid hollywood  - Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 16:07:54
Editors Note: Thanks for the info, a lot of people have been asking.

my wife and i stayed in buxton on our honeymoon it was great we are going back with our son in the fall want to know where to rent boat and where to crab etc in maryland i use a trott line dont want to bring that though any info would be greatly appreciated thanks mike
-- mike davitt  - Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 10:37:09

We are looking for a stable that rents horses and has trails on the beach. Suggestions?
-- Dawn Bush  - Friday, March 12, 2004 at 13:17:59

i am planning a trip to the outer banks in july. july 3rd to be exact. we are staying in a beach house at rodanthe. i have two children one 12 and one 6.i would like to get information on outer banks activities and sights.
-- joni humbert  - Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 22:56:19

HI There! We have just booked a beach house in Corolla, NC. (the week of may 29th) The group we are staying with are in our mid-late twenties.. Any sugestions on things to do?I have been reading about horseback riding and 4 wheelers.. any suggestions on where exactly you go to rent those? Any info would help. Thanks!
-- Carolyn Maloney  - Monday, March 15, 2004 at 21:39:08

I just wanted to knoe of the things to do and how much they cost. I'll be staying in Avon with my family. We would like to rent a jet ski and other things like that but we want to know about how much everything will cost us.
-- Christina Riley  - Monday, March 1, 2004 at 14:26:38

I am a woman folk artist that paint folk art of the outer banks around cape lookout lighthouse, each one of my art paintings tell a true story about the outer banks, when i am not painting i am being a volunteer for the helpline of carteret c. Inc.we help the domestice v., rape c.etc.we help anywhere we are needed.
-- LILA STYRON - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 11:50:45
Reply

We enjoy 4-wheel driving, golfing, antique shopping, or just shopping in general. Would like to get names of companies that will take you beach 4-wheeling.
-- Terry O'Dell  - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 14:16:08

I am looking for a place to take my 13 year old son on an ATV trial. The ideal place would include a guided tour through a wooded area in SC,NC,GA,TN, or FL. He and I will need to rent all the required equipment (2-ATV's, safety equip, etc.) Most places advertising on the web require the drivers to be at least 16 years old with a drivers license. There must be a place that will let a 13 year old boy ride an ATV. 
-- Dexter Monroe  - Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 18:16:53

i'm looking for a boat dock in the area of corola to dock my boat. I'm also looking for thibngs to do during my June 6th to 12th 2004 stay in corola
-- john urbanski  - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 09:33:16

i was wondering if there are any places in Corola,NC where they have live bands, but not exactly a night club, preferably for yonger people 16-25 and how I find out who is playing. thanks
-- Lauren Conti  - Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 20:32:23

please help us find activities horseback ride, play golf, hike or anything else you have available.
-- tom sarneses  - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 21:54:08

I am looking for a great place to rent/ride horses in the Outer Banks. Preferably the Northern OBX
-- renee weiss  - Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 16:49:32

i am looking for things to do with my children in and near Salvo. my kids are from ages 1 yr old to 16 yrs. we usually stay in kitty hawk. we luv the outer banks !
-- debbie matthews  - Monday, August 18, 2003 at 12:52:24

We are going to Nags Head, NC in Aug. and would like to know if there is a place that we could ride our ATV's at?
-- Lisa Marshall  - Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 12:46:16

Myself and my family are going to Duck NC We were looking forward to riding our atv's now i heard there is no place to ride .i would love to know where a husband ,wife and two children can enjoy riding our atv's? Thanks vince m [disappointed]
-- vincent marsero - Friday, August 1, 2003 at 17:18:44

My family and I will be vacationing in Coralla the first week in August we are intrested in renting Dune Buggies for some four wheeling any suggestions?
-- Brande Baer - Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at 10:49:55

Are you allowed to ride atv on the beach, if so where, and is camping allowed on the beach?
-- LINDA MCKEE  - Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 13:18:31

we want to surf and only have 3 days. campgrounds or cheap rentals only.
-- kim johnston - Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 09:44:47

Will be coming to the Outer Banks with my Grandson, 6 years old, and would love to do some crabbing. How do I worl it out?
-- Ron Hargett - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 15:16:53

Hello...I will be vacationing in the Frisco area in August with my mother and sister. My sister and I both own Jeeps and we were wondering if anyone knows of some off-road trails in the area. I know driving on the beach is an option, but I was just interested in seeing if there is something else available in the area. If not, driving on the beach will be just as fun! Thank you!
-- Robyn Gerstenslager  - Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at 13:11:24

I'm 16 years old and this will be my 13th year visitng the outer banks. I love the outerbanks and everything from the beach to the lighthouses. The last time I went I wasn't a teenager yet, and now I'm taking my 2 best guy friends with me, I really want to entertain them so it wont be boring, I was just wondering if there is anything cool to do down there for teenagers (ages 16-17) in November? I know you can't really swim because it is way to cold. If anyone has any ideas please feelfreeto e-mail me it would help me a lot. Thanks!
-- Courty M.  - Monday, July 7, 2003 at 01:57:10

I need to know of a place to go horseback riding with my girlfriend.
-- Brent johnson  - Sunday, July 6, 2003 at 22:34:17

My family (6 adults) are planning a vacation sometime during 1-7 Sept 03. We hope to include in our trip some of the following in the Outer Banks area: ocean fish (charter?), Sea Doo(we own), 4 wheel(we own but may wish to rent), kayak and other exciting things (land, air or water). All information is welcome on prices, best places, etc. If the trip extends overnight the possibility of places allowing small dogs would be greatly appreciated. Two individuals in the group are vegetarians. Places to eat which can satisfy vegetarians, seafoods lovers and meat and potatos men all in one would be a lifesaver. -Thanks
-- Heather Sharpless  - Wednesday, July 2, 2003 at 14:10:24

can i frolick with dolphins? if not will i see any? can i go horseback riding? 
-- kim phillips - Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 19:39:36

Want to bring my atv to ride on beach. Is there any place in Outer Banks to ride.
-- Darrell Blankenship - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 23:18:29

Almost four and a half years ago, I met a man, he was Tall and Funny, Handsome and smart, and he liked the Grateful Dead. Perfect I thought! And then he asked me if I wanted to take a weekend trip to the Outerbanks... I thought, wait a minute I just met you, but I went anyway. It was October, and the weather was perfect. We spent 2 days driving up the coast, taking ferry's to new islands, visiting the light houses. We stayed on Okracoke , and ate at Howards Pub...man the crabs were awesome, and they had a great Blues band. I fell in love with my husband that weekend. The Outerbanks will always hold a special place in my heart. We are coming back to the banks this summer, and we are bringing our new baby girl, I can't wait to let her play in the sand, and watch the sun set!
-- English Tuttle  - Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at 12:45:23

We are interested in finding out if there are day spas in the area.....also, any suggestion for seafood dining? Thanks 
-- lori cooper  - Thursday, June 5, 2003 at 22:43:29

My family and i are looking for a place to camp or cottage type rentals where we can ride 4 wheelers.
-- SMALL LARRY  - Monday, June 2, 2003 at 11:06:46

Looking for oceanfront house/condo with pool for the week of August 1-8.Possibly dog friendly.
-- Stephanie Dulaney - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 15:48:35

This will be my first time visiting the outter banks and from what my parents tell me most of what everyone does is fish and i like to fish but not for a whole week. I was just woundering what there is to do for teenagers?? we are going to be visiting around the week before school starts. Oh yeah has anyone heard of sonflower house? because that is where we might stay. thanks again i hope to get more information but if you have any answers for me please e-mail me Again thanks alot ( Amanda from maryland )
-- Amanda (AmandaB718) - Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 11:29:27

We stayed in Corolla two years ago. Wild horses were in the back yard everyday of the beach house we rented. Also a magnificent view of the dolphins each day and stars at night as we relaxed on the deck. We did take ATV's but never got to ride them. Anywhere to ride ATV's or horses?
-- luann tate  - Friday, May 16, 2003 at 11:04:39

My boyfriend and I are looking for a place to fish and ride our ATV(4 wheeler)..is there anyplace among the islands where we can do this and camp too..Thanks and HAVE A GREAT WEEK! Wendy
-- wendy gupton  - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 22:03:15

I went to OBX in April 2000 and have been dreaming about going back ever since. I'm going to be there May 24-31 2003 with my boyfriend and I would love some suggestions for fun things to do. We'd like to try hang-gliding, but any other adventurous or romantic suggestions would be wonderful! 13 days and counting! :)
-- Sandra Ayers  - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 13:20:33

I am looking for places at the beach to ride atv's. 
-- JAMES Harper III  - Friday, April 18, 2003 at 11:48:43

Things to do and Hotels to stay at
-- Terri Fisher  - Monday, April 14, 2003 at 16:41:15

I am going to the Outer Banks on April 18th and I would love to go horseback riding. We are staying in Duck. Are there any horseback riding stables near Duck, preferably a place where we can go riding on the beach? 
-- Megan Holt  - Sunday, April 6, 2003 at 17:49:54

we were at the outer banks last year and visited ocracoke but feel as though we misses out on a lot....thanks so much for your help with lodging, restaurants, etc... p mayes
-- pat mayes  - Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 18:09:44

Some friends and are coming down to the beach either in May or June. We want to bring our ATV's, but we don't know where or when you can ride. 
-- Alli Barfield  - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 15:03:04

I'm planning my 2nd wedding anniversary for the Outer Banks. I would like to hear suggestions on places to eat and lodge. If you can fill be in on small, intimate, authentic and perhaps rustic and casual seafood eateries that would be great. Also looking to stay on beach in Nags Head/Roanoke Island something like that. Preferably with hot tub and few people around. Any thoughts?
-- Rebecca Langham  - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 18:06:21

My husband and some friends are looking to go week of 9/13/03. We want to bring our ATVs. Any suggestions on where we could ride them? We plan on getting a house in Corolla.
-- Sonia Woolf - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 13:32:11

Planning a trip the first full week of April and there will be 3 adults and 2 teenagers in the group and would like to know the types of shopping and beach activities there is to do. Is there any amusement parks in the area? Any boating excursions and how much. thank you
-- Robin Berndt  - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 11:55:50

We are going to the outer banks end of May . Two families with children the ages 8-13. Besides total relaxation, what points of interest or fun events can we look for. Thanks, Lisa
-- Lisa Radomile  - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 06:40:35

Looking for a house on the beach with pool, hot tub for the 1st week of June 2003. Need one for six adults, five children. Been there before. Wonderful time.
-- joyce blackston  - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 12:43:34

I am interested in visiting the Outer Banks. I am being told there is nothing to do there for children and no boardwalks. I don't care about the boardwalks but can you tell me what there is to do for kids and Adults at night?
-- Tracy Richardson  - Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 14:28:01

We are planning a trip to the Outer Banks in October. My friend and I own ATV's and would like to know if we can ride on any of the beaches there. If so, where?
-- Mike Martin - Tuesday, October 1, 2002 at 21:31:32

I'm looking for some information about the use of a ATV on the beach. Im not looking to rent one, but to bring my own. Any info would be helpful Thanks you
-- joe  - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 22:34:57

Wanting to windsurf (soundside) this late spring. Anybody renting one of those great sound front houses and interested in sharing costs? I'm 40, easy going, into lots of sailing and having fun.
R. Blake  -- 3/10/01

I'm 26 years old, and I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice. Me and three of my friends are planning to go to Myrtle Beach for a thursday thru sunday trip. We will probably go anywhere from March 15,2001 to April 15,2001. We are all looking to play 5 rounds of awesome golf, visit the hottest night clubs, and get a hotel room close to the beaches. We don't know when the spring break crowd fills up the beaches, but we would like to find out. We would apreciate any response, THANK YOU ALL.
-- Jon Hollifield  1/28/2001

Hi, we are planning an early June trip, we are staying in Duck and need info on regulations, places to ride and things to watch out for. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, 
--  1/24/2001

We vacationed the OBX 5/21 - 5/29/99. Stayed at the Inn at Corolla Light 3 days to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. They had a bottle of champagne on ice waiting in our room when we got there along with a card. It was a nice touch. Our anniversary was actually 2 days later and our daughter surprised us with a wine basket waiting in our room when we got back that evening. We fixed steaks on the grill and relaxed. You could say we were well wined and dined. We were disappointed that the pool was still closed on the Inn premises. We were not advised that it would be. An indoor pool was available to drive to or take the trolley, but we declined that option. Whatever you do if you stay there, don't take a room in the pedestrian traffic zone. Room was gloomy and poorly lit. They had a great complimentary breakfast layout, which was good because if you didn't eat it there or fix it in your room it was hard to find. We had the most fun discovering that our 4WD drive Mazda MPV Van was fully capable of negotiating the beach and we drove 9 miles north at the surf's edge. It was exhilarating. There are homes on the beach only accessible by beach - no roads. We had hoped to see the wild horses, but didn't. We had picnicked on the beach the day before, but the flies were so vicious they bit right through the insect repellant. We found Corolla a bit too separated from everything for our tastes. Don't miss the Currituck lighthouse, the view was incredible and worth the 214 steps it took to get there. The best place we found to eat at that end of the Outerbanks was a newly opened place called Qwackers at Duck. The Duck Seafood Buffet was scheduled to open the following Wednesday ($22.95 for adults). Qwackers was more reasonable and located in the same building. We were treated to a beautiful sunset on the sound following a thunderstorm that occurred while we were eating. It was breathtaking. We also ate at Fishbones in Duck. We highly recommend the Clam Chowder (get a bowl), but NOT the HOT CRAB DIP. What an awful thing to do to good crabmeat and it was served with garlic bread of all things. We stayed at The Sea Oatel on the beach in Nags Head for two days. Great view of the Atlantic. There was a sandstorm going when we arrived that built dunes on our 3rd floor balcony though and sand blew into everything. Following day was gorgeous and we visited the Elizabeth II a replica of a sailing ship. We ate at the Wharf, a very popular seafood buffet, which is everything it's claimed to be ($17.95 for all you can eat). Get there early and wait for the door to open. Otherwise there will be long wait. It was empty when we went in and packed when we left. The Grits and Grill was good for breakfast. We also liked the shopping opportunities around Nags Head. We left the motel curtains and balcony door open all night the second night so we could hear and see the breakers. Awoke the next morning to see several porpoises feeding just offshore. Stopped to see the Hatteras Light House. It hasn't moved from its original location but a roadbed is being prepared for its move later in June. Picture taking not good because of all the construction machinery. Stayed two nights at the Pony Inn on Ocracoke. Very nice. Captain' Ben's is right next door and had wonderful food. Took our "dune buggy" (Mazda MPV) for a spin on the beach again. Visited the Ocracoke Lighthouse, which was interesting. The shops are fun and don't miss the museum next to the ferry landing. Unless you are going fishing or to the beach that's about it for Ocracoke - 40 minute ferry one way and 2 1/4 hours on the Cedar Island Ferry going the other way. The "wild" ponies are in a pen on the highway going into Ocracoke Wanted to visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse, but cost was prohibitive. You have to take a ferry and I believe it was $20.00 per person. $65.00 to take your 4WD. Bought postcards instead from The National Park Service's beautiful facility. We picnicked and watch boats go by. Spent the last two nights at the Homestay Motel in Wilmington. Best room yet and very reasonable. Pool was beautiful and the ocean warmer. Visited the newly remodeled NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Would you believe they have a petting zoo of sea creatures. There were several species of crabs including Hermit & Horseshoe crabs that kids could pick up (with supervision). We enjoyed that as much as the kids. Tried to go to Wrightsville Beach. No places to park so worked our way back out. People were walking miles to get to the beach. It was the complete opposite of Corolla. We went back to the pool at the motel. Ate at Sticky Fingers BBQ. Ribs were delicious.
-- Linda M Young  submitted 6/4/1999

Oh, the Outer Banks... dream of my heart all year long! Favorite things to do? Roll down the dunes at Jockey Ridge. Ocean, ocean, ocean. Star gazing from the hot tub every night. Black Pelican, yum. Shop in Duck. Mosh with the tourists in one of the many all-you-can-eat seafood buffets at 5:00 pm. Castle-building at low tide. Swim for the opposite shore! Parasail as often as possible.... Heaven on earth?
-- Holly  submitted 5/18/1999

4/25/99 We have been vacationing at the OBX, for approx. 25 years. I have experienced it as a child and now my husband and I take our children there. We love it. It is definately a family oriented place to visit. Some of the great places to eat while there would be: Awful Arthurs, Tale of The Whale, Tortuga's Lie. Actually, there aren't that many places that we don't enjoy. Get there earlier and on check out day, leave early, like at 6am to avoid all of the traffic leaving at the same time. A great place to visit at night would be the Funny Farm at the Carolinian Hotel. Don't miss the Oregon Inlet, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Unfortunately this year the acquarium is under renovation and the Hatteras Lighthouse is being moved, but put those on for next years visit. We usually like to go over the 4th of July, but this year we'll be done there the 3rd week of June. HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL VACATION AT THE OUTER BANKS Carla 
-- Carla Regginello  submitted 4/25/1999

Okay, there are certain places you have to go for certain things to eat on the Outer Banks. HURRICANE MO'S for the best steamed oysters ever (beer and wine only)! CAPT'N FRANKS for the best hot dogs! CLARA'S for the absolute best ever she-crab soup! DAIRY MART for the best hamburger you will ever put in your mouth (outside dining only!) ELIZABETH'S CAFE all around yummy! For great tuna taco's, it's gotta be GOOMBAY'S. JOHN'S DRIVE IN for tuna boats with fried okra and don't forget the peanut butter milkshakes (outside dining only!) THE OASIS: you have to go get the BELLRINGERS! Raw oyster on a saltine cracker with horseradish, hot sauce and a jalapeno; a buck a piece. Your nasal passages will be clear for weeks. My record is six. If Mark makes them; I can only do three. THAI ROOM for the sauteed soft shells. We lived on the Outer Banks for nearly 10 years but go back at least twice a year. Just got back from our 11 days during Easter 99. Had a wonde! rful time
-- B&J  submitted 4/16/1999

My wife, daughter (7 years old), and I vacationed in the Outer Banks from 3/13/1999 through 3/19/1999 and had a great time... We stayed at the Barrier Island Station in Duck; we loved the location and the easy access to the beach, but our unit was very poorly maintained and needed serious work. We would give a thumbs up to the following activities: Jockey's Ridge (especially kite flying), fishing in the Sound for Striper Bass, the Wright Brothers Museum, shelling and watching the sunrise on the beach, going to the Christmas Shop and Jeannene's Cat House in Manteo, visiting the Elizabeth II and the Roanoke Festival Island, putt-putt, and, of course, seeing the lighthouses. My daughter and I preferred the Bodie Island lighthouse; my wife liked Currituck best. Hatteras was interesting with all of the construction efforts. We'd only give a thumbs down to 2 activities: the trip to Ocracoke was very disappointing - I think our expectations were too high - and looking for ghost crabs at night on the beach. I felt like we were hunting for snipe...maybe it was too cold?
Our big vacation activity seems to be eating... Thumbs up to: Stack 'em High (breakfast), Fish Market (best tuna and fried oysters; the place looks like a dump, but the food was terrific), Owen's (simply wonderful), Black Pelican (great seafood), Jeannette's Pier (great view!), Lone Cedar Grill, the Seamark Coffee Bar, Big Al's (super tuna melts), and Argyles Cafe (upscale food in a casual, friendly environment; superb Bloody Marys; unbelievable deserts). Thumbs in the middle to: Mako Mike's, Fishbones, and Bob's Grill (breakfast). Thumbs down to: Weeping Radish (Manteo; a terrible attempt at German food), RV's (a huge disappointment), and Howard's Pub in Ocracoke (pitiful service, mediocre food, another huge disappointment). It was very hard for us to get used to restaurants that did not offer non-smoking sections. We had an especially disappointing trip to Awful Arthur's where they wanted to seat us at a table by the extremely smoky bar next to a table with a cigar smoker; I made us leave before we even sat down. We've been spoiled in Cincinnati where I believe it's a law to offer non-smoking sections...
We found plenty of things to do during the week, but you could definitely tell that it was off-season. Many restaurants and shops were closed - some contrary to the information found in the Insider's Guide to the Outer Banks. All of the fishing piers were closed - including Avalon which was supposed to be open. An extremely nice captain told us not to take any fishing charters into the Ocean - the fish just weren't there yet. Ben Franklin's opened up our last day and was great for getting souveneirs. Judging from the tourist spots and restaurants, it seems like there were more vacationers than they expected this time of year...
All of the locals that we encountered were extremely helpful and friendly - especially Captain Banks Meredith who put up with 3 fishing novices on a small boat and the crew at Argyles who made us feel like regulars within 5 minutes.
We loved our trip and hope to return In Season within the next few years. Several locals told us that September is the perfect time for a trip to the Outer Banks; it's still warm, everything is still running, and the crowds have thinned.
Bruce McGeorge 
-- McGeorge, Bruce (CAP, CFS)"  submitted 3/22/1999

Hello all, We've been coming to the Outer Banks since 1993 with the only regret being that I didn't act on my first urges to visit here 25 years ago! For those of you coming here, just a few things to help you enjoy your visit
First, RELAX!! and don't be afraid to just come here and do nothing more than sit on one of the beautiful beaches here and watch the waves. The farther south down route 12 that you go from Nags Head, the more laid back the pace. So if you're looking for exotic night life than maybe this ISN'T place to go to. There are some great restaurants just about anywhere along the length of the Outer Banks however. And many have a bar or lounge to relax in and have a few drinks.
Second, don't be surprised at the change that comes over your kids! My oldest son is in high school and you can literally see the stress drain from his face the minute we hit the Wright memorial bridge! With the chance for them to "just be kids" again you'll be amazed. And don't be surprised if you grow a new generation of Outer Banks lovers while you're at it.
Probably the most important thing. GO WITH THE FLOW! The people who live here have the patience of Job to put up with all of us tourists. They not only seem to put up with us, most of the residents here will go out of their way to help or to give a recommendation for a good restaurant or place to go. Hey, there are cranky folks in all walks of life and you'll probably bump into one or two here, but that is the exception. The pace is slower here, tap into that and remember, you're on VACATION.
Now for things to do, I recommend highly the National parks programs given in season at the various lighthouses and other locations along the seashore. Pick up a copy of the seashores newsletter when you arrive, you can find it at the visitors center as you enter the seashore just past Whalebone junction or in other locations. It gives a great headsup on whats going on. The programs are free and a great way to learn about the area. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is supposed to be moved this year (1999) so I believe its closed, but the area around the lighthouse itself is supposed to be open as much as possible. As for the rest, walk the beach, drive (slowly) along some of the back roads and just poke around to your hearts content. Watch your speed on Rt 12, those signs are not just for decoration. And be VERY wary of where you pull over in the seashore areas to go watch the water. Those soft shoulders keep the tow truck guys in business!
Where to stay? Good question, there are accomodations for any budget and any taste. Check the websites, read some of the experiences here (and remember, you're NOT staying at the Hilton so things can be a little more rustic at times) We've stayed in Buxton at the Lighthouse view since we started vacationing here and have always enjoyed it. It costs a few dollars, but we've never had a problem that wasn't taken care of quickly and with a smile. Make sure your questions are answered regarding refunding of deposits or rates because of Hurricane evacuations, not all places refund your money in case you're ordered off!
And the last thing. These islands are probably the most beautiful places on Earth. You can walk the seashore for miles sometimes and not see a soul. It also means that if you get in trouble in the water, you can be on your own for a while. Check with the hotel or cottage rental places which beaches are lifeguarded and those red flags mean just that.STAY OUT OF the WATER. The currents can be strong and the power of the waves more than you've experienced elsewhere. Keep an eye on the young ones! Leave nothing but footprints, treat the islands with respect and yep, you'll be hooked just like we were.
Don 
-- Anonymous submitted 2/09/1999

3DMy family and I have been comming to the outerbanks for over twenty years. My wife used to come here as a child and teenager. It was really primative back then.=20 We started out going to NagsHead but moved further south to Hatteras. Along the way we picked up more family and friends to vacation with us. We now have about 8 or 9 families that know each other or are related in some way renting a house on the beach in Hateras Village the same week each year. We have a blast and love it there. We always rent from Middget reality. They are have always been great to deal with and their houses have always been clean and well kept. One of the group that rents with us had a problem this year with his refrigerator. They quickly got him a temporary replacement and helped him find a super house for this comming year.=20 The Channel Bass is the best kept secret in town. The seafood sampler appetizer and soft shell crabs are out of this world and the Haterras style clam chowder is my favorite. Bubba's Barbecue is a must at least twice for the week as is the Hatterasman drive inn which is run by two little old ladies and is only open from about 11:30 till 3:00 each day for lunch. Oster sandwiches, burgers, fries, and old fashion milk shakes Hmmm. Billy's Fish House is also a good choice. We have a great time at the beach, boogie boarding and body suffing. We also set up a volleyball net. One of the group brings down a couple of wave runners and we all take turns. They put them in at Teaches marina and run them out the inlet and up the coast, to the beach were we are all hanging out. It's quite a site. This past year we decided to extend our one week stay by booking a room for two days at the new Holiday Inn next to the ferry. That worked well and was a lot of fun. This year I think I am going to stay two days in the Nags Head area then travel south for my week in Hatteras. =20
-- 3DGeorge Strycker  submitted 2/09/1999

My husband, twins and myself have been visiting Nags Head twice a year since 1995. Since we have always been on a tight budget, we found a wonderful little place at milepost 16.5 called The Dolphin Motel. This is on the ocean, and we get an efficiency for a great price. Diane and Phil, the proprietors have become good friends and we have met several families who vacation the same week we do each year (around July 4). The first year, 1995, we were run out of town by Hurricaine Felix (who didn't have the nerve to show his face, afterall) but we kept coming back. The Dolphin reasonable, clean, accessible to many area restaurants and shops. All four of us have our favorite restaurant: My husband - Carolina Seafood. The food is excellent!! Mine is The Fisherman's Wharf in Wanchese - out of the way but great. My son's is RV's also great food and my daughter... Burger King! Just kidding, but she does like those whoppers. We have visited all the lighthouses, taken the ferry to Ocracoke and back, climbed jockey's ridge, seen the Wright brother's museum. My favorite gift shop is the Shipwreck which is located on the Manteo Causeway. We also took an evening cruise on the Crystal Dawn. Nags Head is heaven on earth, no doubt about it. 1/15/99
-- Debbie Bush  submitted 2/09/1999

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