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Outer Banks, NC
Travelogue: Restaurants
From Nags Head North Including Manteo
Welcome to the Outer Banks Restaurants from Nags head North Travelogue
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I would suggest Basnights Lone Cedar Cafe on the Manteo Causeway
-- Douglas Anderson - Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 17:46:43
Please help me find a good but reasonable seafood buffet in the Nags
Head -Kill Devil Hills area. Thank you
-- valerie mcquate - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 16:50:15
There is about 15 adults and 10 kids coming to the outer banks. I'm
sorry to say that we have never visited your beautiful coast. I would
like to know of some resturants and places to go while we are there.
Also if you can send me some coupons for these resturants would be
great. We love to eat at new places, or where I can get coupons. We are
renting a house for 7 days the middle of June. We can't wait to visit.
I'm hoping they will love it so that they will want to come back,
instead of going to Myrlte Beach every time. Thank you so much Billie
Greene
-- billie greene - Saturday, March 13, 2004 at 11:14:59
My wife and I have been vacationing on the Outerbanks for the past
ten years. We have frequented many restaurants and have found two spots
to always be fabulous! The Windmill Restaurant in Nags Head and JK's
Steakhouse in Kitty Hawk. Both restaurants are casual fine dining
establishments. The Windmill has the best salmon in OBX. JK's has the
best steaks and a great wine list.
-- Mike Woerner - Friday, December 26, 2003 at 15:31:38
I grew up in Va. Beach and started coming to the Outer Banks in
1969. After more than 30 years, my wife and I still spend 3 – 4 weeks a
year in the summer and fall cruising the beaches from Ocracoke to
Corova. I am of the opinion that if you travel in an area where
tourists visit year round, you need to find the places that the locals
frequent to enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price. It’s the same when
I travel for work. If I see a County or State Police patrol car parked
outside an eatery along the road or in a small town, it’s almost a
guarantee that I can get a good meal where I might not have stopped at
all. Over the years, I have eaten in a lot of places on the Outer
Banks, everything from the “family buffets” to the expensive “fine
dining” while always looking for that good local restaurant. A couple
of years ago, a friend who lives in Kitty Hawk took my wife and I to
The Harbor Grill in Colington for dinner. Well, he turned out to be my
local patrol car. Although The Grill (as the locals call it) may have
been a little smaller than some of the factory restaurants on the main
road, we had finally found a restaurant with a very pleasant and
neighborly atmosphere that served great food. Whether we are passing
through or staying in the area, it has become our favorite eatery at
the beach. (I ate there last week after drum fishing in Buxton – a bowl
of chowder and the marinated grilled chicken – both were superb). Let
me say that by now we have tried just about everything on the menu from
steak, seafood, chicken, pasta and probably most of their specials. You
have my assurance it’s all very good. You get generous portions with
reasonable prices and a friendly and helpful wait staff. The Harbor
Grill is best known for their seafood chowder – winner of the Peoples
Choice Award and trust me on this – that award is well deserved. Also,
when available, try the coconut shrimp appetizer. It comes in a coconut
rum sauce and is my all time favorite. They have a variety of nightly
specials and homemade desserts that the chef prepares (from what I can
gather, I think she use to cook at an embassy in D.C.). It never seems
to fail that each time we stop in, there is something new and even more
important, very tasty on the specials board. I highly recommend The
Grill for its excellent food and friendly dining experience and do
yourself a favor, save room for dessert.
-- Oaul Miller - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 19:36:02
I have been comming to the outer banks for over 30 years to vacation
and love it. On my most recent visit i had the most amazing meal at a
new restaurant called meridian 42. I have been home now for a week and
i am still dreaming of the crab bruschetta with thyme butter, fresh
tomatos and baby arugula. I also had the pinenut encrusted tuna with
caramelized apple, bacon and brie ravioli, grilled onion salad with
balsamic syrup and truffle oil. The restaurant it self is beautiful.
Nicely decorated with rich medeterainian colors, dark teak tabels and
chairs and an open kitchen where you can watch the chef prepare your
meal. I so much enjoyed this place! I can't say enough about it. It is
a must do on the outer banks. And as always the fish sandwiches and
shakes at john's were awesome! Untill next year... Rob peery
charlottesville va.
-- maureen hegarty - Sunday, September 7, 2003 at 19:54:58
I agree the Howards Pub was nothing special. It has great
atomosphere, but we went there for an early dinner last week, and the
server was absolutley miserable. The hostess who showed us to our table
was also miserable. On the menu they boast about their incredible crab
cakes. They are the worst I have ever had. I am not even sure they put
crab meat in them. The best are Timbuktu in Hanover Md. Nothing but
Crab. Anyway there were 7 of us in our party, and we all agreed that
the food was just ok and nothing special. Would not eat there again.
The other thing is that you cannot get a coctail or mixed drink there.
Only beer.
-- Steve G - Friday, August 1, 2003 at 10:31:18
We have only been to the Outer Banks the last two years, and so far we
have yet to find a good restaraunt. We decided NEVER to eat at another
buffett, because the few we tried were awful. Jimmy's and George's
Junction had poor quality food, and we were very dissapointed.
Especially Jimmy's. If you didn't get the crab claws, the selection was
bad. And to serve clams casino on aluminum foil shaped like a clam, is
pretty tacky. Stack M' high pancakes was a strange set up. It is more
of an assembly line than a restaraunt. The people working there are
very nice, but we didnt like the way you order in line and then sit
down and wait for your food.
-- Steve G - Friday, August 1, 2003 at 10:25:32
Ate for the first time at New York Pizza Pub in Nags Head. We were
totally impressed! Real family atmosphere. The service was excellent
and food was terrific. Definitely a taste of New York. (No other pizza
compares! but this was the real deal) We also went for dinner and the
steaks were delicious as was the shrimp alfredo that I had. Overall a
wonderful experience. I will recomment this to everyone I know who
visits the Outer Banks area.
-- Lynn Egan - Friday, July 25, 2003 at 18:08:29
Need recommendation for top-notch restaurant on Outer Banks in July.
Family reunion (12 people (2 babies)) celebrating a number of very
special occasions and want to have dinner 1 night we're there at a
really special place (tried 1587 but they can't accomodate party of 12
unless 2 tables of 6 each in bar area which won't do). HELP!!
-- E. Brett - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 09:01:54
We have going to Nags Head for the past 25 years and have finally
made the plunge to build a house there. My very favorite restaurant of
all time is The Harbor Grill on Colington Island. I have never had
anything there I did not like. The chef does wonderful specials and to
have the waitress describe them is just as good. I promise this is
worth the drive down that little narrow windy road to Colington. A
beautiful area off the beaten path.
-- Laurie Seal - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 17:14:10
Just returned from our first trip to the Outer Banks. It was a
wonderful trip. Restaurants were, overall, pretty good. My opinions:
- Lone Cedar (on causeway to Manteo) - Expensive, a little plain. Great
service
- Rundown (MP2) - Great food, great service. We ate there for lunch and
dinner and had great experiences both times. Very caring about the
kids.
- Owens (MP16?) - Great seafood. Cheese (for crackers) appeared to be
cheeze-whiz. Pricey. Poor beer selection.
- Pizzazz Pizza (Duck) - Great pizza and fast service.
-- Richard Morgan - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 23:06:29
We have been coming to Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head for years and
our all time favorite restaurant is the Seafood Buffet at THE WHARF,
near the 12 mile post on the Beach road in Nags Head. There is a huge
selection on the buffet and all are Great ! ! No surprise that the
Fried Shrimp, Steamed Shrimp and the Fried Flounder are excellent, but
so is everything else -- example: the pork barbeque is as good as any I
have ever sampled anywhere -- and I have had plenty ! There is nothing
on the buffet that isn't absolutely first rate! The price is very
affordable. We find that our budget permits us to eat at The Wharf
three times during our visit compared to only two times at any of the
many other seafood buffets. Sure there is always a long line but you
know it moves pretty fast because they seem to keep the buffet stocked
high from op0ening until closing, and there is not the distraction or
delay occasioned by the ordering, preparation and consumption of
alcoholic beverages or aperitifs. Once you are inside it's all about
eating as much as you want of the best food that we have found in the
Outer Banks. Enjoy!
-- Jerry Greene 3/10/2001
06/22/99 My family and I just got back from our first trip to the Outer
Banks. We had a good time and plan to go back again next year. I
would've said we had a great time, but it was in the sixties and rained
most of the week. We stayed in Southern Shores and had a nice house on
the beach. We hit most of the "tourist spots" on the trip and found
most of them worthwhile. For anyone really interested in nature, I
would definitely recommend visiting Nags Head Woods (but wear plenty of
bug spray). It was really neat. I also went to Pea Island but the
biting flies were just too much (even with a ton of bug spray). It
would probably be great at any time of the year but summer. We were
looking forward to the Elizabethan Gardens, but were disappointed. Very
little was in bloom, I guess we maybe went at a bad time of the year.
We ate at Tortuga's Lie and Rundown Cafe based upon recommendations
listed here. My wife was a little tentative at first, (she is usually
reluctant to try any different types of foods). We were both very
impressed with both places. The food, prices, and atmosphere were
great. I personally am not into those plain old boring family style
restaurants. We also had our one and a half year old daughter with us,
so we didn't want to try any place too fancy. I would recommend the
coco loco chicken at Tortuga's and the Rundown soup and Jerk chicken
were great at Rundown cafe. We also ate at Bad Barracuda's - I would
rate this place average at best for food and about the same for
service. Mako Mike's was our last stop for dinner. It was decorated
really neat, (propellors for fans, bright colors, etc.), and the food
was decent, but not great. I would recommend this place to someone who
wants a general steak, burger, pizza, pasta place or to anyone who has
kids. As I said we had a good time overall and are planning on going
back next year (with hopefully more sun).
-- Chris Felton submitted 6/22/1999
My family and I have been vacationing at Nags Head and the Outer
Banks for over 20 years. We have always been very pleased with the Sea
Foam Motel at mile post 16.5 on the beach road. The accomodations are
always excellent, and the staff there is friendly and helpful. It is
nice just being able to step out the back door of your room right on to
the beach. We just returned from there (June 1999) and once again were
very happy with our trip. We also enjoy dining at the Oasis on the
Manteo causeway. The food, service and atmosphere is great.
-- Barb Fox submitted 6/14/1999
Hi! I am a 13 year old girl from PA, and I have been to nags head
every year of my life. (since befor I was one!) One of the best
resturants I have been to is Kokomo Joes. It's real small,but the food
is great and there is live intertainment. We will always be sure to
make a stop there.
-- Elyse Dzemyan submitted 6/9/1999
June 8, 1999 The OBX is like a second home to me...I've been there
at least 2x a year for 23 years (I'm 23 yrs. old). I consider myself
loyal to the culture of Nags Head/Hatteras. So, if you want to stay
true as well to the personality of the OBX you must go to Sam and
Omie's. It's across from Jennette's Pier between MP 16 & 17. The
atmosphere is very "cool" ... the decor is simple, yet "neat" ... the
food is awesome (soft-shell crab sandwiches are the best things
ever)... and last, but not least ... the ladies and gentlemen that
serve you are friendly and down to earth. I've eaten at many places
over the years, both at the beach and elsewhere ... Sam and Omie's is
still my all time favorite.
-- Deanna Estes submitted 6/8/1999
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
We have been vacationing the OB for the last 5-6 years. the best.
Got all the best places to eat down--let us suggest The Mad Crabber in
Avon, and The Wharf @ MP 9 1/2 up Kill Devil Hills way. A must for us
each year. We got married this year at the Wright Brothers National
Monument. Stayed at our usual location--Rodanthe. We like being in the
middle of it all---half way between Hatteras and Nags Head. Ocracoke is
a fun day trip. Rented a plane for a few hours and flew the Banks.
Totally scenic. I offered to take the witnesses that we grabbed for our
wedding up for a ride. They loved it. Landed at Hatteras Mitchell and
First Flght. Flight originated from Dare Co. Munic. Anybody want to
know Pro's and Con's of the banks...dont' hesitate to e-mail. We've got
it down pat!
-- Todd & Renee Fox submitted 5/19/1999
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
I LOVE OBX!!! My family and friends, about 12 of us at times, have
been going there since my cousin was a baby and she is now 32. So
obviously, it's a mainstay. I am 25 and have been going since I was 12.
I now live in Florida and still fly home everyone summer to go to "the
Beach". People down here just don't understand that. Favorite things
for us to do is lay on the beach all day with a beverage and then dance
and play games all night. We have many favorite restaurants, here are
some ideas: Kelly's- great food and OK atmosphere. Great She-Crab soup.
Good music in the bar. Owens - the best place to eat. Tale of the Whale
- Great She-crab soup and tuna bites. very nice jewerly in the
entrance. The owners are friends of the family as well. A tradition of
ours is to get up and see a sunrise. It's early but well worth it. The
Outer Banks is a great place to visit. It is wonderful for family
vacations. Please write back with your favorites!!!! 4/9/99
-- Amber Light submitted 4/9/1999
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
Can anyone tell me some good restaurants to try? I've been to Kellys,
Sam and Omies, Owens, Kitty Hawk Pizza, Duck Deli, Dare Devils
Pizza,and Big Als. They were all good. We would like to know some new
places to stay too.We stayed at Yankee Doodle Dune in Corolla, Seas The
Day in Ocean Hill, Seadunes in Kitty Hawk,The Ridges in Nags Head to
name a few. All of these places were very nice.Thanks.
-- Luke (Adder) submitted 3/15/1999
My family of 6 have been visiting the outerbanks for years. We
normally try to avoid long waiting lines having four children but we
had heard so many good things about the wharf restaurant we thought we
would give it a try. We got there around 6 and were told the wait would
be about 45 minutes. The temp outside was in the low 90 uncomfortable
outside to say the least. Outside is where we waited for two hours.
Upon finally getting in they sat the 6 of us at a table that would have
been tight for 4 people. Our waiter was James who was very friendly and
attentive. The service and the food was excellent. But waiting in the
heat and being crammed like sardines into a tiny table were not worth
the wait. Our next night we (against my better judgement) ate at
another buffet called GEORGES JUNCTION. We got there at about 6 also.
We were pleased to be welcomed into a Huge air conditioned lobby. My
wife and I sat in a Plush couch and watched a program on one of the
many Huge screen televisions. Our children retired to the game room to
entertain themselves. There is also a tower that overlooks the ocean
which they enjoyed while we waited. The wait was so pleasant I really
cannot tell you how long we waited but it was definately less than 2
hours. When we were seated it was at a table that would comfortably
seat 8. Our waiter was Ben the fastest talking friendliest guy we know.
He was also very attentive. The restaurant is huge. WoW!! They can seat
so many more people than the Wharf the wait is much shorter. The buffet
has a much larger selection. Plenty for the landlover as well as the
seafood lover. My favorite was the oyster rocafella and Clams casino.
My wife filled up on steamed shrimp and snow crab legs. The children
cost is 1.00 per year of age. Much more fair in my opinion than the
15.95 I paid for my 10 year at the Wharf. The long and short of my tale
of two buffets is GEORGES JUNCTION beats the Wharf hands down. Enjoy
your stay at the outer banks and tell Ben and GEORGES JUNCTION Hi from
James.
-- James Smith submitted 3/14/1999
My husband and I decided to come to the Outer Banks for our
honeymoon on July 25, 1998 and we were not disappointed. This was the
beginning of our lives together, and believe me, it was a wonderful
start. We loved our vacation so much and we are so glad that this was
our choice for our honeymoon. We were able to relax from our hectic
wedding plans and just enjoy each others' company in a very peaceful
environment. We stayed in the Hot Tub Room at the John Yancey Hotel (Clairion
Inn, I believe). It was a very nice hotel and the jacuzzi was nice. We
ate at some wonderful restaurants including Western Sizzling and our
daily favorite was Dairy Queen!!! We received a lot of food for our
money at Western Sizzling's seafood buffet. The food was delicious. We
love the fact that there are Dairy Queen restaurants located every
couple of miles down the strip!! We were able to visit a few
lighthouses (Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras) during our stay also. The
beach was wonderful and we came home with wonderful tans. We took
nightly strolls on the beach and woke up early to search for seashells.
Unfortunately, we did not have much luck in the seashell department.
One morning as we watched the sunrise, we saw porpoises jumping in the
water. They were beautiful!! Jockey's Ridge was quite a climb, but was
well worth it. The view was great and we can't wait to climb it again.
We are planning another trip in May 1999 with another couple and are
really looking forward to our visit. We have been reading comments from
other visitors to get some ideas on activities to do the last week in
May. We already know that the Outer Banks will be a vacation spot for
us every year!!
-- Jessica submitted 3/9/1999
All this talk about restaurants. The best guide to dining on the OBX
is THE RESTAURANT GUIDE TO THE OUTER BANKS. Hey, with menu selections
for over 90 restaurants...what more could you want. It's the best!
-- Calvin submitted 2/21/1999
We love the Outer ABnks, we own a cottage across from the Wright
Bros. Memorial. We go donwn during the summer and in the winter and
fall. We love the restaurants especialy Fishermans Wharf in Wancheese
and Queen Anns Revenge. WE love the outer bankjd
-- Robert Kelly submitted 2/09/1999
For the last six years we have taken a week to relax at the Outer
Banks. After a twelve hour drive we spend the first night at Nags Head
in a motel on the sea. We let out a big sigh, breathe in that wonderous
air, a mild tang of ocean air spiced with the fragrance of cooking and
pines. We unpack, walk on the smooth warm sand, (our favorite time is
the early Fall) and gaze out to sea, the sun and sky reflecting colors
on the ocean. After a delicious dinner, we again walk the beach, the
familiar roar and hissing of the waves as they relentlesslyt turn on
themselves until they spread themselves prostrate over the gentle
sloping sand, with a gentle hiss and tinkling of broken shells and sand
fall into one another. Off to bed where we quickly doze off.
Our next day finds us out to breakfast - ever try Sams and Onies? - and
duly fortified, we visit our favorite haunts - Seaside Art Gallery, a
couple of beach stores and finally we provision up at the Food Lion.
Soon we pass more new construction, as Victorian style townhouses and
modern day renditions of the Richarsonian cottages of Newport. Sea
grass proliferates and the sky takes on an even bigger dimension as we
drive towards Duck. Soon we enjoy the sights of the placid sound on one
side of our road and the horizon of everchanging ocean on the other
side. Once we past the Duck News Cafe (we used to enjoy the dinners
there until two years ago when we found the prices rising, the portions
and quality declining and the service OK),we roll on up to our
destination, Corolla! As we drive past the warm red brick lighthouse
and turn onto our access street, we glow with anticipation! A few
minutes later we unlock the familiar beach house door, carry many bags
and supplies in and get set-up for the week. Soon we relax on the
beach, a lovely breeze blowing force 5 and the soothing roar of the
surf as it surrenders to the gentle sand. Usually we don't find too
many others on the beach and it is time for quiet contemplation and
introverted reverie. My wife, Nan, trusted sisters-in-laws Kathy with a
"K" and Anne with an "E" (true introverts) pleasantly ask if I am
enjoying myself. Usually a energized extravert, this is my "downtime"
from dealing with people and a wonderful and much needed time to
contemplate and re-energize. Our trusty "adopted sister" Cathy with a
"C" joins us and we look forward to Austins seafood on the supper table
with fresh veggies and gourmet gifts. After an evening twilight beach
walk we read and turn in early ready for our first day at the beach!
After a few days we sometimes take an adventure to Ocracoke and enjoy
the shade of Howard Street and the first families of Ocracoke, pay our
respects at that "Little bit of English soil" in which the WWII British
mariners were buried after their ship was torpedoed. A trip to Ocracoke
isn't complete until you have sailed aboard the wooden schooner,
WINDFALL, out of Silver Lake. The Captain is an authority on pirates
and can give you the "Real Scoop" on Blackbeard and his minions. You
also have to visit the wee Ocracoke Light, oldest continually operated
lighthouse in the U.S. outside of Boston Harbor. Our favorite
recollection of Ocracoke is the evening we risked missing the Hatteras
Ferry by stopping the car by the side of the road to photograph and
marvel at one of the most exquisite sunsets we have ever enjoyed! The
shades of mauve, purple and brilliant orange covered the sky from the
Sound to the Ocean and the thin sheet of water on the wet sand beach
reflected back the hues. Anne resigned herself to a night crossing
later, but we JUST MADE IT! Back on Hatteras we ate at a loud fish
roadhouse with some of the best fish food we have ever eaten with some
of the most colorful characters we have ever had the pleasure of their
company. There is NOWHERE like the Outer Banks!!!! Schooner Scotty
-- W. Scott Wallace submitted 2/09/1999
For those asking for restaurant recommendations: Our family visits
the Outer Banks several times a year, and have been since both my
husband and I were babies. Don't miss "Ocean Boulevard" (make a
reservation and still be prepared to wait). It's sort of nouvelle
cuisine and a bit on the pricey side, but awesome as a "nite out". Also
try Flying Fish CAfe. Awesome food, reasonable prices and they work
well with kids. Best kept secret for a fabulous restaurant: 3rd Street
Grille in the SEa Ranch motel.... to die for. For fabulous sushi and a
real party hardy atmosphere: Tortuga's LIe on the beach road. For the
young or young at heart.
Great place to stay if you have kids and want some privacy with great
accomodations: Ocean Reef Suites. Oceanfront with oceanside pool with
pool bar. Suites have a bedroom with two doubles, and living area has
murphy bed. Kitchenette and a small restaurant on 3rd floor which
delivers to your room. Ok, I've passed on just a small amount of the
vast wisdom and knowledge I've acquired. I'll re-visit after this
weekend, when "a bunch of just us girls" are going down for a wild 4
day weekend w/o kids. Any activity suggestions?
-- maresa submitted 2/09/1999
Spent a few days on the Outer Banks in August while we were on a
search for a place to retire. Enjoyed as much as usual (we have been
visiting for 20 years and own two weeks at BIS). Decided to move to
Albemarle Plantation in Hertford - only 1 hour from the Outer Banks so
we wouldn't miss out on the wonderful restaurants we have become
accustomed to. We recommend two highly diverse restaurants - Colington
Cafe for that special dinner and Chilli Peppers for those who love food
that is not only hot but shows the many sides of chili peppers. Both
offer great food and good value.
-- Ray and Marie Lough submitted 2/09/1999
Been to the OBX twice of many times to come. The peace, the
serenity, and the raw oysters are beyond compare. THE place to slurp
oysters is AWFUL ARTHUR'S! The place to slurp dark beer is the Weeping
Radish! Life is good. Can't wait to get back to OBX!
-- Cas & Claudia Ziezio 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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