Driven from his home by the Ku Klux Klan and still reeling from the death of his mother, Nathan moves with his father and grandfather to the desolate Pea Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to start a new life. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse isn’t one of the tall black and white lighthouses that you may be familiar with when you think of The Outer Banks, but it’s still worth the visit. Here, you can be a part of that history. Dan and I both concur, it was the best meal we had that week — and that’s saying a lot because OBX food is to-die-for! More than Beach Supplies: The Outer Banks Fashion Trail, Best Things to Do While Vacationing on the Outer Banks During Pregnancy, Historic Old Manteo Candlelight Walking Tour. Reunited with her beloved college chums after years of separation, Kate Abrams, now a successful interior designer, must face the many bitter truths of her own past They will clean the fish you catch, and cook them. Climb to the top, where you can see great views of the ocean. Read below to discover all of the area’s top attractions and take one step closer to the vacation of your dreams. From the acclaimed author of When Never Comes comes a novel about the pull of the past and the power of love. On the southernmost end is Aqua Restaurant, a great place for dinner. You won’t see mega chain stores or lots of bright, blinking attractions. Home to the Fletcher family for generations, Dare Island is a fishing village rocked by changing times--its traditions slipping away like sands of the North Carolina coast. Close enough to drive to, but with a sense of being far away. It’s a great place to stretch your legs during your drive. It’s more of a marina town than a beach town, though there is plenty of beach. Save your receipt and you can walk on the pier for free after dinner. There are fabulous pools here and a hot tub too. By continuing to use our site you agree to our Privacy Policy. If you ask us, though, the best way to truly feel experience the park – and the true “feel” of Outer Banks – it to try your hand at hang gliding on the dunes! Because of COVID, it was closed when we visited. A barbecue area and a children’s playground are also on site. The boys loved the boat and truck ride, but during the tasting we just sat them in the air-conditioning and let them have their tablets for about a half-hour. When you come in from the mainland, this is the town you hit. When we visited the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (part of the NC Maritime Museum system) it was closed for COVID, but since it is opening again next week I highly recommend a stop. The monument is perched on a dune 90-feet in the air – Big Kill Devil Hill. We watched the waves lap, talked to the anglers, and took a dozen photos. Max’s Italian Restaurant makes amazing NY style pies. Rodanthe Watersports & Campgrounds, located waterfront on the Pamlico Sound, is the answer to your quiet, relaxing vacation dreams. There are several smaller hotels and bed and breakfasts if you want to stay here, and you’ll find almost everyone riding their bike or walking. It’s the most populous OBX city, brings a little heavier traffic than the northern cities, and begins a stretch of well-known grocery and department stores. This delightful little town has about 7-miles of beaches that constantly rate high with the Travel Channel. Not any more! You’ll find a number of cute shops and restaurants, gorgeous views, and a slow, easy vibe. When we visited, the museum was closed but that didn’t deter us. Be sure to find the beach bonfire rules for the beach you are visiting. The boys liked dancing on stage and learning how amphitheaters work. However, beyond the beach, finding a cost-effective way to keep the entire family entertained can often prove to be a struggle. In this powerfully moving tale of love lost, rediscovered, and renewed, Nicholas Sparks once again brings readers his unique insight into the only emotion that ultimately really matters. You will find a slew of local shops, plenty of space to ride your bikes around, and a wonderful boardwalk along the sound. The gallery is run by the NC Aquarium. Famed as the Grand Canyon of the East, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is a rugged tract of more than 12,000 acres located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Romantic boardwalk strolls, unique wildlife adventures, relaxing beach days, and exciting nightlife are all included in your next Outer Banks getaway. Steamers Restaurant is where to go for casual seafood that is delicious. Romantic boardwalk strolls, unique wildlife adventures, relaxing beach days, and exciting nightlife are all included in your next Outer Banks getaway. If you are looking for a romantic, fine dining experience with a great view of the sunset, the Outer Banks has so much to offer. Shrimp, chicken, BBQ, salads…yum! Guests have access to an indoor pool and hot tub. You’ll see reconstructed ruins from the 1585 expedition that landed Sir Walter Raleigh and his ship in North America from England. From there we loaded up in the “Currituck Cadillac” for a ride through the vineyards to the tasting room. The Wright Brothers used this location to test gliders prior to the first powered flight. All delicious…as was the sunset from our window. Served up with french fries, slaw and hushpuppies, the kids (and adults) will love this! Best in Duck: The Barrier Island Station of Duck, North Carolina, is on the beach just one mile from the Scarborough Lane Shoppes. It’s also the town which attracts a ton of surfers, so keep an eye out for them. The building was finished in 1874 and used as a United States Lifesaving Station, but now it’s where to watch the sun set over the day’s fresh catch. The seared tuna kale salad, the chowder, the fried fish sandwich… it was all so tasty. Found insideReturn to Kiss River in the second emotional novel in the acclaimed trilogy from bestselling author Diane Chamberlain. Separated by a continent from her child, Gina Higgins comes to Kiss River with little more than a desperate plan. So, come on! Found insideUnless he can find a way to thaw his icy coworker, he’s looking at two months of pure hell. *Road Tripped is a stand-alone novel and the first book in the contemporary adult romantic comedy series: The Ad Agency Series. Adult subjects. Let’s plan your next Atlantic Coast vacation where it counts – along the 100+ miles of beaches in North Carolina’s northern barrier islands. Found insideHe made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore. Found insideOpposites attract in this moving #1 New York Times bestseller of love lost and found between a medical student and the man who captures her heart. You are also able to access our 5-day itinerary which breaks down step-by-step plans to maximize your stay here. Found inside – Page 1Written and illustrated by Jay Fosgitt (Rocket Raccoon & Groot), Bodie Troll is a rollicking fantasy adventure celebrating the importance of stalwart friendships and being true to oneself. The site recommends this tour for ages 5+, but I’d say you’ll only enjoy it yourself if the kids are able to sit alone for 45-odd minutes like ours did. Outer Banks locals pronounce Corolla as “Car-rah-la,” without the obvious “O” sound. Just be sure to bring water because it can be hot out in the open sun! This dynamic region is home to North Carolina's largest city, but that’s not all there is to discover here. The Roanoke Island Festival Park is like a “living history” museum of the 1585 settlement. We also had lunch at Barefoot Bernies. Best in Corolla: Offering an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, the Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks is located right on the beach in Corolla. It tells the tale about how that first colony that landed here in 1587, just disappeared only three years later. Guests here have access to tennis courts, as well as a game room with a pool table. Glide off a sand dune just like the Wright brothers. They offer guided tours twice a day, lasting about 2-2.5 hours. From the main entrance, stroll the boardwalk with exhibits that explain the dune’s ecology, then head right out onto the dunes. Now we’re leaving Roanoke Island and heading to the barrier islands. Kitty Hawk was the town that officially welcomed Orville and Wilbur Wright to build their “machines” here, and the brothers took them up on it primarily because of the sand dunes and the steady 15+mph winds. Travelers to Outer Banks give high marks for the beaches and important monuments. Whether you prefer water sports, beach lounging, or indulging in those special things that only The Outer Banks can offer – we’ve got you covered. Sharing both the black and white experience, this volume, with over 100 images, celebrates a special place and people in the Southern landscape. Can she trust this handsome stranger to help her survive a hot and deadly summer? Karen Robards creates a tour de force of passion and suspense in this scintillating page-turner, the quintessential summertime read. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a stellar place to view migratory birds (bring your binoculars) or spy hatching turtles heading to the ocean. The wide uncrowded beaches have been ranked among the top in the nation. Stepping through the doors of Whalehead, a 21,000-square-foot historic mansion and museum on the Currituck Sound, you can’t help but be swept up in the romantic history of this Outer Banks cultural icon. Below you’ll find a bucket list of things to do in Outer Banks, and we organize the list by Outer Banks’ towns. There are several places in The Outer Banks that allow for beach bonfires…and it is so lovely in the fall or winter, you don’t want to pass it up. Be sure to ask about the scavenger hunt! Disclosure: Thanks to Outer Banks Visitors Bureau for hosting us on this amazing adventure. Pick up your wood from the local grocery or convenience stores, pack a blanket and some s’mores…and you’ll be making beautiful memories. When Campbell reappears in her life, Lindsey must decide whether to trust in love again or guard herself from greater pain. The Mailbox is a rich novel about loss, hope, and the beauty of second chances. Steak, seafood, even sushi! We didn’t travel into Currituck County for this trip, but if you want to see the wild mustangs, it’s not too hard to get from here to any number of tour operators that can help you see them. ), some folks opt for a vacation rental. "Collins conveys up-to-the-minute, no-nonsense information through opinionated, lively and downright stylish prose, providing something truly unique in the realm of the guidebook: A voice".--"Time Out New York". A must for those seeking information on the early history of Rowan County, North Carolina-"the queenly mother of more than a score of counties. We have a post coming out soon that breaks down our favorites, but if you need a rental now, check out this list. You pick that up after 5:30pm from the fire department. Charlotte Region. And Dorie has just been shockingly betrayed by the man she loved and trusted the most in the world...though this is just the tip of the iceberg of her problems and secrets. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in OBX. It’s where the cold Labrador Current meets the warm Gulf Stream and creates the largest surf available on the East Coast. Before you start planning your trip, take a look at our recommendations for activities that won’t cost you a single dime. We played in the surf, hunted shells, and watched as the DNR came through checking turtle nests – dozens of them. Most of the restaurants in Corolla are only found in this area, making your Outer Banks dining experience one-of-a-kind. Found inside – Page 81At gateway to Historic District within walking distance to sights and attractions . Romantic boutique hotel . 33 Battleship , N.C. — Steponto history when ... It sits right on the waterfront, and if you are lucky you can catch the most amazing sunset here. Rain or shine, there is never a shortage of things to do in Outer Banks, NC! Found insideThis is the fascinating story of the Banks and the Bankers; of whalers, stockmen, lifesavers, wreckers, boatmen, and fishermen; of the constantly changing inlets famous for channel bass fishing; and of the once thriving Diamond City that ... Top sights in the city include Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Sandbridge Beach. Looking to fish in Outer Banks but want something a little more tame than the big game fish of Hatteras? Entrance is free, and if the visitor center is open, be sure to get your Jr Ranger info. Be sure to walk (or drive) to the back of the monument to see the sculpture garden. This is where we stayed, so I can attest that the beaches are fantastic. Climb Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Found inside – Page 136Emory was simply too hard, and returned to North Carolina. ... and Sue have now retired to a palatial home they built on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, ... Found insideThis Is My South inspires the reader to explore the Southern States––Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia––like never before. After that, see the spot where Orville and Wilbur first took flight and walk the four locations where they landed. Roanoke Island is home to a number of historical encounters, and Fort Raleigh is a great place to learn about them. Click to PIN so you can find things to do in the Outer Banks North Carolina again: Most of the photos in this article were taken by Kary Kern. Kill Devil Hills is probably best known for being home to the Wright Brother’s Museum (more below). We took the twilight fishing tour with Miss Oregon Inlet and had a great time! Locals and people in the know recommended both Dinky’s and Breakwater Restaurant – both are waterfront restaurants with impeccable eats. The North Carolina Garden Club show their talents with a royal garden like it would have been in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. How do you pronounce Corolla, NC? It extends out 665 feet, and is the only remaining pier on the national seashore. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is the ideal place to catch a fishing charter ore head boat. There were not chips, etc to purchase there for them while they waited on us. Diamond Shoals Restaurant is just up the road from Equine Adventures, making it a great place to grab a late lunch before your ride. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It’s perched in the perfect setting against the marsh. It’s free! Catch your next meal at this unique fishing pier located in Avon, NC. Shoreline OBX Vacation Rentals Whether you’re embarking on a romantic getaway or family vacation, finding the perfect place to stay is never an issue! There are several beaches dotting the seashore, but we opted to stop and play at Frisco Beach and later learned from a local that we’d found the hidden gem. Additionally, this is where you can catch a ferry to Ocracoke Island. This was my favorite part of OBX. There are 2598 hotels and other accommodations in Outer Banks The Mailbox is a rich novel about the pull of the restaurants in Corolla are only in... 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