Travel Guide: Outer Banks, North Carolina

So You've Decided To Go To The Outer Banks...

Booking A Beach House

1. Who will be in control of the rental process?  You need to pick one member of your party to be in charge of getting in touch with the rental office, collecting and sending the money, and making sure everything is in on time.  Make sure this person completely understands the rental policy of the company of which you are renting the house from so that this process does not have to be a tedious one!
2. How many people are going?  This question is essential as that it will ultimately decide the size of your house.
3. What week do we want to go?  Although this can be flexible, it must be decided in advanced because not only will people have to take off work, but houses MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE if you want your top pick.  Also remember that the house you want may already be booked for the week you want to go.
4. What is our maximum price?  This will typically be an option on rental search websites.  Be warned that it may be easy to assume you will have enough money but keep in mind most rental companies require a deposit that can be up to 2/3rds the total price and may be required as early as November, which is, yes, right during CHRISTMAS SHOPPING season.  Also, NC sales tax is slightly on the higher side (6.75%) so there will be a large tax on your house.  There are also many other fees to consider (as in certain insurances that cover instances like natural disasters - the Outer Banks is commonly a target of hurricanes).
5. What city should we stay in?  This may vary depending on where you find your "perfect" house, but most rental searches will ask you to pick one.
   1. Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo - These cities are all connected and have a couple gift shops and the beaches are nice.
   2. Avon - The biggest of the southern beaches.  This is the best place to stay if you want convenience as it features dozens of restaurants, gift shops, a post office, a pier, a Food Lion, and two excellent Off Road Vehicle access ramps.  There are both old houses and newer houses, as many have been developed in the new Kinnakeet Shores.  This beach is about an hour from Nags Head.  Traffic is more heavy and you will encounter two stoplight intersections.
   3. Buxton - This little town is cute and full of history.  The lighthouse is of course located here, along with many  nice fishing, surfing, and swimming locations.  It also has nice restaurants, history trails, a lot of wooded area, an ABC store, and a village grocery.  Houses here, especially on the sound side, are typically more secluded.  The local school is also located here.
   4. Frisco - Houses down this way start to get larger.  Frisco also offers a variety of gift shops and restaurants including a shop featured on the Food Network for it's fudge, a fishing pier, and a Mini Golf Course. 
   5. Hatteras - The farthest down the coast, this town features extravagant houses and lovely views.  A large shopping center (Hatters Landing) is located here, as well as many charter boat docks, and the Hatteras Ferry Dock in which enables you to cross from the island to Ocracoke.
   6. Ocracoke - An island all it's own, you must ride the ferry to get here.  Ferry rides are about 35 minutes but wait times can be from 15 minutes to 3 hours depending on the time of day.  This island can be very, very crowded, but has a lot of great places to eat, and a lot of historical sites to see.  The shopping is good, and the lighthouse here is also very pretty.  The beaches here are known to be very beautiful and were rated #1 in 2007 by Dr. Beach.  (Note that the Hatteras Islands were rated #8 for 2008 and keep in mind that he only rates the top 10 beaches per year!  You are headed to the right place no matter where you stay!)

 
1. View - Ocean Front (right on the ocean), Ocean View (typically one lot back, and you can see the ocean from your house), Ocean Side (on the ocean side of the road, a couple lots to several lots back, you may or may not be able to see the ocean), Sound Front (right on the sound), Semi-Sound Front (sound view), Soundside (on the Pamlico Sound side of the road, may or may not have a view), Canalfront (located on the Sound side of the road right against a canal that connects to the Sound), Lakeside (right against a Lake that do typically not connect to the Sound).
   • Keep in mind that a 3 bedroom Ocean Front may cost as much as a 6 bedroom Soundside.  So basically, the more desirable the view, the more expensive your house will be.

1. Bedrooms & Bathrooms - Some families can go for a week sharing bedrooms and bathrooms comfortably, while others, need as much space as possible to avoid arguments and uncomfortable situations.  You know your family, so make sure everyone has a space they can be happy in.  This can make or break a vacation by putting someone in a sour mood... TRUST me on this.
2. Pool - Some houses come with a Private Pool.  This is a VERY nice feature and you will enjoy taking a dip in the pool after being in salt water all day, but this will jack the price of your house up so be careful.  Some houses have a public pool in the vicinity.  These are nice because they are close to your house, but you have to share with other people in the area.  You can decide how you feel about this.  There may also be pool rules/times you have to abide by.  Finally, some houses include a pool pass (or the realty may) to a public pool located offsite usually beside the realty office.  These are often crowded and have a lifeguard and lots of screaming kids like any other public pool.  The water has also been known to be a bit gross in my personal experience.
3. Smoking & Pets - Some houses allow smoking... some are pet-friendly.  Some don't allow either.  Remember to fit everyone's' needs in your party, including your canine pals!
4. Bonus Features That May Be Essential To Your Home - These can include elevators, linens, jacuzzis, hot tubs, handicapped access, screened porches, high-speed internet access, air hockey tables, pool tables, bars, boat docks, windsurfing access, etc.  Many rental searches allow you to check the features you want to include in your house.

 
Midgett Realty
Sun Realty
Outer Beaches Realty
Hatteras Realty
Surf Or Sound Realty
Vacation Traditions
Ocracoke Island Realty
 
 

Packing For Your Trip

 
The Essentials 
• Purse/Wallet, Credit/Debit Cards - Basically your money.  Cash is good to have here, although all forms are usually accepted.  Stay away from checks if possible. 
•  Rental Reservation Information
• First Aid Kit - make sure this includes all the necessary items along with neosporin & hydrocortizone.  One word - MOSQUITOES!
• Extra Car Keys.  There is a very, very high chance you will lock yours in your car.  I've seen it happen often and usually you do not know who to call, since you are unfamiliar with the location.
• Aloe/Sun Burn Soother
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen - I don't care if you think you don't burn.  You will burn.  You will get an AUTHENTIC Outer Banks Roast and it will show, and it will peel.  From your nose to your feet.  I PROMISE you this.  TRUST ME.  Otherwise you will suffer the hard way.
Bathroom Necessities
• Lotion - for the peel.
• Toilet Paper - self explanatory?  Although this can be purchased at the beach, it is good to have some before hand so you can use the bathroom when you first arrive.  It may be a long trip.
• Hand Soap - again, so you can use the bathroom or wash your hands immediately.
• Tide Pen - A good suggestion to carry around with you.  Seafood can sometimes get quite messy.
• Fingernail Polish/Remover - For the ladies who like to change color often.  Salt water will eat your polish within a day.  I promise.
• Tweezers - good to have.  Splinters happen.
• Hair Bands/Clips/Head Band - Salt water hair is not so fun, you will want to keep it out of your way when laying on the beach.
Clothing & Accesories
• Water Shoes.  These are critical if you are uncomfortable about stepping around in the ocean.  Although not the most comfortable creations, they will give you a feeling of security for your feet.
• Swim Suits (obviously).  You may want to bring several as they will get salty and you may not want to wash daily.
• Jeans (you may want these in the evening, it actually gets cooler than you think)
• Hoody/Jacket - again, it gets cool in the early mornings or evenings.  One of those things I am again PROMISING you... trust me on this or you will have to buy one and things down there are not cheap.
• Long/Short Sleeve Shirts (consider dressy clothes you may wear out to eat)
• Tanks/Spaghetti Strap/Wifebeaters - whatever you want to call them, bring some type of shirt that are sleeveless.  Don't forget shorts.  Day times are ruthless.
• Flipflops/Sandals - much easier to slide on and off, get wet, and wear in the sand over tennis shoes.
• Swim Suit Covers
• Beach Bags.  These are handy because you will want something to carry your items in when you go on the sand.
• Beach Towel.  I suggest bringing at least two because a towel can get wet & sandy quickly and you will have to wash them everyday to get a dry, clean towel unless you bring a couple.
• Sunglasses.  TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.  It's friggen bright!  Your eyes will hurt.
Odds & Ends
• Linens!  Some houses come linens provided so make sure you know exactly what your rental property features, otherwise you will have packed too much, or too little.  I don't reccomend using the comforters they provide, and definitely not the pillows... they are often a little worn/shabby.  Bring your own blanket and pillow.  It is NOT that complicated.  Also, make sure you know what size your bed is so your linens will fit.
• Alarm Clock (if there is not one on your cell phone), one may not be included in your house
• Flash Light/Lantern - for those late night beach walks!
• Beach Chairs/Beach Towels.  You don't want to sit in the hot sand the whole time.
• Beach Toys - Who doesn't love building a sandcastle?  Also, throwing around a Frisbee or a football can be great entertainment.
• Umbrella - the sun will get very hot
• Mini Cooler - Snacks anyone? 
• Shovel.  If you plan on driving on the beach, this is a very good idea.  You will get stuck if you are not experienced.  Someone else may also need to borrow it.
• Fishing Gear - For the fisherman!
• Tire Pressure Gauge -  Again, for anyone planning to drive on the beach.
• Marshmallow Sticks
• Boogie Board/Surfboard/Kayak/Boats, whatever sport gear you prefer!
• Hangers - for clothes or can be cut apart to make a nice marshmallow stick.  (Bring the metal hangers, not those plastic ones!!!)
Electronics/Entertainment
• Board Games - Some suggestions for good family games are Trivial Pursuit, Taboo, Cards (maybe you could bring some poker chips!), Apples To Apples, Boxers Or Briefs, Scrabble, and Cranium.  Games like Monopoly and Clue also if you have true Board Game fans.  These are good to play during evenings or during bad weather
• Digital Camera (or 35mm), charger, and MEMORY CARDS!   You don't want to miss a moment.
• Laptop & Charger (some houses have high speed access!)
• Video Game Console (this past year, we brought the Nintendo Wii and it was a blast to play games during a rainy day!  Some houses also have a console included so you may want to bring additional games/controllers)
Food (I kid you not, Saturday and Sunday afternoon/evenings at the Food Lion or other local markets will be PACKED, items may be out of stock, and wait times will be long.  This is no joke.  Take what you can).

• Smores Makings!
• Water.  Buy it by the gallon.  It's not very expensive, but is a necessity.  Don't drink the faucet water.

Day One - Getting There

1. Sleep!
2. License Plate Game
3. Radio/Singing
4. Tell Stories/Catch Up With Your Passengers
5. Talk about all of the interesting things you see on the road on the way... trust me, you'll see some.  Take pictures of them too.  By the time you go home, you will crave to be driving by these landmarks again.
   
6. Make a mental weekly itinerary, there's so much to do, so little time!
7. Contest - Whoever spots the first seagull is the winner!
8. MASH - Has been known to not go over so well with the male passengers, but very entertaining.
9. Magazines/Gameboys/Drawing/iPods - the works.
10. And finally, roll your windows down an smell some fresh sea air.  It's the best thing for anyones health.

Where to Eat

•  For The Seafood Lover 
  • Dolphin Den - This restaurant has every kind of seafood you can imagine, lovely service, delicious cornbread, and amazing decorations.  This Avon family restaurant caters to both small and large parties and even has a few selections of tasty non-seafood entrees.  For a menu/more information/a commercial, visit the restaurant's review page.  Don't forget, they have the "Best Key Lime Pie" on the island!
  • Mad Crabber - This family restaurant includes a bar scene, but is very family oriented.  You will sit at picnic tables and the tablecloths are large pieces of paper that you can draw on.  Their fries are delicious and they are known to have seafood specials you cannot typically find such as  LARGE ALASKAN KING CRAB, or MAINE CRAWDADS, so it's a good place to try new food.  There is also a pool table for your wait, although the wait time is usually minimal.  This is my personal favorite and you will not be disappointed.  This restaurant is located in Avon as well.  For more information about it, visit the Mad Crabber review page.
  • Diamond Shoals - Another one of my favorites, located in Buxton, this restaurant offers many varieties of seafoods and large aquariums throughout the restaurant that have many interesting aquatic life from fish to eels.  Your kids will love this place, and there is also a gift shop.  Open from breakfast to dinner makes this easily accessible.  They also have many out of the ordinary items on the menu as well so if you are feeling adventurous, you may want to try some shark bites.  Visit the Diamond Shoal's review page.
•  For The Seafood Hater 
  • Captain Bens - Located on Ocracoke Island, this is one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at.  Although there is a seafood menu, this  restaurant features sandwiches, subs, etc. that make for a nice lunch that isn't too heavy, but is still sit down style.  The waitstaff is incredible, especially a local woman who has worked there for years.  They treat you with courtesy and make sure your food is extra delicious.  Prices are also very reasonable and there are kid friendly items. 
  • Toppers - This Avon restaurant features Italian foods.  You can carry out or eat in.  Their subs are delicious and their pizza is extra incredible.  Like any italian joint you may have where you are from, this resembles one of those, except at the beach.  If you want familiar foods, or a quick bite, check this place out.

Where To Shop

1. Farmer's Daughter - Hatteras (Hatteras Landing).  There is also another one of these shops in Nags Head.  This shop is incredible.  It has very nice items to decorate your home, Christmas ornaments, clothes to wear, and anything beach-related you want.  I always spend a lot of money in here.
   
2. Islander Gifts - Buxton.  This shop is super neat.  It has a lot of pirate related items.  Also a lot of knick knack gifts and shells.  Reasonable prices make it to the top of the list.  Personally, I like their book section because I love to read about the Outer Banks!
3. Kitty Hawk Kites - Hatteras & Avon.  This shop has the neatest kites... I love things that hang from the ceiling, spin, draw attention.  Even you do not plan on buying anything, the shop is fun to go in and all of the gadgets are cool to see.
4. Scotch Bonnet - Frisco.  Featured on the Food Network for their fudge, although this shop has received a new owner, it is still neat.  Many hermit crabs & accessories, shells, gifts, clothing, jewelry, and numerous flavors of salt water taffy. 
5. Island Spice & Wine - Avon.  The owner of this shop is the nicest woman.  There are types of teas, coffees, wines, chocolates, etc.  It is super cute, make sure you stop in.
6. Parrot Bay - Hatteras.  A nice clothing store on Hatteras Landing with a lot of different apparel related items.  Also a nice bumper sticker & jewelry collection.
7. Deep Blue - Avon.  This is new, very popular gift shop and can be tricky.  Some items are tacky while others make great gifts and usually are well priced.  The clothes here are nice, and have a lot of styles to choose from.  It is worth checking out.
8. Fisherman's Daughter - Avon.  This shop is a tiny little two story gift shop that has shells, clothing, and other OBX related souvenirs. 
9. Pirate's Chest - Ocracoke.  On a nice, quiet day, this shop has clothing, gifts, shells, the works.  It, however, can get very crowded and parking is minimal so it is hard to see everything, but worth going in.  Also features a large jewelry section.
10. Dillion's Corner - Buxton.  A bait/tackle shop that also is a gift shop with a large selection of jewelry, clothing, Yankee Candles, Vera Bradley purses, and neat knick-knacks.  Slightly expensive at times, but has always been a favorite of mine to peruse through.

• Magnets - Everyone wants an OBX magnet but they can be expensive depending on where you buy them.  Most shops generally have the same/simliar ones so look around first before you buy!  Magnets can range from 99cents to $5.00.  Be careful!
• Keychains - Much like magnets, most shops have the exact same ones but at one store they can be $1.99 and at another, $4.99.  Make sure you find one you like first before buying on impulse.
• Mugs - Same ordeal.  Most every gift shop have mugs with a lighthouse picture and names.  Mugs can get rather expensive so it's really a good idea to shop around for those.  However, mugs are convenient and make great gifts so the purchase is worth it.
• Designer Clothing/Purses, etc. - Just because they are at the beach does not make them cheaper, in fact, they may often be more expensive.  There is no need to pay a lot of money for some special brand shirt that has the lighthouse on it.  There are like a hundred shops with OBX clothing on both islands.  Choose wisely!  Look for good deals, be be careful when they try to sell you in with advertisements that claim "2 for 25!" etc.  There are some shops with much cheaper prices and nearly the same shirts and this could save you nearly $8.00 difference if you are a bargain shopper.
• Bumper Stickers - This one is a biggy.  Who doesn't want an OBX Bumper Sticker to proudly display on their car?  But be warned, each gift shop will have nearly 98% of the same stickers (as in, one store may have a different color than the other, but you can find them EVERYWHERE).  Don't overpay for these!  Bumper stickers wear & tear, you lose them if your car gets totaled (trust me on this one), and can pick them up at any shop.  I don't suggest paying over $2.99 for a sticker, that is the typical price although they can be found as low as $1.99 and I've seen the same ones for nearly $5.00.
• Drink Holders - I like these.  They're neat.  They make good gifts.  They aren't worth $5.00.  So if you are at a gift shop and see a big crate of them for that high of a price, walk away.  You will find almost the same ones at another shop for $2.00 or $3.00. 

What To Do

•  Water Sports (other than swimming!) 
  
• Boogie Boarding - This is a fun ocean sport anyone can do.  You can buy boogie boards at Food Lion, Deep Blue, and several other large gift shops... they are not hard to find.  Everyone should try this at least once, it's mostly a sport you start off with as a child, but it is still fun even for older adults.  Some locations are better for this than others, and it depends on the weather, the tides, etc.  You will just have to play around with what type of water you are most comfortable in.
• Kayaking - This is great to do in the sound (and can be done in the ocean but is not recommended).  If you do not own your own kayak, you can find many kayak rentals in each town.  This is relaxing, and the rentals can be for the day or for the week so you can do this at anytime.  They also provide one and two person kayaks.
• Surfing - Surfboards can also be purchased at various sport shops but are not as common as Boogie Boards.  This is not a sport for beginners.  Lessons are provided at several places and information about lessons can be found in many of the free local brochures and newspapers.  I have never tried this but I would love to.  If you already know how to surf, pack your board because there are some great locations for it!  Again, you will have to play around with what type of water you want.  Note that the beaches can sometimes get rather crowded though with swimmers and (I've seen this happen), surfers can lose control of the boards and injure people who are swimming closer to shore.
• Wake Boarding - The Pamlico Sound is a great place to try a sport like this and lessons and equipment are available from various shops.
• Jet Ski - Some people bring their own jet skis, but you can also rent one of these by the hour/day for a relatively okay price.  This is our plan next year because they look so fun and who would not want to ride one of those at least once in your life?  This is a sport that is designed for the sound because the ocean can tip you over.
• Kite Boarding - You see kite boarders in the Sound ALL the time.  The Sound, once again, is a great location and draws kite boarders from all over the country to try the sport here.  If you want to learn, I've seen many lessons in progress.  Just do some local checking once you are there.  It's not hard to find.
• Windsurfing - Most common sport I've seen in the Sound.  To me, this looks like a difficult sport, but it also looks fun and I'd love to try it one day.  Windsurfers come from all over, and lessons are taught all of the time.  This is a common OBX experience along with kite boarding so check it out!
• Parasailing - Never tried this sport, but I would love to learn it.  It looks super fun and the Pamlico Sound really attracts parasailers from all over, both new and experienced.  Check about lessons if you are not familiar with the sport.
• Water Skiing - I don't see a lot of this around there, but the Sound is ideal for a sport like this and all you need to do is simply check with local sports equipment stores if they provide lessons/rentals if you wish to try this.
•  Lighthouses 
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton.  This lighthouse is amazing and you probably have heard about it/seen it.  It was moved a few years ago to a new location further from the coast and is beautiful.  It is also open again for  climbers, and is a great spot to see.  Make sure you read all of this historical information about the lighthouse, an even go see the old lighthouse site which is marked by stones featuring names of all the lighthouse keepers in the past.

• Ocracoke Lighthouse, Ocracoke.  This lighthouse is cute and quaint, but does not have quite as much interesting history as Cape Hatteras.  If you are on the island, however, you want to make sure you see it at least once
•  Fishing 
  
• Surf Fishing - There are many great ramps and other locations to go surf fishing (fishing off the actual beach, not a pier or a boat).  More information on great spots to fish are to come.
• Pier Fishing - There is a pier in both Avon & Frisco.  The prices aren't cheap but they usually last till midnight so you can fish in the morning and come back in the evening.  Frisco is the only pier that faces south and that apparently is good for fishing.  Off the pier, you will catch different fish than you do off the shore, and you can also bring family members to sightsee for fees as low as a dollar.  I've seen so many interesting things by going to a pier, you don't want to miss it.
• Charter Fishing - I did this for the first time two years ago and I cannot wait to go again.  Places such as Oden's Dock in Hatteras provide fishing charters in both the Ocean & the Sound and can range from 2 hours to half days.  These are fun and anyone who likes fishing or boats needs to try this at least once.  The experience is something you will never forget, and who knows what you may see or catch out there?
  
•  Other Suggestions 
  
• Ocracoke - Ride the Ferry to Ocracoke.  It is a fun experience and everyone needs to try this at least once.  The Ferry Dock is located at the end of Hatteras and is about a 35 minute ride each way.  On Ocracoke, be sure to check out the lighthouse, the famous Ocracoke Ponies, the lovely beaches, all the gift shops, and restaurants.  There are even a few gravesites and museums.  **NOTE ON TAKING FERRIES: Arrive early.  I cannot stress this enough.  Around 11-3, if you arrive at the loading dock during those hours, you will have a one-three hour wait.  This is no joke.  Don't assume because of the day or the weather or any of that nonsense that you will get on early.  You will not.  YOU WILL NOT!  If you do not take my advice, you will be stuck sitting in the hot 90 degree sun for a couple hours with a family fussing in the backseats.  Don't make this common mistake.
• Charter Tours - Oden's Dock (and a few other locations) may offer different tours in their charter boats such as Dolphin Tours & Pirate Tours.  These can be fun for the whole family so check them out!
• Museums - There are several of the Outer Banks and you just need to keep a close eye out for advertisements.  A few suggestions are the Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center, and Teach's Hole in Ocracoke - a Blackbeard Exhibit.  These can be both informative, and fun so don't rule them out!
• Trails - Many large or small trails can be found here, such as the small one located around the Ocracoke Pony Exhibit, or the various Civil War Trails.
• Kite Flying - Wind here is ideal for this!  Who doesn't love to fly a kite!?
• Bodie, Cape Lookout, Currituck, etc.  There are other lighthouses throughout the whole OBX (these three along with Ocracoke & Cape Hatteras being the common five), but this article features ONLY information about what is located in the Southern Beaches.  If you wish to travel back across the Bonner Bridge, there are all kinds of other things to get into.  To go to Nags Head or any other beach, you will need to reserve a day and make it a whole day trip.  It is not something you can do in just a couple hours.

In Conclusion...