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Outer Banks

Grab a surfboard or just relax amid the peace and quiet of the N.C. seashore

By Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen | Special to The Sun

May 14, 2008

• Photo gallery
• Weather report

You could say the Outer Banks has been in the tourism business since 1587 -- the year early settlers attempted an unsuccessful colonization on Roanoke Island. Ever since, the mystique of these sandy barrier islands has grown, luring generations of families and friends to its charming waterfront communities.

More than 100 miles of soft sand embody the peace and quiet visitors crave and expect in the Outer Banks. A thriving surf community adds thrills as surfers catch gnarly curls at Rodanthe Pier. And because of its location bowing out into the Atlantic and cupping the shoreline, you're guaranteed a water view from either side.

But the beaches aren't the only star attraction here. After all, it was here that aviation was born, thanks to two ingenious brothers. Pirates made pit stops here, including Blackbeard (Edward Teach), who was killed in Ocracoke Inlet. And a string of working lighthouses makes great vantage points for finding shipwrecks visible at low tide.

From living history to the historic seashore, a visit to the Outer Banks will leave you with memories that last longer than the sand in your car.

HOTELS

The Sanderling, 1461 Duck Road, Duck, 252-261-4111; thesanderling.com. The top resort in the Outer Banks keeps getting better, thanks to a recent face-lift of its luxurious rooms, most of which have private porches facing the Atlantic Ocean. Guests enjoy pampering at the full-service spa, indoor pool and fitness center, and can take advantage of the Eco Center, which arranges guided kayak tours and sunset nature tours of Currituck Sound. Summer rates: $299-$450.

Oasis Suites, 7721 Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, 252-441-5211; oasissuites.com. A good base for exploring the nearby Wright Brothers Memorial, this all-suite hotel evokes a modern flair with granite countertops, Jacuzzi tubs and dark wood floors. Full kitchens, an outdoor pool and soothing views of Albemarle Sound make this a cheaper alternative to renting a private home. Call for summer rates.

Roanoke Island Inn, 305 Fernando St., Manteo, 252-473-5511; roanokeislandinn.com. This cozy, waterfront bed and breakfast has a private boat dock, second-story porch overlooking the marshes and lighthouse, and a private two-bedroom bungalow option for bigger parties. Summer rates from $169.

DINING

The Left Bank, at the Sanderling Resort, Highway 12, Duck (inside Scarborough Lane Shoppes), 252-261-6145; thesanderling.com. Exquisite French cuisine is paired with a jaw-dropping list of top wines. The restaurant offers a three-course ($55) and five-course ($75) prix-fixe menu and is open for dinner only.

Penguin Isle Soundside Grill and Bar, Nags Head, 6708 S. Croatan Highway, Mile Post 16, 252-441-2637; penguinisle.com. This lively hangout is one of the best waterfront restaurants from which to view a Southern sunset. Nab a prime seat on the open-air deck and choose from aged-choice Angus beef and fresh seafood from the local Wanchese fish market. The wine list isn't too shabby either, earning a Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" since 1992. Entrees are $15.75-$38.

Sam & Omie's, Beach Road, Mile Post 16.5, Nags Head, 252-441-7366; samandomies.net. As reliable at the ocean itself, this institution has been satisfying sunburned bellies since the 1930s. Perfect for a quick afternoon bite, an evening cocktail or a legendary breakfast "omie"-lette stuffed with all kinds of goodness. Entrees are $10.95-$19.95.

NIGHTLIFE

Outer Banks Brewing Station, Mile Post 8.5, Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, 252-449-2739; obbrewing.com. Drink responsibly for both you and the planet at the country's first-ever wind turbine-powered brewpub. Choose from seven strong brews (with names like Old Knucklehead Nut Brown Ale and Shipwreck Stout) while kicking back to live music.

The Pit, Mile Post 9, Nags Head, 252-480-3128; pitsurf.com. Once named "One of the Best Bars in the World" by Men's Journal, this ramshackle log cabin, lined with surfboards and gear, is a popular stop for national bands, churning out some of the best live music in Nags Head.

Roadside Raw Bar & Grill, 1193 Duck Road (N.C. 12), Duck, 252-261-5729. If the dance scene isn't your style, lounge here for live jazz Tuesdays and Thursdays. Light fare is served on the outdoor porch, or you can snuggle inside the cozy cottage for a late dinner and drinks.

SHOPPING

Kitty Hawk Kites, Mile Post 12, Croatan Highway, Nags Head, 252-442-4124; kittyhawk.com. Every conceivable kite configuration you can possibly imagine is here, in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Whalebone Surf Shop, 2214 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, 252-441-6747; whalebonesurfshop.com. At this shop, you'll find surf culture to the extreme. Pick up a specialty Takayama board, rent one or catch a family surfing lesson so you can tame those curls at Rodanthe Pier.

FUN

Rainy days
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, 252-986-2995; graveyardoftheatlantic.com. More than 1,500 sea vessels were shipwrecked along this treacherous stretch of the Outer Banks. Start at this museum for a quick history lesson in screwpiles and Fresnel lenses, and move north, touring various lighthouses along the way.

Also:
North Carolina Aquarium
Outer Banks movie theaters
Outer Banks museums

Outdoors
Wright Brothers National Memorial, between Mile Posts 7 and 8, Highway 158. 252-473-2111; nps.gov/wrbr. Stand on the very spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright launched the world's first powered airplane. View the 60-foot granite monument and make sure to take your camera for the awesome ocean views atop Big Kill Devil Hill.

Waterfall Action Park, N.C. 12, Hatteras Island, Rodanthe, 252-987-2213. Grab the kids and your sense of adventure, and head for this classic beach town amusement park. Waterslides, mini-golf, bumper boats, souped-up gokarts and even bungee jumping make for a fun, sand-free time.

Also:
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Elizabethan Gardens
Hatteras Island Boardsports
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Kitty Hawk Kites
Pirate Adventures
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Sight-seeing tours

EVENTS

June
BEACH 'N BLUES FESTIVAL // Under the bypass at Pirate's Cove on Highway 64 / 252-384-3494. noon -10 p.m. June 26. What's better than chilling with talented blues artists on a hot summer night? Kick off your flip-flops and get ready for a jam session, southern-style. Tickets $20.

July
WRIGHT KITE FESTIVAL -- Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills / 877-359-8447, 252-441-4124 or kittyhawk.com. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 12-13. See demonstrations for kites up to 100 feet long. Make and fly your own kite and enjoy kid-friendly games and contests. Free.

Find more events

ARTS

Art stores and galleries
Theatre of Dare

BEACH INFO

Nags Head
Northern beach, located on Outer Banks of North Carolina
Pass required: No.
Pets allowed: Allowed year-round, if on a leash. Horses allowed Oct. 1 through April 30.
Lifeguard hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Rentals: Umbrellas, chairs, surf boards, boogie boards, baby supplies, wetsuits and more.
Public restrooms: Yes.
Showers: Yes.
Concession stands: Yes.
Parking: Paved parking on several streets
Fishing allowed: Yes. Two public piers: Nags Head Fishing Pier and Outer Banks Fishing Pier.
Camping: Yes.
Worth noting: Nags Head is the largest town on the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk
Northern beach, located on Outer Banks of North Carolina
Pass required: No.
Pets allowed: Yes - allowed on public beaches. Must be on a leash from Friday before Memorial Day through the day after Labor Day, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Lifeguard hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Rentals: Umbrellas, chairs, bikes, kayaks, boogie boards and more.
Public restrooms: Yes.
Showers: Yes - at Kitty Hawk Bath House, located near Kitty Hawk Road.
Concession stands: Yes.
Parking: Lots at Byrd Street, Kitty Hawk Road and Eckner Street; Side street parking also available.
Fishing allowed: Yes.
Camping: Yes.
Worth noting: The town features a forest called Kitty Hawk Woods.

Kill Devil Hills
Northern beach, located on Outer Banks of North Carolina
Pass required: No.
Pets allowed: Not allowed May 15 through Sept. 15, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. During rest of year, allowed only if on a leash.
Lifeguard hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Rentals: Bikes, scooters, chairs, umbrellas, surf boards and more.
Public restrooms: Yes.
Showers: Yes.
Concession stands: Yes.
Parking: Paved parking on several streets
Fishing allowed: Yes.
Camping: Yes.
Worth noting: The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills.

Hatteras
Southern beach on Hatteras Island, located on Outer Banks of North Carolina
Pass required: No.
Pets allowed: Allowed year-round, if on a leash.
Lifeguard hours: No lifeguards on duty.
Rentals: Surf boards, wetsuits, kayaks and more.
Public restrooms: Yes.
Showers: Yes.
Concession stands: Yes.
Parking: Paved parking available throughout Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Fishing allowed: Yes.
Camping: Yes.
Worth noting: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is also referred to as "America's Lighthouse."

MORE INFORMATION

Outer Banks of North Carolina Visitors Bureau
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
Town of Nags Head
Town of Kitty Hawk