Autumn on the Outer Banks......

Without the humidity of warmer weather, the beach and ocean look REALLY beautiful.... There are LOTS fewer people but plenty of wildlife (geese, in particular) ..... Most of the restaurants and shops still have some hours that they are open...... if you happen to arrive for "Restaurant Week" even better.... some very good deals..... 

Beaches........

Nagshead Pier in the Distance

Almost Tropical Waters (Sometimes!)

From the northernmost beaches of the 4 wheel drive area to as far south as Hatteras and beyond... there is great variety to the beaches.... Some are narrow, some wide.... the surf can be calm or rough..... light blue or steely grey.... Compared to other areas I have seen there are MANY miles of unspoiled beaches you can explore on the Outer Banks.... Some areas do have homes right up to the edge of the beach.... but other areas just have the dunes....

There is also great variety to the sea birds.... gulls, plovers, pelicans...... and of course, even sand fiddler crabs can be entertaining to watch....

Ocracoke

A ferry ride away (free too!) is Ocracoke Island.....Check your maps or your apps because it is a long drive just to get to the ferry location if you are staying at one of the northern beaches.  But if you are staying anywhere from Nagshead south, it is certainly a wonderful day trip.  The ferry ride takes at least 1/2 hour depending on weather conditions and the "shoaling" in the sound.  The sand has been shifting and making the ferry go out of its normal route lately.  From the ferry landing on Ocracoke it is only a short ride into the little village.  We enjoyed bringing our bicycles with us and biking around the town.  There you'll find an information center and a few small museums.  The shops are plentiful and eating right on the waterfront is delightful.  If you plan your trip as an overnight, there are several choices.  We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast one trip and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. While biking we found some walking paths to deserted beaches.  In fact, the beaches there are stunningly beautiful.  We sometimes head back toward the ferry area and then enjoy the beach right there until close to departure time.



Celebrating the 4th of July

Whether you are in Duck, Corolla or Nagshead celebrating the 4th of July on the OBX is terrific. In Corolla the festivities center around the Whalehead Club and include family-style activities on the grounds culminating in fireworks once it is dark. 

If you are in Duck, the celebration kicks of with a "hometown" type of parade with decorated bicycles, lifeguards on boats, families in golf carts, kids in wagons, decorated dogs and local businesses in vans.  It snags what is already a traffic nightmare for a while in the morning, but if you are already staying in Duck it is a delight to witness. Be sure to go out to wear themed clothing and hats yourself..... part of the fun is watching the parade watchers!

We have never celebrated in Nagshead or Manteo, but we know for sure that fireworks are part of the festivities.  From our location in Southern Shores we were able to see fireworks in BOTH directions this year.   Sometimes the localities celebrate on different days, so be sure to check websites or local publications to find the fun.

Manteo - Pirate Adventure, Festival Park

Great day trip if you are staying anywhere from Duck south on the Outer Banks.   From Corolla it would be a bit too far for most families.... Ours enjoy walking around the "downtown" shops, eating on the waterfront, a small playground on the waterfront and then 2 other main activities if you have kids..... From the Milepost 1 it is probably about a 25 minute drive to Manteo.....

Pirate Adventure

During the summer season a troupe provides a Pirate outing on a boat that is well designed and run for kids and their families.   You meet the group in town where pirate songs are taught and some face-painting or tattooing is provided.   The group then parades across to the waterfront for the adventure ...... well "acted" by the troupe and lots of fun for kids 8 and under.....

Manteo - Festival Park  - Museum and Grounds

 

Another outing well worth it for all ages..... We've gone with our children and grandchildren, but we've also gone with friends our age who enjoyed the outing as well.