Outer Banks in N.C.

[Frank_Ridgeway]

We are thinking of going there for a day or two while on vacation in Charleston (where we've been many times). Suggestions? We know virtually nothing about the area.

 

[jgmacg]

Google Ocracoke Island.

 

[cranberry]

I went there for a week in August (Duck) about 10 years ago and had a great time, although it got very hot that week. Most of the rental houses are really nice, too. If you go (and you like raw bar), do yourself a favor and go to Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar. Amazing, fun place. I think it's in Kill Devil Hills. Also worthwhile is a trip to Roanoke Island to see the Lost Colony production in a huge ampitheater. Also, Kitty Hawk and some cool kite shops and whatnot. I forget the highway that takes you into the Outer Banks, but be prepared for a long traffic jam if you're coming in or leaving on a Saturday morning.

 

[tarheelgamecock]

I don't know which direction you're coming from, but keep in mind that the Outer Banks are really far away from Charleston (I'm assuming you mean SC). Almost 500 miles. If that's too far away (and also keep in mind that the Outer Banks are about 150 miles from I-95 ... so you won't be doing 75mph on the last leg of your trip there), you might want to try Savannah.

 

[John]

I lived out there for two years. PM me with any questions.

 

[cougargirl]

The Fisherman's Oasis restaurant at the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway is outstanding and some of the best Caribbean food I had was at Goombay's in Kill Devil Hills.

Love love love the Outer Banks. Forget Charleston - the Outer Banks are a trip in itself. It is one of the most relaxing places I have ever visited. I had plenty of good times down in KDH and Nags Head during summers off from college.

 

[Melodious Thunk]

I don't know which direction you're coming from, but keep in mind that the Outer Banks are really far away from Charleston (I'm assuming you mean SC). Almost 500 miles. If that's too far away (and also keep in mind that the Outer Banks are about 150 miles from I-95 ... so you won't be doing 75mph on the last leg of your trip there), you might want to try Savannah.

Agreed. There's really no good way to get from Charleston, SC to OBX that won't eat up almost all of a day's travel.

That being said, if you're really gung ho on going to the Outer Banks for a two day vacation, you might want to check out The Sanderling hotel in Currituck Sound (on the northern edge of Duck). Last summer, my family spent a week in Duck in a rented house. Nice place, good beach, and we had a great time, but at least as far as Duck is concerned, I think it's overpriced for what you get. KDH or Nag's Head might offer more bang for the buck, but again, there's no go way to get in and out of there.

 

[playthrough]

Wow, I had no idea it was that far from Charleston. My wife and I are also annual Charleston visitors and in the market for a vacation spot nearby, but a 1000-mile round trip doesn't sound too relaxing to me.

 

[Orange Hat Bobcat]

Ms. Bobcat and her family drove from Ohio to Nags Heads (her parents still do) and loved the trip and the vacation every year. Don't know too many details, but she still raves about it.

Maybe we'll get over there at some point.

 

[tarheelgamecock]

In Charleston, though, try The Wreck, in Mount Pleasant, and Diana's Restaurant, in Charleston. The former is hard to find ... it's an old fish locker in a nice neighborhood (106 Haddrell Point), and there's no sign. The latter is in a Days Inn downtown, a few blocks from the ocean. Don't let that fool you, though. Really great breakfast.

In NC, my aunt and uncle make an annual trip to Morehead City, which is near Wilmington. They've been doing it ever since I can remember. It's near the Interstate and it would be much easier stop off for a couple of days there than the OBX, especially if you have kids.

 

[imjustagirl2]

I went to the Outer Banks for a week last year with a couple friends. We got a condo, I woke up to an ocean view every day from my bed, and we wandered around town aimlessly. I would love to go back.

 

[tarheelgamecock]

Wow, I had no idea it was that far from Charleston. My wife and I are also annual Charleston visitors and in the market for a vacation spot nearby, but a 1000-mile round trip doesn't sound too relaxing to me.

If you're looking for something that's isolated (i.e., you're looking to relax and veg out for a week), try Edisto Island. It's about 45 minutes from Charleston if you need some time in civilization. There are lots of houses, but no real commercial development. A couple of restaurants. A marginal Piggly Wiggly that's always packed. There isn't even a hotel, if I remember correctly. My brother said Dale Jr. has a house there. It's the kind of place where you pack the car full of groceries, books, DVDs and forget the world for a week.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

Kitty Hawk, buncha lighthouses. The North Carolina Aquariums aren't bad ...

 

[John]

For most of the year, I loved living on the Outer Banks, but it gets way too crowded in the summer because there is only one way in/out from the south and one way in/out from the north, with one main road connecting everything. If I was going to visit in the summer, I'd probably try to find a house in Avon -- between Nags Head and Cape Hatteras -- where there isn't much going on.

Among my favorite Outer Banks restaurants:

Nags Head
Red Drum Tap House -- By far my favorite place. Get the tuna burrito.
Tortuga's Lie -- Get the crab cakes

Kill Devil Hills
Chilli Peppers -- Really good; you can but some of their hot sauces
Outer Banks Brewing Station -- Good beer, good food

 

[MU_was_not_so_hard]

Think fmrsped might be able to help you out, too.

 

[Football_Bat]

I got kin in Edenton and Hertford, so I've been to the OBX several times, but day trips only, so can't help you on cabins.

I was there last while they were moving the Hatteras lighthouse because of eroding beach. They jacked that thing up on a big Caterpillar and hauled it a half-mile inland.

 

[expendable]

In NC, my aunt and uncle make an annual trip to Morehead City, which is near Wilmington. They've been doing it ever since I can remember. It's near the Interstate and it would be much easier stop off for a couple of days there than the OBX, especially if you have kids.

MHC: Very familiar with the place. Good place to spend the week. But if I wanted to go somewhere isolated, I'd jump the ferry and head to Ocracoke.

 

[John]

I got kin in Edenton and Hertford, so I've been to the OBX several times, but day trips only, so can't help you on cabins.

I was there last while they were moving the Hatteras lighthouse because of eroding beach. They jacked that thing up on a big Caterpillar and hauled it a half-mile inland.

Best surfing on the East Coast is at the jetty right in front of where the lighthouse used to sit.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

I'm not sure what you'll find in the OBX that you won't find in Charleston, other than maybe Cape Hattaras.

We spent a month there one week. Seriously, that's how it felt. A tropical storm flooded our street, essentially holding us hostage from Wednesday through Sunday when we finally fired up the car and held our breath as we navigated the street.

 

[2underpar]

I just got back from charleston and Kiawah Island. Kiawah was good, but pricey. I guess all those places are.
I recommend Hanks seafood in Charleston