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We vacationed the OBX 5/21 - 5/29/99. Stayed at the Inn at
Corolla Light 3 days to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. They
had a bottle of champagne on ice waiting in our room when we got there
along with a card. It was a nice touch. Our anniversary was actually 2
days later and our daughter surprised us with a wine basket waiting in
our room when we got back that evening. We fixed steaks on the grill
and relaxed. You could say we were well wined and dined. We were
disappointed that the pool was still closed on the Inn premises. We
were not advised that it would be. An indoor pool was available to
drive to or take the trolley, but we declined that option. Whatever
you do if you stay there, don't take a room in the pedestrian traffic
zone. Room was gloomy and poorly lit. They had a great complimentary
breakfast layout, which was good because if you didn't eat it there or
fix it in your room it was hard to find. We had the most fun
discovering that our 4WD drive Mazda MPV Van was fully capable of
negotiating the beach and we drove 9 miles north at the surf's edge.
It was exhilarating. There are homes on the beach only accessible by
beach - no roads. We had hoped to see the wild horses, but didn't. We
had picnicked on the beach the day before, but the flies were so
vicious they bit right through the insect repellant. We found Corolla
a bit too separated from everything for our tastes. Don't miss the
Currituck lighthouse, the view was incredible and worth the 214 steps
it took to get there. The best place we found to eat at that end of
the Outerbanks was a newly opened place called Qwackers at Duck. The
Duck Seafood Buffet was scheduled to open the following Wednesday
($22.95 for adults). Qwackers was more reasonable and located in the
same building. We were treated to a beautiful sunset on the sound
following a thunderstorm that occurred while we were eating. It was
breathtaking. We also ate at Fishbones in Duck. We highly recommend
the Clam Chowder (get a bowl), but NOT the HOT CRAB DIP. What an awful
thing to do to good crabmeat and it was served with garlic bread of
all things. We stayed at The Sea Oatel on the beach in Nags Head for
two days. Great view of the Atlantic. There was a sandstorm going when
we arrived that built dunes on our 3rd floor balcony though and sand
blew into everything. Following day was gorgeous and we visited the
Elizabeth II a replica of a sailing ship. We ate at the Wharf, a very
popular seafood buffet, which is everything it's claimed to be ($17.95
for all you can eat). Get there early and wait for the door to open.
Otherwise there will be long wait. It was empty when we went in and
packed when we left. The Grits and Grill was good for breakfast. We
also liked the shopping opportunities around Nags Head. We left the
motel curtains and balcony door open all night the second night so we
could hear and see the breakers. Awoke the next morning to see several
porpoises feeding just offshore. Stopped to see the Hatteras Light
House. It hasn't moved from its original location but a roadbed is
being prepared for its move later in June. Picture taking not good
because of all the construction machinery. Stayed two nights at the
Pony Inn on Ocracoke. Very nice. Captain' Ben's is right next door and
had wonderful food. Took our "dune buggy" (Mazda MPV) for a spin on
the beach again. Visited the Ocracoke Lighthouse, which was
interesting. The shops are fun and don't miss the museum next to the
ferry landing. Unless you are going fishing or to the beach that's
about it for Ocracoke - 40 minute ferry one way and 2 1/4 hours on the
Cedar Island Ferry going the other way. The "wild" ponies are in a pen
on the highway going into Ocracoke Wanted to visit Cape Lookout
Lighthouse, but cost was prohibitive. You have to take a ferry and I
believe it was $20.00 per person. $65.00 to take your 4WD. Bought
postcards instead from The National Park Service's beautiful facility.
We picnicked and watch boats go by. Spent the last two nights at the
Homestay Motel in Wilmington. Best room yet and very reasonable. Pool
was beautiful and the ocean warmer. Visited the newly remodeled NC
Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Would you believe they have a petting zoo of
sea creatures. There were several species of crabs including Hermit &
Horseshoe crabs that kids could pick up (with supervision). We enjoyed
that as much as the kids. Tried to go to Wrightsville Beach. No places
to park so worked our way back out. People were walking miles to get
to the beach. It was the complete opposite of Corolla. We went back to
the pool at the motel. Ate at Sticky Fingers BBQ. Ribs were
delicious.
Just got back from Buxton....lovely house on the beach with
terrific view of lighthouse. We've been visiting this area and Kitty
Hawk for more than 30 years and will miss the present views of the
lighthouse from the beach, but we fully support the relocation because
we'd rather miss the view than the lighthouse itself. Very interesting
this time watching the preparation for the move....thanks to Cheryl
and Bruce Roberts for e-mailing us so much info and pictures that set
the stage for a greater understanding of what's going on there.
Weather was BAD most of the week with that low sitting off the
coast...but the visit was interesting nontheless. Great meals at the
Pilot House and Breakwater (Wow, that "Cowboy Steak"). Real good lunch
at the Something Else Cafe. Fishing lousy on the beach--but we caught
a few sea bass one morning on Miss Hatteras.
We have been vacationing the OB for the last 5-6 years. the
best. Got all the best places to eat down--let us suggest The Mad
Crabber in Avon, and The Wharf @ MP 9 1/2 up Kill Devil Hills way. A
must for us each year. We got married this year at the Wright
Brothers National Monument. Stayed at our usual location--Rodanthe.
We like being in the middle of it all---half way between Hatteras and
Nags Head. Ocracoke is a fun day trip. Rented a plane for a few
hours and flew the Banks. Totally scenic. I offered to take the
witnesses that we grabbed for our wedding up for a ride. They loved
it. Landed at Hatteras Mitchell and First Flght. Flight originated
from Dare Co. Munic. Anybody want to know Pro's and Con's of the
banks...dont' hesitate to e-mail. We've got it down pat!
I had my first experience of cape hatteras when i was sixteen
and loved every minute of it! I have been back to the Outer banks
twice since then once in 1997 and 1998 and now we are embarking on our
third year- 1999- of "Beach trip 1999" third anniversary! We cannot
wait to come back. I will never forget the serene sea shores and the
laidback island lifestyle! The little shops like the island art
gallery and the Food Lion with it's great prices on Beer and coolers!
We fish off of the pier eat great seafood at the Froggy dog and bask
on the beaches! In 1997 we rented a house with a bunch of friends and
in 1998 and this year 1999 we will rent with our family. It is the
nicest vacation we have ever had! We have found some really nice
treasures on hatteras and normally stay in avon, frisco, or buxton.
Also the upper outer banks is great with the Weeping radish and the
shops of Nags Head! we cannot wait until May 22nd! All I can say is
relax, have a beer get a great tan, and take in some sun and fun of
the waves lapping at your feet! Holly Koegler an Outer Banks Lover for
years! We are still waiting to catch that "Big Drum" ENJOY!
We spent our summer 98' vacation on the Outer Banks. This was
our first trip, but I hope not our last. The ferry road to Oracoke was
relaxing, but very long if you have small children (we have a 1 year
old). So make sure you bring lots of entertainment and extra bottles.
When we arrived on the island we had lunch at Howard's. First, let me
tell you, we are from the mid-west and my husband has tried chili from
all over. But he had the best at Howard's! We ate out on the deck and
enjoyed the afternoon. We also ate at the Down Under. The food was
good, but not as good as I expected. But still worth the stop, enjoy
the view! We did several things while on the islands but the best is
just beach lounging. Just go and relax. Kick up your heels take a deep
breath and learn to enjoy life again.
Okay, there are certain places you have to go for certain
things to eat on the Outer Banks. HURRICANE MO'S for the best steamed
oysters ever (beer and wine only)! CAPT'N FRANKS for the best hot
dogs! CLARA'S for the absolute best ever she-crab soup! DAIRY MART for
the best hamburger you will ever put in your mouth (outside dining
only!) ELIZABETH'S CAFE all around yummy! For great tuna taco's, it's
gotta be GOOMBAY'S. JOHN'S DRIVE IN for tuna boats with fried okra and
don't forget the peanut butter milkshakes (outside dining only!) THE
OASIS: you have to go get the BELLRINGERS! Raw oyster on a saltine
cracker with horseradish, hot sauce and a jalapeno; a buck a piece.
Your nasal passages will be clear for weeks. My record is six. If Mark
makes them; I can only do three. THAI ROOM for the sauteed soft
shells. We lived on the Outer Banks for nearly 10 years but go back at
least twice a year. Just got back from our 11 days during Easter 99.
Had a wonde! rful time
My wife, daughter (7 years old), and I vacationed in the Outer Banks
from 3/13/1999 through 3/19/1999 and had a great time... We stayed at
the Barrier Island Station in Duck; we loved the location and the easy
access to the beach, but our unit was very poorly maintained and
needed serious work. We would give a thumbs up to the following
activities: Jockey's Ridge (especially kite flying), fishing in the
Sound for Striper Bass, the Wright Brothers Museum, shelling and
watching the sunrise on the beach, going to the Christmas Shop and
Jeannene's Cat House in Manteo, visiting the Elizabeth II and the
Roanoke Festival Island, putt-putt, and, of course, seeing the
lighthouses. My daughter and I preferred the Bodie Island lighthouse;
my wife liked Currituck best. Hatteras was interesting with all of the
construction efforts. We'd only give a thumbs down to 2 activities:
the trip to Ocracoke was very disappointing - I think our expectations
were too high - and looking for ghost crabs at night on the beach. I
felt like we were hunting for snipe...maybe it was too cold?
We love the Outer ABnks, we own a cottage across from the Wright Bros.
Memorial. We go donwn during the summer and in the winter and fall. We
love the restaurants especialy Fishermans Wharf in Wancheese and Queen
Anns Revenge. WE love the outer bankjd
For the last six years we have taken a week to relax at the Outer
Banks. After a twelve hour drive we spend the first night at Nags Head
in a motel on the sea. We let out a big sigh, breathe in that
wonderous air, a mild tang of ocean air spiced with the fragrance of
cooking and pines. We unpack, walk on the smooth warm sand, (our
favorite time is the early Fall) and gaze out to sea, the sun and sky
reflecting colors on the ocean. After a delicious dinner, we again
walk the beach, the familiar roar and hissing of the waves as they
relentlesslyt turn on themselves until they spread themselves
prostrate over the gentle sloping sand, with a gentle hiss and
tinkling of broken shells and sand fall into one another. Off to bed
where we quickly doze off.
3DMy family and I have been comming to the outerbanks for over twenty
years. My wife used to come here as a child and teenager. It was
really primative back then.=20 We started out going to NagsHead but
moved further south to Hatteras. Along the way we picked up more
family and friends to vacation with us. We now have about 8 or 9
families that know each other or are related in some way renting a
house on the beach in Hateras Village the same week each year. We have
a blast and love it there. We always rent from Middget reality. They
are have always been great to deal with and their houses have always
been clean and well kept. One of the group that rents with us had a
problem this year with his refrigerator. They quickly got him a
temporary replacement and helped him find a super house for this
comming year.=20 The Channel Bass is the best kept secret in town.
The seafood sampler appetizer and soft shell crabs are out of this
world and the Haterras style clam chowder is my favorite. Bubba's
Barbecue is a must at least twice for the week as is the Hatterasman
drive inn which is run by two little old ladies and is only open from
about 11:30 till 3:00 each day for lunch. Oster sandwiches, burgers,
fries, and old fashion milk shakes Hmmm. Billy's Fish House is also a
good choice. We have a great time at the beach, boogie boarding and
body suffing. We also set up a volleyball net. One of the group brings
down a couple of wave runners and we all take turns. They put them in
at Teaches marina and run them out the inlet and up the coast, to the
beach were we are all hanging out. It's quite a site. This past year
we decided to extend our one week stay by booking a room for two days
at the new Holiday Inn next to the ferry. That worked well and was a
lot of fun. This year I think I am going to stay two days in the Nags
Head area then travel south for my week in Hatteras. =20
My husband, twins and myself have been visiting Nags Head twice a
year since 1995. Since we have always been on a tight budget, we
found a wonderful little place at milepost 16.5 called The Dolphin
Motel. This is on the ocean, and we get an efficiency for a great
price. Diane and Phil, the proprietors have become good friends and
we have met several families who vacation the same week we do each
year (around July 4). The first year, 1995, we were run out of town
by Hurricaine Felix (who didn't have the nerve to show his face,
afterall) but we kept coming back. The Dolphin reasonable, clean,
accessible to many area restaurants and shops. All four of us have
our favorite restaurant: My husband - Carolina Seafood. The food is
excellent!! Mine is The Fisherman's Wharf in Wanchese - out of the way
but great. My son's is RV's also great food and my daughter... Burger
King! Just kidding, but she does like those whoppers. We have visited
all the lighthouses, taken the ferry to Ocracoke and back, climbed
jockey's ridge, seen the Wright brother's museum. My favorite gift
shop is the Shipwreck which is located on the Manteo Causeway. We also
took an evening cruise on the Crystal Dawn. Nags Head is heaven on
earth, no doubt about it. 1/15/99
If you are on Hatteras Island and in Buxton or nearby, a great place
to eat is The South Shore Grill in Frisco (formerly the Frisco
sandwich shop). The food is absolutely delicious and very reasonable
with a large menu. The pool table is a nice touch too. I can't make
any special reccomendation-it's all good!
i am a native of Buxton on Cape Hatteras but have spent a lifetime
away. i am looking forward to going back to the island on this
thanksgiving and playing the nine hole course at Frisco--TWICE!
probably fall and winter are the best times to visit the
"banks" and the weather from a golf standpoint is ideal.
when you get to Buxton, stop at my brother's bar/resturant and get a
TURKEY SUB and whatever you wish to drink. the name is FINNEGANS. an
Irish flag will be flying in front. can't imagine why. thanks!
2nd time in the Outer Banks for my parents and I back in late May.
The weather was warmer than the previous year but still beautiful.
Once again staying at the Comfort Inn in Buxton - still nice. There
was the tried and true - eating at the Tides twice and the visit to
the Hatteras lighthouse. There was also the new - tried Hodad's in
Avon (very good), the Pilot House (great view of the sound), and the
Cape Sandwich Co. (excellent sub!). We also went down to Ocracoke for
the first time. A treat for me was seeing lightning flashes over the
ocean at nearly 5am one morning - don't see that at home! The Outer
Banks has become one of my favorite destinations, so I definitely want
to go back - if not next year, then ASAP!
Since 1986, the Costanzo family has been making an anual trip to the
Outer Banks. We have stayed in Duck, Kitty Hawk, Carolina Beach, and,
our favorite, Emerald Isle. Since there are 30+ of us that go each
year, we rent out several houses. By far, the nicest and most
convenient are those on the beach front. Emerald Isle is the perfect
beach spot because you get the seclusion, peace and privacy of the
ocean atmosphere, and within a 10 minute drive from anywhere on the
island you can find stores, museums, restaurants, water parks, golf,
miniature golf, Sea-Doo rentals, boating, etc. I highly suggest you
take a trip to Nikola's italian restaurant (located somewhere near
Beaufort). It is a classy place with excellent cuisines. You have the
option of choosing your meal a la carte or you can opt for the seven
course meal. OH, it is so tasty. Golphin' Dolphin is a totally fun
place, too. There is an elaborate mini-golf course, batting cages,
driving range, bumper boat! s, go karts, and kitty go karts. It's a
blast. So, if you want any extra info- phone numbers, realty offices,
things to do, or just great memories.
Good Luck and happy traveling. =)
My boyfriend and I visted the Outer Banks from Sept 14-19th 1998. The
first thing we did was hangliding at the Currituck County Airport with
Kitty Hawk Kites! A little scary but an amazing experience. The people
at Kitty Hawk Kites were kind and definitly supportive for your first
hanggliding experience. We started out camping at the Oregon Inlet
National Campground and stayed for three nights. The campground is
great, just a dune between you and the beach. Its nice to hear the
surf at night and feel the warm breeze, not to mention the thousands
of stars you could see at night. While you are star-gazing don't
forget to bring a radio and listen to WOBX The Wave( 94.9?) a great
radio station!!! The campgrond was quiet and clean and cheap(just $12
a night!). It is just minutes from Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and quaint
Maneto where we took at sunet cruise on the DownEast Rover. Beautiful.
If you are a tent camper don't bother with any of the campgrounds
except the National campgrounds, they are much more expensive. The
National Camp grounds only have one drawback-- only cold water
showers. We traveled up to Corolla to see the wild horses via
ATV(four-wheeler). We rented the ATV for one hour even though the
representative for Corolla Outback Adventures was very rude on the
phone. We saw three wild horses but later wished that we would of
taken the ATV trip to Portsmith Island off Ocracoke Island. The people
were much nicer and you should of seen the shells they brought back
from the trip! As you might have guessed our next stop was Ocracoke.
The first night we stayed at the Ocracoke National Campground, again,
a dune away from the beach. The next two nights we stayed at Edwards
of Ocracoke, a little hotel walking distance from everything. They
were running a Adventure Package deal for two nights in the hotel, a
kayak trip for two, and lunch for two for $150! A deal. Kayaking with
Ocracoke Adventures was great, try it. While in Ocracoke eat at
Creekside Cafe or The Pelican Restaurant. The Pelican has a great
outside bar with 10 cent shrimp from 3-7 everyday. They also have a
1.99 breakfast special that you can't beat!! Don't bother with Howards
Bar unless you want to stay up late, the food and the service are not
that good. Visit the Marlin Bar on Silver Lake for a beer. Shop at The
Village Ragpicker and The Gathering Place for great jewelery and
gifts. Well that's it, wish we were still there. The Outer Banks was a
great vacation, try it!
We just got back from Avon, N.C. We rented a house on the beach on
Wahoo Circle and had a wonderful time. The weather co-operated with us
and it was gorgeous every day. The water was beautiful. We had a ball
trying to find a new seafood place to eat. We liked: MAD CRABBER, BLUE
PARROT, FROGGY DOG, in Avon. PILOT HOUSE in Buxton, great sunset!!
Howards Pub in Orcacoke was ok.Ate at Bad Baracudda in Nags Head,
good. The beauty of this place is the enjoyment of the ocean.Being in
the middle allowed us to go North or South to see the sights. Of
course we saw lighthouses, took the ferry to Orcacoke, spend the day
and enjoy. We plan to go back as soon as we can. We're trying to talk
our kids and grandkids in going.I can see why some go back year after
year. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to the Travelogue and a fellow
vacationer, we had a easy relaxing vacation.I heartily reccomend it to
all!!!Penny Amos, Sparta, Ill.
Just came back from our first trip.Arrived on 9/7 in Avon.The house
was huge and the week went by all too quickly.We saw all four
lighthouses and that alone made my week as I collect them as a
hobby.We went out to eat every night and for what it's worth here is
our opinion of the restaurants in the area.By far the best place we
went to was Windmill Point in Nag's Head.The food,service and
atmosphere were superb.The Pilot House in Buxton was very
good.Howard's Pub in Ocracoke was a disappointment.The portions were
large but the food was awful.For example the french fries were soggy
and the onion rings were overly greasy.Big Al's in Manteo has a nice
50's feel to it with its Coca cola decor and jukebox.The food is what
you would expect,passable.For a higher priced place Tale of the Whale
left something to be desired.The service was good but the food was
so-so.Keep in mind that on Hatteras and Ocracoke you can only get beer
and wine.Summing up,try Windmill Point.It is a little expensive but it
was worth it. Tony Pacifico and friends
We visited the Outer Banks for a week in August 1998, and the
suggestions everyone posted to our page absolutely **made** the trip
for us. We stayed in Corolla. If you are thinking of staying that far
north (especially with kids) be forewarned that it's a mightly long
hike (45-60 min each way) to get to many of the activities/restaurants
in the Nag's Head/Manteo area. The best day of our vacation was
driving down to Ocracoke, with a goal of stopping at Bodie Island,
Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses. If you like to drive around and
soak up local culture, this is a wonderful daytrip. Some restaurant
suggestions:
Just browzing through the Travelogue comments and came to one written
in May that recommends "staying away from buffets" for
dinner. I agree that some buffets are pretty bad, but I must stand up
for the one at George's Junction. I am rather fussy about food, but
we've been there three times and never disappointed. We've just
returned from our summer visit (this time to a house in Frisco).
Weather was great and the surf fishing good (mostly croakers --one
measured 14"---on bloodworms).....Just some advice to those who
need a stop-over on the way down or back on the Delmarva. ALL MOTELS
are booked well in advance...don't count on grabbing a room without a
guaranteed reservation.
Just thought I'd pass my thoughts along on the Outer Banks. My
husband and I spent our honeymoon there last mid-late October(97) and
it was our first time there. Boy did we ever love it! I just can't
say enough things about it! We stayed at the Lighthouse View Motel
first and it was very nice! I love lighthouse so I really enjoyed
walking onto the balcony and seeing Cape Hatteras only 1/4 mile away!
ANd it night it was so neat to see the beam revolving and shining
through our window ever so slightly! The people there are SO NICE!
So FRIENDLY! And the food at the restaurants was beyond be- lief! I
vowed to never again go to a Red Lobster and I haven't! WHo would
want to after eating the wonderful food along the Outer Banks. I will
say however there were two places we didn't care for and that was
Daryl's on the cause- way and towards milepost 10 Stack 'em High. The
contraption they had in the ladies room to shut the main door and one
door for two stalls was very unusual and odd! We went to Ocracoke for
a day and it was very nice. Not too much there but stillnice and
quiet/ Infact that was the overall feel of Hatteras that we loved so
much. No hustle bustle like we have here in SOutheastern PA! WE
stayed at The Blue Heron Motel on our second half of the honeymoon
and loved it too! Again the people were so friendly! Our room was
very nice and a great price for that time of the year! We loved the
private balcony and the extra clean rooms!! Well I could go on and
on....maybe I'll write some more another time. WE plan to go to the
Outer Banks again in mid-late October this year and are glad Bonnie
wasn't so bad!
8/23/98.....Just returned from OBX. We had a great time as usual.
When is the last time you updated this site? Just wanted to let you
know that Down Under was great as usual...Getaways is very good but
the service was a little slow. Worth the wait though. I would like to
know why that guy at Top Dog is so nasty. Is he the OBX's version of
the Soup Nazi? Is he the Hot Dog Nazi? Food was still good though. Ron
Saul at Saul's BBQ in Manteo was so hospitable and his food was above
average and reasonably priced. My husband said the BBQ was very good.
Best of all was the Dixie Pit BBQ on 158. Can't get enough of the
great food. People are so friendly everywhere...except for Hot Dog
Nazi. Thank you Mike (Hatteras Island Flying Service) for the great
airplane ride. See you all soon!!! Ann
My parents and I first went to the Outer Banks the summer of 1997. We
went again August 2-8, 1998. We love the place. We are from the
mountains of Western North Carolina and I am proud to call the state
that has the outer banks, home. we recommend The Diamond Shoals
restaurant, Labrador Oceanic Bistro, the Lighthouse View
Motel-Cottages, Tides restaurant, Uncle Eddy's ice cream shop, Kitty
Hawk, Bodie Island, the Pilot House restaurant, Comfort Inn at
Buxton, and you cannot truly enjoy your vacation without walking to
the very top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and enjoying the
breathtaking view. I love Cape Hatteras and I will do everything to
make sure people know that it's the best vacation spot in the world.
3DMy better half and I recently returned from a week exploring the
outer banks.Aug 9-15. This was out third trip and=20 while we knew
where we were going, we had never spent the night on Ocracoke Island.
I stumbled across this page. I sought assistance in finding the
"right" place to stay.=20 I was taken with the several
sincere recommendations I read on these pages concerning the Boyette
house. So many so, that I decided to take a chance and get
reservations there.=20 In short we were delighted. The rooms were
clean and=20 comfortable. And while not luxurious, they were well
kept=20 and well worth the very reasonable rate. The Motel is=20
located central to most everything (why not, the community=20 is not
that large?). The only drawback I saw was that=20 while the rooms
offer a telephone, no incoming phone calls are accepted. A message
board is where the desk will post=20 your messages. Outgoing phone
lines are limited, too.=20 This is not much of a problem as most
people come there to=20 get away from phones. But, one of our adult
children had=20 a tough time reaching us in an important, but not
emergency, situation. We would heartily recommend the Boyette House
to anyone thinking about staying on Ocracoke.=20 Also, as a result
of the reviews I read here, we also=20 decided to eat at Howard's
Pub. It was fantastic. We wanted just a regular restaurant, not a
high-end gormet place nor=20 bargain basement caf=E9. I couldn't have
built a better place if I had designed it myself. They offer great
food at a good price. The menu had a wide range of entrees but,=20 I
particularly liked the hamburgers. Beer is not bad, either.=20 The
waitress was very friendly and atmosphere of the whole=20 place was
relaxed and cordial.=20 One last note, if you want to stay close to
the northern end=20 of the Banks, but not deal with the hassle and
high prices of=20 Nags Head or Kitty Hawk, check out a charming
B&B in=20 Columbia, N.C. called the Hearts Delight. It is only
thirty=20 miles out of Manteo and the rooms are enormous, well
furnished=20 and priced most reasonable. $60 got us a great nights
stay=20 and a breakfast that was fit for a king. While you are in=20
Columbia,take a walk in the park that they have built at=20 the
visitors center. It winds through a swamp. You can see=20 every sort
of flora and fauna that is in a swamp, yet, not=20 have to leave the
comfortable boardwalk. It is a wonderful=20 way to pass a couple of
hours.=20
My husband and I just returned from spending a week on the Outer
Banks. It was the first time for both of us and we enjoyed ourselves
very much! Before we left I spent a lot of time reading this
travelogue, taking notes so that we would know where to go and what to
do. The travelogue was our best resource for helping us choose
restaurants and we did not have a bad meal while we were there! We
traveled in a 24 foot motor home, coming up from the south on the
Cedar Island Ferry. We spent our first two nights at Frisco Woods
Campground in Frisco and enjoyed ourselves, although the weather was
very hot and the mosquitoes were bad because of all of the shade
trees.This campground is not on the ocean but would be great for
windsurfers because it does back up to the sound. The campground was
nice and well run and would be a wonderful place to stay in cooler
weather.While there we had excellent Pizza at the Gingerbread House
and also enjoyed their pastries. Our next three nights were spent at
Camp Hatteras Campground in Rodanthe. It was a beautiful campground,
right on the ocean. We had made our reservations several months in
advance and were surprised that our site was the second one from the
ocean. All we had to do was walk out of our door, climb up the sand
dune, and we were on the beach! We ate dinner at the Down Under twice
on the reccomendation of this travelogue. We were not disappointed!
Both meals were delicious. One thing that we did learn when we went
for the first time on Friday night is that they will take reservations
and it is a good idea to get them, especially on the weekends, as we
had to wait about 30-40 minutes for a table. We enjoyed visiting the
Hatteras Lighthouse, Wright Brothers Memorial, and the community of
Duck. We had a delicious lunch at the Duck Deli and enjoyed shopping
in the stores. We also went to see "The Lost Colony." On
our last night we ditched our motorhome and stayed at the Tranquil
House Inn in Manteo. It was top-notch. They serve wine and cheese from
5:00-6:00 in the evenings, and have a wonderful breakfast for all
guests in the morning. We ate dinner at Clara's on the waterfront,
which was recommended by several people working in area shops. Again,
we had another great meal! Before we left the Tranquil House in the
morning we borrowed bicycles from the Inn and rode around Manteo for
about an hour. I have wanted to visit the Outer Banks since reading
about them as a child, and I was not disappointed! Susie Riggs, July
31, 1998
We went, thoroughly prepared by this travelogue, to the Outer Banks
for the first time on Sunday, June 7, 1998, during a South Carolina
heatwave. With a stop for morning egg & sausage sandwiches and a
stop for fuel in Jacksonville, NC, we made it to Cedar Island from
Charleston in six hours. (Because of disembarked ferry traffic and
heavy Myrtle Beach traffic on Friday's return, the pace was about
seven on the way home). We were an hour early for our reserved ferry
and could not depart on the one leaving in 15 minutes so we had to
wait for the 1:45. The ferry ride is alright if the little kids are
quiet in the air conditioned lobby. We got to Ocracoke and looked at
all the people walking and riding bikes as we slowly drove through
this congested, compact town. We drove around and checked out some
motelsto stay at for Thursday night on our way back. We looked at the
rooms at the Pony Island motel and chose to stay there later that
week. I can recommend the Pony Island as, unlike others, it is out of
the way but within easy walking distance of the congestion. We got
back on 12 for less than a mile and went to Howard's Pub and had some
friendly conversation with the help and with owner Buffy Warner too by
phone. The food and beer was great and they were very nice people who
enjoyed hearing of this travelogue. After two hours we headed out on
our way. We got on the next ferry and shortly we were standing at the
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with just a few others around. The lighthouse
closes at 4 and by now it was probably around 7. I noticed it was
getting chilly. Little did I know it would be 58 in Nag's Head later
that night. We got back on the road and as we road through Rodanthe I
looked for the Down Under Restaurant everyone is always talking about.
I never saw it or their dark sign to turn down the street to go to it.
We made it to South Nag's Head around 9ish to our hotel, The Comfort
Inn at post 17 1/2. The checkin girl said she had to tell me before
setting up the room account that the pool had been recently closed
because of an erosion problem. They didn't tell me that when I made
the reservation. (According to a pool repair man, who I spoke to later
in the week after having watched him do repair work from my sixth
floor balcony, the pool had been closed since February because of a
Nor'easter storm and there had been difficulty obtaining permits for
repair.) Although I knew I was in no rush to swim in a pool where
nightly temperatures were in the 50s, I asked for and received a $10
discount on the room, added with my mother's AARP we got $20 off per
night. Not too bad. I was satisfied and the continental breakfast was
good. The Comfort Inn is built at an angle from the street so
unfortunately it blocks the sun from the pool in the early afternoon.
It is 7 stories and has great views and is right by the bridge to
Roanoke Island. Upon checkout Thursday morning we were shown little
pity after questioning and protesting an added $4.00 per day room safe
charge. We ate plenty of continental breakfasts so that made up for
that bit of sneakiness by the Comfort Inn which I still would
recommend even though they are not totally up front with customers it
seems so ask lots of questions before booking, get things in writing
and tell them you don't want a room safe. During the week the ocean
water was perfect for penguins, there were very few human penguins and
for me and many others, the knees were as far as I wanted to go in. I
saw surfers with skindiver outfits on. The water was cold! I met some
newly arrived Chicagoans who were getting their rafts ready, I warned
them about the water. They stayed on the sand after their own knee
test. Heated pools are invaluable on the OBs. We had good food at all
of the restaurants and especially the Tale of the Whale on the Roanoke
Sound Bridge on Highway 64. Sit in the back by their window facing the
pier/gazebo and watch the ducks and their babies swim by. If you like
karaoke check out Allen Ross's karaoke show that you can locate in the
what-to-do-where-to-go magazines in all the hotels. For souvenirs at
the best prices go to the Ben Franklin store on the main drag. The
great hat I bought for $5 there was $12 somewhere else. We went to the
Lost Colony Show having bought tickets earlier in the day after going
to the aquarium. Buy your tickets in person at the box office in the
daytime since there are beautiful historical wooded paths beside the
office to walk through and explore and you can walk into the theater
too. We liked the show on June 9, although while covered in Comfort
Inn provided trash bags since umbrellas are not allowed except in the
back of the theater, we had to endure a steady sprinkle with temps in
the 60s. The theater sells trash bag like raincoats for $2 each. The
actor portraying the drunk guy stole the show. Thursday, on our way
back to Ocracoke, we had a good meal at the Down Under and just before
4pm closing I climbed the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and took some
photos. I am in good shape and took a few breathers going up. Going
down is easy. We went on to Ocracoke.That night my girlfriend and I,
flashlight in hand, teased the little crabs on the beach area across
from the pony fence. The moon was beautiful and in the distance I
could see the lighthouse I had climbed earlier in the day. For the
most part, the Outer Banks are OK and I wouldn't mind going back but I
am in no big rush to. If you go, be sure to bring some winter coats,
leather jackets, sweaters and skindiving suits. The people at all of
the businesses and tourist places were extremely friendly and
welcoming, don't be shy and say hello to them. But besides the
terrific Howard's Pub, I just couldn't figure out what is the big deal
about Ocracoke that I hear so much about from travelogue posters. As
far as the entire Outer Banks, go to Myrtle Beach if you like warmer
water, more excitement and golf.
3DJust back from a one week stay in the Frisco area, our 4th trip to
the outer banks.Did many of the usual things like visiting the
Hatteras Lighthouse,Canadian Hole,Jockey Ridge and various fishing
piers.Did go swimming everyday,kite flying, snorkeling, and fishing.
Spent one day on Oracoke Island and took 4 wheelers over on Cedar
Island for a 3 hour tour. Was great fun, but not cheap and we were
very lucky that the bugs took that day off.Did get to eat at the Down
Under, Howard's Pub, The Blue Parrott and the Mad Crabber all of which
we strongly reccommend.Even survived my wife getting stung by a Jelly
Fish and me locking the keys in the car's trunk!God willing hopefully
by this time next year we can write about our 5th trip to the O.B.
Truly a special place. =20
For romance and great food there is no place better than Hatteras!!!!
On my way down for the 4th year in a row - looking forward to eating
at my fav restaurants - Gary's for breakfast (try the seafood
omelet!!!), Mad Crabber, Howard's, Pilot House for dinner. Froggy Dog
for entertainment!!! The Ocrocoke Ferry is lots of fun; watch the
fishing boats come in; and don't forget to climb the lighthouse!!!
Bring lots of videotape!!!!
We had a great trip to the banks.Stopping first at ocracoke
island,staying at the Pony Inn.Nice place to stay at.Clean and the
Pony resturant was great.Dont eat at the Pelican resturant on the
island there.The staff was VERY RUDE to us. We next stayed at The
Owens Motel in kitty hawk.We loved every sec.of our time there.We were
ocean frount and it is what a vacation should be,relaxing and fun.
Just returned from a vacation to Outer Banks, specifically the Buxton
area and it was great as it was 3 years ago. Since the first time, I
am now on the Internet and this vacation decided to take some of the
advice from this page. Was very disappointed in the Lighthouse View
Motel. Felt it was very overpriced for what was offered. However,
upon recommendations found on Billy's Fish House, we were wonderfully
satisfied, as we were with Froggy Day's. Billy's had wonderful
service, while at Froggy's, we had a very sour waitress, but food was
magnificent. Can't wait to go back to Outer Banks. It's a real
Paradise!
I have stayed at the Cape Hatteras Motel many times on vacation. The
units are clean, the staff quite courteous. And the Cape Sandwich
Company, adjoining the motel office, offers some of the best eats
you'll find. For those who like the more out-of-the way places to
stay, Buxton is right up on top of the list. If you like the more
commercial, lots-to-do for thrills places, then stay up around the
Nags Head area.
I am a native Banker who at 18 "couldn't wait to get off this
nothing sandbar". Now, 20 years later, I count the days between
visits. In 1990 while living in Las Vegas, after not having been home
in about fifteen years, I met my husband who decreed that
"Hatteras Island is the only place to spend our honeymoon".
It took a "tourist" to remind me that the Outer Banks is
idyllic.
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