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Outer Banks

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One Visitors Circle
Manteo, NC 27954

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(252) 473-2138
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Best

I've been going down to this area with my family for 15 years if not more. I must say after going so many times, even to this day it never gets old. I love being on the wide open ...

Worst

I think the people who write most of the reviews must be realtors trying to rent out their homes. The Outerbanks is overcrowded with little for families to do other than go to th...

motorcycle info 8/8/2006

In regard to the question regarding a place to hang out for motorcyclists, the Lucky 12 Tavern In Nags Head has started a bike night on Saturday's that starts at 7pm. The Lucky 12 is located at mile post 11.5 on the Beach road in Nags Head. more
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motorcycle info? 8/4/2006

I am riding my Harley to a rented house in KDH for 1 week in mid-August. I've been looking through your site for activities relevant to motorcyclists (50'ish). Might be usful to add them. Things like bars, restarants, motels, etc. that are motorcycle-friendly. \r \r cheers! Pros: good set of general visitor info Cons: would like to see some info specific to motorcycdlists more
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Moving Soon to here 5/3/2006

I've been going down to this area with my family for 15 years if not more. I must say after going so many times, even to this day it never gets old. I love being on the wide open beaches, climbing the ever great Hatteras Light for fun even for exercise sometimes. In summer seasons all the attractions such as Go-Karting, Putt-Putt, and some of the other attractions are open. I love this place and plan to move here in the next 2 years. Pros: Food, Beaches, Relaxation and Nature Cons: Summer crowds, Tourist Traffic more
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How can one week go by so quickly? 9/15/2005

Wonderful vacation! Rented a cottage in the 4wd area in Carova. Awoke to wild horses in our yard, watched dolphins play in the surf & saw many different kinds of birds. Most days were spent swimming, bodyboarding, shell collecting, kite flying & walking on the beach. Such amazing sunsets! The homes are close together but the surf & wind drown out all sounds of the neighbors. Very affordable. We brought most of our food from home, ate out twice (Sunset Grille in Duck is great) & bought clams to cook at the cottage. We spent less than $2k for the whole week. More of a power vacation than a relaxing one. The sun & the surf are draining but exhilirating! My 10yr old had a blast. Touristy things: Recommend Jockey's Ridge, driving over the Oregon Inlet Bridge & climbing at least one lighthouse but nothing beats playing in the ocean. Pros: the beach & water, the wildlife, very affordable Cons: traffic on Saturdays, driving on the beach , at high tide more
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The way beaches were meant to be. 8/18/2005

A real vacation is a time to relax and get away from the normal every day life. You won't find bright flashing signs on buildings that only offer neon pink hermit crabs and airbrushed shirts, you also won't have the usual red neck crowds that flock to Myrtle Beach for biker week. You simply can't compare the Outer Banks to Myrtle Beach and comparing the Jersey Shore to anything in the South is just wrong. As a kid I went exploring and visiting the different towns and lighthouses. When I have been out on the beach at the Outer Banks I have never seen more than 10 other people around in sight. If you love beautiful beaches where you can see nature instead of the tattoo on the person sitting right next to your family on the beach, head to the Outer Banks where the beach hasn't been taken over. Pros: Southern Hospitality, Unique, Clean Cons: 4wd is the best way more
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Nothing to DO?!?!?! 8/14/2005

I've read a bunch of the reviews for the Outer Banks and there's nothing to do? Number one, how about RELAX. It's vacation! We always vacation with kids and we play games, do puzzles, dive for pennies in the pool, build sand castles, go shopping, read books, sing and dance... it's the simple things in the Outer Banks. Also, there are the Elizabethan Gardens, the Lost Colony play, the Aquarium, the Dunes, lighthouses, mini golf, movie theaters, restaurants... Have a good easygoing time! We've been going to the Outer Banks for 15 years and now have a house there. We sneak a trip every chance we get. Pros: relaxation, relaxation, relaxation Cons: traffic on weekends more
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Loved the OBX 8/14/2005

This past summer was our first visit to the Outer Banks and we were pleasantly surprised at how much we loved the ocean! The water is warm and very clean. The sand was perfect also. We are from CT and are used to RI beaches which can be filled with crowds, seaweed and jelly fish with 'tough to walk on sand' and we were expecting the same in NC. Luckily, we found it to be the exact opposite of RI. We have declared this 'our best beach vacation ever'! and are looking forward to going back next summer for 2 weeks instead of only one. The only downfall was the amount of time we spent in traffic going over the bridge to get to OBX. If someone has an alternate route especially from 95 south in Virginia, we would appreciate it! Pros: beach, no crowds, great $ value Cons: driving to OBX, driving to OBX, driving home from OBX more
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Visiting the Carteret County area 8/11/2005

As I kid, I could remember walking on the pier and walking with friends on the boardwalk, hearing and seeing all kinds of interesting things. If you enjoy some local flavor try visiting Beaufort and Morehead City. It's a welcome break from the beach scene after a long day in the sun and salt water! Pros: no swing bridge to AB, lot's of history Cons: busy tourist season more
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HILTON HEAD VS OUTER BANKS?? 8/10/2005

Our family has vacationed in Hilton Head for the past 3 years, but we have heard a lot of good things about the Outer Banks...can anyone tell me the pro and cons???? We were thinking of changing it up and trying the Outer Banks but would like some opinions...THANKS!! Kim more
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Southern Outer Banks - from a resident 8/10/2005

As a resident of the southern Outer Banks, I was curious to note that none of the reviews were from my home. If you're tired of the cold, dangerous waters, and too many tourists in Nags Head area, head south to my favorite beach, Emerald Isle. Imagine white sand, warm, clear water, tons of houses to rent for the week, great restaurants (Tortugas, yum), & it's all affordable. Granted there is some traffic during peak check in/out hours, but nothing like the Nags Head area. And, since everyone is southern, it's friendly! You can even rent a surfboard from 58 Boards if you need some excitement!! For the kids, there's putt putt, water slides, batting ranges, go carts etc. Also, try Atlantic Beach which offers hotels in addition to home rentals. Atlantic Beach has a boardwalk with tons of family entertainment as well. Hope ya'll come see us! Pros: family entertainment, affordable, beautiful beaches more
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Native OBXer 8/10/2005

Comparing the Outer Banks to Jersey Beaches is like comparing Pop-tarts to Eggs Benedict. OBX is known for it's natural beauty: no malls, no amusement parks, no boardwalks. If you like Myrtle Beach or Ocean City, then you won't like OBX. For one thing, we don't have a traffic light at every block! What we do have is natural beauty, miles of unspoiled beaches, surf, great fishing, sand dunes, wild horses, did I mention natural beauty?! The people are friendly, & the seafood is fresh. We don't have a McDonald's & a Wings on every corner, thank God! If you want to appreciate the beach, the TRUE beach, then please come visit us. If you want to see dolphins frolicking in the surf, & wish to experience the pleasure of a passing stranger smiling and saying hello as you walk past, then drop your cell phone, and get down here!!! Pros: friendly people, beautiful beaches, fresh seafood more
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Hatteras Island...the best! 8/9/2005

The uncrowded.....I have been vacationing on Hatteras Island since 1986..now my children and grandchildren love it... Hatteras Island is a ribbon of sand 65 miles long..cross the Bonner Bridge..south of Nags Head....mostly National Seashore except the 7 villages where building can occur....Recently my 2 and 5 year old grandsons became junior park rangers by participating in some of the free park programs..crabbing in the sound at the Bodie Lighthouse... the Spanish ponies on Ocracoke..learning about Blackbeard on Ocracoke (a free 40 min.ferry ride from Hatteras Is. to Ocracoke)..the 5 year old walked to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with his dad.. collected shells..built sand castles...played in the ocean.....watched the fishing boats unload at Hatteras marina....much history...Civil War...the U Boats off the NC coast WW II...Hatterask indians....the grandkids became pirates after visiting the pirates' store on Ocracoke....beautiful beaches....sunrises and sunsets a marvel...I usually stay in Avon. Pros: uncrowded, beautiful beaches more
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OBX=Heaven 7/4/2005

My parents took the family for the first time in 1970 as a five year old two lanes all the way from the VA line! My family loves it as I do! .How to surf fish, catch ghost crabs at night..body surf, surf and just relax! They love the smell of the ocean air, taking showers outside at your Beach House, eating big family dinners with family and close friends that share the same values! Best time on the beach 4-5 in the afternoon after playing hard all day sun is over the dunes light filtering off of the ocean sound of waves breaking sea grass is swaying in the wind... light breeze, SWEAT DRIPPING DOWN THAT FIRST COLD BEER...AHHHH. Kids grab the old 7.5 ounce cokes in a glass bottle as I did as a boy and brown cows at night! Pure joy! Only 30 more days! Pros: Everything, Blue Point, Duck Deli more
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What a waste! 7/4/2005

I have been to OBX several time and it gets worse every time that I go there. Over crowded with lower than average facilities. If you want to see where the Wright Brother flew, it's fine - if you want a casual summer vacation, look some where else - the Outer Banks are worse than the Jersey Beaches. Pros: Sun & sand Cons: Too many people, No beach access, Too touristy more
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Stay in Hatteras Village 6/5/2005

I just got back from my first trip to the Outer Banks last weekend from my younger sister's wedding. The entire family went down and made a vacation of it. We stayed in Hatteras Village which is at the southern tip of the island. I used to think what is the big deal about the Outer Banks? NOW I KNOW! It is absolutely beautiful with totally untouched beautiful beaches that are uncrowded and very clean. No high-rise condos. Nothing to spoil the perfect view. Be prepared to never want to leave and go home searching the internet for jobs anywhere near Hatteras! Lots of side trips too, lighthouses, preserved natural areas, many little shops and great local restaurants. Even my kids loved it and normally they go for all the excitement of the bigger beaches. We can't wait to go back next year. Pros: Beautiful beaches, village atmosphere, Uncrowded Cons: Absolutely none more
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Not a fan of the OBX 6/3/2005

I think the people who write most of the reviews must be realtors trying to rent out their homes. The Outerbanks is overcrowded with little for families to do other than go to the beach. If you don't have 4-wheel drive you are missing out on the only exciting thing to do there. Many of the restaurants are nothing more than gift shops, you either have to enter the restaurant though the gift area or you have to exit one to pay your check. If you like looking at large vacation homes covering the dunes than you will love the outerbanks. Pros: Pea Island, Light houses, National Park Service Cons: Not enough to do, Too many homes, To many people more
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I was impressed 5/26/2005

I normally go to the NC/Tenn mountains but last April my sister invited us to Corolla. I fell in love with it. In fact, so much, we are going back June 4th. It is laid back, quiet, not crowded except Nags head/Kittly Hawk area. I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to relax and doesn't feel like they have to be doing something constantly. more
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OBX - 5 Key Points 5/26/2005

First, you have to love the beach. Second, you have to love to relax. Third, only come with family/friends that you are comfortable and share the same values/interests. Fourth, watch your little ones grow up after each visit and actually want to keep the tradition of coming to OBX forever! And fifth, be prepared to go into deep depression every time you leave (and immediately start your countdown until the next visit). We go every other year with friends and it just aint enough! But its the greatest place to go, bar none! Duck is our favorite locale. Now, I could go on and on but you just have to experience it for yourself. One more thing, when you come back you MUST tell everyone it was the worst trip ever (hey, lets not get the word out too much about this gemits already gaining a lot of popularity). Pros: Beaches, People Cons: Hmmmm-NONE more
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Love at First Sight! 5/20/2005

I just returned from the Outer Banks a week ago. It was so hard to leave the beautiful beaches and island atmosphere. As a college grad, I wanted to celebrate my graduation at the beach but away from the crowds so the Outer Banks was my first choice! It's the perfect place to rekindle love for your significant other. After my trip I plan to have my wedding at the WhaleHead Club. There is a great place to watch the sunset over the sound with the Currituck Lighthouse in the distance. more
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Spend your time in Avon--Hatteras Island 5/20/2005

Hatteras Islandparticularly Avon, is the gem of the Outer Banks. There are no hotels, everyone rents a privately owned beach cottage or beach homerented by the week. Here are the amenities of Avon: Carnival rides: none; Chain Restaurants: none; Fast Food Restaurants: one, Subway; Crowded beaches, none; High-rise condo buildings, none, fees to use the beach; none. If you want peace and quite on your vacation, Avon is the place to go. The beaches are clean. There is one large supermarket and a handful of local restaurants. Most real estate firms provide their clients with a swimming pool and tennis courts. September and October has warm weather and the village is nearly empty. more
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Editorial

  • In Short
    Like a giant comma, the Outer Banks sit off the N.C. mainland. Beautiful, wide-open beaches, enormous chunks of preserved nature, and an atmosphere that's upscale and...

  • 5/8/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
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