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
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