Resort Realty has come up with summer guides for you to check out the best places to eat, visit, and play! The town we’re featuring this round? Kitty Hawk! Home to some of the best dining, shopping, beaches, and more; Kitty Hawk is one of the best places to visit on the Outer Banks. Check out our Kitty Hawk summer guide that features our top recommendations for your summer visit below and get ready for the best summer yet!
Rundown Cafe
Rundown Cafe is a local favorite. Specializing in an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Pacific Rim flavors, Rundown features dishes like their famous noodle bowls, Tsunami dinner salads, and Baja Fish Burritos. Run Down Cafe also features some of the most insane Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! Rundown is the perfect island-inspired restaurant for your Kitty Hawk visit.
John’s Drive-In
John’s is the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach. This local favorite features any and every milkshake combination you can imagine plus, some killer post-beach meals. Their famous dolphin boats are a must-try. John’s Drive-In also features hot dogs, North Carolina-style barbeque, and burgers for those who aren’t seafood-obsessed. Word to the wise, there’s very limited parking at John’s so if you can walk over from the beach, that’s going to be your best bet as this is a jumpin’ joint during the summer months.
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods reserve is home to delicate and diverse wildlife that contribute to the Outer Banks ecosystem. Learn more about the surrounding marshes and sounds of the Outer Banks. You’ll also be spending time outside on the designated trails throughout the reserve. Learning and getting in some fresh air; a win-win!
Wave Riding Vehicles
Looking for surf equipment or beachside fashion? Wave Riding Vehicles is your go-to! Wave Riding Vehicles or WRV features surf boards and equipment, fashion, and everything in between. You can rent a surfboard and go catch some waves or learn how to hang 10 if you’re not sure how to ride. Side note, WRV also hosts an annual pro surf tournament on the Outer Banks every Labor Day Weekend! Even though it’s not necessarily a Kitty Hawk event, it’s worth driving down to Nags Head to check out if you’re in the area!
Paradise Fun Park
Have fun with the whole family at Paradise Golf & Arcade! Paradise Golf features two mini golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars, and and Wipeout; their newest amusement ride! Paradise Fun Park is perfect for families of all ages. If one of those rainy OBX days hits, the arcade is the perfect place to have fun with classic arcade games.
TRiO Wine, Beer, & Cheese
Looking to relax and unwind with a pint of beer or glass of wine? TRiO is the place for you! TRiO offers different wines to taste and flights of beer to sample along with a small food menu perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends and family. Our favorite on the menu? TRiO’s house grilled cheese. It’s made with an artisan cheese blend and a drizzle of truffle oil; YUM!
Hippity hoppity Easter is on its way! What better way to spend this Easter season with friends and family on the Outer Banks? All throughout April and Easter weekend, there are a slew of events you and your friends and family can partake in. We’ve come up with a list of local events for you to check out!
Dare County Parks & Recreation Easter Eggstravangaza // April 1st
Join in on the fun at Dare County Parks and Recreation’s 20th annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The event will be hosted at the Family Recreation Park located at 602 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills. Time and activities are to be announced so keep checking on the Parks and Recreation website for details!
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Easter Buffet // April 16th 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Basnight’s Lone Cedar is now taking reservations for their Easter Buffet! With selections like roasted turkey breast, crab dip, grilled shrimp, and much much more, make this your tastiest Easter yet! Adults are $22, children ages 6-12 are $12, and children 5 and under eat free! Visit Lone Cedar’s facebook and website for more details.
Fly Into Spring at Kitty Hawk Kites // April 14th & 15th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate Easter weekend with Kitty Hawk Kites as they launch several 30- to 100-foot kites flying high over the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. In addition, pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny and hunt for thousands of hidden Easter eggs at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. This event is FREE to the public. For more information visit Kitty Hawk Kites’ website.
Easter Eggstravaganza at The Elizabethan Gardens // April 15th 10 AM – 1 PM
courtesy of The Elizabethan Gardens
Come out and participate in an Outer Banks tradition. Hosted by The Elizabethan Gardens, the Easter Eggstravaganza is full of crafts, games, an Easter egg hunt, and more! Make sure you bring your own Easter basket to collect all your goodies and join in on fun for the whole family. Admission for members of The Gardens is free. Non-members pay adult admission with one child being admitted for free. For more information on event time, vendors, and activities visit The Elizabethan Gardens website or call 252-473-3234
Dare County Family Recreation Park // via Dare County
Basnight’s Lone Cedar // via Basnight’s Lone Cedar
2016 Kitty Hawk Kites Easter Eggstravaganza // via Kitty Hawk Kites
2016 Kitty Hawk Kites Easter Eggstravaganza // via Kitty Hawk Kites
Spring is in the air which means some of our favorite restaurants are going to be opening back up for the summer season! Check out some restaurants that are coming out of hibernation this 2017 season and dine somewhere new on your next visit to the Outer Banks!
Rundown Cafe – Kitty Hawk // Opening March 1st
courtesy of Rundown Cafe
They serve: island cuisine inspired by Pacific Rim and Caribbean journeys
You have to try: the Tsunami Dinner Salad with Coconut Fried Shrimp and Journeys End Dressing
Fish Heads – South Nags Head // Opening April 1st
courtesy of Fish Heads Bar and Grill
They serve: over 20 draft beers, great appetizers, and great post-beach meals like classic burgers and fish tacos.
You have to try: the conch fritters or happy hour 15 cent shrimp and Larry’s Lemonade on draft
John’s Drive-In – Kitty Hawk // Opening March 10th (tentatively)
courtesy of John’s Drive-In
They serve: cheeseburgers, subs, ice cream, milkshakes, and more.
You have to try: a chocolate strawberry milkshake and a dolphin boat
Surfin’ Spoon – Nags Head // Opening March 10th
courtesy of Surfin’ Spoon
They serve: low-fat and non-fat frozen yogurt and vegan sorbet with an array of toppings for you to choose from.
You have to try: whatever you like! Surfin’ Spoons’ flavors change daily and with all of the different topping choices, possibilities are endless!
The Spot – Nags Head // Opening March 22nd
courtesy of The Spot
They serve: healthy options like acai smoothie bowls and smoothies and ice cream for when you want to treat yourself.
You have to try: the Loggerhead Bowl blended with banana and vanilla almond milk topped with granola, banana peanut butter, dark chocolate, and honey. (Add a sprinkle of coconut; trust us on this one!)
Tale of the Whale – Nags Head // Opening April 5th
courtesy of Tale of The Whale
They serve: fresh local seafood, choice steak, chicken, pasta and more
You have to try: their House Specialty Shrimp and Grits
Sam and Omie’s – Nags Head // Opening Early March
courtesy of Sam and Omie’s
They serve: omelets, burgers, club sandwiches, seafood dinners, and more
You have to try: the Sam & Omie’s Crabcake Sandwich
Owens’ – Nags Head // Opening Early March
courtesy of Owens’
They serve: rich, coastal, southern seafood classics with the culinary flare of today in upscale setting
You have to try: the Seafood Mariner featuring a fish filet, jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, crabmeat Remick and Seabreeze potatoes.
Red Drum – Nags Head // Opening March 12th
courtesy of Red Drum
They serve: fresh local seafood, steaks, ribs and more in a family-friendly environment.
You have to try: the Mixed Seafood Saute featuring the fish of the day grilled with sauteed shrimp in lemon dill butter
Avenue – Manteo // Opening Mid March
courtesy of Avenue Waterfront Grille
They serve: local seafood, all natural meats and chicken, and a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options all in a casual dining setting.
You have to try: the House Specialty Fish Tacos
Mimi’s Tiki Hut – Manteo // Opening April 14th
courtesy of Matt Lusk & Blue Water
They serve: drinks while you’re waiting for your table at Blue Water or a quick bite to eat while enjoying live entertainment.
You have to try: the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and a Kill Devil Rum “Not So Dark N’ Stormy”.
So which OBX restaurant are you most excited about re-opening? Let us know!
Kids have to have fun on vacation too! The Outer Banks is full of kid-friendly activities that the whole family will enjoy. From getting outside and being active to learning more about marine life and conservation, check out our list of a few Outer Banks Kid Friendly Attractions!
Formerly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, Dowdy Park is a new Outer Banks playground for all families in the community to come play. Visitors and locals alike will love the new Dowdy Park that features a playground with equipment for every child, including a Liberty Swing so children in wheelchairs can play too. The park also features a garden area, playing fields and courts, and a pavilion. Dowdy Park will have its grand opening on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The Children at Play Museum is a place where children can learn, play and explore different features of the Outer Banks in one convenient play center. Kids will get to explore and pretend in sections like Carolina Flare which is a kids size replica fishing boat, the living swell focuses on the feel of surfing and daily activity and more. Each exhibit helps developmental skills like motor skills, creative thinking, community awareness, arts, and much more. Fun meets education on vacation!
Get up close and personal with sand tiger sharks, sting rays and more at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The aquarium is where kids (and adults) can learn more about marine life on the Outer Banks and how to preserve it. With over 7 exhibits to explore, the North Carolina Aquarium is a great place to spend time with the kids.
Have wet and wild fun at H2OBX Waterpark! Not only is the park a great time for the whole family, there’s an area just for younger kids and toddlers! The kids play area features a small scale wave pool, jungle gym with splashy attractions, and smaller slides so everyone can join in on the fun.
Every hour should be happy hour during the summer! If you’re looking for places to go for a few drinks, a light meal or appetizer and fun with friends take a look at our 5 Happy Hour Restaurants You Need To Try!
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
photo courtesy of Fish Heads
Fish Heads is a favorite among locals and a visitors of the Outer Banks alike. With a happy hour special featuring 15 cent shrimp and over 20 beers on tap, you can’t go wrong with Fish Heads. Fish Heads also offers meals like fish tacos and classic cheeseburgers and appetizers like conch fritters and crab dip. Did we mention that Fish Heads is located on Outer Banks Pier? The only view you’ll have is ocean and that almost beats happy hour prices and amazing food and beer.
Hurricane Mo’s
photo courtesy of Hurricane Mo’s
Another local and visitor favorite is Hurricane Mo’s. This tropical themed restaurant serves everything from local coastal cuisine to traditional fare for land lovers. Hurricane Mo’s also offer happy hour specials from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 10 cent shrimp, 25 cent wings and $1 tacos are featured along with plenty of different drink specials to cool down with!
Chilli Peppers
photo courtesy of Chilli Peppers
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch Chilli Peppers is an Outer Banks go to. Chilli Peppers serves an array of foods from seafood steamer pots to southwestern style tacos and classic burgers. Chilli Peppers offers happy hour every day from 3 PM to 6 PM featuring shrimp, crab leg, and wing specials. Drink specials are daily at happy hour as well!
Goombay’s
photo courtesy of Goombay’s
Goombay’s serves island-style entrees with an Outer Banks twist. Dishes like curry chicken and shrimp, the Jamaican burger, and tuna tacos ensure that whatever you choose you’ll definitely enjoy. Goombay’s offers an array of drink choices for adults and little ones that want to pretend to be adults (non-alcoholic of course and it comes with a toy). With happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM offering specially priced appetizers and drink specials daily, you can’t go wrong with Goombay’s.
Longboards
photo courtesy of Longboards
If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax, Longboards Grill & Bar is the place to go. Longboards is a fun and relaxing family friendly environment serving everything from surf n’ turf to homemade pizzas. Their extensive menu is sure to please even the pickiest eater. With happy hour happening every day from 3 PM to 6 PM, you have the opportunity to grab some amazing deals. Longboard’s happy hour features items like shrimp, crab legs, wings and much more from their appetizer menu. Drink specials vary by the day but are included in happy hour as well!
Dowdy’s Amusement Park
Once popularly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, the old site will now be home to Dowdy Park, a place for the community to play. Joe Dowdy’s was a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. Dowdy’s was the place to go for family fun, laughs, and competition. With a Ferris wheel, arcade, roller coaster, and many more classic amusement park rides, Joe Dowdy’s was quite missed when it closed down back in 2005.
Dowdy Park today
The Town of Nags Head decided to give Dowdy’s a new life by purchasing the land after it closed. The name of the new attraction? Dowdy Park! Dowdy Park will be a place to play, exercise, relax and enjoy everything around you. Dowdy Park will feature a playground, garden area, playing fields, playing courts, a pavilion, and more! For kids that may have a physical disability, Dowdy Park will provide playground attractions for them as well so they can join in on the fun too! Kids of all ages will be able to run around and play and older kids and adults will be able to walk around and get some exercise and fresh air.
One of many playsets at the new Dowdy Park
For the grand opening of the part, the Dare County Art Council and Dowdy Park are teaming up to host the 28th Annual Artrageous Art Festival on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The theme this year is Art Is The Heart Of The Park with an emphasis on the importance of art in the community. This is a free event where families can come paint, draw, and encourage creativity in their children. Local restaurants will provide food and a free concert will be playing from 3:00 PM until the event close at 8:00 PM.
The Liberty Swing allows kids with a physical disability to play
There’s a huge sandbox with a turtle friend
Dowdy Park offers classic hopscotch and much more
When you’re planning a family vacation, a kid-friendly (and kid approved) place to stay is usually at the top of the list. Here at Resort Realty, that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. We’ve come up with a list of the coolest houses that any kid would enjoy. From life-size chess to kid-sized pools, check out these Awesome Vacation Homes For the Coolest Kids!
Atlantic Breeze is one of the newest luxury rentals at Resort Realty! Packed with amenities like ocean views, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful decor, this vacation home is perfect for everyone, including the kiddos! There is a recreation room, pool table, shuffle board, home theater, and board games! Plus, the private outdoor pool features a kiddie pool for the little ones! A kids nook with flat screen TV and lounge chairs is perfect for a little rest between beach and pool sessions. This oceanfront oasis also features exclusive cabana service!
Landfall II is an 8 bedroom 8 bathroom vacation home that is sure to please parents and kids alike. Not only does this home feature a tiki bar, a blackjack table, and a hot tub that adults will enjoy, kids have special amenities as well. They can play a giant life-sized game of chess or frolic around in the pool right beside it! If the kids need to get out of the sun for a little while, the game room has two arcade games along with a pool table. There’s also a theater room with a large flat screen tv and a huge couch just in case a nap is needed!
Panache is the perfect place for the family that is looking for style, luxury, and fun all rolled into one! Panache is an 8 bedroom 8 bathroom vacation home that has it all; a lavish kitchen with a steamer oven for the chef that can’t wait to cook an Outer Banks seafood meal, a lighted boardwalk that leads to the soundfront, and a large 8 person hot tub. Kids will love the soundproof movie theater that is stocked with different movies and reclining theater seats; perfect for that post-beach day fog. There is also an air hockey table and a pool table so kids can join in on a little friendly competition.
Sailfish Station is a home that your little ones will enjoy! Fully stocked with pool table, multiple game arcade, private pool, and more, this is an Outer Banks vacation home everyone will love. The adults will find the stainless steel kitchen appliances and luxury bedrooms impeccable while the kiddos will love splashing around in the private pool and making use of the home theater.
With a direct private walkway to the beach, the Virginia Dare is already a great choice for kids and parents alike! Not only does this vacation home feature luxury amenities for adults like a grilling area, luxury wet bar, and a soundside sitting room; it also has so many different features kids are going to love. The Virginia Dare features a movie theater complete with surround sound, a kiddie pool within the larger pool, and a recreation room complete with pool table, billiards table, and shuffleboard.
Honestly, what’s better than having your own personal playground AND a swimming pool? Nothing! Pelican’s Perch is a vacation home that features a private pool, hot tub, and a playset sure to please any little one. This home also features a game room with a pool table and a Smart TV that allows you to watch Netflix, Youtube, and surf the internet. A horseshoe pit, bocce ball set, and a volleyball court is accessible at this vacation home as well!
The kids will have a blast at Seasn’d Duck! With a private pool, volleyball court, putting green, and a small playhouse, there will be plenty of time spent outside running around! Formerly known as Vacation Meditation, this vacation home features amenities that adults will find entertaining as well. Season’d Duck is walking distance from the beach and also features a wet bar, access to the Kilmarlic golf course and more!
If you’re looking for the definition of Old Nags Head, look no further than Miss Grace. Miss Grace is a 7 bedroom, 3 full bathroom, and 3 half bathroom home that embodies the historical look and feel of Old Nags Head with modern day updates and entertainment. Adults will enjoy features like the updated kitchen and master bath in the main house while kids can go off and discover amenities like foosball and a twin loft in the connecting carriage house!
Welcome to Dream Inn! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath is perfect for your next Outer Banks vacation. The kids will love the rec room and private pool. Plus, Dream Inn has it’s own playground in the backyard! With great beachy decor and a short walk to the beach, Dream Inn will keep you and your crew happy campers this vacation!
With homes available like these and more, trying to find a place to stay that will suit everyone is a breeze. Resort Realty is proud to offer you the best vacation homes available on the Outer Banks. Book with us today and wow your whole group!
Nags Head is full of beauty, adventure, and history much like the other 15 towns that make up the Outer Banks. Check out these places to see and things to do in our list of Top 10 Things To Do in Nags Head!
1. First Flight Adventure Park
Bring out your inner adrenaline junkie and take on the First Flight Adventure Park. Challenge yourself at Nags Heads’ newest aerial adventure park! With platforms ranging from 12 feet to 50 feet high and 6 total courses, there’s something for everyone.
2. Jockey’s Ridge
Learn the history and ecology of that huge sand dune you’ve probably seen a time or two at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Once you’ve learned some of Jockey’s Ridge’s history, make your way across the street to Kitty Hawk Kites and rent a kite to fly on the sand dunes or browse around Kitty Hawk Surf for a new outfit or outdoor gear.
3. Shopping
Nags Head is home to Tanger Outlets with shops like J.Crew, Polo, Coach, and more. Take time out and stroll through the mall or visit some of the other amazing local shops like Secret Spot Surf Shop or Foxy Flamingo in Nags Head as well.
4. Galaxy Golf
Directly across from Bonnet Street beach access, Galaxy Golf is a fun mini golf course that the whole family will love. This outer spaced themed mini golf course features 18 different holes. Once you’ve had a fun round of mini golf, head over to the Bonnet Street beach access and cool off in the ocean!
5. Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier, originally built in 1939 is one of the oldest fishing piers on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society purchased Jennette’s Pier and rebuilt it in 2011. Once just a home to fishing, Jennette’s Pier offers a snack bar, tackle and gift shop, and an AMAZING view of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Go Karts
How about a little friendly competition? Nags Head Raceway offers single and double go-karts so everyone can compete! The soundside track is sure to captivate you but don’t get too distracted; its Outer Banks tradition that the loser has to buy the winner ice cream!
7. Fish Heads
Enjoy great food with the very best view of the beach. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is located right on top of Outer Banks Fishing Pier. With over 30 different beers on tap food choices like fish tacos and crab cake sandwiches, Fish Heads is the place to go. Did we mention 15 cent shrimp every day from 4 PM to 6 PM?
8. Nags Head Woods
With over 7 different trails to discover and explore, Nags Head Woods will provide hours of active fun. One of the most popular trails is the Roanoke Trail located right off of Ocean Acres Drive. The Roanoke Trail has a direct path to the Roanoke Sound and back which equals out to be about 1.5 miles long.
9. Farmdog Surf School
Learn how to hang 10 or paddle out at Farmdog Surf School. Farmdog offers surfing and stand up paddleboarding lessons ranging from 1 student to over 15. Farmdog will provide you a surfboard, a wetsuit (weather providing), and a shady beach tent when it’s break time. Farmdog also offers beach yoga and a fitness studio!
10. Beach It!
With over 40 public beach accesses up and down the town of Nags Head and the beautiful Outer Banks weather, there’s no reason for you to not get out and soak up the sun! One of the biggest advantages of the Outer Banks is the simplicity of a quality beach day. All you need is a towel, some sunscreen, a bathing suit and a beachy state of mind to enjoy and truly Outer Banks beach day!
This top 10 list only just scratches the surface of what all the town of Nags Head has to offer you on your visit. Now that you’ve seen this list of a few new things to see and try in Nags Head, start planning your Outer Banks vacation! Check out Resort Realty’s stunning Nags Head vacation homes and make us a part of your Nags Head summer vacation!
First Flight Adventure Park – Courtesy of First Flight Adventure Park
Farmdogs Surf School – Courtesy of Farmdogs
Fish Heads Bar and Grill – Courtesy of Fish Heads
Galaxy Golf – Courtesy of Galaxy Golf
The chilly weather that’s been impacting everyone has got minds wandering towards June 21st, the first day of summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, and beaches are the only things that are on the brain so when the time comes, why not book an Outer Banks vacation?!
If you’re thinking a vacation to the Outer Banks is financially unrealistic, take a look at some of our affordable, but amazing vacation homes! Resort Realty offers vacation homes with Saturday check-in and check-out for as low as $27 per night per person! Take a look at some of our affordable vacation homes and start planning your summer getaway.
Saltaire (2600) – Duck
This soundside home is perfect for enjoying the first days of summer. Saltaire is only about 500 yards away from the beach access conveniently located across the street. The sound is literally your backyard so enjoy it and go on a kayaking adventure with the kayak provided for you in the house, just make sure to bring your own life preservers! At only $36 a night per person*, grab 6 of your closest friends or family and spend a week in Duck!
Dolphin’s Den (1878) – Corolla
Spend your first week of summer at Dolphin’s Den in Corolla! This oceanside home provides you with a little over 500 yard walk to the beach so you can spend all day in the surf and sand. With access to tennis courts you can stay active and still have fun in the sun. With a Saturday arrival and 8 people in your group, this vacation home is only $27 per night per person!
Nepenthe (7850) – Frisco
Discover Frisco and make memories that’ll last you a lifetime. Nepenthe is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home that boasts ocean and soundside views. With only about a 200 yard walk to the beach, there’s no reason you shouldn’t kick off your summer in thee sand. Nepenthe is also conveniently located within walking distance to dining and shopping. This home is a perfect price. With 6 people in your party, you’ll only be spending $30 a day!
The Sea Ranch (5476) – Nags Head
The Sea Ranch is the place to be to start your summer off right. This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home has recently been updated with a brand new kitchen and floors to make your Outer Banks vacation that much sweeter. Situated between highways, The Sea Ranch is almost 400 yards to the beach, a short walk for a long, salty day. With 8 people in your group, you’ll only be spending $24 a day during you week-long visit. With all that extra cash saved, you can take advantage of the go-karts and mini golfing that are right down the street!
Margaret’s Sunrise (2962) – Duck
Perfect for a small group of 4, Margaret’s Sunrise has the perfect view of the ocean. Wake up early and witness the beauty of and Outer Banks summer sunrise over the sea. This oceanfront condo offers access to a community pool, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court and more. There’s also a walkway connecting the condo to the beach so not hot sand to burn up those feet. Margaret’s Sunrise is conveniently located near shops and restaurants, and with only spending $50 a night per person, you’ll be able to take full advantage of that luxury.
In addition to these affordable vacation homes, Resort Realty also offers an EZ Pay Plan. With EZ Pay, you can break up the cost of your vacation into three easy installments! To show our appreciation to our veterans and active duty, we also offer a Hometown Heroes and Military Discount on a number of different homes for additional savings. Turn that vacation dream into a reality, pack your bathing suit, and celebrate the first day of summer on the Outer Banks with Resort Realty.
*Pricing per person is based on max occupancy of the home, which is noted in the description. Pricing includes rent, tax, and administrative fees. Additional linen services and travel insurance not included. Total pricing is quoted for the week of June 17th – 21st
Winter on the Outer Banks is something magical. Time seems to slow down but there’s beauty in the stillness. Most local restaurants shut down in the colder months so employees and owners alike can get some much needed rest and relaxation until the warmer, busier season kicks up again. However, when holidays like Valentine’s Day rolls around, it makes it hard to find a restaurant that’s actually open. Luckily, a few Outer Banks eateries do stay open all year-round and some even open back up for you to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Check out some of our favorite spots for your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner.
Nags Head
Enjoy fresh, local seafood at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe. Lone Cedar takes pride in serving some of the freshest seafood and home grown herbs and greens right here on the Outer Banks. They even give you the option to bring in your own, cleaned catch of the day and they’ll prepare it for you however you like! Lone Cedar does not accept reservations so make sure you arrive at 4:30 when dinner starts to get a table and enjoy an out of this world meal with your significant other. Visit Lone Cedars’ website for more information and menu options.
Nags Head
Small, cozy, and quirky, Blue Moon Beach Grill is a local restaurant you don’t want to miss out on this Valentine’s Day. With their specialty being in Southern comfort food (like their famous shrimp and grits) expect nothing less than being treated like family. Blue Moon offers an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price. Blue Moon is open all year-round from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Make sure you get there early to beat the dinner rush; Blue Moon does not accept reservations. Check out Blue Moon’s website for more information and take a peek at their menu.
Kitty Hawk
For a lighter fare and live entertainment, visit TRiO Bar and Bistro. TRiO hosts an immense selection of wine, beer, and cheese for you and your love to sample and a bistro menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. Visit TRiO’s website for more information on the eatery and to plan the perfect night out with your love.
Kill Devil Hills, Colington Harbor
This cottage style restaurant serves the perfect intimate background for you and your sweetheart. The Salt Box Cafe focuses on locally farmed ingredients, seafood, meat, and vegetables to give you the dining experience you’ve only dreamed of. With options available like maple glazed duck breast and grilled local cobia, you and your love will have the best Valentine’s Day yet. Dinner is 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Salt Box Cafe does recommend making a reservation. Call 252-255-5594 to make your reservation. In the meantime, visit the Salt Box Cafe website to see everything they have to offer.
Duck
This Valentine’s Day, take a trip to Aqua and enjoy waterfront dining that’s sure to make sparks fly with your honey. Aqua offers locally farmed ingredients, fish, and meat to ensure a truly local dining experience. Different selections of beer and wine are available to pair with your meal and live music is played while you dine. You’ll find options like Cornish game hen, seafood pasta, and much more on their menu. After dinner, treat your sweetheart to something sweet off of Aqua’s extensive dessert menu. Reservations can be made over the phone by calling 252-261-9700 or online reservations are available on Aqua’s website.
Buxton
If casual fine dining is what you and your beloved are looking for this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Cafe Pamlico. With fresh local seafood coming from Buxton’s waters, the restaurant garden, Hatteras island or the Tidewater Region, you’ll be no less than impressed with whatever you order. Cafe Pamlico also offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and dietary needs options as well. Cafe Pamlico recommends making a reservation. You can call 252-995-4500 or the front desk at 866-PAMLICO (726-5426) for questions and reservations as well. Check out Cafe Pamlico’s website in the meantime to see all they have to offer.
Manteo
This 3 floor restaurant will offer couples breathtaking views over the Albemarle Sound and appetizing dinner options that will make your Valentine’s Day sizzle. Striper’s Bar and Grille serves local seafood along with freshly made in house sides and dressings to complete your meal. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sound as you dine with your loved one. Striper’s also offers catch and cook. You can bring in your own fresh caught and cleaned fish and Striper’s chefs will prepare it to your liking! Striper’s does accept reservations at 252-475-1021 or at 252-475-1022. Visit their website to view even more of their menu
Make your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner special this year with one of these great, local restaurants. Whether you’re visiting or you live here all year-round, plan an Outer Banks get away with you and your valentine in one of our cozier vacation homes!
Spending quality time with your favorite four legged friend is a great way to spend any day. So why not go out and adventure around the Outer Banks with them too? Check out these spots you and your pup will enjoy in our Top 10 Places to Take Your Dog On The Outer Banks.
1. Jockey’s Ridge
Take a hike with your dog up to Jockey’s Ridge! Enjoy a nice sandy walk on the dunes. Just make sure you’re up to date on Jockey’s Ridges’ pet safety rules.
2. Snowbird Ice Cream
Treat your pooch (and yourself) to a sweet treat at Snowbird Ice Cream in Nags Head. You can get a milkshake, ice cream cone, or even a burger and fries while your dog can lap up a pup cup. Pup cups are vanilla ice cream in a cup that’s $2. With every pup cup purchase, Snowbird donates $1 to the Dare County SPCA, the sweetest treat of all.
3. Nags Head Woods
Keep puppy active by going for a stroll in Nags Head woods. With 7 different trails to discover, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure you bring plenty of water for you and your dog and take a break and enjoy the beauty of the woods.
4. Downtown Manteo
Historic downtown Manteo is the perfect place to explore with your dog. Filled with plenty of shops and a few pet friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, there’s plenty to enjoy and do. Take a stroll dockside and check out all the boats or walk the sidewalks and admire the architecture of some of the historical buildings.
5. Roanoke Island Festival Park
While you’re in downtown Manteo, make your way over the bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park. Festival Park is a historical representation site of Roanoke Island in 1585. Although your furry friend isn’t allowed in the representational part of the park, there is a beautiful grassy area near the pavilion perfect for playing a game of fetch and a sound side boardwalk that borders the majority of the park.
6. The Beach
The beach is one of the best places to spend time with your dog. Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a beautiful beachside sunrise stroll or wait a little later and frolic in the waves with your pooch. Just make sure you know of the water conditions and stay informed on rip currents.
7. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Learn more about the first flight that took place right here on the Outer Banks and visit the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Visit the monument and even see a real size version of the Wright Flyer. While you’re learning, your dog is enjoying a nice walk around the park. It’s a win-win for you and your dog.
8. The Sound
In the evening, take a sound side stroll at the sound access behind Jockey’s Ridge and watch one of the famous Outer Banks sunsets. In the summer, even when the sun starts to go down it’s still pretty warm and since the sound is brackish water, it usually stays pretty flat (meaning, no waves). That creates the perfect opportunity for your dog to go for a fun swim.
9. Island Pet Gallery
Stop in with your furry friend to Island Pet Gallery! Let them pick out a new toy to take home or maybe a new collar or leash so they can make a new fashion statement. Treat them for being a good dog and a good friend.
10. Kitty Hawk Dog Park
Enjoy the dog park in Kitty Hawk and let your dog play and even maybe meet a few new dog friends. A registration form does need to be filled out and you must present a current vaccination record.
Make your visit even more enjoyable with your dog and book one of our pet friendly vacation homes today!
The 2016 WRV OBX Pro started Wednesday Aug 31 and continues into the labor day weekend with the final day of competition Sunday September 4th. Our Resort Realty photographer snapped a few shots of opening day yesterday so we could share the fun and excitement with our Outer Banks lovers. The tropical depression that threatened us with bad weather earlier this week (but thankfully never touched down on the Outer Banks), brought a nice east swell for the competition. Today they are reporting nice waist high swell, which may increase throughout the weekend adding to good surf conditions. Temperatures are mid 80s this weekend so make sure to head to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to check out the pros in our blue Outer Banks surf!
You can catch all the action and watch a live stream of the surf competition here and you can also view the entire schedule and find out when you can “Meet the Pros” here.
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