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
Hatteras is a unique island that is part of the Outer Banks. Full of history, beauty, and local culture, Hatteras is an exceptional gem that you’ll definitely want to visit. Check out our Top 10 Things To Do in Hatteras guide and start planning your Hatteras getaway today!
1 – Lighthouse Climbs
Cape Hatteras is home to two different lighthouses; the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse boasts 257 steps while the Bodie Island Lighthouse has just over 200. The climb isn’t for those who have heart, respiratory, or other medical conditions but climbing is up to your discretion. The view from the ground is as stunning as the view from the top of the lighthouses so even if you’re unable to climb, you still won’t miss out!
2 – Visit Avon Pier
Enjoy a morning sunrise or spend the day fishing away at Avon Fishing Pier. First opened in 1963, Avon Pier is home to many famous catches and the giant Red Drum that like to swim around the pier. A fishing license is not required to fish on Avon Pier and if you don’t have the right gear, the Pier House has you covered.
3 – Ferry Ride
Hatteras is home to the Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry. Plan a trip down to Ocracoke and hop off the Ferry. The ferry ride is only about 40-45 minutes long. The Ferry can transport your car, bike, or even you just on foot! Take a ride across the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke for a day you’ll never forget.
4 – Visit Frisco Native American Museum
The Frisco Native American Museum is a treasure on Hatteras Island. The Native American Museum showcases historical artifacts like drums, weapons, clothing and more from different local Native American tribes. There are also nature trails that wind through several acres of Hatteras forest. Along the trail, you can also dig for fossils in the fossil pile. Fun and education meet at this little museum!
5 – REAL Watersports
REAL Watersports offers a place to shop for surf, skim, skate, and kiteboarding gear. Cape Hatteras is recognized as the best place to kiteboard in the world and is one of the top surfing destinations on the East Coast. If you’re in town on July 21st, REAL hosts Roxy Beach day; a day full of surfing, beach yoga, kiteboarding, and more (and it’s all free!) REAL Watersports also offers kiteboarding, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding lessons. Try a new sport and who knows, you might be the next professional surfer or kiteboarder!
6 – Chicamacomico Life Saving Station
Chica-what?! Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station (pronounced CHICK-a-mah-COM-ick-o) was one of seven lifesaving stations commissioned in 1871. Learn about the history of Live Saving Stations in North Carolina and how they helped contribute to what the United States Coast Guard is today.
7 – Pea Island Art Gallery
View artwork from over 100 local and regional artists at the Pea Island Art Gallery. With pieces like pottery, glass, jewelry, wood, sculpture, and more there’s something for everyone to look at. If you really fall in love with a certain piece of art, you can buy it to bring home with you!
8 – Tour by Air
A unique way to experience Hatteras Island is by viewing it by air! Burrus Flying Service has three different tours you can choose from. The South Tour will fly you over Hatteras inlet and move toward Ocracoke. The Cape Tour takes you over the Pamlico Sound and the Canadian Hole where you can get a sky view of windsurfers. The North Tour takes you over the sound towards Waves and Salvo where you can see different shipwrecks from a bird’s eye view!
9 – Eat Locally
Hatteras Island is known for being a fishing community, like many other towns on the Outer Banks. With fishing communities comes the freshest seafood you will ever find and let us tell you, there’s nothing like it. Hatteras restaurants like Café Pamlico feature dishes made from seafood right from the waters of Hatteras and all over the Outer Banks.
10 – Beach It
No commercialization means a lot more room and a greater connection to nature and the beauty of the beach. Unlike other Outer Banks beaches, the Hatteras seashore has no other buildings or homes right on top of the beach. Hatteras beaches are pet-friendly and 4-wheel drive capable (with a permit). Spend a beach day in the ocean or relaxing in the sand. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
With all of these activities to do and more, why not plan your next vacation on Hatteras Island? Resort Realty offers many different vacation homes in Hatteras that will suit your every need. Check them out and book your next Outer Banks vacation in Hatteras with us today!
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
Cape Hatteras Beach
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
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!
New scenery, experiences and insight are why we all long to travel. The saying goes “we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Fresh salt air, uncharted territory, and one-of-a-kind experiences are just what you need to break up the routine and refresh your soul. From memorable day trips to one-of-a-kind outings, the Outer Banks has countless excursions to satisfy the wanderlust in all of us.
Keep reading to learn more about the Top 10 Excursions to Experience on the Outer Banks.
1. Day Trip to Ocracoke Island
Take the 40-minute ferry ride from Hatteras Island to the secluded and dreamy island of Ocracoke. The island stretches out nearly 13 miles with charming cottages, artisan shops, and a small town feeling that immediately makes you feel at ease. Most people travel by foot, bike, or golf cart to get around, so parents can relax and let the kids play. You can drive on the beach and try out as many water activities as you have energy for. You’ll easily see why the famous pirate, Blackbeard, spent so much time there.
2. Deep Sea Fishing Expedition
The thrill of reeling in a big fish is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Heading out to the Gulf Stream with your friends for an all-day fishing trip is an unforgettable experience. Knowledgeable charter captains and mates will take you where the fish are biting so you can reel in large species of fish like tuna, dolphin (mahi), and billfish – including sailfish, white and blue marlin.
If picturesque places are your favorite part of traveling, you’ll want to sign up for a Corolla wild horse tour. Seeing the rolling sand dunes, beautiful oceanfront, and watching the wild Spanish colonial horses roam free is an image you’ll keep with you for years to come.
These famous lighthouses are not only navigational aids, they are full of history and detailed architecture with a wonderful view waiting for you at the top. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses are available to climb for a nominal fee. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse are not open to climbers but are open to visit at your leisure.
5. Historic Outing at The Wright Brothers National Memorial
Celebrate and learn more about the incredible achievement the Wright Brothers made on the Outer Banks at The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Tour the museum and learn more about that historic day and see artifacts from that time period. View replicas of the gliders and statues of the key players in the first day of flight. Traveling up to the top of the monument and reading the inscription, “Conceived by genius and achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith,” will leave you with a sobering feeling about how monumental this invention and event truly was.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel to tropical islands to see dolphins up close! Catch dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat on a dolphin cruise right here on the Outer Banks! Spend a few hours on the water following the bottlenose dolphins around the Atlantic Ocean and learning more about them.
Charm and history collide in the quaint town of Manteo on Roanoke Island. Steeped in tradition, history, and old world charm, Manteo is located on the western side of Bodie Island, surrounded by gentle soundfront waves. Walk where the settlers traveled on Roanoke Island, visit the gorgeous grounds at The Elizabethan Gardens, watch a live performance of The Lost Colony, the only outdoor drama, or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and quaint shops downtown. This waterfront community is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike.
8. Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Pack a water bottle and venture up the largest sand dune on the east coast. Pick up a stunt or decorative kite across the street at Kitty Hawk Kites and fly it high on the towering dunes. For the more adventurous , try your hand at hang gliding! Even the little ones will love this famous Outer Bank landmark – perfect for running up and then sliding down the dune (not to mention, burning off some energy!) All that exploring needs fuel! Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the 8 picnic shelters. (Each shelter has two tables and a grill.)
Recently remodeled and updated with several new exhibits and galleries, the Roanoke Island Aquarium in Manteo is a fun place for all ages to visit. Touch the stingrays as they glide through the shallow hands-on touch tank. Travel through the Wild Wetlands where river otters play and alligators lurk. Experience the aquarium’s hands-on Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit and conservation efforts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. View high-definition films and the new “Science on a Sphere” experience in Neptune’s Theater. And lastly, marvel at the largest collection of sharks in the state in the Graveyard of the Atlantic – a giant shark aquarium with Gulf Stream interactive exhibit.
10. Trek through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
If you’re longing for serenity and solitude, make time to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Spreading out over 70 miles, this is a place where you can relax and enjoy a simpler way of life. Fish, kiteboard, swim, nature watch, or snap a few photos of the marshes and vast oceanfront. Playing and relaxing are both welcomed and encouraged here.
Excitement, adventure and new experiences await you on the Outer Banks. Don’t just daydream, do it! For more Outer Banks excursion ideas, visit Resort Realty’s Things to Do page.
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