The 2017 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo is coming up this weekend! Held annually in January at the First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, the weekend expo is a great chance for engaged couples to come meet over 200 of our talented OBX wedding vendors.
If you are a couple looking to get married here on the Outer Banks make sure to be there this Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15, from 10 am-3 pm. On Saturday evening, take advantage of the Wedding Tour from 6 pm-9 pm, where various restaurants and venues open their doors for tours. Tickets may be purchased online here, or they can be purchased at the door.
Whether you’re looking for a home to stay in during your wedding week, or a home to host your reception at after your beach ceremony, Resort Realty offers a variety of event homes for your beach wedding. You can browse homes, soundfront to oceanfront here. With the large, open top levels (with killer views!), oceanfront pool decks, yards for event tents, and with enough rooms to fit both families, your event home wedding would be the best of all worlds! Enjoy your week long vacation surrounded by the ones you love, and have the big day at the same location.
If you are planning on coming to the OBX Wedding Weekend & Expo and need a place to stay, Resort Realty offers partial stays so you can book a home and relax during your trip! Browse our homes here– and don’t forget to stop by any of our offices to pick up your free copy of Resort Living! Our offices are located in Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Duck and Corolla, (or request your copy to be mailed here)
Did you know we had a little slice of Christmas fame right here on the Outer Banks? If you drive down towards Nags Head woods any time after 5pm during the holiday season, you will be stopped in your tracks by a bright collection of lights. The Poulos family has been decorating their house above and beyond for Christmas for decades now, and have even been voted number one in America by the Today Show is 2005, and also featured on HGTV in 2006.
It takes the family about 12 weeks to set up their holiday display, and is now completed for the 2016 holiday season! You can view the Outer Banks Christmas House (its unofficial official name), in Kill Devil Hills, (take a right onto Ocean Acres Drive (opposite McDonald’s), the road will change from paved to gravel and you will see the house on the right hand side).
Bring your hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday cheer as you take in the beautiful display in wonder!
Outer Banks weather can have a mind of its own, and sometimes when it rains, it pours! While you may be singing “rain, rain, go away” today, you shouldn’t let the Outer Banks weather dampen your vacation! There are still plenty of Outer Banks activities to keep you entertained and occupied when you can’t be at the beach! Explore our list of top rainy-day OBX activities.
Top Activities for Rainy Outer Banks Weather
Head to R/C Movies 10 Theater in Kill Devil Hills or Corolla Movie & Bistro on Ocean Trail to see the latest movie.
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo to stay away from the wet weather!
Challenge family and friends to a bowling competition at the OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head.
A trip to Seagreen Gallery is sure to brighten up your day when the weather on the Outer Banks is a downer!
Stop by Duck’s Cottage in Duck and grab a cup of coffee and a new book to read.
Treat yourself to a spa day at Aqua Spa in Duck.
Test out some new wines at Trio‘s wine stations in Kitty Hawk.
Jump on the wheel and make your own pottery at OBX Art Studio in Kill Devil Hills.
Enjoy a hot cup of specialty coffee at Front Porch Cafe in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo.
Unleash your inner artist by signing up for a painting party hosted by Local Color.



Browse or buy the beautiful paintings and jewelry created by local artists at Seaside Art Gallery.
Sample premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars to add some awesome flavor to your cooking at Outer Banks Olive Oil Company in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head.
Take a tour at OBX Distilling to see the Kill Devil Rum making process in person and sample their rums.
Horse lovers can take a trip to the Wild Horse Museum in Corolla.
Take the kids to Life on a Sandbar for hair wraps, temporary tattoos, and crafts.
Take a shopping trip to Outlets Nags Head. The covered awning makes it easy to dodge the rain between stores.
Browse through over 750 different wines at Bacchus Wine & Cheese in Corolla.
A rainy day is the perfect time to visit to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras and learn about the numerous shipwrecks and maritime history.
Sign up for a yoga class at Duck Village Yoga to de-stress when the weather isn’t ideal.



History buffs will love exploring the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo to learn more about the colonists and their life on Roanoke Island.
Cheer up with fro-yo and some surf videos at Surfin Spoon in Nags Head.
Get your puppy snuggles in by volunteering at the SPCA in Manteo.
Test your skills and patience with a puzzle the whole family can put together.
Check out the unique boutiques and eateries at Scarborough Lane Shoppes in Duck. The covered decks will keep you dry as you shop.
Swim, workout, or play at the Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head. Weekly membership passes are available for non-members.



Explore the Native American Museum & Natural History Center in Frisco to see artifacts and learn about the first Hatteras Island inhabitants history and culture.
Arcade games, game tables, and pizza make for rainy day fun at Angelo’s Pizza Arcade.
Night owls can stop by the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills for nightly karaoke from 10 pm to 1 am.
Stay in and play a card or board game with your friends and family.
Indulge on a rainy day with coffee and a specialty donut from Duck Donuts.
Visit the indoor museum at the Wright Brothers National Memorial for replicas, artifacts, and a quick history lesson.
Rainy Outer Banks weather makes the perfect setting for taking a ghost tour at the Whalehead Club on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Stop by the Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, or Hatteras Libraries for story time with the kids.
Olde Towne Creamery in Manteo is a charming ice cream shop where you can cure your rainy day blues with malts, shakes, ice cream, fudge, and even pizza!


Visit Jennette’s Pier to see the new exhibits where you can learn more about our underwater friends.
Take the kids to Beach Braids for henna tattoos and hair braiding. They are easy to locate with studios in Nags Head, Duck, and Corolla.
Curl up with a blanket at your beach house and enjoy catching up with loved ones.
Avoiding the rainy Outer Banks weather we sometimes see during the summer months can be fun! After all, a rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day at the office! We hope you stay safe and dry during your stay and have fun visiting these Outer Banks attractions. For more severe storms, you can stay up-to-date on Resort Realty’s Facebook page.

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.
Once you decide that you want to make the Outer Banks a part of your life, the next step is to get to know the area and call it your own. No matter where you live around here – or for how long during the year – there are certain things you can always look forward to: great weather, a laid-back lifestyle and lots to do, for starters.
Did you know that you can go kayaking out of Kitty Hawk? Or that the shipwrecks off the coast date back to the 16th century? From horseback riding to hang gliding to history, there’s something to check out everywhere. You can spend your whole day in your bathing suit, or take up a brand new hobby like golfing, boating or fishing.
While we have homes for sale in several towns, let’s look at the three main OBX regions, from north to south. Think of it as a virtual road trip to help you discover what each Outer Banks town has to offer.
Northern Outer Banks
Located on the northern end of the OBX, you’ll find the Outer Banks towns of Corolla, Duck and, believe it or not, Southern Shores. Don’t let the name of that last one confuse you: it’s actually in a convenient spot on the northern half of Route 12, easy to get to if you’re driving over from the Currituck mainland.
Just 1 mile wide and 4 miles long, Southern Shores is a combination of maritime forests, quiet beaches, biking and walking trails, and a handful of restaurants and shops-making it an ideal spot for families who want to be (not quite) away from it all.
Leave Southern Shores and head further north on Route 12 and you’ll find yourself in Duck, a quaint village where shopping, restaurants, and water sports are all within walking distance. Surrounded by the Currituck Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Duck offers some of the nations’ most beautiful beaches.
If you like a bit of seclusion, head all the way north, and you’ll find Corolla. Nestled in beautiful Currituck County, Corolla is the northernmost town on the Outer Banks. Although quite a bustling town in the summer, the “off season” in Corolla provides residents with much privacy and “down time,” as many summer attractions and restaurants close – re-opening in late spring.
Just beyond the town of Corolla, you’ll find Carova – the northernmost Outer Banks community, and is only accessible by the unpaved beach. Made up of only a few neighborhoods and accessible only by 4×4 vehicles, Carova offers miles of undeveloped, open beaches, perfect for a day of surf fishing, combing for beach treasures, or just enjoying your own little slice of paradise. And keep your eye out for the wild horses – descendants of Spanish Mustangs, these beautiful creatures inhabit this area and roam freely.
Mid Beaches
Even people who’ve never been to the Outer Banks have heard of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. This region is a must for history buffs, with the famous site of the Wright Brothers National Memorial nearby, and there’s enough interesting local lore here to keep you occupied full-time. Rather take to the skies yourself? Nags Head is home to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where you can enjoy hang gliding lessons and kite flying as you enjoy the scenery.

Head further south and you’ll pass Roanoke Sound and the island of Roanoke itself. We could spend the whole blog talking about this place, but it’s worth noting that this part of the Outer Banks has a variety of attractions including The North Carolina Aquarium, Festival Park, Fort Raleigh, The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama and more for you to discover.
Hatteras Island
Finally, we reach the lower end of this barrier island, where you’ll find the Cape Hatteras National Seashore – home to both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. One of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks, this national park includes 70 miles of wide pristine beaches, full of sea turtles, birds, and lighthouses – providing visitors with recreation galore.
There’s something for everybody to enjoy down here on this remote part of the Outer Banks, known for a slower pace and more relaxed vibe. Historic lighthouse? The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located in the heart of Buxton. Fishing? With the proximity to the Gulf Stream, Hatteras Island is one of the best surf fishing destinations in the world.
We hope you enjoyed our online trip. Learn more about OBX homes for sale and you could soon be experiencing these beautiful towns for yourself!
We can’t wait to catch HGTV’s newest show this weekend, “Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation”. Not only is it based here on the Outer Banks, but it features some locals we are quite familiar with. Cooper Hawk, a Resort Realty Real Estate agent, and Jason Krieg, a Resort Realty employee, star in the episode airing this Saturday at 9pm! Jason and his wife Audra, a local Outer Banks photographer, are the subject of the hour long episode titled “Outer Banks Overhaul in North Carolina”. While we don’t know details until the episode airs, we do know that the couple meets with their Real Estate agent, Cooper, who shows them a few different homes. From a soundfront bungalow to a larger home to a home closer to the beach, they explore the variety of real estate that the Outer Banks has to offer. After exploring their options, Jason and Audra pick their new home and they seal the deal with the help of their knowledgeable agent. Audra mentions in her blog “none of it would have been possible without our amazing real estate agent, Cooper Hawk. If we didn’t get such a great deal on our house, we would still be paying crazy high rent and dreaming of owning a home!”
After the home is purchased, the real work then starts for Jason and Audra- it’s renovation time! The couple designs and renovates their new home, which is a twist on the original “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” show. Using local Outer Banks contractors, designers, and real estate agents, we have so much local pride for our town and coworker hitting the big time with this fun real estate HGTV feature. We can’t wait to see what house they choose and how they choose to renovate. Set your DVRs or tune in this Saturday August 20th at 9pm to catch Cooper Hawk, Audra and Jason buy and renovate their house, turning it into their dream home! You can read more details about the filming and real estate process on Cooper’s article here and more information on the film crew and the upcoming show on Audra’s blog here.
If you’ve never visited the Outer Banks before, you have no idea what you’re missing! With beautiful beaches, spacious, comfortable homes, and friendly communities to choose from, there are tons of Outer Banks homes for sale, from Moyock to Hatteras Island. There’s so much more to this area than just the summer season, and a year-round second home lets you see it all!
Need to know more? Here are some reasons to start searching for houses!
You Can Visit Whenever You Like
When you buy a second home on the Outer Banks, you can always take a vacation down here. No matter where your permanent house is, the OBX is the ideal getaway. Whatever your hobbies, you don’t have to go very far to find something fun to do. And if you’d rather relax and do nothing, that’s totally fine too!
Because it’s easy to get to, the Outer Banks can make an ideal place to drop in, whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks. If you’re just renting, you have to rely on the owner’s schedule. Why not make your own hours instead, with a home you know you’ll love?
Best of all, you can go from being an owner to a real investor yourself as you put more money into an OBX home over the years. Welcome your own renters and get the most out of your property. Soon you’ll be a full-fledged OBXer.
There’s Mild Weather and A Relaxed Community
We’re pretty laid back down here: We wear flip flops to the grocery store, we take it easy and we’re always happy to say hi. It’s a unique mix of Southern hospitality and coastal living, pirates, planes, and perfect beaches. You won’t find the same combination anywhere else, and there’s something for you any time of the year.
Mild weather and great neighbors can make you feel right at home early on. Whenever you want to come down, you can know that things will be cool and easy. That’s good news for anyone who loves to surf, boat or fish.
What’s more, you can get to know the locals and look forward to returning again and again. The only thing better than a beautiful day on the Outer Banks is sharing it with a local community that loves this barrier island as much as you do.
There’s also plenty for fun-seeking families to find throughout the OBX. Take a trip to one of our five historic lighthouses, Civil War forts, and the famous Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Even parents can learn a thing or two!
You Get To Enjoy the Off-season
When you buy a beach house on the Outer Banks, you also become a regular part of the neighborhood. This is an awesome opportunity to attend festivals, concerts, and other gatherings before and after the tourist rush. There’s a whole world that opens up when the crowds die down. And if you ask the locals, the off-season is the best time of the year on the Outer Banks.
You don’t just have to stay in your own community, either. Route 12 runs along the entire Outer Banks, from Corolla to Hatteras Island, making it easy to travel the coast. Take a drive and enjoy the stunning views away from busy summer traffic.
On top of that, there’s also the local ferry system, making it simple to go from one place to the other. The transportation between Hatteras and Ocracoke is free and doesn’t take reservations, while the others, between Ocracoke and Swan Quarter or Cedar Island, do take bookings ahead of time. Plan a day trip that works for you and come home to your own cozy OBX abode. If your friends back home get jealous, you’ll know you’re doing it right!
Resort Realty of the Outer Banks will help you make the jump from renter to homeowner. The OBX homes for sale in our database are the best place to begin your local housing search. Contact us today to get started!
No early morning alarms, lots of ice cream and plenty of fun in the sun are the highlights of summer break. While enjoying all the spoils of summer, remember to keep the kiddos safe while visiting the Outer Banks. Make sure they continue to have a fun and safe vacation with these helpful summer safety tips. Happy, healthy kids mean parents can finally settle down and relax too.
1. Say Current on the Currents

Getting caught in a rip current or rough seas can quickly turn a good time swimming into a scary situation. Make sure to check the weather report online or read the current conditions on the nearest lifeguard stand.Also, make sure your kids know about rip currents, how to spot them and how to get out of them. Rip currents are strong, narrow flowing currents that move away from the beach, pushing swimmers further out to sea. The currents are so strong that swimmers begin to panic and become exhausted when they cannot swim pass the current to make it back to shore. Teach your kids to swim parallel to shore until they are out of the current and can swim back to beach safely.
2. Stay Hydrated

When playing and sweating in the summer sun, our bodies need extra water to remain healthy. Make sure the kids are drinking water continuously throughout the day, especially when they are active in the summer heat. If your kids struggle to drink water, add fruit or fruit juice to their bottle for a better taste.
3. Save Your Skin

Make sure your young ones keep their baby smooth skin by applying and reapplying sunscreen while out in the sun. Use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and broad spectrum to protect against ultra-violet rays. Check the bottle to see when to reapply. It takes 30 minutes for sunscreen to really soak into the skin, so applying before you and your crew hit the beach is the best option.
4. Be Shady

Cool down by finding a shady spot to sit or rest while traveling around the Outer Banks or hanging out on the beach. 10 am – 4 pm is when the sun is the strongest, so bring an umbrella or find a shaded area like underneath a fishing pier to regulate your body temperature. Shade eyes with sunglasses and wide brim hats to protect those sweet faces.
5. Bring a Buddy

Whether they are swimming, biking or exploring, use the buddy system. There is safety in numbers and a playmate is an added bonus
6. Use the Crosswalks and Stay Alert

With lots of families on the OBX this summer, keep your family and others safe by using the crosswalks while on foot. Make your intention clear to drivers and ask young kids to hold hands with older family members for added safety. Move across quickly as a group so no child is left behind
7. Love Your Soles, Mate

Avoid tears and whining by protecting your little ones feet. The pavement and sand can heat up to boiling temperatures in the summer. Water shoes are a good way to avoid burns from the sand and cuts from shells or sharp objects in the ocean or sound.
8. Memorize Important Phone Numbers and Locations

If your child doesn’t already know your phone number, take some time to practice memorizing it with them before your OBX getaway. If older kids are out exploring on their own, add your vacation home’s address and directions to their cell phone or write it down on a piece of paper for them in case they get lost.
9. Pack Non-Perishable Snacks

Even with a cooler, yogurts and other dairy products are more likely to spoil in the sun. Pack snacks that can take the heat.
10. Bypass the Bugs

Avoid itchy skin and insect related diseases by spraying the kids down with bug spray that contains DEET or picaridin. Citronella, lavender and eucalyptus essential oil sprays are a more natural option to help repel insects. Bugs are attracted to scented soaps, perfumes, hair sprays and bright clothing, so avoid wearing these items when visiting marshes or wooded areas.
Enjoy summer to the fullest by passing on and practicing these summer safety tips with your kids. Wishing you all a safe a happy OBX summer vacation!
It’s been carefully planned and boldly circled on the calendar for months. Lots of saving, research and love go into planning a family getaway. It is often times the one week out of the year to make up for lost time with friends and family, so it is easy to splurge and experience buyers remorse later on. Make the most out of your vacation without breaking the bank with these top 10 money savings tips to practice during your OBX vacation. Public beaches, free attractions and ongoing community events make it a lot easier to save, while still enjoying a fun-filled beach getaway.
- Cook meals at your rental home
When you have 6 or more family members, your restaurant bill can add up quickly. Luckily, your Resort Realty vacation rental home comes fully stocked with basic cookware and utensils to easily cook meals at home. Plan and prep your meals before your vacation to save you money and vacation time. Some of the best family moments happen around the dinner table. - Visit free public beaches, museums, parks and attractions
Most people love visiting the Outer Banks for the beaches and non-commercialized, laid-back vibe of the island. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy for free, including visiting Roanoke Island Festival Park, Jockey’s Ridge, Currituck Heritage Park, The Town of Duck Park and Boardwalk and searching for the wild horses on Carova Beach’s 4 wheeler drive area. The Town of Duck also hosts free fitness classes, concerts and kid’s activities Tuesday – Thursday throughout the summer months. - Pick up an OBX coupon book or print coupons online
Stop by any of our Resort Realty offices or a local grocery store for a free Outer Banks coupon book. These books offer discounts on everything from local restaurants to water sport activities. They also give you ideas for places to visit for dining and leisure. Outerbanks.com, Sunnydayobx.com, and Outerbanksthisweek.com also offer printable coupons. - Budget vacation activities with the cash envelope system
It is far too easy to splurge and overextend your budget while on vacation. Keep your spending in check through Dave Ramsey’s envelope system. Create a budget and make envelopes for each spending category (ex. dining, activities, tours, souvenirs, etc.) and add the amount you want to spend in cash to each envelope. This way, you only spend what you have, instead of freely swiping your credit card. - Carpool, walk or bike
Save on gas money by carpooling, walking or biking. A large majority of vacation homes are located within walking or biking distance from the beach, restaurants and other attractions. Save gas money while enjoying the scenery as your stroll or ride along. For long trips, make sure to carpool with others in your group. You can also download gas saving apps to find the least expensive gas prices during your road trip to the Outer Banks. - Group discounts
Many Outer Banks businesses offer discounted rates for groups. Kitty Hawk Kites, First Flight Adventure Park and several mini-golf spots offer discounted group rates. Call ahead to see if group discounts are available. - Borrow beach items
Before splurging on beach chairs, umbrellas and toys, ask friends and family if you can borrow some items from them. You can also rent beach equipment to save you money and space at home. - Early dining discounts
Many restaurants off early dining discounts if you’re seated before 5. Hurricane Mo’s offers great Happy Hour specials between 4-6 pm. Check out the free coupon book to find early bird coupons and discounts. - Check out books and movies at the libraryÂ
If you want a new book to read on the beach or a movie to watch in the evenings, stop by your local library to pick something up before your trip. Many of our vacation homes have their own book and video libraries for you to borrow during your stay. Check the property description for more information. - Leave early to save gas
Traffic can get backed up around check-in hours, so plan to leave earlier to save gas money and time in the car. Some beach accesses have public bathhouses so you can arrive earlier and hit the beach before check-in time.If you’re longing to be on the Outer Banks this summer but are concerned about the cost, make sure to check out our home specials and last minute offers page.
Live music playing in the background, an upbeat, outdoor atmosphere and a delicious meal are the main ingredients to a fun-filled Outer Banks evening. Exploring new areas and discovering local restaurants is one of the highlights of vacationing on the Outer Banks. Luckily, the Outer Banks is bursting with intimate local restaurants that offer their own creative coastal cuisine with great outdoor seating so you can soak up all the OBX scenery that you can.
Ready for some delicious food with a view? Check out our list of OBX Restaurants with Outdoor Seating next time you’re on the Outer Banks. (You can find the price key at the bottom of the blog!)
Art’s Place
Address: 4624 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
Atmosphere: Your local neighborhood hangout. Located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk, Art’s Place is a quaint, brightly colored restaurant with lots of history. You’ll get a super cool laid back vibe, and an old worn front porch with views of the beautiful blue Atlantic. Oh, and the best burger on the beach.
Menu: Breakfast – pancakes, omelettes, french toast and sides. Lunch – steamers, sandwiches, wraps, and of course Burgers
Price:$$
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Address: 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC
Atmosphere: Laid-back and relaxing. Located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, you can come straight from a day on the beach for a great meal and craft beer; placing it among one of the most unique Outer Banks restaurants. (Larry’s Lemonade is a MUST try.) Plus, you’ll get an incomparable view of the ocean. Watch beach goers and surfers ride by for lunch and enjoy live music on the pier in the evenings.
Menu: Seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beers.
Price: $
Rundown Cafe
Address: 5218 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed with a Caribbean inspiration. Located in Kitty Hawk on the Beach Road, the Tsunami Bar & Deck on the second level offers beautiful views of the ocean and the koi pond below.
Menu: Pacific Rim and Caribbean inspired noodle bowls, seafood entrees, sandwiches, and wraps.
Price: $$
Hurricane Mo’s Bar & Grill
Address: 120 E. Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC
Atmosphere: Dress up or dress down, whatever you prefer. This place typically has a lively crowd, ready to enjoy the live music and happy hour specials.Hurricane Mo’s also features a covered deck to enjoy your Outer Banks meal – complete with ocean views!
Menu: Seafood entrees, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. 15¢ shrimp, 35¢ wings and $1 tacos at Happy Hour from 3-6 pm.
Price: $$
Roadside Bar & Grill
Address: 1193 Duck Road, Duck, NC
Atmosphere: Roadside Bar & Grill in Duck was originally a home that was converted into a restaurant. They changed the layout, but the at-home, warm and inviting atmosphere is still there. Kick back and enjoy a great meal, live music (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays), and outdoor games at their backyard bar area.
Menu: Seafood, pasta, steaks, meats, salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers.
Price: Lunch menu $$, Dinner menu $$$
Watermen’s Bar & Grille
Address: 25706 NC-12, Waves, NC
Atmosphere: Listen to live music, watch the kiteboarders show off their tricks and catch the sun setting over the sound while you dine at Watermen’s Bar & Grille on Hatteras Island. The atmosphere is casual and easy going. Just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Menu: Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fajitas, quesadillas, salad, seafood, and meat entrees.
Price: $$
Aqua Restaurant
Address: 1174 Duck Road, Duck, NC
Atmosphere: An elegant, yet casual setting on the sound in downtown Duck. A pergola, Adirondack chairs and shaded dining are open for dining. Colorful sunsets and local wildlife passing by will provide serene views as you enjoy a relaxing and upscale meal.
Menu: Lunch – Soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and burgers. Dinner – Sea and land entrees and pastas.
Price: Lunch $$, Dinner $$$
Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille
Address: 4005 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC
Atmosphere: Laid-back, family and pet friendly. Mulligan’s upper deck bar was remodeled over the winter and now offers a large bar and dining area facing the ocean with views of the old Nags Head cottages. The covered deck is perfectly placed for a view of Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the oceanfront. There is even an outdoor doggy dining area for you and your pets. Live music plays throughout the week in the evenings.
Menu: Seafood, steak, lasagna, burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches, and burgers.
Price: $$
Mimi’s Tiki Hut
Address: 2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC
Atmosphere: Relaxed and casual. Located in Manteo’s prestigious boating community, Pirate’s Cove, Mimi’s Tiki Hut offers a beautiful outdoor patio, dining area, delicious finger foods, and views of the Outer Banks fishing boats cruising through the harbor. Live music plays every night throughout the summer from 6-9 pm.
Menu: Sandwiches, wings, seafood and appetizers
Price: $
Oceanfront Grille at Corolla Light
Address: 1197 Franklyn Street, Corolla, NC
Atmosphere: A fun family restaurant with poolside and beach service. This is the only oceanfront dining area in Corolla. The dinner menu offers delectable gourmet land and seafood entrees, while the bar menu offers more laid-back options.
Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Price: Bar Menu $$, Dinner Menu $$$
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Address: 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
Atmosphere: Looking for a place for adults and kids alike? You’ve found it at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. Tucked away out back is their “outdoor oasis” perfect for the entire family — with picnic table seating, pirate ship playground, corn hole, a bar for ordering drinks, and live music.
Menu: Seafood and land entrees, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and hand crafted brews.
Price: Bar Menu $, Dinner Menu $$
Bonzer Shack
Address: 1200 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
Atmosphere:The Outer Banks’ original surf shack hang out, Bonzer Shack welcomes guests with its vintage driftwood decor, laid-back OBX beach atmosphere, and awesome yard with a wide variety of outdoor entertainment. Have fun with their outdoor games and enjoy your meal al fresco at the tables located right on the Beach Road – perfect for people watching.
Menu: Fresh locally caught seafood, land entrees, wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads.
Price: Bar Menu $, Dinner Menu $$
John’s Drive In
Address: 3716 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk
Atmosphere: Legendary. Old school. A true local hangout. It just doesn’t get any more laid back and “come as you are” than John’s Drive In located on the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk. This little beach stand dive with a keeps locals and tourists coming back for more. No trip to the OBX is complete without a stop at John’s.
Menu: Sandwiches, burgers, baskets, boats, and world famous shakes
Price: $
Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe
Address: 208 Queen Elizabeth Street, Manteo, NC
Atmosphere: Located in the heart of downtown Manteo, Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe has a lively, happening vibe with relaxed, friendly service. Enjoy a fresh meal outside under a shady umbrella and enjoy the great views of downtown Manteo.
Menu: Seafood, steaks, vegetarian, and kid options
Price: $$
Price Key:
$ – $10 and Under
$$ – $30 and Under
$$$ – $10 – $40 Entrees

