Independence Day Outer Banks Style

If you are lucky enough to visit the OBX during the holiday, be sure to check out at least one of the family-fun events taking place over the fourth of July. There is something magical about sitting on a beach and watching our Nation celebrate its founding. There is the rhythmic sound of the surf as a backdrop to the sound of hundreds, or more likely
thousands, of families who have gathered on the beach to enjoy one of many OBX fireworks displays.

Fireworks in Nags Head, NC
A little past 9:00 the sky above Nags Head Pier comes alive and the light show begins.Of course Nags Head is not the only place on the Outer Banks shooting off fireworks to mark the 4th of July.

Fireworks in Manteo, NC
Across the sound in Manteo, it’s an all day affair–street vendors, lots of activities all along the Manteo waterfront which is about as pretty a setting as can be found.Families looking for something just a bit different, head to the other side of town to the Island Farm which is a replica colonial working farm. It’s an 1850’s Fourth of July Day complete with a reading of the Declaration of Independence.There is a valid question lingering though.

Jockey’s Ridge
For people who don’t mind a bit of a hike, both Manteo and Nags Head fireworks are visible from the top of Jockey’s Ridge.Park at either the NH Kitty Hawk Kites store or Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and climb the top of Jockey’s Ridge and enjoy the show. “What would the 4th of July be without a parade?”

Duck, NC Parade
And yes, there is an Independence Day parade on the Outer Banks–in Duck– and it is as all-American a parade as you will ever see. It’s fun and it’s funny and when it’s over you’ll feel better about yourself and our country. The parade is a mile long and includes some of the whackiest costumes and floats ever seen, as well as marching bands, floats and fire trucks. Start time is 9:00 a.m. and it lasts a couple of hours. Don’t even try to drive through Duck during parade times–NC 12 will be closed, and besides it’s too much of a madhouse . .  . so the better option is to sit back and enjoy.

Corolla, NC Fireworks
It’s tough to declare any fireworks display on the Outer Banks as the best, but the Whalehead Club in Corolla puts on one of the most spectacular shows around. The setting is breathtaking . . . a wide expansive lawn and uninterrupted sight lines over the sound . . . and it’s free. It is very well attended so come early. Sort of a book end to Manteo in the south, the Whalehead Club 4th of July is an all day affair with events beginning early in the afternoon. It’s a great time to create some family memories.

The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate for the 4th–we’ve been stuck in the same weather pattern as the rest of the East Coast for the past few days, but by Thursday the wet weather should be behind us, leaving blue skies and great OBX weather.

Happy Independence Day from Resort Realty!