What could be better for spring break on the Outer Banks? There’s no doubt that everyone is ready for the warmth and brightness of spring. With spring break around the corner, now is the time to start planning your trip! With the average temperature on the Outer Banks ranging from 65º during the day and around 50º at night during March and April, you can get out and explore all the OBX has to offer! Plus, fewer crowds will make your visit so much more enjoyable. If you’re planning a spring break trip to the Outer Banks, Resort Realty has you covered. With a full list of things to do, places to see, amazing food to eat, and more; see what you should be doing this spring break on the OBX.
Get Outside
Did we mention how gorgeous the weather is during the spring on the OBX? The mild temperatures make spring break the perfect time to get outside. Take some time to stroll the open and crowd-free beaches from Corolla to Hatteras Island. The hot summer months can be a little too intense for activities like climbing Jockey’s Ridge, but spring break weather gives you the opportunity to tackle the dunes without breaking a sweat! Don’t want to get too active? No worries. Even a drive on the 4 x 4 beaches in Corolla or on Hatteras Island during your spring break will be a blast. You may even get to see some wild horses during your cruise too!
Go Shopping
The Outer Banks is full of so many unique makers, stores, and shops. Take advantage of the great weather and stroll some of the outdoor shopping centers like the Outer Banks Mall and The Waterfront Shops in Duck! Check out local artisans and makers like Swell Ceramics located in Nags Head. This is a great opportunity to treat yourself or even get a huge jump start on your Christmas shopping for some truly unique gifts!
Eat Like A Local
If you ask any local on the Outer Banks, they’ll tell you that the best part of spring is that local favorite restaurants open back up for the warm weather seasons! Plus, with different kinds of seafood like fish, crab, and shrimp being in season during the spring, you’ll be able to enjoy something tasty and fresh that was caught locally. Many new Outer Banks restaurants tend to pop up and open during the spring season too; even more of a reason to plan an Outer Banks spring break getaway this year.
Learn About The OBX
Remember that great weather we were talking about? It’s not just for the adventurous type that’s a part of your spring break crew. OBX spring weather gives you the opportunity to explore and learn about the history of this amazing little sandbar. You’ll get the opportunity to visit places like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the North Carolina Aquarium, and more without dying of heat stroke or freezing to death. A lot of educational centers like the aforementioned plus Roanoke Island Festival Park have outdoor exhibits that open back up when the warm, spring weather approaches.
The Lost Colony is one of America’s longest unsolved mysteries with 115 men, women, and children vanishing with no trace. On your visit this spring break, learn more about the mystery of the Lost Colony at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Ghost tours! For more information on special events, visit the Lost Colony website.
Take Advantage Of Rates & Specials
Planning your spring break getaway to the Outer Banks can be super exciting. Even more exciting? Lower rates on rental homes! Before the peak season starts, even the most luxurious homes can be super affordable for your stay.
Whether you’re looking for a condo for a weekend retreat or a large and luxe home for a whole week spent relaxing on the beach, Resort Realty has you covered! With over 600 homes to choose from and so many great activities to take part in, why wouldn’t you plan your spring break on the Outer Banks? View all of the homes Resort Realty has to offer and either book online or give us a call at (800) 458-3830 to talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists!
The Outer Banks in the summer time is the best place to be! Everyone else thinks so too. If you’re an OBX vacation veteran, you’ll know that traffic coming in and out can get super congested. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide on how to avoid Outer Banks traffic. With everyone coming in on the same day and leaving on the same day, it can get a little congested. If you’re not trying to sit in your car for hours on your next vacation, read on to see how to beat the infamous Outer Banks traffic
Leave Early
The thick of Outer Banks traffic happens roughly between 11 AM and 3 PM due to everyone coming in. This can vary by an hour. However, by leaving early in the morning you can get on the OBX by 9 or 10 AM. This means you won’t have to deal with incoming traffic. Let the kids can sleep in the car so you can get a little peace and quiet. When you get here, explore the OBX while you’re waiting for check-in! There are plenty of things to see and do before your vacation rental is ready for check-in. From going to the beach to exploring amazing Outer Banks landmarks, there’s so much to choose from. To get an idea on what to do while you’re waiting browse through the following blogs:
Find An Alternate Route
The most traffic on the Outer Banks on turnover days occurs on the route coming in over the Wright Memorial Bridge. While the GPS may say that taking an alternate route may take more time, it’ll save you from sitting in traffic; especially if you’re vacationing from Kitty Hawk south. Taking highway 64 instead of 158 may add miles to the journey but you’ll be moving at a steady pace and will be on the OBX in no time! Plus, who doesn’t want a good Bojangles biscuit?!
Keep Calm + Plan Ahead
If leaving early or an alternate route to avoid Outer Banks traffic isn’t in the cards for you and your group, have a plan for possibly sitting in traffic. See which rest stops and restaurants are along your route, and pack enough snacks and entertainment for the kids. We’ve come up with a list of great apps for kids to help car rides to the Outer Banks pass faster! You can see them here.
Use Travel Apps
Travel apps like Waze and Gas Buddy can help you travel with ease. The Waze app can help you avoid accidents, road obstructions, and gives you real time traffic updates. Plus, it offers turn by turn voice navigation and ETA. You can share where you are exactly with people you may be meeting at your vacation home. Gas Buddy can help you find the best and closest gas prices along your route. You can also enter to win $100 in free gas everyday, too!
Book A Home With A Friday or Sunday Turn Day
Most people coming to the Outer Banks book a vacation rental home that has a check-in and check-out day that falls on Saturday. This is why traffic on Saturday is usually the worst. If you book a home with a turn over day that’s a Friday or Sunday, not only can you avoid traffic, you can also save money! Most homes with check-in and check-out that aren’t Saturday are typically cheaper! Resort Realty has homes with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday change over. This allows you to customize your Outer Banks vacation however you see fit!
See everything Resort Realty has to offer and get your (minimal traffic) Outer Banks vacation started today!
Spending a ton of money on your vacation to the Outer Banks should be the last thing on your mind! You can easily have a great vacation and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. Check out our top tips on how to have an amazing vacation on the OBX while on a budget!
Take Advantage Of Free Activities
There are so many great Outer Banks activities that are either free or super inexpensive! You can explore Jockey’s Ridge, spend all day on the beach, visit lighthouses, and so much more without spending a ton of money. Check out our “Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget” blog for even more ideas on how to have fun without going broke!
Cook Meals Instead Of Going Out
With so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, it’s hard to not want to try them all! While dining out can be a great and tasty experience, it can be costly. The average entree on the Outer Banks will run you around $12-$15 depending on what restaurant you go to. When you’re going out to eat with your family, that can really add up. Instead of dining out every night, maybe pick a night to go out and prepare meals at your rental homes the rest of the time! You can get fresh, local seafood from many places on the Outer Banks and prepare it yourself or even cook your own catch if you’re into fishing!
Be Flexible With Travel Dates
During the peak vacation months of June to August, vacation homes and accommodations can be at their most expensive. If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, visiting the Outer Banks in the off season can end up being much cheaper. Many locals will say that visiting the Outer Banks in the fall and spring seasons are the best time to come because there is less traffic, less crowds, and beautiful weather! See “Why We Love Fall On The Outer Banks” and plan an off season vacation to get the best bang for your buck!
Consider A Mini Vacation
Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need! Mini vacations are great alternatives to staying a whole week. The rates can be cheaper, you’ll save money, and you’ll still get to explore the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has many homes that offer weekend and short stays! See all the homes that offer partial vacations!
Make A Budget + Stick To It
It’s okay to splurge, you’re on vacation after all! Sit down with your family and make a list of things that you want to do on the Outer Banks. Determine how much money you want to stick to spending and then divvy out a set amount to specific activities like dining, souvenirs, and attractions. Stick to this budget all week long and this way you can still do the activities you want to do and have control of your money!
Check Out Budget Friendly Homes
Many Outer Banks vacation homes can be super lavish and luxurious but super expensive. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort and style on your vacation. There are many homes in the Resort Realty family that are inexpensive, beautifully decorated, and comfortable that you and your family can rent without breaking your budget!
Take advantage of Deals + Specials
Resort Realty has many deals and specials to help you save money on your Outer Banks vacation! Our Hometown Heroes discount is offered all year long. Plus, select homes will often put certain weeks on special! Check out our Deals and Specials pages to get the perfect OBX vacation rental at a lower price.
Rent A Home With A Group
Luxury vacation homes can be super expensive, but if you have a great group of people to split it with, it can be super affordable! A luxury home split between a group of people can be as low as $53 per night per person! See all of the luxury homes Resort Realty has to offer you, find a great group to vacation with, and start your affordable, luxury vacation!
Even though we’re well into the new year, it’s never too late to come up with a resolution! Why not change up your New Year’s resolution this year? Instead of making the usual pledge of getting a gym membership, why not make an investment resolution on the OBX? (Or, if you’re ambitious, do both!) Owning a second home on the Outer Banks could be an easy and profitable New Year’s Resolution.
Own A Piece Of Paradise
Owning an OBX vacation home is like owning your own piece of paradise! Your mornings can be spent sipping coffee and watching the sunrise over the ocean. You’ll be able to make memories with your own friends and family at your Outer Banks home. Additionally, you’ll give other families the opportunity to make memories on the Outer Banks as well!
Make a Quality Investment
Investing in a vacation home on the OBX can be a great move financially. Even more so when you list your home with Resort Realty. We have over 34 years of experience and are locally rooted. We’re are leader in the OBX vacation rental industry and we make sure you get the most out of your home. We’re always here for you and give you the best advice on making your home profitable. We ensure that your guests are happy and content during their vacation!
Our Professional Staff Has You Covered
At Resort Realty, we’re blessed with some of the best staff on the beach. We all want to make sure your home is taken care of and you get the maximum profit out of your investment. The Resort Realty family will make sure your home gets the rentals it deserves and shines in its best light!
See Why Our Homeowners Love Us
We aim to keep our homeowners as pleased as our guests! See why listing your rental home with Resort Realty is the best choice you could make.
“…I very much appreciate your high standards and the attention that you have given to our homes. It certainly brings peace of mind. Especially during the busy rental season, with every little thing that can go wrong, I’m confident, cleanliness isn’t going to be one of them if you are in charge. Thank you so very much.” – Property owner of a Duck vacation rental home
“Thank you Resort Realty for a successful season with 16 rentals! This is my first year with Resort Realty and this was the most rentals I have ever had in the 30 years that I have owned the property. I truly appreciate everything you all do and I’m looking forward to next year!” – Property Owners of a Nags Head vacation rental home
Make This New Year’s Resolution Count
Make your New Year’s Resolution of owning a vacation home on the Outer Banks come true! Take a look at all of the homes for sale on the Outer Banks. When you find the perfect vacation home and you’re ready to make profit on your investment, contact our business development team at [email protected]. You can also get more information on our rental program on the Resort Realty Owner page of our website!
Here’s the third guide in our Outer Banks Summer Guide Series! The town of Duck is home to amazing dining, awesome views, and just so much to explore. Resort Realty’s Summer Guide has the best restaurants to try and things to do in this quaint but amazing little town. So take a look and get ready to have the best summer yet!
Dine
The Paper Canoe offers gourmet dining in an unbeatable waterfront setting. Enjoy dishes like Shrimp and Grits with smoked gouda or the Duck Sausage wood fired Pizza!
Open since 1989, The Blue Point offers seasonal dishes with Southern flair! With options like Outer Banks sea scallops, green tails shrimp ramen bowl, and more, you’ll be sure to be satisfied at The Blue Point!
Red Sky Cafe features dishes with fresh, local Outer Banks seafood in addition to serving poultry, beef, and duck dishes. Red Sky provides a casual gourmet feel with an out of this world meal!
It’s not a trip to Duck unless you stop at the original Duck Donuts! Duck Donuts serves up the tastiest home made donuts that you can customize with whatever toppings you like! From chocolate drizzle to peanut butter icing, Duck Donuts will be sure to please!
Shop
Shopping with a beautiful soundside view makes the perfect recipe for a great day! Experience 2 different restaurants and 16 different stores, including Life’s a Beach, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store!
The Cotton Gin has gifts, apparel, and more for the whole family! From Vera Bradley purses to Vineyard Vines t-shirts, everyone will find something at The Cotton Gin!
Move
Take some times to start a new practice or continue your yoga routine at Village Yoga! From beginner to advanced practices, Village Yoga offers yoga classes in the studio, privately in your home, or even on the beach!
Road trips can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone and the kids are getting restless in the backseat, you can’t wait to get that OBX vacation started. With these 10 family travel apps, the traveling process from packing to pit-stops will be seamless!
1. USA Rest Stops
This travel app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate. The app shows traditional rest areas as well as welcome centers. The app also allows you to mark rest stops as favorites, gives you notifications when you’re in range of a rest stop, and lets you leave reviews and see other reviews of the rest area.
2. Petting Zoo
Do you remember your favorite childhood book? This app is perfect for the kiddos that need entertainment. This family travel app has many beautifully animated animals that offer storylines to keep them at bay. Petting Zoo was created by illustrator Christoph Niemann and is perfect entertainment for ages 3 and up. This app does come with a $4 price tag, but it’s well worth it!
3. Whiteboard: Just Draw Together
Are you or your kids interested in Art? The app, Drawing Pad is the perfect app to keep your kids entertained for hours. The app features a clean whiteboard and several basic colors making it the perfect family travel app for kids ages 4 and up.
4 . Spotify
What’s a road trip without some quality music? Spotify is free to use and features music from every artist you can think of. If you search “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find kid-friendly songs that everyone will love. While you’re at it, search for Resort Realty, give us a follow, and listen to our monthly Music Monday playlists to put you in that summer vacation mode! Don’t worry, our playlists are family friendly too!
5. Kids World Atlas
The Kids World Atlas is a free app that’s perfect for kids to learn about places all over the world. The free version of this family travel app allows you to learn about animals all over the world with text and video along with quizzes that test your child’s animal knowledge.
6. Mad Libs
Remember playing Mad Libs in the car and it was so hard to write when the car was moving? Now there’s an app for that! The free Mad Libs app has 21 free stories that allow you to save the stories to re-read and laugh at them for hours. The app is kid-friendly and you can play solo or with friends and family. The app is suitable for ages 9 to 11, but let’s be real, you’ll probably play Mad Libs as much as the kids will!
7. GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the app you need if you’re trying to find the cheapest gas anywhere. You can choose to view gas stations by distance or price, report gas prices to help others find cheap gas, and you can enter to win $100 in free gas every day!
8. First Aid by American Red Cross
Accidents happen, hopefully not during your travel or on vacation, but they happen. Just to be prepared, the American Red Cross has provided an app that helps you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. The First Aid App also gives you tips on how to prepare for emergencies, can call 911, and locate the nearest hospital making it the perfect family travel app to keep you safe and prepared.
9. Waze
Waze is like the wonder app of traffic. Seriously. This family travel app helps you avoid accidents, road closures, police traps, and gives you real-time traffic updates. It also gives you turn by turn voice guided navigation. You can also send your ETA and real-time drive to update people you’re meeting at your Outer Banks vacation rental.
10. Candy Crush
Oh good old Candy Crush. This game will work on problem solving with your child but you’ll probably end up wanting to play a couple of rounds too! This family travel app is sure to keep everyone, no matter their age entertained on your Outer Banks road trip.
Don’t forget to pin for later!
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!
Kitty Hawk Places to Eat
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 Places to Play
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.
Kitty Hawk Places to Unwind
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!
February flew by and now March is upon us! Summer and warmer weather are getting closer and closer. With Spring starting this month, different Outer Banks events are starting up as well. Check out Resort Realty’s OBC (Outer Banks Calendar) each month to see what’s going on around town!
March 11th 10:00 AM // First Flight Cruisers Shamrock Car Show
Enjoy over 200 different vehicles from classic to modern at the 10th annual Shamrock Show at First Flight High School. Admission is free so come out and ooh and ahh over all the different vehicles on display.
March 11th 8:00 AM // Running Of The Leprechauns 5K
Run to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K hosted by Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern. The race starts at 8:00 AM and finishes at 11:00 AM. Registration is $38 for both the 5K and 10K. Visit Kelly’s website for more details and registration.
March 12th 1:00 PM // Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Join in on a 28 year long Outer Banks tradition. The annual Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest in the state of North Carolina. The parade is free and it starts at 1:00 and runs until about 4:00. Visit Kelly’s website for more details.
March 23rd – 26th // Outer Banks Taste Of The Beach
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach is 4 days filled with food, drink, and fun. Restaurants from all over the beach participate in Taste of The Beach every year. Events start at $21.50 and wih over 60 different events, the possibilities are endless.
Visit the Taste of the Beach website for more information, ticket prices, and registration.
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? Full Throttle Speedway 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!
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.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
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.
Blue Moon Beach Grill
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.
TRiO
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.
Salt Box Cafe
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.
Aqua Restaurant
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.
Cafe Pamlico
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.
Striper’s Bar and Grille
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!
