Looking for vacation info - Outer Banks

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BMThiker

BMThiker

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My wife and I want to take a vacation in the Outer Banks some time in May (or before schools let out). She used to go there quite a lot as a young kid, but I've never been. Looking for suggestions on places to stay, things not to miss, etc. Even better, if you have or know someone with a rental property that I could talk to :)
 
If camping I'm a big fan of Frisco Woods. Nice campground and have small cabins if you are not using a RV. Have a great lagoon and good spots over looking it.

Carolla would be nice well but I think those houses can get pretty spendy. It is beach access only to those homes...right on the VA/NC border.
 
I would recommend getting a place south of Kitty Hawk. The Nags Head area has turned into a mini Myrtle Beach. The only "must" thing to do would be take the ferry to Ocracoke and stop at Howard's Pub for lunch/dinner. Also, the best beach to drive/swim is at Frisco, exit 49, I believe. We stay at a family place in Haterras Village but it is not available for rent. You can call Midgette Realty to rent a house (big $$$) or there is a little cabin rental place next to where the Billy Mitchell motel use to be. Hurricane Isabelle washed it away. I'm thinking there is a Holiday Inn at Hatterras Village near the ferry to Ocracoke. Hope this info helps!
Kenny
 
Good suggestions. Yeah, we are trying to avoid the mini-golf and Jaeger-bomb kinds of places. Pristine beaches and historical stuff is good. We might be able to swing a rental cabin, but most look like they are made for large families (4-5 bdrooms). It's just the 2 of us.
 
Shorewood Real Estate | Property Details

Here is my place, if you are looking for something in the SOBX, its a nice little house on the water. Very quiet and a 20 minute car ride to Swansboro, Beaufort or Morehead.
 
If you want to get away from it all go up north and rent. Best beaches by far are at the north end. Any Hatteras beach now has stupid fees that must be the highest drive on the beach fees in the US. Frisco woods is a great camp ground though and near by the ferry for Ocracoke....... never really liked Howards Pub too much, wasn't bad just not amazing like everybody who told us we must go to it made it out to be. Wouldn't turn down going there again but at the same time would care if I went somewhere else.
If you like history there is tons out there and that is what drew me there in the first place. There are also a couple cruiser heads out there you can stop and talk to.
 
Trollhole said:
Check out Outer Banks Vacation Rentals & Oceanfront Rentals Homes in NC if your looking for something up north.
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Wow, never seen a 24 room beach house before, but there are some good smaller house options there too.

Yukon LX said:
Shorewood Real Estate | Property Details

Here is my place, if you are looking for something in the SOBX, its a nice little house on the water. Very quiet and a 20 minute car ride to Swansboro, Beaufort or Morehead.
Click to expand...
Interesting...

lt1fire said:
If you want to get away from it all go up north and rent. Best beaches by far are at the north end. Any Hatteras beach now has stupid fees that must be the highest drive on the beach fees in the US. Frisco woods is a great camp ground though and near by the ferry for Ocracoke....... never really liked Howards Pub too much, wasn't bad just not amazing like everybody who told us we must go to it made it out to be. Wouldn't turn down going there again but at the same time would care if I went somewhere else.
If you like history there is tons out there and that is what drew me there in the first place. There are also a couple cruiser heads out there you can stop and talk to.
Click to expand...
So far, everyone says go north. Looking at satellite views, I'd have to agree.
Thanks for all the input so far. Very helpful links and local knowledge!:clap:
 
I disagree! The north suxs, in my opinion. The water is 10 degrees colder north of the Hatteras light house and you don't get that tropical island feel, north of Whalebone. Granted, the only time I stayed in Kitty Hawk area, the beach was small and the jelly fish ate our a$$ up. I can't say I've ever been/stayed in the Corrolla area, which might be where people are recommending. Very exclusive!
I do recommend taking the "free" ferry ride to Ocracoke and eat where you choose. I've eaten at other places on Ocracoke but Howard's Pub is a landmark that all first time tourist should visit. Great t-shirts, also.

No matter where you stay, I recommend climbing the Hatteras lighthouse, ferry ride to Ocracoke, find the shipwreck at Hatteras Village, drive the Frisco and Hatteras Point beaches, and do a little surf fishing if you can.

Just my .02 :cheers:
 
I like the farthest south OBX islands. Lookout National Seashore is the prettiest area in NC in my opinion. There is a ferry that runs out there, or it is a short boat ride. The Crystal Coast is a great place to visit. I have spent my whole life down there, as well as further north. As far as history, Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in NC. Also, i may be fishing a charity fishing tournament on May 5th and may need a hand.

My .02 as well
 
Yukon LX said:
I like the farthest south OBX islands. Lookout National Seashore is the prettiest area in NC in my opinion. There is a ferry that runs out there, or it is a short boat ride. The Crystal Coast is a great place to visit. I have spent my whole life down there, as well as further north. As far as history, Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in NC. Also, i may be fishing a charity fishing tournament on May 5th and may need a hand.

My .02 as well
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Is that Reelin' for Research? We fished that last year, and if I can get it lined up again, this year too. I guess if I wasn't lazy, I'd look up the dates :)

:beer: R
 
We rented in the North last year and loved it.
Got the rental off of vrbo.com, owner rentals.
We were able to deal directly with the owner who was great and got an xtra $100 off.
This is the house we got for <$1000 in late august.
Swan Beach Vacation Rental - VRBO 121381 - 4 BR Northern Coast & Outer Banks House in NC, Quaint Beach Cottage in 4WD Area of Outer Banks
It is not oceanfront but a few blocks back. Horses everywhere.
You really get the remote feeling.
Plus, swan beach is only 4 mille or so on the sand so its not to far if you need to run out for something.

You could prob get closer to the oceanfron and still keep it around a 1000 for the week.

Good luck.

Dave
 
My son's grandmother lived on ocrocoke island but passed away a year ago. The family rents the house and the two bedroom apartment. They both can use the private dock and there with in walking distance to everything (lighthouse, Howard's, trade winds). If u guys know the island it's the first house past trade winds where it has a large sign on the apartment LYONS. Pm if you need contact info.
 
To be brief... the further south, the better!!! bigger surf, less people, more open space, more nature, and... um bigger surf :) not to mention more beaches to drive on!
 
Heres a few pics from the Corova vacation.
Beach Day
Horses at the house
Pennys Hill
Neighborhood exploring

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I'm with Kenny, the north end is not the place to be. Traffic, chain stores, tourist traps - it's like any other overcommercialized beach. The congestion getting onto and off the beach at Corolla is silly (in-season).

Going south on Hwy 12 puts you in a whole different world. You feel it as soon as you cross over from Roanoke Island (if you go in via 64/264). Ocracoke is a special place to be. I recommend staying anywhere from Avon to Ocracoke - if you need the nonsense of the north end, take a day trip. Otherwise, stay at the south end and really relax. In May, you're likely to have a stretch of beach to yourself.
 
mtweller said:
Is that Reelin' for Research? We fished that last year, and if I can get it lined up again, this year too. I guess if I wasn't lazy, I'd look up the dates :)

:beer: R
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Yes sir. This will be our first year, but it seems like a really fun event, and for a good cause. How did you do last year?
 
SWEET HOME KINNAKEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Rick and Kitty talk to Mrs Bea at Avon Cottages. 252-995-4123. You can get the redneck style efficency or a place to yourself. The owner was my land lord Tell her Jeff Trombley told you to call. If you want the high end with hot tub and all call Hatteras Reality 800-428-8372. forgot who the main rental agent is. You now need a permit from the NPS to drive on the beach thanks to the DOW and Audobon but thats another story. Id advise getting one at Coquina before you cross onto the Island. Cape point is off limits to my knowledge . 25 cent wings @ Oceana's Bistro on Wensdays...Toppers for pizza . Frank and Frans for fishing tackle. Avon surf shop for shopping. they carry Rainbow sandals. Ace Hardware for beach stuff. Village grocery for COLD beer(big micro brew selection as well) or the drive thru. Beach on ramps at each end of town. I recomend 15 - 18 psi tire pressure.
 
Before or after GSMTR . I could show up and give you a guided tour!!!lol
Also from ATl I recomend 85 to Charlotte then SR49???(the one to URE) to SR64 to Hwy 12 . The coastal and/or ferry route is very time consuming albeit less driving.
 
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