Chris Militzer/Miliman 12 Photography
Many local residents spend part of their summer vacation at the Outer Banks, but you can really unplug during the holidays by heading south to enjoy the solitude and sea breezes during the off season as well.
The Outer Banks — a 200-mile strip of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina — has more than just beaches. Explore American history and learn about the lost colony on Roanoke Island, England’s first settlement in the area. Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, where Wilbur and Orville Wright spent years experimenting with flight.
Can’t-miss restaurants, wild horses and fun shopping can round-out a perfect winter vacation. With spacious beachside homes, hotels, resorts and condos big enough for all your family and friends, there’s plenty of room to spread holiday cheer at discounted rates. Here are a few options to consider if you decide to head south during the holiday season.
(Despite Hurricane Florence’s hit on North Carolina in early September, most businesses on the Outer Banks were not harmed. Still, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check websites before heading out.)
LODGING
Buz Nachlas
Sanderling Resort in Duck. Located near the northernmost tip of the Outer Banks in Duck, the Sanderling Resort is situated on 16 acres with dramatic views of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. As you check in, it’ll remind you of a favorite family beach house, with some modern touches. Sanderling offers southern hospitality and luxurious amenities in a relaxed, tranquil setting — including an outdoor hot tub and a heated indoor pool.
Recently, Sanderling completed a multi-phase renovation with all new guest rooms, fresh culinary leadership, reinvigorated food and bever-age programs and enhanced adventure offerings to showcase the region’s natural beauty. Rates start at $129 per night in the low season (compared to $399 per night in the high season). sanderling-resort.com
Castle on Silver Lake B&B on Ocracoke Island. If you venture south and decide to spend the night on Ocracoke Island, plan a stay at the Castle on Silver Lake B&B, which offers beautiful views of the harbor, a delicious breakfast (try the spinach and cheese omelet) amid cozy surroundings. We loved the cedar wood paneling, free snacks and bottled water and friendly atmosphere. Bicycles are available, first-come, first serve. The inn is open throughout November and closes in mid-December before reopening in the spring. thecastlebb.com
Renting a house or condo. There are numerous companies including Village Realty, Sun Realty, Beach Realty NC and Resort Realty Group that handle rentals big and small throughout the Outer Banks. You may also check Airbnb, VRBO and similar websites for home rentals. Many homes and condos offer off-season pricing that can be more than 50 percent lower than summer prices.
TO DO
Jessie Leiber
Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center: The National Park Service recently reopened the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center in Kill Devil Hills after undergoing a nearly $6 million renovation. Since the winter of 2016, the National Historic Landmark was closed to preserve and restore its architecturally significant features and to rehabilitate its mechanical and electrical systems. While the visitor center has been under renovation, staff were busy managing a separate project to install all new interactive exhibits. The exhibits reveal an intimate look at Wilbur and Orville Wright In addition to all new exhibits, a 16-screen video wall featuring images of the brothers, Wright flying machines, inspirational quotes and images of flight. nps.gov/wrbr
Christmas Mouse: Get in the holiday spirit with some beachy holiday ornaments and decorations at the Christmas Mouse in Nags Head. The two-story, 8,000-square foot store is sure to have a memorable Outer Banks ornament that you’ll want to hang on your tree every year. For even more holiday decor ideas, check out The Christmas Shop and General Store in nearby Manteo. christmasmouse.com and outerbankschristmas.com
WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens: Stroll along garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo into an illuminated winter wonderland. See the radiant glow of the gar-dens, traditional holiday décor and displays. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. elizabethangardens.org/winterlights-obx
Ocracoke Island: Drive your car onto the free hourlong ferry ride in Hatteras that will take you to Ocracoke Island, where many of the tourists and locals get around on foot, bicycle or in rented golf carts. Step out of your car to take in the water views. The drive to the middle of town is about 13 miles from the ferry. Visit the 1823 Ocracoke lighthouse, the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. visitocracokenc.com
Corolla Outback Adventures: located at 1150 Ocean Trail next to the Corolla Post Office, hop into the back of a four-wheel for an adventure zooming along the coastline to go check out the wild horses and birds on the beach. It’s a great way to learn about the history and local lore. Be sure to bring your camera! corollaoutback.com Sailing: We rented a catamaran from Nor’Banks Sailing & Water Sports, 1314 Duck Road in Duck, and enjoyed the breezes and warm water on Currituck Sound. Afterward, you can relax in their hammock or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on their upper deck that looks out on the sound. norbanks.com
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: For the best sunset-watching, visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park. You’ll want to wear something comfortable to climb the giant sand dune where you can fly a kite while waiting for the spectacular sunset. jokeysridgestatepark.com
DINING
Black Pelican, 3848 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk. Black Pelican is a longtime laidback eatery housed in a former lifesaving station from 1874. Try the fresh catch of the day ala Oscar (asparagus, crabmeat and hollandaise). Ask to be seated in the older part of the restaurant. blackpelican.com
The Life Saving Station Restaurant, Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC Bluewater Grill & Raw Bar, 2000 Sailfish Dr., Manteo. We can’t say enough about how delicious the fresh fish was at this eatery; sit by the window for a view of the yachts down below. Top-notch service. bluewatergrillobx.com
Kimball’s Kitchen, The Sanderling Resort. Ask for a seat by the win-dow to catch sunset views of the sound. This upscale choice offers an award-winning wine list and a sophisticated take on seasonal menus. sanderling-resort.com
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant, 6916 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head. Miller’s offers outdoor dining, perfect for sunset watching. Grab a hat if it’s a breezy night and you want to sit outside. millerswaterfront.com
Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row, 4005 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head. Mulligan’s offers a varied menu including some awesome burgers. Be sure to try the cucumber salad! mulligansobx.com
SMacNally’s Bar & Grill, Ocracoke. For a waterfront experience, check out the popular waterside SMacNally’s Bar & Grill where you can wash down some calamari at the lively bar while watching the fishing boats come in with their catch. smacnallys.com
Sunset Grille, 1264 Duck Road, Duck. Sunset Grille offers outdoor dining with tiki torches overlooking the Currituck Sound, a perfect spot for sunset-watching. fishbonessunsetgrille.com
Steamers, 1 Ocean Blvd., Southern Shores. Popular with tourists as well as year-round residents, this eatery offers a top-notch seasonal menu. The fish tacos are a big hit. Outdoor dining is available. steamersobx.com
