Visiting the Outer Banks in the Off Season

As summer is quickly coming to a close I want to share with you a local’s secret here in the Outer Banks.  Something you should not miss is the off season in the Outer Banks.  The weather in the fall is usually in the 60’s and 70’s and the beaches are less crowded.  The locals are friendly, the pace relaxed and there are always great restaurants and stores open in the off season.

In fact, most locals will tell you the off season is the perfect time of the year to visit the Outer Banks.   Imagine having the whole beach to yourself as you take a morning walk.  You have the beauty of the ocean, and peace and quiet all around.  This is my favorite time of year to walk on the beach, it is such a wonderful feeling to stroll without tripping over people everywhere and you will feel like we put the beach there just for you!  

Not only do you have the beach to yourselves, this is the perfect time of year to find seashells.  Locals will tell you they spend the fall and winter exploring the beach and there are lots of treasures to find.  Whelk shells are plentiful as well as helmet conchs, scallops, olive shells, moon snails and countless number of other shells and sea glass. 

After your walk, you can go into town and have a nice lunch, schedule a massage or go shopping.  Yes, some places shutdown for the off season, but never fear there are always wonderful stores and restaurants open.  

 If you don’t feel like rushing out, the beach houses in our area are usually loaded with movies, books, games and even a hot tub to relax the day away.    Want a little romance, light the fire in the fireplace and have a little wine.  There is nothing like snuggling up by the fire with your special someone.

Another plus, the locals are extra friendly, the service quick and the prices are affordable.  When it is off season, we are all relaxed.   Not to say that you don’t have this feeling in the summer but you have a lot less competition in the fall and winter.   

A lot of the child friendly activities are closed unless you love the movies!  You can always find an adventure at Wright Brothers National Memorial, The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum or the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.  

The off season may not be for you, but if you like to escape from the crowds and have a quiet vacation in a beautiful location.  Then join us with our best kept secret, “off season in the Outer Banks”.  This may be the retreat you’re looking for this fall or winter. 

Remembering Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith passed away from a heart attack July 3, 2012.  He was 86 years old and a longtime resident of North Carolina.  

He is best known for his role on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock”.  In the Outer Banks he was known for starting his career in the 1940’s with “The Lost Colony” before moving on to movies and television.

Andy Griffith was one of the founding members of The Outer Banks Community Foundation which was  “organized in October 1982 as a public charity to meet local needs in the Outer Banks area not ordinarily within the province of other charitable organizations, religious institutions, or government."

With the passing of Andy Griffith we have had Brad Paisley’s music video “Waitin on a Woman” resurface.



The video was filmed in the Outer Banks and contains scenery from Cape Hatteras and Nags Head as well as the Outlet Mall.

From an article in the LA Times Brad Paisley reminisces about how he reached out to him for the music video.  Paisley wrote a letter that said, “This song epitomizes your character as well as the values and things you celebrate, and I wonder if you wanted to be in a music video. 

Before they filmed the video the Paisley family came to spend the day with him and a friendship was formed.  While shooting the video Brad Paisley remembers the part when he goes to sit on the bench he said “Here comes this legendary actor and he sits down and says, ‘You waitin’ on a woman?’ I look over at him and I never in my life had a more surreal moment than that first take.”

They became friends and one time while Brad Paisley was putting on a concert in Virginia Beach he was able to brighten Andy’s day by setting up a jam session at Andy’s home for an afternoon since Andy had been sick.

Andy Griffith had a love of music throughout his life and even was a high school music teacher in Goldsboro, NC and the president of the University of North Carolinas Men’s Glee Club.  Through the years he sang in different roles and produced southern gospel albums as well as a Christmas album.

Later in life Andy kept to himself and valued his privacy.  He had a strong love for this area and was laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island.  We will miss you Andy!  

Top 5 Activities to do In the Outer Banks

When you visit the Outer Banks sometimes it is hard to decide what activities you should take on besides sunning on the beautiful beaches.  After all most people have a week to see everything unless you buy a house and move here which I would love to help you with!

1.  See the wild horses – Wild horses have roamed in several areas in the Outer Banks for centuries.  According to Spanish ship logs it is estimated that the first horses arrived on the Outer Banks around 1520.  In order to see the horses you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and if you don’t own one there are several companies that will take you on a wild horse tour in Corolla, share the history of the horses and place you within a friendly distance of the horses.  (it is the law that you cannot be closer than 50 feet from the horse and you are not allowed to feed the wild horses.

2.  Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Jockey’s Ridge Park has the largest natural living sand dune on the east coast.  It is located in Nags Head and a must see landmark.  Take time to fly a kite, hang-glide. Sand slide or even hike one of the trails. 

3.  Go fishing – Here in the Outer Banks you can choose your fishing adventure from renting a charter, surf fishing or fishing from one of our piers.  You are bound to have fun and bring home dinner too!

4.  Spend a day on Roanoke Island – From the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, to the North Carolina Aquarium, onto an evening with The Lost colony.  You will find an adventure for everyone in your group. 

 

5.  See the Lighthouses – The Outer Banks has several unique lighthouses that you can visit and even climb.  Whether you visit one or all of them you will enjoy the unique beauty of each of the lighthouses on the Outer Banks.  

There is so much to see and do in the Outer Banks – here are some websites that can help you plan your visit.   Have fun and enjoy the Outer Banks!

Visitob.com

Outerbanks.org

Outerbankschamber.com