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. 

4th of July in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is the perfect place to celebrate the 4^th of July.  You can celebrate with parades, cook-outs, beach adventures and fabulous food.  

 

These are some of my favorite 4^th of July Activities:

1. Ducks 8^th Annual 4^th of July Parade – The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. on the 4^th of July with music, food and a parade.
2. The Outer Banks Firecracker Freedom 5k and Little Sparkler Stroll – This event will support OBX’s local Veteran’s Association and Operation Wounded Warrior Project.   
3.  OBX Killer Dunes 2 Mile Run/Walk – conquer the toughest 2 miles on the Outer Banks.
4. Head to the Beach – All you need is your chair, some drinks and snacks.
5. Fly a Kite at Jockeys Ridge 
6.  Go to the Faire Day Festival – Live Horse Rides, Juggles, shopping and so much more.
7. Go Fishing – we have lots of piers to choose from as well as open water fishing adventures
8.  Have a picnic – Pack a picnic for the beach or have a cookout 
9.  Explore the Aquarium - Great way to get out of the heat and learn about the ocean. 
10.  The 440^th Army Band with Fireworks – Enjoy a patriotic concert at 8:00 followed by a firework show at 9:30.  Nothing like patriotic music and fireworks to celebrate the holiday.  

I hope that you enjoy your 4^th of July Holiday in the Outer Banks.  For a listing of fireworks and events in the Outer Banks go to:  Outer Banks Events.