Outerbanks vacation recommendations (Raleigh, Kill Devil Hills, Franklin: where to stay, real estate, 2009)

[findingmesomeday]

Hello! We are trying to plan a vacation in August to the Outer Banks. We're going to try to tie it in w/ a trip to Raleigh as well, since we're working on getting ourselves moved down there at some point in 2009 or before.

Any recommendations on where to stay? We don't need a lot of glitzy, kitchy stuff (which is why we're looking at the Outer Banks). We just want a quiet clean place hopefully not too far from the beach. While we'd love to spend an entire week, and will if the reservations necessitate it, we would prefer to spend maybe 4-5 nights there, so we can tie in our trip to the Triangle.

Thanks!

[SunnyKayak]

Since you are vacationing during a house hunting trip in the triangle I would suggest finding a place in South Nags Head so that you are not to far from 64.

Outer Banks Hotels, OBX Hotel Guide

[findingmesomeday]

Thanks! I also noticed Nags Head is a bit cheaper than Duck. Any reason?

[SunnyKayak]

Let me reference this kinda geographically relating to the area not including roanoke island which only has Sounds surrounding it.

When you cross the bridge over into Nags Head the area to me seem a little more commercially develop but not bad anywhere at the outer banks but tends to have your chain restaurants, stores. They even have Ben Franklin store.

Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills about the same with a little more activities such as mini golf etc.

Duck is cute it more on the sound side of the obx and is surrounded more with a maritime forest. From this point on up to Corolla I find the area a little more high end shops and such.

From Nags Head up to Corolla is real popular with Northeners and Virginian due to it is as not as long of a drive to their prospective rental with highway 158. South of nags head tends to be a long drive down to Cape Hatteras Island to to Ocracoke .

Earlier I mention South Nags Head and you may find prices cheaper for this area as suppose to Nags Head it self and South Nags Head is if you go to the end of 64 and turn right on S. Old Oregon Inlet Road. (highway 12 runs almost parallel but there no development on it)

Prices on Cape Hatteras Island for home rentals is cheaper but you will have to drive a alot more. North of 64 is more popular as vacation destination is why the prices tend to be higher.
I dont think you can go wrong in any town. I last stayed in Avon and cool thing about hatteras island is that you are in walking distance to the sound side and beach.

You can hardly see the beach from the road anywhere at the outer banks due to the sand dunes so If choosing a place that isnt beach front it is no biggy since the beach is just a short walking distance.
I didnt have ocean view or sound view in Avon but was still able to enjoy both and pay alot less for home rental with more amenities.

There is a estuary at the end of hwy 12 in Corolla and I highly suggest checking it out




Tip an hour before sunset be on the sound side wherever you are at

[findingmesomeday]

Great photos Sunny! Thanks! I got a line on a home rental from Wright Property Mgmt in Nags Head. Still checking out others but I know the pickings are going to be slim because of the timing (Aug).

[SunnyKayak]

Ok cool I know finding realtor company is half the battle of the search.
Then it finding the right rental with the right amenities
This guide tells you which company serves what area and may help you narrow down from looking at companies websites that is not in your desire wanted location.
Outer Banks NC Vacation Rentals - Real Estate

[findingmesomeday]

Thanks again Sunny! I'm trying to narrow down the possibilities before opening it up to the family for discussion. I'd probably be better off just making an executive decision but I've learned from past experience that I get less whining if everyone agrees going in!

[SunnyKayak]

Bring a tent for the whiners and have them sleep outside lol
I hope you have a relaxing trip

[findingmesomeday]

I posted a similar question in the Coastal NC forum but except for SunnyKayak (thanks Sunny!) did not get any replies.

We would like to rent a house somewhere on the Outer Banks --Nags Head? Duck? --the 3rd week of August. I did some online searching and found that there were more available than I had thought there would be which was a nice surprise but I guess it's very hot that time of year and hurricane season is peaking.

Anyway, I found one that looked reasonable, was available but my husband couldn't find the address on the satellite search.

So here are my questions:

1. Is there one particular town you'd recommend over others? Why?
2. Any rental agents/companies you'd recommend or avoid?

We like quiet vacations. So driving a little bit to typical beach entertainment (mini golf, etc.) is fine with us but we'd love to be as close to the beach as possible in a quiet area.

PDXMom, if you're reading this, think Neskowin!

Any other info or advice is appreciated. We've done lots of beach/mountain vacations but the Outer Banks is a new destination for us.

Oh, one last question; My oldest will be working in NH this summer and will not be able to drive down with us. He'll have to fly down a day or two later. Where's the closest airport?

[ferrickhead28]

Well, I'm going to be honest with you...every town is pretty close in proximity. You really can't go wrong with any of them. They are all BEAUTIFUL. Each one has something different to offer and they are all close in driving range. Personally, I would pull out a map and find a good center location. (I personally like Corrolla)

WHATEVER YOU DO, NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE OFFER IS, try *NOT* to get roped into the timeshare property viewing. They say "45 minutes" but what they really mean is "45 minutes in the waiting room" because the whole ordeal takes around 3-4 hours if not longer. You're on vacation. Enjoy it. Avoid them. (Unless you are in the market for a timeshare, then go for it! lol)

Make sure you check out Jockey's Ridge, the Wrights brothers musuem and take at least one dolphin tour. (they are actually quite inexpensive!) Avoid chain restaurants and eat locally. Talk to the locals, ask them what they recommend. We sat at a bar at one pizza parlor for hours, just talking to the locals. Probably the most entertaining time we have ever had! They are full of some great stories!

Have a great time!