Outer Banks (Charlotte, Kill Devil Hills, Beaufort: where to stay, rentals, motels)

[nchunter]

We are thinking of going to the Outer Banks for vacation in a few weeks. We have never been there. Anyone like to share your thoughts on what to see,where to stay,activities for the kids and such,what areas to visit like Beaufort?Duck?Kitty Hawk? or all the way to Hatteras Island? Thanks for helping.

[sundrop]

You may get better info on the Coastal NC forum....I have heard great things about the Outer Banks, I have never vacationed there. Hope you have a great time!

[SunnyKayak]

mod note
thread relocated from Charlotte forum

[Honeycrisp]

it depends what you're looking for - check out some of the OUter Banks threads - it's more remote on hatteras and a bit more rural in duck - just google outer banks rentals - prsonally we like kitty hawk, nags head and kill devil hills - there's big sand dunes that are great for kite flying - also the wright bros. mem. where you can see where the first planes flew and there's a small museum - lots of shopping if you're into that - it's a bit late in the season though as these rentals book early but it's a great place to vacation and depending what you're looking for and how flex. you are, you may be able to find something that's a short walk to the beach

[cape_fisherman]

Hunter, you'll love the Outer Banks. Too bad we can't actually carry on a conversation in your own thread. LOL

Hey, I talking about the Outer Banks...no hijack...nothing here to see, move along, move along.

[cape_fisherman]

Originally Posted by nchunter

...what areas to visit like Beaufort?Duck?Kitty Hawk? or all the way to Hatteras Island?

Actually, Duck & Kitty Hawk are both north of Hatteras. Beaufort isn't on the "outer banks" exactly. Some folks refer to Beaufort, and areas south, as the "Southern Outer Banks". From Hatteras you'd have to cross a couple of ferries (one around 45 minutes and the other around two hours in duration).

Beaufort would not be on my itinerary of things to do if I were visiting Hatteras and northern destinations.

[nchunter]

Originally Posted by cape_fisherman

Actually, Duck & Kitty Hawk are both north of Hatteras. Beaufort isn't on the "outer banks" exactly. Some folks refer to Beaufort, and areas south, as the "Southern Outer Banks". From Hatteras you'd have to cross a couple of ferries (one around 45 minutes and the other around two hours in duration).

Beaufort would not be on my itinerary of things to do if I were visiting Hatteras and northern destinations.

Thanks! We are looking for a relaxing vacation this year.I can't stand the crowds at Myrtle Beach anymore.We just want to play on the beach,fish, hunt shells,see interesting things in the area.No shopping! I can do that at home.I'm a little worried about accommodations though.We were hoping to stay a few days here,go a little further and stay a few days. You know,kind of exploring the areas.Looks like we need advanced reservations everywhere.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by nchunter

We were hoping to stay a few days here,go a little further and stay a few days. You know,kind of exploring the areas.Looks like we need advanced reservations everywhere.

Yes, and houses generally rent by the week, Saturday-thru-Saturday. Most motels have a minimum stay also.

[obxfisherman]

Originally Posted by nchunter

Thanks! We are looking for a relaxing vacation this year.I can't stand the crowds at Myrtle Beach anymore.We just want to play on the beach,fish, hunt shells,see interesting things in the area.No shopping! I can do that at home.I'm a little worried about accommodations though.We were hoping to stay a few days here,go a little further and stay a few days. You know,kind of exploring the areas.Looks like we need advanced reservations everywhere.

If you can wait until Sept or Oct,you shouldn't need advanced reservations,with the exception of weekends and holidays.Fishing is better in Oct and the weather is cooler.It's my favorite time of the year for fishing!You can explore Duck/Corolla/Carova,to the north,which is more upscale,Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills/Nags Head/Manteo,where the majority of YR residents live and Hatteras Island,which is the most isolated section and offers some of the best fishing in the area.Miles of beach is open to driving on HI and Corolla/Carova,so if you have a 4wd,you can escape the crowds.You can go to Hatteras Village and take a 45 minute ferry to Ocracoke Island,which also has miles if beach to drive on.Have fun!

[Kracer]

Just returned to NJ from a week at Hatteras village located about 2 minutes from the free Okracoke ferry. 40 minutes to Okracoke by ferry.

Absolutely loved the miles of open beach especially the walks before sunrise. Stunning, peaceful, essentially empty at that time of day. Couldn't wait to wake up and hit the beach well before 6am.

Fished with guide Ken Dempsey in the bay and got our fill of weakfisk/sea trout and blues.

Went four wheeling on the beach and fished the point form the surf. Not much going on off the surf but great to go through the motions. 4 wheeled through Buxton Woods. Places to be alone are too numerous to count, especially on Okracoke.

Excellent restaurant near the ferry behind the kitchy shops. Mack Daddy's was also a nice restaurant. Howard's on Okracoke was a winner and they are open year round.

Waves and water are where to spend your time.

Saw some deer and bunnies at the point. Feral cats overrun the place which seems odd since visitors bring their dogs who are then exposed to whatever diseases the wild cats have. The piping plover rules the area to the chagrin of the natives. The cats are the reason birdlife is down and yet with all the concern for wildlife the cats go uncontrolled.

I was expecting the are to be more desolate in terms of construction and was surprised by the all the stilt based homes. Yet you could easily go to many areas, take numerous trails and feel you had the whole place to your self.

Neat bird life, tons of mosquitoes after dark in some areas but seemed absent near the surf.

Great beaches but hated the drive to get there.