Anyone been to the Outer Banks?

[montanafan]

Thinking about going there in the next week or two, but I've never been there before. Anyone have any suggestions of things to do or where to stay? Don't know whether to stay at Duck, Kill Devil Hills, or Nags Head. I'm looking for someplace good for bike riding, photography, good seafood, and shopping for unique crafts and jewelry.

 

[bmacd]

OBX rocks

-=bmacd=-

 

[montanafan]

bmacd, could you elaborate?

 

[NFS4]

Never been to the OBX, but I was at Holden Beach, NC this past weekend with the GF

 

[Blayze]

never been to the OBX

 

[AcidicFury]

If you want to do all that, head to either Morehead City or even Wilmington. The beaches near there are much better than the Outer Banks, plus there is more to do cause you're kinda near some pretty large towns. I know that Wilmington has an outdoor market and many fine dining establishments.

 

[bobbybe01]

Originally posted by: AcidicFury
If you want to do all that, head to either Morehead City or even Wilmington. The beaches near there are much better than the Outer Banks, plus there is more to do cause you're kinda near some pretty large towns. I know that Wilmington has an outdoor market and many fine dining establishments.

Ditto to what he said. However, it's not in vain if you stay on the outer banks. But Wilmington and Morehead City are definitely good choices. Keep in mind they are on opposite ends of the border as well, so you might not get to see the Outer Banks like you want...but it'll be good wherever you go.

 

[montanafan]

AcidicFury and bobbybe01, I've been to both Wilmington and Morehead City and liked them both. I just wanted to try somewhere new. So you're both saying there's not that much to do on the Outer Banks?

 

[poopaskoopa]

Yeah, OBX is nice, but it's for scenery stuff. Wilmington is more of a beach town, if you will. Personally, I'd prefer OBX. The lighthouse is nothing special though.

 

[AcidicFury]

Originally posted by: montanafan
AcidicFury and bobbybe01, I've been to both Wilmington and Morehead City and liked them both. I just wanted to try somewhere new. So you're both saying there's not that much to do on the Outer Banks?

Well there are things to do, just not many of them. I know that there are biking trails out there and the lighthouse is always worth a see, but if you're looking for good restaurants, you're probably out of luck. There might be some seafood places, but at the places I've been to (granted, that was 5 years ago), there were only 1 or 2 restaurants. As for shopping, I don't know. Photography isn't really beach specific, so I guess it would be good. That's about all the info I can think of on the top of my head right now.

 

[montanafan]

Thanks AcidicFury. I'd heard that the bike paths were pretty good in a couple of towns, but few and far between in most of the area. The lack of good seafood restaurants is a big disappointment. I checked the Outer Banks web site and it was hard to tell much about the restaurants and shopping from there.

 

[AcidicFury]

Anytime. Wanted to help you out.

 

[klah]

I am going up there for two weeks starting Saturday. I usually stay in Corolla, or just north in the 4wd section. The best section for cycling is South Nags Head. There is very little traffic south of 64 on on hwy 12 (around milepost 16) and you can ride as far south as you can handle. One year I had a 20mph tailwind and I rode all the way down to the ferry at Hatteras, ~65miles. Of course when I got there I had to call someone to come get me.

Like the others have said there is not much to do in the area. For fine dining there are a couple good places in Corolla, and little or none south in Duck or NH, and there is little to no nightlife. But that is what I like to get away from. You can leave your boat at anchor right in front of your beach, jet ski around in the surf drunk for two weeks, then set off $3000 of fireworks you picked up in SC, and not get hassled by DNR a single time!

 

[montanafan]

Thank you klah. That's good information about the bike riding. So more than likely I'd want to stay in that area, cause I want to spend a lot of time on the bike. It sounds like it might be a nice place to kick back with family or friends, but I was going to be heading there by myself and now I'm not so sure it's what I'm looking for. Sounds like I might get bored and lonely pretty fast.

Hope you have a good time on your trip!

 

[klah]

There are lots of bike trails north of there also, but I wouldn't suggest riding 20mph on any of them.

I do not think I would recommend the area if you will be alone.

 

[montanafan]

Thanks again klah. I'm thinking you may be right about it not being the best place for me to go alone. I like to be in fairly busy or well-populated areas when I'm traveling alone. It's just a little safer and more interesting that way.

 

[DieselUV]

Speaking of OBX. I'm going there in a week and a half. I'm pretty damn excited because I rented this house for me and 20 friends. Thing is we went about 4 years ago and we got evicted a day earlier for partying and being too loud.

 

[tweakmm]

OBX is nice, but I can assure you the best beaches(not to mention the best beach experience) in NC are by far on Bald Head Island, which is where I'll be headed on Saturday

 

[montanafan]

DieselUV, that is some house! Sounds like it has enough of everything for 20 people. Have a good time.

tweakmm, I'd never heard of Bald Head Island until you mentioned it. I just checked out their site and it sounds like a really nice place to relax. "Frommer?s Best Beach Vacations: Carolinas and Georgia named Bald Head Island its "#1 Beach for Bicycling." sounds especially interesting. Just not enough to keep me busy. I must shop! It sounds a lot like the ski resort I go to in the summer to ride bikes. Nice for a few days, then I run out of things to do. Hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation.