kdjj

Where is the best place to vacation during the summer for 7 days along the east coast with two teenage boys (15 & 17) that offers a variety of outdoor activities, private homes (w/ pool) to rent on the beach, and a true eastern experience? We are a family of four. And is it possible logistically to visit the Smokey Mountains for a couple days and do the beach? We are Midwesterners that haven't experienced the East Coast! And our boys aren't museum goers. A little of that is fine but they would prefer to be outdoors and active. Our oldest son is a huge Duke fan...not sure how close that would be from the coast to visit the campus. And we don't enjoy crowded beaches...prefer something quieter and less congested and commercialized. Thank you!

tomfuller

Take US 64 east from Rocky Mount to Manteo. You should be able to find what you want between Manteo and Kitty Hawk.
Show them the Wright Brothers Monument where the first flight took place in 1903.
Go down Cape Hatteras at least as far as Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There is a free ferry from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. There is some pirate history in the area as well.

Dukey1

I am absolutely baffled by the "true Eastern experience" thing and would love to know what the OP THINKS that might entail.

In the meanwhile, I agree with the Outer Banks as most of the accommodations there are, in fact, in someone's "beach house" and i would use an AGENCY, NOT AirBnB to rent the place, too.

schlegal1

"East Coast" experience made me wonder, too! I have never heard that term. Please describe it--I am curious! Do you mean a family beach trip? That is a quintessential East coast family vacation.

I agree with the recs to hit the Outer Banks for your outdoor activities (quiet, family beaches).

You could certainly do both Great Smoky Mountains NP and then hit the coast but you will lose a whole day driving (add in Duke/college visit and you have cut down significantly on your vacation time). And most private house rentals in OBX rent by the week that time of year since it is high season but I imagine you can find something suitable.

Have a great trip.

Gretchen

Your boys would probably enjoy Wrightsville Beach for its surfing. You could go to the mountains, drive I40 through Durham/Duke and on to Wilmington/Wrightsville.
There are a cluster of beaches there with houses for rent--but probably no pools.