My family is thinking about a week somewhere on Hatteras this summer. We've stayed a number of times at Emerald Isle, much farther south, but never stayed on the Hatteras Island before. Any suggestions about specific areas (Avon, Rodanthe, etc) or even specific houses (4+ br)? We are looking for beachfront with *very* close beach access (something Emerald Isle does splendidly).
Thanks

We stayed in Rodanthe twice. There are several companies that rent houses. We used Surf and Sound (I believe that's the name). Their catalogue is quite complete. Depending on your family's situation, we stayed once in early September and the rates went down dramatically. It is very relaxed down towards the Cape, without a lot of touristy things to do. We went deep sea fishing and generally hung out on the beach. It is quite hot there during the summer.

Our favorite place to visit is Avon, NC. We have rented through Outer Beaches Realty and Surf or Sound Realty Companies, both are fine, clean cottages. Outer Beaches has more cottages. We have been going to Avon for almost 20 years and love the peace and quiet. Being in the middle of the island, it is really easy to get to Ocracoke and even make a day in the Northern beaches of Nagshead etc. We have never stayed oceanfront but both of those realty companies have great websites to check out.

While searching for a place in Sanibel, I happened upon a web site for a place in Avon, NC that I think looks great. It has 5 br and 3 bathrooms and everything you would probably want (not sure if it has a pool, though).
www.dreamgables.com

We got a nice beachfront cottage from
www.beachrealtync.com
I think they go as far south as Hatteras but I'm not sure. Our place was in Kitty Hawk and our selection was limited because we took our dog. They were very helpful and I'd recommend them from our experience.