My sister and I have talked about this trip forever and finally took the plunge. We're heading to the outer banks next weekend, arriving thursday night and leaving Monday evening. I have a couple (ok maybe 3or 4) logistical questions that I would greatly appreciate some help with.

1. We're getting in pretty late on thursday night and looking at picking up our rental then spending the night close to norfolk airport. Our options are to stay close to the airport or in downtown norfolk. Any suggstions. I was leaning towards the travelodge at the airport.
2. has anyone stayed at the colonial inn motel on MP 11.5? we're getting a pretty good deal and they seem to be located right on the beach. The other option was to stay on roanoke island - any thoughts? The option there was in Manteo.
3. Ocracoke island - is it best to take your car on the ferry if you're headed to the lighthouse or is it walking distance from the ferry?
THank you again for your time. I would appreciate any feedback.

I assume you mean the ferry to Ocracoke from Hatteras village?

The "civilization" including buildings of any sort on Ocracoke is/are not within walking distance of the ferry landing so you need to take the car. It is a free trip.

sjk
If that Colonial Inn is the one at Nags Head, it looks pretty good. I googled it and it looks like a clean, well mananged property with the ocean right out your door. I would ask for a oceanfront room. That would be my first choice over Roanoke Island.

And I agree with Dukey, you definitly want to take your car to Ocracoke. As you drive off the ferry, you will pass, on your right, a nice place to stop for lunch. It's Howard's Pub and has a nice side porch to sit on.

ps
It looks as if the Colonial Inn is very close to Nags Head Pier, You might want to check out the little restaurant on it for breakfast: http://www.nagsheadpier.com/food.htm
Also, across the road from the Pier is a restaurant (cannot remember the name) that had great clam chowder. We would sit on the second floor facing the ocean.
If you have an efficiency you might want to cook some of your own fresh seafood. We went twice to O'Neals where you can get it right off the boat! http://onealsseaharvest.com/

thank you so much for your responses. yes, i did mean from hatteras. just booked sat/sunday nights at the colonial inn. friday we'll be staying down closer to hatteras - not sure where yet.
thanks again.