Outer Banks Info
 

We're going to the Outer Banks for the first time over the week of Labor Day. Any (affordable) hotel recommendations would be appreciated, as well as suggestions on what to do while we're there.

Hi kat
We have not been to the Outer Banks since our children were small so cannot recommend accomodations . However, we will also be there over this Labor Day weekend. Hotel/motel rates will be higher then normal but here is what I found.

We had reservations and cancelled at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk for 242.00 per night. It is a new hotel with ocean front rooms. 1-252-261-1290. Upon searching the Net, I found an efficiency mom and pop motel on the beach in Nags Head that I ended up with. Owens' Motel. It is less money, I think 150.00 per night, and
walking distance to a fresh local seafood store which appeals to us as we love to eat fresh seafood. If interested their website is: http://www.owensmotel.com/ They also have a restaurant across the street which has very high recommendations.

There is also a Austin Fish Co across from Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head (which you want to visit) that stocks crabmeat, steamed crabs, shrimp, systers, clams, fish, scallops and tuna to take home and cook.

A few restaurants that we want to check out will be the Pier House Restaurant on Nags Head Fishing Pier where you can eat outside on the Pier.

Dirty Dicks Crab House in Kill Devel Hills has carry-out

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar has a ocean view.

As you can tell, we just want to walk the ocean shore, explore the area and eat fresh seafood for the entire weekend. Hope this helps.

I don't mean to be rude, but if you don't know where to stay or what to do when you get there, why are you going?

What is "affordable".

Have you done a search here for "outerbanks" under North Carolina?

Curious

cd: Thanks for the good info! Sounds like lots of great restaurants!!!!!

Curious: I don't think you "didn't mean to be rude" at all--it sounded like nothing BUT rude to me. If you have no helpful suggestions, why even bother to write anything??? I was under the impression that this website was for sharing information, but you did nothing more than belittle me. If you see me post anything on this site again, please do not reply--I doubt if you would have anything to say that I would want to read.

I don't think curious was being rude. He had some legitimate questions. You've never been there before? What are your expectations? What to do? How old are you? Do you like to surf? Do you want to be in areas where you can bar hop? How much do you want to spend? Do you want a weekly rental in a quiet place, or a weekly rental in a fast-moving paced place? What's your budget?

It's like me saying: "I'm going to DC. What's there to see, where should I stay?"

I see it's your first time posting on this website. Be a little kinder to the "hired help." ((b))

Oh, and if you do a search, here is a current threat on the Outer Banks:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34851999 ((b))

There's a Holiday Inn Express in Kitty Hawk. Pretty much walk across the beach road to get to the ocean. Next to a good restaruant called the Black Pelican. There are lots and lots of rentals in this area, and I would guess that at least half of the visitors rent beach houses. There are several hotels of all price ranges though. Prices drop dramatically after Labor Day so the holiday weekend is the last hurrah so prices may be higher then. Just before you cross the bridge to the outter banks there's a welcome station. You should probably stop there and pick up info on restaurants and activities, maps, coupon books etc. if you haven't already figured out what you want to do by then. OBX (as they call it) is a very casual place so don't bring your fancy clothes.

Try these web sites maybe they'll help you: www.sunnydaytguide.com or www.vgnet.com

Have fun.

katfampam,

>> I was under the impression that this website was for sharing information,<<

Definitely, but it's a two way street. You need to tell people what you're looking for. And how much you're willing to spend. Curious and Budman gave you a number of good leading questions.

Come on guys, this is kat's first post, cut him/her some slack. We were all new at one time!

I suffer from PHTOS (posts here too often syndrome).

I didn't reply to this post earlier because I've become a little weary of WhereDoIStay&WhatDoIDo questions.

Lots of things for you to think about. Whereabouts do you want to stay? The OBX is a fairly long strip. I want to say it takes about 1.5 hours to drive from end to end (maybe more?). Up north you have the more upscale areas of Duck/Corolla, in the middle you get into Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and further south you have Rodanthe/Avon/Hatteras, etc. Each area has a different appeal, so you need to figure out what kind of atmosphere you're looking for (and rental prices tend to reflect that). Lots of questions already posted here will help you think that through.

Also, you're doing your planning really close to your departure ... pickings might be slim for accommodations. You may be able to find a much better price for a condo/house than you will for a motel/hotel. We stayed in a 5 bedroom, 3 bath home for $800/week a couple of years ago around the same time you're going.

Google "Outer Banks Travel" and you'll find lots of information.

Thanks to everyone who offered good advice! I actually have some plans while I'm there--just wanted to know what other people have enjoyed in the area. cd: Owens motel looks great--that's probably my first choice. Have a great time on your trip!

I highly recommend the guidebook Insiders Guide to the OuterBanks. It's very down to earth. We've visited the area several times and have found their reviews and suggestions very accurate. One of my personal favorite things to do was hiking up Jockey's Ridge and flying kites. Also a kayak tour through the sound was really neat. Dolphin cruise from Manteo - and Manteo in general. Just a really cute little town. Driving on the beach north of Corolla (4 wheel drive only) - we went behind the dunes and saw several groups of wild horses. I could go on and on...

Hi Kat,

We visit the OBX a dozen times a year, mostly day trips from our home in Va. Beach with a week-long house rental in the shoulder season.

Owens' motel is a good value. It's close to my Sam & Omie's, a down-home restaurant with great prices. It's less of a locals' place these days but still good. Try Tortuga's Lie at Milepost 11(http://www.tortugaslie.com/) If you like a little nightlife, it can get a bit rowdy but fun. Check out the sand volleyball out back. One September they had a (legal!)bonfire on the beach and cooked out there.

If you want to check last-minute reduced-price house rentals, try http://www.sunrealtync.com/ (call them, website won't reflect discounts). Also try Prudential Resort Realty (http://www.resortrealty.com/, again, call direct). We've rented from both over the last 20 years and had great experiences.

One of my favorite things to do on the OBX is to go buy shrimp off the boats at Wanchese. It's at the southern tip of Roanoke island, the opposite direction from Manteo on route 345. If the shrimp are in season and you have access to a kitchen, it's worth a trip to this working fishery for the largest, best shrimp I've ever had. Call Bennie O'Neill's for availability & times--252-473-4535.

I didn't see anyone mention Ocracoke. The free ferry takes you to a great little town past long, deserted beaches that are part of (can't drive on them here!)

Are you interested in driving on the beach?

I apologize if any of the posted links show up twice--I don't know why that's happening!

Val

ps: There's usually a pony or two at the end of the road past the Wanchese docks! Take apples or peppermints; they're pets so it's not illegal to feed them but ask the owner's permission if they are nearby.