Hi! My boyfriend and I are thinking about going to the outerbanks in August. Neither of us have ever been there. I would love any info anyone has. Which is the best area to stay in?? What are the best things to do? How difficult is it to get to the different areas (ie. if we stayed in Hatteras is it difficult to get to Kitty Hawk) Is there any type of nightlife? Thanks in advance for your help

We just made plans to go to Hatteras Island for the second week in September, and I've been doing a lot of research. If you're thinking about renting a cottage you'd better move fast. Usually eveything is booked solid by now, but I guess the recession has resulted in a slow year so there a still a few--very few--last minute properties available. Check the specials. Lots of owners are now reducing their rental rates significantly from summer's peak prices. We found a 5-bedroom oceanfront house for under $1000 a week. Here's a few of the realty web sites:

www.outerbeaches.com
www.carolinadesigns.com
www.twiddy.com
www.kittydunes.com
www.sunrealtync.com

This will be our first time, but from everything I've heard, the Nags Head/Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills area is the most crowded and commercialized, but also has the most to do. I suspect this is the only area you'd find any nightlife to speak of. Duck, Corolla, Hatteras island and Ocracoke are quieter and more laid back. Properties in Duck and Corolla seem to be more expensive than other areas too. Supposedly, they are a little more "yuppified" than Nags Head.

We were told that it is about an hour's drive from northern Hatteras (i.e. Rodanthe area) to Nags head. Activities seem to be mostly beach-related from what I can tell, although I've heard it's cool to visit the lighthouses. Also, fishing, bird-watching, golf (minature and otherwise), dolphin-watching tours, some limited shopping depending on the area, etc. Have heard you can take hang gliding lessons too. Hope this helps. We're looking forward to it. Keeping our fingers crossed that there will be no hurricanes.

xxxxx, at least you did some research. Obviously Marie did not.

Marie, do a Fodors search on Outer Banks, or OBX (which I think is pretty stupid, but that is just me..I don't like cutesy abbreviations).

After that, you might come back with some specific questions that we can help you with.

We are not travel agents. You have to do some research and then ask questions.

XXXX

Definitely don't miss Ocracoke. It's by far the quaintest and most unique. Hatteras by comparison is kind of ugly IMO, unless you're really into lighthouses. The town itself is nothing special.

Ocracoke is very attractive, but I found the people to be extremely insular and resistant to tourism. I try to be friendly and non-obtrusive wherever I travel; this was one of the very few places where I've encountered hostility. Despite the scenic environment and lovely seashore, I was so sorry to have booked a cottage here for a week!

I have to agree with the Ocracoke being standoffish. THe only excitement we had going there was the ferry ride. Otherwise the whole family thought it was a bust. We own a condo in Nags Head. Things are picking up as far as nightlife. If you want to have good access to different areas, I'd suggest you stay clear of Duck and Corolla. It's more remote and in the summer major traffic (single lane road).

Your question about "nightlife" suggests the kind of resort-ish setting you want, which means you will want to stay close to or in the Nags Head/Kitty Hawk area. To my taste that area is horrendously over-developed and honky-tonk, but my taste runs to "stand-offish" Ocracoke, which is devoted more to people who love the natural setting and a quiet vacation, not boogeying and partying. To each his own.

Marie, I agree with all the posters here. We've been vacationing in OBX for over 20 years. We now stay in Duck and really like it. It's about 20 mins. to Kitty Hawk/Nags Head. Travel is easy, though the road north is windy. Last time I heard, the Cape Hatteras LH was closed; problems with the steps stemming from the move further inland. You'll want to check before going down there. I thought Ocracoke was disappointing. There's a good side of the road place to eat: the Froggy Dog. Sounds unappealling, but the food was excellent. Have a good time.