ste_noni: (Default)
ste_noni ([personal profile] ste_noni) wrote2005-09-08 09:21 pm

NC Outer Banks

Quick questions for all those on my flist who are familiar with the Outer Banks. Joe and I really want to spend a week out there over Thanksgiving. We are looking to rent a beach house, on the ocean, with enough room for us and my BIL (family of 4). I've never been out there, so I don't have a good idea of where to start looking.

Anyone been there before? Any suggestions?

[identity profile] kibarika.livejournal.com 2005-09-08 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
I really like Nag's Head. It's pretty far north, I think. Beautiful. But I can't recommend it based on anything other than beauty, because that's all I know about it.

[identity profile] jenlp.livejournal.com 2005-09-08 08:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I was just there, but it was my first time, so I don't really have a feel for it overall. I can tell you that we stayed in South Shores and that it was lovely and fairly secluded. In November I don't suppose you'll be swimming, but the beaches where we stayed were unguarded. Also, very uncrowded, which was lovely. We had to drive to get anywhere (groceries, shops, etc.), but it wasn't far.

Duck was close by, and that seemed more lively. I think you could stay at places in Duck that would be walking distance from shops and restaurants. I think.

Also - a fun thing to do - the aquarium. I can't remember which burg it's in, but it's a fun half-day excursion. Don't know how old your BIL's kids are, but we went with a 4 and 6 y.o., and they loved it. As did the grown-ups. Sea otters! It's pretty small, but it's set up nicely.

Sounds like a lovely way to spend Thanksgiving. Ummm... and Millers or Miller's Place (restaurant) was very homey, on the water, and had really yummy pancakes. And cinnamon rolls. Just so you know.

[identity profile] ste-noni.livejournal.com 2005-09-08 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks, Jen! This is exactly the sort of info I'm looking for. I'm really hoping to take our two dogs so secluded/empty beach is better as far as I'm concerened.

[identity profile] vwbug.livejournal.com 2005-09-09 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, this sounds just lovely. I have no info to offer, but wanted to share my envy :)

[identity profile] casperflea.livejournal.com 2005-09-09 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
I've only been there once - camping in the state park - but I was surprised at how deserted the place was in September. I'm sure it's even more empty in Nov. I have friends who stay in Duck, which is fairly far north and fairly isolated still - some if the more southern parts (before you get to the park) are pretty developed. Which might be an advantage if you are there in November - isolated places might have no restaurants!

[identity profile] amy37.livejournal.com 2005-09-09 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
Duck and Corolla are great -- they're on the north end of the island. Jen's right -- in Duck you can sometimes walk to shops, depending where you are. We stayed in Duck a few times, and we love it.

Such a nice way to spend Thanksgiving!

[identity profile] smonsterbite.livejournal.com 2005-09-09 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
I'm leaving for Duck in a few hours, and will be happy to report back. Lemme know if there's anything special you want me to check out.

[identity profile] ste-noni.livejournal.com 2005-09-09 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
Have a great time! Maybe you can tell me about it when you get back.

[identity profile] luluminion.livejournal.com 2005-10-03 09:42 am (UTC)(link)
Coming way late to the party, but Ocracoke's always been my favorite.

[identity profile] ste-noni.livejournal.com 2005-10-04 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
Late is okay. Right now, I'm looking at Emerald Isle (it's close) but if the place I have in mind gets booked, I'll be happy for the suggestion.