Five New Things to do in the Outer Banks Now
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Are you tired of me writing and sharing about the Outer Banks? I hope not, because I’m far from done. I’ll be returning more this summer for work outside of Sweet Sauce and I’m really pumped. If you didn’t see it, last week I updated my Foodie’s Guide to the Outer Banks. We’re up to 12 different spots now. Read the post here.
This new love affair bloomed during a trip last year. I had been many times before, but always headed right to the beach and stayed in my little nook of a hotel or condo with family. Last summer’s adventure, opened up my eyes to a new side of the Outer Banks full of fine and creative foods. Some very talented people have made their home here, creating flavors that can compete with other trips of mine around the world. The Outer Banks is much more than beach, I realized.
This latest trip expanded upon that concept even further. Outside of the food, my brother and I were exposed to some first-time experiences. I’m sharing a few below and in the video above. Please send along any questions you have! I would love to help! Add more ideas in the comments!
Learn to Fly
This was certainly highlight of the trip for my brother, Ryan. I cannot ever forget the look on his face after he landed his first hang gliding run. We took on the 426-acre Jockey’s Ridge State Park with the guidance of Kitty Hawk Kites. It’s the setting of some of the first flights of the Wright brothers. Hang gliding, though was created and attended by Frances Rogallo who made the fist kite our of curtains from his wife’s kitchen. He wanted to help humans fly. He worked out the kinks by creating a wind tunnel in his basement. Talk about commitment!
While you’re there, take a visit nearby to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which just got a makeover. See new updated the archetype for Mission 66 and learn about the first 12 seconds of flight.
Go Shopping
I don’t usually think of shopping at the beach. I had definitely never set aside time to shop while visited the Outer Banks before. Thanks to my super trendy brother, he led me to the Secret Spot. The brightly murals building has a clothing store downstairs and a high end surf shop upstairs. Growing up, I coveted all the surf brands: O’Niell, Roxy, Hurley and so on. These brands are still alive and well producing cute, wearable, comfortable pieces like the O’Neill dress I went home with. I also got a cropped Secret Spot branded sweater and Sanuk sandals–possibly the most comfortable pair I’ve ever slipped on.
Another highly recommended spot: Foxy Flamingo Boutique. I’ve been following them since last year on Instagram. The store carries all kinds of girly staples like rompers, dresses, shorts and tees. You can also shop the brand online. If you want a splash of color for the beach, head here to find something special.
Stay in a Cottage
Every time I’ve been to the Outer Banks, I’ve stayed in a condominium or hotel with family and friends. This time, we kicked off our trip with some writers in a house on the water, rented by Carolina Designs. I loved the luxury and view of this spot, no question. When we split off from the group, though, my brother and I landed in an adorable Airbnb cottage. It was covered in art, well decorated, and the bed was more comfortable than any hotel bed I’d slept in. The house also had a fire pit and a shed full of beach toys, surf boards and even a bike we could use. We didn’t really want to leave! it felt more like home than I’d ever felt before on the ocean. I recommend looking on Airbnb for something different the next time you visit.
Hop on a Boat
If you were following along on Instagram Stories, then you know I made my way onto an oyster boat with the Cape Hatteras father and son team. There are other ways to get out on the water and experience the seafood culture here. OBX Crabbing & Shrimping Charter are led by a captain like Marc Mitchum. The full-time commercial fishing family can guide you through an authentic, hands-on, and educational journey to see dolphin, osprey, pelicans and other fishies and creatures. You’ll get to catch some fresh North Carolina seafood along the way. If you’re into food and into the ocean, this is an exhilarating experience to add to your bucket list with friends and family.
Climb 257 Steps
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country with 8 landings and 257 steps. The top opens up to a view of the Diamond Shoals, which are the shifting sandbars that extend 20 miles off the coast. The lighthouse is there to warn mariners of these hazards as they approach shore. Hazards, they may be, they are dreamy to look at from the top of the lighthouse. I personally love the quick cardio that comes from the walk, too. I feel better about all the good food and White Claws on the beach. Fun fact: In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was moved a half mile inland.
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