Go Sailing in the Calm Sound WatersThe good news about sailing on the Outer Banks is that you no longer have to own your own sailboat to partake in this activity. Many local shops offer sailboat lessons, rentals, excursions and charters! If you have never sailed before, don't attempt to rent one until you have had lessons. The winds on the Outer Banks are tricky and you could end up miles from shore if you aren't careful. For more information, contact Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Carolina Outdoors is another option and can be reached at the Duck location at (800) 334-4777 or the Avon location at (252) 995-6060. Send Outer Banks Postcards To Your Friends and FamilyAre you the lucky one among your friends and family who got to take a trip to the Outer Banks this year? Take an hour of your precious vacation time and send postcard notes to your loved ones from the Outer Banks. There are beautiful postcards sold at almost any local gift shop or grocery store and they are very affordable. Let them know you are thinking about them and that you wish they could be visiting the Outer Banks with you. If they can see a postcard of how beautiful it is, maybe you can persuade them to come along with you on your next trip to the Outer Banks! Go Swimming in the OceanA favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe! Enjoy a Performance of the Lost ColonyThe Lost Colony performance is what many would consider the most popular summertime event on the Outer Banks. This historical story of the first English settlement in North America is the nation's longest-running outdoor drama. Based on the adventures of Sir Walter Raleigh's early explorers who settled near the theater in 1585, The Lost Colony is a musical performance that will not disappoint you. The show runs the end of May to late August, and begins every night (except Sunday) at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20-$24 for adults, $12 for children 11 and under and $19-$245 for Senior Citizens (adults 62 and over). For more information on the show or to purchase tickets, contact (252) 473-3414. Group rates are available. Tour the Elizabethan GardensThe Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island offer a picturesque view of more than 1,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. Created in 1960 in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh's colonists for their efforts in establishing an English settlement, these botanical gardens are open year-round. The paths take visitors through 10.5 acres of some of North Carolina's most colorful flowers. Most paths are wheelchair-accessible. Garden admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids between ages six through 18, $5 for adults age 62 and older and free for children under 5 when accompanied by an adult. Hours of operation vary throughout the year. For more information, contact The Elizabethan Gardens at (252) 473-3234. Climb the Currituck Beach LighthouseWhile you are in the northern Outer Banks, stop by the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and climb the 214 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Once at the top, you will be able to get a close-up view of the 50,000 candlepower lamp that is visible for 18 nautical miles. Much like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the stairs to the top are narrow and winding, but the unlimited views from the top are an excellent reward. Visitors may climb the lighthouse for a fee of $6, and children less than eight years old climb for free. The lighthouse is open daily from Easter through Thanksgiving. Go GolfingThe Outer Banks is home to a variety of golf courses to suit golfers ranging from novice to experienced skill levels. Nags Head Golf Links is an 18-hole championship located at Milepost 15 in Nags Head, and can be reached at (800) 851-9404. The Sea Scape Golf Links is also an 18-hole championship course that is built around the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest with a beautiful view of the ocean. Sea Scape Golf Links can be reached at (252) 261-2158. The Duck Woods Country Club is an 18-hole course located at Milepost 1 in Southern Shores and can be reached at (252) 261-2609. Hatteras Island also has a golf course, Ocean Edge Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course on the oceanfront in Frisco. They can be reached at (252) 995-4100. Whichever course you choose is sure to keep you thinking about "the day you went golfing on the Outer Banks." Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or CanoeingPeople of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873. Visit the Nags Head Woods Ecological PreserveThe Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is a maritime forest that is managed by The Nature Conservancy, which is an international, nonprofit conservation organization. Located in Kill Devil Hills on the west side of US Highway 158, the Preserve is home to many rare plant and animal species. Spend an afternoon hiking on more than 5 miles of trails and footbridges that take you through forest, swamp, pond and dune habitats. Trails are open to visitors during the week between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bicycles and pets on leashes are restricted to a portion of the trail. For more information, contact the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve at (252) 441-2525. Visit Local Art Galleries and Shops To View Local Talent and StyleBecause of the natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings on the Outer Banks, many artists live in the area and express their love for the Outer Banks in their artwork. There are several art shows and events throughout the year and several art galleries located throughout the Outer Banks. If you are interested in art, you will love spending a day touring some galleries in the area. If the timing is right, you might also get to see an art show or attend an event! For more information, contact the Dare County Arts Council at (252) 473-5558. | Kill Devil Hills RestaurantsGoombays Grill & Raw Bar1608 N Virginia Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Mako Mike's 1630 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 The Pearl Oceanfront Fine Dining 1731 N Virginia Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Little Caesar's Pizza 1704 N Croatan Highway Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Subway Sandwiches & Salads 1704 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 New York Bagels 1708 N Croatan Highway The Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 The Good Life Gourmet 1712 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Cold Stone Creamery 1716 N Croatan Highway The Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27949 Subway Sandwiches & Salads 1726 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 China King 1728 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar of Kill Devil Hills 1836 N Virginia Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop, Deli & Wine Shop 100 S Virginia Dare Trail Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Kill Devil Hills ShoppingNorth Carolina Books1500 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Fashion Bug 1700 N Croatan Highway The Dare Center Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 The Sheperd's Pets & Grooming 1700 N Croatan Highway The Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Outer Banks Sports Locker 1706 N Croatan Highway The Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 The Good Life Gourmet 1712 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Food Lion 1720 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Pilpel Beach Shop 1724 N Croatan Highway The Dare Center Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Staples 1720 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Dollar Tree 1730 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Hairoics 1736 N Croatan Highway The Dare Centre Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Atlantic Dance Studio & Boutique 1742 N Croatan Highway The Dare Center Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks 1401 Harpoon Court Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Outer Banks AttractionsAvalon Fishing Pier2111 N Virginia Dare Trail Milepost 6 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Wright Brothers National Memorial 800 Colington Road Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Nags Head Woods Preserve & The Nature Conservancy 701 W Ocean Acres Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 North Carolina Coastal Land Trust 701 W Ocean Acres Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Nags Head Fishing Pier 3309 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Dock of the Bay Marina 4200 Bob Perry Road Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve 983 W Kitty Hawk Road Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 Jockey's Ridge State Park 300 W Carolista Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Oregon Inlet Fishing Center 98 NC Highway 12 Nags Head, NC 27959 The Kitty Hawk Pier 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 The Lost Colony 1409 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island 374 Airport Road Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks ActivitiesProfessor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf1600 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Atlantic Dance Studio & Boutique 1742 N Croatan Highway The Dare Center Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 R/C Theatres of the Outer Banks 1803 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Outer Banks Junior Lifeguard Program 2052 New Bern Street Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Garden of Beadin' 2200 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Glazin Go-Nuts Paint Your Own Pottery 2200 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Outer Banks Daredevils 100 Veterans Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Destination Fun 1217 S Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Outer Banks Fishing Charters 200 Quail Lane Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Colington Speedway 1064 Colington Road Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Paradise Golf & Arcade 3300 N Croatan Highway Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Coastal Helicopters, LLC PO Box 715 Nags Head, NC 27959 |