Oh, the draw of the Outer Banks...
IT LURES YOU IN WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL BEACHES & COASTAL CHARM
and for many, it never lets you go.
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So why have thousands decided to make the Outer Banks their permanent home? Is it so that we can affix a 'Stuck Here on Purpose' bumper sticker to the back of our sand-filled salt-covered vehicles? or is there more to it than that?
Perhaps it's the laid-back southern hospitality, coupled with the beach town culture, where generations of watermen, outdoor enthusiasts, and those that simply love the beach make up a community of wonderfully diverse individuals.
Oh but it's more...so much more... so we thought we would share a few of our local favorite things that lured us here and keep us here on the Outer Banks, all year long!
Reason #1: It's Always Beautiful
It doesn't matter what the weather is doing; one thing that always remains constant on the Outer Banks is its natural beauty. Sunsets over the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds, sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean, the wind rustling through the marshes, hikes through maritime forests, quaint shops, and seasonal activities open with far more elbow room than the summer and springtime.
The spring and summer seasons here are pretty fantastic, as you likely know. But the fall and winter months are also just as spectacular, for different reasons, of course.
In fact, some will argue that the fall and winter months are the best time to enjoy the Outer Banks. There’s so much to do, and at the same time, not too much to do.
For one, the vibe here, in what we call the "Off Season," is a big part of the appeal. Once you have spent an entire 365 days on the Outer Banks, watched the crowds dissipate as the seasons change, weathered a hurricane... or tropical storm at best, and earned your “Stayed, Not Afraid!" badge...
(That would make an awesome bumper sticker too!)
Reason #2: Boating
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and inland waters to the west, those that love being on the water have countless options. This area is a huge attraction to those that boat, whether for trade or for recreation. From sailing to fishing or peacefully kayaking the inland waters of the Currituck, Albemarle, Roanoke, and Pamlico sounds, being on the water is a favorite pastime all year long.
If you want to explore the waters of the Outer Banks, you can bring your own boat, or rent one during your stay. Many friendly outfitters in town can tell you everything you need to know about getting on the water.
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Reason #3: Manteo on Roanoke Island
Just south of Nags Head, southwest actually, you will find Roanoke Island. Rich in history, as the home of the famous Lost Colony, you can learn about life long ago while either swabbing the deck aboard the Elizabeth II or picking a pumpkin on Island Farm while learning about what life was like back in the 1850s in this preserved historical farm.
Roanoke Island is also home to the North Carolina Aquarium and Elizabethan Gardens, both in the town of Manteo, and popular attractions during the Spring and Summer, remaining open year-round. In addition to the Elizabeth II, part of the Adventure Museum, you will also find the Roanoke Island Festival Park outdoor venue, where locals and visitors throughout the summer come to enjoy live music from popular bands of all genres, including country, bluegrass, and reggae!
Reason #4: Seafood!!!
If you are a seafood lover, you will have no shortage of ways to indulge while on the Outer Banks. You can grab your own and cook at home; there are a number of seafood markets around stocked full of fresh seafood that's in season, and they will even tell you their favorite way to prepare it!
Want to catch your own? Head on over to one of the fishing piers, or hop on a charter and head offshore. In the off-season, with fewer crowds and mainly just us locals around, you can more easily experience the incredible cuisine from the many restaurants that remain open year-round. Seafood lovers, you've come to the right place! If seafood isn't your thing, you will find that every restaurant (minus the pizza and burger joints) typically has options for both lovers of aquatic cuisine and those that aren't quite there yet.
Reason #5: Fishing
Even if maritime fare is not your thing, the sport of the catch is something that the Outer Banks is famous for; fantastic fishing! For more details, check out our fishing blog. Whether you choose pier fishing, surf fishing, or charter fishing, you’re bound to catch the fishing bug! Learn more about the fishing piers here.
Reason #6: Enjoy Less-Crowded Beaches
This one is a no-brainer, but the beaches are less crowded in the fall and winter months. Throughout September, and sometimes October (weather depending), the water is still warm enough to swim. The beach is beautiful any time of year! And with less foot traffic on the beach, the shelling is excellent!
An added bonus for dog owners, many of the beaches relax their leash regulations during the fall and winter, so your pups can finally chase those seagulls!
Reason #7: Fall Fun Outer Banks Events
Throughout the year, there are a plethora of awesome events happening on the Outer Banks, from wine tastings, to live music festivals, including the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Bluegrass Festival, and Duck Jazz Festival. We invite you to come see how we celebrate the holidays here on our beloved barrier islands.
Reason #8: Day Trips
With less traffic in town, it's much more feasible to take a drive and visit each town, for sights such as the lighthouses that have kept many boats from peril along the shores of the Outer Banks. On the upper beaches, you will find the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla. The next lighthouse is all the way south in Nags Head, Bodie Island. Slightly to the North West, you will find the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, well worth the visit if just to spend some time in majestic Manteo. A drive further south to the Cape Hatteras lighthouse makes for a great excuse to drive NC12 along the shore over the newly constructed Basnight and Jughandle bridges offering views of the ocean and Pamlico sound, as you meander from quaint towns, including Rodanthe and Avon.
Reason #9: Water Sports
"I came to the Outer Banks to surf, and never left." is a common phrase you will hear time and again from those that reside here permanently. The consistent swell attracts surfers year-round. The various bodies of inland waters often simultaneously offer the perfect conditions whether you are seeking calmer waters for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding or in need of stronger prevailing southeast and southwest winds perfect for kite surfing. Seek, and you shall find the perfect conditions for just about any water sport, any time of year. You can get all the gear you need in any of the shops around town to save on transporting big equipment when you travel. Or if you think you may want to try something new, why not try before you buy? Renting watersports gear from Ocean Atlantic Atlantic Rentals is a great way to do just that, and Beach Realty guests receive an exclusive discount!
Reason #10: Biking and Hiking
As you can imagine, the Outer Banks is well populated with nature enthusiasts. The beauty of the surrounding water is what typically attracts visitors. Nature enthusiasts quickly discover how much more to the Outer Banks there is to explore and enjoy beyond the beach and waterways. You can find multiple trails throughout the Outer Banks, taking you through maritime forests or paved multi-use paths along NC12 throughout Corolla, Duck, areas in Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve has great hiking trails. A newer popular way to explore and get around is on an eBike. You can try one out on a guided adventure tour from Outer Banks E-Bikes! Or if you want to get those steps in, you can check out Jockey's Ridge or the Wright Brothers Memorial for a unique Outer Banks hiking experience!