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Around the Outer Banks . . .Tourism is king on these once
barren, now booming barrier islands. As a result, the type, price range
and selection of accommodations, restaurants and activities span the
gamut. Regardless of your personal preferences and tastes, we think you'll
find something here to satisfy you and yours.
Explore the options, especially in the off-season when locals' spirits
rise and temperatures and lodging rates fall into a comfortable range. We
suggest you pick up a copy of The Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's
Outer Banks to help in your search for a wonderful stay. These books
are available in bookstores nationwide or through direct order, (800)
582-2665. Or, check it out right here a this site.
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On the Outer Banks, you're sure
to enjoy the beaches and the huge sand dunes, which are unlike any others
anywhere else in the world. Looking for something unique? Try recreational
clamming at Hatteras Village Aqua Farm, off N.C. Highway 12, just
north of Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2249. Rent a rake and bucket for $3
and sift the tidal flats of private clam beds to find your own dinner (22
cents per clam up to 100 in aggregate) at the only rake-your-own clam farm
on the East Coast.
If you tire of harvesting mollusks, we suggest you follow Tony
Bennett's advice: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. . . ." On
the Outer Banks, you must do some fishing, even on a golf trip; it's the
greatest lure for most vacationers here, and many locals do it for a
living, so there must be something to it, right? In fact, these barrier
islands are renowned for offering some of the best fishing opportunities
in the world. Call Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, N.C. 12 at the
northern terminus of the Bonner Bridge, (252) 441-6301, or Pirate's
Cove Marina, Nags Head-Manteo Causeway, (252) 473-3906, to get on a
head boat or arrange a charter. Or stop by one of the many bait and tackle
shops to get the gear you'll need for shore or pier fishing.
If angling isn't your activity, enjoy any one of the many quaint
villages where biking or strolling is better than driving. Appreciate the
native arts and crafts in the galleries, shops and boutiques prevalent all
along the Outer Banks. You will find some enticing buys to remind you of
your vacation here.
The Wright Brothers Memorial, U.S. Highway 158, Milepost 8, Kill
Devil Hills, (252) 441-7430, will teach you all about the world's first
flight in a heavier-than-air plane. Plan on spending a couple of hours at
this educational and interesting site. National Park Service interpreters
lead you through the historic events that started humankind's love affair
with air travel, and the monument near the location of those first flights
is a worthwhile stop. An entrance fee of $2 per person or $4 per car is
charged.
Dowdy's Amusement Park, U.S. Highway 158 (S. Croatan Highway),
Milepost 11½, Nags Head, (252) 441-5122, is open from late spring through
Labor Day, with a Ferris wheel and rides for the kid in all of us.
Hang-gliding and windsurfing are important sports on the Outer Banks,
for good reason: The wind here is as consistently good as anywhere on
earth for related recreational activities. Surfers also find consistent
seasonal breaks at a number of spots, especially on Hatteras Island. Shops
to help get you catching the big one, be it wave or wind, are all over the
place.
The Lost Colony historical drama tells the story of the
first attempt at English settlement in the New World. Summer nights are
enchanting when you enter the outdoor amphitheater and immerse yourself in
the mystery. Call (252) 473-3414 or (800) 488-5012 for information about
tickets ($14 for adults, $7 for children younger than 12). The curtain
goes up nightly except Saturdays, from early June through late August. Waterside
Theatre, performance site of the Lost Colony, is off U.S. Highway
64/264 on the north end of historic Roanoke Island.
The North Carolina Aquarium, Airport Road, on the north end of
Roanoke Island, (252) 473-3494, is open daily. Become acquainted with
crabs, sharks, Loggerhead turtles and other marine creatures from the
nearby Atlantic. The aquarium is open 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday
and 1 to 5 PM on Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for senior
citizens and active military, $1 for kids ages 6 through 17 and free for
children younger than 6.
The Elizabeth II is a representative 16th-century sailing
ship, commemorating Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke Voyages. The Elizabeth
II State Historic Site, (252) 473-1144, is a museum about life in the
16th century. It's easy to find on Ice Plant Island. Just follow the signs
to Roanoke Island.
The country's oldest-known grapevine grows off Mother Vineyard Road in
Manteo. The Mother Vine is believed to be 400 years old. A small
winery owned by the Etheridge family cultivated the vine on Baum's Point,
making the original Mother Vineyard wine until the late 1950s.
Mother Vineyard Scuppernong is still produced, and the sweet pink wine is
available locally.
The Elizabethan Gardens, off U.S. Highway 64/264 on the north
end of Roanoke Island, were initiated in 1951 by the state garden club as
a memorial to the people of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost colony. Herbs, wild
and native flowers and statuary combine with the history and mystery for a
fantastic and beautiful adventure. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for
youths ages 12 through 17 and free for children younger than 12. Call
(252) 473-3234 for information on seasonal hours. And, if you go, take a
camera.
Want to pick up a few bargains? Check out Soundings Factory Stores,
U.S. Highway 158, Milepost 16½, Nags Head, (252) 441-7395, where you'll
find discount prices everyday on major name brands such as Bass, Bugle
Boy, Van Heusen, Corning, Pfaltzgraf and more. Browse through several
collections of boutiques on the northern beaches from Corolla to Duck: Scarborough
Faire, Wee Winks Square, Osprey Landing, the Waterfront
Shops, TimBuck II and Corolla Light Village, to name
just a handful.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, off N.C. Highway 12, Cape Point in
Buxton, is probably the most recognizable symbol of the Outer Banks, and,
perhaps, North Carolina. Explore the visitors center, with its interesting
exhibits and gifts, or climb the 268 steps to the top of this 180-foot,
black and white spiral-striped structure. Climbing is permitted from May
through Columbus Day. (Please note: It's a strenuous climb.) The National
Park Service recently spent $9.2 million to relocate the structure to a
site less prone to erosion.
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Seafood in any type of
appetizer, sandwich or entree is a standard favorite on the Outer Banks.
It's fresh and served up in a wide variety of tempting dishes. An
increasing number of eateries stays open for most of the year; however,
hours are limited, so don't plan on late night (or all night) dining at
too many places. Check for availability of specials everywhere you go too,
as daily fresh fish is often more exciting than the standard menu.
Liquor by the drink is not served on Roanoke Island, so enjoy the
choices of beer and wine or ask about brown bagging at many establishments
if you wish to partake of spirits.
Refer to our Preface for an explanation of the pricing code. Grouper's Grille & Wine Bar This restaurant--opened in 1996--offers recipes with influences from Thailand, India and Greece, among other locales. The pasta, chicken, steak and local seafood entrees are eclectic and tasty. The vegetarian offerings include wonderful things, such as an appetizer of our favorite Portobello mushrooms with vegetable pesto or a spinach lasagna with seasonal vegetables and a white wine tomato marinara sauce. Or, try the blackened shrimp salad with orange thyme vinaigrette dressing. Everything is fresh and original. Dessert is an experience all its own. We suggest the chocolate bag with white chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce garnished with fresh fruit. An extensive selection of wine and beer is available to accompany your meal, which is served on white tablecloths bathed in candlelight. Don't dress up if you feel casual. Reservations are recommended. Grouper's serves lunch and dinner. Duck News Cafe Italian entrées, shrimp served three ways and creative local crab and tuna entrees are good choices here. The aged beef tenderloin is delicious, and the perfect evening topper is Key lime pie or the Lady Godiva, a sinful concoction of ice cream drowned in chocolate liqueur. Reservations are recommended for this family restaurant across from the Sanderling Inn. Dinner is served spring through fall. Blue Point Bar & Grill This is a favorite locals' haunt for imaginative, expertly prepared food, served in an atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously. The menu centers on what's fresh, rather than a set selection. Try a tuna entree, prepared in a way you never would have thought up yourself but will wish you could duplicate. Enjoy a steak and potato dinner that's anything but usual. And, if you usually don't have dessert, make an exception here. Reservations well in advance are a good idea, as is a visit to this waterfront bistro for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Watch for the sunset from the porch for a magnificent dinner show. Elizabeth's Cafe & Winery As the name implies, wine is a primary focus here. If you like wine and want to learn a few things, you'll appreciate the choices at this warm and casual establishment, recognized since 1991 by Wine Spectator magazine. For shopping, there's a walk-in wine cellar and a retail sales area. The changing menu offers eclectic country French and California dishes. Fresh seafood is prepared with fresh ingredients in creative and varied ways, and all desserts are homemade and delicious. Dinner is served year-round, and lunch is served in season. Reservations are needed. Ask about the prix-fixe dinner for $80 per person, which includes six courses and accompanying wines. Elizabeth's has a strict no-smoking policy. Fishbones Raw Bar & Grill Fishbones is in the Scarborough Lane Shoppes next to Scarborough Faire. It opened in the summer of 1995 and was immediately popular and successful. This restaurant has a good raw bar with cold drinks to accompany the choices. The raw bar is open all day, with more than a dozen selections. Fishbones also serves the usual burgers and chicken entrees for lunch, or try a big salad or veggie burger. If you can't get there for lunch or the raw bar, don't fret: Fishbones also serves dinner. A fish special is fresh everyday, and it's great in a barbecue mesquite; or try sautéed pork medallions topped with backfin crab and hollandaise. Evenings during the season, live music adds to the nice atmosphere. Before you leave, check out the array of T-shirts. You'll want one to remind you of your trip. Ocean Boulevard This restaurant was created by the same people who operate The Blue Point in Duck. Ocean Boulevard is in the former 1949 Virginia Dare Hardware Store building. The food is fresh and original. A good appetizer is poached oysters with horseradish risotto and fresh dill. The delightful entrees feature pasta, beef, shrimp, pork chops or fish, and you're sure to find a wine selection to accompany any dish. Reservations are recommended, and hours vary seasonally. The cigar and martini bar was added in 1997. This is a classy restaurant--popular with good reason. Awful Arthur's Awful Arthur's is popular for steamed seafood and beer--lots of each. Locals keep it busy and even have their own specials offered all day Mondays. It's a casual and typical beach place, with some of the biggest fresh oysters shucked by fast and friendly bartenders who also serve a variety of drinks. Landlubber sandwiches and platters are available if you're not a seafood lover. Bob's Grill This is one of the late night places to eat on Wednesday through Saturday and also one of the best breakfast spots. Omelets, served during any meal, are Greek, Western, Mexican or three-cheese. A fine inexpensive lunch can also be found here, such as grilled veggies over brown rice, a tuna sandwich or spinach salad. For dinner, you will also find a good prime rib or grilled chicken breast with rice or baked potato and veggies. Goombay's Grille and Raw Bar Come to this fun spot if you're looking for a great time to go with your great food. It's noisy at times, but it's the sound of people having fun, so just join in. The food is built around a Caribbean theme (as is the colorful decor) and centers on fresh seafood and pastas. Our absolute favorite chicken-wing appetizer is served here. Or try the spicy crab balls or sweet coconut shrimp. Daily specials also include some kind of stir-fry. There's a full line of beer, wine and spirits to wash it all down. And, of course, the Key lime pie (our favorite) is irresistible. For the price, quality of food and fun atmosphere, this place is hard to beat for lunch or dinner. Chardo's Go during the winter for the pasta buffet or anytime for the steak and pasta specials. Veal chops also are a specialty. Italian or California wine accompanies the entrees and salads. A coffee bar is available for after-dinner beverages. Desserts are made fresh here, and the cannolis, tiramisu or napoleons make for a great finish to any meal. Chardo's is open all year for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Kelly's Outer Banks
Restaurant& Tavern There are those people who feel their Outer Banks experience isn't complete without a visit to Kelly's. What keeps them coming to this place in droves? Well, it could be the great seafood, or the extra-fun atmosphere, or the bar where you can dance the night away to live bands. Maybe you see all your friends here. Go see for yourself. The raw bar is a great place to begin the meal. Dinner is the only meal served here, and choices include fresh seafood dishes, chicken, pasta or beef. You might like the sweet potato biscuits so much, you'll be full before the entree. Stinky Bean's Gourmet Eatery Monty and Colleen Jones opened this shop in 1997 and offer a great wine selection along with the best take-out breakfast on the beach. A breakfast burrito or croissant can be stuffed with fresh peppers and eggs and lots of other tasty embellishments. For lunch, try some of Colleen's fresh baked breads--Italian, French, grain, white rye, sunflower, pumpernickel, Kaiser rolls, bagels, cheese bread, challah or eight grain--with Boar's Head meats and cheeses. A good choice for a big eater is the Good Reverend Hollywood, "so good it's a religious experience," states the menu, with turkey, roast beef, bacon, muenster cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing. The apple pudding with lemon sauce is a wonderful dessert. Gift baskets are made to order for a gourmet treat. Penguin Isle Soundside Grill Another place with an outstanding wine list--Wine Spectator has recognized it for excellence since 1992--Penguin Isle also offers off-season wine dinners and full-time nice ambiance. The views of the Roanoke Sound are as soothing as the sunsets are spectacular. Fresh pasta, seafood or aged beef plus breads and creative pairings are delectable. If you like escargot, try it here Southern-style over black bean cakes with tequila horseradish sauce. Duck Roanoke or shrimp Aristotle are our favorite entree choices. The desserts are also worth a taste. Penguin Isle is open from March through December. Soundside Pavilion All summer long, you will find a full surf-and-turf buffet here, and the view of the Roanoke Sound adds to the attraction. Fruits, salads, rolls, desserts and ice cream are included with such delectable items as fish, chicken, clams, barbecue, pasta, oysters and crab legs. A breakfast buffet is served daily in season, including pancakes, ham, corned beef hash, sausage, bacon, eggs, grits, French toast, fruit and all the coffee you can hold. The Dunes Breakfast and lunch are popular here--especially the breakfast bar, where you will see a big crowd being efficiently handled daily during the summer and weekends from February through November. If you don't like a buffet, try the crab omelet. Delicious seafood or steaks at moderate prices for dinner also are served with a salad bar, and everyone can find something good. Keep an eye out for the all-you-can-eat specials (we don't miss the soft-shell crab nights). The Dunes is also known for its friendly service. Owens' Restaurant This restaurant is an Outer Banks tradition. In 1996, Owens' celebrated 50 years of fine dining and attentive service. It's the area's oldest restaurant continuously owned and operated by the same family. Seafood reigns supreme here, and it is prepared to perfection. Try the crab cakes--they melt in your mouth. Or pick a live Maine lobster from the tank for steaming. And beef tops the list if seafood isn't your choice. Homemade chowders are good beginnings, and homemade desserts are good endings. The wine list is substantial, or you can enjoy a drink from the upstairs piano bar. One visit to Owens' and we bet it will become a dining tradition for you too. Owens' is open for dinner only from mid-March through New Year's Eve. Hurricane Mo's Restaurant &
Raw Bar A cozy dining room or covered outdoor porch will each offer a view of the marina and all the tasty steamed or raw seafood plus steaks or seafood entrees you desire. A very good choice is the blackened tuna. Early discounts are offered for dinner, and you can sometimes choose daily specials such as the Monday clams for a quarter each. Brown bagging is allowed, and beer or wine are served. Service is good, and it's a friendly, fun place to take a crowd for lunch or dinner. It closes during the winter months. 1587 Named after the year the English colonists attempted to permanently settle Roanoke Island, 1587 is one of the finest restaurants on the Outer Banks. The presentation is superb and meets the chefs' goals of standing apart from the mainstream. Savor some of the best-prepared delicacies at 1587, creations of Executive Chef Donny King, who offers a constantly changing menu. For an appetizer, we like the grilled Portobello mushroom Rockefeller with a tarragon-accented asiago cheese and vegetable stuffing. A great entree is chargrilled North Atlantic salmon over a wild mushroom soufflé, accompanied by an herbed tomato caper sauce and finished with fried spinach. Vegetarian requests are encouraged, and a familiar children's menu is offered. A fine selection of wine and beer is available, and brown bagging is allowed. Don't be in a rush. This is an experience, not just a meal. Reservations are suggested, and you should call for dinner hours, which change seasonally. Lunch is not served, and the restaurant closes during the winter. Full Moon Cafe A cozy café overlooking Shallowbag Bay from its second-story vantage point, this eclectic eatery opened in late 1995 and is popular with local and visiting patrons. The cuisine here is creative and fun, featuring items not frequently seen on Outer Banks restaurant menus. Hummus spread, baked Brie and crab dip are our favorite appetizers. Lunch includes gourmet sandwiches, vegetarian offerings, seafood, chicken and homemade soups, such as Hungarian mushroom, curried spinach and spicy tomato, that change daily. Each entree is served with chips and Full Moon's own salsa. A separate dinner menu offers enticing seafood dishes, stuffed chicken breasts, roasted eggplant and nightly specials. All the desserts are delightful. Beer and wine are served. You can eat inside the lovely little dining room, dine outdoors in the courtyard beside the soothing fountain or order any meal to go. Reservations are not accepted. Full Moon is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week in summer. Hours are more limited in the off-season, so call for specific schedules. Weeping Radish Brewery & The most important thing here is the beer--varieties and flavors you'd never dream of. Enjoy some samples with a hearty Bavarian meal, or go during the afternoon for brewery tours. The Weeping Radish features an outdoor beer garden, separate pub, children's playground and two-story dining room. The traditional fare includes veal, spaetzle, sauerbraten and, of course, cooked red cabbage. It's open all year for lunch and dinner. There's also a pub in Monterey Plaza in Corolla. The restaurant's name comes from the radish that is served with beer in Bavaria. It's cut in a spiral, sprinkled with salt, then put back together. The salt draws out the moisture and gives the radish the appearance of weeping. The Froggy Dog Restaurant Go to the Froggy Dog for a big breakfast, quick lunch or affordable dinner. Check out entertainment nightly in the Lily Pad Lounge and take home a T-shirt from the upstairs gift shop. And drop in daily for the happy-hour steamed shrimp. The restaurant is open every day year-round, which is important on Hatteras Island: Not many establishments here stay open in winter. The steaks, pasta and chicken are good if you ever tire of seafood. We like the broiled, fried or sautéed seafood entrees. Howard's Pub and Raw Bar Probably the only place on Ocracoke Island open for a late-night visit in the off-season, everyone congregates here; it's a good destination for casual fun, occasional live music and dancing. The raw bar is good (and the only one around), and simple, tasty burgers, pizza and sandwiches are served day and night. Jalapeño poppers are good appetizers, and prime rib is a good entree. Beer and wine are served, including some 200 types of domestics, imports and microbrews. The Back Porch Owners John and Debbie Wells renovated this older building to blend with the natural landscape (note the waist-high cacti!). It's a quiet place to enjoy a first-class meal and comfortable conversation. Many folks don't think twice about the two-hour drive from Nags Head--including the free ferry ride--just to eat here.
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Please refer to our Preface for an explanation of the pricing code. Advice 5¢ This charming bed and breakfast inn opened in 1995 and offers four guest rooms and one suite, all with private baths, rocking chairs and decks. The suite includes cable TV, stereo and Jacuzzi. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, as is the hospitality you'll receive from owners Nancy Caviness and Donna Black. Quiet-time activities, such as games, puzzles and books, are at hand. You may use locking storage for your gear--golf clubs, surf boards or fishing poles. A continental breakfast buffet of fresh-baked breads and fruit salad is served in the morning, and an afternoon tea tempts guests with homemade goodies and hot and cold drinks. The inn is open all year and is a nonsmoking accommodation. Sanderling Inn Resort and The Sanderling Inn Resort occupies 12 acres of wilderness along the ocean. It's like an old beach home (a big one), with wooden siding and rocking chairs on the porch. The 86 rooms include robes for lounging, continental breakfast, afternoon tea and complimentary wine and cheese. The 28 rooms in the main building have kitchenettes. Another 32 rooms in the Sanderling Inn North are equipped with wet bars and refrigerators, and a newer south wing has 26 rooms with wet bars, refrigerators, microwaves, stereos with compact disc players, 1½ baths, king-size beds and double sleeper sofas. Two guests per room will have privacy and comfort here. Conference and meeting facilities are offered in another building. The beaches are private; the health club includes an outdoor pool, indoor pool, whirlpool, two exercise rooms, locker rooms, tennis courts and a walking/jogging trail. Ask about seasonal discounts or special holiday packages. Handicapped-accessible rooms are available at this year-round inn. Outer Banks Golf Getaways This real estate company packages golf at four Outer Banks courses and offers private homes and condominiums from simple oceanside retreats to spacious homes for large groups. Tee times are confirmed in advance for you, and private or group lessons or club rentals can be scheduled. All packages include accommodations, a breakfast allocation, one round of golf per day, linens, towels and departure cleaning. Non-golfer rates also are available. We recommend Outer Banks Golf Getaways if you travel with a group of golfers or possibly a large family. The ease of booking your golf and accommodations with one phone call is appealing for simple vacation planning. 3 Seasons Guest House This is a perfect bed and breakfast inn if you want to play Seascape Golf Course every day. The house overlooks the 9th green and is across the street from the clubhouse and pro shop. The ocean is just a few blocks away too. Bicycles, a common area, a Jacuzzi, complimentary cocktails and a full breakfast cooked to order add just about anything you could want for a great golf vacation. Other courses are only a few minutes away. Susie and Tommy Gardner offer five bedrooms--four of them for double occupancy. This inn is open April through October and is suitable for nonsmoking adults. Beach Haven Motel This is a small hotel with six semi-efficiency units across the street from the beach. Coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers and porch chairs are provided. A portable phone is available. Some units are large enough for up to four people. Croquet, canoes, boats, rafts, grills, picnic tables and a putting green provide additional outdoor opportunities. It's open April through October. Tanglewood Motel Eleven one- or two-bedroom apartments are available in this oceanfront motel. The one-bedroom units have a sleep sofa and accommodate four adults. One of the large apartments can accommodate up to 10 people. They have complete kitchens, cable television and full baths. A phone is available by request. Amenities include an outdoor pool, sun deck, outdoor bathhouse, boardwalk to the beach, picnic tables and grills. The motel is open April through October. Cavalier Motel This oceanfront motel has 40 rooms with double and single beds. Six one-room efficiencies have two double beds and kitchenettes. Two pools and volleyball and shuffleboard courts are within the three one-story wings. Another 13 cottages are available as weekly rentals. Pets are allowed in the cottages. The Cavalier, a well-maintained family property, is open year round. Colony IV Motel You can practice your putting at the nine-hole miniature golf course, then challenge your partners to a game of horseshoes at the pits here. Cindy and Tom Kingsbury run a nice family oceanfront motel with 87 units. They offer rooms with two doubles or one king-size bed. Fourteen units are efficiencies; one has a Jacuzzi. Some have direct beach access, and others have oceanfront balconies. The Colony is open March through November. Cherokee Inn Bed and Breakfast This former hunting and fishing lodge across the road from the beach offers six rooms with private baths, remote-control televisions, ceiling fans and comfortable wicker furnishings. Five rooms have queen-size beds, and the other has a double and a twin bed. The atmosphere is homey. Guests may borrow bikes or gather on the porch for conversation. The inn is owned by Kay and Bob Combs, second-generation proprietors. This property has been an inn for 18 years and a bed and breakfast inn for nine. Continental breakfast is included. No smoking is allowed. The inn is open April through October. Surf Side Motel The friendly folks at this oceanfront hotel will go out of their way to make your Outer Banks experience a good one. The rooms in this five-story structure all have ocean views, and some even have sound views also. All rooms have refrigerators, cable TV, phones and private balconies. Why not book the honeymoon suite--you can make this visit a second or third honeymoon!--with a king-size bed and private Jacuzzi? Complimentary coffee and sweets are provided for early-morning convenience, and an afternoon wine and cheese get-together is the perfect way to end a great day on the golf course. Indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor Jacuzzi and strolls on the beach are other recreation options. The Nags Head Inn This crisp, white oceanfront hotel with 100 rooms is near the golf courses and the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center as well as Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Roanoke Island attractions. Amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool and refrigerators in every room plus a wide, inviting beach expanse. One suite includes a sitting room, wet bar and Jacuzzi. Oceanfront rooms have private balconies; streetside rooms have sound views. Nonsmoking and handicapped-accessible rooms are available on each floor. The conference room accommodates up to 30 people. The inn is open year-round except for three weeks in December. Blue Heron Motel This small family-owned motel is a fine choice for a well-managed beachfront property. Double or king-size beds are available in 19 rooms, and 11 efficiencies provide full kitchens and sleep up to four people. All rooms have coffee pots, refrigerators, microwaves and televisions. One room is wheelchair-accessible. Private balconies are available on the second- and third-floor rooms. The motel is open year round and offers weekly rates. First Colony Inn This landmark hotel has been moved and refurbished since it opened in 1932. In 1988, the Lawrence family rescued the beachfront hotel from demolition, sawed it into pieces and moved it to its present site, where it underwent a three-year renovation. This Old Nags Head-style inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 26 rooms are now both traditional and modern, enduring reminders of the old days at the beach. Deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included in your stay. Classical or jazz background music in the reception area are reminders of earlier days, as are the English antique furniture and toiletries. A television, heated towel bars, tile baths, a telephone, refrigerator and individual climate control are standard in each room. Some rooms offer wet bars, trundle beds, Jacuzzis, VCRs and private balconies. The oceanfront gazebo across the street is a pleasant spot to while away some time after you leave the pool. The inn is open year-round. Scarborough Inn This is one of our favorite places to stay, especially when traveling without very young children or large groups of golfers. Furnished with authentic antiques, the inn has a charming and friendly atmosphere, carefully created and preserved by the family and managed by Fields and Rebecca Scarborough. Each room, piece of furniture and collectible holds a story the family can relate. Although on the main street of this delightful village, the inn is tucked away and private, more so than the larger beach accommodations. Continental breakfast--muffins and a pot of coffee--is provided in your room. Borrow a bicycle and explore historic Roanoke Island or walk across the street for some food or drink. If Scarborough Inn is full, the family also operates Scarborough House in another nearby, lovely part of town. The inn is open year-round. White Doe Inn When you're looking for luxurious accommodations with the personal attention found at a bed and breakfast, look no further than the White Doe Inn. Bob and Bebe Woody, owners of this Queen Anne-style house, restored the property and added modern conveniences and niceties such as fireplaces (in every room), antique furniture, tile bathrooms (two with a Jacuzzi), stained-glass windows, lovely linens and finishing touches (Godiva chocolates on your pillow). The inn is in a quiet neighborhood in Manteo--a perfect starting point for exploring all that Roanoke Island has to offer (see our "Fun Things To Do" section). The inn serves a full breakfast each morning and offers tea and coffee with sweets in the afternoon. Guests may take the inn's bicycles out for a spin on the 6-mile Manteo Bike Path or just sit in the front porch swing and watch the goings-on of this charming little town. The inn is open all year, and you should inquire about off-season rates. Lighthouse View Motel The Hooper family has operated this establishment on the big curve in Buxton for more than 36 years. The 73 oceanfront and oceanside units include your choice of efficiencies, duplexes, motel-style rooms, villas or cottages. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Windsurfers, surfers and fishing vacationers all enjoy this motel, which is close to the landmark Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, renowned windsurfing mecca Canadian Hole and myriad restaurants and shops. Cape Hatteras Motel Owners Carol and Dave Dawson offer basic rooms as well as efficiencies that sleep six, with double beds as well as kings and queens. Part of the motel has been here for more than 30 years. Nearby Canadian Hole is a notable venue for windsurfers. The motel is also popular among anglers, beachcombers and surfers. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and spa. The motel is open all year. Berkeley Center This nine-room bed and breakfast inn is renowned for its hand-carved paneling of redwood, pine, cypress and cedar. Seven rooms have private baths, and the other two rooms share a bath. The manor house was built in 1860 and remodeled in 1950; the ranch house dates from the mid-'50s. This inn is tucked away from everything, and the spacious rooms are furnished without telephones or televisions for the times you really want to escape. A television is available in the guest lounge if you suffer from withdrawal without one. The living and dining rooms, with their country estate-type atmospheres, are gathering spots for guests. Continental breakfast includes coffee and fresh breads and fruits served in the breakfast room of the manor house. The inn is open April through October.
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Teed Off Discount Golf and Tennis, Three Winks Shoppes, U.S. Highway 158, Milepost 1, Kitty Hawk, (252) 261-GOLF, offers major pro-line equipment, club repair service and custom clubs as well as supplies and apparel. Another option is Smash Hit Tennis & Golf, Scarborough Faire, Duck Road (N.C. Highway 12), Duck, (252) 261-1138, which stocks a limited supply of golf clothing, equipment and accessories. These two places might have just what you're looking for. If not, you'll probably find what you need at the pro shops, especially those at Nags Head Golf Links and Sea Scape. |