or many of us who live here-and for many visitors as well-the best evening entertainment is watching the sun set over the sound waters. Sound- front decks, piers, gazebos, and public beaches are perfect spots to toast your friends and the setting sun. It's not uncommon for us to rush home in the evening, call our friends, and arrange for a rendezvous spot at which to watch the sunset. Many locals sail or motor their boats out into the sound in anticipation of our favorite entertainment, provided free each day. Moonrise over the ocean is pretty spectacular too, and under a Carolina moon, just about anything is possible.

The Outer Banks after hours isn't like other resort areas. So many families-and early-rising anglers-come here that many people bed down for the evening early. We don't have the huge strips of late- night entertainment joints that you find in many other vacation destinations, but a number of bars and dance floors are scattered across the barrier islands. If you are a night owl, or at least like to stretch your wings a bit in the dark, you will find fun and frolic in dozens of establishments from Corolla all the way to Ocracoke.

Families enjoy a variety of early evening entertainment options here. Miniature golf, go-kart tracks, movie theaters, bumper boats, even a small amusement park and a bowling alley are listed in our Recreation chapter. And don't forget The Lost Colony outdoor drama; that's detailed in our Attractions chapter.

There are plenty of places to shoot pool, catch sporting events on big-screen TVs, play interactive trivia, throw darts, listen to some quiet music, or boogie the night away to a live band. Outer Banks musicians play everything from blues to jazz to rock to alternative and country tunes. Both local and out-oftown bands take the stage often during the summer season. Several area nightclubs assess nominal cover charges at the door, usually ranging from $1.00 for dueling acoustic guitar duos to $10.00 or more for the national acts that grace these sands between mid-May and Labor Day. Many acoustic acts, however, are heard for free.

If live music is what you're listening for, the Virginian-Pilot's weekly Coast supplement-available free at area grocery and convenience stores and motels-has up-to-date listings in its "Club Hoppin'" section plus music scene information in the "After Dark" column (see our Mediachapter for more on the Coast). Local stations WVOD 99.1 FM and WOBR 95.3 FM give daily concert updates on evening radio broadcasts. (See our Annual Eventsand Arts and Culture chapters for more nighttime possibilities.)

Alcoholic beverages are available at most Outer Banks lounges until around 2:00 A.M. Beer and wine are offered throughout the barrier islands. In Southern Shores, and on Colington, Roanoke, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands, it is illegal to serve mixed drinks. However, with the exception of Colington Island, state-run ("ABC") stores sell liquor in each of these areas. Most nightclubs in areas that serve only wine and beer allow brown bagging, which means customers may bring in their own alcohol for the evening. Call ahead to make sure that brown bagging is allowed where you're going.

Several restaurants on the Outer Banks offer late-night menus or at least raw and steamed bar food until closing. Every nightclub operator will be glad to call a cab to take you home or to your hotel or rental cottage after an evening of imbibing. Beware: The legal drinking age in North Carolina is 21, and the blood- alcohol content level for a drunken-driving arrest is only .08. Law enforcement is strict. So even if you have only a couple of cocktails, play it safe and take a taxi. Besides, we want your experience here to be memorable in a good way!

Although several area restaurants offer happy-hour specials and most have bars within their establishments, we've only included those eateries that are open until at least midnight in this chapter. Check our Restaurants chapter for sunset entertainment options. Several spots also feature outdoor acoustic music until dark-but this section is for those who like to stay out late.