When William Cowper wrote "Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor," in 1785, the British poet could have been writing about the Outer Banks.
The underheralded 120-mile run of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is a terrific destination for those who prefer an eclectic experience.
For those who enjoy a slow pace, pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe, there's Ocracoke Island. Families who prefer a more typical beach experience with miniature golf courses and t-shirt shops will have a blast in Nags Head.
Travelers who gravitate toward quaint waterfront towns with charming shops, boutique hotels and a lush, botanical garden will love Roanoke Island's Manteo.
A free ferry from Hatteras, which transports automobiles, is the way to reach Ocracoke Island
Notorious pirate Edward Teach, who was known as Blackbeard once ruled Ocracoke. Teach took advantage of the island's shallow water and hidden inlet for his raids during the 18th century.
To learn more visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. However, a more fun way to score background on Blackbeard is to embark on a sunset schooner ride with Captain Rob Temple from Schooner Windfall (https://www.schoonerwindfall.com/). The entertaining old salt, who has been navigating the coast of Ocracoke for more than 40-years, was featured in the History Channel documentary, "True Caribbean Pirates." Temple details the Blackbeard saga and reveals that the legendary pirate was all about pilfering but not torturing.
The Blackbeard vibe is present at historic Blackbeard's Lodge (https://blackbeardslodge.com). The serene hotel, which has modern amenities such as a pool and a game room, is located in the center of town. The Lodge is charming and comfortable.
The golf cart culture of Ocracoke is reminiscent of Catalina. Zip through the cute town for dining and outdoor fun.
Parasailing is a great way to enjoy the expanse of Ocracoke. The view from 400 feet above the Atlantic was spectacular as my daughter Jane and I enjoyed a thrilling experience on a sun-dappled day. It was Jane's initial parasailing experience and it exceeded her expectations as we gazed at the entirety of Ocracoke during our 15-minute flight, which ends with a controlled dip in the water, just your legs and feet, prior to landing gently back on the boat courtesy of Ocracoke Parasail (https://www.ocracokeparasailing.com). The plunge is optional but why not cool down on a tepid day?
A kayak experience is just as relaxing as the beach. Paddle from Ride the Wind Surf Shop's (https://surfocracoke.com/rentals-ocracoke/) dock on Silver Lake Harbor toward Springer's Point Nature Preserve. Look for wildlife along the salt marsh creeks.
The Ocracoke Beach is an oasis away free of anything commercial. There's no shops or distractions. Just bask in the sounds of the waves crashing to shore on the pristine beach.
It's a small island but Ocracoke touches all of the culinary bases. For those looking for an elevated experience, check out Daijos (https://dajiorestaurant.com)
The fried green tomatoes, which are comprised of house candied jalapeno, pimento cheese, bacon jam, scallions and crostini, are sublime. The Low Country Purloo is the go-to dish. It's a Southern delight with andouille sausage, sauteed shrimp and oysters, seared sea scallops and local littleneck clams, served over lemon jasmine rice.
The view from the pier at S'MacNally's Waterfront Grill (smacnallys.com) is right up with the lunchtime fare. The shrimp salad sandwich with curly fries preceded by an order of a half pound of Peel n' Eat Shrimp is the way to go.
Ocracoke's first brewery is the venue for fresh beer brewed on-site at 1718 Brewing (https://www.facebook.com/1718BrewingOcracoke). The establishment is inspired by the year of Blackbeard's demise. 1718 offers a range of craft beers from Kölsch to IPA to coffee stout. An order of chicken wings is a perfect accompaniment.
For those who love an old school breakfast, make sure to hit Pony Island restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/p/Pony-Island-Restaurant) . Order some flapjacks with a side of refreshingly salty country ham and a cup of Joe.
Howard's Pub (https://www.facebook.com/howardspub/) has a laidback vibe and a varied menu that features an array of seafood options. The sauteed jumbo scallops and crab cakes are hard to pass up. Start with the conch fritters, which are served with green and bell peppers and onions.
Prior to traveling to Nags Head, folks should consider stopping in Hatteras, which is a destination in its own right. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other, which is perfect for kayakers.
Jane and I stayed at the idyllic Inn on Pamlico Sound (https://www.innonpamlicosound.com), which features cozy rooms, which are right off the Sound. Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use to navigate the calm waters.
Cafe Pamlico's breakfast is part of the package. The Cafe Eggs Benedict is a Southern delight with country ham, fried green tomatoes, along with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Dinner at Cafe Pamlico is even more impressive. The shrimp and grits, which features locally sourced shrimp, smoked andouilie sausage, onions, peppers, aged cheddar and ground grits, and the roasted lamb, are some of the highlights from the extensive menu. The latter features pistachio pesto, brown butter gnocchi, sundried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and garlic cream.
Next stop, Nags Head, which is the place for outdoor adventure. We embarked on a jet ski run with Outer Banks Adventures (https://outerbanksadventures.com). It was unlike prior jet ski experiences since we were out with a group on a guided tour of the sound for two-hours. The last half-hour we had the freedom to cruise on our own and it was a blast. During prior jet ski treks, the trips always felt like they ended prematurely. Not so with Outer Banks Adventures. Our two teen guides were informative and laidback, and they understood that once we picked up the feel of the jet ski, we should let her rip and enjoy the beauty of the sound.
It might seem redundant but Jane and I parasailed off the cost of Nags Head with Outer Banks Adventures. How can we not fly while in Wright Brother country? We enjoyed the Ocracoke experience so much that it was time to take to the air in another part of the Outer Banks. We gazed around the island from 400 feet giggling in flight during a 15-minute journey on yet another sunny day. It's such a different landscape over Nags Head, which has more bustle than Ocracoke.
For dinner it was time for a visit to the charming town of Duck for Theodosia (https://www.thesanderling.com/restaurants-bars/theodosia/), which is part of the Sanderling Resort. Theodosia provides a memorable elevated dining experience. It all starts with the oysters: Herring Shoal oysters from Oregon Inlet and North Carolina Little Star Oysters from Hyde County. Follow the oysters with smoked bluefish and potato puffs.
Why not have duck in Duck? The blueberry BBQ Duck with creamed cabbage, peas and hushpuppies, is unique and delcious. Theodosia takes shrimp and grits to the next level with a tremendous souffle. Save room for the decadent chocolate cremeux. Theodosia is elegant but still exudes a relaxed beach vibe.
Next stop, Nags Head. On the way check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills (https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm) See where Wilbur and Orville Wright changed everything as their powered airplane, the "Wright Flyer," took off over the sands for a historic but brief aerial experience.
Manteo is historic as well. At the center is the Tranquil House Inn (https://www.tranquilhouseinn.com) , which lives up to its moniker.
The rooms are spacious and quiet and above the 1587 Restaurant & Lounge. It was a nice follow-up follow to Theodosia since it was another elevated experience.
The shrimp, lobster and wild ramp pasta with mushrooms and baby spinach is fantastic and the tilefish was superb.
Manteo was the home of the Lost Colony, which refers to the 117 English men, women and children who settled on Roanoke island in 1587. Their leader John White returned to England for supplies. When he returned in 1590, the entire colony completely vanished. The mystery has never been solved.
"The Lost Colony," (https://www.thelostcolony.org), which is an outdoor drama that will celebrate its '90th anniversary in 2027, tells the dramatic story of the first attempt at English colonization in America. It's a compelling production set in one of the most beatiful venues in the country along the Roanoke Sound.
The Elizabethan Gardens (https://www.elizabethangardens.org) is just off Roanoke Sound as well. The 10.5 acre grounds is stunning. Sulphur butterfiies flutter around red penta flowers and Beautyberry bushes. The views of the sound are lovely and it's such a peaceful and tranquil get away.
The Manteo Historic Walking tour, (https://www.manteohistorictour.com) which is led by Francis D'Ambra, is a great way to learn about the historic waterfront of Old Manteo. D'Ambra covers the firsts, folklore and the 400 years of living history. D'Ambra also offers his take on the disappearance of the Lost Colony. It's a fun, informative experience.
The Outer Banks is an eclectic destination that is unlike any other part of the country with a distinctive and welcoming Southern style.
See where Wilbur and Orville Wright changed everything as their powered airplane, the "Wright Flyer," took off over the sands for a historic aerial experience.
The Ocracoke Beach is an oasis away free of anything commercial. There's no shops or distractions. Just bask in the sounds of the waves crashing
Visiting the Outer Banks in November means quiet, crowd-free beaches, crisp sweater weather with daytime highs ranging from the upper 50s to mid-60s, and significantly lower rental and lodging rates. It is a peaceful off-season escape ideal for relaxing coastal walks, surf fishing, and local holiday events.
Head over to the iconic Jockey's Ridge State Park for their Kites with Lights event in November. There, you’ll have the opportunity to get in the spirit while admiring 30-foot kites above the tallest dunes on the East Coast.
The weather is ideal for outdoor adventurer like going on a wild horse tour on an Outer Banks beach in Corolla.
The tropical storm season ends in November. Those who love to surf can hang ten with a wet suit since the ocean temperature ranges from 55-60 degrees in November.
The Southern charm doesn't fade during the waning days of the year in the Outer Banks. It's relaxing and it's also a unique destination. It's also a family-friendly destination throughout the year.
There's no place quite like the Outer Banks.