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Topic: General Information

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Main Topic Post: General Information

Posted By: Guest

Subject: I've done a lot research...

I've never been to the Outer Banks but have done a lot of research trying to figure out where to stay. I'll think I've got it figured out and then read something on another site that makes it seem like I don't. I've read quite a few of the threads here and it sounds like this might be the place to get some first hand knowledgeable advice.

I'm looking for the area to stay in that will best fit my interests and any suggestions of places I should try for any of the things listed below:

1) I'm a 48 year old female traveling alone so I want some calm and quiet, but not too isolated.

2) I like to sit on the beach and read or walk.

3) I like to ride my bike rather than drive to shops and stuff as much as possible.

4) I love to shop, especially for handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, antiques, unique stuff not mass produced.

5) One of the best parts of a vacation for me is trying good restaurants. I love seafood.

6) Big activity for me would be photography. Looking for nice sunrise, sunset, scenery photographic opportunities.

7) I'd like to try kayaking for the first time while I'm there.

I originally thought I'd stay on Ocracoke, but then thought maybe Kill Devil Hills would be better? Sounds like Manteo is the best place for shopping? How bad would the drive from Kill Devil Hills to Manteo be during the week, not weekend, before the end of August?

Thanks to anyone who can help!

Message Replies:

7228: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 1:36:59 PM

Posted By: Guest

My opinion would be Corolla for most of your request

7230: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 2:15:36 PM

Posted By: Guest

Thanks 7228. Yes, from what I can tell Duck has a lot of shopping and activities, but from what I've read it sounds like the traffic is terrible there and there aren't many affordable places to stay. If that's correct then it may not be the place for me.

7233: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 2:58:15 PM

Posted By: Guest

Hi,
I think if you plan on visiting the Outer Banks in the summer, I'd rule out those northern beaches if you are not a fan of traffic. Hatteras island (especially Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo area) will be less congested, but you won't have much in the way of restaurants to choose from, and shopping is practically non-existant.

My vote would be Ocracoke. The village is so quaint and there are artisans and galleries to check out. You could also ride your bike just about anywhere you'd want to go, but again, the busiest months are during the summer, so I'd keep that in mind.

Check out:
http://www.ocracokevillage.com/

Good luck! The Outer Banks are absolutely beautiful, and I hope you find it as wonderful as we do!

7234: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 3:28:45 PM

Posted By: Guest

Sounds like Duck or Nags Head would be what you want. There is no reason to drive an extra hour south past Oregon Inlet, very little down there that you can't get to easier in Nags Head up to Duck. I would shoot for Duck. Driving down to Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil or Nags Head to their thousands of resturants and shops will be what you want.

7235: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 3:31:22 PM

Posted By: Guest

Kayaking here is great. Stay out of the ocean and in the sounds, creeks, marshes. Here is the place to talk to about getting on one of their tours.

http://www.kittyhawksports.com/

7236: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 3:36:55 PM

Posted By: Guest

We've been going to the OuterBanks for 11 yrs. Corolla is very nice and can get decent pricing depending on time of year. Check Kitty Dunes Realty, they seem to have a lot. In Corolla there is a lot of things to take photos of. The soundside is great for sunsets and the beach for sunrise. You have to go thru Duck to get there, about 1/2 hr. on NC12 at the 158 turn. There's a great fresh seafood place (cook your own) by Outerbanks Coffee in the Food Lion shopping center by Monterary Shores, which is a great place to stay. You would need more people to split cost. Mystic Jewel in Scarborough Shops in Duck and Tim Buck II is a great jewelry place. I agree with the other person though for quiet you might want to be on the Southern Beaches. Less expensive prices and smaller for one person to stay. Manteo doesn't have a lot of shopping like they did last year but it's a quaint old town to walk around. Ocracoke is great place. I've always wanted to stay there because you can ride bikes all the time. Lot's of shops (a little expensive, but neat). The beaches there are great, no restrooms though. It takes about 2 hrs. when you get on the island at 158 to get to Hattaras to catch the 45 min. Ferry ride to Ocracoke. Try Google for Ocracoke and there are a few decent priced cottages that rent a few days at a time depending on day of week and month. I'm from Ohio and haven't been by myself traveling but would not be afraid to go alone. Also climb Jockeys ridge in Kitty Hawk before sunset. Go before 7 so you can be on top for the sunset. Good Luck.

7240: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 4:33:50 PM

Posted By: Guest

Ocracoke has it all.

7241: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 4:48:09 PM

Posted By: Guest

I think the best place for you is Corolla

7243: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 5:22:57 PM

Posted By: Guest

I agree with the Corolla suggestions -- Try Corolla Light. Brindley Beach offers a lot of good rental options there

7245: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 5:28:48 PM

Posted By: Guest

Yes Ocracoke is quaint, but very isolated. I myself didn't find the shops which seemed quite scattered about, that great. I thought Manteo had the best shopping. Just my opinion though. We stayed on Hatteras Island and thought nothing of hopping in the car and taking a day trip into Manteo. Hatteras Island is less crowded, quieter and cheaper. It's great that your not afraid to go it on your own. Hope you have a great vacation.

7249: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 5:50:21 PM

Posted By: Guest

Definatly Duck!!!

7251: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 5:58:58 PM

Posted By: Guest

I'd say close to Hatteras Village
You have shops, beach and not as many people as up north
If u want more quiet try September

7254: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 7:01:20 PM

Posted By: Guest

My family has vacationed in Corolla, Nags Head and Waves. We loved all three. This year we took the ferry to Ocracoke after someone on this board recommended that it was worth the trip - and boy was it! It's so removed from the everyday. The village was absolutely adorable- perfect for biking and doing a little shopping. We could only stay for a day, but I would sure love to make a return trip.

7255: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 7:08:44 PM

Posted By: Guest

Ocracoke is a kewl place thats one of the reasons we picked close to Hatteras vilage for this year. The ferry is two minutes from our house so we can relaxe and take the ferry to Ocracoke

7257: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/7/2006 7:52:26 PM

Posted By: Outer Banks resident

Duck is the BEST place for you, lots of quaint shopping, restaurants, bike path and close to ocean and the sound for kayaking. look for a one bedroom condo. you will be sure to find something affordable. I love Ocracoke, but Duck covers everything you asked for.

7279: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 10:55:05 AM

Posted By: Guest

Hi 7233,

I really do hate sitting in traffic when I'm on vacation, it's like I can see my free time ticking away.

Ocracoke sounded like the best place for me after some research, but then I saw where someone said they didn't think there was that much interesting shopping and they hated having to fool with the ferry every time they wanted to go somewhere. So now I'm not sure what to do. Thank you for the link to ocracokevillage.com.

And thank you for the information and for your advice. It's really appreciated.

7281: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 11:00:05 AM

Posted By: Guest

Hi 7234,

The people here are making Duck or Corolla sound like the place to be. I'm going to give them another look see and do a little more in-depth research on them. I may have just given up on then too early after seeing comments about the traffic and housing costs.

Thank you for the advice.

7283: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 11:08:24 AM

Posted By: Guest

Hi 7235,

Thank you for the link, I hadn't seen that one when I'd been checking for places. Looks like they give you some thorough instruction. I'm not that interested in trying the ocean kayaking. I'd like to see if I like it enough to buy one to use on a lake near here.

Thanks for the help!

7284: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 11:17:06 AM

Posted By: Guest

Hi 7236,

Yes, I'd read somewhere that the best sunrises are on the soundside. I guess common sense would tell you that, but I didn't even think of that beforehand. It's a good thing to point out to people going there for photography.

Thanks for the tip about Mystic Jewel. I will definitely check it out.

And especially thank you for the time estimates from the start to the ferry and the trip across. I've looked at a lot of mileage sources, but that doesn't always give you an accurate idea of how long travel takes in real time.

I will definitely plan an evening trip to Jockey Ridge for some sunset photos.

Thank you for the detailed info and all your help!

7286: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 11:47:10 AM

Posted By: Guest

7240 - Thank you!

7241 - Thank you!

7243 - I looked at Corolla Light and I'll check out Brindley Beach as soon as I'm finished here. Thanks for the info and help!

7245 - The part about Ocracoke being somewhat isolated is what made me think that maybe it would not be the best place to stay. I had heard that it and Manteo were the best places to shop, but now the people here are making me think the Duck/Corolla areas might be pretty nice for the type of shopping I like as well.

I think I'll take another look at Hatteras Island as a possible place to stay. Thank you for the information and for the advice!

7249 - Thank you!

7251 - I'll give Hatteras Villge a closer look. I don't remember reading too much about it. I wish I could wait until September, but I have to go before the end of August. Thanks for the advice!

7254 - Yes, that's the impression I got of Ocracoke from reading about it. I'm just not as sure now if it should be the place I stay or just somewhere I visit for a day. Thank you for the info and help!

7255 - Yep, from what I've been reading on here I'm beginning to think that Hatteras Village or that area might be a good place to stay and then just spend the day in Ocracoke without having to drive a long distance. Thanks for the help!

7257 (Outer Banks resident) - Yes, I think that everyone here has convinced me to take another look at Duck or Corolla to see if I rushed to the conclusion that it wasn't for me because of concerns about traffic. I'm now thinking that it or Hatteras Villge might be the better places to stay. Looks like I'm going to have to be spending quite a bit of time in the car any way I go, so I'll do some more research into Duck.

I appreciate the info about the sound being good for kayaking there as well.

Thanks for the advice and help!

7292: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 12:18:28 PM

Posted By: Guest

The best part about this discussion is that you are trying to decide which wonderful town is the most wonderful. OBX is great and has something for everyone! I hope you find the perfect vacation!

Just beware: There is something addicting about the OBX. You'll find yourself dreaming about it in the middle of winter, flipping through you vacation photos and reading discussion boards to help you plan even more vacations.

7301: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 2:50:25 PM

Posted By: Guest

7292 - Thanks for the well wishes. I've been wanting to see the Outer Banks for a long time now. I'm hoping to get the most information I can to make this first visit a good experience. I appreciate all the help I've been getting here.

7305: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 3:28:54 PM

Posted By: Guest

Post 7257 is correct. Duck is the place for you. Lots of people bike on the Duck Trail. Four or five top notch restaurants and lots of others.
Make Duck your first experience and I'll bet you'll return year after year.
Wherever you choose, enjoy!

7309: RE: I've done a lot research, sounds like this mig

8/8/2006 3:51:21 PM

Posted By: Guest

Honestly, you really have been given some great information. I think you'll be amazed at what a wonderful place OBX is and I encourage you to do some exploring while you're there ~ each of the areas that have been recommended are all wonderful and no two are the same. Taking a day and going to Ocracoke is something I would not miss. As the saying goes, "It's ALL good!" Have a great time . . .

7318: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/8/2006 9:59:35 PM

Posted By: guest

Hatteras Village!

7335: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/9/2006 11:20:35 AM

Posted By: Guest

7309 - Yes, that's the problem. There's just so much that looks interesting over such a distance that it's difficult to know where to start or maybe spend most of your time. Boy it would be nice to have a month to stay, or couple of weeks in the off season. Thank you for the well wishes.

7318 - I've been checking out info on the area and it looks very laid back and relaxing, but I think I'm going to stay somewhere farther north this first time and just visit Hatteras Villge and Ocracoke. Thanks though!

7340: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/9/2006 12:17:53 PM

Posted By: Guest

7305 - Sorry I missed replying to you in order.

Yes, I looked at some sites and it seems that the bike trail at Duck offers some of the safest riding on the Outer Banks. Either there or Ocracoke would be best for biking, but I've pretty much decided to just visit Ocracoke and not stay there.

Thanks for the advice and well wishes!

7352: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/9/2006 3:27:41 PM

Posted By: Guest

A day trip to Hatteras and Ocracoke midweek is a great idea.
Get a good breakfast and head out early. Do Ocracoke first, and Hatteras on the way back. You can see three lighthouses that day--Ocracoke, Hatteras and Bodie Island. Don't miss the British Cemeteries by Hatteras light and on Ocracoke. Another day drive up to Corolla and see Currituck Beach lighthouse and old Corolla Village.
Buy or borrow some of Charles Harry Whedbee's excellent books of stories and legends about the Outer Banks. It's much more fun to see the places after you've read the legends/history.
http://www.islandbooksobx.com/NASApp/store/Search;jsessionid=aU6FSmaIxNZ7eLoL0Z

7305

7353: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/9/2006 3:39:55 PM

Posted By: Guest

Post 7352 has great ideas for you. Ocracoke is just charming and has an old New England fishing village feel. Hatteras is a throw back to vacation places of the 1950s, 60s but with modern conveniences ~ plenty of charm and very laid back. Things are more lively in KDH & Kitty Hawk ~ so there is much to offer in all areas. The Elizabethan Gardens and Lost Colony in Manteo are also worth a visit.

7375: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/9/2006 10:16:41 PM

Posted By: Corey

Good for you for going solo, a girl after my own heart!

Here is my two cents:

Duck sounds to be the best pick for you, it has everything you want BUT yes, the traffic can be rather thick through there due to the curves, slow speed limit and turning. There is great shopping, restaurants and bike trails there though. Condos are there also which makes single renting a bit easier.

Corolla/Corolla Light are also good suggestions, depends on your taste of shopping. http://www.timbuckii.com is there.

Manteo - if you don't mind driving to a beach access for your days at the beach, this is where I would suggest staying. Quaint village, lots of great shopping (suggest Diamonds N Dunes for jewelry) and tons of photo ops. Take the Downeast Rover on a sunset cruise for some really spectacular sunset photos!

Hatteras Island (Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo/Avon and so forth) - Not a LOT for shopping but it isn't a far drive (I think that it took about 20 minutes to get to Manteo from Rodanthe). You can bike here and there are resturants (Froggy Dog is excellent for seafood). Not a HUGE selection for things but I find the selection is good enough and everything is much more relaxed down there.

Ocracoke - The best bet if what you are looking for is to have a getaway trip. As long as you're satisfied with everything on the island, you should be fine being here for the week. It's isolated but very calm and a bit rustic. Lots of history and lots of photo ops here as well.

7384: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/10/2006 10:25:41 AM

Posted By: Guest

7352 - The Ocracoke/Hatteras/Three lighhouses plan sounds like something I will definitely do. There's one day of my vacation practically planned out with the shopping and photography I'll be doing along the way. Thank you for that and for the author and book recommendations and the link. I appreciate the help!

7353 - Yes, I'm getting a better feel for the different atmospheres in the different areas that make up the Outer Banks. I've pretty much given up on the idea of traffic concerns because it looks like I'll be spending a lot of time in the car anyway if I want to get a sample of what the Outer Banks has to offer so that I will know where I'd prefer to spend more time on subsequent visits. Thank you for the info!

7385: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/10/2006 10:59:53 AM

Posted By: Guest

7375 (Corey)- Thanks, I don't mind traveling solo as long as I can do some research ahead of time and have some idea of how to get around etc. That's one of the reasons I appreciate all the information I'm getting here.

An earlier poster (7236) mentioned Tim Buck II and yes, that is definitely somewhere I'll want to visit. Thanks for the link.

Oh yes, I looked long and hard at Manteo and almost called the Roanoke Island Inn because of the look of the town, but one of the best things about a beach vacation for me is being able to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean, so I'm going to stay on the beach.

Thank you VERY much for recommending Diamond N Dunes for jewelry. I hadn't noticed them in any of my shopping research, but after you mentioned it I went to their site and they have a wide variety of absolutely gorgeous pieces there! I'll be visiting them my first day so I'll know how much money I'm going to have left for the rest of my vacation. ;) I also visited the Downeast Rover site and that is a lovely schooner and a cute dog; reasonable rate for the sunset cruise too. I got the nunber and will be giving them a call.

Thanks you very much for the detailed info and recommendations!

7390: RE: I've done a lot research...

8/10/2006 3:09:59 PM

Posted By: Corey

Glad I could help! My Dad started buying me jewelry from Diamonds N Dunes about 10 or so years ago and I've been in love with them ever since. They have some really unique items there and the prices really are reasonable.

I agree on the ocean sounds, that's a mist-have on my list as well. I hope you find someplace perfect and enjoy your trip!

27971: RE: I've done a lot research...

9/12/2008 8:23:40 PM

Posted By: Guest

We are looking for a place in Duck over Thanksgiving(house). Will restaurants and shops be open in November? Any ideas on houses?

28153: RE: I've done a lot research...

9/16/2008 11:16:47 PM

Posted By: Rebecca

COROLLA hands down. It is everything you want. You can drive/walk on the beach and see the wildhorses...the sound side will provide great sunsets. It is quiet with unique shops...not as commercialized as some of the other towns. We have been staying in Corolla for years, renting the same house - we love it. Good luck!

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