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Topic: General Information

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Main Topic Post: General Information

Posted By: OBX Newbie

Subject: Where to stay??

Hi all! I have never been to the Outer Banks before and we are going to be vacationing there this year during the third week in August. We are trying to decide on a house...I have no idea about the areas..my Mom's friend recommened Ocracoke, but it looks like there isn't much beach. Any recommendations? What is the difference from all the locations, oceanfront, soundfront, between the roads?? Does it really matter if you are not oceanfront? Thanks in advance for the help!!

Message Replies:

1640: RE: Where to stay??

6/10/2005 10:07:11 PM

Posted By: OBX Newbie

I almost forgot...no kids, some dogs...a couple of 30 somethings and their 60 something parents. No need for big nightlife...just a place to kick back and relax. Thanks!

1641: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 5:06:17 AM

Posted By: Guest

Ocracoke does have lovely, uncrowded beaches, however, the houses are not built on the beach and you'd have to drive to it. I would guess there are fewer houses to rent there. When we have visited OBX we have always stayed in ocean-side or semi-ocean front homes. We prefer to not have to cross the busy highway to get to the beach and also want the choice to just have a quick walk to get there. We would've loved ocean-front but most of the houses were not in our price range. We have stayed in Avon and Waves both fairly quiet, less crowded areas than say Nag's Head and areas near there. This year it will be Corolla which we hear is more congested but we thought we'd try out a different area. We are pretty much beach people and we spend 1 or 2 days sight-seeing at lighthouses, Wright Brothers, trip to Ocracoke, so we don't mind a bit of driving to get to places on a couple of days. Avon is a good place if you want some amenities- Food Lion, movie theater, shops and restaurants right in your community but still an area that is not particulary crowded or congested. JMO

1645: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 7:23:10 AM

Posted By: Guest

Anyplace offers a place to just kick back and relax from Corolla to Ocracoke. Each place has some pros and som cons. You have to rate each to see what place is best for you.

Corolla:
Harder to get to because of the traffic. Newer upscale area that has become self contained.

Duck:
Limited by a 2 lane road to get around, and becoming a bit old in areas. Good local shops and short walk to the beach or sound.

Kitty Hawk, KDH, Nags Head:
Lots of shopping and resturants and traffic, some older homes and some mansions. Cottages are right on the beach or across a 2 lane road. Good ocean views and uncrowded beachs if away from the motels.

South Nags Head:
Beach errosion is bad in 2 places. Non commerical area with no roads to close to get to the beach. Older styled homes with great ocean views. Quiet relaxing area.

Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves:
Another 45-50 min ride from Nags Head and not very commercial area. Quiet, relaxing and ocean views everywhere.

Buxton, Avon, Hatteras:
A little more drive to get there. Very similiar to Corolla but it is 2 hours in the opposite direction. Good fishing, good surf, warmer waters, lots of beach.

Occracoke:
Can be very heavy with bugs and it is harder to get to. Quiet relaxing area with many shops. No houses on the beach so you must drive there and on the beach.

1646: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 8:11:29 AM

Posted By: Rick

For New comers I always recommend Nags Head but as you are looking for Quiet I definitely go to Ocracoke. But if you have yet to make reservations it may be hard for that week on Ocracoke , Actually I will be there the same week. But if you can find a place I would go for it. It is definitely quiet and relaxing, But as the other posters say you will have to drive to the beach no matter where you stay on the island but that is only a 5 or 10 minute drive I’m sure you will like it. The sketters don’t usually get bad until after dark and there is some good restaurants there too. You might like looking at this site as you are new comers.

http://fish_oinc.tripod.com/

1648: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 8:35:01 AM

Posted By: Guest

If you are looking for a little night life stay in Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills. Lots of bars and the beaches are very dog friendly. We were down there 2 weeks ago for the first time with a dog and 12 people in our 30's and loved it.

1649: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 8:39:33 AM

Posted By: OBX Newbie

Gosh, thanks for all the GREAT information!! I have found two houses available in Ocracoke, so we will see..the others are in Avon, Duck and Corolla.

Thanks everyone!!

1650: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 9:13:03 AM

Posted By: Guest

I have never been to Ocracoke - but I plan to soon! It was voted #2 for: AMERICA'S BEST BEACHES 2005

LINKS:

http://www.nbc4.com/travelgetaways/4531910/detail.html

http://www.drbeach.org

1651: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 10:38:08 AM

Posted By: Guest

I think Duck or Corolla would be good for that mix of folks.

1661: RE: Where to stay??

6/11/2005 11:06:33 PM

Posted By: OBX Newbie

One more thing...what is the diffrence between "oceanside" and "oceanfront?" We have it narrowed down to 4 homes....two oceanfront and two oceanside...not sure what "oceanside" means...

1662: RE: Where to stay??

6/12/2005 9:52:03 AM

Posted By: Ellen

Hi.... I am very interested in what you decided... I'm at a loss...Similar situation.... we are the almost 60 year old (active parents) with 30year old kids. My friends also said Ocracoke... but couldn't really find a place that was comfy and would take my kids' 2 dogs???? We don't want too commercial... but also not too rustic????

1665: RE: Where to stay??

6/12/2005 2:56:23 PM

Posted By: Guest

We just got back and we stayed in Avon, it was nice we really enjoyed it, it was the first year we had been. We stayed at the Island Gale in a little area called Island Creek, it is on the sound side, but it was so peaceful, we had a hot tub and a pool for the houses in that area, not crowded very nice, we loved it. We had to drive a little bit to get to places but it was worth it, we got to see a lot and do alot. You can check out the houses to rent at hatterasrealty.com and you can do a search of the houses and you can find the island gale along with the other "island houses" for rent.

1669: RE: Where to stay??

6/12/2005 7:44:50 PM

Posted By: Guest

Here is Hatteras Realty's definition:(not sure if that applies to all realtors):

Oceanfront - The lot is located on the ocean side of Hwy 12 with no other lots between it & the ocean. Many oceanfront lots are protected by a single or double dune line between the lot & the water's edge.

Oceanside - The lot is located on the ocean side of Hwy 12.

Oceanview - The lot is located one lot back from an oceanfront lot.

1675: RE: Where to stay??

6/13/2005 11:25:45 AM

Posted By: Guest

Oceanfront is first house with nothing between you and the ocean but a small sand dune. Oceanside means anything behind that and it could be quite a walk to the ocean with no views. Oceanfront is more expensive but worth the money. Just beautiful. As others have stated all areas have their uniqueness. I love Duck but now we are staying in Frisco because the crowds are less, water is warmer and it is a more laid back atmosphere. More cottage for the money also. But on our way down we stop in Duck for lunch and I hit some of the shops I really enjoy. Have a great trip.

1683: RE: Where to stay??

6/13/2005 8:53:13 PM

Posted By: OBX Newbie

Is places like Avon and Salvo really that much farther down than Duck? We like them better, but my parents are leaning more towards Duck because it is farther North and there is more to do (my hubby's parents are fidgets...we are beach bums...lol). It said on one post that those southern places were two hours away?

1684: RE: Where to stay??

6/13/2005 8:57:29 PM

Posted By: OBX Newbie

To Ellen: I will definitely post our decision...lol. We have quite a mix. Both sets of parents and an aunt and uncle (60ish and act 30ish...lol) except for my hubby's parents. They like to go and see things, whereas my folks and my aunt and uncle like to chill on the beach a lot. We had it narrowed down, but now we are not so sure...maybe I will know by the time August rolls around...ha ha ha!

1705: RE: Where to stay??

6/16/2005 5:11:56 PM

Posted By: Guest

To Newbie: Thanks!!! I'm at a loss... Salvo? Is it too hard to get to?
Avon? The kids tell me they think Nags Head is way too crowded. Hopefully, you 'll know before us! We're planning for the last week in August.

1791: RE: Where to stay??

6/22/2005 3:52:41 PM

Posted By: Guest

Have vacationed there for 20 years. Nags Head is too crowded, as is Duck & Corolla. We prefer Salvo, Waves, Rodanthe area. There are good restaurants there and also Avon and Hatteras Village. Avon has more to do - cute shops, Food Lion, etc. Ocracoke is a great day trip - free ferry ride and lots of history. If you want laid back then Waves, Salvo, & Rodanthe area is the best.

13156: RE: Where to stay??

6/22/2007 10:39:25 AM

Posted By: Guest

Kill Devil Hills is the best place to stay to be right in the middle of the area. If you have kids it is a great place because there ussually isn't as much rip tide as some other locations. Always look for life gaurd flags on the beach and pay attention to what they say! Stan White is a great realtor to go with finding a house because they have a large selection and their prices aren't as high. Must see and do the Dunes at Jockey's Ridge, the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island (take bug spray), Wild Horses in Corolla,the Hatteras Light House and the mellow lifestyle in Ocracoke! Daniels Crab Shack right before you head over the bridge to Roanoke Island is the BEST place for fresh crab meat! As for oceanfront vs not, obviously the further you are the more walking you'll have to do which can be tough at the end of a long beach day! One or two blocks from the beach isn't too bad as long as you don't take a ton of stuff with you to the beach. Look for public beach access parking lots and get there early so you can drive if you have to! Check out www.everythingouterbanks.com for places to stay and eat. This is a new site that keeps growing that is easy to search. OBX is by far one of the best places to relax on vacation! I wish it was still a secret!

13664: RE: Where to stay??

7/2/2007 1:25:53 PM

Posted By: Guest

I highly recommend using Twiddy (twiddy.com) for renting a home and my preference for the last 6 years has been to stay in a home in Corolla Light on the "sound side" for the breathtaking sunsets, as I'm not a morning person to get up to see the sunrise. However, the homes can be pricey and they sell out fast. Best bet is to go with other couples or have a family reunion there in a large home. Rental weeks are from Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun. Nearest airport, if needed, is Norfolk at just 1 1/2 hrs. north. There are several homes with 3 floors, swimming pool, hot tub, and several bedrooms & baths. Best is to request a house with an elevator even if there isn't anyone who can't handle the stairs because carrying that luggage, groceries, & large, bulky items, it comes in very handy when you 1st arrive or leaving. Also, most homes come with various beach items that you won't have to bring down from chairs to flotation devices, etc. Another plus is that all your linens are provided, as well as, your own private washer & dryer in the house. One thing to keep in mind is that you will have a trolley service provided if staying in the Corolla Light area, as well as, use of their Clubhouse and indoor/outdoor pool areas even ig your house doesn't have a pool. Yes, it is a 2-lane highway but if you arrive and leave early, you can beat the traffic. If arriving before check-in time, stop by Twiddy to get your wristbands & head for the beach & change there while waiting to pick up your keys to your rental home. Keep in mind, the best houses are booked from a year to 9 months ahead of time but my family & I have never had a problem with any home that was a "left-over". Twiddy is #1 for best service, rental homes, etc. And, Corolla offers the best for privacy, less drive time for finding a grocery store, post office, shops & the scenery can't be beat! (But, sh-h-h-h, don' tell everyone cause this might all change!!) Have a nice time whether you choose to stay in Corolla or anyplace else along the coast. It's all gorgeous!!

18924: RE: Where to stay??

12/1/2007 12:19:51 PM

Posted By: Butch Stone owner

oceanfront is the best place to stay--who wants to drag all your coolers and beach gear across a busy road and its great to have a bathroom near-- try my oceanfront houses at www.lillianb.com

21630: RE: Where to stay??

4/23/2008 11:40:49 AM

Posted By: Guest

I am also at a loose, and the more research I do the more confused I become. My first choice was Kitty Hawk, but now I don't know Nags Heads sounds good. I have 3 children who LOVE water. I would like to find a relaxing place close to shopping & food where the ocean is calm or at least close to being calm. Not really interested int he nite life. Open for suggestions on wether I should rent a home or hotel. I am leaning toward a home... hubby leaning toward hotel.

22426: RE: Where to stay??

5/19/2008 12:31:59 PM

Posted By: Nag Header

Let you're questions be answered. My husband and I have been going there for about 16 years and have stayed all over the place, both with out kids, with kids and with and without dogs. If you are looking for being close to the action, i.e. shopping, restaurants, nightlife or family activities the best towns are Kill Devil Hills thru Nags Head. All the stuff is there spread through those three towns. If you're looking for more laid back quieter beaches, then Corolla, Duck, and South Nags Head are best. And they all allow dogs during peak season. Kill Devil and Kitty Hawk No dogs during peak season.

If you have young kids, the best place to stay is oceanfront. We always pay extra for oceanfront because it's soo convenient. We take a big 10 x 10 canopy and plop it on the beach. We leave it up all week. Most oceanfront houses are very close that walking back to take babies to bed or just to pee is easy. And you don't have to cart all your stuff up and back a public beach access. If you don't have that issue, then oceanfront, semi o/f or are good options for convenience. If you've never been there it's set up like this.

Usually about 3 rows of homes from the ocean front to the beach road. That of course depends on the town/location you choose. The beach road is oceanfront itself in some areas of Kitty Hawk. Otherside of the beach road is called "fronts beach road". You have to cross the road to get to the beach. From there the further back you go the farther to the beach.

All in all. We like to stay in South Nags Head the best. We have 2 little kids. Ages 3 and 8 months and 2 small Schnauzers who love the beach. South Nags head is far enough south that we are away from all the hub bub, but about 5-10 minutes from it. So getting stuff at the store or shopping for the day is no inconveneince. Sorry so long but hopefully this helps you. We love the Outer Banks so much, we're planning on purchasing a place there and eventually retiring there as well. It's our home away from home. It will be absolutely the best vaca you have.

42327: RE: Where to stay??

7/11/2009 10:43:00 AM

Posted By: Jean

It may be too late to comment...Try pulling up a satellite view of the Outer Banks.
Or, imagine the ocean and work your way west...Ocean; oceanfront houses (usually 1 row); 2 lane "beach road"; about 4 or 5 blocks of houses (referred to as "between the roads"); 4-lane "by-pass" highway; several blocks of houses; the Sound. If you stay on the sound-side, it's sort of like being on a big lake and you definitely have to load up and drive to the ocean, past the above descriptions. As for Ocracoke, OMG, plan on driving on a 2 lane road for a long time, waiting for the ferry, and then finding very little there. For a 1st timer, I recommend the Nags Head/Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills (they all run together) area. The beaches are not over-crowded (like Va. Beach), but there are many restaurants, etc. on the "by-pass" road. If you want fewer people, try Corolla. I'm from NC and have been to Nags Head every summer of my life--absolutely love it.

43602: RE: Where to stay??

7/17/2009 10:15:22 PM

Posted By: Guest

This will be my first time at the outer banks and I am wondering where the best place will be for my family. I have two kid 7 and 5 and I want there to be quieter beaches, but stuff to do around where we stay. Any suggestion. Also, would anyone know where to stay at that is cheap but nice?

50204: RE: Where to stay??

8/20/2009 4:26:44 PM

Posted By: Newbe

Has anyone ever stayed on The Southern Shores???

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