Outer banks??? (not OH related)

Hey ya'll!   I've been awake since 3am!!!!   I'm too excited to sleep!!!!  Rex and I are finally getting a full 2 days off together!!!  Wooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!  We wanted to go to the NASCAR races in Darlington on May 10th but I can't get the night before off work so that won't work...  We were thinking about going to the Outer Banks, neither of us have been.  I'm coming to you (the experts) to find out what we should absolutely do and what not to waste time on.  Were should we eat and stay?  Any suggestions?  Talk to me people!  LOL!!!!! (Oh, Darc...  I immediately thought of Disneyworld but that's just not enough time...  you should have seen me trying to figure out how to get us another day... lol!)   Thanks!   Sheryl

Sheryl, it's about a 5-5.5 hour drive from Jax.  I did some shoots out there last summer and we stayed in Kill Devil Hills at a super nice bed and breakfast.  I can't even remember the names of the restaurants we ate at...I know one was an authentic southern-style bbq place that was pretty famous.  Very very good.  :)  Have fun!

Cool...  I didn't think about a bed & breakfast.  Thanks!  We're not going for a month but I'm already excited... lol Sheryl

Come on over. I live just across the sound from the kitty Hawk and Duck area. If it's your first time here you'll probably want to check out the historic sights -  Manteo on Roanoke Island has the Elizabethean Gardens which will be in full bloom and absolutely beautiful - it's a great place to just walk around and relax. It's right next door to Ft. Raleigh (Lost Colony). The historic parts are open but the play itself doesn't start until June. Also the Roanoke Island festival park is there with the replica ship the Elizabeth II. They have exhibits and what have you. There's also the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island.  Manteo has some really neat shops in the downtown area and some smaller motels and bed and breakfasts. For the Outer Banks itself - there's everything imaginable. For some really good workouts - climb Jockey's Ridge sand dune. Also hike to the top of the Wright Memorial Monument. For something different Kitty Hawk Kites has kayak tours that they guide. If you want a section of beach that has very few people on it - drive toward South Nags Head & Oregon Inlet and visit Coquina Beach. You don't need 4 wheel drive for that area and there are restrooms and showers there for hosing off your feet.  Oh and for the biggest work out opportunity climb one of the lighthouses. As far as restuarants there's a little of everything. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll try and narrow down some options. I absolutely love living here.  It's easy to stay active for every minute of your vacation or just simply do nothing if that's what mood your in. Come visit - you won't be disappointed. - Iris

Iris, Wow, Thanks for the suggestions!  We love aquariums and thought about the Wright Bros memorial...  Definately a lighthouse!  I have a feeling we're going to have to go back again...  I wanna do it all!!!!! Thanks again! Sheryl

 I have less than zero information about the Outer Banks but wanted to say:   

Woo hoo!!!  I got a message from Mare!!!!!   We will have fun, or else!!!  lol!!  Always good to hear from you! Lov ya girl!!!!! Sheryl

Sheryl, My husband and I were married on the Outer Banks (see profile for a few pics)!  We love it!  We always stay in Avon or Buxton (where the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located).  If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, I highly recommend taking it to Cape Point and do a little shelling or fishing.  If you've never done any beach driving though, make sure you read up on it.  It's a very expensive tow job if you get stuck.  Also, a good soundside place to fish and just relax is just south of Avon.  It's called Canadian Hole.  Also, Ocracoke has some great beaches and shops, plus you can take the ferry across which I always enjoy.   We've stayed in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills before and enjoy it,but if you want something way less commercial and with less people.  I highly recommend taking Hwy 12 south towards Hatteras and Ocracoke.   There's a lot to see, so good luck.  Also, be careful..OBX is addictive! PS - Our favorite pizza joint is in Avon.  It's called Toppers.  It's in the Food Lion shopping center.

Thanks for the info and your pics are beautiful!  I can't wait until Rex and I get married (we haven't set a date yet, got engaged on New Years day).  Neither of us have a 4 wheeler but we both love to fish and go crabbing, we'll have to check on that for the next time we go.  I've heard it's addictive and we're getting excited!   Thanks again for the info!!!! Sheryl

Good luck with setting a date and planning your wedding.  It was an unforgettable time in my life, but I will admit it was probably one of the most stressful, too.  Just remember it's about you and Rex.  Do what will make you happy and don't worry too much about everybody else.  Keep us updated on the plans. Amanda