Special Events Calendar
It is simply impossible to list every annual event hosted on the Outer Banks. Luckily, the county tourism board does it for us!
Check out:
www.outerbanks.org/events/index.asp Places To Eat
The dining is one of the best things about visiting the Outer Banks. From local seafood to regional BBQ to Southern home-cooking to amazing fine dining... and everything in between (seriously), finding and eating great food should be a priority of your vacation. If you ask me about a specific cuisine, ambiance, location, price point, wine list, martini bar, micro-brewery, coffee shop, deli, pizza, breakfast... I will share my secrets. In the meantime, here are the spots where I eat all the time and where I send guests most often. They are not my picks for fine dining or specialty situations, like the best breakfast (I don't have enough space!). Some are well-known, some are new, some are off the beaten path. All have awesome food for lunch or dinner meals. The list is in no particular order.
Blue Moon Beach Grill - This is a new restaurant with fabulous high quality food at reasonable prices. With only seven tables (plus a few umbrella-covered tables outside), a small bar and three flat screens the ambiance is both cozy and inviting. Delicious menu items include Drunken Jamaican Chicken, Homemade Crab Cakes and hand-pattied Burgers on Toasted Buns. This hidden treasure should be a definite on your dinner to-do list. It is tucked away at MP 13 in a shopping area that includes the Harley Davidson store (for reference). Driveways are accessible from the highway and the Beach Road. www.bluemoonbeachgrill.com
Food Dudes - Also a new spot with creative pairings, a varied menu, and simply delicious food. Two long-time local chefs got tired of working for someone else and opened this little joint. With surfing on the flat screen, a handful of tables, including a couple cafe style two-seaters outside, and a beautiful bar, this is another local gem somewhat off the radar that's worth a visit. They also do a quality Sunday brunch. Note they serve beer and wine only. Located around MP 8.5-ish on the Beach Road in a tiny shopping center next to Mexi-Cali Blues (whose sign you can't miss).
Kill Devil Grill - Is a local favorite between MP 9.5 and 10 on the Beach Road less than a mile from the inn. The restaurant looks like a shiny old-time dinner on the outside, but don't be fooled! The food inside is consistently amazing. They feature local seafood and creative southern specials daily and keep soft shell crab on the board all season. Their salads are generous, the Big Kahuna Burger is a force to be reckoned with, and the Artichoke Dip Appetizer is served with homemade tortilla chips. They are kid-friendly, with a small but full-service bar. Great for lunch or dinner, but closed on Mondays except in peak season. Impressive every meal.
Red Drum Taphouse - You can see the sign from the driveway of the inn. They feature a full bar with a large selection of draft beer (and real mojitos if you're looking for one... hard to find on the beach). Fried Oysters are always on the menu, as well as Jambalaya, a great Black & Bleu Burger and Tuna Sandwiches made to order. The Spinach & Artichoke Dip Appetizer is served with warm toast points... Yum! Dark wood, a pool table in the back, and chill atmosphere make this a worthy local spot. There's something for everyone on their menu.
Tortugas Lie - Small but packs a big punch and within a mile of the inn. It's a local and tourist favorite that does everything on the menu with a slightly Caribbean flare, but worth the lines. Definitely walk in during off peak hours (say late 3:00 lunch or early 5:00 dinner) to avoid a wait as there are only 13 tables plus the bar. Not necessarily kid friendly (small bathrooms with no changing station) but the food is on point every time. Some of the best Fish Tacos on the beach; a creative salad topped with local Fish is usually on special; Conch Fritters for an app and you're good to go. They make the honey-habanero BBQ sauce there - it's a must try. Located at MP 11.5-ish on the Beach Road. www.tortugaslie.com
Rundown Cafe - A sister restaurant to Tortugas, the menus are similar except at Rundown there is a hint of Asian influence rather than Island. The cold sesame noodles topped with shrimp, tuna or chicken or Coco Loco Fried dishes are both local favorites. They offer vegetarian menu selections and are kid friendly, with a koi pond outside where children can feed the fish. They also have one of the only "eat outside" ocean views left on this part of the beach, with a few (full-service) bar tables on the second level. The staff is friendly and professional. Located across from the yellow Hilton on the Beach Road just before Route 12 turns North to Duck.
High Cotton BBQ - Next to Rundown Cafe, this is a local BBQ must-eat featuring Eastern Carolina vinegar-based pork BBQ done by the best. Matt's homemade sauces and Fried Chicken are famous. Spring and Fall they make collard greens, homemade cornbread and chicken n' pastry... and the locals flock in droves. This is a great stop for take-out any time or reason you can imagine. Canned beer only and they close early, so get there for lunch or before 9 pm. Tell Will Cara sent you.
www.highcottonbbq.com
Mama Kwans - Local Surf Joint Serves Fresh Quality Dishes with Asian Inspiration is Kwan's in ten words or less. My "adopted father" grows basil and hot peppers for them and we have eaten many meals in their dining room, every one of them as consistently delicious as the last. Sashimi Tuna, Pad Thai, Fish & Chicken Tacos, a killer Burger and The Duke round out the menu. The won ton app is delicious and I am an avid fan of The Garbage Plate with Blackened Tuna. They offer a full bar and often a night life scene during the summer. One of the only places cooking past 10 pm. On the highway next to McDonald's. www.mamakwans.com
Island Deli - Also a new place with excellent food. An Italian Mama wrote the recipes and homemade lasagna and meatball subs are often on the menu. Their chicken salad is different and delicious and the Reuben is generous. They feature a full coffee bar and mini salad bar if you're avoiding the fries. Little specialty treats can be found there too. Located next to Hairoics Salon & Spa across from Taco Bell on the highway.
Bad Bean Taqueria - Sorry to all the other wonderful restaurants with amazing fish tacos, but I think this one is the BEST on the beach! This store is owned and operated by an acquaintance of mine who grew up in Mexcio City. He has worked in food service on the Outer Banks for many years. For three seasons now he has successfully delivered authentic Mexican food to the area. This is the real deal, folks: the hot sauce is HOT. The food is authentic, the restaurants are festive. This is a new OBX treasure not to be missed. Located in Timbuck II Plaza in Corolla and around MP 6 (I think it's called Seagate Plaza) on the highway in Kill Devil Hills. YUM!
More Restaurants
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern – www.kellysrestaurant.com
Prime Only – (252) 480-0047
Mulligans Raw Bar and Grille – www.mulligansobx.com
Owen’s Restaurant – www.owensrestaurant.com
Outer Banks Brewing Station – www.obbrewing.com
JK’s – www.jksrestaurant.com
Basnight’s Lone Cedar – www.lonecedarcafe.com
Sam & Omie’s – www.samandomies.net
Weedping Radish – www.weepingradish.com
Wine
Chip’s Wine Market
Located at mp 6 on the highway, Chip's Wine Market features a knowledgeable friendly staff and a variety of beverages at all price points. Chip's promises to be a Snob Free Zone and boasts a Wall of Beer which enables you to custom build your own six pack. Wine tastings and mini-seminars are also available. Way cooler than the grocery store wine section. www.chipswinemarket.com
Native Vine Cellars & Tasting
The Native Vine has two shops: one on the mainland just after you cross the bridge off the island headed north and one in the Kitty Hawk Kites plaze across from Jockey's Ridge. They feature daily wine tastings and reserve tastings from $7 - $25, including one that features 15 wines from North Carolina for about $15. Reservations are required, so call head. Native Vine also hosts the Outer Banks Wine Festival. www.nativevine.com
Sanctuary Vineyards
Located in Currituck County, the Sanctuary Vineyards has been the family farm of the Wright Family for decades. They also host the Currituck Food & Wine Festival. www.sanctuaryvineyards.com
Wine Events
4th Annual Wine & Beer Jam - (May 8 - 9, 2010)
Currituck Food & Wine Festival - (September 26, 2010)
Located at the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC (just across the bridge)8th Annual Outer Banks International Wine - (October 16 & 17, 2010)
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach - (March 17 - 20, 2011)
Coffee
Morning View
Morning View is a chill new coffee house within easy walking or biking distance to the inn. The inside has couches for lounging and a laid back vibe. The beans are roasted by the owner, Ashley, right here on the island and are probably the best we've got to offer. Visit on Froo Froo Fridays for fancy drinks at regular prices.
Front Porch Café
Front Porch has been brewing coffee and roasting beans on the Outer Banks for a long time... and they do it well. With 3 locations, you can stop for a cup of joe no matter where you are on the island. There's a shop in Manteo, one in Nags Head at mp 10 by the new Food Lion, and the third is at mp 6 next to Chip's Wine Market. This location shares space with Glaze n' Go Nuts, a pottery painting spot that's a great recommendation for kids. www.frontporchcafeonline.com
More Coffee
This site is a work-in-progress. Live links and additional info for the items below is coming as soon as possible!
Water Sports,
Hang Gliding & Aerotours
Surf Lessons - www.surflessonsobx.com
Kitty Hawk Kayaks and Surf School - www.khkss.com
Kitty Hawk Water Sports – www.kittyhawkwatersports.com
Kitty Hawk Kites - www.kittyhawk.com
Kitty Hawk Sports – www.kittyhawksports.com
Outer Banks Dive Center – www.obxdive.com
Insiders Guide - www.insiders.com/outerbanks/main-watersports
Fishing
Nags Head Fishing Pier - www.nagsheadpier.com/
Fishing Unlimited – www.fishingunlimited.net
Hoo Dini Charters – www.hoodinicharters.com
TW’s Bait and Tackle - www.twstacke.com
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center – www.oregon-inlet.com
Phideaux Fishing - www.phideauxfishing.com
Fin-Nagle Fishing Charters – www.finnaglefishing.com
Golf
Golf Outer Banks - www.golfouterbanks.com/courses.htm
Fitness, Yoga & Spa
Outer Banks YMCA - www.ymcashr.org/locations/outerbanks
Outer Banks Sports Club - www.obxsportsclub.com
Ashtanga Yoga Center - www.ashtangayogaobx.com
Outer Banks Yoga - www.outerbanksyoga.com
Body Work by Liza - www.bodyworkbyliza.com
Island Accupuncture – www.islandaccupunctureobx.com
Hairoics Spa & Salon – www.hairoics.net
Antiques & Shopping
Something Fishy – www.something-fishy.org
Tanger Outlets – www.tangeroutlet.com/nagshead
Southern Soldier – www.southernsoldierantiques.com
Wedding Resources
Culinary Magick – www.culinarymagick.com
Great Cakes – www.greatcakes.net
Bourdeaux Events – www.bordeauxevents.com
Art Galleries
Yellow House Gallery - www.yellowhousegallery.com
Seasdie Art Gallery – www.seasideart.com