DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO N.C.'s OUTER BANKS
A weekend in N.C.’s Outer Banks
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, May 31, 2009
BUDGET
Getting to Hatteras
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Visitors can take in the seashore from the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
In Duck, visitors can rent kayaks to tour the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest.
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Dr. Beach named Ocracoke Island’s Lifeguard Beach the best in the nation in 2007.
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US Airways serves Greenville, N.C., about 140 miles west of the Outer Banks, starting at $49 each way during sale periods.
Stay
Lighthouse View, oceanfront lodging in Buxton, offers ground-level efficiency rooms with a full kitchen, two double beds, bath. Oceanfront heated pool, hot tub and kids playground. Beach is a short walk (no major roads to cross). Weekly stays only June 19-Aug. 1 at $850; $124 per night Aug. 2-22; $90 night Aug. 23-Sept. 26; lighthouseview.com, Cape Hatteras, 252-995-5680.
Eat
Join the locals at the dock-front Fish House Restaurant. Look for the mark on the wall indicating the last flood, and careful on those sloping floors. Lunch and dinner, $10-$20; 48962 N.C. 12, Buxton, 252-995-5151.
Experience
Catch your breath at the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (after 248 iron spiral stairs) and then enjoy the breathtaking view of the national seashore. The tallest brick lighthouse in the nation houses a small museum. Climbing tour tickets $7 adults; $3.50 seniors 62 and up and kids 12 and under (at least 42 inches tall), nps.gov/caha. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is in Hatteras Village, Monday-Friday, free;
graveyardoftheatlantic.com.
MODERATE
Getting to Ocracoke
Flights to Norfolk, Va., starting at $248, 14-day advance, Delta. Take a rental car for the 90-minute drive to Hatteras, then a free car ferry to Ocracoke.
Stay
If two of you go to Ocracoke Island, you’ll increase the year-round population to 772. Kick back at the Thurston House Inn — an elegantly comfy B&B within walking distance of the lighthouse, shops and restaurants, and biking distance to the seashore. From $115 to $155 double, including Southern-style breakfast. No children under 12 allowed; thurstonhouseinn.com,
252-928-6037.
Eat
Head to Howard’s Pub and Raw Bar and Restaurant for lunch, dinner or for live music nearly every night (in season). Best is the fresh seafood, with ribs, burgers, steaks, pizza and more than 200 varieties of beers served. Entrees $18-$24; howardspub.com, 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway, 252-928-4441.
Experience
Sail from Silver Lake aboard the Windfall, a two-masted schooner, into Pamlico Sound for the sunset. The 85-minute cruise around Ocracoke Inlet returns just after the lights come on in the Ocracoke Lighthouse; $25 per person; schoonerwindfall.com, 546 Back Road, 252-928-7245.
SPLURGE
Getting to Duck
On weekends from Norfolk, FlightGest operates shuttle flights starting at $150 each way; Memorial Day to Labor Day; 252-453-3656.
Stay
The Sanderling Resort and Spa, a 12-acre retreat with accommodations facing the Atlantic or Currituck Sound in Duck, has recently completed a refurbishment of its three inns. Take everyone and stay in the luxurious four-bedroom beach house (sleeps 10) with elevator, full kitchen, sound system, outdoor shower and more, starting at $1,150 in season; double-occupancy rooms in the inn starting at $350; thesanderling.com, 1461 Duck Road, 252-261-4111.
Eat
Find country charm and fine seasonal menus at romantic Elizabeth’s Cafe and Winery. A six-course dinner with wine pairings, $125; a la carte to $39; elizabethscafe.com, Scarborough Faire Shopping Village, Duck, 252-261-6145.
Experience
Take a water tour through the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest. All equipment included, $59 double kayak;
duckvillageoutfitters.net, 1207 Duck Road, 252-261-7222. Go for the bluefish and blue and white marlin. Half-day trips of four hours minimum average $375 for one to four people; visitob.com for charter options.
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