Carolina Day Trip: Insider Tips for Visiting Currituck and the NC Outer Banks

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	Currituck Outer Banks, NC

Carolina Day Trip:
Insider Tips for Visiting Currituck and the NC Outer Banks

hy Currituck and the Outer Banks? The area's filled with history, fun, outdoor entertainment, and lots to do, including miles of sun-drenched beaches and the chance to glimpse a wild Spanish mustang.

Drive to the Outer Banks on Highway 158, cross over the bridge and turn left. Or, reach the Outer Banks via Highway 64 and the Manteo bridge.

You'll feel instantly transported to another world, where sea and sand are in charge. Enjoy the drive through Southern Shores, Duck and Sanderling, and stop along the way to explore a tiny boutique, or deserted stretch of beach.

When you arrive at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, stop and be grateful for all those spin classes. Your hard work will be rewarded as you climb 214 steps to the top of this majestic, red brick lighthouse, which was first lit in 1875. It's located in Currituck Heritage Park.


hile you’re there, investigate the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. You can enjoy the free exhibits, and if the timing’s right, take classes in fishing, crabbing or archery. Then, take a stroll through the historic Corolla Village, and plan to stop for lunch nearby. Options include Bacchus Wine and Cheese, with their award-winning selection of wines as well as great sandwiches and sinful desserts. Vegetarians will enjoy the Lighthouse sandwich, made with dill, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, green peppers and condiments. Another possibility is Cosmos Pizza in the Corolla Light Town Center. Let’s face it. After a long, fun-filled morning, sometimes a yummy pizza just hits the spot! Refreshed and renewed, it's time to visit the Whalehead Club, one of the most spectacular landmarks on the Currituck Outer Banks. You'll enjoy a self-guided audio tour, or perhaps more personalized attention with a docent. This 1920s club has been fully restored and is worth a visit, including a variety of tours. Tour prices range from $5-$15 and reservations are required for specialty tours. If you're itching to pull the golf clubs out of the trunk, consider the Currituck Club, a fabulous championship course rated one of the "10 Best New Places You Can Play," by Golf Magazine. Or, if kayaking is more your thing, don’t leave Corolla Village without checking out kayak tours from Coastal Explorations. They’ll give you options for creating the perfect waterborne outing. If you’re anxious to learn more about the Spanish mustangs which romp along the northern beach, head for the head for the Corolla Wild Horse Museum, which is home to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. A group of dedicated professionals have banded together to preserve and protect these marvelous creatures and even children can get into the act, with weekly horse painting for the little ones. The day may be waning, but there's still exploring to be done, so find a room to suit your personal style. You may want to consider the Hampton Inn and Suites Oceanfront Hotel. Reviewers on Trip Advisor give it an excellent rating and guests are delighted that the ocean is just steps away. There are also a number of reputable realty companies to help you find a home to rent, including Twiddy & Company, Sun Realty and Village Realty. Safely (and beautifully) settled for accommodations, you’ll want a memorable meal. The Oceanfront Grille in Corolla Light will delight in every way. (Try the crab cakes. You can thank us later.) Route 12 is another good possibility, with its casual atmosphere, fresh seafood, choice grade beef, pasta and lots more. We have it from those in the know that the crab bisque and ahi tuna pepper filet are most tries. As for me, any restaurant with a substantial raw bar is tops in my book. Open for lunch and dinner in season, more limited in winter. Call ahead: 252.4534644. If you’ve got extended family and friends and simply want to relax at home, consider Steamer’s Shellfish to Go Steamer’s Shellfish to Go. These steamer pots are filled with crab legs, lobster, clams, mussels, corn and potatoes, and are ready to cook at your beach house. Delicious! But be warned. This is a seasonal gourmet opportunity. Steamers to Go is closed between October and the week before Easter. Another grand takeout option is Fat Crabs Rib Company, featuring all types of seafood, plus NC Barbecue, St. Louis-stye ribs, rotisserie chicken and lots more. Try their “party in a pot” which is loaded and great for the entire family. Day two: Up early to take a tour and try to catch a glimpse of the wild horses. Or, go kayaking (if you didn't make it yesterday), surfing, wine tasting, or fishing. First, consider First Light Breakfast and Burgers, with its huge portions sweet potato pancakes, and during lunch and dinner, their homemade potato chips. Yummmmmm. Satisfied and happy, you’re off for more adventure, unless, of course it all sounds too strenuous. If so, pull out a fun novel, slather on the sunscreen, and take your cooler to the beach. One thing's certain. You'll meet friendly people, find lots of eye candy, and enjoy a getaway that's as laid-back as you want. Recommended Reading Day Trips Directory



About the Author Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.