We hope you have time to get out and experience some of the local vibes that is unique to the Outer Banks. This keeps people coming back to visit year after year. This list is hardly comprehensive but represents a good start for anybody ready to venture away from their room.
Hardly needs a mention, but it is the main attraction located just behind the motel. Lounge on it, read a book, take a swim, ride a raft, surf a wave, jog, go fishing, take a walk, build a sand castle, watch the sun rise, drive your car or jeep (November thru March), watch for dolphins, build a bon-fire (with permit), walk your dog, run a race, hunt for seashells, get married. Whatever you choose, you‘ll be enjoying one of the most relaxing settings imaginable.
Our neighbor just south of the motel, this is no ordinary pier. It is a great place to fish but it is much more. You can even get married here. Built after the previous pier was severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the current edition is built to last and opened in May 2009 exactly 70 years after the first pier opened. The pier now offers fishing classes, night programs, paddle tours, spring and summer camps for children, and more. Self-powered by its own three windmills, it represents the latest in green energy. The pier is even available to rent and the facilities are often used for weddings and receptions.
This is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern US and certainly one of the best and most popular places to watch the sun set. It is also a neat place for hiking, climbing, flying kites, taking photographs and even hang-gliding. Find your way to the top and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the outer banks. Entrance to the park is at Milepost 12 and there is no entrance fee.
The National Park Service helps to develop an appreciation how two bicycle mechanics from Toledo, Ohio lived and worked in 1903 on the Outer Banks as they inched towards the first successful airplane test flight. For another great view of the surrounding area (pictured above), climb the monument located in the park.
Just a five minute drive over the causeway and bridge lies the quaint and historic town of Manteo. Here you can browse shops, eat at waterside restaurants, climb through a replica of the Elizabeth II, watch ‘The Lost Colony’ or other performances at an outdoor theatre, visit the Elizabethan Gardens, or appreciate the charm of this town as you stroll local streets.
With the Tanger Outlets located just two blocks away on the sound side, you can find most any clothing or other needs from some of your favorite stores. But people particularly enjoy poking through some of the local shops with crafts, pottery, jewelry and other items that demonstrate a particularly Outer Banks flavor.
Turn left out of our parking lot and in less than ½ mile you will enter the northern end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park and life begins to feel less busy. The Bodie Lighthouse is just 7 miles from the motel and there you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and consider climbing the 200 steps to the top of the lighthouse.
Just a little bit farther is Oregon Inlet where fishing boats, some available for charter, set out in search of tuna and other local fish. Kids often enjoy watching the boats return in the afternoon and unloading their (sometimes) large and unique catch.
And a little farther…
Hatteras and its lighthouse are about 60 miles south of the motel but a very easy and pleasant drive. Leave early and you should have time to catch the ferry to Ocracoke Island and the small town of Ocracoke, with shops, restaurants and yet another lighthouse, along with a few reminders of Blackbeard the pirate. The beaches along Ocracoke are beautiful and a great place to stop for a picnic lunch.
Still more…
There is Miniature Golf, laser-tag, Jet-ski, helicopter rides, biplane rides, glass-bottom boats and much, much more.
Our Efficiency and Cottage units provide kitchen facilities to prepare a full meal; and our standard rooms include a refrigerator and microwave. For groceries, Cahoons Market & Deli is a short walk, while full service grocery stores are just a 5 minute drive. For the fishers, we offer a cleaning and grill area, so you can clean, grill and enjoy your fresh catch of the day
Rather go out to eat? Sam & Omie's, Owens Restaurant, and The Dunes Restaurant are an easy walk from the motel.
Just a short drive away you'll find Miller's Waterfront, Mulligans, and Tale of The Whale, among many others!
Would you like to make a reservation at our family-friendly motel that features pet-friendly rooms? Give us a call! Online reservations are also available.
For more information about things to do or upcoming events, be sure to check www.outerbanks.org.
