Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks (April 19 - 26)
Earlier this year, my husband and I were brainstorming vacation destinations for spring. After a lengthy discussion, we decided to revisit the Outer Banks, North Carolina (OBX). Since I retired last September, we now have greater flexibility to travel and explore whenever we feel like it. We had visited the Outer Banks just a year ago, but we were in the mood for a road trip that would end at our favorite beach.
Since we visited the same lighthouses, restaurants, and shops a year ago, I’ll keep this Adventure blog post concise by highlighting new places, bookshops, and books we discovered. Feel free to read about our OBX trip in 2024 here.
We decided to break up our long drive to Kitty Hawk by spending a night in Raleigh. It had been years since we last visited, and it was interesting to see how things had changed while also comforting to see some familiar sights.
Our day was hectic, and we were eager to settle in and have dinner. We stayed at a hotel near our old neighborhood, so we grabbed dinner and visited the Barnes and Noble we used to frequent. As we entered, we were immediately enveloped in a sense of calm and serenity that only a bookstore can provide. However, our peaceful moment was short-lived when an announcement came over the intercom that the store was closing in 15 minutes. What?! It was only 7:45 p.m.! Despite the disappointment, we quickly browsed the bookstore, soaking up the bookish atmosphere, and left.
Before leaving Raleigh the following day, we drove around our old neighborhood and looked at our former house. It was a nostalgic trip, and it was nice to see the area and revisit some fond memories. Raleigh has grown significantly since we left in 2007, and I miss the time we lived there. It was truly wonderful.
Bodie Island Light Station
My favorite lighthouse on the Outer Banks is Bodie Island Light Station. It’s a historic 156-foot-tall beacon built in 1872, known for its distinctive black-and-white horizontal stripes. It stands as a key landmark within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, guiding mariners along the treacherous coast. Visitors can climb its 214 steps for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding marshes, while its keeper’s quarters now house a museum.
It was a delight to behold the beauty that stands as a guardian of the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, the gift shop, situated inside the original lightkeeper’s quarters, had unfortunately been damaged by a fire and is currently closed. On a positive note, a National Park Ranger informed us that the entire building will undergo a comprehensive restoration, which is expected to be completed sooner than initially planned.
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is a pristine, undeveloped stretch of coastline within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Known for its wide, sandy shores and clear Atlantic waters, it offers a tranquil escape for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is named after the coquina clams found along its shores and is close to the historic Bodie Island Light Station. Coquina Beach is one of my favorite beaches on the OBX. We spent a delightful afternoon strolling along the beach, searching for seashells and the elusive shark teeth.
Manteo
Manteo, North Carolina, is a charming coastal town on Roanoke Island, known for its rich history and picturesque waterfront along Shallowbag Bay. It offers a quaint downtown with boutique shops, local restaurants, and historic sites like the Roanoke Island Festival Park. The town is steeped in the legacy of the Lost Colony, America’s first English settlement. We had an entertaining afternoon in Manteo, exploring its charming shops and bookstores.
Island Bookstore
Historic Corolla is a serene coastal village renowned for its pristine beaches and rich maritime heritage. It is home to the iconic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a red-brick beacon built in 1875, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area features the historic Whalehead Club, a restored 1920s mansion, and is famous for its wild Corolla horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs roaming the beaches.
While visiting the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through Historic Corolla. The charming town boasts local shops, a quaint school for children, and a cozy coffee shop. Among these, my favorite destination is the Island Bookstore. There are actually three Island Bookstores scattered across the Outer Banks, with locations in Corolla, Kitty Hawk, and Duck. During this trip, I had the pleasure of visiting the stores in Corolla and Kitty Hawk and couldn’t resist purchasing ‘The Outer Banks House’ by Diann Ducharme. This book had been on my wish list for quite some time, and I knew that I would never forget the place where I bought my copy.
Life is Good
My husband and I are avid fans of Life is Good clothing and other products. We are practically walking billboards for the company every day. There are several Life is Good stores scattered throughout OBX. My husband brought to my attention the book ‘Life is Good: The Book’ by Bert and John Jacobs, which chronicles their remarkable business journey. Naturally, I couldn’t resist bringing home a copy.
That pretty much sums up our relaxing beach vacation in the breathtaking Outer Banks. It highlights places we didn’t visit in 2024 and, of course, the wonderful books I brought back. It remains a favorite destination, and I’m certain we’ll return soon.
You’re welcome to explore my other Adventure blog posts about the Outer Banks. They’re linked below.
Photo Credit: https://lostthepath.com/
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