OBX and the Orville Brothers

This year, for "Spring Break," I had originally planned to go to the Dominican Republic again to do some thesis research. However, a lot changed between the summer and the time I packed up my car up to head out for a long weekend at the end of Spring Break.

I decided to check out the Outer Banks because, well, I feel like everyone has seen its splendor except for me. And it wasn't disappointing at all. I stayed in Kitty Hawk, at the Travelodge, but I explored from Corolla (pronounced like koala, except with an R) down to Cape Hatteras. If I hadn't been on a budget, I would've taken a ferry down to Ocracoke Island to see the other lighthouse in the fantastic four. But, look up the fees before you go because multiple locals told me it was worth the trip.

Because we went during the low season, it was cold, which meant that no one was on the beaches or crowding up restaurants. It ended up being a very nice time to go, minus the tan I didn't walk away with.

As always, here's a list of things to do when you decide to see the Outer Banks!

Bodie Lighthouse

1. Visit the Lighthouses. If you're into that sort of thing, lighthouses have such interesting and rich histories, and, most of the time, cool architecture and design. The Outer Banks lighthouses are no exception. Between Currituck, Bodie (pronounced body), Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout, you'll find different histories and designs to meet every personality. My goal is to see Ocracoke and Cape Lookout (both only accessible by ferry) the next time I'm down there.

2. Duck's Donuts. But seriously. I don't know where the first Duck's Donuts was started, but for those familiar with the Fractured Prune, it's like that, except cheaper. It's pretty much a freshly fried donut with your choice of toppings from glazed down to bacon maple. They are to die for fresh from the fryer, but also amazing the next day.

3. Corolla Wild Horses. Although Robby and I didn't see them while we were there, it's a big part of Corolla's overall appeal. There are even paid tours where you can see them, especially if you're the type of person that likes to get close to wild animals, and may not have the self-control to resist reaching out and petting them.

4. Go to the beach. The beaches are wild and uninhabited. Well, probably not during the summer, but they're not like the typical beaches I think of. There are large dunes that separate the main strip from the beach itself, and the dunes themselves are beautiful. If you're there during the summer, of course, the beach has to be one of the main events.


5. The Wright Brothers National Park and Memorial in Kitty Hawk. As a history nerd, this was fantastic. They have recreations of the flying machines that first showed the world the possibilities of aviation in December 1903. They also have monuments and buildings, and a huge obelisk at the top of Kill Devil Hills that commemorates their accomplishments. What you shouldn't miss are the statues of the first flight and that famous picture that's behind the obelisk. Added in 2003, it's a great opportunity to take a closer look at all the people that went into making those first flights possible. Also, seriously pay attention to the signs when they say to watch out for prickly pears. Check the pictures below. The warnings are REAL!

6. Manteo and Roanoke Island. Beside the main strip on the Outer Banks, Manteo offers cute streets for shopping, a rich history in the "Lost Colony" of the 1580s and an aquarium. There's also a Piggly Wiggly . . . if you're into that.

7. If you're into Breweries . . . there are several in the Outer Banks area to swing by. The first one is right in Kitty Hawk -- the Outer Banks Brewing Station. It's the first of its kind in the country to be wind-powered, and has a pretty great selection of your basic types of beers. The second is in Manteo, and it's the Lost Colony Brewery (previously known as Full Moon Brewery). Again, basic selections, with stouts and porters that are pretty delicious. Lastly, the Weeping Radish, which is located on your way in or out. The founder wanted to make traditional German-style beer, and his on tap reflect that.

There are tons of other things to do -- great places to eat, lots of activities for the kids, and many options for shoppings -- but either way, the Outer Banks is a good place to stop. Make it a place on your do-to list, if you haven't already.

Happy adventuring!

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

He's not as mean as he looks :)

Currituck Lighthouse