An Outer Banks, NC Vacation Should Be On Your Vacation To-Do List
If you need a break and you’re not sure you want to hit the Jersey shore again next summer, allow me to provide an alternative option. The Outer Banks, North Carolina needs to be put on your vacation list. Last week we spent 7 days in Corolla, NC with friends and our kids. It was a great time. If you’re thinking about an Outer Banks trip there are houses large enough for big groups with ridiculously low prices. We’re talking beach front, pool, private walk to beach. Everything you could ask for on a vacation.
It is a long drive, 8+ when you add in some bathroom breaks along the way (unless you’re my wife, who I’m learning is part camel.) The key to an Outer Banks trip is to leave overnight. We left at 3:30 in the morning (What 3:30?! What kind of start to vacation is that?) Trust me! It is the correct time to leave. You hit zero traffic the whole way down. We hit a single 5 minute slow down because of construction near a Virginia Beach on ramp. If you’ve got kids, they shouldn’t have any problem falling back asleep for a decent chunk of the ride. Yea, it’s dicey going on an 8 hour drive with kids, but it would be a lot worse sitting on an access road adding another hour+ to your trip.
That access road comment is the reason leaving early is so important. If you’re heading to a southern point of the Outer Banks then you’ll have a 2 lanes going each way, not great. If you’re heading north to Duck or Corolla, it’s 1 lane for 20 miles at 25 mph. Imagine getting there when most of the traffic is arriving. So leaving overnight saves you that headache. A friend once saw someone get out of their car for a run alongside traffic. 20 minutes later they had their husband pick them up a little farther down the road.
“Steve everything you’re telling me makes me not want to make the trip to the Outer Banks.” We hit no traffic, arrived at 11:30am and were on the beach by 12:30p. As I said if you go with a group you can get a great price on a large beachfront property with a pool and private walk to the beach. It’s just incredible. Imagine going to the beach, leaving your stuff, back to the pool, back to the beach and maybe encountering 50 people on the entire beach. Plus the sunrises are incredible.
A gorgeous sunrise in Corolla, NC.
View of the Beach and pool from the top deck.
Views of the Ocean from the living room.
The kids playing in the sand, so excited to be finished the long car ride.
Nothing better than having a pool to relax in when you need a break from the sand.
Make the trip to the Outer Banks, but follow the advice gave you. Leave overnight. Get a place with a group of family or friends. That gets you the big beachfront house with a pool, for a totally reasonable price. Have an awesome vacation.
Delaware Beaches Are Nice Change Up From The Jersey Shore
Welcome To Dewey Beach
The first sign you see when you arrive in Dewey Beach. Apparently Dewey Beach is A Way of Life. A good one at that!
Riding My Bike in Rehoboth
Riding my bike in Rehoboth. What a great beach town. Both for bike riding and vacation.
Pattyann and I
Pattyann and I stopping for a picture in Rehoboth. Look at the cool water tower in the background. It is definitely a landmark in Rehoboth.
Marisa, Myself, Pattyann, and Matt On Our Bike Ride
The whole group on our bike ride. It was such a fun day. It is always great getting together with Marisa and Matt.
30-Mile Bike Ride Route
Here is a picture of our over 30-mile bike ride! We went through four different Delaware beach towns. They were all gorgeous.
Matt Driving The Boat
Matt is not only a good beer brewer, but also a great boat driver. He led the way through the Indian River Inlet and got us to our destination.
Paradise Beach Bar
After our boat ride, we stopped by this place for a bit. It is called the Paradise Beach Bar. Just wait until you see some of the rules!
Paradise Beach Bar Rules
No hats. No shirt. No service! And a whole lot of other rules!
Funny Sign At Paradise Grill
This pole is not for dancing! I’ve never been a rule follower anyway!
No Bra Money!
No pulling money out of your bra. It is too sweaty. Luckily for me, I don’t wear one!
Outside Dewey Beer Co.
Outside Dewey Beer Co. What a great place! Located right on the corner of Saulsbury Street
Inside Dewey Beer Co.
You saw the outside, now take a look at the inside. This place was so cool. Matt and company do a great job.
My Burger At Dewey Beer. Co.
My burger at Dewey Beer Co. was amazing. Look at the size of that thing. You have to try it if you are in the area.
Dewey Beer Co. Grey Snapback
One of the two hats Matt gave me. Me and him will have to compare collections one day. Two of the best hat games out there.
Dewey Beer Co. Navy Snapback
The second of the two hats Matt gave me. I can’t tell which one I like better. What do you think?
The President's House
We passed the President’s house on our bike ride. Yes, the secret service was all over me and told me to keep it moving. The do a good job!
