With summer coming close to an end, there's limited time left to explore with complete freedom. Back to school season is upon us and it'll be time to hit the books again soon. So, how will you spend your last moments of summer? If you are or will be in North Carolina any time soon, I would recommend visiting the Outer Banks even if it's just for a day. And in case you're wondering how it's possible to spend your day trip to the fullest here are some ideas to get you started:
Gas up the car while enjoying a good sandwich at Stop N Shop
stopnshopobx.com @stopnshopobx
Don't let this building deceive you when you pull up to it. While this may just look like a typical gas station, it's really much more than that. Stepping inside, you'll find an endless store full of snacks, drinks, the usual gas station finds, and even souvenirs and beachwear all mixed in with amazingly delicious sandwiches and breakfast foods including bagels and muffins. This store is much larger than it seems from the outside and while it's packed full of merchandise, food, and people, the atmosphere alone from its patrons is enough to keep you wanting to go back. Stop N Shop in Kill Devil Hills shares the true feelings of a beach town once you walk through its doors.
Pop into The Spot to satisfy your sweet tooth
thespotobx.com @thespotobx
Craving ice cream, an açaà bowl, or a smoothie? The Spot in Nags Head is the place to go. Offering real fruit smoothies, Hershey Brand ice cream, and even their own souvenir line to do a little shopping, what's more to love? From the road, this may just look like an old house that's seen better days, but I promise it's well worth the visit. On this day trip, I personally found that some of the places you wouldn't typically go in have the potential to be the gems of your visit. If you visit the Outer Banks, give The Spot a visit and indulge in some ice cream (the key lime flavor is delicious and refreshing).
Get a taste of OBX history at the Roanoke Island Festival Park
Elizabeth II Ship Replica
https://www.roanokeisland.com/plan-your-visit/site-attractions
If you're a history fanatic, you'll enjoy visiting the Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo right on Roanoke Island. While visiting, you'll encounter recreations of what Native American settlements would be like as well as colonial settlements, a 16th-century ship, and more to demonstrate what 16th-century life was like for English Roanoke Island settlers. The Festival Park features living museum aspects with people dressed up as the English settlers throughout the settlements and on the ship to demonstrate the daily activities, give a visual representation of how colonists lived, and answer questions. Additionally, there is an indoor museum area with spots for children to play and feel like a ship's captain while you read up on the interesting history of Roanoke Island.
Enjoy a relaxed slice of history at the Bodie Island Lighthouse
This little Outer Banks gem can be found in Nags Head and serves as a quaint stop on your trip and a great place to take pictures. The Bodie Island Lighthouse has been in this part of the Outer Banks since 1876 and is currently 156 ft tall. Small buildings are located in front of the lighthouse and around it to learn about its history in the OBX. You are also able to climb the 156 ft lighthouse all the way to the top and to step out on the balcony. The lighthouse is a simple stop on the trip, yet a beautiful and not too crowded one.
Go fishing or admire seaside views on Jennette's Pier
Located in Nags Head, this pier offers beautiful views of the ocean at a nearly 360 level. Jennette's Pier offers fishing lessons and rentals as well as small aquarium features since it is also a part of the NC Aquarium system. Inside, there is also a small shop filled with apparel, gifts, snacks, tackle, and more. If you wish to simply visit the pier for a relaxing walk and a good view, the cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children while fishing costs are $14 for adults an $7 for children. The views are breathtaking and the quality time with family or friends on the pier is irreplaceable.
Indulge in touristy souvenirs at Wings
https://www.outerbanks.com/super-wings.html
It's no lie that for most, a vacation or trip to the beach just isn't complete without a visit to a touristy gift shop like Super Wings. You just can't go wrong with store chock-full of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and beachwear for the whole family. I've personally found Wings and Super Wings to be one of the best spots for your beach souvenirs and decorations as it has everything you could ask for all in one building. Of course, if you want to visit multiple stores, be my guest. Super Wings in Kill Devil Hills was definitely a great one-stop-shop for the whole family.
Feel like a child again with arcade games at the Avalon Pier
https://www.outerbanks.com/fishing.html
I know what you're thinking and yes, it was super necessary to visit two piers on the OBX on the same day. Let me tell you though, the Avalon Pier was worth the visit as well. This pier sits over a smaller stretch of a beach with even more beautiful, picturesque views and up top has a small building with refreshments, arcade games, and a bar. While there isn't a huge selection of arcade games, it's still easy to spend a good amount of time in there playing games and enjoying time with the people you're visiting with. Not to mention, it also feels great to make a kid's day with all the tickets you won. Stepping outside to indulge one last time in the salty air and a cozy beach with part of the pier just asking to be photographed Is one of the best ways to end the day in the Outer Banks. Avalon Pier is another gem I was happy to have discovered and I hope it will be the same for you.
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