OBX

Recently, I had the opportunity to go somewhere I have never been, the Outer Banks of North Carolina! Going to a new place for the first time is exciting but sometimes the unknown can also be a little overwhelming.  Luckily for me, I went with my friends who have been going there for years and know all of the best places to visit so now I get to share them with you! 

Before arriving, I didn't know much about the area. I knew that the Outer Banks is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean but learned that it also has the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds to the north and Pamlico Sound to the south. 

With so many restaurants, shops, and bodies of water surrounding us, I wasn't quite sure how we were going to fit it all into one week. Even so, somehow we managed to do so much and still had time to relax by the pool, too! 

We spent a few days at the beach and packed sandwiches that we got from Tommy's Market! Then our evenings were spent walking along the Sounds and enjoying the shops of Scarborough Faire and the Tanger Outlets. I couldn't leave without buying a few boxes of salt water taffy (the best price I found was at Wings) and postcards for my family and friends! 

For meals, we had choices galore but some of my favorites were Awful Arthur's for seafood, Rt. 12 for lunch, and Roadside Grill for a hearty meal (post on Roadside Grill coming tomorrow)! 

Along with the three Sounds that border the Outer Banks, there are five lighthouses in the area! Since we were staying in Duck, we decided to climb the Currituck Lighthouse (all 220 stairs of it)! Even with the long hike to the top, it was totally worth it once I saw the view! It was breathtaking! 

This might be obvious but I have to say it...I wouldn't suggest climbing this lighthouse if you are afraid of heights. The entire walk up has open, wrought-iron staircases that allow you to see all the way to the bottom. 

All in all, my trip to the Outer Banks a perfect beach vacation. I got to walk along the beach, eat crab legs, and shop. Plus, I got to climb to the top of a lighthouse, see wild horses (detailed post to come!), and eat some truly unique dishes!