Trip Report-Just got back

We just got back home from our OBX vacation. Our house was in Duck.

Well the week started out really bad. Cold and rainy. But by Tuesday we were out and about getting into the swing of things. On Thursday we actually did go in the ocean for a dip. A quick one, but got ourselves wet none the less. We saw a pod of dolphins (5) swimming along towards the pier. That was especially exciting for my 11 year old.

We did a day trip to Roanoke Island and went to the Aquarium. That was nice for a cold rainy day as it was indoors. Lots to see and do. The touch tanks were very nice. Full of rays, starfish and other squishy specimens. We had wanted to browse around Festival Park and the Gardens, but it was rainy so we decided to come back another day. Sadly we ran out of time and never got the chance.

We took an Eco Tour with Coastal Kayak. Jackson and Joe (the owner) our guides were great! Lots of interesting facts and info along the trip. Our two hour trip was exhausting, but well worth it. We saw osprey nests, egrets, copperheads and frogs along the way. https:/…kayak-tour-reservations.htm

Jet ski rental at the Kitty Hawk Kites location in Duck was another good choice. Had the whole sound to ourselves! What a blast! The water over there was MUCH warmer.

We had wanted to parasail, but being the last week of off season, there were no boats in the water yet until Saturday and by that time, we were too exhausted.

Some of the families in our group had younger children and did the Pirate Adventure cruise. They had a wonderful time! Definitely a must do for those with kids under 10 years old. http://www.piratesobx.com/home/homeindex.html

Did lots of wandering the shops since the weather was nasty the first few days. Most are the typical tourist trap types. I always like to buy something from a local artist when I travel. But I was disappointed that there was not an ';artist colony'; of sorts. Although one shop owner said they thought there was a small one in Nag%26#39;s Head. We never got down that way to check it out. Finding any local arts and crafts was daunting. Most of the shops carried manufactured goods.

Be sure to stop in at the FUDGERY in Scarborough Faire. The one in the complex to the right. Above the covered parking lot. Andrew the Fudge Man is hilarious! He sings and dances. What a wonderful personality. We visited him three times because he exhibited such joy.

The Corolla lighthouse and village was a pleasant day trip. It doesn%26#39;t seem that high from the ground, but once you are at the top....WOW what a view! We also learned alot about the plight of the horses at the Schoolhouse. I hope that legislators listen to the needs of the herd. Stop the development and bring in some new blood. What a shame to think that this unique piece of history could be lost because of greed and ignorance.

We were also very disappointed at the condition of the beaches. In the past we have stayed in Hatteras and Avon. Much more isolated down there. But the beach where we stayed off of Cook Rd. in Duck, was filthy. Litter everywhere and dog poop too!!!! We literally had to walk carefully so as not to step on dog poop or beer caps. The beach patrol was a steady presence so I am not sure how this issue is bypassed. Seriously people, clean up after yourselves and your pets! Gross!

We did most of our own cooking but did eat out three times. Fishbones Sunset Grill (soundside) for dinner was mediocre. Overpriced, but then most of the OBX eateries are. Although the drinks were pretty potent! The view was nice. We sat by the windows at sunset. I had the Island Chicken. It had a nice flavor with a suprising bite to it. My husband had the Prime Rib which he said was ';typical';. The restaurant wasn%26#39;t the cleanest. It had a strong bar atmosphere to it. With a little work I think they could make the establishment more welcoming and comfortable.

fishbonessunsetgrille.com/ordereze/default.a…

The Rundown Cafe for lunch was really good! Cute little place with an eclectic menue. I had the hummus which was different but tasty. Although the ';garlic Naan'; they served with it was a bit bland. My husband had the Mahi Mahi sandwich. He really enjoyed it. Our oldest had a burger which was really thick and juicy. Very clean. Definitely a good choice for a fresh and yummy meal. www.thecoastalexplorer.com/RundownCafe/

We ate breakfast out this morning before we left. Although it was hard to find a restaurant open early. Most don%26#39;t start serving until 8am. We ended up at Stack em High because we couldn%26#39;t find anything else open at 7:30am. It is a semi-cafeteria style restaurant. The food was suprisingly good. My daughter and I had french toast with bacon. My other daughter had a waffle and my husband had a pancake/egg combination. The serving sizes were more than adequate. We all left pleasantly stuffed and ready to hit the road. http://stackemhigh.com/

As for the location. Duck was a very good choice. Lots around to do. We didn%26#39;t have to travel far for anything. The area is very village like and quaint. We would definitely consider staying in this area again.

We rented through TWIDDY realty which was uneventful. Although our rental ';SPRING HOUSE'; on Cook street left a bit to be desired. We had a plumbing problem all week and finally on Saturday, the last day of our trip, the manager sent out a septic company to suck it out. Our toilets were bubbling up and the lower level of the house (which had two bedrooms and a bathroom) had a very unpleasant sewage odor.

All in all, we had a nice trip and spent lots of family time together. Although I would definitely NOT come back to the Northern OBX until June or after. The weather and water is just too cold to really enjoy it fully.

Thank you all for your advice, suggestions and tips.

Trip Report-Just got back

Oh I forgot to add....DO NOT shop at Food Lion%26#39;s. YUCK!!! Stick to Harris Tweeter stores.

Trip Report-Just got back

Oh also....we found a ';secret'; beach on the sound. It is on the far side of Jockey%26#39;s Ridge. We had gone to the dunes to play. If you go all the way accross and down towards the sound, there is a small beach! We were able to wade out about 200 yards in knee deep water. It was great!

Thanks for the nice trip report. I love reading them. The Yellow House Gallery is ';THE'; place to buy local art. Eve T. is awesome and will make you feel right at home. We stayed in Corolla and the beaches were fabulous. We can%26#39;t wait to go back.

Nice trip report. I%26#39;m glad you enjoyed our OBX...........

OhLynne!!! I wish I had known of the YELLOW HOUSE while I was down there! What a great find! I will definitely check it out next time I am in the OBX. Although they have a great website I am browsing through right now. Thanks for the info! :)