"It's a rainy, dreary day, let's head to the beach," said no one ever. I'm here to suggest that it's not such a terrible idea. In fact, we did just that recently and here's how it went.
Top things to do when its rainy and dreary at the Outer Banks.
Number 1: Coffee. It's always number one, right? I mean, can you really do anything constructive, or even non-constructive before coffee? Maybe it's just me. But if it's you too, there are a number of cute places along the Outer Banks to grab some java and get the mojo flowing for the day. For this trip, we did The Front Porch Cafe in Kill Devil Hills. They also have a location in Manteo if you're over that way. Additionally, you can buy beans or ground coffee to take back to your home away from home and enjoy a fresh cup in your PJs. It's hard to beat good coffee and a rainy, lazy morning. Throw in a good book and you've got yourself a good way to start the day.
There's also Waverider Cafe in Nags Head. And Studio 12 and Uglie Mugs in Avon. You could even do a taste test as you travel south. Now that sounds like a great idea! If you beat me to it, be sure to add your results in the comments.
Number 2: Go for a post coffee run. Nothing like a little exercise to start the day. If running isn't your jam, take a stroll along the path wherever you happen to be. There are plenty of lovely places to run, walk, or bike. I love a nice run when its drizzly outside. There is a bike path that runs from South Nags Head north to about Kill Devil Hills. Walk it, run it, bike it, but just get out on it! Nothing like seeing the sites at a slower pace. Gear up in a little rain gear and brave the sprinkles, you won't melt. If it starts raining dodge into Jennette's Pier until it passes. More on that stop later. If you're into hiking, be sure to check out the Nags Head Woods. It's an unexpected treasure.
Number 3: Take a ride across the Marc Basnight bridge, previously known as the Bonner Bridge, known to me as the Oregon Inlet Bridge. Whatever you want to call it, its worth the drive and the views are hard to beat.
On the north end of the bridge, stop by the Oregon Inlet Marina. You can stroll through the little store there and grab a snack or a t shirt. There are also public restrooms there if the coffee from earlier has caught up to you. A new marina store is currently under construction and looks to be quite an upgrade to the current store. Take a walk around the docks and admire the fishing boats. Make a note to check out this spot on a summer afternoon around 3:30ish and watch the boats come in and unload their catch.
Stop at the parking area on the south end and take a walk out on the fishing pier. The pier is actually a remnant of the original bridge and was preserved to use as a public access fishing pier. Pretty cool, huh? Bonus tip: Look for the path through the sea oats that line the parking area. It leads to the old Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station, such a pretty structure. Keep on going, head east, friend!, and you'll be rewarded with wide beach that you'll have to yourself most likely. Even in the thick of summer there are never more than a few others out there. (Shhhhhh...let's keep this on the down low). Its almost always windy out there but so worth the trek. We've been known to spend a few summer afternoons here. Follow the jetty back, you can walk the path on top of the rocks for a view of the inlet. The current and waves there give you an idea of why it's called the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The view there is epic.
Number 4: On your way back north pull over at any public beach access and walk the beach. Since the drizzly weather keeps most people either inside or out shopping, you might be rewarded with treasure since there is less competition. It's also fun to see the different views at each access point.
Number 5: No trip would be complete without a stop at Jennette's Pier. The pier opened in 2011 (the original Jennette's Pier fell victim to a hurricane) and features a gift shop where you can buy everything from fishing supplies to t shirts and souvenirs. You can even rent rods and fishing equipment here if you didn't bring your own. You don't need a license to fish from the pier as the pier has a blanket license that covers you. There is a fee for fishing and renting equipment. For a nominal fee, $2 at the time of this writing, you can walk out on the pier. The pass is good for the entire day so save your receipt and check out how the view changes throughout the day. In my opinion, it's particularly special on somewhat dreary days.
Number 6: Finally complete your day with a stop at a local brewery. This time, we opted for the relatively new, Swells'a Brewing, in Kill Devil Hills. We grabbed a 6 pack to go and chose the All Porpoise Hazy Pale Ale, and what a fine choice! We've also had a citrus wheat from there that was quite tasty as well. They have seating inside and out and an upstairs deck that looks particularly inviting and is on our list to try, sans the rain. There is also the Outer Bank Brewing Station that is a solid choice with more of a restaurant bar vibe. They also have a yard area in the back that's open but check their website as the outside seating isn't always available.
Well, that's a wrap. A successful rainy day spent in the Outer Banks. We spent the day in the OBX area from Kill Devil Hills to South Nags Head, but there's other areas you can explore as well. So rain, rain, go anyway...I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.
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