Outer Banks (non-camping trip)

[cyclone]

Yes, I know there is a current thread on the other forum, but we aren't camping this trip.  We'll be at OBX for two nights in a couple of weeks.  We have hotel reservations in the Kitty Hawk area, and will basically have one full day plus several hours available on the day of arrival/departure.  We have done a lot of research, and have some ideas in mind, but what do you people think are the "must sees" there?  Spending a day lounging on the beach is not high on our list, btw.

[dthurk]

If you only have one day and don't like the beach, try this:

http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/

[fallsrider]

If you only have one day and don't like the beach, try this:

http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/

I second that suggestion. It is a real piece of American history that affects us all. With today's aviation technology, it is hard to believe that happened barely more than 100 years ago!

[GeneF]

I'll third the suggestion.

[dupreet]

Just got back from OBX - had a great time.

As mentioned, the Wright Brothers Memorial is a must see - plan on a couple hours to make your way through things.

Other ideas:

Jockey's Ridge State Park - a few miles south of Wright Brothers - Its the largest sand dune on the East Coast and is cool to wander around watching the kids and hang gliders. If you are brave, they offer Hang Gliding School

There is a neat collection of shops near Jockey's Ridge with Hatteras Kites and several other stores in it - not your standard fair 'Wings'. I am not much of a 'beach' person, so I bought a kite to fly while the wife and kids took in the ocean.

A few miles away in Manteo is a NC State Aquarium, the Elizabethan (sp) Gardens, and the Lost Colony program.

About 5 miles south of Kitty Hawk on Hwy 12 (heading towards Hatteras) is the Cape Bodie Lighthouse.  You can't climb the lighthouse, but its pretty cool and has a small exhibit in the old keepers house. A couple miles further south is the Bodie Inlet 'harbor' - if you hit it in the afternoon, you can watch the charter boats come in with their catches.


Enjoy your Trip,

Todd