While the Outer Banks is a long stretch of barrier islands, we are also a “small town” and that is nice. I am pretty sure that when I am in almost any restaurant here, or go grocery shopping or clothes shopping, I am going to run into other locals. And that is a “good” thing. I may run into a lawyer in his/her business clothes because they just left court, or my doctor, who is on his way to a gig (he plays the saxophone) or my neighbor. “Hey, how are you?” What is new, how are the kids, are you going to the Chili Cook-Off next week?”…and so on. 

At social gatherings, whether at some ones house or at a public place, I will be among locals who are dressed up, locals who have on flip flops and shorts (all year long…yes, very true…there are grown men here who, I guarantee you, do not OWN a pair of long pants), musicians, surfers, young, old, and so on. We seem to get along pretty well. I think that is because we know we live in a beautiful place and while it is not always easy, it is always beautiful. It is a relief to know that no matter how stressed I get, I can take time to head to the beach, even for a few minutes, watch the waves, listen to the birds, feel the sun and salt air and at peace. 

Good food. Oh my gosh, yes! Fresh, very fresh seafood. Served in so many different ways by Outer Banks chefs who pride themselves on using local seafood. This is important. Very important to us. I encourage you to always ask your server if their seafood is locally caught. I recommend checking out this website; www.OuterBanksCatch.com.  You can see which restaurants and seafood markets offer locally caught seafood. Ask your server what is in season and ask for their recommendations. They will tell you the truth. Everyone wants to be proud of where they work and restaurant workers are no exception.  Fresh seafood to cook and eat at home…simply prepared or, if you are a good cook, you can fancy it up some. Whatever, seafood is good and good for you. And fishing is an honorable profession. We have many local families here who earn their living fishing and have been doing so for generations. Hats off to them. This is hard work and a big part of the Outer Banks heritage. 

If you want things to do, there is lots to offer here as well. Lighthouses, historic sites, The Lost Colony, Jockey’s Ridge, sailing, surfing, skim boarding, photography…or you may want to do nothing but lay on the beach. And that is OK too.