Now, for things to do. We have several very good art galleries here, which is always one of my favorite things to do when I am out of town. How about a massage? Several professionals on the Outer Banks will come to you, so you don’t even have to leave your little beach house. Walk to the beach, and collect some sea glass and shells. Then, go to Cloud Nine Creative Emporium in Nags Head and design and craft your necklace, earrings, keychain, or some other special keepsake. It is fun and creative, and you will have a memory every time you look at it. 

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is home to birds, ducks, bears, red wolves, and alligators. Make sure your phone is charged, there will be plenty of sights to see, and you’ll have many opportunities to capture photos and video. Like to hike? You will also find trails and observation platforms, wildlife trails, and fishing and canoeing routes. 

The National Wildlife Refugees Visitor Center on Roanoke Island is open daily, all year, and is free. You can easily spend a few hours here seeing all the exhibits. 

Manteo is a charming little town to walk around, sit on the docks, shop, have something to eat, and take in the sights. Make sure you allow time to visit the Elizabethan Gardens, where you will find inspiration, peace, beauty, and fanciful things blooming. While designed for self-guided tours, you can use your smartphone and take advantage of the free audio tour or an enhanced media audio tour using ONCELL. If you prefer a guided tour, call well ahead of your visit. You can even bring your dog, and there is a small fee of $3. 

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is at the end of the pier on the Manteo waterfront and is worth a visit too. Free to visit, but the hours vary by the season, so make sure they are open. 

Stop into Duck’s Cottage Downtown Book in Manteo and pick up some new reads. Talk with some locals and get their tips on where to go and eat. Located on Sir Walter Raleigh Street. Friendly place. 

You must; you must see the Corolla Wild Horses. And the best way to do that is by taking a tour. We recommend Corolla Outback Adventures and Corolla Wild Horse Fund. You will see some of the beautiful wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs who live in the four-wheel drive area up in Corolla. Speaking of horses, if you like to ride, you must drive to Hatteras to get to Equine Adventures. You can explore the only Maritime Forest on the Outer Banks, with miles and miles of pristine beaches. Be assured that your guide is experienced. The horses are well taken care of and chosen for each rider. 

Beach, of course. Bring a blanket or towel, sunscreen, and water, and enjoy. Miles of beauty. Shells, seagulls, quiet. Time for reflection and restoration. Suppose you don’t want to lug your gear to the beach. In that case, we recommend reserving an umbrella service with Ocean Atlantic Rentals. Their team will set up your chair and umbrella for a fee.