“But I want you. Not for today or next week, but forever. Everyday, you and me.”
Who could forget the infamous line Ryan Gosling’s “Noah” said in The Notebook as he stared into the eyes of Rachel McAdams’ “Allie.” This moment is exactly how I felt about my getaway to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Memories made on the 148-mile stretch of island towns expand beyond that day or even next week…leaving my heart filled with magical moments that will be cherished for a lifetime!
I had been wanting to visit the string of barrier islands after being swept off my feet by Nicholas Sparks’ timeless love story years ago (long before the area became Netflix famous with the Outer Banks series).
Historic lighthouses, towering sand dunes, shipwreck diving sites and wild horses that have inhabited the area for over 400 years; the Outer Banks has become one of my favorite East Coast beach vacations. The year-round surfer’s haven offered the perfect backdrop for my family’s vacation. We created our own kites and flew them in an open field at the Wrights Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, the site where the first flight occurred. Located just 1 block from the beach, Mom’s Sweet Shop gave me the perfect excuse to cool off with a soft-serve smoothie after a day in the sun! I instantly fell in love with the pink boho aesthetic at this vintage sweet shop.
Dining out is a whole affair in the Outer Banks, with many of the venues either not accepting reservations or requiring you to reserve your spot days in advance. Be sure to check with the restaurant before venturing out to see if you need to arrive early to avoid the queue. Sitting above the Sound, The Village Table and Tavern in Duck, NC is one of my fav spots to grab a bite. I stumbled upon it while waiting for our boat to take us tubing on the Sound. At 3 years old, it is one of the newer restaurants in the area and a lot easier to get in (especially for a reservation for a group of 15). I was able to walk right in at lunch time and enjoy the most AMAZING crab cake sandwich by the cutest little fire place. Originally from Jersey, the owner, Jennifer knows how good service can go a long way in the restaurant industry. Didn’t surprise me when she mentioned that she had lived in Pittsburgh before moving to the area…the restaurant’s decor reminded me a lot of the some of the boutique style restaurants that I have come across in the Steel City.
Also located in Duck, AQUA Restaurant is another must while visi.ting the Outer Banks. AQUA has the BEST sangria in the area (so fresh!) and I love how their back patio sits directly over the Sound.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” - Anita Desai
