Virginia Roads to OBX

The Drive

Three hours and half a tank of gas for the old Tahoe.

We drove all week and didn't need to fill up until we were leaving the island. Not bad.

When To Go

We like to travel to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the off seasons: September–November and March–May.

The rates are better, the beach is less crowded, and honestly, that's exactly how we like it.

This time, we stayed right on the beach with another couple and split the cost. We each paid $1,500—about $215 per night per couple.

A little high? Yep.

Worth it? We were on the beach.

What To Look For

Cost

If you plan ahead, you can find a week-long accommodation for anywhere between $700–$3,000 in the off season.

Condos will generally be the least expensive, while beachfront homes will cost the most.

If beachfront is too steep, look for oceanside—the area between the bypass and the beach road.

And this is important: pay attention to where the beach access points are.

You don't want unpack then discover that your "oceanside" rental is a hike from the beach.

Every realtor map shows the beach access points. Airbnb listings usually mention them, too.

Check before you book.

Who to Rent From?

Some of the better-known vacation rental agencies in the Outer Banks include Twiddy & Company, Outer Banks Blue, and Village Realty.

But don't stop there. A quick Google search will give you plenty of other options.

Read the reviews.

We've rented from places people thought were the best and places people thought were the worst—and we've still had excellent service.

And don't discount the Airbnb Superhosts. I look at them, too. If you go that route, ask the important question:

"What happens if...?"

What happens if the air conditioner stops working?

What happens if something breaks?

What happens if the house isn't what you expected?

Know the answer before you book.

I have a feeling more money goes into the owner's pocket with Airbnb than with a large rental company—but I might be wrong.

What Does The House Include?

An often over looked questions: Do they provide linens? Do they offer a linen package?

A linen package usually includes bed sheets—which you put on yourself—and bath towels. The cost can be a little steep, but it's convenient.

We bring our own - it's really not a hassle.

We have a duffle bag dedicated to linens, and we toss a trash bag inside for the soaking-wet ones at the end of the stay.

Easy.

A lot of houses also come with beach gear and a beach cart, which can make getting back and forth to the beach much easier.

Even if it's written in the house description, ask.

And then ask again about a week before you go.

Things change.

What To Pack: The Extra Stuff

The rental house may have the basics, but there are a few things we always bring.

Kitchen

We pack a big cooler to move food from home to the beach house—and back again.

I always pack:

• Frozen steaks

• A few potatoes

• Breakfast food for the first beach morning

• Paper towels

• A case of water

• Coffee and tea (and everything we need to make a good cup of joe)

• Three trash bags

• A handful of Ziploc bags

• Aluminum foil

• Vegetable oil—we like to fry fish

• Our favorite herbs and spices

By the time we're heading home, the cooler is usually empty, but it becomes a great storage vessel for anything that needs to travel safely.

Bathroom

We bring:

• Two rolls of toilet paper

• A box of tissues

• Q-tips

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Soap

• Toothpaste

Because nobody wants to make a grocery-store run five minutes after arriving.

Beach Gear

This is where we tend to pay close attention because we spend most our time in the sand. 

We bring:

• Beach chairs

• Beach bag

• Beach towels

• Books

• Sand shoes

• Small water cooler/jug (the gallon size)

• Insulated/thermal cups

• Before-and-after-sun lotion

• Bluetooth speaker

• Cheap flashlights

Cheap flashlights are important.

Why? Take a walk on the beach at night and you'll understand why.

Want Convenience?

Call Farm Dog.

I watched them all week working with another family, and they were on time every single day.

They delivered early morning and picked up late evening:

• Chairs

• Tents

• Umbrellas

• Coolers

You can also rent bikes and water equipment from other online rental agencies.

A Google search will get you there. There are a ton to choose from.

Where To Shop For Food & What You Forgot

As soon as you hit the island, there's a Walmart and Harris Teeter on your right.

Further down the bypass, you'll find:

• Dollar Store

• Food Lion

• Publix

• The Fresh Market in Nags Head {I've never been to The Fresh Market, but I hear it's nice.}

Want Something Bougie?

Organize a personal chef for a night. $$$

Examples: Hibachi or 10 o'Six.

Fresh Seafood

The drive to Wanchese, NC isn't much of a hike, and you'll find an excellent variety of 'right off the boat' fresh fish at competitive prices.

The sellers have to compete with each other, so shop around.

Want Crabs?

Call Billy's Seafood. Billy's is the only place we call - ever.

Where We Love To Go

These are our traditional stops:

• The Christmas Shop — Bypass or Manteo

• KDH Cooperative — Bypass, all local artists. I find the perfect piece every time.

• Awful Arthur's — Beach Road, a tradition. We go about four times.

• Avalon Pier — Beach Road, another tradition.

• Art's Place — Beach Road, for hamburgers.

• John's — Beach Road, for fish sandwiches.

And if you want more ideas, check out the OBX Guide.

So... Was It Worth The Drive?

Without a doubt.

Sitting by the ocean with a good book and friends is one of my favorite ways to spend my time.

We don't need the fancy restaurants or water parks; but, it's nice to know they're nearby if we want them.

Most of the time, all I really need is a beach chair, a book, good friends, and the sound  of the ocean.

That's worth the drive.

Next Drive: Lexington, Kentucky

For now I plan, then I walk...