My family lives in and around the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina (NC), so my sons and I have had many memorable experiences that we have enjoyed immensely in the one-hundred-mile chain of barrier islands off the coast of NC.
Some of the most fun we had on the OBX islands included, but were not limited to:
- Beach time on Newport Beach, Outer Banks, NC
- Exploring and sightseeing while looking for the wild horses on Shackleford Island, Outer Banks, NC
- The North Carolina Aquarium in Atlantic Beach, Outer Banks, NC
- Visited the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC
- Shopping in Morehead City, Outer Banks, NC
- Camping in Emerald Isle, Outer Banks, NC
- Seafood dinners in Swansboro, Outer Banks, NC
When my aunt, her husband, and their five kids (my cousins) moved to the sleepy little town of Ramseur, NC, they lived in an old-time farmhouse with five bedrooms and a mother-in-law suite included in their walk-out basement, which had its own entrance.
Shortly after I got married, my mom went to stay with her baby sister so she could go back to school, and my mom could help with her two nieces and three nephews. She lived in their mother-in-law’s suite and stayed for about two and a half years, until my aunt completed her college education. Afterwards, my mom moved closer to be near me and my husband in the Lakes Area of Southeast Michigan.
Unfortunately, about a year later, my aunt’s historic North Carolina farmhouse caught fire, went up in flames, and burned to the ground. Thankfully, they all got out alive, were unharmed, and well with no physical injuries. They recouped all the material items with their insurance claim, but sadly, lost everything that had sentimental meaning, was priceless, and could not be replaced.
After the fire, they moved closer to a larger town near Greensboro, NC. They bought into a resort campground in Emerald Isle, OBX, NC, which is where my sons and I spent many weeks each summer camping, driving around the campground in my aunt’s golf cart, swimming at the large inground pool with a waterslide, watching the sunset at the Sound, and playing games at the clubhouse on rainy days.
According to The Outer Banks official travel website, here are their top things to do in OBX: “Outer Banks Attractions
Whether you are a history buff, outdoor adventurer or admirer of architecture, take the time to rediscover our nation’s heritage on the Outer Banks.
Historic Sites & Museums
Visit attractions that celebrate our Elizabethan history, like The Lost Colony, Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabethan Gardens.
Learn about Wilbur & Orville Wright’s first powered flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk in Kill Devil Hills.
Experience the magic of that inventive breakthrough at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the spirit of flight remains alive at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina’s most visited state park, and tallest sand dunes on the East Coast – a favorite spot for hang gliding and kite flying.
Lighthouses
See the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which stands at 208 feet, the tallest in the United States. These sites are among the many treasures found along the shores of the Outer Banks,”.
Whatever we did with family in OBX, I always chose to drive, especially with my sons, and we made the road trip part of the fun.
Driving versus flying pros and cons
For many years, as my cousins have lived in North Carolina, I have made the drive so often that I have lost count; however, I have also traveled by plane numerous times.
From the Greater Detroit area in MI to the Outer Banks in NC, it is 846 miles. I prefer driving there versus flying. Here’s what a flight from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU) is like:
- Expect to add an hour and a half drive time to DTW from home
- Arrive at least two hours early to account for airport security lines
- It is a one-hour-and-forty-minute flight, but it can last upwards of five hours in the air. If you’re fortunate enough to get one of the two direct flights available, your total flight time, including getting baggage, would be about three hours.
If you are not so lucky and have to take a connecting flight, you could be looking at spending eight to nine hours in airports and on airplanes. That’s only if they are all on time!
- A two-hour drive from RDU to our final destination
- Direct flight = 8.5 hours travel time
- One-stop flight = +-13.5 hours of travel time
Driving from my home to my cousin’s home looks like this:
- Leave MI home at 6 am
- Arrive in the NC location around 7 pm
- Total drive time = 13.5 hours
Add all the comforts of stopping when my sons needed to stretch and get the wiggles out, the opportunity to carry giant bottles of shampoo if we needed, eat when and where we like, no need to get permission from the bathroom “police”, my boys could recline their seats and nap, we had a cooler full of our favorite drinks and snacks, fresh air, etc..
Furthermore, the travel time is about the same, so choosing to travel by automobile is a no-brainer for me.
What are the Outer Banks known for
Well, we have talked about what my family and I have done and continue to do in OBX, except for last year when we went back to OBX for my cousin’s wedding, and of course, had a blast.
It was also much more manageable, as my oldest son drove half of the time, and my younger son was helpful in carrying our luggage, so this mama didn’t have to do all the work as I did when they were toddlers and little boys.
We did continue one tradition on our road trip, though – we loved to play James Taylor’s song, “Carolina on My Mind.”
Outer Banks Blue notes that the OBX are known for, “Nestled on the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks (OBX) are a chain of barrier islands that offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or outdoor enthusiast, the Outer Banks of North Carolina has something for everyone. As long-time locals of the Outer Banks, we think it’s a pretty darn special place.
- Beauty
- Rich History
- Nature
- Community,”.
Top 10 things to do in the Outer Banks
In conclusion, the Outer Banks offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to create unforgettable memories.
