Driving the Outer Banks

We spent a day driving the Outer Banks of North Carolina on a sunny off-season day.

We started the day with a beautiful sunrise. (Photo credit - Mr. UR)

We stayed at the Cape Hatteras motel, a 3rd generation owned motel that couldn't be any closer to the ocean. For the off season rate of $69, we had a room with 2 queen beds, microwave, refrigerator and 2 rocking chairs just outside the door. (In season, there is also a hot tub and swimming pool available)

Our first stop was at Hatteras National Seashore for a view of the ocean and a quick walk on the deserted beach. Ok a very quick walk - like a few steps because it was really windy. Invigorated, we drove on.

We passed the Chicamicomico Lifesaving Station which houses a a museum detailing the lives of the lifeguards who worked these shores. But it was closed so we will have to save that for another time.

Next up was the Pea Island National Refuge which is a nesting habitat for migratory birds. I was surprised so many people out on a cold Sunday morning photographing all the different types of birds here.

We passed the house from the film "Nights in Rodanthe" with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. It is now an inn after being moved from it's spot on the ocean where the erosion was getting the best of it. Next up was Bodie Island Lighthouse which is one of 4 lighthouses in the Outer Banks - Ocracoke, Hatteras, Bodie Island and Currituck.

Jennette's Pier houses a branch of the NC State Aquariums, has a gift shop and hot dog stand and of course, is a very popular place to fish from.

Our last stop was Currituck Lighthouse which was closed for the winter. And then on to our hotel and dinner for the evening topped off by a beautiful sunset over the Pamlico Sound.

I love the Outer Banks - there's just a little something for everyone there!