We’re going to share a secret with you… the best time to go to the Northern Outer Banks is in the fall. Go for a weekend getaway or longer it’s just perfect. Perfect weather for walking on the beach, collecting shells, even letting the cool salt water wash over your feet. Why would we do anything like that, they wonder, for an autumn? It’s because of the quiet and the peacefulness that hangs over the beach and envelopes you like no other time of the year. It’s early sunsets with vivid colors that streak across the sky and even earlier sunrises that no one ever gets up for but you…
The shoulder season…. beaches are less crowded, rentals are a little more affordable, the air is a little crisper, the sand, a little cooler. Many of the museums are open until November or December and you can take your time wandering through. It’s a time when only a spattering of businesses are even open but those that are, welcome you like friends and have some time to talk and hear your story or tell you theirs.
1) Fall or Summer…
Summertime is great! Honestly, as a beach person, I haven’t met a season that I didn’t love. Summer is the peak season. Warm weather, warm ocean, perfect for watersports, beach days, sunshine, all the good stuff that brings you to the beach in the Summer…. Fall hits a little differently. Fall is more laid back, slower paced. Beach walks, nature trails, riding bikes, and sipping warm drinks on the deck of your cottage. But some of us welcome, even crave the slower change of pace…the rejuvenation of our thoughts and the time to read that novel that has been collecting dust… this is that time of year. You can still find something to eat and attractions like the Wild Horse Tours, Currituck Beach lighthouse, Whalehead, the Maritime Museum and the Wildlife Center open through October, November and even some in December. The horses don’t leave town, either. Local’s tip…. the horses aren’t as active in the cooler months and don’t always roam the beaches so… schedule a horse tour for the best opportunities to see them.
2) Put these things on your To Do list…
Climb the lighthouse, explore nature trails, wander aimlessly through the museums, take a picnic to Historic Corolla Park and watch the sunset over the Currituck Sound. Grab a coffee at the Kind Cup and wander the sandy streets of Corolla Village. Browse the Island Bookstore.… buy a book to read and one to share. Sit for as long as you want watching and listening to the waves, take a horse tour or if you have a 4wd vehicle, go out on your own to explore the 4wd beach, play a round of golf or even charter a fishing boat. Bring a bicycle and pedal as far as you’d like…. the entire greenway and back. Put on a sweater and take a walk….smell the salty beach air and take in the sweet scents of the fragrant tea olive bushes…. Wake up early to watch the sunrise…. even if no one else will.
3) Give your wallet a break…
The fall is just a little more affordable. Spend money on what you want to spend money on….and save where you can. Some of the accommodations are just a little more affordable in the Fall… check vacation rental websites for deals or flex stays which are very popular now in the off season as you can choose to stay a long weekend or a few days during the week…. If you are bringing the little ones, the Hampton Inn on the oceanfront has an indoor pool that may just be their favorite spot. Where ever your family decides to stay, vacation rental, Inn or hotel, always be sure to call ahead for reservations and to check availability.
Fall on the Northern Outer Banks is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s the time of year when doing something all the time is unnecessary…. no pressure, take your time, do what you want to. It’s wandering through the farmer’s markets and unique gift stores on the way and spending extra time on the deck talking, reading and sipping warm beverages. It’s watching a movie or binging a show…. putting together a puzzle or playing a board game. It’s time wasted and well spent…. hope to see you at the Northern Outer Banks this Fall.
