During Fall, the Northern Outer Banks is a beachside gem which becomes a popular destination for visitors to enjoy the sea breezes, the slower pace, and the relaxed atmosphere. With over 20 miles of pristine beaches, rich wildlife, historic homes and quaint attractions, the Northern Outer Banks has so much to offer in every season. Here are the top things to do in the Fall in the Northern Outer Banks.
Watch the sunset over the Currituck Sound
The Currituck Sound is a unique, shallow, 30-mile long estuary which lies between the Northern Outer Banks mainland and the beaches. Along the sound, there are long docks with gazebos perfect for watching the sunset. A sound front room at the Inn at Corolla is an ideal place to stay if you are a sunset lover…. Or, plan to spend the evening in Historic Corolla Park as the docks, gazebo and the historic bridge provides a front row seat to the fabulous sunsets. While you’re there, picnic at one of the picnic tables in the park as you take in nature’s outdoor drama … watching the sun go down on the horizon and the sky turn into brilliant shades of pink, orange and purple. Take a selfie… it’s a priceless memory that you’ll want to share.
Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Climb the 220 steps up to the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound and the Outer Banks. The lighthouse was built in 1875; inside you’ll see a spiraling Victorian wrought-iron staircase, historic stone walls and large windows. The lighthouse features a rare Fresnel lens (only seven left in existence) invented by a French physicist, Augustin-Jean Fresnel. The lenses are known for capturing and reflecting lights at greater distances. A historic Victorian house next to the lighthouse was previously home to generations of lightkeepers. There is a museum and gift shop on the property filled with lighthouse memorabilia and information on the history of area lightkeepers. The lighthouse is open to the public and admission costs are published on their website.
Take a Wild Horse Tour
Fall is the perfect time of year to explore the 4×4 beach and take a wild horse tour. The Corolla Wild Horses live and roam free on the 11 mile stretch of barrier island that borders Virginia in the northernmost part of our county…. where the road ends. The horse tour guides are very knowledgeable which is helpful this time of year as the Corolla wild horses aren’t as active as they are during warmer months. They know where they are located and can share interesting facts about their history and habits during all of the seasons. The Corolla wild horse tour will add a lasting memory to your vacation that will be talked about for years to come.
Tour Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park
Overlooking the Currituck Sound in historic Corolla, Whalehead is a beautifully restored 21,000 square foot home built in the 1920s. Whalehead currently operates as a museum filled with Tiffany light fixtures, a custom built Steinway piano and troves of original antiques. Stroll through this Art Nouveau-era mansion nestled in Historic Corolla Park. It’s an architectural highlight of the area. Learn all about the original owners, Edward Collins Knight Jr. and his wife who shared a love for hunting and built this mansion as their personal hunting lodge. The mansion is open for tours and there are specialty tours scheduled throughout the year.
Visit Historic Corolla Village
In autumn, the historic village of Corolla becomes an idyllic laid-back village with a unique Southern vibe. Stroll through the sandy streets of Corolla Village covered by shady old live oaks. Stop by to browse and shop at the Island Bookstore… grab a classic afternoon beach read and one to share…. then, cross the street to enjoy an afternoon coffee at the Kind Cup and browse the many, one of a kind local craft items in the quaint shop. Learn about the Corolla Wild Horses at the museum and purchase a souvenir that goes for a good cause… to help preserve and protect the Corolla wild horse herd. If quaint historic villages bring you joy, you may want to make reservations to stay in the village at the Corolla Village Inn.
Play a Round of Golf
There’s nothing like a good challenge to put smiles on the faces of the golfers in your group. Designed by the famous Rees Jones, The Currituck Club is a semi-private country club featuring a luxurious 18-hole golf course. Golfers may enjoy a glimpse of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean while playing this challenging course. The club was rated by Golf Magazine as one of the top 10 best new places to play and has received much attention for its remarkable location of sand dunes, wetlands, ocean and forest. But don’t stop there… challenge your foursome to play more of the courses in the area…. Kilmarlic Golf Club, The Carolina Club and The Pointe Golf Club are all just a short drive from Corolla on the Northern Outer Banks mainland. Make a day trip out of it and take your wives…. if golf just isn’t their thing…. there are plenty of places to share an enjoyable lunch, a wine tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards, and unique shopping experiences for fall decor and yummy baked goods at one of our farm markets like Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market…. Trust me… it’s a good thing.
Eat Your Way Through the Northern Outer Banks
Dine on fresh local seafood in various restaurants all along the mainland and the beaches of the Northern Outer Banks. Frog Island Seafood Inc. in Barco has been feeding visitors for over 20 years and serves oysters, soft shell crab, crab cakes, scallops and shrimp. Its mom-and-pop vibe is a favorite among locals to dine in or take out. In Corolla, try North Banks located in the Tim Buck II shopping center, or Upside Restaurant & Bar. For a change of pace, try Outer Banks Seafood Boil Company at home catering or boil pots on the go…. delicious and fun for the whole family. You’re vacation won’t be complete until you try our famous vinegar based, eastern NC BBQ. We love it and take pride in being the best. Try it at Corolla Village BBQ, Currituck BBQ, BJ’s Carolina Cafe, or Southland Restaurant and Catering. Love it or leave it…. you’ll never know unless you try and we are up for the challenge! Tastebuds get ready because whatever cuisine you are in the mood for… we have it… Steaks, Italian, Mexican, Asian…. you can find it in the Northern Outer Banks and just a local’s experience…. we’ve never had a meal here that wasn’t cooked to perfection. Enjoy!
We hope you’ll visit the Northern Outer Banks in the Fall to experience the slower paced, laid back, southern hospitality that we so love to share. We think you’ll Fall in Love with the Northern Outer Banks and plan to stay awhile longer next time.
