It's hard to believe that 2024 is almost over, but here we are with the holidays just around the corner. And while the holidays are a joyous and exciting time, they can also be pretty stressful. So why not consider enjoying a sweet Outer Banks vacation before the demands of the holiday season kick in? We're booking RIGHT NOW for stays in November and December, so be sure to look at our available rentals and book your next weekend retreat or weeklong stay. Enjoy an early Christmas present and get ready to enjoy the Outer Banks in the off-season. Swimming in the ocean isn't the only thing great about the Outer Banks! We've got weekend itineraries for November and December to help you get the most out of your Outer Banks autumn & winter stay.
This itinerary if for the first weekend in November. And while we've listed a suggestion of things to do while you're hear, there's plenty of leeway to enjoy other parts of the Outer Banks! Check out our guide to 10 Unique Things to Do in the Outer Banks and keep an eye on the Annual Outer Banks Fall Events for everything going on the rest of the month!
Friday, November 1:
8:00 AM - Breakfast in your Vacation Rental! Enjoy a calm, quiet breakfast in your beautiful vacation rental before heading down to Manteo. Many of our vacation rental properties offer multiple refrigerators and/or dishwashers, so breakfast prep and cleanup can be a breeze! Take your cup of coffee out onto the beach or find pleasure in a peaceful morning stroll by the ocean before the fun of the day begins!
11:30 AM - Take a Tour at Buffalo City Distillery! Head on over into Currituck (or pass by on your way to the beach!) and stop in for one of the coolest distillery tours this side of Alligator River. Learn about the moonshining history of the Outer Banks in what was once known as the Moonshine Capital of the world, Buffalo City. Learn how the distillery make their delicious spirits with grains from local farms and enjoy a complimentary tasting of their products. Take home your souvenir shot glass for future drinking adventure and be sure to pick up a bottle or two to take home with you! Their unique East Lake Whiskey is beyond delicious, so be sure to grab some on your way out. It makes a perfect Hot Toddy once the weather starts getting cold. Seaside Vacations guests can receive a 35% discount on Buffalo City Distillery's Taste of History Tour. To redeem this promotional offer, guests must call the distillery directly and reference this offer as part of Club Seaside. *Please note: Tours are limited to 12 people per tour. Please call ahead to confirm space on the tour you plan to book.
1:00 PM - Lunch in Kitty Hawk! After your tour of the distillery, which is always a lot of fun, head back into Kitty Hawk for some lunch. The Black Pelican is always a classic, with a wide variety of food options from pizzas to seafood. For that beachy vibe that will have you chilling to the sounds of the ocean, head on over to Rundown Cafe for a noodle bowl. If burgers are your thing, check out Art's Place for a local favorite or enjoy a sit-down dining experience with a great atmosphere and even better servie at Vilai's Thai Kitchen. There's a little bit of something for everyone in Kitty Hawk.
3:00 PM - NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island! After lunch, make your way into Manteo for some unforgettable underwater fun! The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island celebrates the unique geography and diverse ecosystem of the Outer Banks and is a great place to spend the afternoon! In fact, in 2019, USA Today recently named the North Carolina Aquarium system #7 in the Top 10 Best Aquariums in North America! Spend the day learning about the local ecology, searching for shark teeth, and relaxing in fron of the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.
5:00 PM - Dinner! After your adventures at the aquarium, grab a tasty dinner in Manteo or Nags Head, just across the causeway. Enjoy something yummy at Mahi Mahi's Island Grill or Miller's Waterfront Restaurant. If you're hoping to stay on the island, why not try Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar or Orega'z?
8:00 PM - Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival Screening in Manteo! After dinner, make your way over to the Dare Arts Center for a screening of several short films highlighting the beauty of the ocean and the environmental impact of industrialism on indigienous societies and ocean wildlife.The lineup will be announced closer to the screening date, but rest assured it will be an incredible and emotional evening. Single-day passes are $25 and support local filmmakers and the Peace Garden Project. Find out more here.
Saturday, November 2:
8:00 AM - Breakfast at Stack'Em High! Start off a day of sightseeing and exploring the best of the Outer Banks with a yummy breakfast of pancakes, waffles, fruit, or eggs at Stack'Em High Pancakes & So Forth! With 2 locations, one in Kitty Hawk and another in Kill Devil Hills, there's no reason not to head out and let someone else handle breakfast. Stack'Em High is an Outer Banks staple and a great place for singles, couples, and groups. View full menu.
10:00 AM - Wright Brothers National Memorial! Since you're already in the area, now is the best time to make a stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Come explore the exhibits and the monument to celebrate the "12 seconds that changed the world." This was the time of year that Orville and Wilbur were trying to get their flying machine up in the air, so come take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the brisk, refreshing winds of the Outer Banks in early November!
2:00 PM - Take an Afternoon Trip to Ocracoke! Since you're already on this side of the island, why not hop on the Ocracoke Ferry and spend the afternoon exploring Ocracoke Island? See the British Cemetery. This piece of land has been leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth, serving as the eternal resting place for four brave souls who tragically lost their lives on May 11, 1942 when a German U-Boat torpedoed a British ship. Visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse and go shopping at one of the dozens of shops that are within easy walking distance of the main area in town. Check out Springer's Point Preserve and see if you can see the ghost of Blackeard on the water. Grab dinner at one of the amazing restaurants on the island and be sure to get back on the ferry before 8:00 PM.
Sunday, November 3:
8:00 AM - Breakfast at Home or On The Go! If you're already in your rental, enjoy a quiet morning breakfast in your pajamas before greeting the weekend to be filled with adventures. If you're heading into town, or just want someone else to cook, grab a delicious breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee from Lighthouse Bagels or First Light. And for something unique, try Corolla Breakfast & Lunch Bowls for some tasty breakfast surprises.
10:00 AM - Explore the Currituck Beach Lighthouse! Spend some time in Corolla and while you're here, be sure to check out the lighthouse and the museum gift shop! Since 1875, this lighthouse has kept mariners from danger, night and day. The Keepers’ Dwelling has housed more than two dozen families, as their duties of “Lighthouse Keeper” were carried out. Today, on-site keepers and staff continue the tradition: cleaning the lens, maintaining the structure and grounds, and most importantly, now – sharing it with you. Head inside for the chance to climb this beautiful piece of history and get a glimpse of a gorgeous view of the surrounding area.
12:00 PM - Shopping and Lunch! After the tour, head on down to the Timbuck II Shopping Village for lunch and some last-minute holiday shopping. Enjoy pizza from Giant Slice or some delicious seafood at Mike Dianna's Grill Room before exploring the wide variety of specialty stores and unique boutiques. There's plenty to keep you occupied through the afternoon while you get a head start on that holiday shopping!
2:00 PM - Afternoon at Jockey's Ridge! As we're making our way down the island, the next stop is Jockey's Ridge State Park where you can run around on the dunes, have some fun in the sand, or head on across the street to Jockey's Ridge Crossing to get some holiday shopping in!
5:00 PM - Dinner in Nags Head or Duck! There are plenty of amazing options for dinner in Nags Head, including Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe or Tortuga's Lie. If you'd rather head back to the north end of the island, stop by the Red Sky Cafe, The Blue Point, or AQUA Restaurant for the finer tastes of the beach. If you're traveling with kiddos, The Village Table & Tavern and Coastal Cravings are also great options.
BOOK YOUR NEXT NOVEMBER STAY NOW!
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Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.