OBX Autumn: Itinerary for the Third Weekend in November

Friday, November 15

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 December!

12:00 PM - Lunch in Kill Devil Hills! There are so many great restaurants in Kill Devil Hills to enjoy a delicious meal. Head on over to Mama Kwans for a fantastic lunch of fresh seafood or Country Deli for fresh meats and cheeses and a laid-back atmosphere.

2:00 PM - Afternoon at Jockey's Ridge & Jennette's Pier! 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! If you're more of the fishing type, head on over to Jennette's Pier where you can try your hand at catching dinner for tonight, play some arcade games, or simply enjoy the fresh air and aquarium exhibits.

5:00 PM - Dinner in KDH or Nags Head! While you're out an about, why not go ahead and get dinner in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head? Head a few miles north to Kill Devil Hills where The Colington Cafe and The Saltbox Cafe await with delicious seafood and amazing seasonal options. (Consider making a reservation ahead of time to ensure you get a table). Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is also a local's favorite with amazing seafood and welcoming pub atmosphere. And don't forget to grab a sweatshirt from the gift shop on the way out. There are also plenty of amazing options for dinner in Nags Head, including Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe or Tortuga's Lie. 

Saturday, November 16

8:00 AM - Easy Breakfast at a Local Favorite! For a tasty sit-down family breakfast, stop by Henry’s Restaurant at 3396 N. Croatan Hwy. in Kill Devil Hills between 7AM and 1PM. Open year-round, Henry’s has a menu selection that will satisfy even the pickiest palate. Try “The Captain” which offers 2 eggs cooked to your preference, grits or home fries, toast or biscuits, and your choice of protein (like country ham, pork chop, ham, sausage, and bacon!) You can also order breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, hot cakes and more! View full menu. Check out other recommended breakfast options here.

10:00 AM - First Flight Holiday Market! Stop by the Wright Brothers National Memorial right next door and then head on over to Aviation Park (just a few steps away) and enjoy some fun, friendly shopping at the First Flight Holiday Market! Explore the goods from more than 60 different vendors, including food trucks and various artisans. Grab some lunch while you’re here and pick up those last-minute Christmas presents for the people you love.

12:00 PM - Lunch in Nags Head or Hatteras Island! For lunch, grab something quick on Nags Head as you make your way down to Hatteras Island or stop on the island for some delicious fare. Check out our blog on Rodanthe for some suggestions of great eateries, including some delicious seafood or a classic pizza place that's an island staple!

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 17

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!

11:00 AM - Stop By the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station! Head down toward Hatteras Island for the day and make your first stop at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station to learn more about this little-known organization that eventually became part of the Coast Guard and learn about the daring water rescues that changed the course of history. Stop by the Hatteras Island British Cemetery in Buxton where you'll encounter the resting places of two unidentified British sailors who found their way ashore in Buxton during the turbulent times of World War II. Their silent presence serves as a testament to the profound impact of history on this remote and cherished stretch of the Outer Banks.

1:00 PM - Explore the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! After grabbing some lunch at one the quaint eateries on Hatteras Island, head down to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Take a look at this memorable structure that was relocated to its current spot in 1999. The visitor center and two historic lightkeeper's quarters are also on site. Take in this beautiful piece of local Outer Banks history and keep an eye out for the ghost cat that lives by the lighthouse!

5:00 PM - Dinner in Manteo! There are plenty of delicious places to stop by for dinner in and around Manteo! Check out The Hungry Pelican for delicious sandwiches to satisfy everyone's cravings or Bluewater Grill and Raw Bar for fresh, local seafood, wonderful drinks, and an amazing atmosphere. Other options are Stripers Bar and Grille, Ortega'z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar, and Darrell's.

7:00 PM - Enjoy a Bonfire on the Beach! There are few things better than sitting around a bonfire on the beach on a cool autumn night. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and cook up some s'mores for an unforgettable night of family fun. For an even more relaxing vacation, let Outer Banks Beach Fires do the leg work. When you book your Beach Fire Package, Outer Banks Beach Fires will build and tear down your beach fire for the night. All you have to do is show up and enjoy! Be sure to check out their fantastic assortment of upgrades including a S'Mores Package, Tables, Coolers, Speakers, and additional Tiki Torches. And as a Seaside Vacations guest, you'll be able to take advantage of Outer Banks Beach Fires' Club Seaside offering! Simply book one of Outer Banks Beach Fires' many appealing beach fire packages and mention Club Seaside to get 10% off your Beach Fire Package!