Photo taken by the Matt side of @mattifer and used with permission
Travel on a Budget
The Outer Banks, or the OBX as people in the know call them, are a chain of small islands just off the coast of North Carolina. During the peak of tourist season, April - September, the shores will be bustling with people kite boarding, wind surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, diving, and simply soaking up the sunshine. As the season comes to a close though, many of those activities are no longer as accessible, not to mention, they are quite expensive. What's a tourist on a budget supposed to do in the OBX then? Read on to find out.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic
If you like to see ancient artifacts recovered from deep within the ocean, be sure to stop by the North Carolina Maritime Museum at the southern tip of Hatteras Island. Inside, you'll find tons of nautical treasures, from bells to lighthouses, to old cannon balls. The museum is free to the public and is sure to entertain.
The Okracoke Ferry
If you don't feel like chartering an expensive fishing boat to take you out to sea, try hopping on the Okracoke Ferry instead. The ferry trip is free whether you take your vehicle, your bike, or just yourself. On the 45 minute trip to the next island, you'll skirt a crab sanctuary (although it's not much to look at) and you'll have some of the best sunset views imaginable if you time your trip just right. Once you get to Okracoke Island, it's a 13 mile journey to civilization, so it may be best to bring a vehicle, or at least a bike.
Wild Ponies of Okracoke
On your way to the village of Okracoke, you'll see signs advertising the wild ponies of Okracoke. It's free to stop and look at them, although if you want to use the provided telescope there is a nominal fee. These particular ponies looked more like horses to me, although I'm no specialist in such things. They also didn't look so wild, but I hear there truly are wild horses roaming the OBX further north in the area of Corolla.
Mermaids rejoice! In the town of Okracoke, and really everywhere in the OBX, mermaids are welcome. I take this as a friendly reminder that you are free to 'let your hair down' and simply enjoy the natural wonders the ocean has to offer. Don't worry mermen, you are welcome too!
Commune with Nature
In the OBX, there is plenty of wildlife. Stay still on the beach for a few minutes and you're sure to see crabs scuttling out of their little holes, darting about and looking for food. There is an endless parade of birds splashing about in the tide and the occasional pelican dipping down to snatch a fish fresh from the ocean. You'll find snails crawling about on the land and their close cousins the hermit crabs crawling about in the surf. Wherever you look, there is something fascinating to watch close by.
Beach Combing
While there are plenty of critters to enjoy, there are probably more inanimate things to discover on the shores of the OBX. Daily, the tides wash up interesting driftwood, such as the one above covered in barnacles. In addition to driftwood, you'll find sea shells, beach glass, and the occasional shark-toothed dolphin vertebrae resting in the sand. You never know what the ocean will wash up, so be sure to stay alert.
After so much free fun, you're probably ready to head back for a little nap or bite to eat. On the way, be sure to check out the impressively large beach houses. Each house is named and they typically accommodate 2-3 families easily. You'll notice some interesting architectural features, such as the homes being built on stilts and having the garage as the lower level of the building. This is to minimize damages during the frequent storms in the OBX.
Lounge Poolside
Once home, chances are good you have access to a swimming pool. Since this is the off season, the ocean itself may be a bit too cold to take a dip, or the seas might be just bit too rough to swim in, so relaxing by the pool can be a great free option. If you are fortunate enough to have rented a home with a pool, be sure to find out if it will be heated during your stay.
Wine Tasting at Pamlico Deli
After a busy day of sigh-seeing and lounging, you may want to head to the Pamlico Deli in Frisco for the Thursday evening wine tasting. The Pamlico Deli specializes in hand curated meats and cheeses as well as offering an impressive selection of wine. The owner is a knowledgeable sommelier who loves to share wine with his patrons. During the free wine tasting, you'll learn about and sample 5-7 different wines along with a variety of appetizers specially selected to pair well with the wines. If you are looking for a chance to mingle with locals, this is the place to do it.
Epic Sunrises and Sunsets
Finally, be sure to make time to check out both the sunrise and the sunset. The sun will rise over the ocean side, as seen in the pic above. There is something incredible about the freshly swept beach as the sun just begins to peek over the horizon. It's worth getting up in the wee hours of the morning to experience it. The sunset over the sound is just as fabulous, and doesn't require quite as much effort timing-wise.
Thanks for joining me for a free day in the OBX. For help booking your own budget vacation, find me at Travel Life Services.
Happy Travels!
Jennifer
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