Ciera Casper – Outer Banks Blue's Vacation Tips

Outer Banks Restaurants with a View

There are so many restaurants to choose from on the Outer Banks but some of the best come with spectacular views of the ocean or sound from sunrise to sunset. Here are our top 10 favorite restaurants to go to enjoy the view and a delicious meal! READ MORE

Dog Friendly Restaurants in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is one of the most enjoyable, dog-friendly vacation destinations. There are plenty of parks, trails, and of course the beach. What many people don’t realize is there is also a delightful selection of dog friendly restaurants to choose from. That way you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind. Here are 10 restaurants, from Corolla to Manteo, that your furry friend can dine with you.

1. Bacchus Wine and Cheese

Enjoy a delicious deli sub or wrap and choose from the various wines to try while your pup relaxes in the shade on in the outdoor eating area.

2. Corolla Cantina

The large outdoor patio makes this a wonderful place to bring Fido to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

3. The Roadside Bar and Grille

If you are out walking the pup around Duck be sure to stop by The Roadside Bar and Grille. Enjoy a delicious meal on the patio or head out back to the “Backside Bar” for a refreshing drink and live music.

4. Aqua

Enjoy a scrumptious meal for lunch or dinner on the waterfront patio with Fido. Try to go at sunset, the views are amazing!

5. Art’s Place

Stop in for the best burger on the beach and be sure to get on for Fido too! Watch the waves from the rooftop bar or enjoy some tunes in the backyard.

6. John’s Drive In

Come as you are and enjoy one of their mouthwatering milkshakes or their famous dolphin boats. Your pup will also enjoy their yummy puppy cup!

7. BK Shuckers

With their two-level outdoor patio, you can enjoy some delicious oysters, watch the game, and spend time with Fido all at the same time.

8. Mulligans

There is space for everyone with their doggy dining area outside. Stop in for lunch or dinner.

9. The Sugar Shack READ MORE

Super-Cool Kid Activities on the Outer Banks

When you think of vacationing in the Outer Banks the first thing that comes to mind is probably beach related activities. What you may not realize is the Outer Banks is consistently ranked one of the best family destinations and offers some super-cool kid activities not found elsewhere. READ MORE

Outer Banks Restaurants with Outdoor Eating

When on vacation in the Outer Banks you want to be at the beach and enjoying the scenery as much as possible. That’s why there are so many places to enjoy the outdoors while dining out on the Outer Banks. While we missed a few here are some of our favorite places where you can enjoy some amazing food with a view.

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room. Located in the Timbuck II Shopping Village, Mike Dianna’s, offers a large outdoor deck with a bar and live music nightly in season. They also serve lunch daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. While enjoying one of their signature steaks you will also be able to enjoy the sunset over the sound.

Every day should start with a good breakfast because as we all know it is the most important meal of the day. But not all breakfast spots are equal and some stand out more than others. Here are our top 8 breakfast places where you can find all your morning favorites.

Sam & Omie’s

First on our list and longtime local favorite we have Sam and Omie’s. Located across the street from Jennette’s Pier and known for their Sunday brunch. Be sure to try the “omie”lettes or the crab and eggs benedict.

Henry’s

Next up we have Henry’s, family-owned and operated since 1989. Some of my favorites include their home-style hot cakes, biscuits and gravy, or their seafood omelet. Even if you are getting a late start breakfast is available until 1 PM!

Duck Donuts

Of course we had to include Duck Donuts! You cannot make a trip to the Outer Banks without stopping here! All donuts are made to order so you don’t have to get up early and rush to get them while they are hot and fresh. Whether you keep it simple with a vanilla iced donut or go all out with a maple iced donut and bacon on top you cannot go wrong!

Nags Head Pier House Restaurant

If you are wishing to enjoy your morning cup of coffee while looking over the ocean and hearing the waves crash on the beach, then Nags Head Pier House Restaurant is the place for you. You must try their pancakes or home fries, they are delicious! Also, their seafood omelette is one of the best on the beach. Come early because there is typically a wait for breakfast, especially on Sundays.

Bob’s Grill

Known for their catchy slogan “Eat and Get the Hell Out,” Bob’s Grill has one of the best (and my personal favorite) breakfast on the beach. They have a large variety of stuffed omelettes and voted best hashbrowns on the beach. My personal favorites include their French toast or their HUGE (bigger than the plate) blueberry pancakes. With breakfast served till 2 PM you do not have to rush to get there in the morning!

Grits Grill

Take a step back in time at Grills Grill, a 60’s themed diner complete with retro pink and green vinyl. Serving a southern style breakfast until 2 PM daily. Not only do they have the best and fluffiest biscuits on the beach they also have Krispy Kreme donuts! These go quickly so get there early! Also, be sure to try their biscuits and gravy or their famous “Kiss Our Grits” platter.

The Jolly Roger

Known for their pirate memorabilia, Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling, and of course their breakfast is The Jolly Roger. Located on the beach road in Kill Devil Hills, the Jolly Roger is another longtime local favorite. Their breakfast platters are huge and affordable and their pancakes are the size of a dinner plate! Be sure to get their home fries and toast with your meal, both are made in house and are delicious.

Lighthouse Bagels & Deli

Serving up the best breakfast in Corolla is Lighthouse Bagels & Deli. With over 15 different kinds of bagels and made-from-scratch donuts you can find something for everyone. They also offer hot off the grill breakfast sandwiches and amazing cinnabuns and scones. Get there early because they are known to sell out of bagels by late morning.

There you have it! These are our top breakfast places on the Outer Banks and ones we often recommend. With so many great places to choose from I am sure we missed other great breakfast spots. Do you have an all-time breakfast favorite that we didn’t mention?

The Cure For Your Sweet Tooth While Visiting The Outer Banks

If you are anything like me you plan your vacation around where you are going to eat. One of my favorite things to do on vacation is treat myself to a little something sweet. In the Outer Banks there are many places to go to cure your sweet tooth, but here are my top 4 favorite places.

First on our list is Duck Donuts. You cannot make a trip to the Outer Banks without stopping here. Whether you keep it classic with the vanilla iced donut with rainbow sprinkles or go all out with a maple iced donut with bacon on top you cannot go wrong. All donuts are made to order so you do not have to get up early and rush to get them while they are hot and fresh. With four locations, from Corolla to Kill Devil Hills, no matter where you stay in the Outer Banks Duck Donuts is only a short drive away.

Number two on our list is a long time local favorite, John’s Drive In, whose been serving the Outer Banks since 1977. Even though there may be a wait, and the parking can be a little difficult, it is totally worth it. With a large variety of flavors to choose from you are bound to cure that milkshake craving you’ve been having all summer long. This is the perfect treat to take with you to the beach. Don’t forget to pair this tasty treat with one of their famous dolphin boats.

Newer to the area but making a big wave is a frozen yogurt shop located on the beach road in Nags Head called Surfin’ Spoon. Frozen yogurt is a yummy and healthy alternative to ice cream. Surfin’ Spoon also has at least one vegan flavor to choose from at all times. From fresh fruit to sour candies Surfin’ Spoon has toppings to cure sweet cravings. Whether you bike, walk, or drive be sure to stop in and check out Surfin’ Spoon on your next trip to the Outer Banks.

Last on our list we have Big Bucks Homemade Ice Cream. With over 50 flavors to choose from and made fresh daily they are bound to have something for everyone. Not only do they have great ice cream but they also offer fresh fruit smoothies, an espresso bar, and a large variety of candies. Do you have a special event such as an anniversary or birthday during your vacation? Don’t worry! Big Bucks has you covered with specialty ice cream cakes. Big Bucks is conventionally located in Corolla, Kitty Hawk and Manteo.

Even though there are many more places to cure your sweet tooth on the Outer Banks, these local shops are some of my personal favorites on the beach. From ice cream to candies, and fresh hot donuts, this list cures my sweet tooth every time.

Is there a place that you like to go while you are on vacation in the Outer Banks to cure your sweet tooth?

Author: Ciera Casper