When you hear the words "Kitty Hawk," what comes tomind?
If you're like most of us, you probably think of the WrightBrothers, the world-famous flight pioneers who flew the first powered airplanejust a few miles away at a site now called Kill Devil Hills.
But there's actually much more to Kitty Hawk than its legendaryaviation history. This beautiful Outer Banks town offers plenty to see and do -for families, couples, students, tour groups, and pretty much everyone else.
Spend a day here - or two or more - and see for yourself!
Start with a Scrumptious Breakfast
Hankering for a hearty morning meal? Kitty Hawk boastsseveral popular eateries that specialize in delectable daytime noshing:
- At Stack'Em HighPancakes (3801 North Croatan Highway), you can order everything from savorybacon, eggs, and sausage to fluffy flapjacks, waffles, and French toast. Not tomention specialty pancakes smothered in coconuts, blueberries, pecans,chocolate chips, and more! Try the legendary three-egg omelets, a big favoritewith locals and tourists.
- At Duck Donuts (5230North Virginia Dare Trail), you can sip rich Arabica coffee while nibblingwarm, freshly made donuts covered with your own custom choice of delicious drizzlesand toppings. You can even order donut sandwiches and sundaes loaded with yourpick of tasty toppings and fillings. No wonder this OBX cafe chain has become alocal legend!
- At Outer Bean Cafe (3701North Croatan Highway), you can fill up on luscious lattes, smoothies, and simple-yet-healthybreakfast fare... including tasty options for both meat lovers and vegans /vegetarians.
Take a Hike Through a Coastal Wonderland
Love the great outdoors? You're in luck. Just minutes awayfrom your rental, you'll find the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve - 1,824 gorgeousacres, bounded by Currituck Sound to the west and Kitty Hawk Bay to the south.
Here you can hike multiple trails amid lush maritime forest,grassy marshes, and brackish swampland. You can even launch a boat from apublic dock to access picturesque High Bridge Creek.
Choose from Countless Outdoor Activities
What's your pleasure? Hiking? Birding? Biking? Horsebackriding? Running? Kayaking? Windsurfing? Stand-up paddle boarding?
You can do all this and more in this pristine wooded reserve.And, while you're at it, you'll catch glimpses of all kinds of coastalwildlife. Be sure to bring along your camera!
To reach the reserve, park at either of two small parkinglots - one at David Paul Pruitt Park, the other at Sandy Run Park. Enter viathe multiuse path that runs along Woods Road.
Relive History with Fascinating Sightseeing
Of course, no trip to Kitty Hawk is truly complete without avisit to the Wright Brothers Memorial at 1000 North Croatan Highway in nearby KillDevil Hills.
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year 'round (except ChristmasDay), this interactive park lets you:
- Explore the pathway theWright brothers took to launch the first fuel-powered airplane.
- View the toweringnational monument commemorating that fabled flight.
- Tour authenticreproductions of the brothers' 1903 campgrounds.
- Examine a realisticreplica of the Wrights' legendary plane, authentic to the last detail.
- Plus see much more -from an interpretive Wright Brothers program to a gallery of famous aviators.
Refuel with a Fabulous Lunch
By now, you've probably worked up a hearty appetite. So, whynot grab a bite at a top-rated local bistro? Kitty Hawk offers plenty offamily-style options, many with oceanfront views and outdoor shoreside seating.Check out Rundown Cafe, Art's Place, Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill, andBlack Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant, among many others.
Visit Avalon Fishing Pier
Ready to walk off your lunch? Stroll along Avalon FishingPier at Mile Post 6 in Kill Devil Hills. Though it's just 700 feet long, thispopular pier provides endless colorful sights.
There's even a well-stocked bait-and-tackle shop, so if you'reup for some angling, you'll have everything right at your fingertips. Cast yourline for abundant mackerel, drum, pompano, sea trout, flounder, croaker,bluefish, and much more. Or simply take in the spectacular views across milesof open ocean.
Take the Kids to the Children @Play Museum
Are the little ones getting restless? Bring them to KittyHawk's Children@Play Museum (3810 North Croatan Highway) for an hour or more ofinteractive fun and games, with a focus on family-friendly learning. Idealactivity for a rainy afternoon!
Savor a Delicious OBX Dinner
Kitty Hawk offers dinner options for every palate andpreference.
Would you like to dine out at an elegant shorefront restaurant?Visit a local club for nightlife and live entertainment? Or simply carry sometasty takeout back to your OBX rental for a relaxing family supper? Whateveryou decide, it's sure to be truly memorable.
End with an Evening Stroll on the Shore
For the ultimate Kitty Hawk experience, take a post-dinnerseaside stroll along a beautiful public beach. There's nothing quite likerambling over soft, warm sand or wading through silvery waves as the sun setsover Currituck Sound.
Sounds heavenly, doesn't it? Start planning your Outer Banksgetaway now... and don't forget to include a fabulous day at Kitty Hawk!
