Coming up with some great Valentine’s Day ideas can be stressful, even more so in these times. While things look and feel different, there’s still plenty of ways to reconnect with your significant other for a special day. Many of these recommendations can be done from the comfort of a vacation rental, inside your home, or by socially distanced outings.
Rent a seaside home
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There is no better way to start your Valentine’s Day than letting the rising sun slowly awaken your senses. Catch the warm rays peaking above the horizon by reserving one of the many oceanfront discounted vacation rental homes. Have a heart-felt holiday with the entire family in a seaside cottage as a getaway from the rut. There’s plenty of room to put the kids down the hall or even another floor for a private night in. For even cozier options, consider boutique waterfront hotels or for the adventurous type, reserve at spot beneath the Milky Way at Oregon Inlet Campground. Be sure to pack the s’mores and warm blankets!
Take a dreamy drive around the islands
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Once you’ve made it to the OBX, enjoy the ease of hopping in your car together and drive around Cape Hatteras National Seashore with views of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, Coquina Beach and more. Make another short trip to Jockey’s Ridge State Park where you can hand-in-hand walk the largest sand-dune on the East Coast. Enter into another National Park Service site and drive around the pylon atop "Big Kill Devil Hill" at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You can drive your car along the road that circles the hill and parking is located next to the picnic area beside First Flight Airport.
Book a day of R&R
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Feeling off-balance? Rejuvenate and relax by scheduling a couple’s massage at a spa. Enjoy the romantic ambiance with exceptional amenities with the assurance of proper cleaning, sanitation and disinfectant procedures throughout all areas of the business. A budget conscious option includes an at-home massage or filling your tub with essential oils and candles. Tip: Add beach waves sound effects to create an even more serene ambiance.
Culinary paradise
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There’s a long list of culinary gems in the Outer Banks and plenty of familiar grocery stores. Head to the nearest one to stock up on sweet chocolate treats or a bottle of bubbly and make your partner’s favorite dish for Valentine’s dinner. Or keep it simple by running out to grab a prepared meal from our restaurants offering takeout or delivery. Be sure to call ahead for special romantic holiday menus or altered hours of operations. If you are looking for a more unique experience, pack a picnic spread and take your partner to the enchanting maritime forests in Pea Island, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Buxton or Frisco. Scope out a secluded spot that overlooks live oaks woods or marshes that harbor migratory birds. Be sure to follow park rules and collect trash, leaving only you and your lover’s footprints.
Virtually escape to sandy shorelines
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For those staying home this year, virtually bring the romance of the Outer Banks to your home. Watch a special sunrise from the comfort of your own bed through our live webcams. Catch the colorful action just above the waves and hear the seaside wind without the worry of being overcrowded. Later in the afternoon, turn on those mood-setting tunes, put on that special outfit (which really means comfy sweatpants) and stream the major motion picture Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. You can even drive by the real oceanfront cottage portrayed in the film on your next trip to Hatteras Island.
All in all, the Outer Banks is a romantic heaven that merits a pin on your map of exploration. For relaxation and recharging, renewal or meditation, treat your loved one’s or even just yourself to a fond retreat this Valentine’s Day.
