Adult Getaway on the OBX

There’s the centuries-old town of Manteo with its family-owned shops and restaurants, longstanding landmarks and storybook B&Bs. But for all of its historic charm, Manteo looks forward, too, with The Outer Banks’ first distillery and small luxury boutiques and stylish stores. 

The beaches have just as much variety. They range from rolling sand dunes to the legendary Big Kill Devil Hill in the then town of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers first took flight – and flying is still the tradition here. Nags Head is a popular spot for hang gliders, both long-timers and first-timers. There are miles of quiet beach that you can walk on, or even drive on with a 4x4 and proper permits. Once there, it’s not unusual to have a romantic stretch of shore all to yourself. For golfers looking to tee it up on The Outer Banks, there’s the Duck Woods Country Club and its 18-hole championship course that runs through beautiful woodlands and natural wetlands. The Scottish-style course at Nags Head Golf Links sits along the Roanoke Sound and provides stunning sights at every hole. Further north, you'll find the Sanderling Resort with breathtaking beachfront accommodations and fine dining.

Our golf courses are perhaps only outdone in beauty by the Elizabethan Gardens – 10 full acres of flowers and flora from both the New World and Old World. The historic site is the namesake of Queen Elizabeth I and includes incredible connections to British royalty. An English rose bush, for example, was donated by Queen Elizabeth II herself, straight from the royal family’s rose garden at Windsor Castle. Explore all The Outer Banks has to offer, start planning now. View our Bucket List here for more ways to step outside your box.