I have been at the Outer Banks about the same time frame in May for the last two years – about the second or third week of May, and both times it has been junky weather. There has not been much of any sun, the wind is blowing like crazy, and the rain seems to keep coming.

So, when you are vacationing in a spot where the beach truly is the main attraction, what else is there to do when you can’t go to the beach? Here are some ideas to help you make it through your vacation and not think that you picked the worst week to come to the Outer Banks. Of course, these depend on the different weather conditions you may be having – rain, overcast, windy, cold, etc.

• Mini Golf – probably the most obvious and easiest one to check off your list while on vacation. As soon as your cross onto the Island, you are hit with a ton of different options to play mini golf at. There is the grass mini golf course, the lost treasure course, and even the courses where you can play all day for one low price. No matter which course you choose, you should have a good time – remember you are on vacation, so do not take the game too seriously. Here is a recent listing of the mini-golf courses on the Outer Banks, including their phone number and location:

Miniature Golf Courses
(252) 261-4900 - The Promenade (Kitty Hawk)
(252) 261-0101 - Bermuda Greens (Kitty Hawk)
(252) 441-7626 - The Grass Course (Kitty Hawk) (252) 480-0142 - Lost Treasure Golf (Kill Devil Hills)
(252) 441-5875 - Pink Elephant Mini Golf (Nags Head)
(252) 441-4541 - Blackbeard’s Miniature Golf Park (Nags Head)
(252) 441-6841 - Jurassic Putt (Nags Head)
(252) 995-5480 - Avon Golf (Avon)
(252) 995-6366 - Cool Wave Ice Cream Shop & Mini Golf (Buxton)
(252) 453-4198 - The Grass Course (Corolla)

• Go To The Movies – now, do not think that you will be the only family there. As soon as the clouds come out and the rain starts, the movie theatre gets lined up. Being the only theatre now, it will be busy, so either buy your tickets online at Fandango or get there early. You can call the theatre for movie times or check them online. Since it is now the only theatre, they are featuring the newest movies that come out, so go enjoy the show and some popcorn.

• Wright Brothers Memorial Monument and Museums – If you are a history buff or just interested in doing some of the “touristy” things and seeing the sights, check out the Wright Brothers Memorial. Ever since the centennial celebration, they have added a bunch of newer museums and exhibits. The current price is $4/person but for many, it is worth it. Make the climb up to the monument and get some great pictures with the kids where the first flight took place! For more information about fees and hours, visit the National Park Website for the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

• Hit the Outlet Mall – OBX does not have a lot of chain/commercial shopping, but a lot of smaller boutique type stores. So, if you don’t want to drive from store to store (even though they are not that far apart), you can always make your way to the Outlet mall. The mall features many of the favorites and usuals that you would expect at any Outlet mall include Polo, Nautica, Coach, Bass shoes, and much more. This is definitely a spot where you could spend a bit of a cloudy afternoon getting in some retail therapy! Check out the Tanger Outlets website for hours and a full list of stores: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/nagshead

• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – If you are a fan of the beach, the ocean, and animals, then you and your family should make your way to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The Aquarium is the largest in the state and features a 285,000 gallon ocean tank complete with sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of fish. The Outer Banks Aquarium is located on Airport Road just three miles north of Manteo off of Highway 64. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and feedings happen around 3 PM. For more detailed information, you can visit their website: http://www.ncaquariums.com/ri/riindex.htm
  

What do you like to do when it is bad weather along OBX? We will be posting more ideas for cloudy day fun as the summer goes along! Also, be on the lookout for more restaurant reviews and other things to do.

• McDonald’s
• Wendy’s
• Burger King
• Taco Bell
• Arby’s
• KFC

Most of them are located around the 9 Milepost along the Bypass highway.

Some “slower” fast food joints include Sonic and Five Guys.

However, I encourage you to check out some of the local favorite quick lunch spots including Pigman’s BBQ, Spanky’s Hot Dogs, Kill Devil Grill, and others.

Slammin’ Sammy’s has set up a great restaurant on the Outer Banks just around the 10 1/2 Milepost on the Bypass (or Highway). If you are looking for good food and a good time, this is this one place to eat while you are on your vacation at the Outer Banks.

You can check out their website for their full menu online, but they carry the usual American foods (burgers, chicken, steak, etc) as well as some excellent seafood. Check out the full menu here.

The restaurant and bar also features some games to keep you busy while hanging out with your buddies or when you are waiting to be seated. They have Shuffleboard, 2 8′ pool tables, Golden Tee Golf Live, EA Sports PGA Golf, 2 Mega touches, Daytona 500, Crane game & a jukebox.

And, of course, you can buy t-shirts and other items while there!

The pier also has a great offer to cook up the fish that you catch off the pier! Check out their website at www.nagsheadpier.com for more information about the pier, their restaurant, and you can even view a webcam of the ocean and pier.

Nags Head Fishing Pier
P.O. Box 7
Nags Head, NC 27959
Main: 252-441-5141 | Restaurant: 252-441-4200

Places we will highlight include:

• Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Sand Dunes
• Hatteress Island Light House
• Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
• Different Mini Golf Courses
• Kitty Hawk Kites shopping complex
• Duck and Corolla
• Ocracoke

And of course much more! Keep a look out for it coming soon.

Some of these include

• Sam and Omies
• Slammin’ Sammy’s
• Awful Arthurs
• The Nags Head Pier and Restaurant
• Sunburn Bar
• Bob’s Grill
• Spanky’s

And of course much more as time goes on!

Stay tuned over the next couple months as this site really starts to get some content built up!