The Penthouse : Croatan Surf Club

Luxury Oceanfront 3 Bedroom Condo on the Outer Banks

Take an Adventure Tour To See the Corolla Wild Horses

The very northern tip of Corolla is home to about 60 wild horses that freely roam the 15,000 acres between this northern edge of Corolla and the Virginia State Line. No one knows for sure how the horses arrived on the Outer Banks, but many believe they came to the area with early European explorers. Adventure tours are available to see the horses either via suburban or via all terrain vehicles (ATVs). To experience the tour in a suburban, contact Wild Horse Safari at (252) 453-0877 or Bob's Off Road Wild Horse Adventure Tours at (252) 453-8602. If you are the more adventurous type and would rather view the horses from your own ATV, contact Corolla Outback Adventures at (252) 453-4484 or Back Country Outfitters & Guides at (252) 453-0877. However you decide to view the horses, remember they are wild, and you should stay at least 500 feet away, and do not feed or touch them.

Go Pier Fishing Off One of the Village Piers

There are numerous fishing piers that are located throughout the Outer Banks, and many anglers prefer the piers because they are relatively cheap to use and they can get to deeper waters without going out in a boat. Croakers, spot, sea mullet, red drum and cobia are commonly caught off the piers, depending on the time of year. Each pier sells bait and tackle and most of them have gear available for rent. There are fishing piers located in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Avon and Frisco. Daily rates to fish on the pier range from $6 to $8 and some piers offer 3-day or weekly passes at discounted rates.

Ride Go-Karts with Your Friends and Family

While you are on the Outer Banks, take the kids (or the adults!) for some go-kart riding. There are a few tracks to choose from and any of them are sure to provide lots of fun and laughter. The Colington Speedway in Kill Devil Hills has three tracks to choose from and can be reached at (252) 480-9144. Dowdy's Amusement Park is located in Nags Head and can be reached at (252) 441-5122. Finally, on Hatteras Island, Frisco Mini Golf & Go-Karts also offers a track for your enjoyment and can be reached at (252) 995-6325.

Embark on a Civil War Trail Journey

The Civil War plays a role in the history of the Outer Banks, and several historical markers will tell you the story. Along the Civil War Trail of the Outer Banks, you will find important monuments and displays reminiscent of the War. The historical marker for the Battle of Chicamacomico Races, which was the battle when the Confederacy attempted to reclaim Hatteras Island from the Union, is located across from the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe. Another part of Civil War history is the Freedmen's Colony in Manteo, which is located at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and was a colony set up after Union forces captured the island. For more information on other historical markers and sites, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Studio 12

Studio 12 is a small, locally owned pottery shop located on Highway 12 in Avon. They have many pieces of unfinished pottery. You pick the pottery piece that you would like to paint. You choose your colors and design and sit down and paint the pottery. The owners will fire and glaze your piece for you and send you on your way. What would make a better Outer Banks souvenir than a piece of pottery that you chose and painted yourself? You won't regret spending a few hours in Studio 12.

Hike on the Buxton Woods Nature Trail

If you want to get some exercise while you are in Buxton but aren't crazy about climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Buxton Woods Nature Trail is the place for you! The trailhead is just past the turnoff to the Lighthouse on the right side of the road. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills in a shaded area just beside the trailhead. The trail is a .75 mile loop that will take you through marshes, trees, grasses and wildlife. Cottonmouth snakes, which are fat, rough-scaled and look brown, yellow, gray or black, are prevalent in this area in the warm months, so give them their space. If you see one, let it get away. If it doesn't move, get away from it. The hike has a few small inclines and is a gravel trail with a few uneven spots, so is not recommended for disabled visitors or small children. Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Go Swimming in the Ocean

A favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe!

Go on an Adventure To View Local Shipwrecks

Because the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, there are some shipwrecks you can see during your visit. Many of the shipwrecks are on the ocean floor and only visible by scuba divers, but others are either onshore or in other land locations. The 1921 Shipwreck of the Schooner Laura A. Barnes is located on Coquina Beach, where it was placed for public display. The 1933 Shipwreck of the Schooner G.A. Kohler can be viewed at the edge of the surf at low tide at 4WD beach access Ramp #27 (between Avon and Salvo.) There are some other shipwrecks in the area as well. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Feed the Birds on the Beach

There are many species of sea birds that call the shores of the Outer Banks home. They normally eat fish, sea kelp and other interesting things that may wash onshore. One afternoon, buy a couple loaves of bread and head to the beach. There may be only a few birds in sight when you arrive, but throw some bread out to them and watch as the birds multiply in front of your eyes. If you are afraid of birds, you may not want to try this, because they LOVE food and aren't afraid to get too close to you!

Build a Sandcastle

When you stop in the local Outer Banks Reef or Wings souvenir store, buy your kids a bucket of beach toys that will assist in making a sandcastle. Plan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You will need a bucket, a shovel and other sand tools, as well as some water to keep the fine sand damp and sticky. Depending on the ages and skill levels of your children, you could have your own family sandcastle contest. You could choose a theme (movies, animals, etc.) and everyone could build their own sandcastle. No matter how the sandcastle(s) turn out, you are sure to have lots of laughs!

 

Kill Devil Hills Restaurants

Goombays Grill & Raw Bar
1608 N Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Mako Mike's
1630 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

The Pearl Oceanfront Fine Dining
1731 N Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Little Caesar's Pizza
1704 N Croatan Highway
Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Subway Sandwiches & Salads
1704 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

New York Bagels
1708 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

The Good Life Gourmet
1712 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Cold Stone Creamery
1716 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27949

Subway Sandwiches & Salads
1726 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

China King
1728 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar of Kill Devil Hills
1836 N Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC

Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop, Deli & Wine Shop
100 S Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Kill Devil Hills Shopping

North Carolina Books
1500 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Fashion Bug
1700 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Center
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

The Sheperd's Pets & Grooming
1700 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Sports Locker
1706 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

The Good Life Gourmet
1712 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Food Lion
1720 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Pilpel Beach Shop
1724 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Center
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Staples
1720 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Dollar Tree
1730 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Hairoics
1736 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Centre
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Atlantic Dance Studio & Boutique
1742 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Center
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks
1401 Harpoon Court
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Attractions

Avalon Fishing Pier
2111 N Virginia Dare Trail
Milepost 6
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Wright Brothers National Memorial
800 Colington Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Nags Head Woods Preserve & The Nature Conservancy
701 W Ocean Acres Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
701 W Ocean Acres Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Nags Head Fishing Pier
3309 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Dock of the Bay Marina
4200 Bob Perry Road
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
983 W Kitty Hawk Road
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 NC Highway 12
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Kitty Hawk Pier
5353 N Virginia Dare Trail
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

The Lost Colony
1409 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
374 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks Activities

Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf
1600 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Atlantic Dance Studio & Boutique
1742 N Croatan Highway
The Dare Center
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

R/C Theatres of the Outer Banks
1803 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Junior Lifeguard Program
2052 New Bern Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Garden of Beadin'
2200 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Glazin Go-Nuts Paint Your Own Pottery
2200 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Daredevils
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Destination Fun
1217 S Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Colington Speedway
1064 Colington Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Outer Banks Fishing Charters
200 Quail Lane
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Paradise Golf & Arcade
3300 N Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Coastal Helicopters, LLC
PO Box 715
Nags Head, NC 27959