These Towns in the Outer Banks Have The Best Main Streets
Nice, pleasant weather that rarely goes to extremes. Incredible friendliness. Quiet, small towns that are implausibly rich in history. Amazing hunting and fishing opportunities. These are some of the factors that make North Carolina in general, and the Outer Banks in particular, worth lacing up for. And that is not to mention the cascading sand dunes, the miles of scenic trails, and the out-of-the-world beaches. Add all these to the string of picturesque barrier islands that are choke-full of things to see and do, then the Outer Banks immediately appears as one of America’s most underrated regions. And while the Outer Banks may not boast of heart-sinking mountains, it boasts a couple of heart-stirring main streets. Discover 8 towns in the Outer Banks with the best main streets.
Rodanthe
A town that served as the inspiration and setting for the heart-rending Nights In Rodanthe is going to be something other than colorless or lacklustre. Tucked away at the northernmost edge of Hatteras Island, Rodanthe boasts a population of less than 200. Undiscovered for a long time until American writer Nicholas Sparks put it on the pop culture map with his page-turner, Rodanthe’s post-card beauty is such as will leave any first-time visitor impressed. Part neighborhood; part town, Rodanthe’s downtown area is not the typical cobblestoned ones with shopping options on either side—but a cluster of fabulous, oceanfront mansions, a famous fishing pier, a gorgeous beach, and whistling waves. While the pier is a famous lure, because of its exceptional fishing opportunities and the amazing ocean views it accords, another Rodanthe highlight is the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. This venue will make one partly understand why the Outer Banks is called “the Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
Duck
Instead of big retail chains, a first-time visitor to Duck will be confronted with a delightful array of family-owned shops—where the shopping experience is more intimate and personal. Boasting a population of just about 700, this Outer Banks charmer is the place to be for those craving some elbow room or an abundance of a small-town feel. While the town has several attractions worth checking out, its amazing boardwalk should be the first port of call. While not long, and probably not even more than a mile in length, strolling through the Duck Boardwalk is a romantic adventure that will be overly rewarding. That is not to mention the chance to grab one of the most gorgeous views of the sun as it sinks out of the North Carolina sky. Moreover, with several shopping and dining options within easy reach, Duck’s Boardwalk will effortlessly meet the needs of most vacationers. Don’t miss the peaceful, 11-acre Town Park that features both an amphitheater and a gazebo.
Nags Head
The downtown area of Nags Head is famous for its beautiful, oceanfront rentals, its inviting restaurants serving delicacies that often leave taste buds running wild, and of course, its famous beach. Nags Head Beach is spacious, sparkling clean, and delightfully picturesque. The town’s walkable downtown area also features a beautiful pier: Nags Head Fishing Pier. However, one may want to opt for Jennette Pier, located about 5 miles to the south. Regarded as the Outer Banks' first pier, this private pier is enormous — and is by far the largest and longest pier in the Outer Banks. This beautiful pier features a gift shop, a coffee shop, and a small aquarium. Also, before signing out from Nags Head, catch a glimpse of the 156-foot-tall Body Island Lighthouse whose peaceful surroundings and green spaces add to its charm and allure. Then again, nobody really visits Nags Head without exploring the Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune on the Eastern Board.
Manteo
Whether it is the beautiful red-brick houses, the green lawns in between — and in front of the buildings, the trees that line the streets, or the open-front restaurants, Manteo’s downstreet is hands-down one of the most gorgeous in North Carolina, let alone the Outer Banks. Then again Manteo’s downstreet is pleasurably spacious and walkable and is often uncrowded— a far cry from the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that usually make America's downstreets hounds of hell. And since the downstreet is a few easy steps from the beach, one is never far away from the calming breezes and amazing views typical of such settings. For those who are up to it, the Manteo Boardwalk is a fine way to take in the panoramic views that encircle the beach on all sides.
Kitty Hawk
For many first-time visitors to the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is often the first town they meet after crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge. There are different versions as to how this North Carolina stunner got its name. The most plausible theory, however, refers to the type of goose then popular with hunters in the area. Incorrectly regarded as the birthplace of aviation (that honor goes to Kill Devil Hills), Kitty Hawk for many years was the largest town in the Outer Banks. Today, the town boasts a population of about 3,800 and features a delightful array of oceanfront vacation rentals, classy restaurants, quaint stores, and other shopping options. Spanning an area of just about eight miles, the town’s sandy beach is one of its claims to fame. Otherwise, it will be necessary to savor some shrimp cocktail at the inappropriately-named Rundown Cafe — before heading to the boardwalk at Sandy Run Park — or the desolate trails at Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve.
Ocracoke
This gem of a town is nestled between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean — on the island with which it shares a name. First-time visitors should brace themselves for a pirate-themed trip since Ocracoke was the hideout of Edward Teach, one of the most infamous pirates to have ever stalked the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. One of America’s most dreaded pirates would eventually be gunned down at a place that today is known as Teach’s Hole. First-time visitors in the trail of Blackbeard, as Edward Teach was known, will find such pirate-themed spots as the Pirates Chest Gift Shop, arguably the best place for souvenirs and beach nick-nacks in town. For those craving some mouthwatering tuna, however, an hour or two at Howard's Pub will be mindblowing.
Kill Devil Hills
The downtown area of Kill Devil Hills, the largest town in the Outer Banks by population, is also among the most beautiful in the area. Featuring many restaurants, some of which are fascinatingly quirky—and brim with character — this North Carolina jewel boasts an amazing dining landscape. To sample the town’s culinary scene, The Jolly Roger Restaurant, which styles itself as the Outer Banks' original Italian restaurant, serves delectable food in an awesome environment. History nerds will particularly want to explore a town reputed to be the birthplace of aviation. And since it sits at the center of the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills is the perfect base from which to explore the different ends of the Outer Banks.
Avon
Previously named “Kinnakeet,” an Algonquin word which means “that which is mixed,” Avon is still a mix of the new and the old. Home to just about 300 residents today, and curled up in the heart of Hatteras Island, this North Carolina gem was for a long time the busiest town on the island. Encircled by swathes of live oaks and cedars, Avon’s trees point to its boatbuilding history. This town plays host to Food Lion, the only grocery store on Hatteras Island. Though most times busy, for the lack of alternatives around, Food Lion is clean and well-stocked, and will meet the expectations of a vacationer. Avon’s downtown is also home to many inviting restaurants, gift shops, and a fishing pier.
The Takeaway
That the Outer Banks is a spectacular slice of paradise is not in doubt. If one is looking for a hideaway close to the ocean, a region on the East Coast ideal for island hopping, the Outer Banks would by default be anyone’s choice. Then again, this underrated strip is dotted with several awe-inspiring towns that ooze charm and character. Moreover, the downtown areas of Outer Banks towns — are just as spectacular. From Duck to Avon, Manteo to Ocracoke, a downtown explorer visiting the Outer Banks will be spoilt for choice.
