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Take a Bike Ride in the Salty Ocean Air

Bike riding is a popular way to exercise while on vacation on the Outer Banks, as it allows you to enjoy the nature and salt air at the same time. Highways 12 and 158 are busy highways, so only ride on them if you are an experienced rider. It is best to ride on side streets or in areas where there are separate bike paths. Corolla, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island do not have any designated bike paths but do have extended shoulders on Highway 12. Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Roanoke Island have separate designated bike paths in either some or all areas. Don't forget to wear your safety helmet. For information on bike rentals, kiddie carts and pull-behind bikes for children, contact Ocean Atlantic Rentals at one of their four locations. Contact Corolla at (252) 453-2440, Duck at (252) 261-4346, Nags Head at (252) 441-7823 or Avon at (252) 995-5868.

Go Sailing in the Calm Sound Waters

The good news about sailing on the Outer Banks is that you no longer have to own your own sailboat to partake in this activity. Many local shops offer sailboat lessons, rentals, excursions and charters! If you have never sailed before, don't attempt to rent one until you have had lessons. The winds on the Outer Banks are tricky and you could end up miles from shore if you aren't careful. For more information, contact Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Carolina Outdoors is another option and can be reached at the Duck location at (800) 334-4777 or the Avon location at (252) 995-6060.

Visit the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, located on Roanoke Island, was designated as a National Historic Site in 1941. Situated on more than 500 acres, this location offers a sound side beach, the Fort Raleigh Visitor Center and nature trails. The Visitor Center is home to a small museum with interpretive exhibits, and this site is a must-see for American history enthusiasts. Self-guided tours or tours led by knowledgeable National Park Service staff are available. The Site is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week (hours are extended during the summer months.) For more information, contact Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at (252) 473-5772.

Sleep with the Windows Open and Hear the Ocean Breeze

When you are at home and have a window open, what kind of noises do you hear? Honking car horns? Emergency vehicle sirens? People talking on the street? While you are at the Outer Banks, try sleeping with the windows open. Chances are on most nights, if you are within a mile of the ocean, you will be able to hear the sound of the ocean. You can hear sounds similar to relaxation CDs that are sold in stores just by opening your window. Try it - you will love it!

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. The tallest brick lighthouse at 208 feet, it survived a move of more than 1,600 feet away from the eroding shoreline in 1999. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year. There are daily lighthouse tours, and the ticket booth opens each day at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are only available for the date of purchase, and tours normally sell out by noon each day. The cost to climb the lighthouse is $6 for adults and $3 for children and Senior Citizens. The climb is a tough one with several winding staircases, but the breathtaking views from the top will be something you will never forget. There is also a visitor center and bookstore on the premises, located in the former keepers' quarters.

Taste Authentic German Food and Beer at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery

The Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, located in Jarvisburg at 6810 Caratoke Highway, offers authentic German-brewed beer, a deli featuring a variety of smoked meat for sale, and a German cafe/deli. The Weeping Radish is proud to be North Carolina's oldest micro brewery, with all beers brewed with only water, hops and barley. Brewery Tours are available each week at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery. The Farmer to Fork Butchery at Weeping Radish features brats, beer brats, apple brats, sweet potato liverwurst, salami, bacon, and more. The Deli Cafe serves draft beer and samples from the Butchery. For more information, contact the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery at (252) 491-5205.

Tour the Historic Corolla Village

The original village of Corolla began to grow in 1875 after the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built. By 1890, the small village had 200 residents, but population declined during and after World War II. Corolla was home to just a few residents until the 1980s, when the development of the Currituck Outer Banks started with a public paved road. Today, visitors can tour Schoolhouse Lane and Corolla Village Lane to get a taste of the original Corolla Village. Visitors can view the Corolla Schoolhouse and other historic homes that have since been restored and turned into local shops. Take a step back in time and visit Historic Corolla Village!

Visit the Nags Head Hammocks Store Near You

Nags Head Hammocks is an original Outer Banks store that crafts original rope hammocks, swings and chairs, as well as their own curved cypress hammock stands and hammock swing stands. All of their products are handcrafted in their seven stores, all located on the Outer Banks. Their products have become well-known for their comfort, durability and attention to detail. All of their locations put several pieces on display for you to test. If you are unable to purchase one of these great items during your stay on the Outer Banks, you also have the option to purchase on-line at their web site. For more information, you may contact Nags Head Hammocks at (800) 344-6433.

Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

While you are in the northern Outer Banks, stop by the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and climb the 214 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Once at the top, you will be able to get a close-up view of the 50,000 candlepower lamp that is visible for 18 nautical miles. Much like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the stairs to the top are narrow and winding, but the unlimited views from the top are an excellent reward. Visitors may climb the lighthouse for a fee of $6, and children less than eight years old climb for free. The lighthouse is open daily from Easter through Thanksgiving.

Drive-Thru a Brew Thru Convenience Store

You've heard of drive-thru fast food restaurants, but have you ever been to a drive-thru gas station and convenience store? The Outer Banks is home to the original Brew Thru, which is a local chain of drive-thru gas station/convenience stores where you will find friendly service, great prices and the unique Brew Thru apparel - all without having to leave the comfort of your car! There are four Brew Thru locations to serve you, located between Corolla and Nags Head. Drive thru and check them out!