Saturday Sojourn...

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina



Today I used the site Dart on Map to find a place to check out, it landed on a great spot I had never heard of called Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina.  Kill Devil Hills is located on the barrier islands known as the outer banks and the name dates back to the Colonial Era.  The coast line was a popular spot for merchant ships transporting Rum, and when one would become disabled the inhabitants would go out to the ship and remove the cargo before it sank and hide the Rum behind the sand dunes.  They said the Rum was strong enough to kill the Devil, thus the area became known as Kill Devil Hills.  And despite near by Kitty-hawks reputation Kill Devil Hills is the actual site of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the siblings' four powered airplane flights of Thursday, December 17, 1903. Orville returned in 1911, and on October 25 he set a new world glider record, remaining in the air 10 minutes and 34 seconds, soaring against the wind with very little forward movement.

Well there is a little background, lets land a room.  You can stay ocean front at the Quality Inn Carolina Oceanfront.  The guest rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, safes and cable television with free HBO. Select rooms also have balconies, desks and sofa sleepers.  A bar/lounge is on site at the hotel where guests can unwind with a drink, a complimentary breakfast is offered and High-speed wireless Internet is complimentary.  Visiting during the off season you should be able to find a room under $100.00 per night.  If you are a Choice Privileges member and book soon you will earn bonus reward points.

Unpack and start to explore the area, besides the beach you are very near the Wright Brothers national memorial.  "Containing a recently refurbished replica of the original Wright Flyer as well as other memorabilia of the First Flight, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Visitor Center commemorates one of America's historic moments.  A nearby sand dune supports the Memorial Pylon, which locals simply refer to as "The Monument".   On the extensive grounds around the visitor center/museum there are historical markers and a reconstructed hanger and shop. (free)

True nature lover?  Check out the Nags Head Wood Preserve not far up the road.  This 1,092 acres offers beautiful hiking trails that are open dawn to dusk every day for foot traffic only. Leashed pets, horses and bicycles are not allowed on the trails but are welcome on the gravel roadway.  With in the Preserve you will find a rare Maritime Deciduous Forest, Maritime Swamp Forest, Maritime Shrub Forest and Interdunal Ponds laced together with quite a few trails.  There is over 300 plant species, 50 birds species as well as many reptiles and amphibians.  Be sure to wear good hiking shoes, bring some water and download a map of the trails to take with on your adventure. (free)

For the shopper there are some great deals to be had at the Tanger Outlet just a few minutes from the hotel.  Be sure to check out the coupon section of their site for anything you my be interested in. If you join the TangerClub you will also get a free coupon book each time you visit a Tanger Outlet as well as seasonal specials, birthday rewards and gift cards.

If you love fishing you will have no problem finding a fishing charter to take you out to saltwater fish, or you can take the long walk down the Avalon Pier with your own gear and try your luck. Anywhere you fish be sure to check the regulations, here are the rules for North Carolina's Salt Water fishing.

One of my favorite foods is seafood and when you stay someplace near the water its nice to find places with the fresh stuff!  According to TripAdvisor a great place for seafood is Crabby Fries, located less than one mile from the hotel.  Their menu features all day breakfast, steamed seafood, burgers and hand cut fries.  If yo are looking for something more on the romantic side check out The Pearl, they serve dinner and Sunday Brunch and feature a more traditional fine dining experience.  If you are looking for something fun to take the kids to then check out The Jolly Roger who features fresh caught local seafood, steaks, prime rib and reportedly the most famous breakfast on the beach.

I hope you are all having a great weekend!  I would love to hear about your favorite vacation, where was it and what did you do?  Next week I will let you know how the swap went, we will have another swap starting on the 25th of June.

C.Q.