Guide: The Outerbanks with Very Stormy Weather

Summer is a great time to visit North Carolina’s threaded coast of the Outerbanks, however the truly adventurous should come over and explore this beautiful area when a hurricane or Nor’easter travels through. A little wind and rain won’t dampen the great itinerary you could create!

Comfortable, economical, well-kept, and right on the beach, the Ramada Plaza proudly hosts the brave. Wake up and jump into the indoor pool at your bedside before heading to the dining room for a complimentary breakfast, one specially granted by the card handed to you at check in. As an environmentally conscious hotel, the kitchen is not fully electrified during times of leakage, but a simple waffle, fruit, and bacon breakfast should get you off and running.

First stop at the Bodie Lighthouse down south on Route 12. Bring your camera, for the sky occasionally breaks to provide a beautiful backdrop for this mini magnificent. Considering the amount of wind and flooding, difficult looms over the drive to neighboring lighthouses, and the purchase of a three-pictured postcard including the Currituck and Hatteras Lighthouse at the Bodie Lighthouse Gift Shop should cure this tourist urge. If you brought your swim suit, feel free to jump into the Parking Lot Swimming Pool just feet in front of the gift shop.

If the flooding pulls down your spirits, head to higher ground up north at the Wright Brother Memorial, where a 360 degree view of the city, surrounding lands, and their devastation waits. 3:30 pm marks high tide and why not cool off with an afternoon swim.

The hang outs close for nothing, and a light, mint-colored restaurant, Tortugas Lie, continues to serve a solid beach driven menu year after year. Paper menus, mismatched plates, ceiling surfboards, and license plate covered walls complete the indoor flavor. Escape the weather for awhile at the Nag’s Head Bowling Center with a seven dollar pitcher of beer.

Remember to joke with the locals about the weather and they might look past your out of town status. When returning with wet clothes from vacation, you’ll boast great stories and pictures to share with friends and family.

(In all seriousness, the Ramada Plaza handled the situation very, very well. Great thanks to the staff)