Growing up on the Outer Banks has given me an amazing perspective of not only the real estate market, but the things that make our island and our community so special. It is why you continue to come to our little strip of sand year after year, generation after generation; whether as a vacationer or a homeowner. As a client, I strive to give you not only the best service when it comes to buying or selling real estate, but also to give you an insider’s guide to the Outer Banks that you won’t find in any tour guide. I’ve partnered up with local resident Amanda McDanel, of Four If By Sea on Facebook, who is an entrepreneur, writer, and mother of two to guest blog and share how to live like a local.
After living on the Outer Banks for more than 20 years, I am constantly being asked by out of town friends about places to stay, restaurant recommendations, day trips, kid friendly activities and just the life of a local. What do Outer Bankers do during the off-season? What are your favorite hole-in-the-wall places to eat? Where can you buy the best fresh tuna?
I absolutely love where I live and am blessed to have the opportunity to raise my family here so I want to share that joy with you! Whether you want a luxury style beach vacation or a true local experience when you visit the Outer Banks, I have teamed up with my friend Beth Dobney Garcia with OBXlistings.com to bring you a weekly taste of what makes our home so special. From favorite restaurants and local businesses, to outdoor and family activities and a little local food movement thrown in, we want to bring you a truly unique perspective you can’t get anywhere else. So whether you are a true local (born in your grandma’s house on the floor like all of her relatives before you), a transplanted local, a long time visitor or property owner, or a first time vacationer- we welcome you to join us and hope you find and create your own new special memories here.
To kick off the series I had to start at one of the most historic landmarks in my town of Kill Devil Hills, and my daughter’s namesake, the Avalon Pier. Built in 1958, it is the newest of the northern beach piers but also the saltiest. From sunrise to sunset and even after that, you’ll find flocks of salty fisherman wetting their lines and their whistles at this “world class” fishing spot. Jorts, cigarettes and Busch light cans abound. Surfers can be found checking out the swell from the bulkheads in the parking lot as groms paddle out for an afterschool session just like my husband did in his day (hence a reference in our daughter’s name).
Inside the pier house, you will find an assortment of arcade games, which will, or will not , work on any given day- don’t expect them to as its also part of the charm. Walk across the sandy floor and you’ll find the newly constructed bar in the back where they serve the coldest beers on tap with a side of character as the ocean breezes blow in and the waves crash below. The ambience is as authentic as the people and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Stop in for a true Outer Banks experience and throw a nod to our friend Jeff and be sure to high five Nola, the cutest little 6-year-old fishergirl around.