North Carolina residents

[Relayer]

My wife and I usually spend one week a year photographing lighthouses. This summer we are planning to go to the Outer Banks and spend the week, (2nd week in August). We are looking into accomdations and such now. If any residents have any reccomendations I would greatly appreciate it. I wouldn't mind seeing a snake collection or two either.
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[Shadrach]

Hey Relayer it all depends on really where and how much you wanna spend! If you've never been the thing to keep in mind is that the Outer banks are comprised mostly of fishing villages so if the wife likes to shop also she may be dissapointed with the selections she has.. If you wanting to stay in a Hotel you may be better off staying more north like up around Kitty Hawk and if your wanting to camp there are several camp grounds along the islands to the south toward Hatteras. But really Kitty Hawk put's you just about right in the center between the attractions that are north and south.
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[nomadbean]

Well, I don't live there any more, but I think if you want lighthouses, then Hatteras is the best bet, someone's rental summer house. Hotels there are insanely expensive, but you can usually rent a beach house for a week or two from the owners. Morehead city is personally my fav. right there on Atlantic Beach, you have Fort Tryon, but no lighthouses, but you are in the middle of the state to see everything. Have fun.....
Trina
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[Stormyva]

If you want to get a little off the beaten path and "step back in time" take a look at Ockracoke Island. It is a small island south of Hatteras. It is beatiful there quaint little shops and a very relaxed atmosphere. Downside is that it is a quite a drive to go anywhere from the island.
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[Relayer]

I've heard the mosquitos are quite bad there, anything thing on that? Anyone ever had any experiences with the Buxton Outer Banks Motel?
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[Shadrach]

Hey Relayer your right on the Blood Suckers they are quite bad espically in the summer months! The ones to watch aren't the big ones either it's the tiny little black ones! My last trip there with my wife the little vampires left brusies all over my wife the pack a punch!!! Buxton Hotel? I've been in Buxton several times but never to the hotel. In matter of fact the hatteras light house is in Buxton. Also if you might be interested in camping there is a good camp ground in Buxton called Cape Woods Camp Ground. Camping is usally pretty good weather wise, warm days cool nights, and most showers move off pretty quickly if they pop up. Just make sure when you go to be sure to look for whales! My last time there you could watch the Hump Backs play off the beach and hear them sing it was pretty awsome!!!
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Hatteras is the best for lighthouses. Manteo, on Roanoke island, is a decently urban area, my in-laws have a condo there. The Aquarium isn't far from there [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]. Okracoke and Hatteras are a drive from there, but not that bad and let's face it, the scenery is awesome everywhere you go. If you go south, try and stop at Howard's bar & grill, they have the best burgers in the outer banks. My father in law told me about them and he wasn't wrong. They're right on the main drag, hard to miss them. They're between the ferry and the lighthouses. Oh, and if you got fancy, high dollar cameras, don't stand up by the front of the ferry! I found out the hard way that once per crossing, one wave will break over the bow and soak you and your camera if it's around your neck at the time [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]

Whereever you go, the scenery is fantastic. Unfortunately (fortunately? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] ) I'll be in Tennessee in early august for the NASCAR Bristol night race.
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