Steve and I had heard so much about OBX Outer Banks North Carolina that we were anxious to see for ourselves what all of the hype was about. The Outer Banks refers to the beautiful barrier islands of Dare County, North Carolina.
Duck Donuts
Don’t you just love that duck?
How to order Duck Donuts
We set out early in the day so that we could begin our exploration with a stop at Duck Donuts. This beloved donut shop has many outposts in OBX as well as shops southward to Miami. You might be wondering “what makes Duck Donuts better than Krispy Kreme or Dunkin?” It only took one bite for us to answer that question. The donuts are fried fresh when you order them! And then they are dipped in the toppings of your choice.
Branded items for sale at Duck Donuts
The coffee station at Duck Donuts. The dark roast was fabulous.
Don’t those donuts look amazing? The are!!!
We ordered a box of six donuts. Two each of Maple Bacon, Cinnamon Roll Frosted and Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Topped with Chopped Peanuts. Since this was our breakfast we started with the Maple Bacon. Because why not? Bacon can be breakfast. Right? It was truly love at first bite. The donut was light and hot. The bacon smokey, crisp and sweet with pure maple syrup. It took all the restraint we could muster to not devour the entire half dozen right then and there. But then we wouldn’t have any for dessert after dinner back at the RV. So we held out. Plus we knew we would be having a big lunch out in just a couple more hours.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Monument Mountain, the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hill, NC
The huge monument to the Wright Brothers sits atop an enormous hill.
From Duck Donuts in Kitty Hawk, we headed to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. So awesome that we got the National Parks Pass years ago when it was only $10! Unfortunately the indoor exhibits were closed due to Covid-19. But there was still plenty to see. The monument is atop a huge hill which we learned was once a sand dune. On that remote, sandy beach dune, in 1903, Orville Wright broke our human bond with Earth. He flew. That first flight only lasted 12 seconds, and the distance of the flight was less than the length of an airliner. But for the first time, a manned, heavier than air machine left the ground by its own power. It moved forward under control without losing speed. And then landed on a point as high as that from which it started. That brief flight changed travel forever.
The spectacular vista from atop monument hill
The story of Kill Devil Hill at the Wright Brothers Memorial
A metal sculpture of the Wright Brothers Bi-plane
In order to really see the monument we had to climb that steep hill to its very top. That was no easy feat. But we did it! And lived to tell about it. The view from the crest was spectacular. You could see for miles. And the hike back down was a piece of cake. From there we wandered to view several wonderful sculptures representing everyone involved in that first flight and a fabulous full sized sculpture of the Wright Brothers’ plane complete with Orville positioned in the flyer.
Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar
A fabulous sculpture at the entry to Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar in Manteo on Roanoke Island
The view from our table at Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar
One of several vibrant stained glass panels that hang inside Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar
Our mountain climbing gave us quite and appetite so we headed to Roanoke Island to have lunch at Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar. This fantastic restaurant overlooks a very large marina with an endless array of huge sport fishing boats. I think this was the first time we dined indoors since the pandemic began. But we felt very comfortable because they seated guests very far from each other. This was the perfect choice for lunch. I had the Classic Outer Banks Fried Oyster Platter with was served with a delicious remoulade, nice crunchy coleslaw and crisp, hand-cut French fries. It was so good I practically inhaled it. But, if it’s even possible, Steve’s Blue Water Cheesesteak was even better.
Classic Outer Banks Style Fried Oysters with Coleslaw and Blue Water Remoulade with a side of hand-cut fries.
Blue Water Cheesesteak with White Truffle Cheese Fondue and Fries
If you have been following us for a while, you know that we are huge fans of the hoagies and cheesesteaks at the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, NJ. But I have to tell you, this one surely gives White House a run for its money! The sandwich is made on a nicely toasted hoagie roll that is over stuffed with sliced rotisserie ribeye cooked with sweet onions, crimini mushrooms, and your choice of aged cheddar or white truffle cheese fondue. Served with hand-cut french fries. There was really no choice here. It had to be the white truffle cheese fondue which made the mushrooms taste even earthier than usual. Mmmm mmmm good.
Manteo, Roanoke Island
Who is that masked woman?
The story of the Roanoke Colonies in Manteo on Roanoke Island in the OBX Outer Banks North Carolina
Following lunch we strolled around the charming waterfront area of the town of Manteo. We browsed a few of the little boutiques. And even bought a little oyster shell and glass ornament to hang in our RV kitchen. It was the perfect finale of our wonderful day of dining and exploration in OBX Outer Banks North Carolina!
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