What could be more romantic than a getaway weekend for two to the North Carolina shore? If you are interested in planning a special Valentine’s Day for your love one, why not enjoy the serene beaches and sights of the Currituck Outer Banks? You just may find this cozy destination is the perfect place to suit your desires and your budget.

You may be thinking “why would anybody travel to the beach in February”? While temperatures in the ocean along the Currituck shore are too cold for swimming or other nautical activities, the Outer Banks as a whole need not be written off as a late winter travel option. The Currituck area, which encompasses the sandy and sunny town of Corolla, breathtaking Knotts Island, and more inland areas like Moyock, actually maintains fair weather year round. You may not be able to frolic in a swimsuit, but the weather around Valentine’s Day is perfect for light jackets and cuddling tight during a moonlit walk along the waves.

Naturally, the beach setting provides the romantic atmosphere for the holiday. You can idly stroll the sand in a hunt for colorful seashells and, if you’re lucky, spot a few wild mustangs cantering in more secluded areas. Afterward, enjoy an intimate dinner at any of Currituck’s year round restaurants. Nicoletta’s Italian Café, in Corolla, offers a tempting selection of pastas and authentic desserts, while Crabbie’s in Coinjock provides a menu of fresh seafood with a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

For more suggestions on how to make your Valentine’s Day sizzle in the Currituck Outer Banks, try the following:

Buy a unique gift! You’ll always remember your trip to the shore with a souvenir that is expressly Currituck. Local shops like Beach Bums in Barco and Coastal Karma in Corolla offer delightful objets d’art from Outer Banks artists and craftsmen.

Taste local wine! Stop at the Cotton Gin in Corolla and sample some of the best wines in the Mid-Atlantic region. From sweet whites and bold reds to fruity dessert wines, there is something for every palate.

Get married! Who says you have to wait until June to be a bride? The Currituck Outer Banks have hosted many a wedding along the shores, and are able to provide many services for a beautiful Valentine’s Day ceremony. Call toll-free at 877-287-7488 for a detailed wedding guide.

Chocolates and stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day are always nice, but a weekend along the Currituck shores guarantees romantic memories to last a lifetime.

For leisure riders and serious cyclists, the Currituck Outer Banks provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the county, and beyond, on two wheels. Starting at the north end of the beach in Corolla on NC Highway 12 takes you past the flora and fauna to Currituck Heritage Park and a multitude of multi-use trails and quiet avenues. From there one may wind through serene Outer Banks neighborhoods on narrow paths toward Sanderling and Duck.

Beach cruisers are welcome on the shores as well, allowing visitors to feel the salty ocean breeze as they glide past the lapping waves of the Atlantic. If you happen upon any surfers or volleyball players along the way, be sure to yield!

What to see

Perched on a bicycle seat, there is much to see on a spring or summer day wheeling through Corolla or Coinjock by the shore. Cyclists taking NC 12 from the north end will eventually meet the Whalehead Club and Currituck Lighthouse at the park, the perfect spot for a break. A deeper sojourn along the shore may provide the opportunity to spot Currituck’s famous wild mustangs frolicking along the beach. If you are riding, however, be aware not to get too close and frighten the animals, as they are in their natural habitat.

Share the Road

Because many of the bike-friendly road paths in the Currituck Outer Banks are also part of the state highway system, you will often find cyclists and drivers on the road together enjoying their vacations. State traffic laws observe bicycles and motorized bikes as vehicles, therefore visitors must adhere to the traffic laws as do other motorists. Especially in the summer, when people from all over the country come to enjoy a fun and relaxing vacation, it is important to remember safety and courtesy when sharing the road.

If you are planning a bike outing in Currituck, be it a casual loop around the county or a vigorous trek to the other end of the Outer Banks, please remember to address caution and be vigilant. The warmer months bring more tourists to the area, and not everybody may mind the road as well as you. Ride defensively and watch for traffic, and also be aware of beach debris and walkers, runners, and Segway users on off-road tracks. Always wear a helmet, and bright, reflective clothing in order to be seen.

Where else but the Outer Banks can provide kids of all ages the opportunity to learn and have fun at the same time? Each year, thousand of visitor descend upon this thin strip of shoreline bordering the north-easternmost end of North Carolina, mainly to enjoy the beach and other related activities. However, the Currituck Outer Banks offer more than miles of sand and sunny day, but the opportunity for all to meet the creatures who live there all year round. A great place to learn more about the wild side of the Outer Banks is at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is one-third of the state’s wildlife resources commission, located conveniently in Currituck County near two other popular attractions – The Whalehead Club and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Open year round with varying hours in the off-season, the Center welcomes families, visitors, and school groups to learn more about the environment that sustains the array of marine life and other creatures who call the Currituck Sound home.

The wildlife center is quite large (over twenty-two thousand square feet) and houses a visitor’s center, exhibition hall, auditorium and an extensive gallery of waterfowl decoys. Visitors to the wildlife center may find exhibits that showcase wildlife of the barrier islands, from the many different species of fish to the ducks and geese that migrate south for the winter. Area histories of related industries like boating, fishing, and hunting are also featured from the early days to the present.

Depending on the time of year, the wildlife center may also host excursions and outreach programs designed to educate others about the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy for Currituck’s special residents. No visit to the Outer Banks would be complete without a visit to this popular attraction in Corolla, North Carolina.

Sure, beach lovers know that the Outer Banks is the place to be for playing in the sand and surf, but did you know the Currituck OBX in the northern part of the coast offers many fun activities for kids and family? Planning a trip to the North Carolina coast, whether during the summer or in the off-season, has never been simpler with the many activities for kids to enjoy! Here are just a few suggestions for your next trip:

SEAL for Kids Program (Safety Education and Aquatic Safety)

Children ages 7-14 can learn about the ocean, first aid, and physical fitness from the Corolla Ocean Rescue personnel. Adults are invited to attend the parent/guardian seminar offered at the same time. This two hour program is FREE and offered every Wednesday in Currituck County.

Crabbing

Grab some chicken, string, and a net and head to Currituck Heritage Park. Simply tie some chicken to the string, toss it in the Sound and wait for the crabs to bite! Crabbing is a fun and economical activity for kids of any age. You can also check with a local bait and tackle shop for fishing information.

Paddle Boats

Kids will love seeing turtles and other wildlife while on a paddle boat in the Currituck Sound. Paddle boating is a great way for the family to enjoy time on the water together. Some boats can hold up to 6 people.

Go-Kart Racing

Corolla Raceway features a large go-kart track. For the younger ones in your group try the bumper cars. The raceway is located in Timbuck II Center.

Wildlife Education Center

There are several programs offered at the center for children, including; decoy carving, animal olympics, nature photography, story telling, and much more.

Treasure Hunt & Ghost Tour

The Treasure Hunt, offered at the Whalehead Club in Heritage Park, teaches history, art, environmental awareness, and navigation. Each child receives a prize. The Ghost Tour, also at the Whalehead Club encompasses the legend and lore of the Outer Banks.

Skate Park

This new outdoor facility located in the Corolla Light Town Center is equip with dual bowls, quarter pipes, grind pipes, and jumps. Rental equipment is available.

Playgrounds

There are two playgrounds in the Currituck Outer Banks. One is located in the center of the Timbuck II Shopping Center, the second at the southern entrance of the Corolla Light Town Center.

Corolla Wild Horse Museum

Visit the Old Corolla Schoolhouse, located in the Historic Corolla Village, and learn about the Wild Horses of Corolla. Children can explore the Wild Horse exhibits, interactive displays, and learn about local history. On Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. special kids programs are offered.

After a morning at the beach, why not explore the rest of the Currituck Outer Banks? Get back to nature, or hang on for a wild ride in a place that has more than you ever imagined.