Blogging the Beach

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.