1. Ocean Waves Campground
City: Waves, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (252) 987-2556
Address: NC 12
Description: Open Mar 15 through Nov 15, Ocean Waves Campground is a seaside resort with sites for RVs and tents. Of 68 spaces, most offer full hookups and concrete pads. Each has its own picnic table. Three bathhouses, hot showers, and laundry facilities are available. Campers enjoy the game room and outdoor pool. Asphalt roadways are well maintained. Wi-Fi and a gameroom are available.
2. Hatteras Island Surf Shop
City: Waves, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (252) 987-2296
Address: NC 12
Description: Veteran surfers Barton and Chris Decker have operated Hatteras Island Surf Shop since 1971. They expanded their ventures to include windsurfing. The surf shop offers new and used equipment, rentals, and lessons. It sells surfboards, balsa boards, longboards, body boards, ocean toys, kayaks, and in-line skates. Wet suits, surfwear, beach clothing, and bathing suits are also for sale in this no-nonsense surf shop. The shop closes in Jan and Feb.
3. Hatteras Island Sail Shop
City: Waves, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (252) 987-2292
Address: NC 12
Description: On the soundfront, this windsurfing shop was opened in 1996 by the owners of Hatteras Island Surf Shop, which is 250 yards south. They offer sales, rentals, and lessons. Owner Barton Decker says the sailing site is the largest grassy rigging area on the Outer Banks with a sandy beach launch. With about 150 new and used boards in stock, the store also has necessary accessories in its complete inventory. Windsurfing lessons are available as well as rentals. Kiteboarding lessons are offered; no rentals are available. Standup paddleboards and kayaks can be rented or purchased here. The store closes in Jan and Feb.
4. Hatteras Island Sail Shop
City: Waves, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (252) 987-2292
Address: NC 12
Description: Catamarans, day sailers, and Hobie Cats are available for rent by the hour at this extension of the Hatteras Island Surf Shop. Kayaks and other ocean vessels are also available to rent. Sound access is on-site. Lessons are offered. Call for more information. The sail shop is closed in Jan and Feb.
5. St. Waves
City: Waves, NC
Category: Relocation
Address: NC 12
Description: This subdivision was developed during the 1980s. Properties offer ocean, sound, and lake views. The homes are upscale, and architectural controls are in effect. Amenities include a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a centrally located lake. St. Waves maintains an excellent rental history.
6. Outer Beaches Realty
City: Waves, NC
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (252) 987-1102, (800) 627-3750
Address: NC 12
Description: Outer Beaches Realty specializes in properties throughout Hatteras Island. Other locations are at: NC 12, Avon, (252) 995-6041, (800) 627-3150; and NC 12, Hatteras, (252) 986-1105, (888) 627-3650.
7. Atlantic Coast Cafe
City: Waves, NC
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (252) 987-1200
Address: NC 12
Description: For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, stop into Atlantic Coast Cafe—your taste buds will be glad you did! This spot, across from the KOA campground, serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Lunch and dinner include choices like the shrimp Reuben, fish wrap, burgers, and seafood. Crab cakes and other choices are available for dinner. Sides include potato salad and mac ’n cheese, a surefire kid pleaser. Frozen coffee, chai teas, and smoothies are available all day. Eat inside or outdoors on their cool soundside deck. Half-price burgers are served from 4 to 6 p.m. each evening in season. Free Wi-Fi.
8. Top Dog Cafe
City: Waves, NC
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (252) 987-1272
Address: NC 12
Description: Specializing in burgers that weigh up to one-and-a-half pounds, Top Dog Cafe also serves steamed seafood, Philly-style steak subs, shrimp and oyster baskets, all-beef hot dogs, salads, and appetizers. The owners Joe and Pat offer a casual atmosphere, and diners can choose to eat on the shady screened porch or on the sundeck. This establishment has a kid’s menu and sometimes live music. Beer and wine are served. Open for lunch and dinner; call for hours and days.
9. Island Tattoo/Island Dyes
City: Waves, NC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (252) 987-2465
Address: NC 12
Description: Four artists are available to give you a permanent souvenir of your Outer Banks vacation. Body piercing is available too. Next door at Island Dyes, get your groove on with tie-dye shirts and loads of fun accessories.
10. Home Port Gifts
City: Waves, NC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (252) 987-1550
Address: NC 12
Description: Home Port Gifts is one of the loveliest upscale gift shops on the Outer Banks. Original artwork, crafts, and exquisite jewelry in fine silver and 14-karat gold (much of it with a nautical theme) will tempt you. You’ll find quality accessories for the home and nautical antiques, including Tiffany-style stained-glass pieces, nautical sculptures, handcarved decoys, terra-cotta sculptures, and sea candles by Sally Knuckles. The work of about 120 artists is on display.
11. Michael Halminski Studio
City: Waves, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (252) 987-2401
Address: Midgett Way
Description: Outer Banks seascapes and landscapes dominate the photography collection displayed at this studio. The bird photos are inspiring, especially Halminski’s egret pictures. His fine collection of cards is stunning. Call for an appointment.