Outer Banks in the winter? (Wilmington, Kill Devil Hills: rental, houses, live)

[kkcornett]

We are looking at renting a house for a week in early February, have 2 young children and are looking to just get away and spend some time together as a family. We were thinking that it might be a great place to bundle up and walk on the beach. Problem is, we've never been to the Outer Banks and don't know which area (town) would be the best in the winter.

Also, after visiting OBX, we are driving to SC to visit family and are wondering if we can drive down and use the ferries and then drive down to get to SC, as opposed to getting back on 95 (which is what mapquest recommends)---seems like going that route is shorter, though it looks like minor roads---so maybe it's not fast at all (lots of stoplights). Does anyone have an experience with this?

Thanks in advance..any help is appreciated!

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by kkcornett

We are looking at renting a house for a week in early February, have 2 young children and are looking to just get away and spend some time together as a family. We were thinking that it might be a great place to bundle up and walk on the beach. Problem is, we've never been to the Outer Banks and don't know which area (town) would be the best in the winter.

Also, after visiting OBX, we are driving to SC to visit family and are wondering if we can drive down and use the ferries and then drive down to get to SC, as opposed to getting back on 95 (which is what mapquest recommends)---seems like going that route is shorter, though it looks like minor roads---so maybe it's not fast at all (lots of stoplights). Does anyone have an experience with this?

Thanks in advance..any help is appreciated!

For perspective, my son who lives in Wilmington drove to visit brother who lives in Hilton Head - took I-95 part way - took him ~4-4.5 hours. I am not sure how far Wlimington is from OBX - I think it's at least 3 hours. As for what town in winter - what ever you find that's open! Serious. I think you can google Outer Banks. Good luck. I am so embarrassed - this is the one place I have yet to see.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kkcornett

We are looking at renting a house for a week in early February, have 2 young children and are looking to just get away and spend some time together as a family. We were thinking that it might be a great place to bundle up and walk on the beach. Problem is, we've never been to the Outer Banks and don't know which area (town) would be the best in the winter.

Also, after visiting OBX, we are driving to SC to visit family and are wondering if we can drive down and use the ferries and then drive down to get to SC, as opposed to getting back on 95 (which is what mapquest recommends)---seems like going that route is shorter, though it looks like minor roads---so maybe it's not fast at all (lots of stoplights). Does anyone have an experience with this?

Thanks in advance..any help is appreciated!

Hi - not an expert here on the Outer Banks, but I can tell you what I do know. Look to stay in Rodanthe, Waves or Salvo. This is far enough from the commercialism of the Kill Devil Hills/Nagshead area to give you just the kind of peace and quiet you are looking for. Also, these areas have few year round residents but many nice rental houses. If you seach online I bet you'd have a choice of quite a few as not many people go there this time of year. Of course, if you feel you need to be nearer to more people and have access to McDonalds, stay in Nagshead or Kill Devil Hills.

As far as trying to follow the coast down to South Carolina instead of going back to 95 - I wouldn't recommend it. Oh, it is a beautiful drive, and the ferry rides (yes, there would be more than one) can be several hours of fun (if the weather is not too cold to keep you inside the ferry) but you add hours to your trip by doing this. I'm talking at least twice as many hours as just going back to the interstate. Great thing to do somethime, but I wouldn't do it with young kids who get tired of being in the car.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip!