New Family Ride

[MisterB]

Well I am hoping this vehicle will serve us well for my family vacation.... going to Nags Head in a couple of weeks....

[BlueSkyJaunte]

IIRC you're not allowed to drive on the beach south of Corolla except in the winter season.

And stay off the dunes, dammit. Too many yahoos driving around on the dunes, increasing the rate of erosion. Besides, it's illegal and the sheriff loves to write big tickets for it.

[williecoyote]

You can drive on the beach at Oregon Inlet which is about 8 miles south of Nags Head. It is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Just obey the rules and regs.
You can also drive out on the beach at Cape Hatteras which is further south. As stated above, you can also drive on the beach north of Corolla.
Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills allow beach driving during the off season by permit only.

[MisterB]

I just bought this 4x4 as a family vehicle instead of a van ..... never had any thoughts of driving on the beach....

will any advice on must see or do things while I am there ??

Ed

[Rodeo]

Originally posted by MisterB
***any advice on must see or do things while I am there ??

Ed

Just stay the he!! off the beach!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Yes--stay off the soft stuff.

The tow truck co. makes tons of money off people who get stuck--and many of them have bigger tires than what you've got on the 'yota.

[M.D. Holloway]

Nice ride! It should last you like a zillion miles.

[williecoyote]

Procon is right about slacking down your tires to 15-20 psi. Then you can pretty well go anywhere in the sand. At low tide the sand is pretty hard near the water. ( IT is salt water, so don't get it all over your nice Toyota. Rinse underneath real well when you get back to where you're staying.)
Must see:
-The Wright Brothers Monument
-Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
-Take the ferry to Ocracoke (Blackbeard's old stomping ground) That's a nice day trip. Be sure to go early though because the ferry lines get longer as the day wears on. (Blackbeard's treasure has never been found. You might get lucky.)
-Go to Corolla, and drive on the beach. It is a wild horse sanctuary. You usually see them roaming around.
-The Lost Colony is an outdoor play which is performed in Manteo. Andy Griffith was an actor in it back when he was a young aspiring actor.
That ought to keep you busy for a little while. Did I mention the fishing?

[91S2]

if you like golfing play a round at nags head. nice course and very tough.

[wludavid]

I'm staying out of the "don't drive on the beach!" topic, so a few suggestions for Nag's Head. Eat seafood, and lots of it. The mussels down there are large and fresh. The flounder is usually fresh too if you like fried stuff. Check out Kitty Hawk - they just did some renovations for the Centennial of the Wright Bros' flight. Grab a stunt kite from Kitty Hawk Kites and go play on the beach. Take some hang gliding lessons on Jockey's Ridge. If you like to see some wildlife, go to the Alligator River refuge and drive around real slowly through the fields. Go around dusk and you're guaranteed to see bears. There's also a Nature Conservancy preserve (Nag's Head Woods) on the Sound side. Good place for a hike. Also go check out the Weeping Radish Brewery on Manteo Island. Great beer and German food.

[austin552]

Driving on the beach is part of the experience there. Father down you can drive all the way to the point. Great fishing and awsome sunsets.

[williecoyote]

Some great ideas there. Also check out Ice Plant Island in downtown Manteo. There is a great exhibtion of historic stuff there.
Go to one of the fishing centers in the afternoon, and check out their catch. Best time is usually 4-5 p.m.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I got nothin' wrong with driving on the beach...just do it legal-like!

Used to take the Wrangler out at Corolla and go all the way up to the border. Never anyone around...of course nowadays the place is packed.

[MisterB]

Thanks for all the suggestions.... looking forward to this vacation!!!

Ed

[williecoyote]

FYI, I heard that somone caught 10 Red Drum (Redfish, or Channel Bass ) Friday night at Cape Point. That is right near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. These fish all weighted in the 50 pound range. Did I mention before that the fishing can be pretty good here?

[MisterB]

back from OBX... saw it all from Corolla to Ocracoke.. weather cooperated and had a most enjoyable time... some pics...

[williecoyote]

The third photo is from the top of Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head. It is the tallest sand dune on the east coast.
I hope you had a great time MrB, &family.