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Sleep with the Windows Open and Hear the Ocean Breeze

When you are at home and have a window open, what kind of noises do you hear? Honking car horns? Emergency vehicle sirens? People talking on the street? While you are at the Outer Banks, try sleeping with the windows open. Chances are on most nights, if you are within a mile of the ocean, you will be able to hear the sound of the ocean. You can hear sounds similar to relaxation CDs that are sold in stores just by opening your window. Try it - you will love it!

Taste Authentic German Food and Beer at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery

The Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, located in Jarvisburg at 6810 Caratoke Highway, offers authentic German-brewed beer, a deli featuring a variety of smoked meat for sale, and a German cafe/deli. The Weeping Radish is proud to be North Carolina's oldest micro brewery, with all beers brewed with only water, hops and barley. Brewery Tours are available each week at the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery. The Farmer to Fork Butchery at Weeping Radish features brats, beer brats, apple brats, sweet potato liverwurst, salami, bacon, and more. The Deli Cafe serves draft beer and samples from the Butchery. For more information, contact the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery at (252) 491-5205.

Go Surf Fishing on the Beach

Visitors and locals to the Outer Banks share the popular Outer Banks sport of surf fishing. Red drum is prevalent during about nine months of the year. Effective in 2006, you need to purchase a fishing license to go saltwater fishing in North Carolina. In addition, some species (including red drum) are regulated for size and limit. For more information about licenses and tag and release programs, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 473-5734. Other fish species that are common are dogfish, bluefish, pompano, striped bass, Spanish mackerel, croaker, flounder, spot and trout. The most popular surf fishing spot is the Cape Point in Buxton, located at vehicle access ramp 43, though you can surf fish pretty much anywhere on the beaches of the Outer Banks.

Feed the Birds on the Beach

There are many species of sea birds that call the shores of the Outer Banks home. They normally eat fish, sea kelp and other interesting things that may wash onshore. One afternoon, buy a couple loaves of bread and head to the beach. There may be only a few birds in sight when you arrive, but throw some bread out to them and watch as the birds multiply in front of your eyes. If you are afraid of birds, you may not want to try this, because they LOVE food and aren't afraid to get too close to you!

Go Fishing on a Headboat Charter

If you don't want to spend the money on a private charter fishing boat, there are also several headboats available on the Outer Banks. Some of these large boats take parties into the ocean, though not as far as the Gulf Stream, while others take half-day trips to the inshore waters. Headboats normally are between 60 and 75 feet long and can accommodate up to 50 anglers. Headboats are great for the novice fisherman or for parties with children. The Crystal Dawn and the Country Girl are at the Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (252) 473-5577. The Miss Oregon Inlet is docked at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island and can be reached at (252) 441-6301. Docking in Hatteras Village at Oden's Dock are the Miss Hatteras and Captain Clam. Half-day trips are about $30 per person, and full-day trips range from $75 to $85 per person, depending on the boat.

Learn How To Kiteboard

Kiteboarding is a relatively new sport that is enjoyed by windsurfers, surfers and wake boarders. The Outer Banks is widely recognized as one of the best places in the world to kiteboard because of the winds and shallow sound waters. Though kiteboarding may look relatively easy when you are watching others perform the sport, it is actually quite dangerous and you cannot rent equipment until you have obtained a basic level of certification. For more information on kiteboarding lessons, you may contact REAL Kiteboarding at (866) REAL-KITE. They offer several different kite camps throughout the year for various skill levels. Kitty Hawk Kites also has a kiteboarding school in Nags Head and can be contacted at (252) 449-2210.

Fly a Kite

The Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for its great wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! Also, the Outer Banks is home to one of the top kite stores in the world, Kitty Hawk Kites. They sell a large range of kites ranging from backyard style to competition stunt kites. While you are in their store, talk to the staff about your skill level and they can assist you in purchasing the right kite. Kitty Hawk Kites has shops located throughout the Outer Banks to meet your needs. If needed, lessons are available. Many people choose to fly their kites in Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head because it offers many acres that are unobstructed by power lines and trees. Wherever you decide to fly your kite, have fun!

Have a Meal at Big Al's Soda Fountain and Grill

Big Al's Soda Fountain and Grill, located in Manteo, will be a dining experience that will take you back to the 1950s. Decorated like a '50s soda fountain and grill with checkered patterns and a shiny dancing floor, you will love the experience at Big Al's! Also, Big Al's is filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia and has a unique diner-style menu. Gravy fries or chili fries? Try them both!

Go Camping at the Ocracoke Campground

The National Park Service manages a great campground on Ocracoke Island. About twelve miles from the ferry docks and just three miles from Ocracoke Village, this oceanfront campground is in the perfect location for walking on the beach, fishing, nature walking and more! There are 136 campsites and the cost is $20 per night. To make a reservation, call (800) 365-CAMP.

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

You've seen the movies with people riding horses on the beach. Why not try it for yourself during your vacation to the Outer Banks? Equine Adventures in Buxton offers local experienced guides that lead you on scenic wooded trails to the beach. Rides are offered year round, but reservations are required. Call (252) 995-4897 for more information.