Favorite thing: What a different world. Different people, different things to do and different attitudes. Having dealt with the tourism industry directly for the past few summers, I know the height of the season leaves merchants, tour guides and other employees stressed out and then end of the season, we are all more burnt out. But by October or even November, the Outer Banks has a chance to recover and everyone seems to be back in a good mood. Locals are fishing on the beaches (because the nesting season for birds is over), drinking in the bars and milling around. Everyone strikes up conversation with you, knowing you aren't from the area. Of course, the mix of people is definitely interesting...prices are cheaper everywhere too. Unfortunately, not everything remains open, but during the early fall, MOST things are. It's still warm enough to walk on the deserted beaches, to camp and to hang out on the decks of the houses or some of the bars.
Fondest memory: In the off season, it's not having to wait in lines for anything. This is when we play miniature golf or go see the touristy things...the lighthouse doesn't stay open past a certain date, the programs are fewer at the park sites, but you can still do most things:) As far as the golf goes, Jurassic Putt is my favorite, you can't miss it when you're driving along because there are large dinosaurs and waterfalls. We could have played all day for $4.00 but the people I went with weren't as enthusiastic as I was about the prospect.
Written Mar 2, 2004
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