The Northern Outer Banks is known for its top-of-the-line beaches and gorgeous summer weather, but fall, winter and spring have their own kind of magic here.
Many locals and visitors say fall is their favorite season on The Northern Outer Banks. Ocean temperatures and the weather remain mild late into the fall, and when the summer crowds have dwindled, there’s a very good chance you’ll find a stretch of beach all to yourself. Golf, watersports, hiking, outdoor dining, attractions … all the highlights of a summer vacation are still available.
Throughout fall and early winter, seasonal and holiday events abound, attracting families to spend their holidays at the beach. Winter on The Northern Outer Banks is quiet and peaceful, a perfect restful getaway among nature and wildlife. And as spring rolls around, the activity starts to pick up all over again.
Trust us, there’s plenty to do, see and enjoy in the off-season on The Northern Outer Banks, and here are some of our top recommendations.
Shop 'Til You Drop
The beach town of Corolla offers a wealth of shopping opportunities, welcoming you with shopping centers and charming stops tucked into Historic Corolla Village. But don’t overlook shopping on the Mainland, where you’ll find a wealth of treasures dotting Highway 168. The Mainland is known for its legendary farmers markets, antique stores and thrift shops, galleries and boutiques, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring the shops from Moyock to Harbinger.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Seafood lovers are in luck – The Northern Outer Banks serves excellent seafood year-round. Depending on the season, you’ll feast on local blue crabs, oysters, shrimp, clams and fish. Dine in a local restaurant, or buy seafood and cook it yourself. Or let a catering company or private chef cook it for you! If classic eastern North Carolina barbecue is more up your alley, the options are plentiful, and if it’s something else you’re craving, there is no shortage of Northern Outer Banks restaurants to suit every palate.
At Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg, wine lovers fall in love with the sophisticated wines made from locally grown grapes. Sanctuary offers tastings on-site all year, and their wide selection makes for a great stop if you’re on the hunt for holiday or hostess gifts. Sanctuary Vineyards is known for its events, such as the CrabDaddy Seafood & Wine Festival in early October and the Big Currishuck Oyster Festival on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Down the road at Buffalo City Distillery, you can whet your whistle with delicious craft cocktails, both seasonal and classic, made with local farm-to-bottle spirits. You can also participate in fun happenings like live music and trivia. Their bottled vodkas and whiskeys also make great gifts – the crisp apple-flavored whiskey is particularly tasty this time of year.
Play Outside
Just because summer is no longer in full swing doesn’t mean the fun stops on The Northern Outer Banks. The weather is just right for swinging a club at one of six golf courses equipped with different amenities that meet the needs of each and every golfer.
The off-season is the perfect time to experience the beauty of the Currituck Sound from a kayak and maneuver through the winding canals of the salt marsh. It’s also a great time to take a wild horse tour in Carova or hike the various nature trails in Corolla, on the Mainland or on Knotts Island to see a variety of birds and migrating waterfowl.
The Northern Outer Banks has a lot to offer all year round. Get into the holiday spirit, get active, explore local history and celebrate the off-season with tasty food and drinks.
Fall & Holiday Events
Christmas Craft Village
November 28, Whalehead in Historic Corolla
Corolla Village Holiday Market
November 28 and 29, Historic Corolla Village
Whalehead’s Candlelight Christmas Tour
November 28 - December 20, Whalehead in Historic Corolla
Whalehead’s Centennial Celebrations
October 1 to 29, Whalehead in Historic Corolla
The 1920s-style manor turned museum will host its month-long centennial celebration throughout October, with a special ticketed event each Wednesday. It starts with an evening of high tea on the front porch and croquet on the lawn and finishes with a grand finale event. This itinerary is designed to transport guests back in time and experience the magic of the last 100 years on The Northern Outer Banks.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse’s 150th Anniversary
November 12 to December 1
Events will start in mid-November and conclude with a birthday bash on December 1. Beginning November 12, you can book a special tour of the Keepers’ House. The last weekend in November will be chock-full of events leading up to the 150th birthday party, including the Christmas Craft Village, the start of the Whalehead Candlelight Christmas Tours and the Corolla Christmas Village. November 29 and 30 will feature performances at the Center for Wildlife Education and a nature walk with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. The final day of celebration, December 1, will take place at the lighthouse and include free climbs and a visit to the lens room. Many of these seasonal and anniversary events are ticketed or require reservations, so be sure to call and book ahead.
About the Author Leah Wingenroth
Leah was born and raised on the Outer Banks and is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and King's College. She currently resides in England, writing and managing content in the lifestyle, education, travel and literary publishing sectors.
