Getting Out and About on the Outer Banks

I love April: It’s the first full month of spring. The weather is warmer, and as the Outer Banks springs back to life, the reasons to get out of the house increase. Outdoor events pop up like blooming flowers, shops beckon and activities abound throughout the towns. This week on the Outer Banks, you’ll find events that give you time out on the town as well as the opportunity to lose yourself in nature. What’s more, I’ll direct you toward a few coupons that’ll prove beneficial to your wallet.

First Friday

Roanoke Island’s favorite monthly festivity returns to Manteo this week. This community-oriented street festival brings live bands, artists, street performers and more to the downtown Manteo waterfront. As you stroll through the bustle, you’ll find yourself joined by people of all ages, Elizabethan-costumed actors, furry friends and more. Check out the downtown shops holding sales and deals in honor of First Friday. Nearby eateries also join the event, and a visit to one may hold the promise of live music or food and drink specials. This event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., but feel free to come early or stay later so that you can explore everything downtown Manteo offers.

Woofstock

Peace, love and wagging tails are what you’ll find at The Elizabethan Gardens this Saturday. This second annual event is for both the two-legged and four-legged members of your family. Your dog can prove its expertise at any of the competitions, including Best Bark, Best Dancer and Best WOOFstock (there will be prizes for the winners!). Then let your mutt strut its stuff at the Doggie Parade, which is a great chance for you to meet the variety of dog breeds in your community. Woofstock welcomes an assortment of vendors featuring goodies like homemade dog biscuits and natural pet wellness and aromatherapy products. As you and your dog socialize, enjoy the live music and concession stands for humans and dogs. This event goes from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is included in admission to the gardens ($9 for adults, $6 for children and $3 for dogs).

Find a Deal 

With restaurants opening for the season, the weather warm enough to resume outdoor activities and summer wardrobes to plan, these coupons will keep a smile on your face and a dollar in your wallet.

Eat Early at Ocean Boulevard

If you’re craving locally caught yellowfin tuna, gourmet-style North Carolina barbecue or a special reserve wine, Ocean Boulevard in Kitty Hawk is the dinner spot for you. And when you make your reservation for a time before 6 p.m., you’ll enjoy a 20 percent discount on entrees and desserts. Beating the dinner rush, saving a buck? Now that’s what I call a deal. Mention this ad when you make your reservation.

10% off at Barefoot Bernie’s

Maybe you’re more in the mood for island-fusion cuisine but still hungry for a restaurant deal. In that case why not try Barefoot Bernie’s? Between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. you can feast on Jamaican jerk pork, chicken and shrimp pad Thai, sushi and more with this coupon for 10% off dinner entrees.

Discount at Wild Horse Adventure Tours

When nice spring days fill the weekend, take a break from spring cleaning and get outside! And what better way to experience the Outer Banks’s singular environment than by seeing the Corolla wild ponies in their natural habitat? From either an open-air or enclosed vehicle, your guide takes you and your crew in search of the Colonial Spanish mustangs through the wild horse sanctuary in Swan Beach. Catch a glimpse of these famous horses romping in the surf or grazing along the sound. And the best part is when you score $5 off for each member in your party by simply showing this coupon.

Save at Flip Flop Shops

Saying bye-bye to cooler temperatures means putting away the winter boots and breaking out the open-toed kicks. Need a new pair of sandals or want some strappy heels for the onslaught of formal activities that accompany spring and summer? Flip Flop Shops in Nags Head has all of your footwear needs covered. Take care of shoe shopping for the whole family by spending $50 and getting $5 off or save $15 with a $100 purchase. Just show this coupon upon check out to enjoy this special offer.

I hope this blog has given you ways to enrich the social, dining, shopping and playful aspects of your week. To learn more about live musicians, game nights and other evening happenings, our Nightlife listings tell you when and where you can find an assortment of entertainment. For upcoming events and activities, check out the Daytime Events listings, which give you a heads-up about all the fun to come on the Outer Banks.