Outer Banks Posts

Italian cooking isn't just about the sauce or the pasta, it's memory in a bowl. Family tables, late-night shifts, the crackle and aroma of garlic hitting hot oil.

I have to admit, this little project south of South Philly has been even more satisfying than I expected. I've always loved those Italian classics, but for me they're sentimental dishes, the kind you prepare with a piece of your heart. And mine's firmly rooted in Italian cuisine.

What many of you don't know: I got my start in a cozy Philly Italian spot. This food takes me right back to my chef mentor, his awesome family, and those old South Philly streets.

So many of you loved the nostalgia and the plates, we're extending it another week. It's feeding my soul, and hopefully yours too.

Come join us with friends and family; let's swap stories over these hearty meals.
Open Thursday through Sunday 5:00 p.m. until 8:00

This weather has me craving a hearty soup like Tuscan pappa al pomodoro and a lasagna. What are you in the mood for?

Drop it in the comments! #ItalianEats #PhillyFood #SoulFood

💜💛💚 Fat Tuesday is coming to The Black Pelican — and we’re bringing a taste of Bourbon Street to the beach!
•Today, Tuesday, February 17th • ALL DAY Specials

🎭 Mardi Gras Small Plate Specials
Think bold flavors, Southern classics, and party bites perfect for sharing!

🍹 Signature Mardi Gras Cocktails

Grab one in our limited-edition keepsake cup — sip it, keep it, remember the party forever.
Beads, bites, and beach vibes… what more do you need?
Round up your crew and celebrate Mardi Gras OBX-style with us!
💚💛💜

Cold and foggy to start the morning. There's a gentle southerly breeze at 8 knots. Ocean temp 37 degrees. High tide 7:04 a.m. Low tide1:23 p.m.

Major Upgrades for 2026🌊🐾

Fun in Paradise is an 8 bedroom, ocean side, dog-friendly home in Corolla that offers a private pool, beach gear credit, hot tub, volleyball court, pool table and more. Upgrades for 2026 include new wood laminate flooring on all levels, all six interior bathrooms completely renovated, living room renovated, a rebuilt screened porch with tile flooring, and all new decks and outdoor staircases!✨

Start planning your vacation at WH081 today by clicking here🔗 https://bit.ly/4bWjsJE

Did you miss our live home tour of Beautiful Sunshine? Here’s what you missed!☀️

Beautiful Sunshine is a newly built, 5 bedroom, soundfront home in Kitty Hawk that offers a private pool, elevator, hot tub, beach gear credit, pool towels, Blue Standard Bedding and more. Staying at Beautiful Sunshine means a front row seat to OBX sunsets over the sound, easy access to the Wright Brothers Multi-Use Path and a peaceful atmosphere in a gated community, away from busy areas.😎

Start planning your stay at FFR003 today by clicking here🔗 https://bit.ly/4ajfBW1

We hope you had a magical Valentine's Day! 🩷❤️ If you still want to get a little something for your someone special as a post-Valentine's treat, our new Family Plus membership comes with FIVE admission passes PLUS a premium aquarium gift! Truly a meaningful way to show your love — for someone special and for the Aquariums.

Show your local Aquarium some love this season!

The menu is ready for Tasting of the Stars! 🌟

Join us Thursday, February 19, at 6 PM for our next Tasting Dinner Series. Chef Justin Lachine presents Tasting of the Stars, a Vivian Howard–inspired menu paired with handcrafted cocktails.

Tickets are $100 per person (gratuity included) and available now on our website’s event page. We can’t wait to welcome you! Get your ticket here ➡ https://www.obbrewing.com/events/tasting-of-the-stars-tasting-dinner

🎭 FAT TUESDAY at McGrath’s Irish Pub 🎭 Where the Bayou meets the Emerald Isle ☘️⚜️
Celebrate Mardi Gras with bold flavors, Irish spirit, and a little Cajun fire:
🔥 Cajun Guinness Stew
Guinness-braised beef simmered with Cajun-spiced peppers & onions

🐟 Blackened Fish & Chips (Bayou Style)
Cajun-spiced blackened fish, curry remoulade & hand-cut chips

🥪 The Fighting Irish Po’ Boy
Tender corned beef, house slaw & Creole mustard on a toasted French roll

🍹 Minty Irish Mule
Jameson Irish Whiskey, ginger beer, fresh mint & lime

One night. Two traditions. Endless flavor.
Come celebrate Fat Tuesday the Irish way.

Coming into town for this tournament? We have rooms available. Use promo code OBX10 for discount. Thanks Frank & Fran's Fisherman's Friend for sharing.

Guess what, Easter is early this year. We still have a few openings for waterfront RV and tent sites for Memorial Day weekend you may want to book early this year since they usually fill up around Easter. We open the end of March be sure to to book on-line and look for our discounted sites and times on our previous Facebook post. 😀

Did you know North Carolina's 1st safe haven for African Americans during the Civil War, the Hotel de Afrique, was on Hatteras?

The Battle of Hatteras Inlet (August 28-29, 1861) was a key Union victory &, perhaps, the earliest example of African Americans fighting to liberate their enslaved brethren. Central to this victory was the USS Minnesota, manned by white sailors alongside an African American gun crew: William H. White, William Brown, Charles Johnson, George Moore, George H. Roberts, George Sales, & Henry Williams. After the battle, Federal forces controlled Hatteras & its strategically important waterways, & a wooden barrack at Hatteras Inlet. Named Hotel de Afrique, it was designated as lodging & a place of safety.

News spread quickly & hundreds of enslaved people traveled seeking refuge, receiving food & housing in exchange for work as laborers, watermen, & soldiers. They provided vital intelligence crucial to continued Union victories. Contemporary reports describe many freedom seekers as expert watermen, offering the skills required to navigate the difficult local waters.

By February 15, 1862, a new campsite had been built on higher ground with 10-12 barracks & Hotel de Afrique was home to 40+ families.
Despite being named a place of safety, historians note it "should be considered more of a labor camp rather than a comfortable place of living," & not all white soldiers embraced racial equality. Late at night on March 12, 1862, violence erupted & a drunken mob of white soldiers broke into Hotel de Afrique & attacked the sleeping families with knives & bayonets, murdering a man called Old Galloway. Colonel James Nagle, furious with the soldiers reprimanded them but no one would name the murderers. There would be no further punishment. No trial. No justice.

Hotel de Afrique was disbanded when the war ended in 1865. Long since lost to time & tide, the site has returned to nature, covered with native foliage and the expansive root systems so important to holding the sands of Hatteras in place.

On April 2012, a monument to Hotel de Afrique was established & in 2013, the site was officially recognized as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Image 1: Hotel De Afrique from Harpers Weekly, February 15, 1862
Image 2: Hotel de Afrique Marker at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

We got full plates of food here for the people. If you just get in here, we're going to fill you up. Open now, for your delight!

Since many of you experienced Dinner in the Dark blindfolded, here's a stunning look at how your dishes and drinks appeared!