Real Estate Guide Sections

After a few days of sunny beach afternoons, fantastic local attractions, and all the amenities that attract people to the Outer Banks, many visitors find themselves daydreaming about a more permanent vacation. Whether your ultimate goal is to own an investment property, a retirement or vacation home, or simply a year-round home on the beach, the Outer Banks is filled with incredible opportunities and a variety of properties for sale.

Many frequent vacationers eventually turn into investors or year-round residents, and as a result, there are countless resources available for newcomers to the Outer Banks real estate market. With so many options, and so many varying factors when it comes to purchasing beach property - from flood insurance to rental income - the local market might be a little tricky to navigate at first glance. Thankfully there are plenty of experienced local REALTORs who have been in the 'Banks business for decades, and are experts at helping newcomers or first time buyers get their feet wet in the local market.

Your best bet before embarking on a new home or property purchase is to contact a local REALTOR in your area of interest, whether it's the northern Outer Banks communities, the central towns of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, the picturesque soundside towns of Manteo and Wanchese, or the southern regions of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Every area of the Outer Banks has real estate companies and experienced agents on hand to assist new buyers and answer questions.

That said, many folks who are new to the Outer Banks real estate market generally have a few standard questions in mind as they begin their search for their permanent dream home. With this in mind, feel free to review the list of frequently asked questions about the local Outer Banks real estate market, and remember that the majority of the year-round population and second homeowners on the OBX are folks who always loved the area, and decided to take a chance and pursue their dream of a long-term, forever home.

Large homes in Corolla - Outer Banks Real Estate

Realtors and the MLS

An online search, (like the one below), is the best starting point for embarking on a property purchase on the Outer Banks. The local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) allows REALTORS to enter extensive property details, multiple photos, and even virtual tours, allowing prospective buyers a wealth of information about specific properties in their OBX area of choice, without making a special trip to the islands.

Once you're narrowed down your search, it's time to contact a local REALTOR. A local real estate agent can help you obtain more details about your favorite properties, such as tax information or surveys, and can even help you find additional properties that meet your requirements. In fact, some local agents even offer automated emails that notify you the second a new listing hits the market that matches your criteria. For in-person visits, a REALTOR can also take you on guided tours to your favorite properties, while providing you with plenty of area information. Schedule an appointment with a real estate agent on your next vacation, or get started now with an easy and thorough online search.

Beach homes for sale - Outer Banks Real Estate

Types of Properties Available

In a word, Everything. The beautiful thing about the Outer Banks real estate market as opposed to other beach resort destinations is that buyers have a wide selection of properties to choose from, from single bedroom soundside condos to 20 bedroom oceanfront castles.

There are literally thousands of real estate listings for sale on the Outer Banks, ranging from the Inner Banks towns and the Dare County mainland to the desolate beaches of Carova and Ocracoke. When you're first starting to look at properties for sale, it's imperative to narrow your search so you don't have to root through hundreds if not thousands of properties for sale.

Factors to keep in mind include property types (condos, single family homes, mobile homes, or timeshares), location (both town or area and proximity to a local sound or the ocean), and size. You'll also want a mental list of other amenities you'd love to have in your dream property, such as private pools, community facilities, game rooms, views, or any other special feature that's specific to your criteria.

Varying budgets and price ranges will also find plenty of options, with home prices starting at around $100,000 and escalating to $1 million or more, depending on the property.

Having trouble narrowing it down? A local real estate agent can help you take those broad strokes and turn it into a more manageable list of properties that fit your specific requirements. Don't be afraid to contact a local agent and ask for help - most all REALTORS on the Outer Banks are happy to provide free consultations.

An oceanfront home on the Outer Banks

Rental Home Investments

The majority of properties on the Outer Banks, particularly along the oceanfront and in tourism-oriented communities, are second homes or "investment properties" owned by individual owners, families, or groups of investors designated as LLCs.

Some owners who live in the area may choose to rent out their home themselves, but basically, an owner that wishes to rent their home or condo on a weekly basis will list their property with a local property management company in annual or two-year increments.

The property management company takes care of all the routine work that comes with renting a vacation home, including advertising, guest check-in and check-out procedures, routine and on call maintenance, weekly housekeeping, and much more. This allows the owner to rent their home to weekly tenants, but enjoy stress-free management and maintenance. In return, the vacation rental company typically receives a minor percentage of the home's annual income. North Carolina Real Estate Law does not allow all property management companies to set a standard commission, and instead, the percentage must be decided upon in a contract between the company and the owner.

In addition, the owner covers the cost of basic utilities or community / subdivision fees, although some costs, such as pool heat or cleaning fees for a pet friendly home, can be passed to the vacation rental guest.

Many owners find that listing their property with a local management company is well worth the commission, as the company can advertise, monitor, and easily care for the home in the owner's absence, ensuring that all an owner has to do is make sure they reserve their own "vacation weeks" well in advance.

Outer Banks Oceanfront homes

Choosing your Town

Every community on the Outer and Inner Banks has the potential to be a phenomenal locale for a vacation rental home, however, the majority of rental homes are located directly on the barrier islands.

Look for popular communities or subdivisions within the northern, central, or southern Outer Banks regions, or simply head towards the water. The oceanfront and soundfront vacation rentals are among the most popular on the Outer Banks, simply for their incredible views and access. Properties that are one or two lots away from the water, and feature easy public access or gorgeous views, are also popular locales for vacationers, and even small hidden homes in the local maritime forests can attract nature lovers and tourists who love a little privacy.

You'll also want to keep an eye out for guest-friendly amenities, including a private pool, hot tub, game room, or even a theater room. Special amenities and perks go a long way with guests, and an investor looking to maximize their income should bear this fact in mind.

In a pinch, it's smart to start looking at the areas of the Outer Banks you love the best. After all, once you purchase a vacation rental property, it will be your lifetime vacation rental home as well.

Some oceanfront Outer Banks homes

Rental Home Income and Mortgages

There are many great reasons to purchase an Outer Banks vacation rental home, and the longstanding popularity of our resort community makes property purchases a solid investment. Each year the Outer Banks is noted as a top family friendly vacation destination with an emphasis on our award winning beaches and unique seasonal activities and festivals.

When considering an investment purchase, it's important to work with a local real estate broker who is familiar with the Outer Banks vacation rental industry. A seasoned agent can provide you with the information you need to determine if purchasing on the Outer Banks is a good addition to your investment portfolio.

Items you can request in advance of your purchase include:

  • "Actual" Rental Income - In most ca you can review current and historic data on the actual rental income produced by the home you intend to purchase.
  • "Projected" Rental Income - For new construction houses or properties not previously rented, a property management company can provide a projection by analyzing income from similar homes in comparable areas.
  • Property Management Fee - Request the annual management fee that a property management company will charge to oversee the rental of this home.
  • Utility Expenses - This information is not always readily available, but some owners are able to share this data with prospective buyers.
  • Home Maintenance - An experienced broker can provide you information to budget for annual home maintenance costs.
  • Pool and Spa Maintenance - When applicable, you can readily obtain annual expenses for maintaining pools and spas.
  • Taxes - Annual tax rates are available for each property listed for sale.
  • Insurance Costs - Local insurance companies can provide the amount buyers will need to budget for annual insurance expenditures.

Gathering this valuable information up front allows buyers to develop a much clearer picture of the costs to own on the Outer Banks and to determine the Return on Investment (ROI) percentage.  In some cases, buyers will be pleasantly surprised to discover healthy 10-12% ROI and a few opportunities that exceed these amounts.

Beyond the investment aspect, purchasing an Outer Banks vacation rental home allows you to spend valuable time with your family at the beach!; With advance notice, owners can block weeks for family use, gift the use of the home to friends and extended family or donate a week for charitable functions.

 

Outer Banks homes

Permanent Residences

Prospective residents will find plenty of properties for sale designed with year-round residents in mind. These properties many not feature the extensive game rooms, theater rooms or multiple bedrooms that a vacation rental home can have, but they do have lovely lawns and gardens, comfortable living spaces, and plenty of friendly neighbors.

Potential full-time residents have their pick of condos, single family homes, or even mobile homes which can be found from Ocracoke to the Inner Banks communities on the mainland. Local lenders are just as adept at assisting first-time homebuyers as they are investors, and can offer competitive interest rates for potential residents.

In addition, depending on the area, virtually every budget can be accommodated, and folks will find the selection of year-round homes competitively priced, especially in relation to other vacation destination and resort markets.

In other words, future residents will find plenty of opportunities available in their favorite areas, making the daydream of Outer Banks relocation well within reach.

Outer Banks neighborhood

Town Options for Permanent Residences

Like vacation rental or investment properties, year-round homes can be found in virtually every area and town of the Outer Banks, although there are some communities that are more residential in nature than others.

The Inner Banks areas of the Currituck mainland, Elizabeth City, and the Dare County mainland are an attractive possibility for year-round prospective buyers. For one thing, these areas are relatively quiet and free of tourism throughout the year, but still offer exceptional sound or canalfront access for water lovers. Also, with a location of 45 minutes or much less from the Outer Banks' barrier islands, all of these areas present new residents with an easy commute to an on-island job, or just a day at the beach.

For another, the prices in these regions are generally cheaper than the busier tourist hot spots, allowing first time home buyers or relocating families more options at a competitive price.

On the soundside of Kill Devil Hills lies Colington Harbor, a collection of namely residential homes and year-round neighborhoods with exceptional sound and saltwater canal access. This area of the Outer Banks is close to the action, but also offers proximity to the central Outer Banks' schools, community golf and recreational clubs, and public boat ramps and sound access points.

Manteo and Wanchese are also incredibly attractive locales for full-time residents, as they have a world of attractions and amenities, including the NC Aquarium, the Elizabethan Gardens, the Wanchese waterfront fishing docks, and the historic Downtown Manteo, but still maintain a small-town feel. In these areas, prospective residents will find a wide selection of year-round homes with gorgeous gardens, friendly neighbors, and easy access to essential services, like the DMV, government facilities, and local grocery stores and shops.

Hatteras Island is also home to a number of small and almost hidden primarily residential communities, specifically in Avon, Buxton and Frisco.

Avon Village is a quiet "small town" within a small town, and is the perfect neighborhood for families with uncrowded streets, generations of neighbors, and lovely small homes with a few rental homes sprinkled in. In Buxton and Frisco, year-round residents flock to the woods, where a number of residences are perched high up at some of the highest altitudes on the Outer Banks, safe from potential flooding, hidden from the main roads, and close to Hatteras Island's exceptional elementary and secondary schools.

While certain areas of the Outer Banks may seem designated for year-round residents, virtually any stretch of beach can serve as a fantastic year-round home. Keep your options open and don't be afraid to explore, and as a result, you're sure to find a wonderful property for sale that your family can truly call home.

Corolla from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Local Schools and Jobs

Because the year-round population of the Outer Banks is comprised primarily of "newcomers" who fell in love the area and eventually moved to the beach, folks interested in a beach relocation will find plenty of options and information available.

Your first stop for relocation information should naturally be your buyer's agent. Your REALTOR can provide you with a wealth of information, from local plumbers or electricians to hair salon recommendations. Don't be afraid to ask questions - your agent will be happy to assist you in getting a head start in fitting into the beach life.

Another great source of information is the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. As a representative collection of local businesses, vendors, and services available on the Outer Banks, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce can provide lots of helpful relocation information, from local voting centers to employment opportunities. A visit to their website, will certainly prove to be a fantastic introduction to the Outer Banks for new residents.

New residents can also check in with the county of Dare or Currituck, depending on where their new home lies, for essential relocation information. Both counties have extensive websites that list important department contact info, (like water department of sanitation department), available local government jobs, and local ordinances and regulations. Both counties also have personnel on hand that can help answer department specific questions.

Finally, once on the Outer Banks, new residents who want to be in the know about local events, community groups, or local happenings, are encouraged to check out their local papers. The Island Free Press and Outer Banks Voice both have online "newspapers" that can be accessed with just a couple clicks of the mouse, and the Outer Banks Sentinel and the Coastland Times are standard newspapers that cater and cover the OBX region. For upcoming events, community gatherings, and an outlet to what's happening on the beaches, the local papers are an essential tool for Outer Banks residents.

Corolla Oceanfront Homes

Flood Insurance, Taxes and Other Costs

One additional cost on the Outer Banks that many mortgage companies require, especially in areas that are close to the ocean or sound, is flood insurance. Many homes on the Outer Banks, with the exception of properties that are located well above sea level, are located in a flood zone, which means that in addition to the standard homeowner's insurance, prospective buyers will be required to purchase a flood insurance policy as well.

The good news is that flood insurance is relatively inexpensive. For example, flood insurance for a $200,000 loan typically runs around $500 a year, and that amount is factored into your monthly mortgage payments.

Some subdivisions or communities may also have additional costs, such as community grounds maintenance fees, or pool or club memberships. Condo complexes on the Outer Banks generally have an extra community cost for maintenance, trash service, or water service, although prospective buyers will generally find this information stated clearly on the real estate MLS listing.

Other than community specific costs and flood insurance, many new owners find those extra expenses associated with being a homeowner incredibly competitive with other areas. Tax rates are quite low on the Outer Banks, and in Dare County, extras like sanitation service or community dumps are free to all residents and owners.

Basically, prospective buyers who are concerned about the additional cost of owning an Outer Banks property have little to worry about. An experienced lender or real estate agent will also notify you well in advance of going under contract of any additional expenses you can or should expect.

Oceanfront Real Estate

Mortgages and Loans

Granted, mortgage companies on the whole are more cautious about distributing home loans, however lenders on the Outer Banks are specialists at second or investment home purchases, and can generally make the home buying process a lot simpler for new OBX buyers.

In the mid-2000s, obtaining a mortgage was a simple affair, with plenty of fixed rate, adjustable rate, and balloon payment options available. Today, those same rates and plans are available, however new buyers should expect a little bit more paperwork and time to complete the process.

Expect to have two years of tax returns available, a year of income statements, and detailed bank statements showing your earnings and savings. Lenders may be more detail oriented these days, however, buyers will find that once qualified, the options are endless. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are still a relatively popular option for buyers who expect to own the home for only a few years, however with the incredibly low interest rates, fixed rates at 10, 15, 20 or 30 year increments have more or less become the standard for Outer Banks buyers.

Ready to make an offer? Many lenders are happy to review your financial background ahead of time, and give you a pre-approval letter to submit along with your offer to purchase. This lets the sellers know you're a serious and qualified buyer, and can also give you the peace of mind of knowing once the contract is signed, there won't be any financial headaches along the way.

A local real estate agent can give your local lender recommendations, or you can check with the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce for local mortgage companies, lenders, and banks that specialize in second homes, investment properties, and the local Outer Banks real estate market.

Outer Banks Land

Visitors are delighted to find that only certain areas of the Outer Banks can be developed. For example, on Hatteras or Ocracoke Islands, it's not unusual to find 4-6 miles of developed areas surrounded by a dozen miles of undeveloped seashore, managed and maintained by the National Park Service.

However, prospective buyers will still find plenty of undeveloped lots and tracts of land available for sale in virtually every community of the Outer Banks. And prices are incredibly attractive to developers or builders, ranging from the $20,000s to the $200,000s or more for prime oceanfront or soundfront locations.

The beauty of purchasing a lot is that an owner can plan and execute a dream home to their exact specifications, including every amenity they desire, and discarding any extras they can do without. Potential lot or land buyers will also find a number of reputable local builders available to complete their vision. These are businesses that have been building Outer Banks homes for decades, and understand both the landscape and the best way to utilize the potential of a particular lot, (for example, the best deck placement for the best views.)

For prospective Outer Banks home owners who have a clear vision in mind of their dream house, it is most definitely worth the extra leg work to purchase a lot, and then contract a local builder to fill in the blanks. Building prices on the Outer Banks are competitive, and new owners will find no shortage of reputable and locally recommended builders available to construct their dream home.

Additional Considerations

  • Like many national communities, the Outer Banks has its fair share of foreclosures, and prospective buyers should be on the lookout for phenomenal "short sale" deals. A short sale is basically a last ditch attempt by the bank or an owner to unload the property off their hands by offering it at an exceptionally reasonable price for a limited amount of time, and as a result, buyers can secure a property at much less than the property's actual value. The only drawback with a short sale is that many properties come with an "as is" provision, meaning that while home inspections are certainly allowed, the seller won't be conducive to making any repairs.

    For handymen and handywomen, however, a short sale or foreclosure is an ideal opportunity to rapidly increase the value of a property with a little bit of elbow grease. As such, the short sales and foreclosures on the Outer Banks are definitely worth a look for buyers who love a good home improvement project.

  • Want to maximize your rental income? Then start your vacation rental home search in the winter or early spring. As a general rule of thumb, annual rental income is transferred from the seller to the buyer on the closing date, which means that if a closing occurs in March or April, the buyer can enjoy a full season of rental income without any lag from the previous winter. The spring, in fact, is generally known among REALTORS as the most active season of second and investment home sales, simply because of the full year of income. Have fun hunting, but bear in mind that as the Outer Banks' most productive real estate season, being an early bird might be a huge benefit in securing an attractive property.
  • Have specific criteria and a little time before you nail down a decision? Sign up for automated email updates. Many local REALTORS can take your specifications and assign you to a mailing list sponsored by the MLS which will send you up-to-the-minute notifications on new properties for sale or price reductions. By receiving instantaneous updates on properties related to your criteria, you can ensure to be the first to know when a new property hits the market, or one of your favorites has dropped its listing price.
  • For prospective rental or investment property owners, many property management companies also have in-house real estate sales teams that work with property managers on a daily basis, and can help prospective buyers in finding homes that are very guest-friendly. By choosing a REALTOR associated with a property management company, a buyer can essentially maximize their potential rental income by learning, first hand, what properties can generate the most visitor interest, and what improvements can be made to specific properties to make them more renter-friendly. In fact, many buyers find that in addition to their buyer's agent, they also have access to a local property manager that can guide them in additions or changes that will be the most attractive to potential renters.

Basically, if you want a great rental home, then go to the source. The combination of expert real estate agents and expert property managers will help your prospective vacation rental home reach its full earning potential.

Many folks dream about owning a home on the beach, but few realize that a second or primary home on the Outer Banks is actually a very obtainable reality. Whether you're looking to invest in a vacation rental property your family can enjoy for generations, interested in buying a lot to lay down the groundwork for your dream home, or simply want to enjoy the beach life full-time with a permanent relocation, you'll find the Outer Banks real estate market perfectly accommodating to your expectations.

Best of all, the sheer variety of properties for sale virtually ensure that every taste and budget is accounted for, so prospective buyers will have no problem finding a portfolio of homes or lots that meet their specific criteria.

Intrigued? There's no harm in learning a little more, and experienced local buyer's agents are always on hand to answer questions, whether you've visited the Outer Banks for a day or a decade. On your next vacation, don't be afraid to contact a local Outer Banks REALTOR and take your first step into being a happy, full-time supporter of the beach life on the Outer Banks.

 

Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it’s no wonder this Kill Devil Hills restaurant is a family tradition for so many. You’ll love waking up to favorites like biscuits and gravy, farm fresh eggs and buttermilk pancakes. Dinner options are just as tempting with menu items that include the freshest Outer Banks Catch seafood, she crab soup, Angus beef and fried green tomatoes just to name a few. Not only does Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offer great breakfast and dinner options, Miller’s newest menu item – Hawaiian/American Fusion Sushi – is sure to please the sushi lover in you. From the Miller’s Roll that combines tempura fried crispy lobster tail with tantalizing ingredients to the High Tide and OBX Roller, guests will love choosing from a delicious variety of sushi options developed and prepared by Miller’s expert Sushi chef.

 

Along with its scrumptious cuisine, Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offers a warm friendly atmosphere coupled with genuine Outer Banks hospitality. You’ll discover that not only is Miller’s a tradition for so many, it’s also a Miller family tradition. Two generations of Millers have worked side by side to make the Kill Devil Hills restaurant a favorite for all who pass through its doors. Owners Brian and Beth Miller want guests to feel at home and can often be found making rounds to check on customers and mingle with them as they dine.

 

Here at Miller’s, everyone is treated like family as they experience an unforgettable dining experience. Large parties are also welcome, making it perfect for extended families to enjoy dining together on their Outer Banks vacation. Come on in and see for yourself why Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse is more than just a great restaurant. It’s a tradition.

 

It was 1978 when Eddie and Lou Miller first opened Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse. As a teenager, their son Brian spent his summers working in the restaurant, getting familiar with the family business. After college, Brian and his wife Beth came back to Kill Devil Hills and began working together at Miller’s. Brian and Beth officially purchased the restaurant from Eddie and Lou in 2007. A few years later they opened American Pie together, and both restaurants now carry on the Miller family tradition of quality, excellence and hospitality.

OBX Laser Tag and Arcade

OBX Laser Tag and Arcade

Here’s some high energy entertainment for the kids, and for young adults (or young at heart) who love laser tag. On one side of this large facility is the “moon bounce inflatable room,” where the young ‘uns can go and bounce about to their heart’s content. Parties are available for up to 12 kids ages 2 through 6 – bring your own cake. But it’s the other room where the real action is. Arcade games are located just inside the door, then there’s another door. And behind that it’s another world. Black lights, music and fog combine to make a spooky atmosphere where players with (completely harmless) laser guns duck behind shadowy corners to hide from pursuers wielding their own laser guns. It’s a large area to play in, and everyone is clearly having fun. Games can be purchased as a single, a 3-game discount, or all-day pass. Unlimited play all night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays is also offered, as well as overnight parties and private party room parties.

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 25! years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX. The buffet offers a variety of seafood and non seafood options. Try some of Jimmy’s seafood options and load your plate with blackened tuna, Louisiana crawfish, steamed scallops and mussels, fried oysters and deviled crabs. Not in the mood for seafood? Fill your plate with steak, pineapple glazed ham, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and fettuccini Alfredo to name a few. The buffet also offers a kid section. Let your kids load their plates with chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and corn dog nuggets. Don’t forget dessert! The buffet also offers soft serve ice cream and a plethora of baked goods. 

 

It’s been 25 years since Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet opened its doors for the first time. Since that inaugural summer, the goal has remained the same: provide customers with a tasty, fresh array of seafood full of Caribbean flavor.

 

Elizabeth Dowless and her husband Jerry had always worked in restaurants in the Outer Banks, so when the opportunity to open Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet with a couple of friends arose, it was an easy yes. The Dowlesses bought out the business in 2003, excited to turn Jimmy’s into an Outer Banks staple. When Jerry passed away later that year, Dowless knew she wanted to continue pursuing their dream on her own.

 

Dowless went all in on the concept of a fresh, flavorful seafood buffet and her hard work paid off. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a beloved fixture of Outer Banks dining, with customers returning year after year for the fresh fare.

 

“Customers keep in contact with me throughout the winter. I get people every day asking me when we’re opening for the season, and customers book their vacations around our opening,” Dowless says. “I absolutely love getting to see familiar faces come back to see us each year. I love seeing them lose their minds over the buffet! Their excitement is what I love most about my job.”

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or businesses to point the way. Instead, visitors will find a completely undeveloped parcel of land, that's well-stocked with gorgeous views and serene nature trails that are ideal for off-the-beaten path excursions.

Jurassic Putt

Jurassic Putt

WHEN IT'S HOT, OUR WATER MISTERS WILL COOL YOU OFF SO YOU WILL ENJOY PLAYING! Mini-golf can be enjoyed here under the shadow of T-Rex and Raptor dinosaurs, depending on which side you choose to play on. Either one has what it takes: 18 hole courses, tropical landscape touches and a playful approach to putt-putt. One sign declares the “Law of the Land,” which includes a warning not to ride, feed or beat the animals. The animals, of course, are oversized sculptures of cartoonish fierce-looking dinosaurs, who guard waterfalls and peek out from ponds and canals. Golfers are also guided to their chosen course by different colored footprints for each monster --- red for T-Rex, yellow for Raptor. The courses are Par 2, easy enough for kids, but still fun enough for the older folks. The view of Manteo and the Roanoke Sound from the course is a bonus. 

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Welcome to the home of the happy oyster where for over 40 years the oyster has been our world. The Outer Banks only authentic oyster bar is the place to enjoy sensational fare from the sea washed down with your favorite brew or cocktail. We serve by the peck, pound, and dozen, raw or steamed to perfection. Kicked back casual, down to earth friendly staff, and reasonable prices make Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar the all-time favorite of locals and travelers alike.

The idea wasn’t to set out and establish a new concept restaurant on the Outer Banks, but that’s exactly what Awful Arthur’s owner Jo Whitehead and her late husband, Jay, accomplished more than 35 years ago when they opened the area’s first authentic oyster bar.

 

Awful Arthur’s opened in May 1984 on the Outer Banks. “We embraced the concept of an authentic copper top bar with the idea of it being a major drawing card and it still is,” explains Whitehead. “I get oysters wherever they are local. We follow the warm waters.” 

 

Just across from the ocean, in Kill Devil Hills, oyster season is year-round at Awful Arthur’s. Diners can take a seat at the copper-topped bar to observe the staff shucking oysters, served raw or steamed, along with shrimp, crab legs and clams all steamed to perfection. 

 

It’s not just the raw bar that’s earned Awful Arthur’s both local and national recognition, including being named one of America’s greatest oyster bars by Coastal Living magazine. The restaurant is a seafood-lover’s paradise, offering the freshest catches available.

Cosmo's Pizzeria Southern Shores

Cosmo's Pizzeria Southern Shores

If you're searching for great pizza on the Outer Banks, look no further than Cosmo's Pizzeria at The Marketplace in Southern Shores! We offer authentic New York-style pizza made fresh and just the way you like, using only the highest quality ingredients. Try one of our specialty pizzas, such as the classic Margarita or BBQ Chicken, or keep it simple with your choice of toppings. If New York-style pizza isn't your thing, we also offer a variety of salads, pasta dishes and subs.