Every year for as long as G can remember, he has been going to Duck, NC in the Outer Banks with his family and their friends. It was a tradition that I was thrilled to join in on when we got married! It’s a really big group that goes (20+ people!) and we all rent out a house to stay in together for the week. Renting a house is the way to go in Duck, as I don’t think there are even hotels in the town. Visiting Duck is such a fun time because it is a pretty quiet town and it’s not heavily commercialized.

The house we stay at is just a short walk from the beach, has a nice pool, is walking distance to an adorable coffee shop, close to restaurants and ice cream, near a great smoothie joint, and has killer sunset views over the sound.

Plus the crew that we hang with is the best! G’s parents and brothers were all there. And my father-in-law was living his best life being a great model with the Insta-worthy pool floats lol

Duck is a pretty short drive from Kill Devil Hills which is where the famous sand dunes are! We went there last year and had a blast. I’m hoping to go back again next year.

This trip allowed me to read a book for the first time in over a year (!!!!!). It felt so nice to catch my breath, play games with friends and family, and just do NOTHING. I love being adventurous on trips, but I love coming to Duck to just relax and be allowed to do absolutely nothing at all.

Here’s a few places that I recommend for food and play!

Places to Eat:

Breakfast

Outer Bean Cafe (smoothies and basic breakfast sandwiches)

Try the life boost (pictured) below with almond milk instead of apple juice.

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts has quite a few locations, but if you’re in Duck, you’ve got to check out the original location! Their donuts are so light and fluffy.

Duck’s Cottage

G and I love walking here in the morning to go get a cup of “Coconut Crunch” coffee. They are also a bookstore, so it’s a great place to go grab a book to read on the beach.

Lunch / Dinner

Red Sky Cafe

This is one of my favorite places to eat lunch or dinner in Duck. The shrimp & grits are bomb.com if you’re there for dinner. If you’re there for lunch, try the “Hot Damn Chicken Sandwich” with onion rings 🙂

Coastal Cravings

This place was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. It’s connected to a gas station which probably classifies it as a Dive, but they have some good seafood. They also serve brunch (which was what we went there for this time)!

Mama Easley’s

Okay so not technically in Duck, but it is about 15 minutes away. Good southern food that is quick and easy. Plus there is some good shopping in the same area as it, if you’re looking for something to do.

Outer Banks Boil Company

This one isn’t necessarily a restaurant to go to, but it is my favorite meal every year. Outer Banks Boil Co is a catering company that will come to the house you are staying at and cook up a low-country boil for you. Crab, Louisiana sausage, fresh corn, onions, and fresh shrimp– my mouth is literally watering while typing this and thinking about it. It’s a great idea if you have a really big group, especially because a lot of the restaurants are pretty small in Duck and have limited seating sometimes.

Things to Do:

• Beach (obvi)
  • What better way to relax than reading on the beach?!

• Shopping at Scarborough Faire
  • A lot of stores you would expect in a beach town. But its still a lot of fun to walk around, especially for a rainy afternoon.
• Hot Yoga at Village Yoga
  • It’s hard to maintain a workout routine while on vacation, but I think it’s fun to do a workout class that I normally wouldn’t do while on vacation in order to be active, but also just to try something new. I did hot yoga for the first time here a few years ago, so I normally do a class or two every year when I’m here. It’s for people of all levels, so don’t feel intimidated if you’ve never even tried yoga before!
• Wright Brother’s Memorial
  • Not in Duck, but a short drive away. Really worth seeing if you enjoy history. It’s pretty cool to see where the birthplace of flight took place.
• Kayak / Paddle-board Tour
  • We did a kayak tour with this company last year and had so much fun! I want to do the paddle-board tour next year.
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park
  • Again, not in Duck, but pretty close by. And worth the trip! The sand dunes are incredible and you just have to see them! Plus you can try your hand at hang gliding if you’re feeling brave.

If you’ve ever been to Duck, drop you’re recommendations below so I can try them next year!