OBX Lighthouses

On a chilly, January morning we set out for the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  We were in for a quiet, desolate beach experience.

We stopped first at Outer Banks Brewing Station where we had a lovely brunch.  We took home a set of the beer sampler glasses to add to our collection.  We next headed to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, where we saw a variety of birdlife hanging out in the water.  We ventured across the road and over the sand dune for a little beach time.  There was a dusting of snow, making the beach even more beautiful with the winter setting.

After we found our camping spot, making sure that we were not right on the water, we headed for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  We arrived late in the afternoon and quite enjoyed being able to wander around without the crowds.

We stopped for a snack and then set up camp.  It was cold, with snow on the ground, but comfortable by the roaring fire.  It was a playoff weekend.  Fortunately, the campground had wi-fi, so we broke our own rule on phone use to watch the game.

The next morning we had to search out a breakfast spot, as the highly recommended place across the street was closed for the season.  After breakfast, we headed to Bodie Island Lighthouse.  I am not quite sure just what it is about a lighthouse, but I find them fascinating. Especially in the winter, there is something special about the desolate, lone bastions of the sea.

The highlight of our visit to the aquarium was the white (leucistic) alligator.  We also happened upon the giant tank just in time for our own private view of the shark feeding.  They were not hungry that day, but we did get to see one take a bite.

For lunch, we headed to Blue Moon Beach Grille, a place recommended by my cousin.  Of course, we ordered the mussels.  Their version had spinach and blue cheese.  I was a little hesitant at first, but they were delicious.

We did some souvenir shopping and then headed to Jennette’s Pier where we spotted a pod of dolphins swimming and jumping not too far from shore.  We headed down to the beach to watch the sunset and look for shark’s teeth.  No luck finding any teeth, but the sky was quite beautiful as the sun went down behind the dunes.

Our last stop was for dinner at Black Pelican Seafood Company.  The restaurant is in a Lifesaving Station built in 1874.  The building has relocated twice since its original construction, first to behind the sand dune and then across the main street along the shore.  I loved the story about the black pelican credited with directing rescuers to troubled ships for many years.  We very much enjoyed the food and the ambiance and will return for sure.