5 Ways The Outer Banks Brings Calm to the Soul

By Kim Jackson
Jan. 18, 2023

For relaxation, The Outer Banks is the best place to go, with soul-refreshing moments by the ocean, colorful sunsets, and time spent birdwatching.

When I was invited to spend a fall long weekend in the Outer Banks with fellow writers, I was thrilled to discover a new-to-me destination, reconnect with longtime friends, and get acquainted with new ones. As I mapped out my Outer Banks visit, I made notes on the places I hoped to see and the experiences I wanted to have. Nature sat right at the top.

What I did not expect was how restorative the getaway would feel. Beyond taking in the sweeping beauty of the area, I found myself absorbing a peaceful energy that felt soothing and healing. These are a few of the experiences that brought that sense of calm.

Walking the Duck Boardwalk

Nature walks are something I seek out wherever I travel. On my first day in Duck, I got there ahead of schedule and continued farther up the road to look around. On the return, I wandered through charming waterfront shops and discovered the boardwalk along the Currituck Sound, complete with piers stretching over the water. Moving slowly along those natural pathways brought me a deep sense of quiet.

Putting My Toes in the Ocean

On the final day of the trip, we made our way down to the Atlantic Ocean and stepped into the water. The surf was rolling in with force, and in the distance we saw the dorsal fins of Bottlenose dolphins. As the water rushed higher across the sand, everyone jumped back, and I ended up with the bottoms of my pants quite wet. We laughed together and wished we could linger there for much longer. It was a meaningful moment shared with new friends.

Visiting Outer Banks Lighthouses

I have always been drawn to lighthouses, so when I learned that the Outer Banks had five, I knew I wanted to see at least one or two during this visit.

The first was set in a quiet, tucked-away spot at the east end of the Manteo waterfront. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is the smallest on the Outer Banks; it stands at just 37 feet tall and reaches 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound.

The second lighthouse I visited was Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla. Since 1875, it has served as a safety beacon for mariners by day and night. Its height surprised me when I arrived. I explored the grounds, stopped into the Museum Shop, and then began climbing the 220 steps inside the impressive red-brick tower. I had to pause a few times to breathe, but I was determined to make it to the lookout. Along the climb, there were plenty of interesting facts to read, and the views from above made the effort worthwhile.

Bodie Island Lighthouse and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are also found toward the southern end of Dare County's Outer Banks.

Taking In the Sky’s Colors

Sunset in the Outer Banks feels magical. We saw several beautiful sunsets during the trip, but the first evening in Duck gave us an especially memorable one from the outdoor deck at NC Coast Grill & Bar.

The next night, after touring the Sanderling Resort and heading toward the Life Saving Station Restaurant for dinner, the sky again filled with vivid, glowing color.

Bird Watching

While part of our group went fishing and kayaking, three of us chose bird watching. Jonathan Cooley of Native Birding Tours met us at Duck’s Cottage Coffee and Book for a two-hour private outing. From there, it was only a brief walk to the Duck Boardwalk.

Jonathan clearly understands the birds of this area and even called to them with a whistle. One species I recognized was the Blue Heron. I learned that the Great Blue Heron migrates from Eastern Canada, and that the Pacific Great Blue Heron can be found near my home at the Great Heron Nature Reserve in British Columbia.

Closing Reflections on the Outer Banks

My Outer Banks trip was a wonderful getaway that gave me the chance to truly rest and unwind. There were many more experiences I would have liked to fit in, but those will wait for another visit to North Carolina. There will absolutely be another visit.

Categories: Health, Sustainability

Author

Kim Jackson works full time in retail and is moving into a second career in freelance writing and photography, focusing on travel, the outdoors, nature, and hiking.

Her work has appeared in Travel Post Monthly, Rovology, and Food, Wine, Travel Magazine. She is a member of IFWTWA.