How to Work Remotely from the Outer Banks

By Megan Wilson
Sep. 24, 2020

For many people, the old 9-to-5 office routine now feels far away. That shift may be here to stay. We have learned how much can get done with a few basic tools close by: a laptop, a cell phone, reliable WiFi, and a place that sparks ideas. If the dining room table or attic workspace is starting to feel tired, it may be time for a new view. Remote working in the Outer Banks offers calm surroundings, friendly communities, motivating scenery, and a lively local business network ready to support you. There is also ample room for a lifestyle that makes social distancing simple.

Getting to the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks does not have a long list of entry routes. Driving is usually the smartest option, and having a car will make it easier to move around while you are here. A bike is also useful for quick errands or short breaks near the beach.

Most visitors arrive through the central area known as Southern Shores. From that point, Corolla is about 30 minutes north, while Hatteras, at the southern end of the barrier islands, is roughly an hour and half away. The area from Duck through Nags Head functions as the main hub of the barrier islands, with Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk included in that stretch. This is where you will find many everyday essentials and business-friendly resources.

Places to Stay

The Outer Banks can seem tucked away, but strong WiFi is widely available. Even so, confirm the internet details in your rental listing before booking.

If you are planning a longer remote-work stay in the Outer Banks, begin with long-term rentals through realty companies such as Carolina Designs, Twiddy, and Sun Realty. Multi-week stays may come with special discounts. Many rental homes include office space and enough extra room to welcome friends or family during part of your visit. Some properties also offer Smart TVs, which can be useful for video conferencing or virtual learning if kids are coming along.

Begin the Day with a Solid Breakfast

Kick things off with something satisfying. The Outer Banks has plenty of sweet morning stops, including the well-known Duck Donuts, with several locations across the island. Their donuts are best when fresh, and the coffee has plenty of fans.

FreshFit Cafe, Beachside Bistro, Mom’s Sweet Spot, and Wave Riders are also strong choices for smoothies, acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and other morning staples. Until indoor dining is available, their courtyards and patios can be places to settle in and work. Taking breakfast back to your rental is another easy option. These spots are not just good for fueling up; they can also help you meet other remote workers, freelancers, and local business owners.

Fill the Kitchen with Good Food

The Outer Banks has a deep lineup of memorable places to eat, but keeping quality food at your rental helps you stay productive at home. Familiar grocery stores such as Food Lion and Harris Teeter are available in the area.

You can also shop for fresh local seafood and produce at area markets. Options include Seaside Market in Corolla, Whalebone Seafood in Nags Head, and O’Neals Seafood Harvest in Wanchese.

Keep in Touch

A fresh setting for work does not have to mean feeling isolated. The Outer Banks has a strong business community, ranging from solo entrepreneurs to large internationally focused companies. In a post-covid world, meeting peers face to face is more complicated, so it helps to use the tools and resources already available.

Local professionals know the barrier island, understand how it works, and can help you learn how to get things done. The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is a good starting point, offering virtual networking events, a Business Accelerator office space for meetings, advertising opportunities, and more. The organization also hosts social distance social events and supports fundraising for local causes.

Make the Zoom Background Work for You

Zoom calls still follow you to the Outer Banks. They can be more enjoyable, though. Build a custom Zoom background with your own photos using tools such as Canva, or download one from Caroline Designs.

Send Clients a Local Gift

If your business depends on relationships, a thoughtful gift can help keep client connections warm. The Outer Banks Box offers a sweet way to show that someone is on your mind. Each box includes locally sourced items, is curated quarterly, and can be shipped throughout the country.

For clients who enjoy cocktails, Kill Devil Rum offers rum-infused gifts with a local story, including candles, pecans, tumblers, and rum balls. Another flavorful option is an OBX-themed tin from Gourmet Popcorn and Gifts, filled with one of 20 flavors of gourmet popcorn.

Ways to Unwind

Make time to enjoy the Outer Banks while you are here. Build breaks into your schedule so you can step away from work and reset. That might be a quiet beach walk or a brief stretch on a balcony facing the ocean.

When you have a larger window, try a hike at Buxton Woods, an estuarine research reserve with plenty of wildlife and a peaceful, remote feel. Jockey’s Ridge also offers several possibilities. It is the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast, with views stretching from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. The sound side of the Outer Banks also contains a surprisingly beautiful and secluded part of the park. Visitors who are mobility impaired can call ahead to arrange an all-terrain-vehicle ride to the top of the dunes, which is a fun way to take in the full view.

Want More Ideas?

Another post covers the 21 best places to eat in the Outer Banks from North to South. If you are seeking more adventure, a separate blog post highlights five new things to try in the Outer Banks.

Author

Megan Wilson is a travel writer and marketing specialist at SweetSauceBlog.com from Richmond, VA. She often makes the 3-hour drive to the Outer Banks for both adventure and downtime, and she brings her work with her so she can create with a view.