RVA to OBX — Richmond, VA Links to Explore in the Outer Banks

By Megan Wilson
Oct. 04, 2021

Richmond, VA is only 3 hours from the Outer Banks, making the barrier islands a popular retreat for the city’s entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate hustlers, and families. Although the beachside destination and southern city feel like separate worlds, they have plenty in common. Both Richmond and the Outer Banks are internationally known for food and culture, creating a delicious and imaginative connection to enjoy on your next Outer Banks visit.

Class and Trash

906 S. Croatan Hwy Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Shopping is a great place to begin. Class and Trash opened on Route 1 between Richmond and Ashland, Virginia, before expanding to two Richmond locations and a hub in Kill Devil Hills. Beach buds can browse an unusual thrift collection filled with furniture, rugs, signs, and other objects for the home, office, or business. The selection is cool, funky, affordable, and constantly changing, making every visit an opportunity to find something unexpected to take home from the beach.

Jack Brown’s

800 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Richmond fans of craft beer, burgers, trivia, and live music may already know Jack Brown’s. The Virginia-born burger and beer joint now has locations around the country, including the Outer Banks. In Kill Devil Hills, a welcoming backyard features tables, string lights, and funky signs that guide guests toward a stage for artists and good times. Pair craft beer with a Cobra Kai or Cowboy Burger and enjoy the lively setting.

Outer Banks Distilling

510 Budleigh St., Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks Distilling has developed a suite of products the team takes pride in. The Manteo tasting room occupies the same building as the distillery, giving visitors the chance to watch the spirits being made while enjoying cocktails and tastings in good company. Back in Richmond, bartenders at restaurants including Laura Lee’s, Little Nickle, Lucky AF, Kreggers, Grandstaff and Stein, and more can serve cocktails featuring the distillery’s products. It’s a way to bring the taste of the beach home.

Duck Donuts

Several locations

A visit to the Outer Banks often includes a few Duck Donuts. With shops now available across the globe, these donuts offer a sweet start to a beach day or a treat for the journey home. The vanilla cake donuts are best when fresh, and the shops offer flavors such as cookies and cream, maple bacon, and seasonal choices like apple cider cobbler. Richmond visitors can enjoy them at the Duck Donuts Willow Lawn location.

About the Author

Megan Wilson is a travel writer and marketing specialist at SweetSauceBlog.com from Richmond, VA. She regularly makes the 3-hour trip to the Outer Banks for adventure and relaxation, bringing her work along so she can create with a view.