You’ll find all of the traditional beach activities like fishing and miniature golf. But you’ll also find treasures unique to Outer Banks Beaches: the 30,000-acre Cape Hatteras National Seashore; America’s tallest historic lighthouse at Cape Hatteras; Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune in the east. Soar over to the Wright Brother’s Memorial where the brothers took the first manned flight over 100 years ago. Take in “The Lost Colony,” the longest running outdoor theater production in the country. Catch a glimpse of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam free on the northern beaches. Add to this, seven coastal golf courses and 300+ memorable local restaurants, and you’ll see why we love being neighbors with Mother Nature’s Amusement Park.

We are fortunate to be an easy drive to so much. Both Virginia Beach and Norfolk, in the bustling Coastal Virginia region, offer major brand, big shopping, exciting cultural events and incredible variety.

Plan a day trip to Virginia Beach or Norfolk for a day shopping with friends at major malls or eclectic shopping villages. Or plan an outing to enjoy the arts—Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Harrison Opera House in Chesapeake. Head to Norfolk to explore the NEON Arts District, enjoy world-class cuisine, wine bars, wineries and breweries, and the 1-million square foot MacArthur Center for shopping, dining and more.

Headed farther afield? It’s a snap with the Norfolk International Airport so close. Whether it’s world-class entertainment, five-star cuisine, or epic shopping, this well-connected metro area can deliver.

Voted by Forbes.com as one of America’s Prettiest Towns, Edenton is a waterfront village with southern grace and colonial history, but it’s also a growing eco-tourism destination. In the Edenton/Chowan area you can excite your outdoorsy side with a wealth of eco-tourism activities including birding, paddling, camping, biking, boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife. With canoe and kayak trails that explore the waterways, and biking routes that wind past historic colonial architecture or along country roads, it’s easy to take in the unique character of this lovely town.

Elizabeth City has long been known as one of the Best Small Towns in America, and the Harbor of Hospitality. With an active and growing arts and performance community, you can fill your schedule with something every night of the week in Elizabeth City. The downtown waterfront is home to many local restaurants and pubs that serve delicious food, spirits, and feature live music or poetry readings. Discover their world-class art facility with a gallery, classes and theatre. Come and take part in traditional community events like enjoying old movies or live music on the riverfront Green in summer and fall, or the shop the Downtown Waterfront Market for crafts, fresh produce and more. Here, you’ll also find an active local community theatre, and Elizabeth City State University with a state-of-the-art planetarium, sports events and more. This vibrant city is a dynamic place where the arts thrive, and the community enjoys being active and engaged.

Hertford is a place where you’ll experience old-fashioned southern hospitality and a relaxed way of life. An all-American town that is uniquely North Carolina, it’s the 7th oldest town in the State and celebrates its distinct flavor of small town culture throughout the year. Hertford is a close-knit neighborhood type of town where you’ll feel at home in no time. Tour historic homes and sites, enjoy community workshops and activities, and enjoy the area’s hospitality. A few of our favorites things to do: picnic under the pavilion and look out on the river, watch the waterfowl and the activity at Hertford’s “quirky little landmark,” The Turtle Log. Stroll to Woodard’s Pharmacy for a fresh squeezed orangeade at the soda fountain. Canoe or kayak or set out in your boat for a day of sailing, water skiing or fishing along Hertford’s coast. However you spend your day in Hertford, you’re sure to feel the warm, small town welcome it’s known for.