Your local guide to the quiet side of the Outer Banks.

The Froggy Dog

A 50-year island institution: scratch-made American & seafood, a famous Sunday brunch, and legendary late-night karaoke, trivia, and music bingo. Kid's play corner and one of the OBX's biggest wine lists. Closed Tuesdays.

Dairy Queen Avon

The after-beach ritual. Blizzards, dip-top cones, burgers, and dogs — exactly what a sandy, sun-tired crew wants on the walk home.

Nino's Pizza

Nearly four decades of hand-tossed pies, calzones, pasta, and subs. Order the "Crabby Patty" — crab dip and Old Bay on a pizza, which is about as Outer Banks as it gets. Lunch, dinner, and delivery.

Gidget's Pizza & Pasta

Big Italian menu and a wine bar in the Hatteras Island Plaza — hand-tossed pizza, calzones, pasta, paninis, 70+ wines by the glass, and 20+ beers. The shrimp-scampi pizza has a cult following. Seasonal Avon delivery.

Ketch 55 Seafood Grill

A sit-down island favorite (since 2004) for fresh local seafood, hand-cut steaks, a raw bar, and a deep beer & wine list. Also home to Stu's Donuts & Breakfast in the mornings.

Isla Coffee

Opens at 8 a.m. for espresso drinks, cold brew, teas, and wellness lattes, plus baked goods and plant-based treats. Fuel for an early dock session or a beach morning — grab beans to brew back at the cottage.

The Mad Crabber

Hatteras Island's original family crab house, going since 1991. Steamed crab legs, the Mad Crabber Platter, and hand-cut steaks at casual picnic tables. Dinner only.

Surf's Up Seafood Market

Oceana's Bistro

A relaxed local favorite for seafood done simply and well — casual island dining that's easy to reach from the cottage.

Food Lion

The island's only chain grocery — stock up on arrival, because the next full supermarket is a long drive away. Right in the heart of Avon.

Kitty Hawk Kites

"Teaching the world to fly since 1974." Kites, beach gear, gifts, and bookings for kayak tours, kiteboarding lessons, and more.

Frank & Fran's Fisherman's Friend

The island's beloved bait & tackle shop since 1988: rigs, rods, reels, fresh bait, ice, NC fishing licenses, a fishing report, apparel, and even a walk-in cigar humidor. An official tournament weigh station and a true Hatteras tradition.

Island Cycles & Beach Gear

Bike, kayak, and SUP rentals plus repairs — handy if you want wheels for the whole crew to get around town.

Studio 12 Art Center

A working gallery and DIY makers' studio — walk in any time to paint pottery, do mosaics, or try glass fusion, with an espresso-and-smoothie bar. A perfect creative afternoon for kids and adults alike.

Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom

Small-batch, coastal-inspired pottery and ceramic wall art by local artist Antoinette Gaskins — sand dollars, sea stars, shells, and mermaids, plus textiles, jewelry, and home décor.

Surf & beach shops

OBXorganiX

Organic and natural foods, supplements, and specialty groceries for guests who want to eat clean on vacation.

The Canadian Hole (Haulover)

One of the East Coast's most famous windsurfing & kiteboarding spots — shallow, flat sound water with a bathhouse and big parking lot. Also great for swimming, kayaking, and sunset.

Avon Beach Access

Public ocean access with parking, restrooms, and showers — a short walk or bike from the cottage. ORV Ramp 38 just south for permitted 4WD beach driving.

Kite Point

The kiteboarders' gathering spot — wide, shallow sound water perfect for lessons and launching. A great show to watch even if you stay dry.

Avon Fishing Pier

The last pier inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore (since 1962) — and the very surf that produced the all-tackle world-record red drum. Seasonal mini golf and July 4th fireworks too.

Hatteras Harbor Marina

Gulf Stream charters for marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi — one of the closest launch points to the Stream on the East Coast. Book offshore or inshore trips.

Miss Hatteras Head Boat

The budget-friendly group option — a full day of Gulf Stream bottom fishing without chartering a whole boat. Great for first-timers and families.

Easy Going Charters

Right here in Avon — Captain Frank runs relaxed inshore trips on a 23' Carolina Skiff (up to 6) for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more in the Pamlico Sound. Also offers clamming and flounder gigging. Kid-friendly, rods & license included.

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Shipwrecks, U-boats, Blackbeard, and the Life-Saving Service — recently renovated. Open Mon–Fri, near the ferry docks. A perfect rainy-day stop.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. (198+ ft), first lit in 1870 and famously moved inland in 1999. Note: closed for climbing through at least 2026 for restoration — grounds & museum stay open.

Frisco Native American Museum

A nationally recognized artifact collection plus a nature trail through maritime forest. Open Tue–Sun; quietly one of the island's best small museums.

Hatteras–Ocracoke Ferry

A free, ~60-minute crossing to unspoiled Ocracoke Island, year-round and first-come-first-served. The seasonal passenger ferry to the village is reservation-recommended.

Frisco Mini Golf & Go Karts

Two go-kart tracks, kiddie karts, bumper cars, an 18-hole mini golf course with waterfalls, plus an arcade. The classic family rainy-or-shiny afternoon.

Ocracoke Village

Wild ponies, Blackbeard lore, a tidy harbor village, and Springer's Point. Take the ferry over and make a full day of it.

NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Sharks, sea turtles, otters, and a stingray touch tank — the top rainy-day or all-ages outing, ~90 min north. Open daily 9–5; reserve timed tickets online.

Wright Brothers Memorial

Where powered flight began in 1903. Climb to the monument and walk the flight markers. Open daily 9–5; ~$10 entry (kids 15 & under free).

The Elizabethan Gardens

A lush 10-acre garden by the first English colony site, with Tudor grounds and the magical Winter Lights display (Nov–Jan).

Pea Island Wildlife Refuge

13 miles of protected barrier island — birding trails, wildlife ponds, and a visitor center. The first stop on any drive north. Bring binoculars.

Tanger Outlets Nags Head

The OBX's main outlet shopping center — name brands and a dependable rainy-day stop on the drive north.