Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

I have always been passionate about traveling. I have visited every state on the east coast, and I am slowly working my way into the west. However, my most desired venture has always been the Outer Banks. While I have visited my family in North Carolina many times, I have never had the opportunity to visit the islands. That all changed when my boyfriend’s family invited me to go with them in July.  

On July 9^th, we began the four-hour drive to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The drive was so peaceful, I began to smell the salty air once we reached Virginia Beach, and it made me grow more excited about what was to come.  

Once we had arrived, we quickly headed to a local dinner spot. The food was just alright, but the view from the restaurant was incredible. I had not been on the beach just yet, and the restaurant had a perfect view. I watched the beachgoers eagerly until we finally finished dinner and headed towards the water.  

We spent the entirety of the next day at the beach, and I earned the worst sunburn of my life. I would do it ten times over. My boyfriend’s family and I took turns boogie boarding and bodyboarding until we each experienced our own nasty wipe out. We packed up our beach day and headed for the beach shops that were just around the corner.  

The next day, we woke up early and headed for the acai bowl place that everyone raves about, The Spot. It lived up to all of the hype. We went back for the next three days; it was just that good. It was the first time I had ever tried an acai bowl, and I have craved one ever since. It was July 11^th, 7/11 day. We hurried to our nearest 7/11 gas station and got our free Slurpies. We drove around for a bit and visited some of the local shops. My favorite was a small eclectic shop that sold neat trinkets, plants and crystals. That night, we visited the sand dunes just in time for the sunset. July 11^th was the day my boyfriend told me he loved me for the first time. I will never forget the views, or the feelings this day brought me. 

The next day we visited not one, but two ice cream shops. Surprisingly, I had some of the best french-fries I’ve ever had at an ice cream shop. We ventured out into the ocean and did some offshore fishing, which was such an incredible experience. I did get seasick for the first few hours, but it was so worth it. I even caught a fish! 

The next day, my boyfriend and I went on a breakfast date, and had some incredible food. We spent the rest of the day exploring and picking up small gifts for family and friends back home. We were sad because we knew that would be our last day, and we would have to pack up later that night. He made it the best last day I could ever ask for. 

We headed back home that night and sang along to our favorite songs the entire trip back. I have thought about that trip often since. I truly hope we can go every year! If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you have to go! 

P. S.

Please see my Photo Essay for pictures of the incredible sunset progression in Kitty Hawk, it is truly incredible to see.