We were only on the Outer Banks for a few days, not nearly enough time to sample all of the good restaurants. But allow me to mention a few that were remarkable for their food, ambiance or both and one can't miss sweet treat.
BLACK PELICAN, OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT
A few miles from this popular restaurant, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial and refresh your memory from school days about the historic flights of Orville and Wilbur Wright. After their stunning success of flying a powered airplane on December 17, 1903, they came to this very building to place a telegraph alerting the world to their wonderful news. At that time, it was a lifesaving station and weather bureau. Now, Black Pelican is a wonderful seafood restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Read my fuller review in TheYums.com here. It reminded me a great deal of Captain Anderson's in Panama City Beach, Florida, although it's a good bit smaller.
LOST COLONY BREWERY AND CAFE
The location in the heart of Manteo and the lovely outdoor dining patio make this one especially memorable. We visited on a picture-perfect day with blue skies and mild temperatures. Lost Colony is steps away from Manteo's lighthouse, known as Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a peaceful boat harbor, and numerous shops and boutiques. This is a great place for lighter fare, such as appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. I chose the Baked Crab Dip with Pita Wedges and enjoyed it a lot.
For history buffs or lovers of mysteries, Roanoke Island is only a few miles away. It was there that Virginia Dare was born, the first baby born to English settlers in North America. But it was also there where 120 English settlers vanished and have never been found. During non-COVID times, a play based on the story is presented at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. I'd love to see it during a return visit.
THE BLUE POINT, DUCK, NC.
Our most elegant meal of the trip was enjoyed at The Blue Point located at the end of the boardwalk of the Waterfront Shops overlooking Currituck Sound in Duck, N.C. Owners John Power and Chef Sam McGann have created a special dining experience with exceptional service and food. We enjoyed every bite, right down to the beautiful Key Lime dessert.
DUCK DONUTS
Speaking of Duck, N.C. and desserts, I was determined not to leave the Outer Banks without sampling a Duck Donut. The original location was, not surprisingly, in the town of Duck, but now there are 6 locations scattered throughout OBX and more than 200 additional storefronts in 26 states.
What makes Duck Donuts truly unique is that they really are made-to-order on the spot. A customer places his/her order THEN the cake-like batter goes into the hot grease. When it comes out, it is then topped with icings, sprinkles, glazes, sugars, or even kept plain. They are presented to the anxious consumer warm and delicious. A treat worth every calorie.