I just returned from a visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where I was checking things out for Romantic Getaways. I have to say, that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and relaxing atmosphere of this destination. I gathered information of places to stay and things to do that make for great romance and adventure. I found so many things to write about, that this will be in two parts. Here is part I.

The Sanderling Inn Resort and Spa

Located in Duck, NC, The Sanderling reminds me of a mature woman. She is beautiful, despite her weathering and exudes an elegance that made me feel peaceful just being there.

The Sanderling offers complimentary breakfast baskets delivered to your door and afternoon tea in a quiet common area. There are porches here and there with rocking chairs for relaxing and enjoying the Atlantic view. I noticed visitors to The Sanderling making use of reading areas and the telescope available for visitors’ use.

Fond memories can be made at the secluded and private beach for stargazing. Chairs are available at the end of the boardwalk to bring down to the water’s edge. Bring the flashlight provided in your room for a beach walk or gaze up at the night sky for a spectacular view of the heavens. www.thesanderling.com

Dining

The Left Bank, located across the street from The Sanderling, provides the finest dining along the Outer Banks. Three-course and five-course dinners are available starting at $59 per person. The staff prides itself on an award-winning wine selection, as well it should. Jackets are optional and reservations are strongly recommended. (252)261-8419

Sunset Grille and Raw Bar, in Duck, offers affordable casual dining with an option of sitting indoors or out on the patio. This kitschy, happening place is where a live band can be found on weekends. Be sure to try some of “Super” Dave’s special concoctions. (252)261-3901

The Full Moon Café in Manteo serves an eclectic menu which includes vegetarian and Atkins-friendly dishes. www.thefullmooncafe.com

A local from Manteo told us about Katering by Kim’s where we procured a dinner to partake of under the stars. I’m still amazed at the number of stars we saw on the beach at The Sanderling. www.kateringbykim.com

Things to Do

More than 900 couples opted to tie the knot last year at the Outer Banks. Even more couples celebrate anniversaries in the same area where Orville and Wilbur Wright made their First Flight. A stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk is a must.

While in Kitty Hawk, I ran into Charlie and Don Lewis of Savannah, Ga. The couple celebrated their 11th anniversary by taking beginner hang-gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites. I tried the affordable beginner lessons at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and found that flying was easier than I first expected. I am proud to say that I am a certified Hang Glider and I have the paper to prove it. (877)FLY-THIS

What is romance without flowers? Garden lovers will enjoy the Elizabethan Gardens built as a living memorial to the Lost Colonists (252)473-3234. While in the area, spend the afternoon at Festival Park, an area dedicated to the living history of the Lost Colonists.

We decided to end our visit by spending the last day on the water. We rented kayaks from Kitty Hawk Sports and floated down the Alligator River. We then watched our last sunset in the Outer Banks from the deck of the DownEast Rover docked in Manteo.
www.kittyhawksports.com www.downeastrover.com

If you plan to visit the Outer Banks for a romantic interlude, Spring and Fall are the best times. For more information, visit www.outerbanks.org.