4 North Carolina Vacation Spots Foodies Love For 2024
Thinking about visiting North Carolina? Popular North Carolina vacation spots range from beautiful beaches to scenic mountains to charming small towns to bustling cities. Which one’s best for you?
For me, the best places in North Carolina to visit all have some kind of gorgeous scenery. The Tar Heel State is home to 10 national parks, including America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, there are over 40 state parks plus 4 national forests and 320 miles of ocean coastline.
Also, as one of the 13 original colonies, North Carolina boasts a long (by U.S. standards), rich history. You can explore Civil War battle grounds (like Old Salem), the first public university in the U.S. (Chapel Hill), and the site of the first airplane flight (at Kitty Hawk). Some of you may even want to go to the Nascar Hall of Fame.
But if you’re a foodie like me, you’ll be thinking, “OK, NC is unquestionably one of the best places in the United States if you’re looking for natural beauty or historic sites, but what about the food?”
The food is reason enough to go! North Carolina is right up there with other foodie states like New York, Oregon, California, and Colorado.
Read our list of foods North Carolina is known for to learn about the local specialties.
North Carolina Vacation Spots
My husband and I have stayed at some pretty wonderful places in North Carolina as we’ve crisscrossed the state multiple times.
I always hate picking favorites, but each of the four destinations below stands out as one of my most memorable NC vacation spots. And they all are foodie approved!
The Swag
The main house of The Swag, one of the best places for a North Carolina vacation
I have visited The Swag, an all-inclusive vacation destination in the high country of NC, twice, once in August, and once in March. Both stays were awesome, and I would recommend coming any time of year.
If you’re wondering about the name, a “swag” is a dip between two mountains in Appalachian Mountain speak. The property was called “the swag” long before any buildings were erected there.
10 Reasons Why The Swag Is One of the Best NC Vacation Spots
1. MountainTop Location
This 250-acre mountaintop retreat sits at an elevation of 5,000 ft. in western North Carolina. As you wind your way up the mountain to arrive, you’ll pass a couple of small waterfalls, and you’ll know already that this is going to be a special place.
The address of The Swag is technically Waynesville, a quaint town with historic architecture whose city center is actually 30 minutes away. History buffs may know Waynesville as the last battle site of the Civil War. Make time to take a stroll around town either before or after your Swag stay.
You can see Mount Mitchell and the high peaks of the Smokies from many vantage points at The Swag.
2. Southern Hospitality
The Swag exudes southern hospitality from the moment you arrive. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink as you sit by the crackling fire in the hearth at the reception center and get a brief orientation. The warmth will continue from from then on as every staff member you encounter during your stay will be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help.
3. Luxurious Accommodations in a Rustic Setting
As a Relais and Chateau property, The Swag will duly impress with fine linens and bathroom accessories, but it offers so much more. The well-appointed accommodations range from rooms in the lodge to suites to private cabins.
Each room and cabin is unique with different amenities. Some of the possibilities include saunas, steam showers, fireplaces, balconies, and beautiful mountain views. Sounds like one of the best North Carolina vacation spots for couples, doesn’t it? It is, but the cabins and suites also work well for families.
Our room with a Blue Ridge Mountain view—and a fireplace, seating area, fridge, and so much more
4. The Great Smoky Mountains
The Swag provides unbelievably easy access to one of America’s most beautiful places, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When I say “easy,” I mean you can literally have one foot in The Swag and one foot in the park. In addition, you can see four of park’s six highest peaks from the property.
5. Morning Sunrises
Watching the sunrise over the Great Smoky Mountains was one of my favorite things at The Swag. I couldn’t wait to wake up each morning to view one of the most breathtaking sunrises ever. When you’re located on a mountaintop, the vistas are naturally spectacular.
My favorite time of day, sunrise over the Great Smoky Mountains
6. Experts in Residence
You can hike the scenic trails on our own, or you can go on one of the guided tours with an expert in residence. On our last visit, we were very lucky to have biologist and owner of Food for Adventures, Lee Trebotich, lead us on an edible and medicinal plant hike. We learned so much and even brought back some mountain mint with which the bartender made us an unforgettable forest-to-glass mint julep.
Depending on when you visit, the expert in residence might be a naturalist, wildlife photographer, historian, landscape artist, geologist—the list goes on. While their skills and expertise vary, these exceptional pros are all eager to share their knowledge with you and help you explore this beautiful wilderness while providing fresh insights.
7. Outdoor Activities
There is always something to do at The Swag. In addition to hiking, daily activities can include anything from star navigations to wine tastings to cooking classes. Lawn games like horseshoes, corn hole, and croquet are always available. For those more adventurous, you can arrange to go horseback riding from Cataloochee Ranch.
8. Relax to the Max
If rest and relaxation is your top priority for your North Carolina getaway, you will no doubt leave refreshed. Cozy up by the fire with a puzzle, admire the view from the porch, enjoy the seclusion of the tree house, or soak in the hot tub. You can also treat yourself to a massage at The Still—it was one of the best things I did at The Swag on my last visit!
Gooseberry Knob, the site for Swag picnics and admiring the views
9. Nighttime Activities
Just like the daytime activities, the nighttime schedule changes daily. We were fortunate to have the Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician Darren Nicholson and his band play one night during the h’ors d’oeuvres hour (nightly at 6:00) and again after dinner.
10. Magnificent Meals & More
Our taste buds were very happy 24 hours a day at The Swag. Three gourmet meals per day plus snacks and soft drinks are included with your stay. When you check in, you’ll have snacks and soft drinks already stocked in your fridge, and homemade ice cream and additional beverages will always be available for you at the main house. In the afternoons, hot beverages and freshly made cookies await you in the main house as well.
More Reasons Why Foodies Love This North Carolina Destination
We tended to start our days with a hearty meal like the breakfast sandwich served on maple brown sugar toast. Coffee and teas are always available, but at breakfast, I always ordered one of their specialty cappuccinos.
Southern biscuits and gravy and a breakfast sandwich made with local ingredients
Depending on the day, lunch ranges from packed wraps and sandwiches ready to take with you on hikes to a lavish picnic that I guarantee is nothing like any picnic you’ve ever been on. It includes a huge spread of grilled items like scallops, steak, and chicken and a variety of salads, sides, and desserts. The “picnic” is held at Gooseberry Knob, a scenic plateau overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains.
Citrus salad, Course 2 of this evening’s 4-course dinner
Dinners are also served in various formats. Most nights you will choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert from a menu that you’re presented on the morning of your meal. Expect exquisitely prepared items like filet mignon and stuffed quail (there will always be a vegetarian option as well).
One of my favorite desserts ever in North Carolina, toffee peanut butter mousse cups
Thursday nights are a barbecue buffet feast. Ours included St. Louis Ribs, smoked guinea hen, house-smoked Iberian pork and beef pastrami, deviled eggs, corn pudding, a mashed potato bar, and a whole slew of salads and vegetables. With all that, I still managed to eat dessert: The peanut butter toffee cups were insanely yummy.
Read Next: St. Louis ribs vs Baby Back Ribs: Which Are Better?
Pro Tip: Arrange your stay to include both the Thursday night BBQ and a picnic either Wednesday or Saturday at noon.
Historic Tapoco Lodge
In the Nantahala National Forest, the Historic Tapoco Lodge is one of the most nature-friendly vacation destinations in NC.
I visited the Historic Tapoco Lodge in the spring when flowers were blooming and the weather was warming up. It was wonderful for hiking, exploring the grounds and gardens, and soaking up the natural surroundings.
Staying at Tapoco Lodge during the summer months is a no-brainer. But I’d also love to return during the autumn to see the colors of fall, and in winter when everything is dusted with snow. Basically, you’ll be happy at Tapoco any time of year.
10 Reasons Why Tapoco Lodge Is One of the Best NC Vacation Spots
1. Located in the Nantahala National Forest
The Historic Tapoco Lodge sits almost at the endpoint of western North Carolina in Robbinsville, within the Nantahala National Forest. The 120-acre campus is one of the best North Carolina vacation spots for families who love nature and the outdoors.
One of the historic buildings that earned Tapoco Lodge a spot on the National Registry of Historical Places
2. National Registry of Historical Places
Tapoco Lodge is on the National Registry of Historical Places. So, for those who like to visit historical sites, staying at one is even better! There are vintage photos and pieces from the past scattered about the lodge. It’s like an incredibly friendly, vibrant museum.
3. Cozy Accommodations Steeped in Nature
If you think spending the night in the mountains by a river has to mean camping or sleeping in rough accommodations, Tapoco Lodge will surprise you. At the Historic Tapoco Lodge, we slept in a plush bed, in a spacious cabin, with a living room, full kitchen, and top-of-the-line toiletries. Seriously, they smelled so good!
We also had a fire pit out our back door, a hot tub, and views of Yellowhammer Creek, the Yellowhammer Mountains, and the area’s largest white oak.
Our cabin had a large living area with a cathedral ceiling, a full kitchen, dining area, and bathroom, in addition to a comfy bedroom.
4. Miles of On-Site Trails
The lodge offers nature’s playground at your doorstep. Pick up a trail map at the front desk and you can decide between waterfalls, the dam, the swinging bridge, Lake Calderwood, and much more. Relax in one of the on-site hammocks when you return.
5. The Cheoah River
The Cheoah River in front of the Tapoco not only makes for pretty pictures, but it makes the lodge the perfect place to stay for whitewater rafting and kayak adventures. The unique thing about this river is the release dates.
Twenty times a year, usually over a weekend, the Santeetlah Dam releases enough water to mimic natural flood events. Believe it or not, this helps certain endangered species of the river’s ecosystem. Release dates also fill the area with a lively party atmosphere. Even if you’re not in the water, just watching is fun too!
Eating on the Cheoah River makes this North Carolina getaway even more special.
6. The Tail of the Dragon
Route 129 in North Carolina, famously known as the Tail of the Dragon, was originally a wagon trail between the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. It evolved over the years, gaining popularity among car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Today it is renowned as one of the most iconic driving roads in the world for its challenging twists and turns—318 curves in just 11 miles—weaving through a majestic landscape.
7. Cherohala Skyway
The Tail of the Dragon is not the only fun ride in town. The Cherohala stretches across the mountaintops from Tennessee to Robinsville affording jaw-dropping views along the way. Many think this route is even more beautiful than the enchanting Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lake Santeetlah, one of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S.
8. Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is just a stone’s throw from the lodge. Travel and Leisure has recognized the lake as one of the 11 most beautiful lakes in the U.S. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, the lake is a picture postcard almost completely void of development. The 76 miles of shoreline provides ample opportunity for hiking, fishing, canoeing, paddling, or kayaking during your summer vacation.
9. In-Room Spa Treatments
Whether you need to relax or to treat your muscles after a day of outdoor activities, an appointment for an in-room massage is a great idea. Take it a step further with an exfoliating body polish, hydrotherapy, or hot Cheoah stones.
Our cabin had a large living area with a cathedral ceiling, full kitchen, dining area, and bathroom, in addition to a comfy bedroom.
10. Two On-Site Restaurants
Tapoco Lodge is one of those places in NC that once you’re there, you don’t want to leave. And although meals are not included with your stay, there are enough mouthwatering options on site that you won’t need to leave the property to enjoy great food.
Why Foodies love this North Carolina Destination
Breakfast is served in the Cheoah Dining Room and includes an array of eggs, benedicts, pancakes, and southern favorites like chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy. Coffee is help-yourself and it’s free—try the bourbon pecan blend!
Our first morning started with fried chicken and waffles.
The Cheoah is also open for fine dining on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Enjoy dishes like Carolina crusted beef tenderloin, jumbo lump crab cakes, and Smoky Mountain mac & cheese.
Tapoco Tavern, the other restaurant on site, is open daily for lunch and dinner, and it has lots of delicious options for both meals.
Our dinner of mountain trout and ribeye at the Tapoco Tavern was absolutely delicious.
This is a great place to try Carolina mountain trout. Served in a cone, the trout nuggets were quite tasty (ask for both dipping sauces), as was the pecan-and-caramelized-onion trout. There’s also trout sandwiches, and you can add a trout filet to any of the organic salads on the menu.
Hand-thrown pizza by the river—always a good idea
Landlubbers will be happy to hear the juicy burgers and hand-tossed pizzas served are trout-free. And the ribeye steak was cooked perfectly. When the weather permits, there’s nothing better than sitting outside by the river to enjoy your meal. And that should definitely include dessert by the river: The warm carrot cake is not to be missed!
Asheville
Asheville is the perfect vacation in NC for those wanting a mix of city and natural landscapes.
The city of Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina, yet it still feels like a small town. It’s one of the best vacation spots North Carolina has for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and, of course, foodies.
10 Reasons Why Asheville Is One of the Best NC Vacation Spots
1. City with a View
Since there aren’t a lot of skyscrapers to get in the way, you can see plenty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you walk around downtown Asheville. Taking in views of the nearby forested hills from almost any corner is one of the things that make this city so splendidly scenic.
The S&W Cafeteria Building is a beautiful example of Asheville’s Art Deco architecture.
2. Art Deco Architecture
The Art Deco movement, prominent in the late 1920s, has left a significant mark on Asheville's architecture, particularly in the downtown area. This influence is attributed to the economic boom of the early 20th century, which allowed for the construction of grand, decorative buildings. Art Deco fans will not want to miss the the Kress Building, the S&W Cafeteria Building, the City Building, or the Basilica of St. Lawrence.
3. Convenient Downtown Accommodations
I like to stay in downtown Asheville so that dinner restaurants will be just a short walk away. During the day, most of the downtown attractions will also be accessible by foot, and I don’t mind traveling further in the daylight. Whether you're looking for the the personal touch of boutique bed and breakfasts, the modern amenities of luxury hotels, or something in between, you’ll find a great place to stay in downtown.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
In the heart of the Appalachian Highlands, Blue Ridge Parkway offers a mesmerizing drive just outside of Asheville. Known as America’s favorite drive, this scenic route is more than just a road—it's an experience. Acclaimed for its amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it winds through vibrant forests, past rolling hills, and alongside picturesque overlooks that provide awe-inspiring vistas.
5. Biltmore Estate
Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, the Biltmore Estate is America's largest privately-owned home, spanning over 178,000 square feet. With 250 rooms and a collection of over 70,000 works of art (including 2 Renoirs), the Biltmore Estate is one of North Carolina’s best attractions and most famous landmarks.
The estate's gardens, designed by the esteemed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, cover over 8,000 acres. Don’t miss the rose garden!
6. River Arts District
The River Arts District (RAD) is a vibrant hub for creativity and home to over 200 local artists and their studios. Asheville is known as an eclectic city, and that is certainly evident in its art galleries. RAD features a variety of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more. You’ll most likely have the opportunity to watch artists at work in their studios, and even interact with them.
Art lovers should not miss the River Arts District in Asheville, NC.
7. Three State Parks Within Reach
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park, about 40 minutes from downtown Asheville, is one of the most unique places to visit in North Carolina. The park’s highlights include a 404-foot waterfall known as Hickory Nut Falls, the Skyline Trail, and a 75-mile panoramic view of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top peak. You can walk the 500+ steps to get to the park’s highest point, or take the 26-story elevator.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park, the oldest NC state park, lies just 30 miles northeast of Asheville. The most visited place in the park is the observation tower at the summit. At the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, you’ll have a 360° view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park is one of the best state parks in North Carolina for spotting wildlife, like black bears, river otters, and bald eagles. Those more adventurous than myself should cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Although not my idea of outdoor fun, this is one of the most popular things to do in the park.
We loved every minute of hiking in the North Carolina parks.
8. Pisgah National Forest
You can get to the Pisgah National Forest is less than 10 minutes from downtown Asheville. This sprawling expanse of ancient woodlands, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers covers more than 512,000 acres. Table Rock Mountain, popular for rock climbing, resides in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, and is the most recognized landmark of the park.
9. Craft Beer Scene
Asheville is one of the best North Carolina vacation spots for beer lovers. Craft breweries are popping up in every neighborhood, with many breweries prioritizing green initiatives and sourcing local, organic ingredients. The community-driven ethos permeates the scene, with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes both seasoned beer aficionados and casual sippers alike.
What goes better with a local beer than a jalapeño mac and cheese sausage?
As with the breweries in Golden, CO and Albuquerque, NM, we found Asheville’s brew houses to be lots of fun, as well as affordable places to grab a tasty snack. In addition, many breweries offer live entertainment and host a variety of special events.
10. Thriving Food Scene
Asheville has claimed a position in the Top 10 Food Cities in the U.S. Being listed among great foodie cities like New Orleans, Savannah, Boston, and Nashville says it all. But I’m going to tell you more anyway . . .
Why Foodies love this North Carolina Destination
The food scene in Asheville centers on locally sourced seasonal ingredients. In southern Appalachia, sustainability has always been a way of life. That goes for some other hip concepts and culinary trends like pickling, canning, preserving, and foraging.
Foraging in Asheville is one of the most unique food tours.
It is no coincidence that the #1 Foraging activity in the U.S. operates out of Asheville. My husband and I did an incredible Foraging & Feast Tour with the company No Taste Like Home. For the “feast” part of the program, we brought our foraged items to a partner restaurant (Rhubarb) where the kitchen used our gathered ingredients to prepare us a free appetizer as part of a scrumptious dinner.
Here are a few of our favorite downtown Asheville restaurants:
Biscuit Head
The breakfast spot in Asheville for everything biscuit. Offerings run the gamut, from traditional sausage gravy to sweet potato coconut curry.
Address: 417 Biltmore Ave, Ste. 4F, Asheville, NC 28801
A dish at Rhubarb restaurant, one of Asheville’s best restaurants for farm-to-table foods
Rhubarb
A multiple James Beard Award nominee, Chef Fleer’s farm-to-table restaurant effortlessly blends rustic and fancy. Each dish is stunningly presented in a relaxed setting of washed cement walls and wood tables.
Address: 7 SW Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801
Jettie Rae’s
Committed to providing the best seafood in Asheville, Jettie Rae’s takes its efforts above and beyond the expected. From raw oysters to trout dip to sautéed soft shell crab to whole roasted branzino, every morsel I’ve eaten here has been simply divine.
Address: 143 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
Outer Banks
Outer Banks is the best place to go in NC for a beach vacation.
If you’re looking for vacation spots in North Carolina on the beach, it’s simple: The Outer Banks is your answer.
10 Reasons Why Outer Banks Is One of the Best NC Vacation Spots
1. Geographical Marvel
The Outer Banks are an almost 200-mile-long string of barrier islands 20 to 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina’s mainland. The narrow islands are just a few miles wide from their western shorelines on the sounds to their eastern Atlantic beaches. Hatteras Island and Bodie Island are the two most popular for a family vacation.
Waterfront lodging is the way to go in Outer Banks, NC.
2. Waterfront Accommodations
While you can stay in a hotel or B&B, vacation rentals in OBX are the way to go. Not only can you find a room with a view, but you can get a whole house or a condo on the Atlantic Ocean or the sound. We rented this condo in Roanoke and it was just steps to the ocean.
3. Notable Lighthouses
The Outer Banks is home to several historic lighthouses. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the nation at 198 feet. It is also the most famous and recognizable with its black and white swirled stripes. A black and white horizontally striped light, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is surrounded by natural marshes and wetlands, making the area a haven for wildlife.
The oldest light in OBX is the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, which is also the second-oldest lighthouse still in operation in the U.S.
Although south of OBX, across the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island is home to the oldest light in NC, the Bald Head Lighthouse. Though no longer in use, this treasured landmark is lovingly nicknamed Old Baldy and still welcomes visitors.
The tallest lighthouse in the U.S., Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
4. Sea Turtles
Watching sea turtles in their natural habitat is quite a treat. Adult turtles weigh between 75 and 2,000 pounds, and when the females come to lay their eggs in the sands, it’s something akin to magic. OBX is home to five species: the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles. The first three are endangered species; the last two are on the vulnerable species list.
Try watching the nesting at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton or Emerald Isle in southern OBX. Make a stop at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island (9 miles from Nags Head) to learn more about sea turtles and the NC Aquarium’s rescue efforts. (There are also sister aquariums in Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores.)
5. Wild Horses
The wild horses of OBX are descendants of Spanish mustangs that arrived in the 16th century. They roam freely along the northern beaches and wooded areas of Cape Lookout, Beaufort, Ocracoke, and most notably, Corolla.
Spotting wild horses in OBX is always a treat.
6. Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk holds immense significance as the site of the first successful powered flight in history, accomplished by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903. The memorial preserves and showcases the exact location of the Wright brothers' flights and camp buildings.
Additionally, the memorial's Centennial Pavilion and Visitor Center offer a wealth of information on the brothers' lives, experiments, and the impact of their invention on the world.
7. Pristine Beaches
The best North Carolina beach towns are in the Outer Banks. I’ve been there in the height of summer, and although it’s a popular destination to escape the summer heat, the white sand beaches were still clean and not overcrowded.
Nags Head has the longest pier in NC, Jennette’s Pier, making it highly Instagrammable. However, the Rodanthe Pier is also quite photogenic. Duck is known for its pet-friendly beaches. And of, course, Corolla has the wild horses.
There is no shortage of white sandy beaches in the Outer Banks.
8. Water Sports Galore
OBX is better than any water park for splashing good times! Whether your family vacation requires the big waves of the ocean or the calm waters of the sound, you’ll find what you need here. Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills have the best waves for surfing, skim boarding, and body surfing. Most OBX towns have rental equipment available for kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and just about any other water activity you can think of.
9. Sunrise—Sunset
Since the barrier islands of OBX have both an east and west coast, you can see the sunrise over an Atlantic beach in the morning and the sunset over the sound in the evening. We’ve stayed on the ocean side and it was absolutely worth waking early and walking the few steps to the shore to catch nature’s wake-up call. Each evening, we walked across to the bayside where my sister-in-law’s family stayed and watched the sunset from their balcony.
Watching the kite surfers during sunset was one of our daily activities.
10. Day trips
No matter where you stay in OBX, a fantastic day trip is just a short drive, boat ride, or ferry away. My family travels by ferry to Ocracoke Island almost every year. Some also take a fishing trip, others love the lighthouses. A stop at the visitors center can help you decide which day trips are best for you.
Why Foodies love this North Carolina Destination
Like most tourist destinations, restaurants in Outer Banks range from fancy to funky and everything in between. I like to focus on the local fare. Similar to coastal regions of Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, in OBX, that mostly means a mix of fresh seafood and southern cuisine.
Crab cakes are just as popular at OBX restaurants, as they are in Ocean City, MD, crab houses.
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
Run by a family with a fishing history in the waters of OBX, this cafe is the place for fresh local seafood with a panoramic view of the Roanoke Sound. The owners still catch some of the fish on the menu. They’ll even clean and cook your catch!
Address: 7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Trio Restaurant & Market
I am a huge cheese addict. French cheeses, American cheeses, Italian cheeses—I love them all. So if a restaurant is attached to a superb cheese market, it’s going to grab my attention. In addition to cheese and charcuterie boards, Trio’s signature crab cakes, Carolina shrimp & grits, and braised short ribs are all local favorites.
Address: 3708 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
An apple ugly at Orange Blossom is a must on any Outer Banks vacation.
Orange Blossom Bakery and Cafe
When I think about eating in OBX, my mind immediately goes to this breakfast institution and its apple uglies. I am not a big donut person, but I cannot visit the Outer Banks without at least one of these apple fritters on steroids. The biscuit sandwiches and breakfast burritos make terrific savory choices.
Address: 47206 North Carolina Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920
Black Pelican
Housed in a historic lifesaving station constructed in 1874, this oceanfront eatery has something for everyone, including the kids. From wood-fired pizza to steamed seafood platters to Carolina pulled pork, the food and the views are always winners.
Address: 3848 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Eduardo’s of Ocracoke
Most likely you’ll be on Ocracoke Island for a day trip, so you’ll want a quick meal that will still satisfy your taste buds, and that’s what Eduardo’s will provide.
Address: 10 Lawton Ln, Ocracoke, NC 27960
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