When you ask a yinzer where they are going on vacation, most will say Myrtle Beach or Ocean City. It’s the yinzer thing, right? Well allow me to introduce you to the new yinzer, must visit destination. The Outer Banks! And no, it is not because of the Netflix show. It was not even filmed there! It is because you get better views while having a little taste of home. Allow me to take you on a tour!
Let us start the day off right.. THE BAKERY! If you fancy the likes of Oakmont Bakery, Tullio’s Bakery is the perfect fit! Just like at Oakmont, I gained ten pounds looking at all the sweet treats! From fresh baked bread to cannoli that will have you drooling before you walk out the door, this bakery truly is a must on a trip to OBX!
And that includes their nova lox bagel! Primanti Bros. may still be my favorite sandwich, but this one is a VERY close second. Fresh salmon, a “healthy” dollop of cream cheese, with onions and capers on a freshly baked everything bagel. Do not smell my breath later, but it is PERFECTION! And vacation isn’t about counting calories, right?
Okay, maybe we do need to think about those calories a little bit and yoga is the best way to do that. No matter where you are in the Outer Banks, they offer free fitness classes. Duck offers a class in the park, Corolla offers a class by the lighthouse, and they even have classes on the beach! Dolphins are not included, but they may join you! In total, I took four classes while I was down there & all of them helped get even more into the relaxing mindset. And of course, offset all the delicious food I was eating.
Next up, LUNCH! Take yourself to The Upside Restaurant in Corolla for the best fish tacos! Not only is the fish caught locally, but the restaurant also comes with a beautiful view of the sound. Located in Timbuk II, you will even be able to get a lot of shopping done after you have your delicious meal. BONUS – There are wine slushies on the corner if you want an extra good time!
! Something you are never going to find in Pittsburgh. WILD HORSES! The Outer Banks have sectioned off a portion of the island to protect its wildlife and preserve what was originally on the island, including wild horses. You are able to take your own vehicle on that part of the island, with a permit, or you can go with a tourist group. HIGHLY SUGGEST! Not only are you able to see the horses roaming on the beach, there is a good chance you will see A LOT of dolphins on your journey up the island.
And finally, dinner! Wholey’s, has my heart, but nothing gets fresher and more delicious than the Seafood Risotto from Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk! Locally caught shrimp, scallops and crab, mixed with corn, spinach, and risotto, topped off with sweet potato strings. PERFECTION! This is mine when people talk about their last meal on Planet Earth.
While the Outer Banks are great with better views than the Allegheny, it is always good to have a little taste of home. Nothing beats sitting on the beach with a cool drink in hand. Was our vehicle mostly packed with IC Light Mango and Poolside? You best believe it! The OBX is a yinzers home away from home. Hope you have as much fun on your trip to the Outer Banks as I did!
Meet Kristen! Full time yinzer, part time marketing coordinator with YaJagoff and sometimes that girl you hear on Q92.9FM!
The Steelers are her team, Harry Potter is her geek out, the Outer Banks are always her daydream and IC Light Mango is her drink of choice.
Sorry fellas, Kristen is taken by her main man, her dog Brody. Her husband is a close second.
When Kristen isn’t dancing around the studio to Taylor Swift, she has her head in a book, her body in a yoga position or is trying to uncover a crime like Olivia Benson with a murder mystery documentary.
