We know, you’ve waited ALL YEAR for your Hatteras Island vacation and you just can’t wait to get it started. Here are some fun check-in day events and activities that let your vacation begin the moment you hit the Outer Banks.

SUBU Saturdays (Show up and Blow Up) at Watermen’s Bar & Grill in Waves. With live music from 12-3, outdoor dining, and a giant lawn with plenty of room to stretch out after a long drive and let the kids run off some energy, this is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and kick-off your Hatteras Island vacation. Did we mention the food and drinks they serve are amazing? They have a full service coffee bar and strive to use only the very freshest local and regional ingredients.

Welcome Party at the Wreck – just outside the Hatteras Landing Marina. Every Saturday from 12:30 – 4:00, the Wreck hosts a free and family friendly event with Live music, drink specials at the tiki bar and great food.

You can also always hit the beach – the Salvo Day Use Area has showers and bathrooms and shallow waters perfect for wading, and launching a kayak, stand up paddleboard or sailboat. Or spend the day fishing and hanging out at the Rodanthe or Avon piers. Both have parking and refreshments – the Avon Pier has showers and the Rodanthe Pier has a fun oceanfront arcade.

Speaking of watersports, there are a number of places you can rent equipment. Try our friends at Rodanthe Campground and Watersports right on the sound (next to Lisa’s Pizza) where you can enjoy a captained sail, take a sailing lesson or even take out a 16′ Hobie Cat if you know what you’re doing. They also rent jet skis, wave runners, kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Mention we sent you and you might just get a discount on your rental.

Day Trips are another fun option. Start your vacation with a ferry ride to Ocracoke and spend the day strolling the village shops and restaurants or rent bikes to see the town. Or take time to check out Manteo – visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, the reasonably priced North Carolina Aquarium with it’s fantastic new Sea Turtle Exhibit or go to Island Farm where you are invited to participate in living history, Roanoke Island circa 1800, complete with live oxen and century old house, barns and outbuildings you are invited to walk (and climb) through.

Try a pottery or beading class at one of our local coffee shops/art studios, do some shopping, or enjoy a late lunch / early dinner at one of our great island restaurants.

Whatever you decide to do, we’re so glad you’re here to spend an entire week on Island Time.

Watermen’s Bar and Grill behind REAL watersports has plenty of room for everyone.

You are invited to touch and experience the artifacts on site at Island Farm on Roanoke Island.