It’s that time of year again when we find ourselves looking for ways to stretch out the last days of summer. But we also find ourselves embracing the cooler temperatures and all things autumn. The leaves are changing colour, harvest season fruit are aplenty and the temperatures are perfect for getting outdoors and exploring! We recently spent a long weekend in Currituck County in eastern North Carolina during a ‘staycation’ near home. Read on for our recommendations to make the most of a fall weekend in Currituck NC.
Stay in a Waterfront Cabin
First things first, you’ll need to find a place to stay for the weekend, and at this time of year, the weather is perfect to spend some time outdoors! If you’re looking for comfortable accomodations for your fall weekend in Currituck, look no further than these awesome cabins at Outer Banks West KOA. You can camp in style (also known as “glamping”) in these cozy, two bedroom cabins. Complete with an open concept kitchen and living space, each cabin also features a screened in porch, deck, fire pit and a charcoal grill. All of this while overlooking Currituck Sound. Who doesn’t want to wake up to views like these?
Located at the end of a long, winding road, these waterfront cabins are remotely located, providing ample peace and quite. Outer Banks West KOA also offers tent camping and RV sites, but the cabins are a perfect fit for your fall weekend in Currituck NC. The campground has plenty of amenities available including a playground, dog park, bounce pad, and a small store with the essentials. They host various events throughout the year and have golf carts, kayaks and paddle boards availble to rent as well. During our stay, in early October, they hosted a wine tasting courtesy of Sanctuary Vineyards, craft fair and some live music at night. All of this, within a 20 minute drive from most of the following attractions.
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Indulge in Some Local Eats
If this is your first time visiting North Carolina, you should know that they take their BBQ very seriously. It just so happens that one of our favourite BBQ spots is right here in Currituck! There is nothing we have tried here that we don’t love, but our favourite is the burnt ends, thank me later 😉
“BBQ was “discovered” in North Carolina in the late 16th century by Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1585, Raleigh sent men to the coast of present-day North Carolina. While there, John White… witnessed the Croatans using a “barbacoa”, a framework of sticks that supported meat over a fire… using the contraption to smoke their meat.”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (cmlibrary.org)
As you’ll find yourself within an hour’s drive from the Atlantic ocean, seafood should also be on your list! Whether you are looking to buy some seafood to cook up while staying local, or to bring back home, Frog Island Seafood is a great stop. They’ve got everything from fresh crabs and clams. inshore to offshore fish, right down to the seasonings. Or you can just pop in for a bite!
Then, there’s Cindy’s Kitchen. This unassuming fuel station is acutally host to a selection of Cindy’s Kitchen offerings. What’s the most layers you’ve ever had in a cake? Do you think you can manage 12? If so, you’ll want to make a stop inside the gas bar in Barco, NC.
If you’re looking for a proper sit down meal or just an adult beverage with a view, Coinjock Marina is also nearby.
Take a Day Trip to Knotts Island
There is a free car ferry that makes regular daily runs between Currrituck and Knotts Island. The trip across the sound takes about 45 minutes and is a nice leisurely ride that you can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle, or walking around the boat deck. We took the 9 AM ferry from Currituck to Knotts Island to line up with Martin Farm opening at 10AM. As we landed on the island a little early, we made a stop at the Knotts Island Market for a coffee and a butter rum muffin. They have a selection of essentials, as well as a deli, and you can fuel up your car here as well.
Martin Farm and Winery is a family owned and operated ‘u-pick’ fruit farm that features peach, apple and pear trees. They also have a blackberry patch open for picking in summer, and are working on a ‘u-pick’ asparagus area for upcoming seasons. We spent about an hour wandering around the property and picked a peck each of apples and pears to take home.
The apples, peaches and blackberries at Martin Farm and Winery are used to make wine, off-site, under their label, which you can sample on site. At the time of this post, a wine tasting costs $7 and comes with a souvenir wine glass. There is also a couple beer options if you aren’t into wine, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and small snacks. If you’re feeling extra fruity, they offer a peach slushy (both in alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) which is a real treat!
As we headed back to the ferry, we made a quick stop at the ‘Bonney Bright & The Nguyen Family Perfect Wisdom and Great Compassion Zen Garden’. This unique stop features a beautiful property that is worth a couple minutes of your time.
Support a Local Farmer
There are a surprising number of farm stands in Currituck County, many of which are located along the highway. These road side markets are generally hard to miss, from their overall size, and advertisements leading up to their locations. The local, seasonal flavours and offerings are a great addition to a fall weekend in Currituck NC.
Try a New Beer or Seven
Weeping Radish Farm Brewery has been brewing beer since 1986. Featured on Diners, Drive Ins & Dives, this brewery is a German style restauraunt (and brewery). From their traditional Kolsch to their seasonal bier, they have a beverage for every palate. They also have a delicious selection of German and American food items on their menu to be enjoyed on site. You’ll also find a cooler full of take home options including their sweet potato liverwurst and a variety of sausages. We recommend the apple, cranberry, pecan for your fall weekend in Currituck NC.
Spend a Day at the Beach!
If you’ve made it this far, why not make the extra half hour drive to the Outer Banks proper. Depending on what part of autumn you decide to make this trek, you may still get some beautiful weather that will allow you to spend some time soaking in the warm sun. If the weather isn’t promising enough to pull up a seat on the sand, you can spend the afternoon on an Outer Banks scavenger hunt with your family.
Other Unique Attractions
Looking for some more family friendly attractions? These unique businesses will keep you and your party entertained and provide you with an experience that will keep you telling stories about your fall weekend in Currituck NC.
Flippers Arcade – This one of a kind gas station has a full arcade on site, complete with pinballs machines along with several other arcade games.
Diggers Dungeon – If anyone in your party is into monster trucks, then you’ll definitely want to make a stop here. This is the home of the famous Grave Digger itself. Catch a glimpse of these epic trucks in person and peruse some merchandise. You can even take a ride in a monster truck! Check their Facebook page for the most up to date hours.
McHorney’s Odditorium – This historic museum is the “blink and you’ll miss it”. type of place. We aren’t quite sure what their hours are but they host events throughout the year. At various times, they open their strange doors to the public. You’ll want to visit their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Where is your favourite place to travel in fall?
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This looks like you had so much fun! I love all of the ideas and pictures you shared. This will be saved for ideas the next time I am in the area!
Thank you Kaybee! We had such a wonderful time exploring the area and are always happy to share some travel inspiration. Stay well!
Great suggestions. NC BBQ is great!! The 12 layer cake looks like a culinary challenge.
Thanks Christina. I will say, I am perplexed by how the 12 layer cake comes together (though I am probably over thinking it :). Safe travels!
We visited North Carolina last Fall, but still have so much to explore in the state. Great ideas and day trip suggestions.
It is such a large state Jolayne! We live here and still have so much left to discover. We were pleased with this spot and are sure you will be too. Stay well!
Okay I must admit that 12-layer cake looks like it could be too much but also totally delicious. I’m all for indulgences while traveling though. I would also opt for a waterfront cabin – it looks so incredibly peaceful there. Kathryn, you’ve given me yet another US destination to add to my list. Thank you!
Always happy to inspire Daniella 😉 I’m convined the 12 layer cake is in fact a vessel for frosting – so if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be delighted! Safe travels 🙂
We love Currituck, but haven’t visited in the fall – great tips here! Definitely trying that 12 layer cake!
Thanks Pamela! Would love to hear about your favourite memories from Currituck. We promise you won’t be disappointed with the 12 layer cake 😉
What a lovely place to spend a fall weekend! Currituck is completely new to me, but I like everything about it from what I’ve read. The cake looks delicious!
We can confrm that the cake is in fact delicious Lisa! Most of the activties we highlighted can be done year round, but it’s nice and quite in the fall if you liek to keep it low key 😉
I live so close and have never visited Currituck Co. I’m putting this on my list of places to visit! Thank you for the suggestions!
Don’t feel bad Alex, we’ve been driving right through it for years. Glad we finally took the opportunity to spend some time exploring and we’re sure you will too!
You had me at beer
Haha! We try to include it whenever we can Alice! If you are ever on the East Coast of North Carolina, we’d love to meet up with you for one! Stay well 🙂
Love your focus on local! Such a great draw to the area and really helps businesses too. Definitely love the idea of a waterfront cabin.
Thanks Evie! The pandemic gave us the push we needed to explore our backyard and share it with those who are looking for more local destinations. Keep an eye as we plan to post similar content in the coming months 🙂
Hey, I was just in the Outer Banks at the end of September/beginning of October! We stayed in Rodanthe but those little cabins on the water are so cute! And I’m with Alice – BEER. I’m in Virginia so not too far away. Great post and fun tips!
Hi Heather – Rodanthe is a beautiful spot as well! You’ve probably driven by a few of the stops we recommmended in Currituck on your travels. Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions about the area 🙂
LOVE this blog! I am really trying to write more travel posts and yours really inspired me!
Thank you so much Carolyn! We love receiving comments like yours 🙂 Feel free to reach out with any questions and let’s stay in touch!
Cozy fun! Great list of a place I’m not yet familiar with.
We really enjoyed our time Ella and hope you get a chance to check it out as well! Safe travels!
This sounds like a great area to visit. I’d love to check out the local farm stands!
They have so much to offer Sue! Farm stands are such a great way to explore a new area. Happy exploring!
A lovely read – it sounds like there is so much variety of things to see and do here. I’d love to take that trip across to Knotts Island – and the 12 layer chocolate cake – outstanding!
Thanks so much Coralie! The area is a real jem and you’re right – that 12 layer cake is outstanding 😉
Currituck sounds like a great fall destination! That waterfront cabin looks so cozy!
The cabins were the perfect hub for us to venture out and relax after a day of exploring the local area!