A Day in Duck…

This is my kind of alarm clock… I awoke this morning to steady rhythm of the surf breaking and the warm sea breeze coming through the window. I made myself a cup of coffee and kicked my feet up on the oceanfront deck.

With flip flops and sunglasses on, I decided to venture towards Duck Village. Strolling down the winding Duck Trail, the warm sunshine filtered through the canopy of oak trees. As I entered the village, I waved to a young family that had rented bikes. The kids smiled and laughed as they proudly peddled their bright bicycles. Other vacationers jogged or leisurely walked hand-in-hand through the charming village.

I felt as if I had stepped into a postcard of some vintage seaside village, yet I passed numerous fine restaurants, shops and trendy boutiques. Somehow, natural beauty and history have been preserved in this delightful coastal town. The perfect mix of old and new.

My stomach growled as I passed Tommy’s Market. The temptation of their freshly baked croissants and scones was more than I could endure – but hey, I’m on vacation! Finishing my breakfast, I ambled down the boardwalk at the Waterfront Shops on the Currituck Sound. Mallard ducks sunned themselves on the shore and an egret waited patiently for an unsuspecting fish.

Anxious to hit the beach, I headed back to our cottage to meet up with the family. As I walked down the pathway to the shore, I was struck by the beauty of the coast; rolling dunes, glistening water, rippling sea grass and warm white sand. Everyone from my two year-old daughter to my 83 year-old grandfather enjoyed our day at the beach. I practically had to drag the kids and their boogie boards out of the water for lunch. Delicious sandwiches from Coastal Provisions Deli reenergized us for the afternoon. We made a poor attempt at building a sand sculpture, found a respectable collection of shells and beach glass and tossed the Frisbee. We completed the afternoon with ice cream cones (much of which ended up on the faces and clothes of the kids!).

Clichéd though it may be, we had the perfect ending to a perfect day. Dinner at The Blue Point was a culinary experience; pan fried jumbo lump crabcakes, chocolate hazelnut torte and a nice glass of wine. While watching the sun set over the sound, I relaxed and thought about our plans for the next day… An appointment with Barefoot Massage while the guys make their tee time at Kilmarlic Golf Club. Maybe a trip up Route 12 to explore the 4x4 beaches or perhaps the kids would like to try a surfing lesson with Ocean Atlantic Rentals.

It is no wonder why my family vacations here again and again. I remember visiting as a child, when the paved road ended just past Duck and getting a sunburn was considered an outdoor activity. Now I bring my own children – they trade in their iPods and video games for sun and waves. Although some things have changed, the elements of a vacation in Duck stay the same: good food, a long day at the beach, friends and family.

Other Great Places to Explore not too far from Duck, NC...

Twiddy recommends these fine places to explore in addition to those located on the maps.

Currituck BBQ Company

Barco (25 miles north of the Outer Banks) - (252) 453-6618

A favorite of locals and a "must stop" for travelers. They'll deliver meals, cater your event or provide the perfect spot to stop on your way to and from the Outer Banks. Located directly off US 158 25 miles north of the Outer Banks, 20 miles south of the Virginia/North Carolina border in Barco.

Carolina Club

Grandy - (252) 453-3588

Golf at its best! Located on U.S. 158, 13.5 miles north of Wright Memorial Bridge.

Kilmarlic Golf Club

Point Harbor - (252) 491-4220

Live the legend, play the legend! Four miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge.

Pointe Golf Club

Powells Point - (252) 491-8388

The locals' favorite! Located on U.S. 158, just 3.5 miles north of Wright Memorial Bridge.

Keefer's Bar & Grille

Powells's Point (3.5 miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge) - (252) 491-2595

Exceptional dining without beach crowds, beach prices and long waits. Enjoy the cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere and incredible views. Located only five minutes north of the bridge at The Pointe Golf Club. Visit their website for the full menu.

Bagels to Beef

Southern Shores - (252) 255-2888

Bagels & bread made from scratch! Enjoy sandwiches with Boar's Head meats & cheeses, salads, bagel dogs, breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. They also bake custom cakes for birthdays. anniversaries, reunions and weddings. Located at milepost 1, next to CVS, in Southern Shores.

OBX Adult Fitness Center

Southern Shores - (252) 261-5231

Stay in shape on your vacation. Circuit training for fast results. Convenient monthly, weekly, and daily rates. Located in Southern Shores Crossing Shopping Center.

Ocean Insurance Services

Kitty Hawk - (252) 480-0099

Contact Gayle Drummond for all your insurance needs.

Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern

Nags Head - (252) 441-4116

Enjoy fresh NC seafood and nightly entertainment. How about dining out without going out? Kelly's offers "drop-off" catering to feed a large group without lifting a finger or putting on your shoes. Located on US 158, Milepost 10.5 in Nags Head.

The Lost Colony

Manteo, Roanoke Island - (252) 473-3414

The oldest outdoor drama in the country, The Lost Colony tells the story of the first English settlement attempt in the new world. Performances held June-August.

Ascension Photography

(252) 449-8997

Ascencion Photography celebrates families with fine art portraiture. Family reunions, senior portraits, beach portraits and weddings. Gordon Kreplin was PPA Photographer of the Year/2009!

Barefoot Massage

(252) 489-4849

Enjoy a spa day without leaving your vacation home. Call for an appointment.

Bells & Whistles and The Flower Field

(252) 441-9310

All flowers are grown in either their field or greenhouse. Delivering fresh, unique arrangements and designs from Manteo to Corolla.

Connie Pounders

(252) 202-2090

Offering over 25 years professional experience in the Trager approach and therapeutic massage. Appointments available in your home or her studio; 2 hour minimum required for house calls.

F2 Photographic Design

(252) 480-0194

Outer Banks most acclaimed photographer. Specializing in beach portraits of families and children. Creative, simple and beautiful.

Island Limousine

1-800-828-LIMO

Specializing in airport and wedding transportation to and from all points on the Outer Banks. Limousines, vans, shuttle and charter buses and more!

J. Aaron Trotman Photographs

(252) 480-1070

Capture your beach vacation memories with quality photography.

Jawfly Charters

(252) 261-1813 or (252) 207-7798

Climb aboard, Jawfly, for a real taste of the Outer Banks. Explore the beautiful Albemarle Sound and surrounding waterways aboard the 45' coastal trawler, Jawfly. Create your own fishing, shrimping or crabbing trips and cook your catch on board!

Medical House Calls

Will come to the home! - (252) 202-2007

Don't spend your vacation sitting in a waiting room - they'll come to you! Evaluation and treatment of minor medical conditions in the comfort of your rental home. Call for an appointment.

Moneysworth

(800) 833-5233 or (252) 261-6999

Beach home equipment rentals with free delivery and pick-up! Visit their website for photos and descriptions of all their products. Online ordering, too.

Moving Art Productions

(252) 305-3732

Outer Banks beach portraits and weddings. Prices start at $150 for the entire family.

NC Coast

Your only weekly guide to the Outer Banks. Restaurant reviews, art galleries, shopping guides, local profiles, daytime excursions, nightlife listings and the best calendar of events on the beach. Pick up your copy anywhere on the beach.

OBX Beach Buggies

(252) 207-1449

Cruise the Outer Banks in an eco-friendly way! Daily and weekly street-legal golf cart rentals.

Outer Banks Helping Hands

(252) 202-7675

Babysitting services, grocery delivery and more.

Rock Solid Fishing Charters

(252) 441-6575

Friendly, local Captains offer light tackle fishing for all gamefish. Ocean or backwater trips available - they will customize your trip. Fishing license, bait & tackle included!

Shooters At The Beach

(252) 480-2395

For over a decade... Shooters makes memories. Schedule your beach portrait today.

Steamer's Shellfish To Go

Corolla - (252) 453-3305

On the beach - off the hook! Specializing in gourmet take-out. In addition to Corolla's Original Steamer Pots To Go, they offer gourmet entrees, kids meals, soups, fresh fish and shellfish, chicken and ribs, vegetarian dishes and more! Their commitment to quality is their hallmark. Located on the sound at the TimBuck II Shopping Center.

Sun Portraits

(252) 207-4677

On-site family portraits and wedding photography in color and black and white. Large groups welcome.

The Cab Guys

(252) 480-0789

Serving Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, Corolla and the 4x4 area

Village News - Newspaper Delivery

(252) 441-7748

Newspaper delivery to the door of your rental home! Weekly and year-round delivery available. Choose from USA Today, The Washington Post, The NY Times, The Wall Street Journal and more.

Zanetti Images

(252) 955-9541

Trust Zanetti Images to preserve your memories that will last a lifetime. Your family deserves more than a snapshot, so schedule your beach portrait early for a cherished keepsake of your vacation.