Weekend Agenda: Five Places to Visit in the Outer Banks

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo

We are just a few weeks into spring, but no doubt many of us have been feeling that compelling need to head to the ocean. It has to be some kind primal urge to return to the water, where all life begins, this time of year. For many on the east coast, there is no better destination to renew and recharge or just "relax" than the Outer Banks. Here are the top five places you should visit while in Nags Head and surrounding area.

Jockey's Ridge State Park
If it's sand you want then sand you will have at Jockey's Ridge. Billed as the highest active dune system on the east coast, the park offers visitors expansive views of the ocean on one side, and the Roanoke Sound on the other. The dunes aren't as intimidating as they look, and by the time you're at the top, you might have enough courage to join in with the others who take a running leap over the edge, just barely keeping their legs moving fast enough to stagger down the steep incline. Others bring their kites to catch the winds, and still others just sit and enjoy the panorama.

The wide open view from on top of the dunes.

The Shipwreck (Shop)
I have been going to the Outer Banks since I was little, and without fail, my family would stop at The Shipwreck shop every time. It's become a tradition, and I always leave with something I don't necessarily need, but definitely something I want. They have every kind of seashell imaginable, as well as jewelry, sea glass balls, lamps, driftwood, and other nautical gifts that you can't leave the Outer Banks without.

Seashells "embedded" in concrete pillars decorate the entrance to The Shipwreck.

The Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens feature over 500 different planet species on 10.5 acres next to the Roanoke Sound. Several pathways wind around property, leading visitors through specialized and themed gardens, down to the sound and back. In May, a number of flowers and shrubs will be in peak bloom, from Azaleas, Allium, Hydrangeas, and Confederate jasmine to Dogwood, Cherry Laural, Shasta Daisy, and Rhododendrons. The crepe myrtle-encircled Sunken Garden with the ancient Italian Renaissance Foundation and the incredibly detailed bronze Queen Elizabeth I Statue are among the highlights.

The gated entrance to the Elizabethan Gardens.

Duck Donuts and The Good Life Gourmet
There are loads of places to dine out in the Outer Banks -- The Tale of the Whale in Nags Head and the Blue Point Grille in Duck for starters -- but if your tastes run a little more casual, motor up to The Good Life Gourmet in Kitty Hawk, which can be described as the local "fast casual" version of Panera Bread. Their display case of cakes, pie, cookies, pastries, and other treats is guaranteed to stoke your sugar craving. They also have take-out and boxed lunches, or you can get your grub on or sip a brew or glass of wine in their cozy dining area, decked out with a giant tiled fireplace. For your morning pick-me-up, make sure you visit Duck Donuts -- the donuts are literally "hot and fresh out the kitchen" and virtually melt in your mouth. Try the Peanut Butter Icing flavored donut. Or Vanilla Icing. . . or Maple or Lemon. Really, you can't go wrong no matter what flavor you select.

Yummy iced donuts are made fresh every day.

The Beach
Come on. . . This is what we came for.

The Outer Banks has over 200 miles of shoreline.

All images are the sole content and property of of Jennifer Pullinger (unless otherwise noted). Contact me if you would like to license any photos.