Feeling Ducky in North Carolina

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

My husband, my dogs, and the ocean – a perfect day. While miniature schnauzers are generally not swimmers, my two pups love their days in the sand. Heidi is not afraid of getting her toes wet, but her favorite activity is the thrill of the chase – namely seabirds and crabs. Ruffles is more about digging holes in the sand and laying down in them.

Although we no longer live by the beach after moving from Florida to the Washington D.C. area, we make a point to vacation at the seashore as often as we can. The challenge is to find the perfect place for all of us – meaning dog-friendly, not too crowded, and not too hot.

If you read my piece, Golden Isles of Georgia, you’re already aware of one of our treasured beach escapes.

Another one of our favorite places to visit is Duck, North Carolina, located in the Outer Banks. This coastal town in Dare County tops our list for many reasons. The prime draw is its beautiful, dog-friendly beach that isn't packed with people. There are no hotels in this area of the Outer Banks and beach access is reserved for home owners and renters. That leaves plenty of room to spread out and play catch with the pups. Due to it being a bird sanctuary, there are also no fireworks allowed - quite the blessing for many of our canine companions. And my favorite thing - waves. The dogs watch and wait with my husband as I swim and boogie board beneath cackling seagulls and soaring pelicans.

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” Robert Wyland

Accommodations

As there are no hotels, visitors need to rent a house using either Vrbo, Airbnb, or one of the countless local rental companies such as Twiddy & Company, Village Realty, Sun Realty, and Seaside Vacations. If it's just my husband, the dogs, and me, Sound Sea Secret is all we need. It's a bit more affordable - although everything in the area is expensive - and only steps to beach access.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Aqua Restaurant and Spa

Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Duck. Not only is it pet-friendly in their outdoor seating, but they have vegan options, live music, and the most spectacular sunset views over the bay.

During the summer season it gets extremely busy and the wait to be seated can be long. There is a first come, first serve policy. Therefore, I recommend arriving earlier than the time you want to eat. Grab a drink at the bar and listen to the live music outdoors during the warm summer evenings. The cocktail menu is entertainment on its own, with selections bearing amusing names like the Dirty Duck Martini and the Hooked on Quack. My preferred libation is the Duck Diva made with Stoli, pomegranate and citrus juices, and bubbles. I promise, the wait for your table will be worth it. Upstairs in their spa, Aqua also has the best massages in town - even better than the high-end spa in Sanderling Resort.

N.C. Coast Grill & Bar, a newer restaurant in Duck, is another top choice when it comes to food, live music, and bay views. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly.

This nautical-themed restaurant specializes in seafood and craft cocktails that celebrate the flavors of coastal North Carolina and the South while bringing in cross-cultural influences and global flair. My favorite dish is a plant-based coconut curry bowl.

Of course, you can't visit Duck without going to the founding location of Duck Donuts. It began in 2006 and now has over a hundred locations in the United States. Two breakfast favorites are combined to make my favorite - the Blueberry Pancake. It is one incredible donut! In season, make sure you wake up early before these warm, made-to-order bakery treats are sold out. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, ice-cream, and coffee beverages.

"If there's heaven for me, I'm sure it has a beach attached to it." Jimmy Buffett

Dog-Friendly Activities

If the beach isn't enough to keep your furry friends happy, there are plenty of other options.

Outer Banks Kayak Adventures allows dogs on their kayaks and paddleboards. You can opt to rent a kayak or SUP and tour on your own, and they also have tours such as the Maritime Forest & Marsh Tour in the nearby town of Kitty Hawk.

The Duck Trail is a pet-friendly option for walks. This meandering six-mile pathway through the town is a popular alternative to the beach.

Go shopping at the Waterfront Shops. You and your pooch can walk along the boardwalk in front of this unique waterfront shopping village with many boutiques, restaurants, eateries, and more.

Nor'banks Sailing & Watersports has many options for activities with and without your pet. I love to rent a catamaran and sail across the water with my husband. If you don't know how to sail, you can sign up for lessons. They also have jet ski rentals, parasailing, and catamaran cruises for entertainment without your pup. If your dog is a good swimmer - and you have your own pet lifejacket - you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and pontoon boating together.

The Town of Duck holds events during tourist season that are dog-friendly. Concerts, movies, comedy shows, and more take place on the town green. Bring your chair and a picnic to these free events to fully enjoy your entertainment experience. One of our favorite bands to see perform in Duck is the British Invaders Band (as seen below).

“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” Sarah Kay

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Cousteau

The next town over from Duck is Corolla. And I highly recommend a couple of activities without your dogs.

Sometimes after tiring out my two schnauzers with morning activities on the beach, we leave them napping safe and sound in our rental and venture out to see some other animals. The herd of free-roaming horses that make their home in this area are amazing to see - from a distance. Descended from the Spanish Mustangs brought to the Outer Banks by early explorers, the Corolla Wild Horses have wandered across the Currituck Outer Banks for approximately four hundred years. They are a cultural treasure and deserve to be respected and preserved. It is illegal to approach or feed one, and you must stay at least fifty feet away from them. There are several tour companies that allow you to view them from a safe distance. Find out more about the horses and how to help them at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

While in Corolla another must-see is Whalehead. Set along the Currituck Sound in Historic Corolla Park, Whalehead is a beautifully restored 1920s mansion-turned-museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a variety of tours to choose from, but I highly recommend one called “Legends, Lore and Ghost Tour.” We didn't see any spirits during our visit, but the spine-tingling stories by candlelight made the historic house even more fascinating and mysterious.

Of course, there are a variety of other activities - both dog-friendly and not - for you to enjoy on your trip to Duck. The Outer Banks is perhaps known best for being the site of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You can also take a bi-plane ride over the famous spot. But even if you just hang out on the beach digging holes and chasing crabs, the memories you create will last a lifetime.