Outer Banks October 2010

Our tradition the last few years has been to go to the Outer Banks the first weekend in October. We kept that up this year, and once again, had a great time. The weather was not beach friendly but there were plenty of other things to do. It was very windy which made it quite cool. I got off work a couple of hours early so we could get an earlier start, and we ended up getting down there around 7. Aidan loves to stay in hotels, so he was thrilled when we pulled into the parking lot. Not sure what the big excitement is, but he loves it! We just rested in our room, watched tv, and went to bed early. On Saturday, we ate at the "hoho" breakfast as Aidan calls it! I am sure by the time we go again, he will know it is "hotel breakfast", and I will miss the "hoho"!!! We took a short walk on the beach in jackets, and then went to the aquarium. We joined the zoo society last year, and it has more than paid for itself because of how often we go to the aquariums. We get in free there too! It was so nice because there were hardly any other people there. When we were at the big fish tank with the sharks there was no one else around. That has never happened before. Aidan loves to get right up close to the glass, but he did get a little hesitant when the biggest shark came by. I think this one is probably the biggest one at our three aquariums. I do NOT want to get near it! He picked out a new bathtub swimmer in the gift shop and we headed out for lunch. Normally when we are in Manteo we eat lunch at Pizza Hut because it is perfect for Aidan, but we went to Big Al's this time so Aidan could get a hotdog! Food is good and it has a really cool "diner" themed atmosphere. Decorated in Coke products from floor to ceiling.
We didn't really feel up to driving up to Currituck or down to Hatteras to see those lighthouses, so we just settled for Bodie even though we knew it was still closed for renovations. Kind of strange to see it completely covered in scaffolding. Hopefully, next year the work will be finished and we will be able to go inside.
We really are nap-people, so of course, we had to squeeze one in before dinner. We all felt great and went to our favorite restaurant at the Outer Banks, Tale of the Whale. Unfortunately, the food was not as good as usual. Still good, but just not the same. Still probably my favorite, but it may be time to give another one a chance. One thing about the Outer Banks, if you break away from the chain restaurants, it can get really expensive. Really good, but expensive. Tale of the Whale has always been well worth the expense though! Aidan ate lots of steak and bread. That's about the extent of his interests! More shopping after dinner, and back to the hotel.
Aidan enjoyed the hoho breakfast once again on Sunday morning, we did a little more shopping, and headed back home. We all had a good time, and plan to go back in the Spring (if not before :)).

Create your own free digital slideshow