Thanksgiving is a great time of year to sit back, relax with family and friends, and reflect on everything there is to be grateful for in life. This year, consider adding to that gratitude list by making plans to travel to the Outer Banks over the holidays! Travelers who set their sights on a Thanksgiving Outer Banks getaway will find there are plenty of opportunities for rounding out an itinerary in the name of fun. Whether you’re looking to savor every delicious moment or you’re excited to get out and explore, the Outer Banks is a beautiful and inviting place to spend Thanksgiving in good company. The following are just a few of the stops you’re going to want to be sure to add to your agenda when you plan on enjoying Thanksgiving in the Outer Banks.
Infuse Flavor and Fun into Your Stay
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving-themed activity this year that pairs exercise, amazing flavors, and great people too, you’ll find it at the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile. This event will be hosted on November 22 starting at 11:00 am. You’ll need to make your way to the Outer Banks Brewing Station located at 600 S Croatan Highway in Kill Devil Hills where you’ll start your race that functions as a run and drink experience. The route is broken up into quarter-mile intervals and at each stop, you’ll be treated to some delicious brews! Many participants choose to dress up in costumes and there are prizes given out at the end for the most creative of the bunch. Registration for the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile in 2023 is $40 and you’ll need to be at least 21 to participate. At the end of the race, everyone is invited to spend the rest of the day enjoying a fun and festive backyard party at the Brewing Station.
Take Part in a Holiday Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving travelers in the Outer Banks who have a passion for running their way to fun will love the opportunity to take part in the annual ADVICE 5K Turkey Trot. This popular event is hosted on Thanksgiving Day starting at 9:00 a.m. This race is in its 27th year in 2023 and is a competitive experience that brings locals and visitors to Duck in droves. The Turkey Trot is a 5K loop that starts at Scarborough Lane and works its way through Duck’s wooded terrain. The end of the Turkey Trot is marked by a vibrant post-race party that includes refreshments, snacks, music, and tons of fun. Be sure to dress in your Thanksgiving costume and count on receiving a goodie bag when you finish the race as well. There are prizes handed out to top finishers in adult and youth categories, but everyone can feel great about crossing the finish line in holiday style. You’ll want to be sure to register for the Turkey Trot in Duck early as this event fills up fast.
Corolla also has the Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Day 5k. Lace-up your running shoes for this 5k and Youth Fun Run on Thanksgiving Day at The Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla Park. This is a family and community event in the spirit and fellowship of the holiday open to runners, walkers, stroller/jogger, and wheelchair participants. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, canned goods/non-perishable food items will be collected for The Sonder Project in support of our local Food Bank.
Set Aside Time for On-the-Water Fun
Unlike some destinations across the US that see frigid temperatures around Thanksgiving time, the Outer Banks is fortunately placed to see average temperatures in the 50s through November. That means there’s no reason outdoor adventurers can make the most of their time on the water during their holiday stay. Fishing charters still run this time of year if you’re looking for a deep-sea outing and casting a line from the shore is an option as well. This time of year, you can count on reeling in blues and drums alike no matter when you head out to enjoy an afternoon of angling.
Add a Thanksgiving Feast to the Itinerary
For many travelers, it’s hard to imagine a Thanksgiving trip anywhere at all without a Thanksgiving feast included in the experience. A visit to the Outer Banks this time of year is no exception to the rule! The good news is, that there are a variety of restaurants that remain open on Thanksgiving Day to provide guests and locals with amazing meals to top off the holiday in savory style.
One of those destinations is Owen’s Restaurant located at 7114 S. Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. They’re open from Wednesday through Sunday for dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. and on Thanksgiving, they’re offering guests options to reserve a place at their Thanksgiving gathering between noon and 8:00 p.m. The menu this year is designed to treat the tastebuds with starters including Charleston oyster stew, a pomegranate vinaigrette salad, and New England butternut squash bisque.
Guests will be able to enjoy entrees like herb-rubbed turkey breast, roasted rockfish, broiled seafood trios, oysters, crabcakes, or a full Thanksgiving platter. Dessert will be served up as well with options including bananas foster bread pudding, southern lemon pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or vanilla bean crème brulee. Owen’s Restaurant will also have a full kid’s menu available for those who are dropping by to enjoy Thanksgiving lunch or dinner with little ones in tow.
Book Your Stay for Thanksgiving in the Outer Banks
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