Ready for an Outer Banks Weekend, 5/26/23
May 30, 2023Memorial Day Weekend
When I was an owner of a watersports company my wallet would often be close to empty by the time Memorial Day Weekend came around. Many years I prayed for good weather on the holiday just so I could pay some bills. Such is life in an industry that is dependent on the weather.
This year does not look good for watersports businesses.
Friday- High of 65 and a gale watch is in effect.
Saturday- High of 65 and 85% chance of rain.
Sunday- High of 70 and 75% chance of rain.
Monday- High of 70 and 60% chance of rain.
Sea Bags
This new store in Manteo (they also have a sister store in Duck) specializes in repurposing old sails by turning them in to tote bags and more. The bags have a nautical look and the heavy dacron makes them unique and extremely durable. I'm not a tote-kind-of-guy, but I did buy a cool wallet made from monofilm which reminds me of my windsurfing days.
By the way, if you have some old sails lying around the garage, this company is happy to take them off your hands and give you store credit.
Things To Do
Dare Days in Manteo, 6/3-4/23
This annual event is sort of a kick-off for summer.
Soundside FunFair, 6/8-11/23
This carnival is on its 6th year and has a great location next to the Roanoke Sound.
Where To Eat
I Got Your Crabs
I used to get a lot of inquiries from visitors as to where to go for a raw bar. I need to add I Got Your Crabs to the list. This place has it all; raw oysters, blue crabs, soft shell crabs, shrimp, fried seafood, sandwiches, soups, and more.
I had heard a lot of good things about this place and had been meaning to go in. Last Friday I finally had the opportunity and was not disappointed. First, this place is a hole-in-the-wall. Full disclosure: I love a good hole-in-the-wall. It reminded me of going to the Cross Street Market in Baltimore and bellying up to one of the counters for a great meal. It's small, cozy, and a little noisy. In other words, perfect.
The menu has everything you could want from a simple seafood joint. Actually, it's extremely broad for such a small place. I've heard the crab bisque soup is legendary.
Being soft shell crab season, I had to get a soft shell crab sandwich. The young ladies working the dining room know how to hustle and my food came out extremely fast. The sandwich was great and the side of cole slaw was exactly how I like it, just a little spicy.
Be warned, I was there on a Friday night in May and the place was 99% full. This place is going to fill up fast in the summer time. The menu says to order 24 hours in advance for carry-out!
Where To Go
As a devoted weekend warrior, this article has given me a decade of great ideas. However, my biased self is a little disappointed that Route 12 along the Outer Banks was not mentioned. Highlights include; views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Sounds, great restaurants, fishing piers, historic lighthouses, Jockeys Ridge (the tallest sand dune on the East Coast), the Frisco Native American Museum, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and a free ferry (thanks DOT) to Ocracoke Island where Blackbeard used to hang out.
Patreon
Finally, if you want to support Treasures of the Outer Banks and its podcast you can make a small donation of $5/month. In return I'll send you a monthly video of life on the Outer Banks and for first time members I'll send you a Treasures of the Outer Banks sticker. As always, you can reach out to me for questions or advice regarding the Outer Banks.
Cheers!
Have a Great Weekend,
John Van Lunen
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