Candi and Michael ~ On The Move

Tales from Grenada and Beyond

  • Home
  • More About Candi and Michael
  • Destinations
  • Favorite Travel Websites
  • Published Work
  • Media Kit

Best Beach Getaway ~ Ocracoke Island

November 10, 2014 by Candi Licence


 

An island that can only be accessed by ferry ,,,,, 14 miles of National Seashore … a single, charming, quaint village surrounding a beautiful harbor …. very few tourists because high season is over …. This is a recipe for a fabulous beachy getaway.  A few people encouraged us to go and to stay overnight.

We left right after the lunar eclipse in early October and had a perfect 2 day excursion.  By 8:45 AM, we were packed and headed towards Hatteras Village which is at the southern end of Hatteras Island and the ferry port for Ocracoke Island.  We had one stop on the way to try an “Ugly” at the Orange Blossom Bakery and Cafe in Buxton.  An ugly is an apple fritter that is HUGE and is a favorite in this area of the world.  We pulled in around 10:15 AM which was a perfect time to pick up a sweet to eat on the ferry ride.  Confession: We didn’t really like them that much even though everyone raves about them – off day?

There is a lot of beach driving on the Outer Banks. This Bumper sticker captures the carefree feeling!

There is a lot of beach driving on the Outer Banks. This Bumper sticker captures the carefree feeling!

One of the Hattersa Village "cottages" right by the ferry dock.

One of the Hatteras Village “cottages” right by the ferry dock. Reunion, anyone?

Got to the ferry dock and lined up for the free 40 minute ride to the island.  Free! Unbelievable.  The ferry carries any vehicle that can travel on a road – cars, BIG trucks, RVs, etc.  It is first come, first served unless you are a resident or service person – these folks get priority boarding.  As you sit in lines you try to determine if you’ll make the cutoff for the next ferry or have to wait for another one.  It’s a mystery until the last-minute before boarding because all of a sudden a few huge trucks can arrive in the priority lane and totally change the dynamics.  This was the case with the first ferry.  A lot of trucks trumped regular cars, but it was a beautiful day and we were sitting in a lovely harbor with our Kindles so no problem.  We squeaked onto the second ferry and were on our way.  It was a perfect day – sunny, about 75 degrees with a gentle breeze blowing. We got out of the car and went upstairs to an observation deck to soak in the sights and sounds.  The ferry ride was part of the fun.

The ferry ride was part of the fun.  Here we are heading out of Hatteras towards Ocracoke Island.

The ferry ride was part of the fun. Here we are heading out of Hatteras towards Ocracoke Island.

When we arrived on the island, we decided we would drive into town first to briefly check it out, find the lighthouse that Michael wanted to shoot at either sunset or sunrise, grab a bite to eat and then head for the beach.  We discovered that the lighthouse would have the best light at sunset so we planned to return just after 6PM to set up.  We had lunch at a cute restaurant that had shaded patio seating so Mick could join us while we ate.  This was great because it was hot out and we don’t really like leaving him in the car even with the air conditioning running.  Mick loves being in vacation places because everyone misses their dog and he gets all their love and pets.

Mick and I getting ready to stake out our perfect spot.

Mick and I getting ready to stake out our perfect spot. Notice the off-season “crowds”.

We then headed for the beach and chose the first parking lot outside of town because it had outdoor showers and we could rinse Mick off at the end of the day.  The beach was absolutely stunning and there were less than 10 cars in the parking lot.  The beach was wide and had a shallow entrance into the ocean.  There were medium waves and a great breeze.  We frolicked in the water with Mick for a bit and then settled in for some serious sun time.  This was the prettiest beach we’ve seen at the Outer Banks and mostly they are all stunning beauties.

Ocracoke Island  2014 10 05 - 0068Late in the afternoon, we rinsed off and then headed towards the lighthouse.  Mick and I strolled the grounds while Michael set up and waited for the light to turn soft.  The brochures said this lighthouse was a photographer’s dream but I think the Bodie lighthouse with the grasses and marsh made a more idyllic shot.  However, the Ocracoke lighthouse is no slouch either.  This shot, with the fencing drawing your eye in, was wonderful.

After shooting the lighthouse, we headed to the hotel to check in.  Pretty much all the hotels on the island are older motels but all well-kept.  Ours, The Inn on Silver Lake, had lots of pet friendly rooms on the first floor, all with lovely sitting areas in front and facing the harbor – complete with rocking chairs.  It was a lovely early evening so we sat outside rocking and reading while Mick enjoyed his dinner.  Later, we headed over to The Flying Melon for dinner.  Funky name but we liked the looks of the restaurant.  I checked the internet and they didn’t have a website but they did have great reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp.

The Flying Melon Cafe on Ocracoke Island

The funky and fabulous Flying Melon Cafe on Ocracoke Island

The rooster is a sign of hospitality.  I really liked this one.

The rooster is a sign of hospitality. I loved this one, several were displayed throughout in the cafe.

The fabulous Mushroom Cheesecake.  I need to learn how to make this.

The fabulous Mushroom Cheesecake. I need to learn how to make this.

We had a fabulous server and dinner at The Flying Melon Cafe.  Michael had a scallop, mushroom and cheese appetizer and I had a Mushroom Cheesecake which was really like a cheesy, mushroomy mousse – both were delicious.  For entrée’s,  Michael had a house smoked, bone-in Pork Chop with a Cherry Citrus glaze and I had a seafood platter that had Bluefish, Shrimp, Scallops and a Crabcake – what a delectable feast!  We split a crème brulee and headed back to the Inn.  It was a balmy evening and we sat outside on our deck rocking and reading books for about an hour before turning in.

The next morning I gathered up a respectable continental breakfast from the front desk, we sat on our porch and had a lovely meal and then headed off to the beach. The wind changed direction overnight so the waves were very gentle and rolling.  The water was warm and Mick had a great time running into the water after Michael and then back to me.  We had a few more hours of luxurious sun time.

It was one of those perfect beach days you dream about.  Soft, east waves, lovely breezes, warm sun and I could feel myself melting into the chair with happiness.  We’re at the time of year when each day is especially cherished because you know it’s going to turn cooler any day – early fall was already overdue. We finally dragged ourselves off the beach and reluctantly headed towards the ferry.  We had one moment of indecision, maybe we should just stay over another day?  … but decided to stick with our plan and potentially come back the next week.

Day 2 - Another perfect day.  Waves were calmer because wind was coming out of the west.

Day 2 – Another perfect day. The waves were calmer because wind was coming out of the west.

The ferry ride was, once again, a treat all by itself and as we drove off the ferry and back onto Hatteras Island, I was on the lookout for a place to eat.  It was 3:30, that weird time where places were finished serving lunch and not open yet for an early dinner.  As we were driving through Buxton, I saw a sign for Buxton Munch with a sign that said they had 5 stars on Trip Advisor so we did a quick U-turn and drove in.  What a find!  As Michael gave Mick a quick walk, I approached the door.  There was a sign saying they closed at 4:00.  My phone said 3:57 so as I pulled open the door I wondered if we would be able to eat.  The young woman behind the counter could not have been nicer.  She said sure but we’d have to order for take-out.  No problem there as there were picnic tables right outside.

The feeling good groove at Buxton Munch

The feeling good groove at Buxton Munch

One of Buxton Munch's delicious wraps

One of Buxton Munch’s delicious wraps

I didn’t want to delay the gracious staff any longer so I ordered for both Michael and me – a Crabcake wrap with Avocado and Black Beans and a grilled Rockfish wrap.  Both came with great corn chips and cole slaw.   I ordered drinks and as the server was waiting on our order she started cleaning up – including the soda machine but she said no worries, she’d leave Michael’s selection for last in case he wanted a refill!

The interior was adorable and had lots of 60’s memorabilia and Far Side comic books around. They even had a Woodstock poster.  How fun!  Their tag line is – ‘A groovy little place with a whole lotta taste’ and this sums it up perfectly.  I wish this special place was closer to Duck – I’d eat here often.  The food was super fresh, spiced well and really great.

We headed home satisfied and happy.  This was a perfect trip – so much so, we returned the following week.  Michael had loved sitting outside of our hotel room so much that I rebooked there again and we pretty much did a repeat visit – beach, Inn on Silver Lake and Flying Melon again.  YUM!

It was hard to pick the "best" picture to show Ocracoke's majestic beauty

It was hard to pick the “best” picture to show Ocracoke’s majestic beauty

The first time we went, the dunes were covered in small yellow flowers that were incredibly vibrant and beautiful.  When we returned with the intention of taking pictures of the flowers, we were disappointed that they were somewhat gone by.  This was a gentle reminder to seize every moment and never wait!  This getaway will be a highlight of an already wonderful segment of our travels and a not to miss recommendation for anyone coming to the Outer Banks.

The dunes covered with yellow flowers.

The dunes covered with yellow flowers. This is the “gone by” picture. Imagine what it looked like the week before!

 

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Buxton Munch, Flying Melon, Inn on Silver Lake, nature, Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, Restaurants

About Candi and Michael

Michael and I retired early in 2014. We stored everything we couldn't part with (art and prized possessions), sold most everything else, packed a trailer and started traveling full time. We rented a fully furnished house, in a place we always wanted to visit, lived there for 3 months and then we moved onto the next place. We stayed in Grenada for 3 months and ended up buying a house. Now we are modifying the plan a bit and we will live in Grenada and travel part-time. Read More…

Where are we now?

We are both in our home in Grenada.

 

Recent Posts

  • SpiceMas 2022 ~ “D Return” August 25, 2022
  • Shipping Barrels and Extreme Friendship ~ COVID-19 in Grenada December 16, 2020
  • Trying to Patch our Virus Free Bubble ~ COVID-19 in Grenada November 22, 2020
  • Reunited ~ And It Feels So Good! ~COVID-19 in Grenada July 13, 2020
  • The Corona Tango ~ One Step Forward, Two Steps Back ~ COVID-19 in Grenada June 27, 2020
  • Running in Circles, Nowhere to Go ~ COVID-19 in Grenada June 24, 2020
  • Holding Down the Fort, Part 2 ~ Rescue and Recovery/Order Restored ~ COVID-19 in Grenada June 18, 2020
  • Holding Down the Fort, Part 1 ~ Havoc Reigns ~ COVID-19 in Grenada June 14, 2020
  • Sounds of Silence ~ COVID-19 in Grenada April 12, 2020
  • COVID-19 in Grenada April 6, 2020
  • Small Country ~ Big Sadness February 28, 2020
  • Planting Seeds and Creating Sparks ~ Art and Love in Grenada May 22, 2019
  • Down to The Wire ~ Finishing (?) the Patio March 25, 2019
  • Pouring a Patio Extension ~ How Hard Can It Be? March 8, 2019
  • A Day in the Life ~ Picking up Sheila’s Birthday Cake April 9, 2018
  • I’m Famous! ~ (Almost) March 29, 2018
  • A Lesson in Patience ~ The Refrigerator Saga December 11, 2017
  • Taking the Plunge ~ The 2017 Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop October 25, 2017
  • Coming Home ~ Sweet, Sweet Home ~ First Impressions March 6, 2017
  • One Roof On, Another Roof Off ~ And Other Changes March 11, 2016
  • The Best of Grenada Sailing Week ~ The Workboat Regatta February 26, 2016
  • Two Steps Forward, No Steps Back ~ Making Progress February 23, 2016
  • Walking the Plank ~ to Dinner February 4, 2016
  • Taking the Inside-Out Concept to the Extreme – No Roof ( … for now ….) February 1, 2016
  • And So It Begins ~ Raising the Roof, Literally! January 26, 2016
  • The Calm Before the Storm ~ Christmas Season in Grenada January 15, 2016
  • Free at Last ~ Clearing our Container through Customs December 26, 2015
  • Best Laid Plans ~ and Murphy’s Law December 16, 2015
  • A Moving Adventure ~ “Bon Voyage”, Container December 14, 2015
  • Research, Procure, Pack, Repeat ~ Buying (everything) for our Grenada home December 5, 2015
  • Coming Home ~ Our First Visit to Our New House December 2, 2015
  • The Ultimate Challenge ~ Remote Project Management in a Third World Country November 29, 2015
  • Living the Dream ~ Buying a house in Grenada September 24, 2015
  • Proceed at Your Own Risk ~ Driving in Grenada (Part 3 of 3) April 16, 2015
  • Proceed at Your Own Risk ~ Driving in Grenada (Part 2 of 3) March 31, 2015
  • Proceed at Your Own Risk ~ Driving in Grenada (Part 1of 3) March 29, 2015
  • Canboulay, J’ouvert, Mas ~ Carriacou Carnival 2015 March 27, 2015
  • “Eat Local” ~ John’s Oceanview Restaurant February 11, 2015
  • Gourmet Grenadian ~ Boots Cuisine February 5, 2015
  • Our First Adventure ~ Welcome to Grenada January 29, 2015
  • Making Home ~ Settling into our Villa in Woburn, Grenada January 27, 2015
  • Canine Captain ~ Mick’s Travel Adventure January 23, 2015
  • Operation Grenada ~ Moving Ourselves to the West Indies January 21, 2015
  • Imagination Revealed ~ Dale Chihuly’s Glass Inspirations December 31, 2014
  • Delectable Ritual ~ Savouring the Sunset December 21, 2014
  • Dinner on a Sandbar ~ Blue Moon Beach Grill November 26, 2014
  • Best Beach Getaway ~ Ocracoke Island November 10, 2014
  • Whirlwind Tour ~ Showcasing the Essence of the Outer Banks November 5, 2014
  • Wild Mustangs ~ An Outer Banks Adventure October 18, 2014
  • Marvelous Moondance ~ Full Lunar Eclipse October 15, 2014
  • An Unexpected Gourmet Delight ~ Mike Dianna’s Grillroom October 12, 2014
  • Personal Chef on Call ~ Chez Michael October 8, 2014
  • An Enchanted Sanctuary ~ Elizabethan Gardens October 5, 2014
  • Fun Music and good food too! ~ Cravings September 30, 2014
  • Chasing the Light ~ Shooting the Bodie Lighthouse at Daybreak September 23, 2014
  • Learning to Fly ~ The Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk September 10, 2014
  • Creating Home, Again ~ Arriving in the Outer Banks September 5, 2014
  • Farewell Key West ~ C & M “On the Move” August 25, 2014
  • Beautiful Birthday Memories ~ Dinner at Cafe Marquesa August 4, 2014
  • “A Key West Locals Secret” ~ New York Pasta Garden July 29, 2014
  • The Square Grouper ~ And Other Fish Tails July 26, 2014
  • The Locals Hideaway ~ Boca Chica Beach July 24, 2014
  • Tantalizing Tapas ~ Santiago’s Bodega July 21, 2014
  • Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This ~ Moonrise/Sunset Sailing July 18, 2014
  • Happy Wife, Happy Life ~ The Key West Jewelry Bar July 8, 2014
  • ‘Hunker Down’ with Bill Blue and Friends July 3, 2014
  • Local Color ~ Mr. James Chapman July 1, 2014
  • A Mid Summer’s Night Dream & Spectacle ~ Summer Solstice June 25, 2014
  • Savory or Sweet? ~ Key Plaza Creperie June 19, 2014
  • “A Great Place …. if You Can Find It” ~ Hogfish Bar and Grill June 19, 2014
  • ONE HUMAN FAMILY and the Key West Pride Parade June 18, 2014
  • Cajan Delights at the Blossom Cafe June 14, 2014
  • Candi and Michael’s Honey Moon June 14, 2014
  • Hunting for Iguanas June 4, 2014
  • Rainy Day and Café Solé June 2, 2014
  • Exploring Key West May 27, 2014
  • Really settling in May 25, 2014
  • Market Day Delights May 22, 2014
  • Namaste ~ Our Key West home May 17, 2014
  • Arriving in our Key West Paradise May 16, 2014

Tag Cloud

Art Blue Moon Beach Grill Boots Cuisine Carnival Carriacou Carnival Christmas construction Container COVID-19 Dale Chiuhly driving expat life Grenada Grenada Sailing Festival Hurricane Ivan Iguana Inn on Silver Lake Jessica's Dune Key West Mick Mount Moritz Moving Mural museum music Namaste nature Outer Banks Preparation Rebecca-art-studio rennovation renovations Restaurants RoxiArtwork sailing Sarasota Area SpiceMas storage sunsets The Arches travel travel preparation Travel Writing TSA precheck Welcome Villa

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}