Go There: An Outer Banks Inspired Weekend in OBX
Plan your next trip following the Pogue lifestyle.
Today marks the release of season 3 of the top-rated Netflix series the Outer Banks. To celebrate the occasion, we thought we would briefly recap and share some of the can’t-miss locales that inspired the show.
When season 1 came out in April 2020, the world was on hold and a month into the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yet, the series helped us feel not so lonely during isolation. Instead, they created camaraderie with warm summer weather approaching, binging a show set beautifully in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Each of us was eager to take a trip to the land of Pogues and Kooks.
Now back in 2023, with the release of the third season today and more opportunities to travel, it’s time to have a weekend binge once again and remember why we all were dying to take that trip to the Outer Banks. Check out these four reasons to grab your fellow Pogue or Kook and visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
In This Article
For the History Buffs
There may not be hidden gold, but there is definitely an abundance of rich history and possible treasures to unearth when visiting the OBX. These grounds have everything you need for a summer history adventure, from pirates to shipwrecks. Ships have wrecked along the shores of the Outer Banks for hundreds of years, leaving broken fragments and interesting finds for as far as 70 miles up the coast.
Here you can also find the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating Orville and Wilbur Wright’s three years of experimentation to give birth to successful airplane travel.
Last but not least, Ocracoke Island is also an exciting attraction located on the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Island was a well-known spot for pirate sightings during the late 1600s and early 1700s. Because of the island’s deep inlets, pirates came to the area because of its convenience for goods and to supply transportation. Today, Ocracoke is home to many varieties of gorgeous wildlife and many eclectic shops and restaurants, making for a lovely vacation spot.
Lighthouses
In the series, the Pogues find a clue that leads them to the infamous Redfield Lighthouse. Even though the Redfield lighthouse is fictional, there are many lighthouses in the Outer Banks that you should visit!
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is in Corolla, North Carolina, and entirely made of brick and was left unpainted after construction, keeping its rustic, original look. Next up is the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, which isn’t your stereotypical lighthouse, but it gets the job done. Even though it is smaller than a typical lighthouse, it has more of a ‘house’ shape to it and may be confused for one.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse shines in all its glory with distinct black and white painted stripes that set it apart from the rest. You can find the Bodie Island Lighthouse near Nags Head and Whalebone Junction. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most famous in the world, shines its light nearly 20 miles into the ocean. A light like this would have come in handy when John B and Sarah were shipwrecked in the ocean. Finally, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may be one of the smallest lighthouses, standing at just 65 ft tall, but it still does its job by allowing people to see it from up to 14 miles away. Make this lighthouse one of your stops when visiting Ocracoke Island.
Whether it be kids with an interest in lighthouses or old history buffs, the Outer Banks have an attraction for every member of the family.
Sun Bum Culture
Life in the Outer Banks seems to be just as John B describes in season one: “Paradise on Earth.” From surfing and fishing to food and recreation, being a ‘Pogue 4 Life’ sounds like a dream. When visiting the Outer Banks, sun bum culture is encouraged — just remember your SPF. Here are some fun activities to enjoy when embracing your inner Pogue:
- Horseback Riding on the Beach: Casually ride horseback along the beautiful white sand beaches of the Outer Banks with your vacation crew. The tours are guided, and no experience is required to enjoy one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
- Ferry Ride: One of the show’s most iconic scenes occurs when Sarah and John B share their first kiss on a ferry ride in the rain. The Cedar Island Ferry allows you to relax on a 2-and-a-half-hour cruise while taking in the stunning scenery of the Outer Banks and may even give you a chance to recreate that scene for yourself.
- Jockey Ridge State Park: If you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch the sunset or fly a kite on the beach, Jockey Ridge State Park is a must-visit when taking a trip to the Outer Banks. It is also the place to go for hang-gliding, picnicking, hiking and sandboarding.
Local’s Guide to Vacation in the OBX
If you’re opposed to feeling like a tourist and really want the Pogue’s guide to a vacation in the Outer Banks, here’s what they’re telling us:
- Grab a coffee at a local coffee shop: Joe to Go, Duck’s Cottage Coffee and Bookshop, Outer Bean Cafe
- Shopping local at The Waterfront Shops
- Watch the sunset from Jockey Ridge State Park
- Take a sea glass and seashell treasure hunt on the beach after a storm
After you live vicariously through your character idols and witness the plot twists to come while binging season 3, the Outer Banks will be there for when you’re ready to plan your Pogue-inspired adventure.
