Tour the Historic Whalehead Club and see the inside of our wedding venue first-hand. The Whalehead Club was originally built in 1925 as a residential mansion to hunt waterfowl, and has since served many additional purposes - including a Coast Guard recruitment base, a boys-correctional school, and a testing site for rocket fuel.
Climb the 220 steps to the top of this historic lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Outer Banks.
Wild horses roam the 4x4, off-road beaches just north of Corolla, and sometimes stray into town on the off-season. No stay in Corolla is complete without driving on the sand dunes and seeing the wild horses.
Paddle board and kayak along Currituck Sound, exploring the many lagoons and outlets. You may even come across the old, abandoned crabber's boat.
If you're looking to take a surf lesson or two while you're in Corolla, look no further. Corolla Surf Shop is the best local surf shop and rental company. You can rent surfboards, paddle boards, body boards, skimboards, and more.
Anyone staying in the Corolla Light Resort will have access to the Corolla Light Sports Center, which has a full gym, indoor pool, and tennis courts. If you're interested in brushing up on your tennis skills on vacation, be sure to schedule a lesson with Aly Andrews.
Anyone staying in the Corolla Light Resort can swim in two oceanside pools with access to a beachside ice cream and snow cone cabana. There is also a newly constructed children's pool.
Anyone staying in Corolla Light will have access to two tennis courts and a newly constructed Pickleball court in the center of town. Be sure to book a reservation online before showing up.
Stroll or bike along the Currituck Sound with a nature trail that meanders behind vacation homes, along boating docks, and through crabbing traps. Note that this trail has numerous access points, but can best be accessed behind the Corolla Light Sports Center.
Confession: we've never actually been here, but always wanted to go. The Corolla Adventure park has a multilevel obstacle course, ziplines, axe throwing, and more.
Play a round of mini golf or spend some time in the local arcade. Ideal for a rainy day, this activity complex is located right at the center of Corolla Light.
If you're looking for a fun activity for the afternoon (or while you're waiting to be seated at North Banks...) head to Miss Kitty's. Dress up in antique clothing and pose for photos with your friends and family. It's guaranteed to be a good time, especially if you dress up as the Roaring Twenties. (Ask Kendall how many old time photos are in the Berents' family home...)
Browse for the perfect beach read at the Island Bookstore, which also happens to be the bookstore that inspired Kendall to become a writer. If you need book recommendations, ask Kendall. (Her favorites: The Goldfinch, Lincoln in the Bardo, White Teeth, and Infinite Jest -the books that Ryan used to propose.)
Stop in for a good beer and great times. The Beer Garden is one of the most beloved local hang outs - and also Kendall's favorite. The owner selects a wide range of local brews and sourced most of the furniture during his surf trips to Indonesia. If you're not in the mood for beer, they also have some wine and canned cocktails. Ryan recommends bringing bug spray.
Uncle Ike's is a fun sports bar located at the center of the town that (generally) stays open late and plays popular dance music. They also serve up a large lunch and dinner menu featuring burgers and fish.
Sundogs is an upbeat stop for casual food and drinks - but perhaps their most notable attraction is their wide selection of karaoke hits. Kendall remains convinced that "A Thousand Miles" is the most accessible karaoke song. Prove her wrong.
Grab a tasty treat or an easy breakfast at this local favorite. Kendall and Ryan recommend the Breakfast Sandwiches, Donuts, Coffee, Pies, and Magic Bars.
A fun mix of coffee and art, the Kind Cup is a small-batch coffee roaster with good vibes and friendly baristas. Kendall is a fan of the Honeydew Latte followed by a stroll through the butterfly garden located just behind the coffee shop.
Ideal before a long day on the beach, the Juice Jar serves up healthy smoothies, light bites, and acai bowls. Kendall loves the Whalehead Bowl.
With an incredible array of bagels and specialty sandwiches, Lighthouse Bagels & Deli is a local staple. Kendall and Ryan recommends the French Toast Bagel Egg Sandwich. For lunch, Kendall also enjoys the Caprese Sandwich.
There are two different types of barbecue in North Carolina: Eastern-style barbecue is vinegar-based, and Western-style barbecue is tomato-based. This is an Eastern-style barbecue joint. Kendall is still trying to convince Ryan that this is the best barbecue in all the land. You are welcome to join our debate.
This is Kendall and Ryan's favorite spot, and happens to be a local legend for their exceptional seafood and friendly hospitality. Kendall loves everything - literally, everything - but tends to order the Raw Oysters, Mixed Grill, and a Dirty Martini. Ryan loves - literally, loves - the Pork Chop. Note that they do not take reservations, so it's best to go early to avoid the waid. (It's worth it!)
One of Ryan's favorites, La Dolce Vita offers delicious Italian food and extensive cocktails. Ryan recommends the Crab & Shrimp a la Penne Vodka. Kendall recommends the Focaccia Bread, Burrata, and the Aperol Spritz.
Enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular view at the Oceanfront Grille. Kendall enjoys the Crab Cakes, Tuna, and Filet Mignon. During the day, it is Kendall and Ryan's tradition to order Pina Coladas and bring them to the beach.
Taste some of the best ice cream around at this local chain. Kendall enjoys the Cookies & Peanut Better.
If you're craving something sweet, stop into Ned's for ice cream and treats. The back of the store also has cooking supplies and personal essentials.