28 November 2022 | Published By: Hotels OBX
By Christine Flanagan, Marketing Manager, and Facilities Coordinator
November is a beautiful time to host a family reunion in NC or take a family vacation. We've recently discussed the perks of visiting our oceanfront OBX hotels during the off-season, and you'll want to check that out next. Planning your family vacation over Thanksgiving is a beautiful family memory in the making. Kill Devil Hills oceanfront hotels are available, and you get a stress-free holiday vacation. To top it off, we will discuss the best restaurants and things to do to celebrate Thanksgiving while staying in the outer banks.
5 Best Restaurants to celebrate Thanksgiving while staying in the Outer Banks
1. Jimmy's Seafood Buffet
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a trendy restaurant that typically has restricted hours during the off-season and opens its doors on Thanksgiving Day with a FREE buffet! They provide a traditional thanksgiving meal and will accept donations, but they aren't required. All are welcome to join the event; however, reservations are recommended.
From their website regarding the annual event in 2021, "Last year we happily raised over $1,600 and matched to 3 local charities". Celebrate family and give thanks while giving back to the local community.
2. Basnight's Lone Cedar Café
At Lone Cedar Café, you can enjoy gorgeous waterfront views while eating a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. The buffet-style meal includes traditional thanksgiving menu items as well as items with a seafood flair. When else are you going to enjoy oven-roasted turkey and sea scallops?
3. Jolly Roger
An OBX favorite, the Jolly Roger is hosting an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast from 1 pm – 11 pm. Traditional Thanksgiving menu items are served with a quirky twist.
4. Mulligan's Grille
Enjoy a festive turkey dinner at Mulligan's Grille, or take it back to your Kill Devil Hills oceanfront hotel. Reservations are required.
5. Captain George's
The special Thanksgiving to-go menu at Captain George's is a great option when you don't want to cook but also want to have a quiet day with the family.
Since we have you covered for Thanksgiving dinner, we must remember being able to watch the big game.
3 Places to Catch the Big Game on Thanksgiving
If you and your family enjoy watching the games on Thanksgiving Day, then we have options that have you covered!
1. Lucky 12 Tavern
This sports bar has over 20 televisions to show sporting events. If you want to take a break during the game, you can enjoy the outdoor patio or take your turn playing pinball.
2. Just George's Sports Bar
Time your meal at Captain George's at the right time, and then you can hop over to Just Georges to catch the big game! Just George's is adjacent to the main restaurant.
3. Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Bar
This local favorite features a tropical vibe in a family setting. With over 12 televisions featuring league packages, you will see all the big plays on Thanksgiving. Their bar features many specialty drinks with three widescreen televisions.
4 Activities to Celebrate Thanksgiving while staying in the Outer Banks
Knowing where to eat is key to family reunions in NC or family vacations. Another top priority is knowing what activities are available near OBX hotels in nags head and kill devil hills.
1. Kite's with Lights
The event takes place at the beautiful Jockey's Ridge State Park, which includes 19-30 foot kites decorated in holiday lights. Hot beverages and snacks will also be available. The Kite's with Lights event will raise funds for the Friends of Jockey's Ridge.
2. OBX Runs
There are multiple races during Thanksgiving. There's a Thanksgiving Day 5K in Corolla. They will also collect non-perishable food items to be given to the local food bank.
Another fun run that's more about drinking and socializing is the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile. This race involves alternating drinking and running sprints, followed by a party at the end of the race.
3. Winter Lights Festival
The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC, becomes illuminated during this annual holiday event. Tickets are only sold online for this. This special event begins on Thanksgiving weekend and runs through December. There are opportunities to visit with Santa, live entertainment, children's face painting, and shopping for seasonal plants and holiday gifts.
4. Currishuck Oyster Festival
This annual event is held at Sanctuary Vineyards. The beautiful vineyard is located less than 30 minutes from our OBX hotels in Nags Head. You may want to purchase tickets online in advance. You will enjoy all-you-can-eat steamed oysters + crabs, sides, local beer, and wine at the event. They will also have hayrides, live music, and more!
Our team at the Comfort Inn On The Ocean hotel in Kill Devil Hills can provide advice or suggestions for fun Outer Banks family vacation activities. Once you've decided to plan your family reunion over Thanksgiving, Contact Us to book a family reunion venue in NC. Then you can pick which restaurant to celebrate Thanksgiving while staying in the Outer Banks. We hope to see you and all your family soon!
