Yourself to a ‘Quaking’ Good Vacation in the Town of Duck

The oddly named town of Duck which was designated as a town only in 2002 is a quiet, beach front town which is located in the northern Outer banks off the coast of North Carolina. The seaside town of Duck which is today a popular beach vacation getaway that is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound occupies an area that lies north of the Southern Shores which extends until the Dare County/Currituck County line. Duck offers the beach loving vacationer seven miles of clean beaches, miles of well maintained bike paths and an interesting easily accessible on foot village center which is populated with shops, restaurants and a waterfront municipal park.

Duck Vacation Rentals

The popularity of Duck as a vacation hotspot has increased greatly in recent time as the town’s quiet charms have been repeatedly highlighted by the Travel Channel which has included it in its annual list of America’s best beaches often. Vacation rentals are a popular mode of accommodation in Duck as it is a destination that tends to attract large families who enjoy vacationing together. Typically one or two families get together and save on their vacation expenses by splitting the cost of a Duck holiday rental. Luckily for these holidaying families most vacation rentals in Duck take the form of ocean front or mid-island multi-roomed homes which are often big enough to accommodate large groups quite comfortably. Moreover many of these Duck vacation rentals come equipped with various amenities like private pools, hot tubs, fitness centers and gyms. The beaches in Duck are not public access beaches but once you book your vacation rental in this delightful seaside town, you are assured of getting access to the town’s many pristine beaches.

Activities in Duck

Duck is a seaside town and it accordingly offers a whole host of water based activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, sea kayaking, sailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Several local operators in Duck offer various water sports based tours for the adventure seeking, sporty vacationer though many vacationers just enjoy their ‘down time’ at this idyllic retreat by indulging in the relatively tame pursuits of beach combing and lounging on the beach.

Duck also has much to offer for those vacationers who enjoy deep sea fishing as the town is equipped with various operators who offer head boats, off shore charters and private guides who are be happy to take to any of the surrounding sounds or even to the Gulf Stream for big game fishing. However if you want to salt water fish in the Outer banks you need to first buy the N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License from the Wildlife Resources Commission though children under the age of 16 do not require a license.

Shopping in Duck

If as an avid shopper, you feel you need to shop while on vacation then Duck will not disappoint for the town has a bustling shopping scene which is located within its village center. All the shops located here are locally owned and operated and consequently have their own unique character which cannot be found elsewhere. Most of these shops are located along Duck Road which is actually the North Carolina Highway 12 which has been christened as Duck Road by the locals. Duck’s diverse shops include a gourmet market and a produce stand, a variety of women’s boutiques, water sports gear and outdoor clothing stores, two great bookstores, toy stores, art galleries, gift shops and jewelry shops amongst others.

Dining in Duck

A plethora of seafood restaurants dominate Duck’s dining landscape which also offers many casual and modest cafes and delis that serve pizzas and kid friendly meals. Some of the highly recommended and popular restaurants in Duck include establishments like Elizabeth’s Café and Winery, Sunset Grille and Raw Bar and Blue Point Bar and Grill.

Duck Town Events

This small beachside community has a busy event calendar which is full of local events though the highlight of this calendar is the Annual Duck Jazz festival which is held every year over the Columbus Day holiday in October. This free event is hosted in the Duck town municipal park and attracts performers from all over the country.