Twiddy's Vacation Favorites in Corolla: Sips, Snacks, and Shops

Gearing up for your Corolla getaway? Vacation anticipation is one of the hallmarks of the packing process! Corolla is a fantastic family vacation destination with its unique 4×4 beach, local shopping destinations, and beautiful soft sand beaches. With your vacation rapidly approaching, we’ve come up with a few of Twiddy’s vacation favorites in Corolla. Whether you’re looking to get a bite to eat, have a drink, or find some local goods, here’s a little something for everyone.

Eat & Drink Shopping Adventure Free Things to Do

Steak & Eggs: Photo courtesy of Mike Dianna's Grill Room

Eat & Drink

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room

Tucked back in Timbuck II Shopping Village, Mike Dianna’s Grill Room offers tasty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Many menu items – including local seafood, delicious steaks, and fresh veggies – are cooked over a wood-fired grill for a delectable finish. The wood-fired grill is unique, as only native hardwood is used. All meats are hand-selected, aged, and cut in-house at the restaurant. Pair your entrée with a selection from the diverse wine menu. Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is family-friendly, and a kids’ menu is available.

OBX Local Tip: Go for brunch and order the Steak and Eggs.

La Dolce Vita

With a sharp ambiance, handcrafted drinks, and mouth-watering Italian food, what more could you want? La Dolce Vita is the place to go for an Italian fine dining experience in Corolla. Enjoy the sweet life with an indulgent burrata appetizer, a fresh salad, or a gourmet entree. An Outer Banks favorite, you can find La Dolce Vita in the Timbuck II shopping center.

OBX Local Tip: Try the Grilled Romaine for a surprisingly delicious way to enjoy a salad.

Butcher Block

Looking for an outstanding sandwich in Corolla? Look no further than Butcher Block in Monterey Plaza. Butcher Block creates signature sandwiches from premium meats, cheeses, and sauces on savory sub rolls. While you’re there, grab some high-quality meat or local seafood to prepare dinner at your vacation home. Craft beers and wines are also available.

OBX Local Tip: Try the Roast Beast – a roast beef sandwich you’ll dream of months later.

Off the Wall Tap House

Off the Wall Tap House offers 20 beers on tap using an innovative self-serve beer wall. You can fill up with an entire cup of one beer or try a few sips of multiple beers. Tasty food options and a kids’ menu are available as well, making this laid-back establishment a family-friendly destination.

OBX Local Tip: The Grilled Chicken & Brie sandwich goes well with any beer.

Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company flight

Northern Outer Banks Brewery

Tucked away near the south entrance to The Currituck Club neighborhood, Northern Outer Banks Brewery brews and serves its beer onsite. Flights are available, so you can try multiple beers in one sitting. 16oz cans and growler fills are available to bring your favorite beer back to your vacation home.

OBX Local Tip: Try the tasty Penny’s Hill IPA – it’s delicious!

Banana Dog Cafe

Looking for the most adorable mobile coffee shop in Corolla? Head over to Banana Dog Cafe, located in the parking lot of the Wild Horse Inn. This converted camper offers Italian-American style coffee, with an impressive menu of specialty drinks. Follow them on Instagram for more information on theme weeks during the summer, for even more fun coffee creations.

OBX Local Tip: The Dixie Girl is pure iced coffee perfection.

The Juice Jar

Offering smoothies, açai bowls, and juices, The Juice Jar is a one-stop shop for healthy refreshments during the summer months. Order at their counter in Corolla Village and enjoy your treat in the shaded courtyard nearby.

OBX Local Tip: Try the Nor’Easter Bowl for a deliciously healthy lunch.

Whalehead Brewery

Looking for a laid-back, family-friendly establishment? Whalehead Brewery serves house-brewed beers from a self-pour tap wall. In addition to the beer, they serve brick oven pizza and various shareable dishes.

OBX Local Tip: Pop in after a day at the beach and try one (or more!) of their beers brewed right here in Corolla.

Corolla Beer Garden

Corolla Beer Garden is the best place to escape to after a day at the beach. This “hidden for a reason” eclectic outdoor bar is located in Corolla Village under the shade of a mature live oak tree. With an expansive selection of over 50 craft beers and wine, there is sure to be something that plays well with everyone’s palate. In addition, live music is offered on select nights during the summer. In the off-season, be sure to check their website for hours of operation. Since Corolla Beer Garden is an outdoor establishment, they will close in the event of inclement weather.

OBX Local Tip: Walk next door to Corolla Pizza to grab an early dinner and settle in for the afternoon.

Shopping in Corolla

Twiddy's Vacation Favorites: Corolla - shops

Timbuck II Shopping Village

The always-bustling center of Corolla, NC, is Timbuck II shopping and entertainment center. Located on your left as you head north, this center contains local clothing stores, jewelry shops, eateries, and entertainment options. Stop in for an afternoon off from the beach and roam the quaint shopping center until you’re ready for dinner. The dining options are endless, from sweet treats and sultry seafood to spicy salsa, burgers, and much more.

OBX Local Tip: Tucked in the back of the shopping center, you’ll find a go-kart track and a mini-golf course.

Island Bookstore

Offering two levels of books for all ages, take your time exploring this OBX independent bookstore. Looking for books about the Outer Banks? Island Bookstore has a wide variety of local OBX books, from historical biographies to children’s books. Need an OBX book recommendation? Check out our blogs about Outer Banks books.

OBX Local Tip: Check Island Bookstore’s upcoming events for author meet-and-greets during your stay.

Kind Cup Coffee & Art

Order a coffee and stroll through the cottage’s shop, which features unique goods produced on the Outer Banks by local artists. As you wait for your coffee, you may just find the perfect new mug for yourself or a souvenir for a friend back home.

OBX Local Tip: The Honey & Lavender Latte is a great choice – it’s our favorite at any time of the day!

Corolla Adventures

Wild Horse Tours

The paved road ends in northern Corolla, and the 4×4 beach begins, where the Corolla Wild Horses roam freely. Seeing the Colonial Spanish Mustangs in their natural environment is a special sight to see. Wild Horse Tour Guides offer history and fun facts during your adventure on the 4×4 beach. Wild Horse Adventure Tours offers tours that depart from Corolla – no driving on the 4×4 beach is required. Your group can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

OBX Local Tip: Plan to take a guided tour if seeing the Corolla Wild Horses is a must-do during your vacation. Local guides are knowledgeable and experienced driving on the 4×4 beach – you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Each Outer Banks lighthouse is unique, from how it looks to its history. Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the northernmost of the five Outer Banks lighthouses. The lighthouse is visible from many areas of Corolla, as it still functions with a 20-second flash cycle. Currituck Beach Lighthouse is open for climbing from Spring through Fall.

OBX Local Tip: Check the weather before you go – climbing the lighthouse is not permitted during thunderstorms.

Corolla Adventure Park

Corolla Adventure Park is a giant jungle gym, complete with ziplines. The climbing tower includes 72 different obstacles and 8 zip lines. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, axe throwing is also available.

OBX Local Tip: After your adventure, cool down with some ice cream or an adult beverage at their on-site outdoor bar.

Free Things to Do in Corolla

Explore Historic Corolla Park

There’s something for everyone at Historic Corolla Park, located just south of the lighthouse. Wide open green spaces are perfect for walking, running, and biking. Take a picturesque family photo in front of the 1920s-era Whalehead mansion, or snap a picture of a perfect sunset on the sound. The close proximity to the calm sound waters makes it a great place for crabbing or fishing. There is also a fun playground on the premises for the kids in your group. Stroll through the Currituck Maritime Museum, which features wooden boats and maritime artifacts of yesteryear. Nearby, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education offers interesting exhibits highlighting North Carolina’s coastal wildlife.

OBX Local Tip: Stand on the east side of the docks to capture the wooden bridge and trees in your sunset photos.

Stroll through Corolla Village

Just north of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, you’ll find quaint Corolla Village. While shops and eateries are available, simply strolling through the charming village is a peaceful coastal experience. Many of the buildings in Corolla Village have been restored and are on their original sites.

OBX Local Tip: Be on the lookout for Corolla Schoolhouse, which is currently a public charter school.

this week on the outer banks - park yoga

Yoga in the Park

On Thursday mornings during the summer months, free yoga is available at Historic Corolla Park. The 60-minute classes begin with a guided meditation before transitioning to calming breathwork and then flowing into your favorite yoga poses. Classes are from 7:30 am to 8:30 am on the grounds of Whalehead, overlooking the Currituck Sound. Yoga classes are open to ages 13 and up, as long as minors are accompanied by an adult.

OBX Local Tip: Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

There are many options to choose from while you’re staying in Corolla. If you’re looking for more free things to do on the Outer Banks, there are plenty! Contact a vacation specialist by calling or texting (252) 457-1100 for more recommendations of Twiddy’s vacation favorites in Corolla. Let the vacation countdown begin!

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Twiddy’s Vacation Favorites in Corolla