Winter Vacations on the Outer Banks North Carolina

by: William Hauselberg

What is there to do after the holidays are over? How about taking a winter Outer Banks vacation? Everyone knows how great the Outer Banks are during the summer but only a few realize how much fun a winter Outer Banks vacation can be.

The Outer Banks are a completely different experience in the winter. For one thing, there are no crowds. Instead, there are long stretches of sand with hardly a person to be seen, perfect for long walks. There are also lots of shells for the collector with hardly anyone collecting them. Instead of the sounds of other people, one hears the sounds of waves breaking, seagulls crying and wind whistling through the long grass. Another benefit of a winter vacation is that Outer Banks vacation lodging is generally less expensive than it is in the summer.

What is there to do besides walking on a nearly-empty beach then? There are plenty of attractions at the Outer Banks besides seaside walks. A few are visiting the lighthouses, going to the North Carolina Aquarium and surf fishing.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is perhaps the most famous lighthouse in America. This black and white striped lighthouse has been portrayed on postcards, calendars, books and television shows. Winter is a great time to visit the tallest lighthouse (208 feet) in the country because there are no crowds here either. It is closed for climbing in the winter but the museum and grounds are open all year long.

North Carolina Aquarium

Located on Roanoke Island, this aquarium is the largest in the state. It has a 285,000-gallon tank filled with hundreds of fish, sea turtles and sharks. There are also exhibit tanks filled with marine life such as eels, rays, sharks and different fish species. River Otters, turtles and alligators can be seen in the Wetlands Atrium.

Surf Fishing

Just because the water is too cold for people does not mean the fish are not biting. Surf fishing is a popular sport in the Outer Banks all year. There are several surf fishing schools, outfitters and guides located in the area who take surf fishing seriously and will be happy to get you started.

More good reasons for visiting the Outer Banks in winter include the many choices in Outer Banks Vacation lodging, seeing the Wright Brothers Memorial, visiting the eclectic shops and trying some of the seafood restaurants. With a little imagination, you can have a great winter vacation in North Carolina!

Traveling To Florida For the Orange Bowl

 by: William Hauselberg

Whether it’s a first date or you’re planning a night out with a significant other of over a decade, it’s highly recommended that you find a romantic restaurant when it's alone time. When most people think of Austin, Texas, they don’t often think of romance. However, finding an Austin, TX romantic restaurant is a lot easier than you might think. If you put the time in to search for all Austin, TX romantic dining options, you will find quite a selection. These selections range from Italian to Mexican to French, as well as plenty of other options in-between.

Romance Abounds in Austin

When it’s time to choose an Austin ,TX romantic restaurant, you don’t need to work very hard at figuring out a solution. In some cities, you have to travel to the outskirts of the city limits, or even the suburbs, in order to find the most romantic restaurants. All Austin, TX romantic dining options are concentrated in the same area, which is near the heart of the city. These restaurants can be found on West Live Oak Street, Burton Springs Road, Guadalupe Street, North Lamar Boulevard, Rio Grande Street, and Neches Street. Even better is the fact that most of these restaurants have very high ratings, with the lowest rating being an average.

Now you’re aware of the locations and the high quality of the romantic restaurants in Austin. But what one person considers a romantic restaurant might differ from how another person sees it. It would be impossible to predict what any single reader determines is a romantic restaurant; therefore, let’s stick with the most obvious requirements.

What Makes a Restaurant Romantic?

A romantic restaurant should be dimly lit. This helps set the tone for the night right off the bat. Dim lighting can also help hide any imperfections someone might have. This, in turn, will make that person feel more at ease. Another important factor is tablecloths. If you see a restaurant in Austin advertising a romantic setting and their tables don’t have tablecloths, cross it off your list – regardless of how good the food is supposed to be. Good food is a plus, but romantic dining is more about ambiance. An absolute necessity when looking for Austin TX romantic dining is choosing a restaurant that is relatively quiet. The last place you want to be is at a restaurant where the bar noise travels into the dining room and the tables are packed close together. The last requirement is a fine wine list. The dim lighting might help set the mood, but a fine wine can help maintain it.

Now you know all the basics to finding a romantic restaurant in Austin. Enjoy your evening.