In light of Hurricane Irene battering the Eastern seaboard over the weekend, I was reminded of a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Irene slams a pier of the Outer Banks, NC via TIME
The same pier in calm water in May 2011
Visiting the Outer Banks during the off season, I found the coastal community to be rather charming.
Sure, like most popular beach communities, the main thoroughfare was lined with souvenir shops and kitschy restaurants, but the general lack of people made those things irrelevant.
I also saw something I had never seen anywhere else in the United States…a drive through liquor store! Whaaat? Part of me was infatuated with the concept while another part wondered what the island’s drunk driving rate was.
The beach was nearly deserted during my stay, which made for relaxing evening walks and morning runs.
The pier in the distance
Evening fishing
Seeing the shoreline so empty, I could only imagine how chaotic the summer high-season must be.
*Although there was much hype and anticipation regarding Irene in the DC area, the storm passed without leaving much damage. I never lost power and aside from some high winds, constant rain and downed tree limbs, Irene seemed to pass like any other storm. Best wishes to everyone who was effected by Irene.
